I’ve been living in France for over a month now. Still plowing through red tape getting insurance, a bank card and other logistics set up but that’s how it goes in France. Lots and lots of paperwork. Still really enjoying where I’m living, especially the bakery right up the street from me. The owner is an older grey-haired, kind woman who makes me feel like a valued customer*every time I come in and tells me the names of the amazing breads I drool over and take home to try out. I’ve LOVED everything I’ve taken home from her bakery. That is my favorite place in Tourcoing next to the church and my room- especially on my way to teach class in the morning. Something about leaving the crisp, stale air autumn air to step into her warm bakery where I’m bathed in the scents of freshly baking bread and warm morning pastries just out of the oven. What a wonderful way to start the day. Walking away with whatever I’m able to decide upon in hand… (well, mouth) is my favorite way to start the morning when I need a “pick me up.”
*Side note: that rarely happens on a day-to day basis. In America, it’s about customer service and putting the customer first, whereas in France they are very proud in their jobs, whatever that job may be, and if there is any problem tell them that it’s always “your” mistake, never theirs/the workers.
My goals between now and May 2012, when my time over here ends are as follows:
- To improve my accent and my ability to speak and understand French (ideally I hope to be able to speak well enough to have an international job back in the states that uses French and to be able to raise potential kids understanding the language).
- To continue to be learn more about the culture (this one shouldn’t take any effort. I feel like I’m learning more on this trip than when I studied abroad because I don’t have the support system from the school. I’ve had to be independent and take care of myself which has given me more opportunities to observe the culture here in a new light).
- To see as much of Europe as I possibly can.
Hopefully my efforts will pay off and in six months from now I can feel successful in achieving my French goals when it’s time to return to the states.
Just Two Random Facts This Time
- “Berger Australien” is what my pup back home is, an Australian Shepherd. Golden retrievers (Bella, my other dog) are the same in French, although I haven’t seen any goldens. Like the streets, cars and portions, the dogs in France are much smaller. I’ve only seen a handful of medium sized dogs and those were no bigger than labs (most of them were in fact black labs).
- There is lots of corn in this region but unlike back home, the corn isn’t as sweet because it’s kept on the stock longer. That’s because it’s mainly grown for livestock, not human consumption.
Classes commenced yesterday, a Thursday- weird. The French schools had been out for almost two weeks for La Toussaint- a Catholic holiday on November 1st but students were on vacation for a longer time period so families could be together. A time of thoughtfulness and remembering lost loved ones while back in the states children are getting candy and all ages are dressing up. According to my students some French actually go “trick or treating” and one even got money out of it (the house didn’t have candy…). It’s not very common but some do partake in the Anglican tradition.
I took a day-trip over the two week break to Bruges, Belgium. Very romantic city but I would recommend no more than a day trip. Very much the Venice of the north and worth seeing, but there’s only about a day’s worth of sightseeing. I made sure I enjoyed the waffles, beer, chocolate and fries while I was there and yes, these are MUSTS for when you go. They lived up the greatness I’ve heard them described, thank you Belgium. So since there’s not much to say about the trip, sit back and enjoy the beautiful view- we got lucky and it was sunny!
Bruges is a perfect place for those in love with lots of romantic scenes like this one. I was pretending Andy was with me in this lovely park complete with a fountain and swans
