BAKER — On Thursday, 21 French students visiting Crestview from Noirmoutier, France walked through the Baker Block Museum to learn more about American and local history.
"We brought them out here because they have learned some American history as they learn world history," Brian Hughes, President of the Crestview Area Sister City Program, said. "They've learned about the American Civil War, and this is an excellent place to study it."
"This is also an excellent place for them to learn about the area where they come to visit because all they know about us is there's a nice beach nearby."
Noirmoutier had been working on this visit for two years, and the students had been in contact with the host families for at least one year, Hughes said.
The students, ages 15 to 18, enjoyed looking at the "vintage" items featured in the museum.
Crowded in a small corner, a large group of students took special interest in the typewriter. Hughes said they thought it was some sort of computer.
Six French students answered the following questions about their experience living in America the past two weeks.
What are some of the differences between Noirmoutier and Crestview?
EMMA BOUTOLIEAU: The families, they eat a lot. In France, we have just three meals to eat. I think here they have five or six.
What is different about school in America?
LISA GENDRON: In France, we start at 8 a.m., and we end at 5 p.m. But here, we start at 7 a.m., but we finish at 2 p.m. It's very different. Also, we have just 20 minutes for lunch here. In France, we have one hour or two hours for lunch.
What do you like about America?
MAXINE DELATHRE: Everything is like in a movie.
MARIE CORNET: All is bigger. The high school is bigger. The food is bigger.
What would you say has been your favorite part about visiting America?
LISA GENDRON: I like the fast-food.
Has it been difficult trying to communicate?
MARIE CORNET: At the beginning, yes.
Do you want to come back?
EVERYONE: A resounding, "Yes!"
Why would you want to come back to Crestview?
YACINTHE RELANDEAU: The people, actually. Americans are so nice.
MAXINE DELATHRE: There is a lot of difference between America and France. It's better.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: French students explore the Baker Block Museum, amazed by typewriter