Orlèans Day 1

So a couple of sleeping pills and flicks on flights really did not help our 18-hour international travel much. But nonetheless, as soon as we set our feet on the ground, the sight of Orléans and its cool breeze filled us with excitement and anticipation of good times.

It is mostly cloudy in high 50s here in Orléans. Not too dry.

Just about perfect for exploring the town by foot, although it started raining a little by night.

Pretty much everything about Orléans is excellent.

Food, fashion, structures, scenery, and surprisingly friendly, well-mannered people. Even the guy on a motorcycle vacuuming dog dung in a backstreet looks stylish.

I wonder what all that is about French...

But for now, oh we ought to recover from a jet lag first because we got to feed the world what it wants tomorrow: an American jazz.

Please cross some fingers for us that we will wake up good and sound (and on time) tomorrow morning.

Friends University Jazz Students to Stay Connected Through Blog

The Friends University Jazz Ensemble will be traveling to France June 15-23 and representing Wichita at the Orléans Jazz Festival.

While in France, students will be periodically posting images and stories on this blog. The blog entries will be posted in French time, which is seven hours ahead of Central Daylight Time, and will connect students, alumni and friends as they travel through France.

Jazz lovers are invited to support the mission of this trip by attending the Bon Voyage Concert and silent auction at 7 p.m. Sunday, June 13, in Sebits Auditorium on the Friends University campus. There will be special guests, an opportunity to bid on a number of area restaurant gift cards and wish students well on the trip. The silent auction begins at 6:15 p.m., and doors open for the concert at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $10, and all proceeds from ticket sales will help defray the costs of the trip. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling 316-295-5537.