The Recap

I haven't been able to update my blog for the past couple of days, since I've been at a hotel in Vannes for 3 and 1/2 days of orientation, or getting to know my peers. But now I'm back! And I'll be posting regularly from here on out. So here's what you need (or may want) to know about my first few days here in France.

1. I arrived.

After connecting in Philadelphia, flying across the Atlantic (minus the in-flight movie, which malfunctioned before boarding), and riding the TGV 3 hours to the west coast of France, I finally stepped out of a taxi and onto Rue de Cadeniers, a small side street right off the centre ville. The IES center, my home base here in Nantes and the place where I'll be taking most of my classes, is on the 4th floor of an old stone building. You can reach the center's office by ascending a winding staircase or taking the old-fashioned elevator, max. occupancy 1.

2. I have somewhere to stay.

My homestay family lives 10 minutes from the IES center and consists of Elie Doucet, the father, who works from home as a podiatrist; Francoise Doucet, the mother, who's a real estate agent in town; Caroline Doucet, 21, the eldest, who goes to the University and is a competitive rower; and Claire Doucet, 19, who just graduated from high school and loves horseback riding. A hearty, spirited family which has a passion for sailboats and, I can tell already, is really quite close. Pictures coming soon.

3. I'm being fed.

The Doucets provide me with dinner and breakfast 5 days week. For lunch and weekends, I'm on my own. And so far, I've been eating plenty of vegetables.

4. French is not a dead language.

I've been using it, and it works. As far as I can tell, the people here understand it, speak it, and rather like it. All my years of study seem to have not been for nothing. I've been able to talk with waiters, ask for directions, chit-chat with strangers about the weather, and order ice cream. Communication's not a problem, so of course, I'm relieved about that.

5. I'm enjoying myself.

Really. It's wonderful here. I'm seeing new sights, tasting new tastes, and doing all kinds of things. I had my first wind picnic the other day and visited my first sardine factory. Who knows what I'll see or do next! Pictures of those events coming soon too.

6. I'm making friends.

The other students here are pretty neat. And what's more is that most of them are just as excited to be here and to be studying French as I am - although sometimes that's hard for me to believe.

In summary, my adventures have begun! And, I'm alive and in one piece. Look for pictures of and details on those adventures soon.