Bonjour!
Last weekend was amazing. Words cannot completely describe it, but I'll try my best. Sorry this post is late, but I've been sick and I wanted my writing to be as positive as possible! First off, I didn't go with my host family, I went with my third host family. I spent the night with them on Friday and we left on Saturday around 2 pm. The car ride was long and uncomfortably warm. I was also coughing, which didn't help my mood.
When we finally arrived, I did a 180. As soon as I stepped out of the car and put on my blazer I was overcome with emotions. All happy, of course. I couldn't wait to find everyone and get some HUGS. First, we checked in and I got my room number. (By the way I had the best roomie ever). As I was walking up the hill to the room, I saw them. My perfect exchange family was taking a picture. I basically dropped all my things and ran. Everyone was telling me to hurry, but there was no American flag, so I had to run back to everything I dropped and grabbed mine. After the picture, I got a few very important hugs. The first one was from my best Brazilian friend and the second was from my best Canadian friend. They both live on the opposite side of the district, but I finally got to meet them. Now, my Canadian friend basically tackled me. She warned me that it would happen, but that didn't mean I was prepared.
Eventually, we all made our way down to the information session. It was long, and I'll admit it- a little boring. I just wanted to talk to people! When it finally finished, we all went outside and met each other. There were so many wonderful people, including a hilarious Aussie. No wait, make that two hilarious Aussies. We also met the Rotex, who are all super nice. We then went to dinner and I sat with a hilarious group. We literally laughed the entire time. After dinner we had a dance party. Everyone ended up getting all gross and sweaty, but no one cared. Also, I'm just going to say, that all the South Americans can dance and I can't and that was kind of annoying. They were all like perfect without trying. But anyway, it was a lot of fun, and it was really easy to find your place, because your place was anywhere.
When the music stopped, people pulled out guitars and we continued outside. I took out my mandolin and finally sang with my Brazilian best friend! We had skyped so much before, but it was way better in person. A few people went to sleep relatively early, but most of us were scattered in groups talking. I ended up in a wonderful group of people. I talked with two of the Rotex guys, the two Canadians, the only Finnish girl, a couple Brazilians, an Aussie, and a few others who were inconsistently present. We talked until past three in the morning. I finally went to sleep around 4:30 am.
I woke up the same day at 7:30 am. I sat with a nice group for breakfast. Everyone was seriously so awesome and I honestly miss them so much. After breakfast, we waited for a bus that would take us to where we were going to hike down to Lake Annecy and then eat. The bus was near 3 hours late I think, but we got to stand around and talk more. I got to know so many people in such a short amount of time. On the ride to the lunch spot (we weren't going to hike anymore), I was bus sick because the universe does that. Thankfully, the Aussie I was sitting next to let me borrow his shoulder. People are wonderful, aren't they?
When we finally got to the lunch spot, everyone talked more and took more pictures, and it was just perfect. Words cannot describe it. After lunch, we took the bus down to the Lake. I sat next to one of the Rotex, and once again, borrowed a shoulder. I hate busses, and yet every trip is one a bus. Yikes. Our arrival at the Lake did not go unnoticed. We were all wearing flags and being super foreign. The thing is, we didn't care. We were all finally together. We hardly noticed the beautiful landscape surrounding us because we were to busy talking, talking, and talking some more.
I could not have asked for a better group of people. Everyone was so nice and no one was out of place. I wish I could relive the weekend, but I can't and that sucks. I just want to be with my new family. I feel like I'm in a box now. As soon as we all realized that we were a family, we got ripped away from each other mid-hug. It has been really difficult to not be around everyone. Nevertheless, I get to see them in a week! I can't wait for October 6th! Au revoir!
Amelia
Friday, September 27, 2013
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Thursday
Bonjour!
Today, I was sick. I do not like being sick, nor do I wish to continue being sick. It's your everyday cold, but I would really appreciate it if it LEFT. Mostly because I have orientation this weekend! YAY. Tomorrow, I will stay with my third host family for the night and will drive with them and the Brazilian to the conference, which is a two and a half hour trip by car. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone and hope they're all even better in person than they are over the internet! I'm sure they will be, but you never know :P
At school, I had history, English, SVT, French, and... NOT SPANISH.
In history, we're studying economics. I think. I'm pretty sure at this point, but I could still be wrong. I actually attempted to fully understand the teacher today. He talks very quickly, so I couldn't keep up the whole time, but I did understand most of it. Sadly, I can't remember what he said, I only know that I understood it at the time. It has been like that for most of my classes. I understand, but I don't remember.
In English, the teacher gave us an article. We have been learning about.... GAP YEARS. How funny. I wonder what people do for gap years. Oh! They can work, volunteer, and go on a foreign exchange. That sounds really cool, maybe I should--- oh wait. Anyway, she gave us an article to read (in English, obviously). As part of her lessons, students go up in front of the class and present what the class learned last time. Plot twist: I'm going to do one... in French. Now, it's only a few sentences, but it's not as easy as it sounds. It's a year 5 or 6 English class, so my French is not at the level their English is at. Also, I have to translate everything I would like to say. Usually, students can pull words from the article and save their butts if they need to. I, however, cannot. This will be interesting, but I think I can make it happen... sort of.
In SVT, the teacher gives me the notes beforehand so I can just listen. Today, she said (in French, of course) "Since you have the answers I'd like you to read them to the class." I'm sorry... WHAT? You want me to read biological words that I've never said? Out loud? To this class of people who I don't really know very well? Alright. It went better than I thought it would, but I felt really American and I struggled with a few words. I really did appreciate it though. My teachers want me to learn, and if it can't be the subject they teach, it might as well be the language they teach it in. Also, no one laughed... which was surprising. I would have been okay with it if they did. I mean I was awkwardly laughing at myself, so I wouldn't have cared.
In French, I didn't follow the lesson, but I didn't fall asleep, so that was nice. I think we're supposed to write paragraphs on something...? I'm really not sure. My French teacher speaks very (VERY VERY VERY) fast. Oh well, I can't understand the literature anyway.
My NOT SPANISH went very well today. I waited for the bus for an hour and a half. Now, normally I just take a break by listening to music. However, today I took a break by talking with the Brazilian. We get along very well and we both have similar, if not the same, struggles. It's comforting to know that other people are going through it.
I probably won't be posting again until Monday (after orientation), so until then, au revoir!
Amelia
Today, I was sick. I do not like being sick, nor do I wish to continue being sick. It's your everyday cold, but I would really appreciate it if it LEFT. Mostly because I have orientation this weekend! YAY. Tomorrow, I will stay with my third host family for the night and will drive with them and the Brazilian to the conference, which is a two and a half hour trip by car. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone and hope they're all even better in person than they are over the internet! I'm sure they will be, but you never know :P
At school, I had history, English, SVT, French, and... NOT SPANISH.
In history, we're studying economics. I think. I'm pretty sure at this point, but I could still be wrong. I actually attempted to fully understand the teacher today. He talks very quickly, so I couldn't keep up the whole time, but I did understand most of it. Sadly, I can't remember what he said, I only know that I understood it at the time. It has been like that for most of my classes. I understand, but I don't remember.
In English, the teacher gave us an article. We have been learning about.... GAP YEARS. How funny. I wonder what people do for gap years. Oh! They can work, volunteer, and go on a foreign exchange. That sounds really cool, maybe I should--- oh wait. Anyway, she gave us an article to read (in English, obviously). As part of her lessons, students go up in front of the class and present what the class learned last time. Plot twist: I'm going to do one... in French. Now, it's only a few sentences, but it's not as easy as it sounds. It's a year 5 or 6 English class, so my French is not at the level their English is at. Also, I have to translate everything I would like to say. Usually, students can pull words from the article and save their butts if they need to. I, however, cannot. This will be interesting, but I think I can make it happen... sort of.
In SVT, the teacher gives me the notes beforehand so I can just listen. Today, she said (in French, of course) "Since you have the answers I'd like you to read them to the class." I'm sorry... WHAT? You want me to read biological words that I've never said? Out loud? To this class of people who I don't really know very well? Alright. It went better than I thought it would, but I felt really American and I struggled with a few words. I really did appreciate it though. My teachers want me to learn, and if it can't be the subject they teach, it might as well be the language they teach it in. Also, no one laughed... which was surprising. I would have been okay with it if they did. I mean I was awkwardly laughing at myself, so I wouldn't have cared.
In French, I didn't follow the lesson, but I didn't fall asleep, so that was nice. I think we're supposed to write paragraphs on something...? I'm really not sure. My French teacher speaks very (VERY VERY VERY) fast. Oh well, I can't understand the literature anyway.
My NOT SPANISH went very well today. I waited for the bus for an hour and a half. Now, normally I just take a break by listening to music. However, today I took a break by talking with the Brazilian. We get along very well and we both have similar, if not the same, struggles. It's comforting to know that other people are going through it.
I probably won't be posting again until Monday (after orientation), so until then, au revoir!
Amelia
Wednesday
Bonjour,
Once again, I will inform you that I was busy, so I couldn't write this when I wanted to. Pretend the date above is Wednesday, September 18th, 2013 :)
Today, like all other Wednesdays, was my shortest day of school at only 4 hours, but it always feels like the longest. I began with math. Now, I understand it when she writes on the board, but as soon as she stops writing and just speaks, I can't follow. It's difficult when you don't know the math terms. Once again, I will say that cognates save my life. Every. Single. Day. I think math is the easiest class for me at this point (and I don't count English because I don't actually learn English in the class). The teacher doesn't talk too quickly. Not to say that she doesn't speak fast, because she does, she's just one of the slower speaking teachers.
After math, I had two hours of French. I was so tired that I fell asleep. Not deeply, but I was half asleep for the entire class. It's very difficult to concentrate when you're that tired. Especially when the teacher is explaining something you didn't understand in the first place in a language you don't fully understand. Her speech turned into white noise for me. Not because she was boring. I actually don't know if she was boring or not... But sometimes I struggle with not tuning out all the French.
The fact that I can't understand the language yet frustrates me so much. It's not that I miss home or English. I miss being able to communicate with people. It's so hard to remember everything and at this point I'm not sure how to continue a conversation. This is definitely a new experience for me, as I talk a lot back home and love meeting people. I wish it was easier to express what I want to say in the manner that I want to say it in, but it isn't. I'm becoming more confident with my French, but it has been rough.
Au revoir!
Amelia
Once again, I will inform you that I was busy, so I couldn't write this when I wanted to. Pretend the date above is Wednesday, September 18th, 2013 :)
Today, like all other Wednesdays, was my shortest day of school at only 4 hours, but it always feels like the longest. I began with math. Now, I understand it when she writes on the board, but as soon as she stops writing and just speaks, I can't follow. It's difficult when you don't know the math terms. Once again, I will say that cognates save my life. Every. Single. Day. I think math is the easiest class for me at this point (and I don't count English because I don't actually learn English in the class). The teacher doesn't talk too quickly. Not to say that she doesn't speak fast, because she does, she's just one of the slower speaking teachers.
After math, I had two hours of French. I was so tired that I fell asleep. Not deeply, but I was half asleep for the entire class. It's very difficult to concentrate when you're that tired. Especially when the teacher is explaining something you didn't understand in the first place in a language you don't fully understand. Her speech turned into white noise for me. Not because she was boring. I actually don't know if she was boring or not... But sometimes I struggle with not tuning out all the French.
The fact that I can't understand the language yet frustrates me so much. It's not that I miss home or English. I miss being able to communicate with people. It's so hard to remember everything and at this point I'm not sure how to continue a conversation. This is definitely a new experience for me, as I talk a lot back home and love meeting people. I wish it was easier to express what I want to say in the manner that I want to say it in, but it isn't. I'm becoming more confident with my French, but it has been rough.
Au revoir!
Amelia
Tuesday
Bonjour!
I'm going to do three blog posts in one day because I've been really busy, so just pretend that the date above this is Tuesday, September 17, 2013 :)
I began my day as I begin most: annoyed and racing to shut off my alarm at 6 am. But that's not important. On Tuesday, I had my dreaded double double-hour science schedule. First SVT for two hours and then Physique-Chimie for two hours. Surprisingly enough, I enjoyed these four hours. My science teachers are wonderful. In SVT, we did experiments with vision and the eye. No dissecting of baby cow eye this week, but it was still interesting. In Physique-Chimie I pretended to understand what I was doing, when in reality, I have no idea. I had a nice conversation about 'MURICA with the teacher. Which was nice. All my teachers seem to understand that I CAN'T PROPERLY FUNCTION YET.
Later on Tuesday I had English class. Now, my English teacher is wonderful. She has offered to take time out of her life to make French lessons for me. She is one of the kindest people I have met here. Also, she asked if she could keep me and I said sure... Sorry Mom and Dad <3 But today, she used me as the internet, because I can pronounce words on the spot.
Done with Tuesday... au revoir!
Amelia
I'm going to do three blog posts in one day because I've been really busy, so just pretend that the date above this is Tuesday, September 17, 2013 :)
I began my day as I begin most: annoyed and racing to shut off my alarm at 6 am. But that's not important. On Tuesday, I had my dreaded double double-hour science schedule. First SVT for two hours and then Physique-Chimie for two hours. Surprisingly enough, I enjoyed these four hours. My science teachers are wonderful. In SVT, we did experiments with vision and the eye. No dissecting of baby cow eye this week, but it was still interesting. In Physique-Chimie I pretended to understand what I was doing, when in reality, I have no idea. I had a nice conversation about 'MURICA with the teacher. Which was nice. All my teachers seem to understand that I CAN'T PROPERLY FUNCTION YET.
Later on Tuesday I had English class. Now, my English teacher is wonderful. She has offered to take time out of her life to make French lessons for me. She is one of the kindest people I have met here. Also, she asked if she could keep me and I said sure... Sorry Mom and Dad <3 But today, she used me as the internet, because I can pronounce words on the spot.
Done with Tuesday... au revoir!
Amelia
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Full Weekend.
Bonjour!
Yesterday, my host mom took me and my siblings to two event things. In the morning, we went to "la maison de la tour" in Valaurie for an art/music expo. We walked around this house, following a woman who would sing and play instruments while we looked at the art installations. The music was not something I could really categorize. It was a mix between swing, folk, opera, and jazz. I'm not really sure. It sounded really interesting and she was very talented. It opened with this- well I'm actually not sure at all what it was. It was like an upright flute thing and that's about as success that I can be at describing it. She then took us into another room where she sang while pushing rocks around, then sang and played guitar, and then she sang to these maracas. We then went into the next room where she sang while playing water goblets. That was so awesome. I have no idea how she did all of it. She then led us with a piece on the trombone into the garden down the road. There, she did another piece with small rocks and was finished.
In the evening, we went to a circus-type act. It was a duo who hoisted each other around, showing off their insane strength and balance. There had a storyline woven in, but I couldn't really follow, as they spoke very quickly (oh theater). It was all very classically circus. The man lifted the woman onto his shoulders and did most of the bulk work. However, at the end, the woman held up the man on her shoulders and her back. It was crazy! This man was so much bigger than her and she could hold his weight on herself. Needless to say, it was a nice plot twist at the end.
Today, we went to visit the Chateau in Grignan again, but today we got to go inside. There's a weekend in France (this weekend), where all the private castles and gardens are open to the public. At least I think that's what my host mom said... I could be wrong. It was inside this Chateau that I admitted to being obsessed with photographing every single chandelier. Every. Single. Chandelier. They're just so pretty and intricate and beautiful and photogenic. I love them. I don't care how weird that sounds. Also fireplaces. Fireplaces are really cool. Don't judge me. I can feel you judging me, so stop it.
After Grignan, we went to Le musée de la soie. Now I had no idea what a "soie" was when I agreed to go to this museum. It's a silkworm and the museum was really cool. The first portion was about the life cycle of silkworms and how the silk thread is retrieved. The second part was about the industrialization of the silk manufacturing. It was really interesting to see yet another thing that I didn't know this region is famous for. I assumed that it was just wine, but it's much more than that. So far I've seen lavender, crickets, and now silk. There really is more to this place than I thought.
Update on school: I DON'T HAVE SPANISH CLASS ANYMORE AND THAT MAKES ME REALLY HAPPY. My host mom talked to the principal about it and we have found an alternative! Rather than Spanish, I will be taking a literature course (in English). It is taught by my English teacher (who is amazing, by the way) and I start it tomorrow! Hopefully, if this class is rigorous enough, I can convince my school counselor to accept it as credit when I return... But I doubt she will.
Update on life: I talked with my (real) family that lives in Montpellier! I was so nervous at first for French over the phone, but I actually understood it very well! Just as long as they speak clearly (and preferably slowly) then I can understand. It was a pretty big step in me realizing my improvement. Lately I've felt as though I understand less every day, but now I realize that is not the case at all. I need to be more positive about my language skills and acknowledge that I am getting better each day. Back to my family. I might get to spend a week with them in October! My host parents are going on a hiking trip (?) and are dropping their kids with my host mother's mother, so I have to go somewhere. Hopefully, Rotary will approve this and I can finally travel a bit! My family has also expressed interest in coming up from Montpellier to visit Montélimar for a day, which I hope will happen soon!
Update on Rotary (I guess): Next weekend is Inbound Orientation! I finally get to meet all the other exchange students in person! I am going to stay with my third host mother on Friday night and she will take me and the Brazilian in my city to the event near Annecy, a mere 2 and a half hour drive (.... not mere). The only event that I'm sure will take place is this talent show thing they're having. Now, I brought my mandolin and one of my friends and I are going to hopefully sing a song and hopefully not be completely awful... Just kidding, we won't be. I hope.
Well that's all for now! I know, I know, my posts are way too short ;) Au revoir!
Amelia
Yesterday, my host mom took me and my siblings to two event things. In the morning, we went to "la maison de la tour" in Valaurie for an art/music expo. We walked around this house, following a woman who would sing and play instruments while we looked at the art installations. The music was not something I could really categorize. It was a mix between swing, folk, opera, and jazz. I'm not really sure. It sounded really interesting and she was very talented. It opened with this- well I'm actually not sure at all what it was. It was like an upright flute thing and that's about as success that I can be at describing it. She then took us into another room where she sang while pushing rocks around, then sang and played guitar, and then she sang to these maracas. We then went into the next room where she sang while playing water goblets. That was so awesome. I have no idea how she did all of it. She then led us with a piece on the trombone into the garden down the road. There, she did another piece with small rocks and was finished.
In the evening, we went to a circus-type act. It was a duo who hoisted each other around, showing off their insane strength and balance. There had a storyline woven in, but I couldn't really follow, as they spoke very quickly (oh theater). It was all very classically circus. The man lifted the woman onto his shoulders and did most of the bulk work. However, at the end, the woman held up the man on her shoulders and her back. It was crazy! This man was so much bigger than her and she could hold his weight on herself. Needless to say, it was a nice plot twist at the end.
Today, we went to visit the Chateau in Grignan again, but today we got to go inside. There's a weekend in France (this weekend), where all the private castles and gardens are open to the public. At least I think that's what my host mom said... I could be wrong. It was inside this Chateau that I admitted to being obsessed with photographing every single chandelier. Every. Single. Chandelier. They're just so pretty and intricate and beautiful and photogenic. I love them. I don't care how weird that sounds. Also fireplaces. Fireplaces are really cool. Don't judge me. I can feel you judging me, so stop it.
After Grignan, we went to Le musée de la soie. Now I had no idea what a "soie" was when I agreed to go to this museum. It's a silkworm and the museum was really cool. The first portion was about the life cycle of silkworms and how the silk thread is retrieved. The second part was about the industrialization of the silk manufacturing. It was really interesting to see yet another thing that I didn't know this region is famous for. I assumed that it was just wine, but it's much more than that. So far I've seen lavender, crickets, and now silk. There really is more to this place than I thought.
Update on school: I DON'T HAVE SPANISH CLASS ANYMORE AND THAT MAKES ME REALLY HAPPY. My host mom talked to the principal about it and we have found an alternative! Rather than Spanish, I will be taking a literature course (in English). It is taught by my English teacher (who is amazing, by the way) and I start it tomorrow! Hopefully, if this class is rigorous enough, I can convince my school counselor to accept it as credit when I return... But I doubt she will.
Update on life: I talked with my (real) family that lives in Montpellier! I was so nervous at first for French over the phone, but I actually understood it very well! Just as long as they speak clearly (and preferably slowly) then I can understand. It was a pretty big step in me realizing my improvement. Lately I've felt as though I understand less every day, but now I realize that is not the case at all. I need to be more positive about my language skills and acknowledge that I am getting better each day. Back to my family. I might get to spend a week with them in October! My host parents are going on a hiking trip (?) and are dropping their kids with my host mother's mother, so I have to go somewhere. Hopefully, Rotary will approve this and I can finally travel a bit! My family has also expressed interest in coming up from Montpellier to visit Montélimar for a day, which I hope will happen soon!
Update on Rotary (I guess): Next weekend is Inbound Orientation! I finally get to meet all the other exchange students in person! I am going to stay with my third host mother on Friday night and she will take me and the Brazilian in my city to the event near Annecy, a mere 2 and a half hour drive (.... not mere). The only event that I'm sure will take place is this talent show thing they're having. Now, I brought my mandolin and one of my friends and I are going to hopefully sing a song and hopefully not be completely awful... Just kidding, we won't be. I hope.
Well that's all for now! I know, I know, my posts are way too short ;) Au revoir!
Amelia
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Other exchange students!
Bonjour!
This week, I have met more exchange students! These ones aren't with Rotary, but they are still here for the year. The cue has been English (or an accent) each time. While waiting in line for lunch, my friend overheard English and so I butted into the conversation because I'm lovely. The girl is from Slovakia, but she communicates here in French and English. She was so sweet. It's really comforting to know that you aren't alone in your struggles.
Today, I met another American. Again, I overheard a conversation, but this time the girl sounded like I do when I attempt French. My other friend (not the same one) yelled to her: "Your French is so good!" Then, I asked "Es-tu américaine?" And after she said yes and I said me too, she and I both kind of had a hugging session. I didn't even know her name, but we both missed hugs, so we hugged it out. It was interesting..... Of course I found out her name later, so don't worry. She told me there was also a Danish girl and my Brazilian friend (with Rotary) told me there was an Italian girl. At this rate, I wouldn't be surprised if there are more than that.
Also, my Spanish teacher told me I should try to get into an English class or a class in French that occurs during the Spanish periods. All I do in her class is doodle or zone out. I'm not disrespectful about it or anything, but I'm not learning anything. I'm happy she realized this and is more than willing to get my Spanish-less mind out of her class. Hopefully I can do something different.
Tonight, my Rotary counselor came by. He reminds me a lot of my uncle, not only because he's super tall, but just the way he interacts with people. I didn't realize how ill-prepared I was.... My parents and I didn't realize that I needed to bring the emergency fund in cash, so that isn't done. Also, I never printed out my itinerary to prove that I have a ticket back. OOPS. Sadly, he is holding my spending money hostage. </3 I understand why, but come on, that's a little harsh.
My host dad loves to be SUPER funny. When my counselor asked how my family liked me my host dad expounded on how terrible I am and how I talk way too much. I was laughing the whole time to make sure that my counselor knew it was a JOKE. Hahahahaha I don't talk a lot here. I might be terrible, but I definitely don't talk a lot. This wasn't an unusual event for me, because my dad does that all the time back in the States. Sometimes it's comforting to see the similarities between the two. Other times........................ Only joking. Sort of.
That's all for today, au revoir!
Amelia
This week, I have met more exchange students! These ones aren't with Rotary, but they are still here for the year. The cue has been English (or an accent) each time. While waiting in line for lunch, my friend overheard English and so I butted into the conversation because I'm lovely. The girl is from Slovakia, but she communicates here in French and English. She was so sweet. It's really comforting to know that you aren't alone in your struggles.
Today, I met another American. Again, I overheard a conversation, but this time the girl sounded like I do when I attempt French. My other friend (not the same one) yelled to her: "Your French is so good!" Then, I asked "Es-tu américaine?" And after she said yes and I said me too, she and I both kind of had a hugging session. I didn't even know her name, but we both missed hugs, so we hugged it out. It was interesting..... Of course I found out her name later, so don't worry. She told me there was also a Danish girl and my Brazilian friend (with Rotary) told me there was an Italian girl. At this rate, I wouldn't be surprised if there are more than that.
Also, my Spanish teacher told me I should try to get into an English class or a class in French that occurs during the Spanish periods. All I do in her class is doodle or zone out. I'm not disrespectful about it or anything, but I'm not learning anything. I'm happy she realized this and is more than willing to get my Spanish-less mind out of her class. Hopefully I can do something different.
Tonight, my Rotary counselor came by. He reminds me a lot of my uncle, not only because he's super tall, but just the way he interacts with people. I didn't realize how ill-prepared I was.... My parents and I didn't realize that I needed to bring the emergency fund in cash, so that isn't done. Also, I never printed out my itinerary to prove that I have a ticket back. OOPS. Sadly, he is holding my spending money hostage. </3 I understand why, but come on, that's a little harsh.
My host dad loves to be SUPER funny. When my counselor asked how my family liked me my host dad expounded on how terrible I am and how I talk way too much. I was laughing the whole time to make sure that my counselor knew it was a JOKE. Hahahahaha I don't talk a lot here. I might be terrible, but I definitely don't talk a lot. This wasn't an unusual event for me, because my dad does that all the time back in the States. Sometimes it's comforting to see the similarities between the two. Other times........................ Only joking. Sort of.
That's all for today, au revoir!
Amelia
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Cultural Differences
Bonjour!
Here is a list of some of the main differences I've come across between my life in France and my life in the States. I'll limit it to six for now.
- Kisses, not hugs. At first, this was a little difficult to get used to. I still don't fully understand the social cues yet. I mean I know that when you see someone you know for the first time that day you greet each other with the cheek kisses, but other than that, I don't know when else. Also, I miss hugs.
- Consistently distinct courses, not just a big meal. When my family eats a lunch or dinner, there is a premier plate (sort of like an appetizer, except it's a consistent course), a main meal, fruit and/or cheese, and dessert. I think it's better than just piling everything on the plate because you can pace your eating better.
- Silverware in the cafeteria (finally). Back in the States, students are given plastic forks, knives, and spoons and eat off styrofoam trays. In France, we have real silverware, a plastic tray, and an actual plate or plates. Also there are pitchers for each group of people, so you don't have to pay to get something to drink. The only option is water. Last year, I usually only drank water at lunch, so I like the system here.
- Sneezes. No, people don't sneeze differently. When someone sneezes, the French say "à tes/vos souhaits" (I think that literally translates to "to your wishes", but they rarely say it. Back in the States, when someone sneezed, multiple people would reactively say "bless you". Here only really close friends say it to each other, and even then it's pretty rare.
- Lunch/Breaks. As you (probably) read in my "Classes" post, students (usually) have a very long lunch time. Last year, I had half an hour to eat. There wasn't any time to actually take a break. Now, every other week I have a four hour break in between my first class and my second class on thursdays. It's so different.
- School Schedule. In addition to the longer lunch times, the class schedule is structured differently. It's kind of annoying, because I actually have to remember what day it is. Last year, sometimes I wouldn't know the day of the week until Friday. But I still never know the date, because I don't have to write it on EVERY PAPER, which is nice.
That's all for now. Au revoir!
Amelia
Here is a list of some of the main differences I've come across between my life in France and my life in the States. I'll limit it to six for now.
- Kisses, not hugs. At first, this was a little difficult to get used to. I still don't fully understand the social cues yet. I mean I know that when you see someone you know for the first time that day you greet each other with the cheek kisses, but other than that, I don't know when else. Also, I miss hugs.
- Consistently distinct courses, not just a big meal. When my family eats a lunch or dinner, there is a premier plate (sort of like an appetizer, except it's a consistent course), a main meal, fruit and/or cheese, and dessert. I think it's better than just piling everything on the plate because you can pace your eating better.
- Silverware in the cafeteria (finally). Back in the States, students are given plastic forks, knives, and spoons and eat off styrofoam trays. In France, we have real silverware, a plastic tray, and an actual plate or plates. Also there are pitchers for each group of people, so you don't have to pay to get something to drink. The only option is water. Last year, I usually only drank water at lunch, so I like the system here.
- Sneezes. No, people don't sneeze differently. When someone sneezes, the French say "à tes/vos souhaits" (I think that literally translates to "to your wishes", but they rarely say it. Back in the States, when someone sneezed, multiple people would reactively say "bless you". Here only really close friends say it to each other, and even then it's pretty rare.
- Lunch/Breaks. As you (probably) read in my "Classes" post, students (usually) have a very long lunch time. Last year, I had half an hour to eat. There wasn't any time to actually take a break. Now, every other week I have a four hour break in between my first class and my second class on thursdays. It's so different.
- School Schedule. In addition to the longer lunch times, the class schedule is structured differently. It's kind of annoying, because I actually have to remember what day it is. Last year, sometimes I wouldn't know the day of the week until Friday. But I still never know the date, because I don't have to write it on EVERY PAPER, which is nice.
That's all for now. Au revoir!
Amelia
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