I have now been in Europe for over a month... I can't believe it! Time is flying by. I have been trying to figure out how to upload pictures here on the blog for anyone who doesn't use Facebook, so here is an attempt hopefully it works! This is a group picture of my homestay, and of course the dog Siska. Starting on the far left is Grace (my friend and roommate), myself, Diya (from Cornell), Christian the host, Madeline (from Indiana University), and Ann Marie the host mother. It is a bit unusual for a host to have four students--usually it is only one or two. We are fortunate enough to have a very nice set-up though, in a home with enough bedrooms that we all get our own! The picture is taken in the family room where we have dinner every night. While we follow all of the french traditions, it is still a very casual environment so we do not have to worry too much about what we are wearing or what we say, etc--it is super low key. We also eat at 7:30 every night which I am so grateful for, as most families do not eat until 8:30 or 9 which is just too late for my stomach to handle. Siska is the funny, fat little Yorkie mixture in the other picture. He is Christian's pride and joy. Every night, like clockwork Siska starts making these funny noises as soon as cheese is served (but just before dessert) to indicate that it's time for his nightly walk. On the very cold nights (which has been just about every night lately), Christian puts Siska's designer doggie jacket on and they do a little fashion show for us before they go walking, it is so funny.
Classes are still going well and the work is starting to pile up. Classes are all very long which I am still getting used to, but I power through them with the help of delicious cafe au lait. I have been under the weather the past few days unfortunately, but I was able to make it out this weekend for an excursion to Cassis, la Ciotat, and les calanques. Of course it was not the ideal weather to make this excursion but the islands were still beautiful and we had a great guide. There are pictures of these sites on Facebook! Now I am focusing on getting rid of this annoying cold I have so I can start getting ready for my mamasita's upcoming visit to France! À tout à l'heure!
I am not sure if it is even possible, but I am going to try to describe my daily routine that I am lucky enough to have. First of all, my classes don't start until 10:30 which is really nice. Things tend to get going a little later here, as in most people don't go to work until 9:30 or 10. Except for the bakers who start at the crack of dawn so everyone can pick up their fresh baguettes for the day. My walk to town begins on a peaceful street, passing a few small churches and a neighborhood boulangerie. Then I turn the corner and am immediately facing the wonderful chaos of a morning in provence. The first thing I smell are the rotisserie chickens that are just being put out. Then I walk through a stretch of cafes and smell strong french coffee, croissants, and cigarattes (unfortunately). Next comes the bakeries and chocolate shops. Then I cross the most beautiful and famous street in Aix, the Cours Mirabeau. Now I am truly in the heart of the city. There are people everywhere, ranging from little children to college students to sweet older women walking with their friends into the market. And the dogs I get to see every day...this is arguably my favorite part! And so many are French Bulldogs...I always know it will be a good day when I see a cute frenchie walking by me! Beyond the Cours Mirabeau are the flower markets and farmers' markets. This is probably my favorite site of Aix...a large open square full of local flower vendors and farmers selling everything from fish to cheese to fruits and vegetables. After the markets I am just about to my school, which is located in the historic district and overlooks the famous Aix Cathedral. I love this routine and it is only becoming more enjoyable as the weather has finally turned. It takes most people about 20 minutes in total which isn't bad. In "Cally strides," however, it only takes me about 12-13 ;)
