I read books

This is a breakthrough for me. I have read 2 whole books since I've lived in France. Therefor, I have read 2 books in three months. That is incredible. For those who don't know me that well...I never used to read, and never is not an exaggeration. I don't think that I have finished a book since middle school...among the unread and unfinished are all the required readings through school attempted 'leisure' readings. I just never was able to sit down and read a book. I've started countless and only got so far and then just gave up, but since I've been in France something changed...I actually like it now. I have read My Best Friends Girl and Mountains Beyond Mountains and I'm on the look for a new one. I think a big reason why I like reading now is that I don't feel stressed about not running around like a crazy person trying to get errands and chores done. It feels nice to be a reader. :)

Wine in class?? In France, Oui!

Today was a rather interesting day in my 9 a.m. language class with Monsieur Chapus. A classmate gave a speech on Le Beaujolais nouveau. Beaujolais nouveau is a red wine made from Gamay grapes produced in the Beaujolais region of France. It is the most popular vin de primeur, fermented for just a few weeks then officially released for sale on the third Thursday of November. This "Beaujolais Day", or "Beaujolais Nouveau Day" sees heavy marketing from the producers, with races to get the first bottles of the vintage to different markets. Evidently, as a 'visual' he brought a bottle and our professor was nice enough to go get an enormous chocolate cake from one of the best bakeries in town because he said it was a good pair, and couldn't imagine us drinking the wine and not having something to accompany it. His 5 minute presentation proceeded into us learning about wine and wine tasting and pairing...in my language class, from my professor, for an hour. I love it!

Mousse au Chacolat

Yesterday, Saturday, I went to a little cooking class to learn how to make chocolate mousse. It wasn't at a facility or anything professional, it was at a friends host home. Her host mom puts on cooking classes every once and a while to teach foreign students how to make some of the most popular french desserts. The mousse turned out to be really simple and turned out delicious. After we finished learning how to make it she had some pre-prepared mousse for us to eat and we sat in her living room practicing our french with her. She was the sweetest woman and she sat at the table with us just listening and would politely help or correct us when we got stuck in our conversation. We got a tour of her home and she gave us a little insight on a 'normal' french lifestyle. Overall, the day was really fun and I felt like I really experienced France. I now know how to make mousse au chacolate and am more familiar with what goes on inside a french home.

Barcelona, a little late.

Barcelona was amazing. It was vibrant, and full of life. It was not what I was expecting but it was a pleasant surprise. It was though, to my expectaions of not being truly 'Spanish.' They actually speak Catalan and while they have most of the same traditions and food. Either way, Barcelona was full of things to do. There were so many little things to go see and do that one could spend years there and still not see and experience everything. Brie and I did all the main Gaudi stops, the houses, Sagrada Familia, and Parc Guell. All of which were interestingly captivating. Honestly, before learning about Gaudi and his works, i just thought they were too over the top and simply too much. Although, after the mini museum in Sagrada Familia about him and his work, I understand it. I still think it's rather unnecessarily loud, but I at least appreciate it. We went to the HUGE market on La Rambla and up and down La Rambla in all the shops and side streets. One of my favorite parts of the trip was just wandering, and getting lost in the Gothic Quater. Which was just an array of churches, gothic architecture, shops and restaurants. One thing that caught my attention in Barcelona was all of the street performers and how amazing they were. Most all were musicians and I seriously would have listened to their music if they were famous. There was everything from a classical violinist to a crazzzy reggae band. There was a point where a high school drum line started a mini parade through the streets and everyone started dancing and following. All the energy and happiness was contagious. I loved it.

Barcelona night life isn't so bad either. :) The first night we went to a local couch surfing house through a friend and shared wine while conversing with people from all over the world. On Halloween we did a pub crawl, which was an experience to say the least. It was so fun and I now know why it is a pub 'crawl' and not a pub hop, or walk. Every Friday and Saturday night there is an extremely large fountain that does a show, with lights and music. It was nothing short of spectacular. The colors and water show combined with the music was something that everyone needs to see, after all, it was FREE!

The food was also great in Barcelona. The Paella and tapas were delicious, and the sangria was perfect. The market had fresh juice smoothies for a euro that they made that day with all their fresh fruits, I had 2 a day :)

Overall Barcelona is a beautiful city that is full of life, and I definitely would go back.

winter has begun.

While it is not officially winter, it is cold enough in by book to be classified as the winter season. It is still beautiful and sunny, but the winter bite followed by the wind is what kills it. October-ness is in full effect also. Although, it is weird not having Halloween or Thanksgiving decorations everywhere, it's just going straight to Christmas (which has already begun to come out in the stores, but only a little)School is going well, I finally know what classes im taking and they are..dun dun dunnn, Theater, Texts of Theater, French Political Institutions, and English/French Translation, along with the language class. They all seem to be good so far, but we'll see after the break. Speaking of break, we have our first one already next week. Ahh, how I love the French lifestyle; never work too long or too hard. Anyway, I'm going to Barcelona! We are only going for 3 days but it was a great deal and I'm so excited to go to Espana! It will be the first time out of France. Since that is only a long weekend trip, we are also going to a fete (party, festival..)of 1720 in La Ciotat. It should be interesting.

what's school?

So classes finally started last week. I almost forgot I was really here to learn...Well I made it through PLP (prep language program) which was 4 weeks of class from 9-1 Monday through Friday. it was a bit intense having 4 hours of class every morning, but i didn't have much else to do so it didn't seem so bad. We then got a week off, which was when we went to Paris and actual university classes started last Monday. The way the classes here are by Niveau 1 through 5. In preparing transfer classes I was told I would only be in level 2, which wasn't upper division so I wouldn't get full credit, BUT little did they know, I knew more then they thought! ha. so I'm in three and I'm taking 12 hours of language class and 6 or 8 hours of electives. The electives I'm taking are a theater class, french stories, and french business. All the electives are taught in French so it gives new meaning to 'paying attention' in class. but they are only once a week for 2 hours. The first few days of last week were so hectic because here, you don't sign up for specific classes and then only go to those, you get the schedule of all the electives and then you just go to whatever you want and keep going to the ones you like and stop going to the ones you don't like. So, I went to so many classes trying to figure out what ones i wanted and which ones I didn't want. Not only that but I was originally placed in level 4 which was pretty hard so i was going to 4 and 3 classes until i could officially switch. But, I survived and I know my classes and I like them and Im going to be a French major instead of minor because i get into a higher level. so school is officially underway in France. WHEW.

As far as this weekend went, it was nice. Both of my roommates went to Spain for a Fiesta so I have the place all to myself, and it is the first time in about 2 months that I have been alone. So it's been nice to say the least. The other night some of us went to French house party and that was really fun and funny, and today I have been a cleaning machine. but it feels nice to have a clean place :) Tomorrow I start to fall into somewhat regularity of school which will be tight and then ill be off on improving my french. (which I already am feeling more comfortable using)
love you all!!

Sunday mass in the Notre Dame, Napoleons not-so-little casket, and baby Mona

Paris-days 2 &3

The second two days of Paris were just as exciting. Sunday we went to Notre Dame and were there during Sunday mass, but it was a bit tacky because there were tourists walking up and down the sides while mass was going on. after Notre Dame we walked to the Pantheon, which i thoght was really cool being where all those influential people are buried, like Marie Cure, Victor Hugo, Voltaire and others. We walked through the Luxembourg Gardens trying to make our way to the Catacombs but they were closed because of vandalism. The gardens were beautiful though, it was a sunny day and we spent a few minutes just relaxing and enjoying the sun and view. After the failed attempt to see the catacombs we went to Musee D'Orsay for the last hour that it was open. Unfortunately I didn't make it to the impressionism floor before it closed, which was a huge bummer, but I guess I'll just have to go back :) Although what I did was was incredible. After the museum closed at 6 we walked across a bridge to sit in another garden and funny enough as we were walking across the river on the bridge there was a massive amount of locks that people had locked and left on the side as 'locks of love' each lock had a personal message, most said 2 names and a date, some said they left their hearts in Paris and some said they wished love and happiness to those who walked past their lock. It was surprisingly my favorite part of the day because it wasn't in the guide book and you almost feel all the happiness all those people left there. and reading all the different locks was fun too. We went back to the hostel and met up with a girl we met at check in and went for the best quiche I have ever had under the Sacre Coeur. After stuffing our faces we walked up the hill to see everything lit up and it was gorgeous, beware to those who go though...at night, be careful to say the least. there are some creepers! but the beauty made it worth the while. we then went to the Eiffel Tower and there was no one there so we sat and talked until 1 and watched all the lights go off and the tower sparkle. Although because we stayed so late the metro stopped and we had to take a cab home, that was interesting... Day three, Monday, was Napoleons Tomb, The Louver, H&M and yep you guessed it last night under the Eiffel. Napoleons Tomb was crazy, I didn't really know what to expect but you walk in and BAM! there's this abnormally large, what I guess you'd call it a casket. The Church and Tomb was really cool though. There were also others there and I liked knowing that the original building, before the tomb was commissioned, was for the sick wounded and elderly from the King. We made our way to the Louvre at around 2 and went in with the intentions of only seeing a few things and then getting out, but a friend and I went through about an hour and a half and sat down for a drink thinking we had only seen 1 of the 3 sections but we found out we had seen 2 and we still had an hour so we decided to power up and see the rest. We were on overload but the last things we saw were worth seeing, Napoleons apartment and the armor of King Louis were really cool to see. We stayed, wandering what seemed like the never ending halls of the Louvre until closing and then met with all the others waiting outside. We went to Chinese for dinner and then went to the very large H&M and then ended our last night meeting new people and drinking wine and talking about traveling until we went home to bed so we could wake up to catch our train home. Paris was eye opening before we left I almost didn't let myself get my hopes in by thinking, "It's just a city, how 'magical' can that really be??" but little did I know, it's unexplainable, there's something about it that just sucks you in.(or sucked me in) and I wasn't even there with a significant other...I don't think I'd know what to do with myself if I ever end up there in that situation. I might just be sucked in forever haha.

The group, the bench, and the tower

Paris- day 1 (sleeping on a bench)

My first trip while studying here was to Paris. It was nothing short of amazing, or an adventure. Our train left for Paris as 9 pm from Aix and arrived in Paris at midnight. In an effort to save money we did not get a hostel for the first night, so we were with some who got a hotel all four nights. We went to their hotel to drop our bags off, primped up and went out. We found a few bars and there was one with an American musician who moved to Paris for a girl and he just plays in the basement for money.It was so fun and we stayed until closing, but then it was 5am and our hostel didn't open until 8...so...we got on the first metro towards our place and once we found it it was 6 am..(still hadn't slept) we came across a bench that became our 'spot' until the cafe next door opened for us to get food and then check in. So, for a couple of hours some slept and another and I stayed up and dazed/talked. Note to all: we were safe! so don't worry. :) when the cafe opened I got my first cafe ole and croissant in Paris and you don't even know how good it tasted. The hostel let us check in to one room early with 3 beds, but there were 5 of us. Running on I don't know what, the boys slept and Monica and I changed and started to explore! We grabbed a map and set out in search of Sacre-Coeur and montmart and Moulin rouge. After a few circles and a TON of stairs we got up to the Sacre-Coeur and I lost it. Literally, I felt like I was in a dream...looking over all of Paris and then turning around and seeing this church that was out of control gorgeous. We wandered the area for food and decided on a dinner crepe that was the most amazing thing ever. Once we refueled with the food we went on to Moulin Rouge and that area taking pictures and laughing deliriously. The feeling of that much freedom and not having any schedule to follow and having no idea where we were going was such a good feeling. We made our way to the Arc de Triumph to meet up with all the sleepers and walked the Champs Elysees. While waiting we were hit, finally, with exhaustion and hunger the only thing to eat that didn't involve a lot of time and money was McDonalds..and, Dad, don't kill me...we ate it. UGH. I know that is like a sin but it was necessary and it tasted so good, it didn't taste like our McDonalds at home. still, it was bad, i know. After getting just enough energy to move from the seat in the restaurant to the seat in the subway we went back to the room and took and hour nap to meet up at the Eiffel Tower. We got of the the metro farther away so we could enjoy the walk along the river with all the lights.Bliss. We got there before everyone else and found an empty bench directly underneath and laid look up from the bottom of the Eiffel Tower. Once everyone else met us there we walked to lawn amongst the circles of friends, some french, some American, some Spanish, and so on. The lawn this first night was a party! everyone was sophisticated chugging wine. yelling talking over the next person but everyone still keeping an eye on the huge structure that we were there to see. We took the metro home, and I crashed.

oops

Sorry, the second place that we went to was called la camaruge.

Time flies when you're having fun

Sometimes it scares me how quickly time passes. I get to go to Paris in 4 days!! and it baffles me that it is only a 3 hour train ride away. none the less, I'm so excited and I can't wait. Today I didn't go to school because I'm not feeling well and I didn't want it to escalate into being really sick and having to go to the doctors or not being able to go to Paris. So today I am slowly doing laundry, studying verbs and reading. Uneventful, but sometimes it's nice. The last few days though haven't been as slow. The weather here has been pretty stormy, pouring rain and thunder and lightning. It's kinda cool though, and I'm getting used to doing errands in it. I got a pair of shoes finally for only 20 euro so I now have shoes that aren't sandals or boots (because that is all i brought due to weight issue.) And I also got a very cute brown jacket for on 15! That I didn't need but it was so cheap i couldn't resist. Saturday we went as a group to Arles and -------. Arles was ancient roman ruins that were still in the city, and the original bull fighting coliseum. The last bull fight was the Wednesday before so we didn't get to watch one, but honestly i don't know if i would want to watch one anyway. The coliseum was way cool, my only complaint was that they were restoring it so they had plastic bleachers everywhere, i know it was temporary but I wish I saw it in it's actual conditions. The second city, -----, was really cool also. It was a 1000 year old city that was still enclosed by walls. The fortress went all the way around the tiny, oooold town...moat and all. I started exploring with a group and then I ended up just going by myself and walking all around the city for a couple of hours. It was exhausting but I'm really glad that I did it, and by myself. Yesterday, Sunday, was a lazy day..people were just over hanging out like always. Our house has become the hang out pad for a lot of people but I love it. We always have people coming and going throughout the day and we always cook a huge communal dinner here every night. and by we i mean not me, i chop and clean...but i am learning and getting better! haha. By the time this year is over, I'll be on iron chef. Ha, well maybe ill just be able to make something of substance that tastes bomb. Well I am going to study those verbs and grill some veggies (see look at me cook, and cook green things! lol) love you all!

whew.

I am now up and running finally because the internet kicked on today! yay! SO..wow. I have now been in France for a month, and I cannot believe it! It has gone by so quickly! Not to say that it was very hard being away from people but funny enough, in hein sight, it went by super fast. I am now fully going to classes and living in France, and today, was a great day. It was cold and raining today but it didnt even phase me because we got train tickets to Paris today! and they were 20 euros cheaper then we expected to pay! (thank you train station lady!!) The internet also came on today and i ate a realllly good dinner. So, all in all i would say it was a success. I know this was short but im so tired and i cant think so ill formulate a great entry demain pour vous! (tomorrow for you!)

im baaack! (summary from when the internet was down)

So my genius mother suggested that I write these down in a word document while my internet is down and then I can just copy and paste. So there is so much catching up to do that I don’t even remember all the things that I have done. First and foremost though, I am living in my apartment and I love it. It’s cozy and welcoming and has a great view. It gets a little hot being on the 3^rd floor with no AC but I’m not going to complain. We buy fresh food daily that is fabulous, it’s going to be hard going back to the states for processed everything. Although, from being up 5 flights of stairs to home and my class, along with all the walking and good food my figure is benefiting and it’s quite exciting. J

So my average day goes like this: 1. Wake up at around 7 or 8 (depending on if I need to shower) 2. Get ready, maybe a coffee, tea or a piece of fruit. 3. leave for school at 8:45 (15 min. before class starts) 4. Get there for 9 am class until 1, which is getting much easier…side note: I gave a presentation today and it went really well. I was proud of myself. 5. Get out of class at 1 and walk around for a little bit, maybe grab some lunch or go back to the apartment and eat. 6. Well basically after 1 I don’t have anything to do so I fill my time with little errands, like getting food for dinner or reading or writing. Come dinner time we cook and normally people are over with us or were at someone’s house and just hang out and talk maybe do some homework.

My life here in France is quite the opposite from the states. I have no work, and school is far less demanding then at home, for now. The only things that I find I need to do are get food for the night, and maybe well…that’s it. While I hate to say that I haven’t really gotten close to the French, I have with the people I came with. It is so crazy how different we all are and how many other languages I hear a day just because other people are keeping up with all the languages they know. I’ll let you know when that’s me…haha.

We took a trip with everyone in our class (like a 5^th grade field trip) to Marseille last week and it was pretty neat while we weren’t driving around on the bus. We went to 2 churches and a museum and the churches were nothing short of spectacular. The big church’s architecture was beautiful and different and the inside was massive and had all the usually gorgeous church equipment. The other, smaller church was on the very top of the highest hill and you could see it from wherever you were in the city, and from the church you could see over the entire city and the Mediterranean sea. The view was breathtaking and felt so surreal that I stopped trying to take pictures and just tried to take it all in…yes mom, I took pictures in my mind. And I don’t think I will ever forget it. After the churches we went to an old palace that was turned into a park slash monument and that was also gorgeous but we just got some drinks and sat on the lawn and watched people walk by and the little kids ride their scooters and bikes up and down the path.

Thus far, here in France, I’ve getting better at doing laundry by hand, cooking, being patient, being without internet (which actually is a necessity in life now for sure!) walking up stairs, and French! I’ve also gotten better at taking quick showers and turning the water off unless in rinsing off, because there is not much hot water. Also how to not overeat, and drinking a ton of water. There are so many little differences here than in the states. Like not only are things closed on Sundays, but here they also are closed on Mondays. Everyone is ALWAYS dressed up, I feel like I need to wear my nicest outfit just to leave the house. If you are standing in a line anywhere, be prepared to wait for a very long time; everything and everyone is slowww. We got the internet and we were expected to set it up ourselves…which didn’t happen, seeing as though the directions are all in French and we think something is wrong on their end because no one can make it work. Ugh. The peanut butter is in the foreign food isle and costs 6 euro for a tiny can, but nutella is only 2 euro for a huge one. A baguette is only 70 cents and you eat one a day. There is a fresh farmers market every single day from 7am to 1pm and they hose the streets clean after every time. Operations manuals come in French, and only French. There are NO other languages on anything, like at home; Spanish or even Chinese is an option in almost any instruction manual or directions. People think that it costs a lot to live in California, well compared to the south of France, it looks pretty darn good.

catch up

Okay so there is alot of cathing up to do. I haven't had internet, and I still don't but for now we are going across the street and using the free wifi at a burger place. It's the most inconvenient thing ever but getting internet is not an easy thing around here. But, so we are moved into our apartment and are getting along well. the first week of school is over and we have 3 to go. The first week went well, by Friday i was exhausted but I already feel like im becoming more comfortable with french in general. Our apartment is all unpacked and weve been hiking up the stairs and its already getting easier! yess. there are so many little things that I need to tell you but im out of time so later i will post it all.

MOVED!

I am finally getting into my apartment and out of this hotel. I don't think I have mentioned it yet, but we were treated so poorly here that I cannot wait to get out. It's over now though and I moved all of my stuff over to apartment and will join my things tonight after I finish up with the internet here at this stupid hotel. But today at school was waaayyy better then the first day, so I don't feel quite so overwhelmed with my class. Not to say that I am not overwhelmed anymore, but it's not so bad. I love france and their slower way of live, but sometimes I feel like I'm walking on eggshells around everyone and I can't fully be me. I'm sure nothing traumatic will happen if I act American but im trying to assimilate to the french everything and it's not the easiest thing in the world. BUT I'm moved in and getting into my place and day by day, even if i don't notice it, I'm becoming more like the French.

On a lighter note, today I went to the market and bought beautiful flowers for only 3 euro for the woman who helps us with everything, she makes everything sooo much easier, so we got her some thank you flowers. :) after that we got a slice of pizza for lunch and went back to class...today we had class for 4 hours, and then 2 more hours. It was kindof a long day but it still doesn't seem as bad school and working like at home. We then did the walkthrough for our apartment and moved all of our stuff accross town. Well not across town but it was still about 100lbs of stuff for about 5 blocks, and up stairs to the 3rd 1/2 floor. It was so heavy but we got it all up there all by ourselves and felt very proud! lol. I got homework that is due tomorrow though so i must go attempt that for now. A bientot!

school

Today was the first day of school and it went pretty well. Although, there was absolutely no english spoken at all, everything was in french. But I guess that's a good thing, right? I know I said that I would post pictures and I tried, but the uploader isn't working. The internet connection that I have isn't very good. But anyway class was 4 hours this morning and we just went over introductions and went to the lab to listen to conversations. It was a little overwhelming but I'll get the hang of it soon. On another note, I'm moving out tomorrow and will not have internet so I will not be on for a few days unless I go somewhere.

The eve of school

This weekend was a very slow and quiet weekend, but it was nice. I skyped just about everyone last night and it was so good to see all their beautiful faces! Today I did laundry....sounds simple, right? no, I did laundry in the sink. not simple. I have a new admiration for washers and dryers and I can't believe that some people have to do that with all of their clothes all the time. So that's some news, on a more exciting note at the end of October I am going to Paris and Amsterdam! I found train tickets for suuuper cheap so after I pay my housing bills I'm going to book the tickets! I'm SO excited!!!! I've also tentatively planed where I'm going to go over all the other breaks so I'm starting my searches for cheap hostels, trains and food around Europe. Tomorrow is my first day of school and I've never been more excited to start school. Not only will I be on my way to better french, but I will also have something to do. I don't know what to do with no work or school or any other mandatory engagements. It will be nice to start a schedule and feel like I have a place and purpose in this southern French town. Pictures of school will be up tomorrow, I promise. :)

signed the lease!

Today we signed our lease and we get to move in on le premier septembre, so on Tuesday! I really cant wait to move out of this hotel and unpack my stuff. Although the deposit was more then expected, but I guess that one must expect things to be more then expected?? Although I still love it here and am fully enjoying myself I am starting to really miss home. I really want classes to start so that I can get better at french because it is getting really old not being able to say everything that I want to say to people. I know that the homesickness and french will pass but for now...it's here. oh well. C'est la vie!

getting situated

Today I felt accomplished. I opened a french bank account here and I got renters insurance, I also am going to sign my lease tomorrow morning and then after that I will only need to get a cell phone and I will be fully equipped with the 'necessities' of life in France. The weather today and yesterday was hot and pouring; and when I say pouring I mean like intense huge drops of rain. I don't remember if i wrote about this yet but I took my placement test yesterday too. This test determines what level of PLP im in for the month and then i take another one after to determine my place for actual classes. The written part was kind of difficult but I did well with the oral, so overall i was proud of myself. :) Today we got a tour of a dance company and watched the dancers practice. It was really interesting. There are so many little differences between the states and france that I have picked up on the main thing that i love so far is the dining experience. Here, in France, when people sit at a cafe they sit for hours and watch the passerby. The server doesn't get mad when they sit for so long because that is expected. They don't expect turnover and you can sit and chat or drink as long as you want. On the other hand though they are so quiet. We seem to be so much more verbally expressive and well....loud. My favorite experience so far though was that I went with a friend for her to get her nose pierced and none of the people spoke english so we had to speak french. ha, well let me tell you, it was so comical because it turned out to be a long game of charades. Given i knew the context of everything it was fairly easy to understand but speaking back was funny. But she ended up getting it and all is well. Tomorrow is a group meal which should be fun and other than that we have all the time in the world to explore until monday. :) 

APARTMENT

Today we got the apartment that I was hoping for! It is on the top floor or a building that was built in the 17th century, of course it has all been renovated BUT it is still the original front door! It has so much character, I love it! It is really small and the 'bedroom' is actually a loft with 2 beds, not an actual bedroom, but it is all I need. It overlooks the Cours Mirabeau which is the center of everything and it is a 5-10 min walk to school. Overall I am very happy and we get to pick up the keys this week so we can move our stuff over in trips. We are on the top floor so hauling my suitcases up those flights of stairs is going to be a work out, but those stairs will hopefully keep me in shape a little bit.

Today we had yet another day of orientation, but it was at our actual school today. It is so different to have a classroom in a building so old, not to mention not spread out everywhere.  I'm not even used to the city style architecture where buildings go up instead of out, but I like the change of pace. Speaking of change of pace it is taking time to try to make my brain and body move at the pace of the people here. 'Take your time', and 'don't go too fast', and breaks seem to be the moto to say the least. Later today I get to go see a possible apartment choice so we will see how that goes. Im really hoping it is nice because it's cheaper and is on the cours maribeau (the main street) in the middle of everything. 

So many people in our group like to cook, so tonight were making dinner and having a feast of bread vegetables and pasta, I think..yumm :) 

As I am writing this the window is open in our room and we are on the 3rd floor of the hotel. pigeons sit on our little window cill and coo and it is right there so it's really loud and sometimes I think that if I start talking to them they'll talk back. its funny having pigeons so close to the completely open, screen less window. And there's my random thought of the day.lol, and I'm off. 

Today we took the bus to Marseille and went to the beach. It was a long walk from the bus stop but the beach was amazing. It was so cute and surrounded by old buildings. The water was sooo salty that it was easier then normal to float. The Mediterranean water is beautiful, but the little fish like to nibble on your toes..it was so weird! Marseille as a city was much larger then Aix and from what i saw (which wasn't very much) was that Marseille was kind of dirty and people were not out as much as Aix. I'll have to go back sometime to see the rest of the city though. Another day of orientation is tomorrow and I am in need of some serious sleep. Sun, swimming, and walking make for a very tired person, so I am going to bed early to rest up for the week ahead :)

lazy day

Woke up late this morning and didn't get out of bed until about 2...it was nice. After waking up I got to see and talk to my family via skype, skype is fabulous. Found out my new video camera is on its way!!yay! Did some studying and then the roommates made dinner that was bombbbb. (props to them for sure) and then we went out and walked for a little bit until about  1:30. It is insane how late this town stays awake...people are out hanging around doing their thing until like 2am and the big party people go out at 1am until around 5am! night owls I tell ya. i love it though, take naps during the HOT days and stay out during the night. Tonight we just got a huge piece of pizza for 2 euro that they fold up and walked the busy streets conversing and eating, it was tres sympa (very nice). Tomorrow a group of us are going to Marseille to go to the beach and I'm very excited I hope I don't get pick pocketed though..that would stink man. but tomorrow, Mediterranean, here we come!

housing, naps, and chocolate

This mornings orientation consisted of getting information about how our academics are going to work out, and I have to say that I am going to really have to make sure I stay on top of my work. Even though school is much harder here I like the philosophy much better then in the states. Here in France you pay minimal fees to attened but the classes are grueling and very difficult. So everyone has a chance but those who do not try, do not pass. whereas in the states, the more money you have the further you go, and sometimes intelligence has nothing to do with it...in my opinion. Not to bash on the homeland, but sometimes we do some odd things. Anywayyyy...after our orientation I took a nap. and by nap i mean a little sleep(it was 4 hours) and then I discovered the world best chocolate bar thing...uhh so good. Everyone is finding their houses, my meeting is monday and there's a few ones i've heard of but nothing ive seen so far. It seems to be coming along though, and I surprisingly don't feel stressed at all about anything for once in my life. A large group of us are going out again tonight to go to a 'disco' (dancing) and it should be really fun, I'm excited :)

address

Also, here is my address to seend things to if anyone feels the desire to write a letter or something :)

Katrina Viano
C.S.U. International Programs
23, rue du 4 septembre
13100 Aix-en-Provence
France

*if shipping a package write on the box 'used personal belongings'

Left: Some of us out last night

Right: The first town square of Aix...my favorite so far

Day 3

Last night= fun! As an emarassingly large group of us went out to a bar together, but it was so fun. It was kindof like a social orientation. sidenote: the bar is called Wohoo, thought that was funny. Today was the large open air market, and this thing is huge to say the least. It's not just one square or one sreet, it is ALL of Aix, there is a clothes and shoes section, (that actually has really great stuff for cheaper) a flower section, a fruit and veggie section, and a fish section. I think thats all but there could have been one on the other side that I didn't see. We started looking for appartments today, I think i'm going to be living with one other person in a 1 bedroom, but we'll see. I'll keep you updated on that status :) I got a nap today too!!! (Which was fabulous) Life is so different here and I love it. Everything moves so slowly and people aren't running around stressed out and angry. Everyone is also always out, just walking around or sitting to people watch. Being the people watcher is also very interesting, it made me realize that i need to go shopping soo bad because all of us CSU students scream,"I'm American, not French, AT ALL!" Other than that it has gone fairly smoothly so far *knock on wood* and no major catastrophies..oh except that I can't seem to upload pictures, that is a little bt of a dilema but ill figure it out. laterr <3

wowzers

Okay...so holy moly guacamoly. This place is crazy perfect. Between the town squares, narrow streets, cafes, and just the buildings, there is so much to just look at. It looks just like the movies of what France is. It is hot though, very hot..and humid. But, my first purchase was a baquette, cheese, fruit and water for only 6 euros! We got a tour of the city today also and he took us down some of the quiet streets where people live and literally they are so skinny that only two people can walk side by side at a time. We also went to the university today and that as been around since the 16th century, very old, and very cool. Everything just makes me feel in awe of what is around me. I was a little homesick right when Igot here becasue Iwas so tired and ready to pass out but then I woke up and was stoked on my walk to campus. Well more tomorrow and pictures soon, I took some today but the uploader is broken. sorry. but Au revoir loves

we're here!!

So I arrived in France today and after a grueling day of travel. It is gorgeous!!! I can't believe it's actually happening but Aix is so cute! Tomorrow will be a more detailed post because I am out of time with this WiFi...

Today's THE day

Today is the big day. Flight leaves out of SFO in about 8 hours and then I will be on my way to Provence. This is crazy, I never thought it would actualy get to this point. It was really odd saying goodbye to people; it didn't feel like im leaving for as long as I am. I did the last dinner with the family last night that I enjoyed (which was really apps and desserts, yumm) The only time I have felt anger this whole process was when I was packing. I hate packing. fitting everthing I want into an easy lightweight bag is not possible. therefor packing had to be saved by..da da da, DAD. I got too mad to finish, and thank goodness he was here because otherwise I would be going without a few things. patience is a virtue, I normally have it, but not last night. I am so excited to leave now,ah! Well here we go.... :)

Picture #1...The French Consulate in SF where I got my visa

visa in hand, and 17 days

I got my Visa today! Now there is nothing left to do but go shopping, pack, and feel all these crazy feelings of excitement and anxiety. I have paid all my money up to date and turned in all my paperwork. so now I just have 17 days....and excuse my french, but holy shit! This is becoming an insane reality. I was so excited this afternoon becuase i got the directions from the bus stop to the hotel in Aix, so i now know where to go when we get off the bus.

It is really hard to stay so positive when i feel so upset about certain relationships ending. Everything works out for a reason i guess right?? One thing that i have noticed is that there are a massive amount of cliches and phrases of wisdom that come with breakups...it is very funny how many times you hear the same thing over and over. This is a bitter sweet time right now i would say but soon the bitter will go away and ill just be left with the sweet...which is perfect!

visa

So, yesterday I went to the consulate in SF and applied for my visa. I should get a call, hopefully saying, to come back to pick it up in 10 days. lets keep our fingers crossed. Once I get my visa there is nothing left to do involving paperwork, just packing...which might be the hardest thing yet.

35 days...

I have exactly 35 days until I board a plane that will take me to France. I am counting down the days thinking there is too much to do before I leave. My busy schedule is doing a good job of keeping my mind off of everything though, (even the important things that need to get done.) I don't know what to say or do to fully prepare myself for this experience, but I do know that I will never forget this constant feeling of overwhelming uncertainty of what my actual feelings are. It is a weird sensation to not be able to exactly say how you are feeling becuase there are too many overpowering emotions and such disbelief that all of this is actually going to happen

Bonjour!

Well, I never thought this day would come; I have a blog of my own. I used to think that it was stupid, and I questioned why people wanted to know what I was feeling or thinking everyday. Now that I have come to terms with the fact that we are at a point in time when there is no such thing as 'personal boundaries,' why not jump on the band wagon? The reason for my blog is that I am going to France in 38 days on August 17, 2009 and not returning to the states until roughly nine months later. I will be studynig the french language and culture while living in Aix-en-Provence. No matter how many books, blogs, or websites I read, I have no idea what to expect. I am leaving the country and starting fresh in a new one, where I will be keeping up with classes and exploring Europe. I am positively terrified, and also exceedingly more excited to leave every day. I still cannot believe that I am doing this (both the blog and France) but here we go! Bon Voyage!