Maison de l'Europe

This semester I started volunteering at a local association called the Maison de l'Europe Pyrénées Roussillon.  The organization aims to educate the public about the European Union through cultural exchanges, languages courses, school activities and other events.  I've been helping out at the their office with mostly simple tasks including organization, translation, and brainstorming.  It has been interesting to learn about the association by looking at various documents relating to the network of the Maison de l'Europe and its role in informing and involving the public.  It's also been great to be volunteering there because the director loves to talk, which means I'm taking some time to practice French and learn a lot more!  He's always using tricky phrases and interesting terms to describe things.

I first learned about the association through an event at Christmastime when they invited everyone to bring a special dessert from their country of origin.  There were a lot of tasty treats!  Now, these sort of events where everyone can come together in an informal setting to learn about others' cultures are my favorite.  Most recently, the Maison de l'Europe hosted an Irish/ St Paddy's Day potluck for March.  Here's the group (many of which are English and Spanish language assistants) who turned up:

I'll be volunteering with this association through May 9th, when they celebrate la Journée de l'Europe (Europe's Day).  This day is celebrated throughout Europe, though most particularly in France, to commemorate the idea "United through Diversity," as many countries come together to embody the European Union.

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Lastly, I'll leave you with these pretty flowers in bloom.  

I took this picture last weekend on a sunny, warm day while escaping the city to enjoy a walk in nature...  Beautiful, aren't they?!