This is a free ONLINE event, and here is the link to use on the day & time mentioned: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85031764270 I'm posting it in different places across the world, so, don't pay attention to the number of attendees you see here, it's not relevant. Most likely we will have several dozens attendants anyway, feel free to join the main event here as well https://www.couchsurfing.com/events/online-zoom-international-torch-relay-france-2020-07-19) - Hello, Bonjour! "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger" The pandemic made meeting up as we were used to, in real life, risky at best, impossible at worst, BUT human beings in general and Couchsurfers in particular are full of resources. So, in the past months, online events have been happening (especially at the Zoom link I gave, 24/7). Allowing people to travel virtually, from the comfort of their home and couch, for free. And now, every Saturday & Sunday a huge international event will happen. It is called the "Couchsurfing International Zoom Torch Relay" The idea: one or several Couchsurfers from a country, which will be different for every session, will make a presentation to introduce their country. Like the real Olympics, it started in Greece, last Sunday (July 12), and after a detour in Indonesia on Saturday July 18, it's coming to the most visited country in the world, France! This Sunday, July 19th's session, will be hosted by your humble servant, myself, David: a Couchsurfing member since 2006 and ambassador since 2008, I am a French citizen (since I was born :p) originally from Valenciennes, who's been to 64 countries, hosting 150+ guests, staying with more than 350 hosts, and meeting thousands of people along the way, so trust me I quite know what people are interested in my country and culture. I will share much about France, its touristic sites, food, language, music, cinema, dances, inventions... So, get ready to learn a lot, in a FUN way. Get ready to interact, with questions you'll be able to ask me, and quizzes to test your knowledge and enjoy even more. We'll have this event over Zoom (application), so I can share videos with you (mostly with English subtitles so even if you don't speak it well you should understand), and we can all interact better, along with the other attendants from around the world. Having your camera on is recommended to make it more enjoyable for everyone; but no worries if you're too shy, it isn't a must. As well note that the chat feature will be on so you can express yourself freely, at anytime, with anyone. If you don't have Zoom yet, download the application now to be ready (it's free). And on the day and time of the event, simply click the link that will be shared later on here. You're welcome to join this online gathering at anytime, but if yes I can guarantee the starting time, I'm not sure of when it will end (it will depend on how much fun we'll have), and as well the more you attend the merrier, so, come as early as you can. The event will start at 6PM, Valenciennes time. If you are based somewhere else, to find out what time it will be in your location, you can check this link: https://tinyurl.com/y8ghckmh Once again, this is a free ONLINE event, and here is the link to use on the day & time mentioned: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85031764270 If you want to see the full torch relay program (for future events) and maybe even organize a session? Check http://www.csinternationaltorchrelay.com/ Hope to see YOU soon, A virtual welcome to France, David 🙂 PS: Feel free to ask here whatever you would like to learn about during the event PS2: On the other hand, if you are French, or even a foreigner who happen to have insightful knowledge on France / French culture, feel free to contact me now to see how I could best include your contribution