Kristine Lessard

France

In reflecting on my own journeys, the one with a lasting impact was my year studying abroad in France. In 1986­-87 I attended Universite de Lyon III, living in a residence hall with French and a few other international students. I became a fan of the daily newspaper Le Monde, improved my French language skills, learned about the great tradition of multi-­course meals, and enjoyed wonderful hospitality in visiting other regions where my friends’ families had their vacation homes. The experience solidified my life as a francophile, leading to many significant friendships.

Now it’s a family tradition as my daughter Celine Lessard-­Brandt decided to go to college in Reims. Here’s a photo from 1986, taken in a “cave” (wine cellar) at Patriarch Pere & Fils in Beaune, Burgundy region.