The plane ride was crazy. There were some Canadians on the group going to Moscow for a theater program and of course they were really friendly, and fun to talk to. And of course between their group and our American MSU group everyone got really drunk thanks to AirFrance's open bar. Needless to say, I didn't sleep a wink of the 8hour flight. Oi.
We were served a gourmet meal on AirFrance.
Zero got drunk on the plane ride, too. For those of you who don't know Zero, he is a mini beanie baby penguin I decided to take with me. I want to take pictures of him all over France, haha. Maybe I could make a funny book of his adventures and get it published.Then came the long bus ride to Tours, 4 hours to be exact because there was a 45min smoke break in the middle. One of the girls got car sick :/ eww.
But Huguette is a really friendly and nice french woman. Every time she introduced me to people today, she said, "Allow me to introduce Dana. She speaks French veeerrry well!!" So I feel really flattered.
I have 5 roommates, but I've only met 3. One American, and the japanese and korean girls. Melanie is from around Albany, NY, and she is very loud and can't speak any French. But she is nice, and at least gives me some sort of company while I'm so bored right now and sick. The other two are engaged, apparently. The guy is American and the girl is Guatemalan, but they went to Paris for the weekend which is why I haven't met them yet.
The house is amazing! The window of my bedroom looks right at the cathedral. This whole place reminds me off Amelie-esque rooms. Theres also a boudoir in my room which is funny...just a door that opens up to a sink with a mirror. Ahaha. Oh French people. Huguette is so eccentric and such a typical artsy frenchwoman, and she decorates the place in just that style. There are a lot of cool art pieces scattered around from sculptures to paintings, vases to mosaic pieces.
Closet with a sink.
I managed to clean myself up for dinner at 730, and went downstairs and watched the news with Huguette and chatted with her about geography, where I'm from, the USA, etc. She asked me about my family, my studies, etc. I'm SO relieved that she is so friendly and easy to chat with. And I think she really likes the fact that I can speak French on a level where we just having interesting conversations.
I've been on the internet forever, and I'm finally getting tired. Tomorrow is going to be another loooong day mostly because there are absolutely no stores open on Sundays. Ah! What the hell am I supposed to do? I think Melanie is going to show me around a little bit, and then maybe I'll get going on my reading.
PS. The French really do keep all doors closed all the time. I keep feeling like I'm intruding. Or I'll keep a door open unthinking and then she or her son will just close it right behind me.
9 comments:
I'm sorry to hear that you are sick. :( What can I say, it's hard to keep up with an alcoholic penguin. I hope that everything else goes better for you. Your hostess sounds really cool though. Can't wait to hear more!
sorry you are not feeling well - i think it is prolly a combination of nerves, bad pizza, jet lag, and fear. Take a deep breath and remind yourself how cool it is that you are where you are and remember how hard you have worked to be there right now! You will be fine once you scope out your new environs and start into a routine with school, etc. Why don't you check out the cathedral across from your house and remember that you are never alone no matter where you go.
aybe you can walk around your neighborhood, check everything out, maybe see where you have to go to school on Monday. The Wings won GAME #4 tonight(2-1) so could win the Cup in Detroit on Monday night. YEAH!!!! Am hoping I get to go and see it....a thrill of the lifetime! I woke up out of a sound sleep last night at 340 AM and thought maybe you were landing at about that time! Love, Mom
hey girl hey!!!
So, i am glad that you made it safe and all. It was probably a long night cleaning up the penguins puke after that hard sparty ride.
I bet your tummy is a little more upset than it should be cause of jet lag. You will be up and kicking in no time!!
Have fun and be fierce!!
Rachel
Tu es malade en France? Non non non! Je suis si desolé!
I am full of friendly envy at your incredible circumstances right now! You are going to have the time of your life and will remember this until the day you die.
And you don't know what to DO tomorrow? Darling, you are in France, perhaps the greatest exhibition of human achievement in the world. Walk out into the streets, and never stop! Take Mom's advice and visit the gorgeous cathedral across the rue, marvel at the charming cafés and houses, and all that is so particularly foreign and French. Take in your surroundings before you can only admire them on the way home from class. And have so much fun! You will do so well and make excellent memories, mon amie très cultivée et intelligente!
Mon Dieu! And you have to visit 'le Vieux Tours,' the old and impeccably preserved medieval district of the city, which I'm sure you know about. MERDE -- I wish I could be there, too! :D
You should eat a baguette, wear a black and white striped shirt, wear a beret, pencil on a little mustache, and smoke. You'll fit right in!
I need more stereotypes...
I hope you start feeling better! I hate being sick and away from home...
Who cares about a hockey game!? Isn't this blog site about this girl's experience in France?? Glad to know your going! ::heavy sarcasm::
And to rifkasas, don't drink on a plane for 8 hous while changing 5 time zones and not expect to be sick! Take a deep breath, drink some water, quit moping around feeling sorry for Yourself, and do as your friends say and enjoy your amazing surroundings! You are so lucky to be there! Most people can't aff0rd food, let alone a trip to France.
who was the last comment from?? by the way, i DO care about the wings
i love that little penguin!
matt
Post a Comment