Opps… i just lost another two weeks of France

It's been a while...I apologize. Let's see
Monday was a good day at school, not a lot of crazy things happened.
Tuesday Biggest thing is when I got to the sports area at school (at 1 o’clock) I found out the prof had a meeting with other teachers...so class was canceled.  It was the last class of the day, so I called Yzabel and she came and picked me up. When I got home, I walked to the pharmacy and bought mouthwash! I was pretty excited because it was the first purchase of something by myself. We ate dinner at McDonald's (the inside, not the McDrive) it was pretty similar.  Differences: they have espresso, with Fig sauce, a couple different sandwiches,and pastries available, plus everything was more expensive.
Thursday night I went to the Rotary meeting. At the meeting, I gave the president the banner from Fayette’s Rotary club, and district 6080’s banner, they were very happy to get them, and passed them around so everybody could get a close look.  A good night.
Friday after school, I was walking home from the bus drop off and Claude pulled over, I thought at first he was giving me a ride, but he and Cannelle were going to the doctor’s house. Cannelle had hurt her leg, (she has to wear a cast for the next 3 weeks). When Yzabel got home , she and I went to Hyper U to buy food for Saturday's picnic in St.Tropez. Originally, Claude, Yzabel, Cannelle, and I were going to go, but because of Cannelle’s leg just Yzabel and I went.
Saturday (the 3rd) Yzabel and I drove to Frejus, and went to the, (right now I can’t think of the word), boat ticket place and waited in line. Mme et M.Chabound arrived with the exchange student from India and her ‘mom’. We all took the boat to St.Tropez. The ride was great, Oneza, (from India), and I sat together and talked (in English) the whole ride, which was awesome.
When we got to St.Tropez, we waited for the other students to arrive. The first to come was Tracy from South Dakota. At that point I was feeling pretty lucky, another American, and two other people with English as their main language! Then a group of three students (all American) arrived! I was really excited, 4 other Americans! In the end, of the 10 exchange students 8 were from the US, one from India, and one from Japan. The girl from Japan’s English was much better than her French, so all of us talked English all day, which was great. Lots of wondering how similar our situations are , like:
“Do you miss hugs?”
“Do people also assume you know celebrities from America?”
“Do you eat cheese after every meal?”
“Do lots of kids make out at your school too?”

At the end, when saying goodbye, we hugged! That probably doesn’t sound too exciting for you, but I (and the other students) had been missing hugs!  I also learned that Oneza lives in a town 20 minutes from me, and Katelyn lives 45 minutes away.

Sunday Worked/procrastinated on an essay on Hamlet.

Monday School was good. After school I rushed home to see Obama’s speech on Health Care, given to a group of doctors. In that group, my mom! Pretty Awesome!!! That was very exciting for me!
Tuesday I forgot my gym clothes so had to run and everything else in jeans, not a whole lot of fun.  After school, I made plans with some of the exchange students I met the past weekend to meet in Toulon by train after school Wednesday

Wednesday after school at 1:15 Claude took me to the station and helped me buy my tickets. There was a long line and I got the tickets just in time. The train departed at 1:40 and arrived at 2:14. It was a beautiful ride and really nice train, the seats weren’t uncomfortable!

Plans changed and I didn't end up meeting up with the other exchange students.  So I caught the next train back to Les Arcs.
Even though I didn’t get to see much of Toulon, it was still really exciting to take the train by myself, and the ride was definitely worth it. It was cool that it was no big deal to change plans...just took the next train home! Wednesday, some of us are planning  to see a movie in Draguignan.

Thursday I gave a presentation to my English class on school in the U.S. Some things were really difficult (for even the teacher to understand),and not because of their limited English. Like credits and how the schedule works. Here ,you’re in a class were everybody has the same schedule and goes to the same classes together, so it’s very different. But overall it was pretty good, plus the other English teachers want me to give the same presentation to their classes.
Friday In school I met another English teacher who was from Virginia!  Pretty awesome to have another American (...I guess after 20 years she's technically French) in the school. After school Yzabel and Claude had a small Dinner party with two families, It was really nice.
Sunday Claude, Yzabel, Cannelle and I went to an outdoor type place with a maze where you had to answer questions to get through certain sections for a birthday party of friends' son (he was turning 12). There were 3 different desserts, chocolate cake (with candy  spelling 'XII' and a '1' and '2' candle), strawberry shortcake-ish delight, and apple cake, plus tons of candy.
So that's the last 2 weeks (a really short version). I still miss home a lot, sometimes more than others, (like during CMU Band Day) but it’s getting easier, and every day I feel like I'm fitting in more and more.

Tomorrow will be 7 weeks…geeze, 7 weeks, and them next Wednesday…2 months. I feel like my time here is disappearing. I’m 1/4th of the way done.. which makes me sad

I'll try to write again sooner than two weeks from now!

Hope you are well ! Salut!!!

P.S. : Don’t be afraid to send email’s(elitinkfort@gmail.com) I’d love to here what’s going on with your life. 

Plus: check out the new photos! http://picasaweb.google.com/home

You’ve Got Questions!

You've Got Questions!

Thanks to everybody who sent questions! Don't be afraid to ask more! I'll try to respond.

1.I would love to hear about your perceptions about the differences and similarities between your French and American peers. How do French teens behave in school, what are they interested in, how are they planning for the future, what do they do for fun, get along with adults, etc.?

Sorry for all the unknowns, but...

There seam to be a lot more similarities , but here are a couple of differences

-There a large variety of cliques, and the cliques intertwine more, everything isn't so divided.

-Every kid behaves perfectly in class...just kidding, the same on that respect

-It doesn't seam like how you dress is so important, but lots of the girls dress up more( like high heels ,ect;), I guess the guys too, but if you don't , it's no big deal

-A ton of kids smoke(a ton), maybe like 40 percent

-Sports aren't a huge deal here(not in the high school) the athletes aren't automatically at the top of the cool chain

I can't communicate very well, so I don't know what kids are interested in... They seem to get along with adults pretty good, it think it's the same...not sure about future plans.. I haven't 'hung out' with anyone yet, but I think a popular thing to do is go to the Disco-tech(the clubs I think?)

2. Are most American tourists that you've seen as obnoxious as we hear they are?

I just saw Americans for the first time on the boat ride home from St.Tropez. They didn't seem too obnoxious...I guess people tend to check out Paris more??

3. How is your French coming along?

Aye...I guess it's improving, I feel like it’s still pretty awful, but people tell me I've improved a lot. I think it will be awhile before I'm dreaming in French, when that happens I'll tell you about it

4. Have you found a girlfriend?

No, but people here tend to ask a lot. Plus, if I did I probably wouldn't write about it on my blog, RYE discourages romantic relationships...just saying

5. OK, that sounds good. I'll think of some. OK, I have one. How did you get so lucky?

That’s a very good question; I think about that a lot sometimes...I guess I really considered doing this when my awesome friend messaged me on facebook, so thank you so very much facebook! Just kidding...thanks Anna.

6. Has your opinion of the US--the government in particular--changed in the time you've been in France?

No

7.What is the shape of religion and Christianity in France?

I don't know a whole lot on ,this subject, my 'family' doesn't attend church. I do know that there are very few protestants , mostly Catholics, and the there is a large Muslim population(there are more Muslims than protestants) .Apparently there are some protestant churches, some of the other exchange students go,(one goes to an International Baptist service for English speaking tourist) but I haven't been to church in the past month and a half.

8. Any drama in your vicinity?

I think in a town nearby, Draguignan, there's a school of fine arts, where plays are put on.

9. Does the school do any dramatics?

I think there might be a group that meets on Wednesdays; I'll try to ask my French teacher about it soon.

10. Are you playing music there?

Nope...Unless singing in the shower counts!

11. OK here's another one: is your family there interested in politics like we are here?

Um...they were really interested when I was talking U.S. politics but I don't know...I think in general the French are not pleased with Sarkozy’s leadership.

12. Are French girls prettier or more mysterious than American girls?

I can't respond to this without making someone angry...I'd say French girls and American girls are incredibly beautiful. Mysterious? Like wearing a black and white shirt and a beret and smoking a cigarette in a dark alley?...No.

13. OK, how about this one: Do they like their health services? What's it like if they go to a doctor? Do they get a big bill?

I have no idea (personally)... I'm assuming their system is really good, they’re ranked #1 on the WHO's list. I'll try to find out more info.

14. Do they make waffles in France?? I have such fond memories of times eating waffles in Fayette.

I haven’t' eaten any French waffles. I sometimes wish I could make some, but I don't think my family has a waffle iron.

15. So what'd you eat this past week?!?!

To answer this question I'm gonna make a collage on picassa...check it out! Here’s the link: http://picasaweb.google.com/elitinkfort/FOOD#5392169252144030882

15. So what has been your favorite day so far?

Most have been pretty incredible; My first time in Frejus (my second or third day)…Going to the festival in Fayence...I think being able to meet the other exchange students and talk about what it’s been like for them might have been the best...but I'm (obviously) not sure.

16. How old do you have to be to go to a tavern / enjoy a beer?

I think 18, technically, but if I understand it's pretty easy to get into a club/bar/disco-tech if you're younger.

17. Do you have an address for people to mail you at? I'm sure you're getting lots of emails and Facebook messages and such, but I imagine it would be nice to get snail mail from time-to-time.

Eli Tinker Fortel

Lalaus

22 Avenue Jean Jaures

Les Arcs, 83460,

>p>France

17. What do the French think about the current health care debate in America?

I think it's hard for them to understand why there's even a debate...

18. I just got GoogleEarth, and I'd like to try to see your school from the sky. What is the address?

Okay, I don't know the exact address but if you search 'Chemin des Vignes, 83490 Le Muy ' in Google Earth - it's the complex right across the highway. It was being built at the time the satellite image was taken (two-ish years ago) so the area around it is all dirt.  here’s a aerial image of the school http://www.panoramio.com/photo/4727670

19. Do you eat croissants for breakfast every day?

Nope, generally I eat yogurt and fruit. The yogurt (sometimes) has this whipped cream cheese on top of it, which is yummy! Plus there is lots of cereal, and Nutella that I sometimes have.

20. What's dinner like? Do you cook? Are you learning any great recipes?

Dinner is so delicious every night! Dinner starts off with salad and dressing (a bowl with olive oil, vinaigrette, basil, and garlic, that is passed around and spooned onto the salad), baguette (generally someone tears off pieces and passes them around to each person) by it self or with meat or often duck liver pâté (sounds gross, but it's delicious).

Then, the main course. The main course is different every night. Sometimes casserole, pasta with meat, steak (frozen, cooked and tasty), and in general fish a couple times a week (this week we had stingray!). After the main course, cheese (of all different kinds, most stinky, all delicious) is served with more 'pain'. Then, there is either dessert or fruit to finish off the meal.

I try to help out with diner every night, set the table, or clean up afterwards, i also try to empty the dishwasher every once and a while.I haven’t ‘learned’ any recipes, but I try to help out…

21. Have you seen any movies? At the theatre?

No! I miss going with my family/friends in the U.S. Wednesday (like I said earlier) I'm going to a movie w/ my exchange pals. The French don't see as many movies as (U.S.) Americans.

22. It is now fall in Missouri. And it's cold. Is it still warm there?

It is still warm here, although today the Mistral Winds are starting (cold winds from the north, that are said to have driven Van Gough into insanity) and it smells like fall.

23.When were you last at the beach? Can you soak up some sun for me?

A couple weeks ago. I live about 30 minutes or so from the beach, so we haven’t gone a lot. Some days, it's still warm enough to swim, but they’re becoming more and more rare. and...yes ,if I get a chance, definitely.

24.Have you met any American expatriates? If so, how do the French feel about them - welcoming or shunning? How difficult would it be to emigrate from the US to France?

The first American I met was the English teacher. The French seam to really like Americans, the younger generation is fascinated by the culture( the music, film, and stars,) and the older generation is grateful for our involvement in WWII. I'm not sure what it would be like to immigrate, what you would have to do, (a citizenship test???),...sorry I don't know more.

26.OK, here's one I was JUST thinking of one minute before you wrote. Do you get homesick?

Nah, never...of course! I get homesick a lot. Before we left, Rotary showed us this line graph of what our mood would be like, it looked like an insane roller coaster...it was right, sometimes I can't stop smiling and then the next minute I miss home so much, it's hard not to frown.

Thanks for all the niftily awesome questions, if you have anymore, just email(elitinkfort@gmail.com )them to me or comment

Village dans le ciel ( Village in the sky)

So I'm gonna start at last weekend. Yzabel, Cannelle and I went festival in Frejus (a larger town on the sea). There was a dancing competition, people flying model airplanes (I think gas powered), people roller skating, riding bikes, music, booths, and lots of other things. It was really nice because the entire week it had been raining, and we were finally able to enjoy sunny weather!

School went good last week; the craziest thing to happen was... While in history class, some students near the window noticed something and all the class ran to the window (teacher included) and saw that smoke was coming from the building across the courtyard. We heard the fire truck come, and there were lots of students out in the courtyard. We asked the teacher if we should evacuate, but she said no. Over the intercom someone said something, which I think had to do with not evacuating, because the teacher gave us an "I told you so" look. I turns out that it was either grass or a tree just outside the complex, I'm guessing it was started by a cigarette.

Wednesday was mine and France's one month (four week) anniversary, and what a month it's been! I really can't believe it's only been a month. They say time flies when you’re having fun, but that's not the case here! Friday night I got some really, really awesome news, which I'll tell you about next week...it's really awesome!! Saturday morning I went on a short run around the town, it's hard to know where to run, but I think I figured out a good route that I'll try out soon. Then Claude's mother came. She was so kind and made me feel like her grandson. She told me to call her Mamie (grandma), which was very nice.

Then Claude, Yzabel, Mamie and I went to a town called Tourtour, (Village dans le ciel). It was truly incredible. The village is at the top of one of the higher hill/mountains around (630 m). There's a spring at a high point in the town whose water runs under the streets and powers all the fountains, and many old stone buildings.

Now, it’s Monday night. School was good today, I spent a lot of time in CDI (the study hall/library) working on different things. For example: registering with the US embassy and looking up information on Hamlet, (I have an essay due next Monday). Thursday night I’m going to the Rotary meeting again (they have it once a month). Saturday me and the eight other Rotary exchange students of the Var and Alpes Maritime are going on a boat ride from St.Raphael to St.Tropez , and then having a picnic with our families. I’m pretty psyched! So that's all for now! I think you’re groovy in a far out kinda way (Quick! Name that movie!). I hope you’re all well!

-Eli

P.S. I know I leave out lots of details, so if you have any questions send them via email/comment and next week I can answer all your questions on the blog post.

New Pictures:

http://picasaweb.google.com/elitinkfort/September272009Tourtour#

http://picasaweb.google.com/elitinkfort/September192009ToSeptember262009#

Paris vs. Monaco

Since last Wednesday...
The rest of the school week went well
Things worth mentioning (in school):

Used CDI(The study hall/library with computers,very nice)

The sport in "Sport" this week was rock climbing.They have ,(What I think is), a really nice rock-wall...I had a lot of fun with it, I think it's nothing special to the other kids because they didn't seem too excited, I however hadn't been rock climbing since I was about 9.

The schedule was getting changed a lot, until they finalized it on Friday.

At the beginning of one class a lady from the administration came and talked about the grippe(The flu/H1N1( ash un en un)) I think. From her and motions she was saying to cough into a tissue or your arm, and wash your hands a lot.A friend told me she also talked about school dismissal , if three kids in our group have H1N1 than nobody in the group is allowed to come to lycee for a week.



So the weekend was good.

Saturday we mostly relaxed around the house. In the evening we,(Claude, Yzabel, Cannelle, and I) went shopping for outdoor lights for the pool. We first went to a store that just sold lights, I thought it was really cool because they had lots of cool modern style lights, it sort of reminded me of "The Sims". Then we looked at 2 larger stores, much like Ace Hardware or Home Depot.

Sunday, the family, Mark( a family friend)his son, and I went to Monaco to see a football match.Monaco ,from what I saw, is a really nice country(or city-state).The game was really great. Paris and Monaco were playing. The stands at the stadium weren't full ,only(ha ha ,'only') 10 thousand people,(it was a Sunday), but there was definitely lots of energy. At the ends of the field in the stands were Paris supporters and ,opposite, Monaco supporters. It was cool to hear the cheers and the back and forth. The most interesting thing to me was that the fans on those ends were allowed to set off flares and fireworks. There was a fire man at each end specially to gather the flares before they burnt down and extinguish them. There were also about 20 security guards at each end of the field. Yzabel explained that this was to keep to fans from coming onto the field and fighting.( You can see a video in the album I put up. The game it self was a lot fun to watch.It was a tie until the last 5-ish minutes when Monaco unfortunately made two points in a row,... we were routing for Paris ,but it was still tons of fun. It was a really good night.

The craziest thing that happened:Before the beginning of the the game there was a moment of silence , because a fan had died...and then later there was another moment of silence...because another fan died...

So now it's Friday night...Saturday morning... Another school week has gone by. It went good this week, I'm making more and more friends daily, which is very good!

It's been rainy here but I can't complain, even with the rain, I think it's really beautiful.I have been tired a lot. I was told by RYE(Rotary Youth Exchange)that I would feel really tired sometimes, so it's not a big surprise. I've missed home and family a lot this week,but no surprise there either!I feel blessed that I have so many people here that are so kind and helpful. Everything they do helps me feel more at home.

And Now...dut da da dahh...Random Different Things!
The light switches:There a square, if there's two lights, it's the same size, just two thinner switches


I eat cheese at the end of (nearly) every dinner.Not kraft either,it's delicious (sometimes very) stinky cheese!

Some of the roads seem to small for one car,but they're two way roads...sometimes even charter buses drive on them! Yikes!

No school sports teams

At the supermarket you either bring your own bags, or buy recycled ones that are'100 % recyclable' for .03 euros. It seems really smart to me, I haven't seen one cheap(...or expensive) plastic bag on the ground, in a tree, or being blown around on the highway.

The milk can last a really long time(un-opened ) without being refrigerated.I think it's some kind of extreme pasteurization...if anybody knows more about this, don't be afraid to tell me, I've been kind of curious.

People take their dogs a lot of places,it seams like, in general small dogs are more popular.

People have producing olive and fig trees in their back yards.

The school cafe sells coffee and espresso, and doughnuts with nuttella filling, and bread with chocolate filling, and fresh fruit.

There's a butchery where you can get a variety of fresh meat

Tons of other stuff!


Hope everything is going good with your family ,friends,school,college, health, work, unemployment, retirement , vacation, ...whatever!
-Eli

P.S. I was really excited to see I was in the (Fayette)paper this week!It really makes me glad to know that i have so much support back home! I just wanted to make a correction,my town has a population of about 5000, not 8000,(It's my fault the paper said that, at the Rotary meeting I went to, I answered a question incorrectly )

New Album:
http://picasaweb.google.com/elitinkfort/September102009ToSeptember162009FootballInMonacoEct#

Garlic Flavored Mayo

  Sunday morning my family, family friends,and I went to a town festival (fete) in the nearby village of Fayence(please notice the name, it’s like Fayette plus Provence).The town was incredibly beautiful,especially looking at it from a distance. This , of course, doesn't give the town justice

 

 

This one has a better view of the town…but unfortunately there's a gate in the way…

So once we got to the town, we found a parking spot, and walked down to a small courtyard area, with a band stand, and long tables where people were sitting down.We found our table and sat down. Yzabel took out plates, silverware ,water and cups, and friends took out their baguettes.Then the band played, lots of older songs from the USA, and we waited for the meal.

First ,the …organizers of the festival(?) brought out cantaloupe halves. everyone ate them, then stacked them, the organizers got the remains and then brought out the aioli(the mayo stuff,sometimes called the Provencal butter) in  bowls, I think at least one bowl per person.You an see a few pics of the aioli bellow

 

Then they brought out the main course, fish, beets, potato, green beans, carrots,and a hard boiled egg(all of which was eaten with the aioli). Then dessert, an apple tart.

After eating people danced to the band, songs like “It’s Raining Men”, “Cotton Eye Joe”, “Lets Twist Again”, and of course lots of songs in French which I would love to tell about you sometime when my French has improved.There were lots of songs in French that were group dance songs(kinda like the electric slide)

It was a very fun day, good music, good food, and good friends.

Monday I started school again, since last time,not a whole lot new (but there are a couple things).

I started riding the bus, which is a new experience for me.Not only have I never rode the bus to school, but their School bus program is different. If I understand correctly, they hire out charter bus companies to go between the towns and the school at the most needed times.The buses are very nice and far more comfortable than the yellow school buses of home, but I think to ride them you have to buy a bus card.

Yesterday, I had my first “Sport” class. At the school, there is a track, an outdoor basketball area, an indoor rock climbing wall, and an indoor (double)gym.For the first class(like in everyother class)we filled out a sheet which asked our name,parents’ names , occupations,marital status,and phone numbers, where we live, and our phone numbers .The PE one also asked if we have health issues and about our sport skills and likes.After filling out the sheet, we went out side and did track stuff.*random fact: It’s not unusual to see smashed(and un-smashed) escargot on the track…yum!*

Today was wednesday , which , for me, means i go to school at 10:00 AM, and get done at 12:00PM(i just have 2 hours of economy.

This afternoon/evening me and Yzabel went to  “Chapelle Sainte-Roseline” ,A vineyard/Historic chapel where St.Rosline resides.It was very beautiful.  

              

Sorry for the bad quality, camera’s weren’t allowed in the chapel…but there were postcards for sale!

here’s the link to new pics : http://picasaweb.google.com/elitinkfort/September42009ToSeptember82009TownFeteInFayenceEct#

So that’s all for today folks

a bientot!

School Begins

So Monday I met the Principle .He was very nice...at least his tone seamed nice and he smiled a lot...and from what I understood, he said that my grades won't be important at first, and to focus on learning French. We(My host parents and I) also filled out some paperwork . On Tuesday, Yzabel,Cannelle, and I went to Hyper U another supermarket. It's interesting.The Supermarkets(The two I've been to) are kind of built into small malls. You walk in the main entrance labeled HYPER U and there are lots of small shops, and then there's a unclosed off, no wall, no doors, entrance ,to a large store. It's like WALMART only more appealing.For instance, there's a fresh fish area, with tons of exotic(for me)seafood.For example:flat fish, squid tentacle-looking things, and sea snails.
Wednesday I went to school for the first time at 2 PM. There's a girl who is the daughter of a man who works a lot in the USA.She knows a lot of English and is helping me out.

My classes:Europe/French History
English(I think I might get an A in this class!)
Math(Pretty easy so far, we learned about percentages)
French Literature( The Prof is very nice and speaks a little English)
Biology (from the pictures , more like sex ed)
Economy
Civics
Sport
Last night Yzabel and I went to the district 1730 Rotary meeting. It was in a local restaurant At Les Arcs. We arrived a couple minutes late and there were only a few people there. After 10 minutes or so, all 17 people were there. I sat next to two men who spoke English, they were very nice and explained different things about the meeting. On my other side was Yzabel and the YEO(Youth Exchange Officer) not for 1730, but for all of Southern France.I received a district banner from the President... ...and then we ate. First, we were offered water,(Tap or sparkling) then wine, then the main course was brought out,(Steak, mashed potatoes and eggplant),The Rotary members talked about something, then dessert,I don't know what it's called, but its delicious!After dessert, coffee. I learned that I am the First and only exchange student in this district, which I'm fine with, I was just looking forward to meeting other exchange students...


Now a segment I like to call "Things that I Immediately Noticed were Different"
(Theme Music)
(In no particular order)
1.The gate in front of the school is usually locked, and is opened at the start of school, and closed when all the kids are inside. It's locked throughout the day. And is opened during long breaks.
2.Kids,(my age) a lot of the time on breaks smoke,but their only allowed to smoke outside the gate.
3. PDA(Public Display of Affection) is not banned like it is at FHS.
4. They have a cafe where students hang out, (it has a TV, foosball, ect)
5.everybody speaks french
6.Several floors.
7. Many breaks through out the day
8.Lunch is an entire hour and it's a serve yourself type deal
9.Your group(26 kids) goes to (almost) all the same classes
10.You don't have the same classes everyday(or every other day)
11.If you don't have classes sometime(for instance until 12 on Friday), You don't have to go to school until 12.
12.Several classes last 2 hours.
13.You have 4 hours of break every other Thursday
14. It's a lot more difficult to pay attention when you can hardly understand anything the teacher is saying.
15. There are several different buildings, but generally, all the classes you have are in the same building
16.There's a large courtyard,where kid's hang out while not in class, so when in class ,you can often hear people talking outside
17.No AC
18. If it's sunny enough the teachers leave the lights off
19.Apparently you have to buy your own novels for literature
20. If I understand correctly, if the teacher is absent,for a day or couple of days, class is canceled, so if your last class is math,and the math prof is sick, you go home early
21Insted of a bell between classes, there's a trumpet type fanfare
22.Lots of other stuff....

I hope all is well, all is well, here!

*sigh*

I can't believe how lucky I am ! 3 days later and all is still grand!Friday,Yzabel, Cannelle , and I went to the Frejus/St.Raphel beach. It was very beautiful,the only beach I remembered going to was in New England, and it was very cold!At the beach we met-up with a very good friend of Yzabel,Patricia, who also happens to be Jillian's marraine(godmother),and her son.Even more extremely nice French people!
Saturday we stayed in Les Arcs during the day. we swam in the new pool, and me and Yzabel walked to the ...(pronounced pree) newspaper/ book/candy/general store, and bought postcards of Les Arcs.After we got home, we went to a birthday party. The "party" was very layed-back (unlike in the USA)and quiet.I don't know if birthdays are generally like that, but it was very nice.*note*:The girl who's birthday we were celebrating, was 20 something I think,so possibly birthday parties are bigger for younger kids. There were about 10 people there, and they were all very interested in me. I wasn't able to communicate in French very well, but there were a few English speakers there who helped me comunicate.I struggled speaking french , and then they insisted I speak English. They asked my opinion on Obama,(they all liked him very much), and if I thought there had been change. I talked about the current health care debate and many other things.
Sunday,(today),Claude, Cannelle,Yzabel, and I went to St.Tropez. It was incredible. We saw a lot of Yachts,mansions, ect. And went on a boat tour that showed mansons of famous people,(ie:A place that Paris Hilton rented, a villa that cost thousands and thousands of dollars a week,and yacht that is worth 100 million, and that Sylvester Stallone rented for 100,000 FOR ONE WEEK!!! It seams kind-of ridiculous to me, all the money spent on homes, and other stuff in St.Tropez, but I'm not saying I wouldn't mind living there! We ate ate a nice restaurant,(I had sea-fish, a la Americano ).We also walked through the beautiful streets and ate gelato...(I don't understand how the French stay in shape!!!). Tomorrow I'll meet the principle of my school ,classes start Wednesday.I'm slightly nervous,but I think/hope it will be fine. Yzabel assures me it will be. I miss Fayette, and everyone there, and I hope all is well.


P.S :I realize I posted a gazillion pictures, but I haven't had time to look through them. So sorry if there are lots of repeats or bad pictures(To see all the pictures, not just a slideshow,on the slideshow over there ---> )

P.P.S.: The rumor about the French not liking non-French speakers, and that there very mean to Ameri...United States Citizens, is complete bogus!!! My French is awful, yet my family, friends of the family, and random people I don't know at all,(like the owner of the postcard store) are incredibly nice to me.If I went to the US and spoke as little English as I speak French, I think people would be a lot less understanding of me.So...Keep that in mind all you French nay-sayers!!(not that anyone reading my blog is!)

P.P.P.S: You can call me at 660-672-4414, It's a local number, so it's cheap for you , and I have unlimited calls for a year! hope to hear from you soon!

Everyone:Thank you so very much for your support. Especially thanks to my family, friends,and Rotary members. I'd also like to thank the Academy, if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be here now .ha ha. But seriously, Thank You all so very much.

Disclaimer: I LOVE U.S. BIRTHDAY PARTIES