TRAVELOGUE

I'm turning my blog into a travelogue:

It's funny how you go somewhere to "discover" something that is non-existant in your current state of being and end up getting something different out of it. What I am referring to is I thought I was going to find something magical about this European land and what I am learning is that although the French have a rich culture full of delicacies and delicious food, beautiful sights, etc, I am also learning to appreciate America for what it is. France is amazing because it's so purely French--it's particular customs, especially the focus on relationships and food (two things I am particularly fond of).

But America is free spirited... for some reason when I feel a little homesick I imagine a road trip and long highway road cascading into the sunset horizon during the summer months. Even though I do not go on that many road trips, there is a freeness associate with America, that the French associate with our liberties to take advantage of the world's resources and thinking we can impose on others. And while I understand this French perspective, it's hard when we as American's have been bread to think this, and have limited interaction with other countries because of our seclusion on our side of the globe. The Woman I live with, Madame Alloucherie is very excited about Obama becoming president because of the change for America and although I do not have any ideas on the subject, I hope he does what he has promised.

One thing so far that I have noticed about France is that everyone dresses so well. It's amazing, they dress magazine/paparazzi worthy. It's very strange for me becuase I consider myself fashion conscious, and fairly fashionable, but wow I am not used to having so much competition in the U.S....well unless I go to uptown in MPLS! It has become a sort of expectation to fit in here, which is a downside. If I see someone who dresses poorly I can usually tell they are American, which is sad but I guess I like being one of the few people in the U.S. that is fashionable. I'm not sure if I enjoy the competition. But I think (hopefully) I at least appear to be French before I start speaking :)

I have decided to start reading the Bible seriously. I will probably have time and feel it is necessary at this point. I am very excited about this endeavor. I need to become more passionate, I'm afraid I may have lost some tenacity over the recent months. I will return (figuratively) in no time.

I start classes tomorrow. I have 20 hours a week. 14 hrs of French language and 3 elective French education classes. I'm off friday-sunday. hopefully there will be a lot of little trips scheduled to keep me busy. I have realized that I am a person who needs to occupy herself with something mostly all of the time--this does not mean I have to be entertained by these things though. I could be fine reading books or writing letters.

Goal of tomorrow: Meet friends, so i can have a life in France.