My new best friend...

CIEE has been great about prepping our group for entrence into a French university. We've been spending mornings at the Language and Communication School and afternoons learning about French culture and civilization. It's been a little tedious at times but for the most part it's been great.

The last major group event happened this afternoon. A sommelier caviste came into the classroom, along with 40 glasses and 9 bottles of wines. Jean-Pierre Lacluze, you are my new best friend.

He walked us through the basic wine-making process and the unthinkably complex knowledge required for tasting the wine. But he was able to sum it up with, "Each wine tells a story about its orgins, 'education' and maturation, all you have to do is listen." He also imparted the wise words of "No one will say you're wrong if you smell white florals in the white wine or red fruit in a red wine." Smart guy.

One last quote, in respose to which was his favorite wine, "It would have to be the one that is your own personal favorite. As for me, I have many good memories."Looking back on it, this guy was a fountain of quotes. I can't wait to pay him a visit.

Ciao et bises!