Vacation is over, oh no! But classes seem pretty fun. Last weekend was alright, but because of some randomn wind storm, trees were blown over and my host parents suggested that I stay in. It was probably for the better. Monday night Mollys host mom bought us tickets to an algerian film, which was fun (I guess, haha). It was a cultural experience and I'm happy I went, but probably would never go again. Monday was the day we got our Schedules, also! Molly and I placed at the same level and somehow in the same group (probably because we live the same life), so we have every class together. I am really happy about that, we are also with some of our friends, Jeni and Katelyn, and have been meeting really cool people.
My schedule :
Monday- grammar (9-11)- business* (11-12:30)
Tuesday- oral expression (830-1030)- science* (11-1230)
Wednesday (Hell!!)- oral comprehension (9-1030)- civilization (1030-12)- literature (1-230)- grammar (3-5) - phonetics (5-6)
Thursday- written comprehension (830-10)- written expression (10-1130)
Friday- OFF!!!!
*Science and business are options, so we have to pick 1. We have until Tuesday to decide
Classes are going pretty well, though. I think I can already tell which class I'm going to struggle with most, which classes I'm going to love and which classes I'm going to fall asleep in =), although first impressions are not always true. Wedesdays are torture. I am happy to have most afternoons off, but I know if my professors from Oneonta are reading this they are smiling because they are not my 8:30 am profs this semester! To say the least, I am not exactly a morning person and the bus comes so early I've been waking up at like 6:30 every morning. I know, horrible! Fridays off is awesome, though and all of my profs seem really nice. As of right now, I'm still excited! I know that will wear off soon and I'll realize school is school no matter which country you are in, and start to complain about homework. Really, though, I am having a great time and I'm really happy to be here!
But I miss everyone from home like crazy! Hope you're all doing well! <3
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
This week was pretty easy, so far. We had the past three days off, which is relly nice.
Tuesday.. Molly, Katelyn, and Kate came over for dinner and we watched the inauguration and the Obama speech. It was really nice and my host family is obsessed with Obama, so they were just as excited as we were. After that, we went to an English bar called Shakespeare and had some beer to celebrate =).
On Wednesday Molly and I decided to take a little walk and we ended up finding a chateau in a park near our houses. We decided to try and find a way to break in because its a castle and who wouldn't want to break into a castle? We also figure if we get arrested in France, we still don't have a record in the U.S., so it's a great opportunity. Anyway, we climbed the fence and then realized that people might live there and it is broad daylight, so we should probably go back in an evening. We took a walk into town instead and spent more money that we don't have on more shoes and clothes that we don't need. It was pretty great.
Yesterday, we decided to be spontaneous and jump on the TGV and go to Nimes, a town close to Montpellier. Of course, because we have such great luck, the train that we wanted to take at 10:21 AM wasn't running, and the train at 12:04 that we paid for was cancelled. Luckily there was another train heading in the direction we needed and we were able to take that one without paying extra, and we got to Nimes. It is beautiful there! and so interesting because it is SO old. First we had a delicious lunch and some wine, of course! After the restaurant, went to an arena that is over 2,000 years old and still used today. We also saw other historical monuments, but we weren't allowed inside to walk around like in the arena. Nimes is really pretty and we had a good time.
Today, we decided to go back to the Odysseum. Molly, Katelyn, Kate and Taylor went bowling. We had a lot of fun, Molly was able to show off some skills, and I managed to do the worst both times. Go figure. I hope to go back there soon, maybe at night to some of the pubs or the beer making factory that Molly's host dad basically told me has the best beer in Montpellier.
Tomorrow we have to get up early to see how Roquefort cheese is made. It should be fun and hopefully we can taste-test while we are there =)
Sunday, January 18, 2009
I was definately wrong about today being relaxing. Molly's family asked me to go with them and we went to an Abbaye near the Mediterranean Sea. This church was rebuilt in 1037, so you can imagine old it is. The floor we stood on had 32 people burried underneath and the tombs that are raised have the most important people inside of them. It was fascinating to hear the information. Because the church was right next to the Med, we had to stop there! It was gorgeous, like absolutely amazing. I can not wait until it is warmer out and I can go swimming in it!
After we saw these two places, we went to L'Odysseum. They pretty much have everything there; restaurants of every ethnicity, a beer brewing station (you know I'm going back there), rock climbing, bowling, go-karting, aquarium, planitarium, movie theatre, ice-skating, clubs, pubs, and so much more..basically everything. It was really cool and Molly and I are already planning our next trip there, sometime this week. We sat down for a few minutes after that and enjoyed some popcorn. In France, they put SUGAR on their popcorn instead of salt and butter. Ha, so strange. But I had so much fun. We just got back and I'm about to sit down to another wonderful dinner =)
So, I got through the first week!
This weekend was pretty relaxing. Friday, we did not have anything planned until 4:00. We went to a museum- Le Musee Fabre, and it was pretty cool. I really liked some of the paintings and the stories behind them, but we had a guided tour and there were some peices that I would have looked at if I were on my own that we walked right past, and some that we looked at that I would have walked right past. It was nice though, I enjoyed it.
At night, Molly and I went to a brasserie and enjoyed a bottle of wine while checking out the Montpellier night life. We had a really good time.
Yesterday we went shopping and did some serious damage because our clothes just weren't French enough! We made sure to look for sales and tried to be smart about what we bought. We also had a delicious lunch at a cafe downtown that I will definately be going back to! We continued to shop and after spending every last cent that we had on us, we returned home for dinner.
I made my family try American peanut butter and then they blind folded me and said that I wouldn't be able to tell the difference. Do they know who I am? I used to eat peanut butter for 3 meals a day! So, of course I proved them wrong and was able to tell right away which one was Skippy =) I also had them try Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, which they have never seen.
After dinner Molly, Kaitlin and I went out and met some of our friends for some drinks. We had a really fun time and met some new people from other countries, which is always nice. We sat at a cafe and shared bottles of wine and some fun stories.
Today is probably just a relaxing day. For the first time since we have arrived here the weather isn't really nice. Tonight I am meeting my 30 year old 'brother' and his wife and they are staying for dinner.
Try to keep warm at home!
Miss And Love You All
This weekend was pretty relaxing. Friday, we did not have anything planned until 4:00. We went to a museum- Le Musee Fabre, and it was pretty cool. I really liked some of the paintings and the stories behind them, but we had a guided tour and there were some peices that I would have looked at if I were on my own that we walked right past, and some that we looked at that I would have walked right past. It was nice though, I enjoyed it.
At night, Molly and I went to a brasserie and enjoyed a bottle of wine while checking out the Montpellier night life. We had a really good time.
Yesterday we went shopping and did some serious damage because our clothes just weren't French enough! We made sure to look for sales and tried to be smart about what we bought. We also had a delicious lunch at a cafe downtown that I will definately be going back to! We continued to shop and after spending every last cent that we had on us, we returned home for dinner.
I made my family try American peanut butter and then they blind folded me and said that I wouldn't be able to tell the difference. Do they know who I am? I used to eat peanut butter for 3 meals a day! So, of course I proved them wrong and was able to tell right away which one was Skippy =) I also had them try Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, which they have never seen.
After dinner Molly, Kaitlin and I went out and met some of our friends for some drinks. We had a really fun time and met some new people from other countries, which is always nice. We sat at a cafe and shared bottles of wine and some fun stories.
Today is probably just a relaxing day. For the first time since we have arrived here the weather isn't really nice. Tonight I am meeting my 30 year old 'brother' and his wife and they are staying for dinner.
Try to keep warm at home!
Miss And Love You All
Thursday, January 15, 2009
So, yesterday we went on a hike to St. Guilhem after a tastey French picnic (basically a lot of cheese and bread). It was absolutely beautiful and so much fun! Of course, because I am directionally challenged, and apparently not the only one, me and the 3 people I was with got lost, but we had a great time doing it. We got to see some amazing sights and had some interesting conversations.
Today we had some boring meetings and a little introduction to French cooking classes. I will not be taking those, as most of you could probably guess. We also had a little welcome party with some delicious French desserts and some wine and champagne, of course. I really love the girls i have met, you can pretty much put us anywhere and we will have fun!
AND I had another delicious dinner. My French mom is a great cook, and some traditional january cake. So GOOD.
Below I have attatched some pictures of our hike, so you can be jealous =), and some of the girls that I know will be included in stories to come!
Today we had some boring meetings and a little introduction to French cooking classes. I will not be taking those, as most of you could probably guess. We also had a little welcome party with some delicious French desserts and some wine and champagne, of course. I really love the girls i have met, you can pretty much put us anywhere and we will have fun!
AND I had another delicious dinner. My French mom is a great cook, and some traditional january cake. So GOOD.
Below I have attatched some pictures of our hike, so you can be jealous =), and some of the girls that I know will be included in stories to come!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Hey guys,
Finally, I have fifteen minutes to myself to fill you in. You'd be surprised how busy you are in France before classes even start.
First of all, Molly and I must have had one of the worst travel experiences ever. Everything was fine until we decided that we wanted some dessert and coffee before boarding our 10 PM flight. That must be where we went wrong; Molly paid for her things with a debit card and placed it in her back pocket.. After we ate some delicious airport food, we decided to go to the bathroom before boarding the plane. Of course, Mollys debit card fell out of her back pocket and went right down the toilet. Thanks to technological advances like automatic flushers at JFK, Molly lost her only source of money. We boarded the plane and sat down, both of us pretty tired because it was 10 pm and we both waited until that day to pack so we were up early. We expected to get to Paris at 11AM France time.
Of course not- There was a problem with the thruster and the plane couldnt take off. After about an hour waiting there the thruster was ready to go, and then the plane had to be de-iced. This 20 minute process turned into another hour of sitting and waiting because the chemicals used to de-ice the plane were contaminated. Finally at midnight, we took off.
Because of the delay, we missed our 1:00 PM train to Montpellier, which would have gotten us there at 5PM. Instead, we had to sit in the airport in Paris, where they apparently do not believe in heat, with all of our luggage and wait 3 hours. At 4 PM we go to catch the next train to Montpellier, which of course was late by a half hour and we had to carry all of our luggage (2 50lb siutcases and 1 40lb carry on each) onto the train and sit. Our luggage was heavy so we just threw it on there and sat down, not in our assigned seats because we wanted to ride together. Well, we picked the wrong seats because about 10 minutes later a family came and made us move. We, then went to find our assigned seats; Molly had a man sleeping in hers and I had a guy on his laptop in mine. We found eachother and sat down together. Once again- wrong seats, a lady and her two kids came on and we had to move. Finally, we sat down and were not thrown out and rode the rest of the way together.
Okay, so its about 830 PM on Sunday Montpellier time (230 PM in NY) and we have been up since saturday morning, going on about 2 hours of sleep in the plane. Our families live very close and happen to be good friends, so luckily they came together, we met up with them and parted ways.
My family is really nice. I have a mom a dad a sixteen year old brother. At first I was really homesick and upset. I couldn't eat or sleep and i pretty much felt depressed. My family was really understanding and accommodating and helped me out so much. Anne (my mom) cooks dinner every night (a little cliche because there is cheese wine and bread with every meal, but who doesnt like alcohol and carbs?) and has breakfast and coffee waiting for me in the morning when I wake up. I also have three cats and a dog, very friendly and well-behaved. We have great conversations and I really get along with my "parents". I have my own room and share a bathroom with Maxime (my 'bro'). It is very comfortable and homey here. Anne is similar to my mom- she was very concerned when I didn't eat and did everything in her power to make me feel comfortable. Her and Jacques (french dad) did a great job because I'm doing great. I am also happy Molly lives right down the street and her family is great, too!
Aside from that, we have a week or so of orientation, which includes tests and tours. We also have some free time to do some exploring and shopping =) and of course eating at the cafes. Everyone we met in our program so far seem awesome- really nice and we mix well together. It is helpful to have them there and I hope we stay in touch or get put in the same classes!
Honestly, I really feel Molly and I made the right choice- everyone here is so sweet and I have learned more in the past few days then I could have dreamed.
Hope everyone's doing alright =)
MISS YOU ALL and I'd love to hear what you're up to!
Finally, I have fifteen minutes to myself to fill you in. You'd be surprised how busy you are in France before classes even start.
First of all, Molly and I must have had one of the worst travel experiences ever. Everything was fine until we decided that we wanted some dessert and coffee before boarding our 10 PM flight. That must be where we went wrong; Molly paid for her things with a debit card and placed it in her back pocket.. After we ate some delicious airport food, we decided to go to the bathroom before boarding the plane. Of course, Mollys debit card fell out of her back pocket and went right down the toilet. Thanks to technological advances like automatic flushers at JFK, Molly lost her only source of money. We boarded the plane and sat down, both of us pretty tired because it was 10 pm and we both waited until that day to pack so we were up early. We expected to get to Paris at 11AM France time.
Of course not- There was a problem with the thruster and the plane couldnt take off. After about an hour waiting there the thruster was ready to go, and then the plane had to be de-iced. This 20 minute process turned into another hour of sitting and waiting because the chemicals used to de-ice the plane were contaminated. Finally at midnight, we took off.
Because of the delay, we missed our 1:00 PM train to Montpellier, which would have gotten us there at 5PM. Instead, we had to sit in the airport in Paris, where they apparently do not believe in heat, with all of our luggage and wait 3 hours. At 4 PM we go to catch the next train to Montpellier, which of course was late by a half hour and we had to carry all of our luggage (2 50lb siutcases and 1 40lb carry on each) onto the train and sit. Our luggage was heavy so we just threw it on there and sat down, not in our assigned seats because we wanted to ride together. Well, we picked the wrong seats because about 10 minutes later a family came and made us move. We, then went to find our assigned seats; Molly had a man sleeping in hers and I had a guy on his laptop in mine. We found eachother and sat down together. Once again- wrong seats, a lady and her two kids came on and we had to move. Finally, we sat down and were not thrown out and rode the rest of the way together.
Okay, so its about 830 PM on Sunday Montpellier time (230 PM in NY) and we have been up since saturday morning, going on about 2 hours of sleep in the plane. Our families live very close and happen to be good friends, so luckily they came together, we met up with them and parted ways.
My family is really nice. I have a mom a dad a sixteen year old brother. At first I was really homesick and upset. I couldn't eat or sleep and i pretty much felt depressed. My family was really understanding and accommodating and helped me out so much. Anne (my mom) cooks dinner every night (a little cliche because there is cheese wine and bread with every meal, but who doesnt like alcohol and carbs?) and has breakfast and coffee waiting for me in the morning when I wake up. I also have three cats and a dog, very friendly and well-behaved. We have great conversations and I really get along with my "parents". I have my own room and share a bathroom with Maxime (my 'bro'). It is very comfortable and homey here. Anne is similar to my mom- she was very concerned when I didn't eat and did everything in her power to make me feel comfortable. Her and Jacques (french dad) did a great job because I'm doing great. I am also happy Molly lives right down the street and her family is great, too!
Aside from that, we have a week or so of orientation, which includes tests and tours. We also have some free time to do some exploring and shopping =) and of course eating at the cafes. Everyone we met in our program so far seem awesome- really nice and we mix well together. It is helpful to have them there and I hope we stay in touch or get put in the same classes!
Honestly, I really feel Molly and I made the right choice- everyone here is so sweet and I have learned more in the past few days then I could have dreamed.
Hope everyone's doing alright =)
MISS YOU ALL and I'd love to hear what you're up to!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Before I Go!
Hey guys!
I leave for France Saturday and thought I would give you all some contact information before I go! With a six hour time difference, it will be hard to talk with you as much as I would like, so I plan to update my blog and let you all know what is going on so, I hope you enjoy it.
First of all, E-mail is probably the most convenient way to communicate. My e-mail address is Lubije13@oneonta.edu. I plan on checking my e-mail daily. I also have a facebook, so feel free to use that.
I have a webcam and downloaded Skype. This application is free and it will allow us to see eachother, hear eachother, and message. If you have a webcam, this is my preferred method. My skype name is Lubije13.
My cell phone number will be (33) 679 983 115. I have free incoming calls, but international rates will apply for you, so be careful!
As most of you know, I am staying with a family, so just in case you want to send mail, the address I will be at is:
Villa 144 rue du Tourtourel
34070 MONTPELLIER
Keep in Touch!
I leave for France Saturday and thought I would give you all some contact information before I go! With a six hour time difference, it will be hard to talk with you as much as I would like, so I plan to update my blog and let you all know what is going on so, I hope you enjoy it.
First of all, E-mail is probably the most convenient way to communicate. My e-mail address is Lubije13@oneonta.edu. I plan on checking my e-mail daily. I also have a facebook, so feel free to use that.
I have a webcam and downloaded Skype. This application is free and it will allow us to see eachother, hear eachother, and message. If you have a webcam, this is my preferred method. My skype name is Lubije13.
My cell phone number will be (33) 679 983 115. I have free incoming calls, but international rates will apply for you, so be careful!
As most of you know, I am staying with a family, so just in case you want to send mail, the address I will be at is:
Villa 144 rue du Tourtourel
34070 MONTPELLIER
Keep in Touch!
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