Shoes Made for Walking

Sorry this is a day late everyone! The internet didn't work here at all yesterday, which I think was a push from God to go out and actually get out of my comfort zone. (As if I’m not already by just being here) I was so excited to blog too! Because…I have lots of pretty pictures to show you!

Today I got off to a relatively early start. I got up around 10:30 and headed down for a brunch of a peanut butter sandwich and an apple. I was joined by Adalain who tried very hard to make conversation with me. I tried my best to answer all of his questions and pose a few back but needless to say it wasn't the best conversation I have ever conducted.

Next I headed out on my own to explore the town and take pictures. I spent about an hour and a half just wandering the streets. Nothing really of any note happened so here are a few pictures.

As you can see there are a lot of fountains in Aix. Also on this walk I bought my first French baguette from a boulangerie (or bakery).

I then returned back to the seminary around 1pm in the hopes that the internet would be up and running. Sadly it wasn't  So instead I read a book about the differences in French and American culture for a few hours while eating my baguette every now and then. As well as chatting a bit with those who came in, the big topic of conversation being the lack of internet. Then I asked Grace where I could find internet somewhere in town. She suggested a café right across from the language institute where we take classes. I hadn't been there yet so off I went in the hopes of finding and internet connection. I found the café just fine, but much to my chagrin the internet was locked. The annoying thing was that they advertised wifi. Maybe in France you have to ask for the password or something? I don’t know. I stayed in the café for a little while anyway and then headed back to the seminary yet again.

When I got back the internet still wasn't working so I read some more until Mme Coates came for a chat at 6:30. Basically she wanted to know how I was adjusting and get to know me better. I told her all my frustrations and fears as well as my excitements for the semester. She asked me what my goals were and I sadly came to the realization that I don’t really have a goal for the semester. Well actually that’s not totally true. Secretly I want to be able to pass for a French person and of course be able to speak French fluently. But to be honest I am not really a goal oriented person anyways. We talked for an hour or so and then she left. 

I then went to make myself an egg sandwich for dinner. I have now showered and since there is STILL no internet. I will read for a bit and then turn in early for the night. Tomorrow I have my placement exam so I should probably be well rested. But before I go here is an interesting fact about French life: the French ALWAYS wear shoes!!! Not just outside but in their homes, all the time I tell you!! How crazy is that? The French must have some really comfortable shoes.