At last it is time for you to depart on your voyage. Don't forget to make your journal entries and look for interesting pictures along the way. What is your barge like? Are there other passengers? Who are you traveling with? What city did you leave from?

These are all good topics to start your journal.
 

Before we go much farther, we better start thinking about money. You probably already noticed that the money looks different than yours. Now you need to get an idea of its value so you can make appropriate decisions about spending.

Once you've settled in, it's time to start exploring. Let's start with everyone's favorite--food. Why not look at menus from a world famous restaurant first? Now find some recipes from the area you are traveling through. If you like to cook, save some recipes. If you just like to eat, make up some menus for the week.

OK, it's time for a little break. After all this is a vacation. Check out some jokes about a French delicacy. Practice your French by trying these tongue twisters.

Are you feeling a little homesick? Maybe playing a few computer games in French will help you realize the the French people are a lot like you. What other kinds of sports and leisure activities are available in this area? How about a movie?

What's the weather like in your area?

Time to check out the local and world news. Find two interesting articles and keep them in your journal.

Now that you are underway and have found some things to do--enjoy, enjoy. Remember to keep everything in your journal because I am really looking forward to reading it and enjoying your vacation vicariously. Don't forget to send some postcards
to your friends (and French teacher!)