2 days so here goes. Our walking tour was wonderful, this is a beautiful city with lots of activity throughout the streets. They are building a tramway so there is a bit of construction but it's not very bad. We passed street vendors, cafes, shops, (I'm trying to resist the chic french clothes) some American names even: H&M, Sephora, FootLocker etc. There are also quite a few churches scattered throughout. We went briefly inside Le Cathedral de Saint Maurice which is the picture you see. Everyone was pretty exhuasted so we didn't walk very long. That evening we had dinner at PMcD's apartment with his wife Rosie and children Paul Jr. and Maggie. They were amazingly gracious and let us speak English and eat tacos which was a much needed comfort. Afterwards PMcD drove us back to our houses so we could rest before the placement exam.Wednesday was my birthday (and my grandma's- Happy Birthday!) and my host mom assured me it was good luck to take a test on one's birthday. The test seemed pretty hard to me, but I ended up being placed au niveau huit (level 8) out of 8. I contemplated asking to drop down a level but I suppose a challenge is what I came here for. The rest of the day was free time so we walked in a large-we're-obviously-americans-look-at-us-group around town. We all bought French cell phones with a rather cheap plan for texting. I can receive free texts and calls even from the US but it would probably cost you an arm and a leg. In case of an emergency though (or if you just love me that much) my number is 0648587312. I don't know how the country code works so you would have to figure that out- France is 33 I think. I also purchased some groceries for breakfast from the store so I won't have to live on Clif bars.
When I got back home my family had made a wonderful birthday meal for me. Dinners at my house are at least 2 hour affairs, but I'm not complaining. We always begin with some sort of sparkling wine- that day it was something very similar to champagne. Mr. Buffenoir explained to me that it is made in Angers the same way as champagne but only in the region la Champagne can you use the name. Anyway, for a while we sipped champagne- 2 different kinds- and ate crackers, talking the whole time. The second course was a wonderful chicken and carrot dish with an almost Indian tasting sauce served over rice. It was incredible and everyone cleaned their plates with wonderfuly crusty french bread. Of course we drank red wine with the main course- that night it was from Spain. I finally discovered that you have to actually refuse more wine before they will stop refilling your class. wow. After the main course we had a salad course with a bit of 3 cheeses: french camembert, gorgonzola and chevre. Finally for dessert we had a tarte aux pommes with candles for me to blow out. :) Mr. Buffenoir took lots of pictures so I will upload some as soon as I can. They also gave me un petit cadeau, a scarf that Cecilia had bought for me. She assured me that everyone was wearing them and I would be tres a la mode. To put it simply, it was a wonderful evening. We laughed and talked and I felt like I was with family, a pretty great thing so far from home. That evening a few of us went to local bar just to hang out and talk for a bit. It wasn't a very late night but truly an enjoyable birthday.
Today was our first day of actual classes. I am with two other ND students who also place in level 8. We have 3 classes: langue, expression orale, et laboratoire mulitmedia. Langue class is a lot of talking, writing, and listening as expected. It was challenging but I think I will be fine. Laboratoire is a lot of the same, just while taking advantage of technology- broadcasts on the internet, websites etc. The most challenging part is trying to navigate the French keyboard. Rawr. Expression orale is just talking talking talking so I'm obviously right at home. Classes are on a different schedule each day and for each level. I seem to generally have classes from 9:00 until 16:00 each day with about an hour and a half for lunch. After classes today I was able to sneak in a much needed nap before dinner. We ate on Rue Bressigny- close to my house- at a little cafe with paninis and sandwiches. Afterwards we met a large group of students- all of the kids were invited- at the same bar ( it seems to be quite the hangout) I was able to talk for a bit, even with several non ND students. Shocking, I know, but they do allow that. I came home early to pay my dues to the blog and work on some homework. Tomorrow we have class and then our first excursion. It is going to be one of the best and I am ridiculously excited! I won't spoil the details but it's called Puy du Fou if you want a headstart. Sorry for the delay- probably won't be able to write until Saturday morning, tomorrow will be a late night. I love you all. R
I remember when I was that student just like you couldn't understand the younger family members they talked so fast and slang terms. Try not to hang out too much with your American friends or you'll speak too much English. Learn all the slang it's the best part. DO they still say "Fou le Camp!" (F--- off is our closest translation)
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