Hello again from Paris,
The past three days have been insane, but I’m really enjoying myself. I feel liked my French has improved so much since I’ve been in France, but I have to force myself to keep speaking French and not revert to English when visiting with the other American students. When I start speaking English again, I regress, but not by much.
As I’ve said before, the host family is amazing. There are four kids, and the youngest is extremely wild. Anais is 5, Marine is 8, Erwan (boy) is 13, and Maxence is 11. They’re the sweetest kids ever, and they are so easy to talk to. I’ve learned so much just by talking to them because it’s not even remotely awkward to speak their language to them. They don’t judge, and they just love me and Ava (my roommate) no matter what.
Within five minutes of getting to the house on my first day, Anais ran into my room and was like, “Lauraaaaaa j’ai un cadeau pour toi!” and showed me her little toy, which she carries around with her all the time. The little kids are so sweet, and there’s always someone around to talk to. I don’t mind talking to them anytime I’m home. They have made the transition so easy.
The French culture is a good change from home. The family doesn’t care about “what you want to do with your life.” At my own accord, I said I wanted to be a journalist/writer, but they were more interested in what i’m like as a person. We didn’t spend much time talking about work at all. It was liberating.
The food is incredible here. I have bread and chocolate for breakfast, after I drink the most amazing cappacino ever made. We eat a lot for dinner, and they constantly offer me more food. eventually, I tell them I am full, but they love feeding me and Ava. It’s too bad she’s a vegan. I eat everything they put in front of me. Food is a huge part of their lives.
The kids are all very mature, except the youngest, and I understand because I’m also the youngest sibling, therefore the wild and crazy one like her. She is so hilarious, and she’s constantly getting into trouble.
Classes are going to be tough. I’m scared to take Madame Ayoun’s courses because she’s a harsh grader, but I’ll endure with eight other UA students.
More later!
COPYRIGHT 2009 LAURA DONOVAN
