Turns out, 5 hours of French a day, is A LOT! The first two hours are a lot of stuff I know I've learned before, but they are a GREAT review. Our teacher is following what she's picking up on in class from our speaking and writing, which I think is a really great idea. Some of the phonetics is difficult... VERY difficult. Our teacher couldn't be more "French". She's so 'cool' and sounds like she's been smoking a pack a day since she was, born? But it kind of adds to her personality. I think she likes me, which is always a bonus. We are working on making our phrases sound like "one word, because the french (as she says) do. not. break. things. up. like. in. other. countries." No, the french like everything to be meshed together so that no one REALLY knows what anyone is talking about. So I think I'm getting pretty good at that.
The second part of class these past two days has been, interesting, to put it lightly. For some reason, our teacher thinks we should discuss topics like marriage, children, and other issues that generally make people uncomfortable and squeemish. While I appreciate the sentiment; it will get us to argue and really force us to use our French and all, its a bit strange if I do say so myself. Maybe its just not as awkward a topic here as it is at home? I don't know. Although, our discussions do pass the time.
Also, a girl complimented me on my dress yesterday (the one that I made) saying that it looked like it came from somewhere fancy! And then proceeded to tell me how lucky I am that I can make things, and that she can't do ANYTHING! She can't cook, sew, or ANYTHING like that... but you know, she just speaks SEVEN languages. No big deal. She can't do anything. I was still flattered,but I did think it was kind of funny.
Liz and Jenn arrived in Paris yesterday! After a few hours of trying to hunt each other down we managed to get on the ball and meet up for a late dinner. It was great; also very funny seeing home people in Paris, you feel like you're not in Paris anymore.
Today we went to Le Petit Palais and walked around le Champs Elysee; it was really nice outside. Apparently tomorrow is going to be extremely hot, which I'm not looking forward to. Yes, New York may have 100 degree weather, but at least air conditioning and cold drinks are something common. Speaking of cold drinks, I'm obsessed with apple juice here. I know, a rather random fact, but if you ever come to France. I suggest the apple juice.
Another long day tomorrow, and off to Spain on Friday! I know, I have a really hard life!
More to come!
Bisous,
Amy
Hope Madrid is wonderful and that you're loving every minute. Love to Colette. Can't wait to hear from you.
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