The young members of VIEWS France and Marie-Renée worked very hard to set up a youth exchange which will remain in the memories !
The exchange took place in Paris from 1 till 18 August 2007 in the buildings of the "Inja", the National Institute of the blind youngsters. The institute is located in the centre of Paris, nearby the "Hôtel des Invalides" and the "Rodin museum". 32 young people from 8 different countries got the opportunity to share their cultures, get to know Paris and France and concretely experience what Europe means. The choice of the countries was based on their fast responses, while Bulgaria and Roumania were granted priority, as they are newcomers in the European Union since this 1st January 2007.
During the exchange, VIEWS France focussed on what we, Europeans, have in common rather than on our differences. Hence the latin title for this exchange: "Mens sana in corpore sano".
Zsolt and his handsome smile shows the brochure of his city, Debrecen,
second biggest in Hungary.
At the Chateau de Blois, we are encouraged to touch walls and
sculptures in order to get a sense of what the building is like. The guide
is leading Ana's hand and explaining what the sculpture represents.
Elena has decided to disguise herself as a musketeer and steal the hat
from one of the two actors faking a duel. She compromises by posing between
them both. They're cute after all.
Ready for our second visit at the Louvre (the first one only included
the tactile exhibition and some can't resist the attraction of a little "Da
Vinci Code"-like tour): from left to right: Filip, Calin, Adrian, Cosmina,
Anca, Bart, Vaggelis, Olga, Georgi, Gelert, Ana, Argyro and Nick.
Georgi, Ana, Bart and Gelert are standing in front of what used to be
the pillar of a temple in old Mesopotamia. The lovely column is surmounted
by two oxes. A very impressive and imposing piece (they look quite small
compare to it).
On the Romanian night, Anca and Cosmina looked beautiful in their
traditional dresses so I (Esmeralda) couldn't resist posing with them;)
Vicky caught sight of the merry-go-round and couldn't resist it! She
convinced Terri to get in with her and there they are, happily riding the
wooden horses!
Andris is proud to present his creation, a clay dog (just the head)
achieved thanks to Zoe's guidance, our sculpture teacher.
The national channel France2 has filmed us during two days of the youth exchange. The result was broadcasted in the one o'clock news of Thursday August 14. Watch the program.