I have been telling friends that the experience was really helpful, mostly thanks to you and Astrid being at our sides when on walks or at lunch because you encouraged the use of French by speaking slowly and listening. While traveling I try my French with natives, but I often feel like I am wasting the time of a server/shopkeeper/tourist office worker so we switch to English. But in the group, especially at lunches, we had the time to gather thoughts and speak (no matter how badly) because you both were so good at listening and making us feel welcome to try.