Caen Day 5

On Friday, we started the day off with some time spent at the CDI (library), where we started to create posters about our trip in Caen and about the Lycée Victor Hugo, as the French students did when they came to New York. Next, we made our way over to Caen to visit the markets that are held there every Friday. These adorable stands ranged in product from fruits and vegetables to crêpes, jewelry, and even old newspapers dating back to the late 1800s. We strolled trough the markets and enjoyed some regional cheeses, breads, and fresh crêpes before having a picnic on the steps of the main square.

After a scenic walk back to the lycée, we met up with one of the French exchange students, Christina, who would take us to meet her father at his office, Ganil. Ganil is one of the fifth largest particle accelerators in the world, and we were fortunate enough that Mr. Marques took time out of his day to explain what exactly is nuclear physics, his specified field, and how the accelerator works. We went through the control room, where an experiment was taking place, and were able to see the machine that ionizes nuclei, therefore allowing acceleration caused by a negative magnetic field once the negative electrons are removed. We were able to the see the smallest of the three accelerators, which was still enormous, and an experimental room where the detector "Maya" is found. All of the extremely elaborate machines are covered in cables and different parts that try to ensure that the nuclei stay on the designated course.

We then parted ways with Mr. Marques and made our way back to the school, where we met up with our correspondants, each of which had their own ideas for a fun-filled weekend that awaits us! We had another great day in Caen and can't wait for what's coming next!

-Alessandra