For more than one hundred years, the Federation of Alliances Francaises USA has served as a bridge between the United States and France. In our ever changing world, this historical friendship, which our two countries share, has sustained our mission to support French language and culture between our peoples.
The Federation is dedicated to the support of our chapters; and they, in turn, nourish and educate their members. Inclusive in this is the continuing tradition of sharing the beauty of French literature and art, learning the history of the people and their contribution to the founding of our country.
Our national network fosters the exchange of information and ideas between
our two countries, provides a forum for better understanding in this global
community, and offers a platform for leadership to encourage the achievement of
French-American concord.
Paris in January...alas it is not the best moment for good weather: the sky is gray, dawn eludes us until nearly nine am, and the temperatures are mean. But listen, this is the moment for all the sales, the restaurants are very welcoming and warm, inviting you to linger a little longer with your coffee, and as always in Paris, the lights at night transform the city into a fairy tale.
As each year, the Colloque at the Fondation des Alliances Francaises beckons, and so I attended the 32nd Colloque this year in spite of January! The Foundation offered a program under the heading, "Quelle langue, quelle culture, dans un monde du numérique et du divertissement". There were varied speakers and the opening of the conference was presented by Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council.
Bernard Kouchner welcomed us at the Quai d'Orsay where he gave a speech on the tragedy of the Haitian earthquake. He braved the time lag to speak to us as he had just arrived back in Paris from the worldwide meeting in Montreal for aid to Haiti.
There were many interesting workshops during the Colloque and a welcome reception by Bertrand Delanoë, Mayor of Paris, at the Hotel de Ville.
Our farewell event was held at the Museum of the Quai Branly, where we had an opportunity to visit the exhibit and then share in a presentation of wonderful food prepared by the students of the Cordon Bleu. They served hors d'oeuvres, pastries and bon-bons, and an enormous cake the size of a large table. Andre Cointreau cut the first slice, all was accompanied by champagne and music, it does leave good memories.
Why don't you come next year?
Bienvenue a la Nouvelle Orleans!
New Orleans will greet us this October for our Annual Meeting, slated for October 14-17, 2010. It is with a certain pleasure that we return to New Orleans after many years, to share in the renaissance of this special city whose French Heritage is one we continue to celebrate.
The Alliance Francaise of New Orleans and President Alexandra Stafford are planning a welcome to "NOLA" that I am confident we will all remember. The Federation is at work preparing the workshops and other presentations that invite your participation and aid in the continuing success of your chapters. Sharing best practices and helping each other are the hallmarks of our Federation, we look forward to seeing you there.
Hotel Inter-Continental New Orleans
444 St. Charles Avenue
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
(504) 525-5566 | www.intercontinental.com
Reserve by September 14th,2010 Click here to visit the Alliance Francaise de New Orleans website.
