Well I finally have the internet at my house so I can now update my blog. How lucky!
In the past two weeks I moved to France and I’ve been getting settled into my room in my little French house. It’s very small, a little kitschy and has another tenant by the name of Mischka that wakes me up every morning at 7 when he meows at his owner’s door but it’s nice and it already feels like home. Since I’ve not yet started teaching I’ve been spending my days running little errands and seeing my town and surrounding neighborhoods. I’ve opened a bank account and I’ve purchased my Navigo card (my transport card for the metro, bus and train). I’ve been to the supermarket, an open air market, a large neighborhood yard sale (aka complete junk sale. Seriously I was shocked at what people were selling!), around Saint-Maur and even to a mall. Saint-Maur is a beautiful area and I’m very happy that I’ve been placed here because some of the cities near by are not nearly as nice as where I live.
I’ve had to adjust a little with things here in France but it is much better than I thought it would be. Most of the time it feels like I’m in America but I just can’t speak the language. I’m learning how to use public transportation which has been hard. Mainly because I’m somewhat of a germaphobe and to have to touch bars and doors and such that a million other people touch EVERY DAY drives me a little bit crazy. Thank goodness for Purell. I’ve also learned that one’s eyes must always be watching the sidewalk in order to avoid stepping in piles of what some little french puppy left behind. The French let their dogs go ANYWHERE. It’s gross and I don’t appreciate getting off the train and rolling my luggage through three piles of dog mess in about five minutes. Unawesome.
The French are very helpful when they see a need. The moment I landed I had people help me with my luggage, show me where my hostel was and help me on the metro. The ladies at the school have taken me under their wings. One even helped me find somewhere to live! Marie-Claude, the lady I’m living with, has shown me Saint-Maur and shown me how to go grocery shopping and answers any questions I might have. Even her daughters have come to my aide. Catherine fixed my internet!!
I’m very grateful for everyone that has helped me so far here in France and especially at home. I had some homesickness at first but I’ve decided (with the help from my parents) that I’m here for such a short amount of time that I need to do and see all that I can. I’m living in France! How cool is that. I'm very happy to be here and I can’t wait to start teaching!
A Bientot!
M
PS this is my cute French house!
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