It's just after 9.30pm here in Florence, a wet chilly evening (Temperature 5C / 41F). Hibernation is the best option. However on the other side of the world, some 6000 miles away on the West Coast of the USA 27 students are embarking on a huge adventure.
They are leaving for the AIFS pre program tour. Many AIFS programs offer this tour as a chance for students to see some cities (Paris & London) before the Study Abroad program begins. The pre-tour students will fly into Pisa on Sunday and meet the rest of the program students in Florence.
All being well the packing is done and they will soon be getting on the way to San Francisco airport. Our friends from the Santa Rosa area will be crossing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge before crossing the Atlantic and seeing another iconic structure, the Eiffel tower in the flesh.
We're sure a few tears will be shed by family and friends at the airport. Are they tears of joy, jealousy or worry? Maybe a combination of all three?
Here in Florence we're still hard at work getting everything ready for the students arrival on Sunday. We came across a picture of the AIFS Florence staff from eight years ago. Two of them are still with the company and will welcome the students on Sunday. Maybe a couple of the staff will shed a few tears on seeing this picture again?
Sally, Pablo, Ged & Sophie. April 2003.
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