Children

So today I finally started my community service. I'm working with 8 year-olds, and today was their version of Carnival at the school so everyone was in costumes. First of all, hearing children speak in French is absolutely adorable; I could not stop smiling, and I loved every moment. Going to college in New York City has really numbed my feelings about children, and every time one walks by I generally feel annoyed. However, I think that is just New York City children... because these children made me elated.

The theme for my class was pink and purple (I don't get it). All of the girls dressed up as princesses, and all of the boys dressed up as girls. Maybe this is why French men are more in touch with their metrosexual side than American men. Because everyone was getting into costume, it wasn't a real class day. So while the teacher helped some students, the rest ran around and were drawing on the chalkboard.... she didn't even care!! I remember being 8 and sitting in class thinking how COOL chalk was and how I WISHED my teacher would let me draw on the chalkboard.

When I return next week, I get to teach a lesson in English about New York and I don't know what to do yet. At least midterms are over. That is a relief. Time for some fievre Aix... bring it on.

And Happy Birthday Katy!!

Hier Soir

Personne 1: Qu'est-ce que le mot pour "in style?"

Personne 2: À la mode!

-silence-

Personne 3 vers quelqu'un qui est francais: En anglais, "a la mode" est aussi pour la glace. quand tu veux quelque chose avec la glace, c'est "a la mode, aussi."

One Week Anniversary

It has officially been one week since I left for Aix!!

Hier soir, we went out for a thursday night on the town. Firstly, we found a bar where one could order 8 shots for 12 euros! At the time, there were 8 of us so its not like I had them all. If that had happened, I would not be writing this right now. After that, we attended this bar that has a special for international students Thursday's.... free shots between 10 and 12, anyone? And at 12 DJ Fox arrives! But we decided to leave before then.

Then after that, we somehow crashed the birthday party of someone named Nicholas, and we were lured in by a singer qui s'appelle "Joseph Papino." He wore a sequin hat, danced like Russell Brand in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, sang like Ricky Martin minus five, wore clothing like Danny in Grease in white, and sang Madonna, Barry White, and "Celebrate." These things exist. France is a wonderful place. Joseph sang and seduced, and here were 8 American students dancing with many many 50-60 year old French men and women. There was one guy who must've been in the mafia because his chapeau was really too much to handle.

After a lovely dinner tonight, we went to another bar.... mind you, we speak in French the whole time. But somehow, somewhere, everyone still knows we're American. We are speaking your language, people. Cut us some slack. I was also able to demonstrate to some of my new friends the importance of changing your name when someone ugly or creepy starts to talk to you. Tonight my name was Charlene.

Also today was the day we met our language partners. Super chouette!!

I love this place more and more every day. Happy One Week Anniversary, France!