Letters from our pen friends in the US!
Par Elisa Gy (Collège Le Racinay, Rambouillet (78)) le 23 mai 2014, 09:53 - American friends! - Lien permanent
Message de Sara :
Les lettres sont à propos de nos expériences d'enfance américaine, qui a des libertés et des restrictions. Et à propos de ce que nous aimons.
Quant aux photos... toutes les personnes sur la photo portent la couleur bleue. La semaine dernière, nous sommes arrivés en classe et nous nous sommes rendu compte du fait que toute la classe portait la même couleur! C'était très drôle, donc nous avons pris une photo! Une photo est drôle et l'autre est sérieuse.
Lettres de nos correspondants :
*************************************************************
Hi!
When I was little, every year during spring break, I would go visit my grandmother for a few days who lives in Brooklyn, New York. During my stay, we would take daily trips to different places in the city. We would wake up early in the morning and decide what adventure to go on that day. We would take the subway or the bus and start our journey. Some of the places we went to were Rockefeller Center, Times Square, American Museum of Natural History, Circle Line Boat and the South Street Seaport. These places are exciting to go to and are always packed with so many people. People come from all over to visit New York City. There is just so many things to do. I look forward to visiting my grandmother every year because of the different explorations we take into the city.
What was your favorite thing to do as a child? Did you like visiting your grandmother like me? Did you use to have a favorite place to visit? Is that still your favorite place to visit now?
I'm excited to hear your response.
Sincerely,
Jessica
*************************************************************
Hi everyone!
We haven't talked in a while! So anyway, I had some really funny memories when I was a child. When I was a kid, I could not pronounce my little sisters name, so I just called her "little". I also couldn't pronounce my name, so I called myself Ella. When my sister was annoying, I used to take household objects and hit her with them. I would scream "bad little! No!" My mom got mad at me and put me in a time out, but I still did it anyway. I'm not crazy, I did this when I was five! Did you do something like this when you were kids ? And do you have siblings? Let us know! I hope we can keep writing to each other!
Love,
Emily
*************************************************************
Dear all,
Hi! I hope France is doing well. America here is interesting. I was told to tell you about my childhood. Well, here in the US it’s not uncommon to move to a different state, especially as a child. I moved from Atlanta, Georgia to a small town in New Jersey when I was five years old. If you’re not sure where the state Georgia is, it’s right above Florida so it’s pretty hot and humid. I’m happy that I moved to NJ though. It’s a lot cooler and we experience all four seasons unlike Georgia where it’s usually summer all year round. Okay, well now you know a little more about American families. Your welcome! Tell me if it is common for families to move in France. Whether it’s work related or not.
Sincerely,
Tatiana
*************************************************************
Dear all,
Growing up in America is pretty cool, it comes with a lot of freedoms but also restrictions, like no sweets after 9:00, what's up with that? A lot of my time growing up was spent outside with my friends playing and creating games. My personal favorite thing to do, was play with Legos because those things rock! I'm wondering what kind of toys you guys would play with? Any way life is pretty chill, hope you enjoy reading this!
-Steven Karbachinskiy
*************************************************************
Dear all,
I have so many memories of my childhood in America that I cannot possibly tell all of them to you guys, but here is my favorite. When I was in fifth grade, my family and I took a vacation to Wyoming. Out of all the fifty states in the U.S., many of my friends were surprised that I was going there. Some even laughed and wondered why I wasnít going to the beach. However, in Wyoming lays one of the most beautiful national parks in the entire country: Yellowstone. In that national park, there were so many things to do. I loved watching the elk, wolves, and grizzly bears. Being immersed in the nature made it so peaceful. There were mud volcanoes, geysers, and hot springs that were just magnificent. I think that is what I love most about the U.S. There are so many different types of environments across the nation. In France, are there many different types of terrain that you guys can visit? What kind of animals do you see there? Additionally, in Wyoming I went to a ranch and rode a horse through a mountain trail in the Grand Tetons (a mountain range). Afterwards, one of the owners of the ranch made the best steaks I have ever eaten. What is the food like in France? Are there any dishes that are your favorites? After coming home from Wyoming, even though I had eaten so much meat from being there (that is all they eat) I also missed the wonderful bison burgers. From the ranch, we traveled to Jackson Hole, a town in Wyoming that was filled with cowboys and ranchers. Many of the buildings in the town were authentic and made from logs and wood. It was such a relief to be in an environment completely different from my home. I live in a suburban neighborhood. I hope to hear from you guys soon.
Your friend,
Will
*************************************************************
Hello, guys!
I hope you have enjoyed your spring so far-- ours has just sprung! What is the French spring like? Ours is very flowery and pollinated. Once, when I was very little, I was a superb tree-climber, and would climb the trees that were just blooming in the spring. My family and I often went to the nearby arboretum were they had rows upon rows of cherry trees, perfect of climbing. I'd jump from tree to tree like a little monkey, shaking cherry blossoms everywhere. One time we journeyed there on a nice May Day, and, as per usual, I started climbing my trees. However, while I was hiding in the uppermost branches, a group of unassuming Japanese tourist appeared and sat down beneath the tree I was in. My parents tried desperately to get me down, but before they could intervene, I began shaking the tree. Petals rained down upon the poor tourists and they shrieked and ran as fast as they could away from the cherry tree goblin. When They had fled and I jumped down from the tree, my parents tried to scold me, but couldn't get anything out because they were laughing too hard.
I hope your spring is as enjoyable as mine was!
Your American friend,
Annabel
*************************************************************
Dear all,
Hello, my name is Jack and I am a 16 year old taking French at the Morristown Beard School. During my early childhood, I have many fond memories of having fun with my brother's and many kids I knew who went to my school. However some of the best ones are of my little cousins, as it always used to be, and still is, a treat when they come over as they let me relive different times in my life and do things that I would normally consider to be too childish for a person my age. (granted I am only fifteen, but that is still much older than my cousins who are four and six) One of these times was when I went with them to Corolla, North Carolina on the island commonly known as the Outer Banks. My family had already been there for a few days, and on Monday my Uncle, Aunt, and cousins came. In the house we had rented there was a saltwater pool which we spent nearly every day in, and a billiards table on the main floor that we used once the sun had gone down. Unfortunately our week together was cut short but in the most spectacular way. The entire island had been called to evacuate tourists first, then residents because of hurricane Irene.
We decided to wait an extra day so we wouldn't be stuck in the crazed dash to leave with the typical American tourists. (I'm pretty sure you know what this is. They have a very thick southern accent, generally loud, and always are either excited or frightened by everything. For some reason they always come to the east coast for vacation.) When we finally did leave I was in the car with my cousins, because we we wall meeting at our house on the way back anyway, the storm had almost reached the island and it was already pouring rain. On the bridge, the only way off the island, you could see the wind swaying the supports and the water rushing off the edges. That day was one of the most exciting yet scary experiences of my life so far, running from a hurricane.
What kinds of crazy weather do you guys have in France?
Do you ever have fun with it?
Until next time.
Hi guys,
When I was young, I had an epiphany. I was in preschool and my friend Justin and I were hungry. Instead of waiting for snack-time like the rest of the students, we stole cookies out of the cookie basket. Before we could eat them, the teacher appeared, took the cookies out of our hands, and yelled at us. Our punishment was that we could not eat shacks during snack-time for a week. It was on that day that I had my epiphany. I learned that there were consequences for my actions. I was only four years old, and so I was too young to realize that if I did do bad things that I would be punished. I learned a lot that day.
I hope you liked my story!
Sincerely,
Matt Karlson
Bonjour all,
My name is Nicholas and I am a sophomore, which is tenth grade in America.
I was little I remember spending a lot of time around sports. On most weekends I would play baseball, soccer, tennis ect, or go to a professional baseball game. Were sports a big party of your life too? Over the weekends I would also watch tv. I would get up, go into my parents room, and watch anything that had to do with houses, landscaping, decorating, and construction. This is probably not what most kids watch at my age watch, as my brother and sister normally watched Disney Chanel. Did you grow up in an active family? When I try to picture myself growing up in France I think that I would be very active; biking, hiking, walking; eat good meals. Would any of these be true if I came to live in France? And also I. Sure this isn't true for all families and it is stereotypical but do you drink wine when you are young ?
I look forward to hearing from you all!
Sincerely,
Nick
*************************************************************
Dear all,
Hello all! My name is Rachel and I am 16 years old. Growing up in America was a lot of fun. The memories of my childhood that stand out the most are the holidays (Thanksgiving and Halloween in particular). Every Thanksgiving, I would wake up to the smell of delicious turkey cooking in the oven. I would come downstairs and my mother and father would be busy preparing the meal that my other relatives and I would consume later. Around lunch time, the rest of my family would start arriving: my aunts and uncles, cousins, grandparents, and some friends. We would all eat, talk, play games, and no one go home until after dinner. So during Thanksgiving we actually have two special meals! We also celebrate my birthday on this day because my birthday is always near Thanksgiving. Now, sadly, Thanksgiving is not as exciting as it was during my childhood. It is the sad truth about growing up.
However, Halloween is still exciting for me. I still dress up every year and go trick-or-treating with friends. When I was little, my mom and dad would dress up too. Now, they just give out candy to other kids. When I was little, I also used to have a Halloween party for my class. Everyone came to my house dressed in their costumes and we would play fun Halloween games and eat festive treats.
Now you know about how I spend my most memorable holidays. Are there any holidays that you like celebrating? And are there any family traditions that you feel too old for now?
Hope to hear from you soon!
Sincerely,
Rachel
Hi!
When I was in 5th grade, I passed notes to my friend in class and ended up getting yelled at by my teacher after class. She caught us and came over and took our notes away and told us to stay after class. I felt really guilty but I learned my lesson to not pass notes and to pay attention in class.
Have you ever experienced something similar to this?
Sincerely,
Nicole
Dear all,
Growing up in the United States was an amazing experience for me. We live in a town very close to New York City, and riding the train into the city was always an exciting time for me as a child. This trip was the best during Christmastime. The city puts a huge tree in the middle of Rockefeller Center, and lights it up for the whole city. I also loved to eat there. My favorite food when I was little was chocolate pudding. My cousins live in Germany, and when they were visiting, my favorite food was Kinder Chocolate Eggs! What foods do you like in France?
I went to school in my town until the 5th grade. 5th grade in America is when you are 10 years old. After this, I switched schools to Morristown Beard. In middle school, I loved school, but my least favorite class was French! Now it is one of my favorites! What do you guys do in school? Did you ever have to move schools when you got older?
From,
Elizabeth
*************************************************************
Commentaires
Hi Jessica !
When I was kid, every spring holidays, I went to my grandmother too! She lives in Brittany, in a little town calling Préfailles, on the verge to the sea. Since I am little, I love the sea and Brittany, this is one of my favorite place in the world! (but I love Great Britain too! ; P )
Sincerely,
Maëlle
Hi Tatiana
You are lucky to lived in some diferences states because now, you know the differents climats in the USA.
Me, I been never move : I was born in Rambouillet and now, I live in Orphin (a small village 10 km next to Rambouillet.)
CU
Agathe
hey Nicholas
If you go in France, I thinks you can do a lot of sports and of course eat a lot of very good meals !
As regards the wine, before, in some families, the child's had to drink wine with water but more now ! Even if, I admit I drinks it just a little ^^ ;)
xoxo
Tiphaine
Hi Johana,
I'll try to answer well your letters.So when I was child my favourite things to do was to play with my little brother (2 years younger). But I don't really like to visit my grandparents :-) because they lived near me so I visit them often. When was child I went always to Little Britain (in St-Malo if you know.) and my favourite place to visit was the Sanchez ( a ice cream shop) because their ice ceam are still delicious and I love them. But I think it isn't my favourite place now because I'm older now and I prefer go to beach and enjoy the stunning view of the emerald cost which is the nickname of the place where I go because it's very exciting to me to see the sea beacuse I live in a town where it isn't sea :( .
I hope I could answer tour question so goodbye.
Julien
Hello Nicole ! How are you ? my name is Jade and I am 14 years old. I have experienced this situation allready many times but all the time I remember what my CE2 teacher told me : be ready to help your friends is important. After this I feel better. CU bye :*
Hello Jessica !!! ;)
I've the same expérience than you, during the Spring break I went to my grand-parents but not in América, in France in Vendée. I know all of the city ( the Beach, ...)
I gonne there for 12 years ago. I love this region and I would like to be there every days.!!!!!
Bye. Mateo
Hi Jessica !
When I was little I was with mt grand- parents during spring break too ! I visited many places in their region too !
I was enjoy when I say them !
Bye
Jade
Dear Emily,
When I was little, I always argued with my older brother Theo to all and nothing. We often fought and I never won. The funniest part is that my younger brother Mao, who is'nt 2 years old can't pronounce my name too. According Mao, I'm "Ya" whereas my name is Léa.. Theo is called "Oui" by Mao. I don't know why he called us like that but it's funny to hear him.
Bye ;-)
Léa
Dear Emily,
When I was little, I always argued with my older brother Theo to all and nothing. We often fought and I never won. The funniest part is that my younger brother Mao, who is'nt 2 years old can't pronounce my name too. According Mao, I'm "Ya" whereas my name is Léa.. Theo is called "Oui" by Mao. I don't know why he called us like that but it's funny to hear him.
Bye ;-)
Léa
Dear everybody !
I'm happy to tell you ! When I was 10, at Chrismas, my family and me were eating "foie gras" and I spoke with my cousin: Emeline. We looked her phone and she show me her contacts. My other cousin: Romain was with his girlfriend: Angelique, I don't like her a lot... She took my "foie gras" and I asked her:
"why do you take my "foie gras? It's mine :-C !!!"
and she answered:
"because you don't eat, you are speaking'.
She ate my "foie gras" in front of me.
I hate her know! But now she isn't whith my cousin I never saw her since that day.
Lucie :-D
Dear everybody !
I'm happy to tell you ! When I was 10, at Chrismas, my family and me were eating "foie gras" and I spoke with my cousin: Emeline. We looked her phone and she show me her contacts. My other cousin: Romain was with his girlfriend: Angelique, I don't like her a lot... She took my "foie gras" and I asked her:
"why do you take my "foie gras? It's mine :-C !!!"
and she answered:
"because you don't eat, you are speaking'.
She ate my "foie gras" in front of me.
I hate her know! But now she isn't whith my cousin I never saw her since that day.
Lucie :-D
Hi jessica,
bye Alexandre
Hi Nicole !!!
me too I have already put my notes 6th grade because many people wanted them but I've never done play by my teacher or even my parents.
Bye
Hi Rachel! I'm Capucine! You can't imagine how much I envy you! I'd love to celebrate Thanksgiving and Halloween!! In France, Halloween is so not popular and Thanksgiving doesn't even exist!! That's unfair! Why french people can't spend more time to have fun? Anyway, in France we don't have specials days...there're more holidays like the 6th of june, where your country kinda save us when it was the second world war... But France is nice!.. sometimes...Okay, seriously Chrismas is really cool, it's not very different of "your" Chrismas, but I love the atmosphere, there's a sort of spark into people's eyes that you just can't forget! :-) When I was a kid, my brother and I couldn't wait until the "Père Noël" brings our presents!! Now, magic begins to disappear and I think I regret it...Well I hope you'll have great holidays and bye! ;-)
Hey Emily ! This is exactly the same experience for me ! my little brother called me Ella cause my mother speak always to me with the expression "Hey la ! " and my brother was called me Ella ! :-D just coincidence ? Now we speak of that experience for joking about !
Hi Emily!
I read your letter and I have a little sister. I like the edgy when I was little I loved him given ate but one day I was wrong fork. So she ate salad while she mashed potatoes .. ;-) She hated but I had a good laugh :-D
CU
Charlotte
Hi nicholas
Of course, if you go in France you can do a lot of differents sports! ;-)
In my family we like wine but I never drink it! ;-(
I would like to drink a little! O-)
Bye
Florentin