This is a half classroom at the end of a hall. Other than the size, this is exactly what all the other classrooms look like. No decor, no frills. My prof ref said that some teachers are asking for those interesting “one person desks” than American schools have, because they could move them around easier.
The teacher’s lounge is named for a teacher at the school who was a resistance fighter when France was taken over by Nazi Germany. She taught at the school as a cover while she sabotaged train routes and distributed anti-Nazi leaflets. She’s fascinating and famous; check out her Wiki page.
An unfortunate truth of the French accent is that it can warp a harmless, normal word into a serious faux pas. This day’s lesson was focusing on making clear vocal distinctions.
Another nationwide protest, the third one since I got here. This one is for higher wages for teachers. There was also a general strike for teachers this day, so about 30% of my colleagues weren’t at work. Another assistant told me that the protest at her school was right at the front door, and that somebody lit trash on fire in the doorway.
A couple years back, a teacher in France was beheaded by a religious extremist after he was publicly accused of showing inappropriate images to his students. The alleged images were of the Prophet, who is sacred to Muslims, meaning his image cannot be replicated or disparaged. In the images, the Prophet was allegedly depicted naked. The teacher used to work at my school; this plaque and bouquet are in honor of him. The anniversary of his death was a few days ago.
I went to a walk in a park and there were just randomly giraffes. I didn’t see a sign for a zoo, or any indication I had left the park, so I guess these guys were just out for a walk, too.
A traboule, or hidden square. These are a particular feature of Lyon. They’re found within most of the buildings in the old city. No signs for them, so you have to keep an eye out.
I can’t get enough of the view from my living room. The church and the tower light up at night.
I found some chickory growing on the side of a road! I didn’t know that this plant could be found in Europe as well as North America. I wonder if it is an Old World invasive, or simply native to both places?
Flan in France 