The last few days, but memories last a lifetime! Side visit to Paris.

   The class set of early in the morning to to Jura mountians in to the Grande Riviere, a traditional Comte fruitiere. The class observed the process of making Comte cheese and had a cheese tasting as well. Afterwards we took the bus to Les Rousses just in time for the farmers market where I bought some cheeses and amazing Swedish sausages for a picnic. After lunch we drove to the Fort des Rousses, a 19th century military fortress on the Swiss border that has been turned into a cheese aging facility. The downstairs chambers contained over 55,000 Comte cheeses, the each weighted around 50 kg (110 lb)! Although, it is an amazing sight to behold the smell of the aging chamber was not the most pleasant. Tired and having mastered the art of cheese tasting (kind of) we then had to return to Cluny.

   The next day the class had the cheese and wine presentations that developed into a lunch of a variety of tasty cheeses, wines, and great memories. We then explored the cheese tower of Cluny and class dinner where I decided on the cuisses de grenouilles, and when in France one must try the frog's legs. It looked very appetizing, although a bit of a letdown with the lack of flavor. The legs themselves seemed to have a bit of a chicken-like taste, although it was seasoned well. Still worth to try it out!
   Now was our last night in Cluny and the next day we would take our own way back to America. The trip started with meeting some new friends and turned into many great memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. This was definitely an experience worth more that I can express, and the food was amazing too. I will return to visit again one day.

Exploring France

   Amazing and unforgettable experiences in Cluny, but Paris had its own charm as well.
Upon the return to Paris, I decided to explore Paris with the remainder of the group and enjoy the night at a fair that just so happened to be there! The next few days I explored Paris alone, but everyday was an adventure like no other. Met new people and explored some of the most known parts of Paris, as well as some of the oddest places. Below is a picture of an exhibition room in the Palais de Tokyo art museum in Paris. The people, culture, food, atmosphere where different and intriguing. You never know what you will find in Paris, but curiosity and exploring will have you find an experience of a lifetime. DO NOT  pass this opportunity up when going on this course, take a few days to explore!

"Henrique Oliveira. Baitogogo"

- Rob