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Show f - - ;; : French and American siblings gather for farewell pose at the final banquet last week. French exchange students like P.C. life by Teri Gomes For Sylvia Pecchio, one of more than two dozen Courchevel exchange students recently in Park City, the experience showed her, "the people here in America are so friendly, so warm, much more so than in France." The students stayed in the homes of Park City students who had, for the most part, just returned from their visit to France. They enjoyed the exchange and have clearly formed lasting friendships along with lasting impressions. "I like Park City and the United States," Sylvie said. "I like the houses that are wood and colors. They're not like that in Courchevel." During their three-week stay the students saw the Southern Utah canyons, Salt Lake and plenty of Park City and environs. It seemed Park City, not unlike their little town, was the favorite. "I liked Rockport the Hobie cats and the windsurfing," said Sylvie. "I like the lake and the mountains here. And the Alpine Slide we don't have anything like that in Courchevel. The ballooning was great too." An unpredictable creature known as a teenager, Sylvie felt the most meaningful part of the stay was her family experience. "They were so very nice. They wanted to make certain I was having a good time. They were ready to take me anyplace I wanted to go. I like life here a lot." Stephanie Holcomb, a Park City student who went on the exchange trip and was now serving with her family as a host, found having her French friend here gave her a different perspective. "All the little things you never really notice and I guess I take for granted really stand out when you're showing your community to someone else for the first time." At a farewell barbecue at Prospector Square last week there were goodbyes, tears and promises to return from residents of both sides of the Atlantic. There were also a number of Park City students who said they planned to learn French in school this year. For those who are too old to pass as part of the student exchange, travel agent Shirley Smith has put together a January trip to Courchevel. Courche-vel. Space is limited, so call her at Morris travel if you plan to spend time in our sister city this winter. |