When I first arrived in France I was on vacation, or at least that is how I felt.
Now I have settled into my surroundings, developed habits and routines. It is a entirely new experience that becomes richer and richer just like a relationship. First the infatuation, then becoming more comfortable, but in each step learning more and more about yourself and the other person/culture.
I wake up and have a cup of coffee with some tartines or a piece of my baguette compagne from my favorite bakery around the corner. I get dressed, put on my wool coat, a scarf, my leather gloves and jump on my bike for a 10 minute bike ride to la fac, short for school. My brain processing in french, I absorb information about word formation in the french language, or about the relationship that the mind has with language. Class lasts until 1230 where I head to the cafeteria with a friend to have a meal. For about 4 dollars I get a large plate with some vegetables, grain, and a type of meat, usually à la français. On the side I get a raw vegetable dish and a desert of fruit, of course a little baguette to go along with it.
The lunches are filling and I am exhausted and try to take a nap before getting back to class. Next is German class. I understand why the french are known for speaking english poorly... i guess i'll say there is an interesting way of teaching languages here...
Bike home now so that I can watch Raphael while his mom goes to her meeting. Raph, age 6, and I will play a game called As-truck, which is similar trivial pursuit. Raph becomes a little frusterated that I have to use the dictionary and look up about 5 words for each question he asks me, but eventually someone wins. He is my best french teacher hands down. I now know how kids get by with cussing. That is in english shit = shoot, in french merde = mère (the same word as mom).
A couple times a weeks I will go over and take a tango class at a nearby association with a group that I am now a part of. The tango community knows me by name and when I enter I make a tour giving kisses on the cheek to everyone who has come to the class and will dance that evening.
Otherwise, I will head into town to have dinner or a drink with friends. I am thankful for the friendship of those I have met. Especially grateful for having met the beach volleyball community, and through this community meeting a couple of Algerians and an Italian who all have a dynamic sense of humor and continue to challenge me intellectually. I feel blessed to have found a group of people who's presence I sincerely enjoy and feel comfortable in. While cooking, we will discuss politics, religion, culture while all bringing our own diverse cultural perspectives to the table. An evening well spent indeed.
Go home, sleep, start over, love every moment of life
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
A re-re-acclamation in France
Well, I've moved into a new place now. I am living with a family of 4 in the suburb of Bordeaux. I have the pleasure of helping out with the two boys ages 6 and 11 (almost 12). I just started living here and I have my first evening of babysitting coming up! I have spent some time with the boys and they are the best French teachers in the world!
I have a small studio next to the house that has its own kitchen and bathroom. I have fixed it up and feel warm and comfy in my little cottage. Life here now is normal, day to day school, grocery shopping, work, sleep, and play of course too. The exciting romantic period is over between me and France, and now it gets even better as I get more and more comfortable with my surroundings....just like a relationship :)
My Mom came to visit and we put together (she mostly but I assisted) a little photo album and story of our trip. So enjoy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
