Act II: First Week In Angers, France

My first week in Angers has been a long one.  We started our classes for the program and I have learned a lot.  Halfway through the week we started our french classes.  Talking to one another in the program with simple french phrases sparks joy and laughter.  But when approached by a true french person, all of it goes out the window.  

ESA: Angers, France

I have had amazing dinners and wine with my host family, who have been very nice and accepting of our language barrier.  I have visited a veal farm that has started an agroforestry program.  They are working on growing oak trees to cut branches every year to heat a boiler to boil water.  Saving thousands of euros in gas every year.  

The week ended beautifully.  With a class on the process of wine and then a trip to a local wine cooperation, Les Caves de la Loire.

 Tasting Bar: Les Caves de la Loire, France

After tasting a few of their products we took a tour of their operation.

Fermentation Room: Les Caves de la Loire, France

From the large tanks in the fermentation room to the automatic bottling and boxing machines that they had, this place was incredible.  So far it is safe to say a lot goes into the creation of good french wine.  

Next week will be another full week of classes and company visits, followed by a weekend of a trip to Normandie beach!

I hope all is well back home!  

Christopher