Bonjour!
Today, I went with my host mom into Montélimar to not only visit my new high school, but to meet my fellow exchange student who is also living in/near Montélimar, as well as my third host mom. The school building itself is fairly similar to the high schools in the States, but there are still differences. The main building is broken up into three sections: A, B, and C. There are (I believe) four floors plus the main floor. So the second floor is the 100 hall, the third is 200, etc. There is also a science building and a gymnasium. I have been enrolled in course S. S is for science.
This means I will have two science courses rather than a literature and an art course. My schedule varies day to day, which will be new since every day is so uniform in the States. I think it'll be a nice change. I received 8 text books today. They aren't the huge and domineering books like back home; they are paperbacks and relatively small.... but I do have 8 of them. I have books for: Biology, Chemistry/Physics, Maths, English, Spanish, French, History, and Geography. Also I will take a PE course, but there obviously isn't a book for that. The other exchange student is very nice and I am happy I have one friend already (in the same city that is).
On the less joyful side of things, I found out earlier this morning that one of my friends who moved to Minnesota last year is in the hospital. He has a very bad flu (they think) and he went into a coma. We became very close since he moved and this was a wrecking ball. I don't know if he'll make it or not, but I do hope with my entire being that he does.
Thank you to all my exchange friends who have been supporting me through this. It really does mean a lot. I found all of this out before I went to the high school and held it together until after lunch. This afternoon was really rough, but my host parents have been more than kind and supportive about it. The other exchange students have also been very supportive and wonderful. This is my family for the year, and I couldn't be more content with the people I get to be around and open up to.
No matter what happens, I will not be going home. Since he is in Minnesota it would not help anyway. He told me before I left that I need to be strong and see this exchange through, no matter how homesick I get. I am sure that even in this situation, he would say the same thing: to stay strong and see this through. I will not be giving up on this experience because of a bump in the road (no matter how huge it may be).
Sorry if this post was a bit depressing... hopefully the next one will bear good news and an interesting story.
Au revoir!
Amelia
PS: I have my SD card reader now, so pictures will hopefully be posted later tonight or by tomorrow :) http://la-france-en-photos.tumblr.com/
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Lyon!
Bonjour!
Yesterday, my host family said goodbye to my host sister! She left for Canada and I think has arrived safely. She didn't have the gross trip that I did. Because we trekked the two hour drive up to Lyon, we stayed up there for the day. It wasn't very nice out, so we just went to this huge Catholic Church that overlooks the city. It's called "Notre-Dame de Fourvière". It was so beautiful and I took a lot of pictures. Alas, I still do not have my SD card reader so I will post them when I can! Sorry about the delay on that! The pictures really do speak more than I could describe so I guess you will have to be patient.
After the Church, we went to a HUGE mall. While there, I bought my phone for France. That was a bit of a struggle. I had to listen to and attempt to comprehend more French today than I have in the past five that I have been here. It was really intense and very tiring. But eventually, I selected a phone and I can call or text anyone in France all I want (because it's unlimited...yay). That literally took 3 hours.
In between the phone hunting, we had lunch at this sandwich shop in the mall. There had been a few of these shops scattered around with ads for their "L'americain" sandwich. Once again, pictures will be posted when I can do that. But I obviously noticed these ads and the sandwich surprised me, but at the same time did not. It was ground beef, lettuce, ketchup and.... fries (?) on a baguette. I could not stop laughing once I realized what it had on it. I explained to my host mom that we don't put our fries ON our burgers in the US. She seemed surprised, because apparently all "American" sandwiches have fries on them. It was hilarious though. I probably laughed for a solid minute about it and intermittently for the rest of the day. It has become apparent that the USA is no more than burgers and fries. ;)
After we sorted out my cell phone issues, we roamed the mall and my host parents looked for things. This is when I really bonded with my other siblings. They hadn't really talked to me until today. I don't understand all of what they say (because they don't slow down when they speak) so I make them repeat everything like 3 times. It probably gets annoying, but hey, it works. I'm going to watch "Raiponce" ("Tangled") with my little sister tomorrow and it's going to be awesome :)
Also one thing I've noticed: French women are always extremely put together. They always have enough accessories. Like they perfectly balance rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings and everything with what they're wearing. I must learn this art. Soon. I'm already going to stick out because everyone I've met so far is super tan and I'm whiter than cream cheese (as my best friend back home would say). Oh well, it will all work itself out... I hope.
Until next time! Au revoir!
Amelia
Yesterday, my host family said goodbye to my host sister! She left for Canada and I think has arrived safely. She didn't have the gross trip that I did. Because we trekked the two hour drive up to Lyon, we stayed up there for the day. It wasn't very nice out, so we just went to this huge Catholic Church that overlooks the city. It's called "Notre-Dame de Fourvière". It was so beautiful and I took a lot of pictures. Alas, I still do not have my SD card reader so I will post them when I can! Sorry about the delay on that! The pictures really do speak more than I could describe so I guess you will have to be patient.
After the Church, we went to a HUGE mall. While there, I bought my phone for France. That was a bit of a struggle. I had to listen to and attempt to comprehend more French today than I have in the past five that I have been here. It was really intense and very tiring. But eventually, I selected a phone and I can call or text anyone in France all I want (because it's unlimited...yay). That literally took 3 hours.
In between the phone hunting, we had lunch at this sandwich shop in the mall. There had been a few of these shops scattered around with ads for their "L'americain" sandwich. Once again, pictures will be posted when I can do that. But I obviously noticed these ads and the sandwich surprised me, but at the same time did not. It was ground beef, lettuce, ketchup and.... fries (?) on a baguette. I could not stop laughing once I realized what it had on it. I explained to my host mom that we don't put our fries ON our burgers in the US. She seemed surprised, because apparently all "American" sandwiches have fries on them. It was hilarious though. I probably laughed for a solid minute about it and intermittently for the rest of the day. It has become apparent that the USA is no more than burgers and fries. ;)
After we sorted out my cell phone issues, we roamed the mall and my host parents looked for things. This is when I really bonded with my other siblings. They hadn't really talked to me until today. I don't understand all of what they say (because they don't slow down when they speak) so I make them repeat everything like 3 times. It probably gets annoying, but hey, it works. I'm going to watch "Raiponce" ("Tangled") with my little sister tomorrow and it's going to be awesome :)
Also one thing I've noticed: French women are always extremely put together. They always have enough accessories. Like they perfectly balance rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings and everything with what they're wearing. I must learn this art. Soon. I'm already going to stick out because everyone I've met so far is super tan and I'm whiter than cream cheese (as my best friend back home would say). Oh well, it will all work itself out... I hope.
Until next time! Au revoir!
Amelia
Sunday, August 25, 2013
The Party and the Unexpected Friends
Bonjour!
I have been here for days now and I have yet to see Montélimar! I have been living just outside of it and will hopefully visit very soon. The first few days were relatively uneventful as I have slept a lot more than I was expecting. But hey, staying up 30 hours straight will do that to a person. My sleep schedule has been really strange. The first two nights, I consistently slept from 1am - 4am and then 5am - 10am. That was thrown off last night though.
My host family took me to a party celebrating one of their friend's 50th birthday. There were two other people who had recently turned 50, so it was turned into a huge gathering. When we first arrived I was very nervous and hoped that I would be able to talk to someone without being a bumbling idiot. I awkwardly followed my host sister through the crowd and came across a British family. Now I hadn't heard consistent English in over 48 hours, so I was quite relieved. I love learning French and hearing it, but it can be a lot to handle! I have been so tired from all the concentration, and meeting these people was relaxing in a way. They were a family of five that was very nice and quite funny.
At this party, there was a folk duo that was playing and teaching everyone group dances. They were so much fun and I cannot remember the last time I was so happy in one night. Everyone was laughing and the music was wonderful. Many of the French guests there spoke English, but I still attempted to respond in French when I could. The entire night was so wonderful. My host father brought my mandolin from the house and they must have told who they were sitting around, because I was eventually being called over to perform.
Mind you, I have never performed in front of a group like that, but it was alright. Except for the part where I forgot the words two verses in (I blame the fact that my English is rusty)..... I just sat there awkwardly hoping they would return to me and that no one would laugh at me for being so incompetent. No one did laugh though, and when I eventually remembered and continued, the violinist in the folk duo improvised along to the song. It was a truly wonderful experience.
After dinner, cake, and more dancing, 3/5 of the British family and I jammed a bit. And by jammed I mean we played one song that had 3 guitar chords and a piano part. So naturally, it was very upbeat and fun. The folk duo joined in on that two and improvised along the way. They were a very talented pair and the party was lucky to have them. I hope to stay in touch with the family and maybe see them in England when I go to visit my grandfather.
This exchange has already been quite the experience and I'm only 4 days in! I have met so many wonderful people, talked with (but sadly have yet to meet) so many exchange students, and have already made memories that I hope will last a lifetime. With that I must once again thank Tacoma Narrows Rotary for this opportunity, and also Rotary Montélimar for having me!
Au revoir!
Amelia
Thursday, August 22, 2013
I'm here!
Bonjour!
I have officially made it to France, but not without some bumps in the road. My mother and I left on time, arrived at the airport, my bag was under the weight limit, I had no trouble going through security and then.....DELAYED. For two hours. Because of this, my second flight left Amsterdam before my first flight even landed. I had to get assigned a completely new itinerary. Rather than fly direct to Lyon from Amsterdam, I flew through Paris with an hour layover. I was on standby until 15 minutes before boarding. It was fine, except for the pay-phones in Paris. They hate me. I tried to call my host family to tell them the situation. I even rehearsed the French on the plane for when I arrived on French soil. Alas, I never used my planned sentences.
When I finally arrived in Lyon, I made my way to the baggage claim, hopeful (stupidly hopeful) that they had successfully transferred my luggage. No, it will be in Lyon in about half an hour from now and will be delivered to my host family's house on... Saturday .-. Not only did I arrive 6 hours after I was originally supposed to, but filing the claim for an un-transferred bag took an extra half hour. I felt so terrible! But that all went away when I actually met them. They are amazing and nice and wonderful and everything positive...ever.
I had my first French meal today. It was different from what I expected. It started off with a tomato and avocado salad. Then zucchini au gratin that was LITERAL perfection. And then there was cheese and plums. It was wondrous. All of it.
I'm now off to wander my new village/town/city! Until I have more news or post a vlog or pictures, au revoir!
Amelia
I have officially made it to France, but not without some bumps in the road. My mother and I left on time, arrived at the airport, my bag was under the weight limit, I had no trouble going through security and then.....DELAYED. For two hours. Because of this, my second flight left Amsterdam before my first flight even landed. I had to get assigned a completely new itinerary. Rather than fly direct to Lyon from Amsterdam, I flew through Paris with an hour layover. I was on standby until 15 minutes before boarding. It was fine, except for the pay-phones in Paris. They hate me. I tried to call my host family to tell them the situation. I even rehearsed the French on the plane for when I arrived on French soil. Alas, I never used my planned sentences.
When I finally arrived in Lyon, I made my way to the baggage claim, hopeful (stupidly hopeful) that they had successfully transferred my luggage. No, it will be in Lyon in about half an hour from now and will be delivered to my host family's house on... Saturday .-. Not only did I arrive 6 hours after I was originally supposed to, but filing the claim for an un-transferred bag took an extra half hour. I felt so terrible! But that all went away when I actually met them. They are amazing and nice and wonderful and everything positive...ever.
I had my first French meal today. It was different from what I expected. It started off with a tomato and avocado salad. Then zucchini au gratin that was LITERAL perfection. And then there was cheese and plums. It was wondrous. All of it.
I'm now off to wander my new village/town/city! Until I have more news or post a vlog or pictures, au revoir!
Amelia
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Final day in the United States!
Bonjour!
Today was my last full day in the United States! I started it off with my last Tacoma Narrows Rotary meeting (at least for a year) in the morning. They have truly become another family. I am so thankful for this opportunity they have given me and hope to repay them somehow. After the meeting, I went home and attempted to repack my suitcase (which I initially packed yesterday). About an hour later, I went with my YEO to pick up the German girl that would be taking my place in Tacoma. I met her first host family and they are AMAZING! She is very lucky to have them! We met a few other groups who were there to pick up students, including a woman who was picking up the girl from my host district! Sadly, I did not get to meet her, but I am sure I will eventually.
After about three hours, our student came up the escalator! She is so sweet and we exchanged our pins first thing. Hers are adorable! They were bottle caps and corks painted with red, yellow, and black stripes with red, yellow, and black braided yarn for hair. I love them so much. They are my first real pins from a foreign student! I gave her a district pin and one of my USA ribbon pins. Then the group gathered for various pictures. We also exchanged chocolate. We traded Hershey's for Kinder....I personally think I got the better end of that deal ;)
After returning from the airport, I repacked and had to sacrifice a few items in order to get under 50 pounds. Packing is annoying. It's not that I don't like the idea of leaving, because trust me I LOVE that, but I hate having to play real life Tetris over and over again. Oh well, it got done eventually. I only have one large bag, my mandolin, and a small briefcase-type bag! I feel like that's a major accomplishment. Of course I have a collapsible duffle bag in my suitcase for the return, but at this point I have 3 bags to take care of (well 2 and an instrument).
Tonight my mother is preparing one of my favorite meals. It's French, but I don't see a problem there ;)
After dinner, I have plans to skype with a few of my friends (some exchange students, some not) and will probably not sleep very much. Big day ahead! Hopefully all goes smoothly and I can arrive on time in Lyon to meet my first of three wonderful host families!
Until I have arrived, au revoir!
Amelia
P.S. I will have a blog for all my photos on tumblr. The url is: la-france-en-photos.tumblr.com
but there will not be any uploads for a few days! (Also, you do not need a tumblr account to view it!)
Today was my last full day in the United States! I started it off with my last Tacoma Narrows Rotary meeting (at least for a year) in the morning. They have truly become another family. I am so thankful for this opportunity they have given me and hope to repay them somehow. After the meeting, I went home and attempted to repack my suitcase (which I initially packed yesterday). About an hour later, I went with my YEO to pick up the German girl that would be taking my place in Tacoma. I met her first host family and they are AMAZING! She is very lucky to have them! We met a few other groups who were there to pick up students, including a woman who was picking up the girl from my host district! Sadly, I did not get to meet her, but I am sure I will eventually.
After about three hours, our student came up the escalator! She is so sweet and we exchanged our pins first thing. Hers are adorable! They were bottle caps and corks painted with red, yellow, and black stripes with red, yellow, and black braided yarn for hair. I love them so much. They are my first real pins from a foreign student! I gave her a district pin and one of my USA ribbon pins. Then the group gathered for various pictures. We also exchanged chocolate. We traded Hershey's for Kinder....I personally think I got the better end of that deal ;)
After returning from the airport, I repacked and had to sacrifice a few items in order to get under 50 pounds. Packing is annoying. It's not that I don't like the idea of leaving, because trust me I LOVE that, but I hate having to play real life Tetris over and over again. Oh well, it got done eventually. I only have one large bag, my mandolin, and a small briefcase-type bag! I feel like that's a major accomplishment. Of course I have a collapsible duffle bag in my suitcase for the return, but at this point I have 3 bags to take care of (well 2 and an instrument).
Tonight my mother is preparing one of my favorite meals. It's French, but I don't see a problem there ;)
After dinner, I have plans to skype with a few of my friends (some exchange students, some not) and will probably not sleep very much. Big day ahead! Hopefully all goes smoothly and I can arrive on time in Lyon to meet my first of three wonderful host families!
Until I have arrived, au revoir!
Amelia
P.S. I will have a blog for all my photos on tumblr. The url is: la-france-en-photos.tumblr.com
but there will not be any uploads for a few days! (Also, you do not need a tumblr account to view it!)
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Another person in Montélimar!!
Bonjour!
I have recently found out that there will be another exchange student in Montélimar! He is Brazilian and seems awesome so far! We will be in the same grade at Lycée Alain Borne (the local high school) and I hope we have classes together. Lord knows I'm going to need a friend.... and preferably one with the same struggles. My first host family will be his second family and his first family will be my third family. I know, it's a little confusing. I still don't know my second family though, which is a shame. My third host family is now in "official contact" with me (even though I already talked to their daughters) and is wonderful! They seem different from my first family, but my parents will still be teachers, so not too different. I probably won't have siblings in my third family except maybe their 20(ish) year old daughter, but change is good.
In other news, I skyped with my host sister today! It is too bad that she leaves for Canada only a week after I arrive, but we have already made plans to go see the Percy Jackson movie! It was initially really weird, because we both just kind of sat there smiling like idiots. Oh well, we started talking eventually. We were speaking both french and english, but she spoke english and I spoke french. It was interesting... but it was pretty fun! I have also skyped a few of the other 1780 students. They are all so nice and awesome and cool and everything. I love every one of them so far. I know I've said that a lot, but it's the truth. I cannot believe I've had the opportunity to get to know these people already! This adventure is turning out to be more than I bargained for, but I'm not complaining at all!
Only 11 days! Au revoir!
Amelia
I have recently found out that there will be another exchange student in Montélimar! He is Brazilian and seems awesome so far! We will be in the same grade at Lycée Alain Borne (the local high school) and I hope we have classes together. Lord knows I'm going to need a friend.... and preferably one with the same struggles. My first host family will be his second family and his first family will be my third family. I know, it's a little confusing. I still don't know my second family though, which is a shame. My third host family is now in "official contact" with me (even though I already talked to their daughters) and is wonderful! They seem different from my first family, but my parents will still be teachers, so not too different. I probably won't have siblings in my third family except maybe their 20(ish) year old daughter, but change is good.
In other news, I skyped with my host sister today! It is too bad that she leaves for Canada only a week after I arrive, but we have already made plans to go see the Percy Jackson movie! It was initially really weird, because we both just kind of sat there smiling like idiots. Oh well, we started talking eventually. We were speaking both french and english, but she spoke english and I spoke french. It was interesting... but it was pretty fun! I have also skyped a few of the other 1780 students. They are all so nice and awesome and cool and everything. I love every one of them so far. I know I've said that a lot, but it's the truth. I cannot believe I've had the opportunity to get to know these people already! This adventure is turning out to be more than I bargained for, but I'm not complaining at all!
Only 11 days! Au revoir!
Amelia
Monday, August 5, 2013
Ticket!
Bonjour!
As of today, I am officially ticketed and ready for France! I only have two legs of the trip, one 10 hour long and the other just under 2 hours long. I have already planned out my carry ons (because I'm bringing my mandolin on with me and have to prep for that!) and will hopefully not run into any snags there. My mandolin will count as my carry on luggage (and is exactly 45 inches in dimensions thankfully). I mean I hate to bore you with talking about luggage, but I love my luggage. It's literally perfection (at least for me). I don't have the best seat for the long flight, but hopefully I can snatch one that opens up. I'll be checking every single day for a better seat! Also, you never know, I may be upgraded like my dear friend who is in Finland. Bumped up to business class for free -- I WISH THAT WOULD HAPPEN TO ME TOO.
Only 16 days left! Au revoir!
Amelia
As of today, I am officially ticketed and ready for France! I only have two legs of the trip, one 10 hour long and the other just under 2 hours long. I have already planned out my carry ons (because I'm bringing my mandolin on with me and have to prep for that!) and will hopefully not run into any snags there. My mandolin will count as my carry on luggage (and is exactly 45 inches in dimensions thankfully). I mean I hate to bore you with talking about luggage, but I love my luggage. It's literally perfection (at least for me). I don't have the best seat for the long flight, but hopefully I can snatch one that opens up. I'll be checking every single day for a better seat! Also, you never know, I may be upgraded like my dear friend who is in Finland. Bumped up to business class for free -- I WISH THAT WOULD HAPPEN TO ME TOO.
Only 16 days left! Au revoir!
Amelia
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Fellow RYE Students
Bonjour!
So there are some things I'd like to share with you about my fellow RYE students from home and around the world. First off, PEOPLE ARE LEAVING ALREADY AND THAT ISN'T FAIR. I'm getting to the point where I'd rather just be there and not deal with all this anticipation. Everyone from 5020 who is already in their host country appears to be having a wonderful experience so far, so congrats to them! We've all been really supportive of each other and have sort of realized that the people who are also going through this are going to be the ones who listen the most. I mean of course your family will care but they won't understand why they care. Before I get too philosophical and deep about this. I'll stop myself.
I've been talking to a few people who will also be going to 1780! They are some of the nicest people I've talked to and I cannot wait to meet them. One that I've talked to is from Canada and she and I are so similar in so many respects. I love finding these friends and just instantly understanding each other (and yes that was extremely corny, I know). We have the same taste in music are both super excited (and super scared/nervous of course), but it's the perfect amount of similarity. Another person going to 1780 (who I just started taking to today) is from Brazil. He seems super cool and is obviously very nice, because all Rotary students are. I don't know what it is, we just all seem to be compatible I guess. Not in the whole eHarmony or Match.com way, but as friends. Not just friends, actually, instant friends. It's awesome.
I'll just leave you with that! Oh and only 17 days until I leave!
Au revoir!
Amelia
So there are some things I'd like to share with you about my fellow RYE students from home and around the world. First off, PEOPLE ARE LEAVING ALREADY AND THAT ISN'T FAIR. I'm getting to the point where I'd rather just be there and not deal with all this anticipation. Everyone from 5020 who is already in their host country appears to be having a wonderful experience so far, so congrats to them! We've all been really supportive of each other and have sort of realized that the people who are also going through this are going to be the ones who listen the most. I mean of course your family will care but they won't understand why they care. Before I get too philosophical and deep about this. I'll stop myself.
I've been talking to a few people who will also be going to 1780! They are some of the nicest people I've talked to and I cannot wait to meet them. One that I've talked to is from Canada and she and I are so similar in so many respects. I love finding these friends and just instantly understanding each other (and yes that was extremely corny, I know). We have the same taste in music are both super excited (and super scared/nervous of course), but it's the perfect amount of similarity. Another person going to 1780 (who I just started taking to today) is from Brazil. He seems super cool and is obviously very nice, because all Rotary students are. I don't know what it is, we just all seem to be compatible I guess. Not in the whole eHarmony or Match.com way, but as friends. Not just friends, actually, instant friends. It's awesome.
I'll just leave you with that! Oh and only 17 days until I leave!
Au revoir!
Amelia
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