My French Guest

Friendship is an eternal bond between two friends which can never be broken. William Penn once said and I quote,"Death is but crossing the world,as friends do the seas;they live in one another still. For they must needs be present, that love and live in that which is omnipresent. In this divine glass they see face to face, and their converse is free as well as pure. This is the comfort of friends, that though they may be said to die,yet their friendship and society are in the best sense ever present, because immortal." unquote.

Friends are said to have true magic within themselves. They can enlighten the life of a poor pauper, a boring businessman and even touch the souls of people who have forever lost hope. Or one might have a normal friend, one with whom they can loaf around with, joke and prank others.

Two months ago, a group of fifteen delegates from Paris,France visited my school. Two teachers accompanied them. I hosted one of the students who visited my school. Her name was Flavia.

On the day of their arrival, I was all jumpy and excited. The whole day I was eagerly waiting for the clock to strike ten as it was the hour when we would finally get to meet Flavia. When we finally met her, we did the introductions and started telling her about the magic of India. She listened intently and in turn us about her homeland. We talked about the differing climate,the diverse cultures and different food as well as the language.

As they had come at night, we returned home and straight away went to bed. But the next few days with her were one of my most fun and enjoyable.

The next day, we went to Madhavhgarh Farms for adventure activities, regional food , puppet shows as well as pottery. Overall we had a fantastic day but i was amazed to see that Flavia was able to adjust well. She acclimatized well with the food as well as the climate which both vary greatly if compared between India and France.

Flavia took everything as a learning experience. The Delhi metro mesmerized her while she greatly relished Indian sweets. Jalebis emerged as her favorite. Dilli Haat showed her the intricate embroidery and elegant craftsmanship India is famous for. While Indian clothes told her India's diversity. They visited Agra and Jaipur for a three day trip as well. Upon returning Flavia greatly appreciated the architecture of the Taj Mahal as well as the forts of Jaipur.

We played cricket and kabbadi with the French as well who seemed to enjoy the sports. These sports were played together and hence highlighted the fact that team work becomes crucial even in the smallest of problems.

As the annual day was approaching some of the hosts had to stay back for their practice and hence their guests had to do so too. But everyone managed to cope up with that. They also had to stay for longer hours for us they never complained.

On one particular day ,we made posters showing our friendship and highlighting the importance of staying together as  a team. Another time, they dressed up in saris and kurtas and girls put mehandi as well.
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the exchange, the hosts as well as the guests. We learned so many things about each other as well as the other's country. This program was packed with learning as well as fun.

This exchange taught me about various things. But we also got an opportunity  to make new friends from across the globe. We should always have a hand up in front to help each other and learn about different people . After all , we know about unity in diversity and should always try to abide by it. We all are brothers and sisters and it is our duty to remain friends with each other and ensure peace in the world.