Avranches

Last Friday, I went to Avranches with Hélène, where she is doing her student teaching in the local high school. She invited me to a dinner hosted by her students who were raising money for a ski trip to the Alps.

It was a very interesting and wee bit hilarious evening. It was, however, not exactly like any high school dinner/fundraiser I'd ever seen in the USA.

Let's start with the commonalities:

People in rural areas, whether in the US or France, have no idea how to dress/put on make-up.
People in rural areas tend to be a bit heavier than city folk.
There are always people who live in the country but try to act like they come from the ghetto.
People from small towns are à la fois close-minded and welcoming.

A few notable differences:

Alcohol is served at the dinner.
Parents don't care if their kids are outside smoking or drinking.
A dinner means dinner: apéro, main dish, cheese, dessert, café.
Songs with vulgar lyrics are not banned. For example, a song about smoking a big joint or touching "la chatte."
There is no prayer before the meal. Church and state do NOT mix here!
The dinner/dance lasts until at least 2am.
Students come not in cars but on scooters.