Our Provencal 4^th of July by Fabiani Duarte  

“So Fabiani, are you still thinking about having a cookout?” Eli’s comment revived the original idea of organizing a Vanderbilt Fourth of July bash. Although Lauren Fondriest had purchased a small, green grill to carry to a nearby beach, Madame Monchal dissuaded us from risking being arrested during the dangerously dry season of Provence. So when Eli compellingly persisted and volunteered to acquire all the meat, fixings, and veggies as long as we provided a venue, the “Vandy Red, White, and Blue Party” was organized and set to begin at 8:00pm at Auberge 2.

To ensure that celebration of our National Independence endured, a large group of us ventured to Toulon – a nearby coastal city.  After six solid hours of beaching, relaxing, and relishing American liberty on French soil, we headed back to the bus station. Ironically, our bus ride that took one hour and a half took three due to summer forest fires caused by the extreme dryness of the summer season in Provence…Regardless, upon our return, we all scurried to get ready for the big night. After constructing the grill with handy, step-by-step German directions, I built a sturdy fire with one hand and my dad’s suggestions from my cell phone in the other. The team slowly assembled at Auberge 2 and by 9:00pm we were grilling burgers & hot dogs and were enjoying a delicious guacamole fixed by Lauren A., a salad, and chips. In total about 22 people ended up arriving to share the patriotic moment and listen to the 4^th of July song list prepared by Lauren F. Falling on a Wednesday this was yet another successful installment of the student dinners that we began at the kickoff of the program. Potluck dinners or meals where everyone helps out (18 students contribute) is a terrific way to save a lots of euros and grow closer to your group. “God Bless L’Amerique.”