Whoville

Well, the internet is out yet again....but it is better now because I actually have things to do and people to talk to. So I am currently sitting in my favorite cafe that I come to just about everyday. It's called L'Aixcale, it's the cafe that I came to the first time the internet was down. No, I still can't use the internet that they advertise, but Sarah's host mom has a user name for something called FreeWifi (not actually free). But the cool thing is that there are Free Wifi hotspots everywhere in France, so that's convenient. Anyway, on to recounting the past few days for you all!

Sunday was again a very uneventful day, but I was able to get the rest of my laundry done so that was nice. I also went to the international church again and this time signed up to get emails and got connected. I am actually going to a youth Bible study tonight!! (Best part is they serve dinner!!) After church Grace and I went out for dinner and I'm not quite sure what I had but it was delicious and included French Fries so I was happy. I also learned that French Toast here is called pain de perdu (lost bread). It's called that because it salvages the leftover stale bread that French people have sitting in there homes.

Monday, I went to class bright and early and took the test that would determine if I would change levels or not. Then I went to Phonetics class which might end up being my favorite. Then I went grocery shopping again. Gosh I hate it!!! Not the actual shopping part, but the carrying the twenty pound bag back two miles. Unfortunately, I had to buy a lot of heavy things so my bag was especially heavy. But when I got back I rewarded myself with having bread with Nutella....perhaps my new favorite snack!! Then I did some translation homework and hung around the common room. In the process of sitting in the common room I met Oncle Fred. I don't really know how he is connected to the seminary, but everyone knows him and loves him. I like him a lot since he talked to me and actually got me to talk!! I am starting to talk more and more every day I am so proud of myself. Dinner was a traditional Aix dish that I forget the name of, but essentially it is shepherd's pie, so I liked it a lot. Then for dessert it was Fondant au chocolat (do I really need to translate that?) I was one happy girl!! If dessert includes chocolate I am happy!

Tuesday I slept in a bit then I got up and went to the market to get my fruits and vegetables for the week. But a funny thing happened on my way to market. An elderly man started talking to me. (A bit of back information, all the trees on the main street are covered in red polka dot paper. It looks like Whoville like Dr. .Suess.) So the man started on a rant about the trees and how strange they look (I think). Then he said something about students and asked me a question. Not really knowing what he had said, I said that I didn't know. I thought at this point he realized that I didn't understand him, but clearly not, since he kept talking to me. Then I tried to say goodbye and he started saying how youth are so self centered and don't care! To which I said "No, no, no!" to. This seemed to appease him somewhat. Then we reached one of the Whoville trees and he started on his rant again. This time I just gestured to the tree and said "C'est bizarre" (literally it's bizarre) He chuckled and smiled at that and finally he said "Au revoir mademoiselle. Bon journee" (Goodbye Miss, have a good day). I don't think he ever realized that I didn't totally understand him. So I am proud of myself. I was able to pass for a French person!! (I think)

At the market nothing eventful happened but I really enjoyed buying fresh produce and it isn't nearly as expensive as back in the States. Then I headed back to the seminary to just relax, but only to find that the internet no longer worked. Therefore, I did homework instead. Very exciting, I know. Then I went to my translation class, again nothing exciting there. Then I headed back and talked with Ingvild for a bit. We showed each other pictures of our friends and family. Then we watched an episode of Friends, after which I made my first actually presentable meal since I have been here. I made chicken which onions and pepper and pan cooked potatoes. I wish I had had ketchup...but besides that it was delicious. I had a whole conversation with Baptiste in French (and he is actually French) so I was proud of myself. Just about everyone had dinner together last night so it was a lot of French and eventually my brain shut down so I headed up to shower, curl my hair and watch Friends with Grace.

This morning, I woke up early and was out before the sun and went to my class. About an hour in we took a break and when my professor came back she informed me that I was switching levels!!! I am now in level 3C. So the same class as Sarah! I'm really excited!! So that's why I have the time to write now because I then had two hours to kill. Hopefully, the internet will be back tomorrow. But I should be busy for the rest of the evening with Bible study so that will keep me occupied. A demain, j'espere. (Until tomorrow I hope).