Giuliana Bergamaschi

2008-09 Inbound from France

Hometown: Croix-Valmer, France

Sponsor: Cavalaire Rotary Club, District 1730, France

Host: Pensacola Suburban West Rotary Club, District 6940, Florida, USA

School: Washington High School, Pensacola, FL

Bio

Giuliana's Bio

Hi everybody, I'm Giuliana, I'm 18, and I was born in Gassin a little French south's town. I live in Cavalaire Sur Mer on the French Riviera.

I arrived in the United States six weeks ago. So know I live in Pensacola, a little but big town for me in Florida. I stay with the Threadgill's family, they are very nice and try to do everything for me. I appreciate it a lot!

My huge high school is Booker T. Washington HS!!!! Go Wildcats, and white & blue are the colors and are a part of the high school spirit.

Since I'm here I've discovered a lot of things : Pensacola's beaches, Oreos, Jimmy Buffet's sister Lulu's place in Alabama, American hamburgers, the country club and the yacht club!

I'm ready for homecoming now and enjoy my real cultural exchange!

Thank you to Rotary to give me this opportunity !

December 22 Journal

Hi everybody,

How can I describe these two past months in America? Maybe in word...AMAZING!

First of all, I switched host families one month and ten days ago and I really REALLY love them. I have two new parents. Ellen and Charlie who make me laugh all the time, two new dogs who both have French names: Chausette and Belle which mean sock and beautiful. They are just the nicest dogs I've ever met. And of course, there is my new host brother Brendan, who is eighteen like me, and very nice and patient. He introduces me to his friends and we hang out all the time, whether it's playing tennis or seeing a concert. We live together as a lovely family and share cultural experiences usually at dinner time.

November: Thanksgiving!

It was our first break from high school in order to celebrate the American tradition of Thanksgiving. My family decided to spend this time in Atlanta, Georgia with Ellen's family and that was such a great time. We visited a huge wonderful house, full of friends and food. I discovered the traditional dishes. The big turkey and the sweet potato casserole were my favorites. I also cooked a "gratin dauphinois" which is composed of potatoes, cheese, and cream to bring some French cuisine to the American buffet. During this holiday, I discovered a part of Atlanta that reminded me of Paris, because the weather was cloudy and cold. Atlanta is very cosmopolitan. We also went to new Atlanta aquarium which is such a fabulous collection of fish, sharks, turtles, alligators, and piranhas. Pretty much everything you can find in the oceans, seas, and rivers of the world. You can also admire the largest fish in the world, the whale shark! It was amazing!

December: Disney and Christmas time!

First Day: Disney World with all the exchange students was such a great time. I don't know how to describe it. First, let me thank Rotary for this fabulous trip and give us the opportunity to see one another again. On the trip I surprised myself by going on all the roller coasters, because usually I am very scared, but after five minutes of hesitation in front of the Aerosmith rollercoaster in Hollywood Studios, I decided to do it. After all, I'm in America to experience new things and I'm so glad I did it! That was my first big experience in Disney.

Second Day: Magic Kingdom is the same we have in Paris but a lot more fun. Splash Mountain, Space Mountain (my favorite), and the Fairytale Doll World are my top 3 favorite rides there.

Third Day: Epcot was fabulous!!! I had the opportunity to return to France for a day! With all the French being spoken with the exchange students we decided to go to the French restaurant which was just delicious. The waiter also was surprised to see us but very happy. We laughed a lot, And the private show at the end of the day was just spectacular!

Last Day: Animal Kingdom was very cool, but I was sad to leave my friends. I know we will see each other soon in the Keys, yay!

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thanks Rotary!