NOIRMOUTIER, France — Northwest Florida State College students Daniel Thornton and Tristan Allen settled on a terrace, admired the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean and nibbled snacks with their host, Paddy DeBroucker, and her friends.
The experience is exactly what the musical-theatre majors had hoped for when they learned that the college's Soundsations, Madrigals and Belle Voci choirs were heading on a performance tour of Crestview's sister city, Noirmoutier-en-l'île.
"We wanted to be outside our bubble," Allen, of Fort Walton Beach, said. "We want to see everything and try new things."
"… We drank coffee from a bowl," Thornton, of Baker, said, referring to the traditional Breton two-handled drinking vessel often used on the French island. "Paddy's making sure we get the whole experience."
For DeBroucker, her guests' enthusiasm was gratifying.
"I have hosted students several times, but these boys are the first ones who really want to learn some French and see what Noirmoutier life is all about," she said.
On the other side of the island, Crestview resident Derick Masters and his roommate, DJ Rhodes, joined their hosts Valérie and Manfred Lepperhoff in the Place d'Armes, the square in front of Noirmoutier's castle. They squinted at the sky as they anticipated a parachute demonstration during ceremonies commemorating the 70th anniversary of France's World War II liberation.
"I'd been trying to learn a few words of French," Masters said. "But our hosts speak excellent English. It is much appreciated!"
NWFSC students Samuel Melecio-Zambrano and Max Murdock, who set out to browse Noirmoutier's weekend market, said they enjoyed strolling into the market square on their own, unescorted by hosts Alain and Marilyn Beaufre.
"I found a T-shirt for my brother," Melecio-Zambrano said as he and Murdock paused to examine a display of jewelry in their quest for gifts for family members and friends. "We (had) a great time."
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: NWFSC students 'outside our bubble' during visit to France