Man I have been here 2 weeks and it feels like 2 months. The days go by really fast and the weekends have been very busy.
My French comprehension has been improving tons. I have had to go to the train station several times already, to the bank, the post office, and cafes. I gain more confidence every time I ask the workers a question and can actually understand them when they answer back! My speaking ability still has a ways to improve, however. Many of the American students and I are becoming more comfortable with each other, in particular a great group of girls that I've become friends with. Outside of school we speak in English because it is easier to express our thoughts and just not have to think. I have to admit, it is also comforting knowing that you're far away from your family and friends, yet there are these people that speak English that make it a little bit easier.
Here are some pictures:
Chateau d'If is where Alexandre Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo takes place! One of my favorite stories.
On the very top of the Chateau d'If looking toward Marseille
My brother and sister, Andre & Thea, on the beach in Marseille
Me touching the Mediterranean Sea for the first time in Sainte-Marie de la Mer, a cute little village where we had our first excursion.
Professor Mignon for Art/Architecture class discussing the Roman ruins in Vaison la Romaine during our first field trip.
Me and Skye at Blues Discotheque -- Skye, Veneta, Kate, Alex, Addie, and me went to this club where the workers had large fros and sequined 70's outfits and were face painting!
A few interesting findings:
- French people generally don't give hugs. Man do I MISS hugs! I just want a warm embrace. According to my Linguistics professor, hugs are very intimate and when 2 people hug, their hearts touch.
- In Avignon, we give 3 kisses when we greet. In Paris it is 4 kisses! And further South it is 2 kisses. There is a website: combiendebises.free.fr which will tell you how many kisses are appropriate for each region.
- I ate rabbit for the first time! Mmm it was tender! And crepes!
Thank you all for your wonderful comments, e-mails, and letters!! I feel closer to home :)
bisous,
Jenny
Sending a cyber-hug your way. =)
ReplyDeleteMonita,
ReplyDeleteYou look skinny in the pics! Are you eating well or it is L'Magnifique diet du Vin...
Muitos Beijos e Abracos para meu Filha
Papi
Mi Jenny,
ReplyDeleteAhi te van...... miles de abrazos rompecostillas y calientitos llenos de mucho amor...ademas de besitos paris'style... loveU,mami
Jenny many hugs and kisses from beautiful Chicago. You look great and your brother is very cute. What a great experience enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteLove
Patty Lopez
Do you have kiss side to side or do kiss the same cheek multiple times? I feel like four is way too many for a meeting. two seems reasonable. how are the historical sites? do they feel like the put you back in time? haha. I am glad you found so many cool people to hang out with and I want to give you such a big hug right now. but you will have to wait till january. :)
ReplyDeleteno hugs! sign me up!
ReplyDeletehaha... things are sounding and looking good! keep on posting.
J t'aime ma cherie. tu me manques beaucoup!! - I'm sure you know a million and one more ways to say this now that you're becoming fluent!! I'm so happy you made it. Sorry it took me a while to read your posts. But I read every word and I have nothing but happiness for you. Learn, learn, eat, eat, and travel and play and everything. Miss you. -Shirley
ReplyDelete