Keys!

We're moved in! I can't talk for long. We're at Christophe's cooking dinner and to take a quick shower because we can't figure out how to turn the gas on for hot water. Isn't he like... the best person you can ever imagine?

Just wanted to update, but pictures to come!!

Quick update!

Hello all!

So yesterday didn't go quite to plan. We didn't have all the necessary documents and the landlord gave us more things that we needed to get done, so we did not get the keys yesterday, unfortunately. However, we got all of the other documents and stuff taken care of. I was even able to get the insurance stuff taken care of at the bank early this morning. We're meeting her at 3:30 this afternoon to give her the rest of the paperwork and hopefully sign the lease. And get the keys. And move in.

That last part is important because Anna's allotted time at the hostel is up so and Brian told the family he's staying with that he'd be gone yesterday... so... yeah.

Last night a lot of the assistants got together in town and it was a great time! We hopped around to a few different bars and actually got to talk to people in person that we've been communicating with on facebook for the entire summer.  I didn't stay out too late because we had to catch the last metro, which is at 1 AM on the weekends, but I was really tired anyways.

I got up bright and early this morning to take care of the insurance. I seem to have become the secretary/coordinator of the group. As usual! But, that's okay, with stuff like this I do kind of like to be in charge.

Then, I went to Anna's hostel to help her transport her suitcases across town. Her hostel is at the end of the metro line and when I get there the guy told me that there was no Anna there! So I went back to le Capitole and then Anna called me and I went all the way back to the hostel, where in fact, there was an Anna. So we lugged her suitcases into the metro and onto the bus and up to the 5th floor. And now we're sitting in my room at Christophe's. (Brian is here now too!) We're going to go to town soon and I'm going to try to find a thank you gift for Christophe and Anissa.

Our bags are packed and we're ready to go!!

Wish us luck for this afternoon! I'm not sure if I'll be able to update tonight or not since our internet isn't set up, but I'll try my best! Au revoir!!

Let's all sit down for circle time!

Now listen up, kids!

So, let me explain to you how relatively simple things work in France (as far as I've gathered thus far): make them as ridiculously complicated as possible. My day started simply enough. The plan was to head into town around 13h to meet up with Anna (who will now be filling in the spot of 3rd roommate!) and get lunch. She would accompany me to get a phone. Brian would meet up with us. We'd get to know each other some more and call it a day. Sounds reasonable, right? I thought so.

As you all know, I've been waiting until I got my bank account set up in order to get a phone here in France. Well, yesterday I set up the account and I was really excited to buy an inexpensive plan that would let me talk to people in France and stop relying on facebook messaging for all forms of communication. Anyways, today when I went to get a phone, they told me I couldn't get a plan without a bank card. I told them I didn't have a bank card yet, but I had my account number and all of my bank information/ID with me, but they can't do the plan without the card.

However, I can't get the bank card until I have documentation of a residence to show the bank. I'm lucky they even let me set up an account in general using a temporary residence. "But this is easy, Tori!" you say. "You have an apartment, just ask your landlord for some proof of residency!" Great idea! However, the landlord can't give us proof of residency until we give her a bank statement and renters insurance (which is also done by the bank). I need the proof of residency for the bank, but I need the bank for the proof of residency! Luckily, I do have a bank statement to show the landlord since the banker was kind enough to set me up with just a temporary address. However, the banker obviously cannot sign me up for renters insurance without having proof of where I'll be renting.

So this cycle essentially ends up with me standing in front of a basilica arguing with the landlord on the phone. After what was I'm sure a pretty amusing conversation to listen to, she agreed to give me the proof of address when we meet tomorrow and I'll get the renters insurance to her ASAP. I win! (Do you now understand the circle time reference? haha)

I actually was standing in front of a basilica though! This is la basilisque Saint Sernin. It's absolutely beautiful, so I suppose if I have to be arguing with my landlord, in French nonetheless, in front of this gorgeous parish isn't a terrible place to do it.

But, I digress. I was eventually able to break the vicious cycle with my stubbornness calm and straightforward demeanor. Now let's take the time to unravel this web of confusion. My landlord WILL give us the proof of residency, which means that I can now get renters insurance for the apartment. It also means that I will be able to not only have a bank account, but I will be able to have checks and a bank card to go along with my account. And once I have this bank card, I will be able to sign up for a phone plan!

 So, in the meantime I finally caved and bought a go phone because getting the bank card could take another week and I just can't rely on facebook chat to make plans for that much longer. So now, I at least have a phone that I can call and text my friends, even if I have to buy the minutes. But, I was assured that when I go back to get my plan I can use the same phone and keep the same number, which does simplify things a bit at least. It's such a dinky little phone, but I didn't see any reason to buy a nice, fancy one when I'll only be using it for 7 months.

The plan for tomorrow is to meet with our landlord at 16h with all of the documents and money she requested. Hopefully we'll be able to sign and get the keys (AND the proof of residency) right there tomorrow. We're already receiving news about people having extra furniture and things for us to borrow, so hopefully it will only be unfurnished for a very short period of time.

That's the plan anyways. It's very possible that in the morning I could have a potential plot twist, but you'll have to wait and see!

Time for school!

School 1: The first school I visited was great! I talked to a few of the administrators for a while as I filled out some forms. They were so incredibly friendly! They offered me a cup of coffee and we chatted for a little while until I was brought upstairs to meet some of the English teachers that I'll be working with. When I walked into one of the classes, the coolest thing happened- the students all stood up! For me! Needless to say I am NOT used to that. I've learned today that that isn't standard for schools in France, but was likely just an individual school rule. I couldn't stay for too long since I had to head to the next school, but the teachers are really excited to have me there. 

School 2: The next school was about 5 minutes away from the first, which is really convenient. This school is the one that will be managing my hours and setting up my schedule between the 3 schools. I was hoping I would find that out today, but I guess it isn't quite settled yet. I need to go back and hand in some more paperwork, which seems to be a great way to test if I can find the way there by means of public transportation! After filling out some paperwork, I was given a tour and brought to the teachers lounge. There was a bit of a break between classes, so there were a ton of teachers in there who were all really friendly and happy to talk to me, even though I won't really be working with them. The English teacher I'll be working with at this school is great! She is really kind and funny. She brought me to her classroom and her students asked me questions (so they can practice their English) and although their language isn't very advanced, it will be really fun to work with them. They seem excited to have a new face in the classroom. 

School 3: The third school is much closer to where I'll be living, which is convenient. This school is much smaller than the other two. I met the principal and he showed me around before introducing me to the one English teacher who was there at the moment. She was really friendly and introduced me to a few other teachers. I didn't stay at this school for too long because my appointment was relatively close to lunch time, but I'm still glad I got to see it and introduce myself. It'll be cool to see how a smaller school is compared to the larger two. 

**But, can we talk about how Christophe drove me to all of these schools and waited for me while I was inside? He doesn't have to go into school on Wednesdays and took his entire morning away from lesson planning and grading to help me. I swear he is an angel. We got home and he made lunch, which was very yummy as always. We always seem to have interesting talks when it's just the two of us at lunchtime. I always learn so much from them.** 

After lunch, I checked my email and saw that the bank I had contacted yesterday had an opening at 4:00 this afternoon to meet with me. So, I took the metro to town and found the bank really easily. This is a branch of the bank where everyone speaks English, so I felt really comfortable going there. Even though I'm feeling much more at ease with my French, money is something where I don't want to miss a little detail, so having the option of speaking English was amazing. So I got my bank account set up! Now I can get my phone! Which I will hopefully be able to do tomorrow or Friday. That'll make getting in touch with people much easier while we're trying to meet up in town. I'm slowly gathering the documents and things needed for the apartment, so hopefully by this weekend we'll be able to get the keys!

More things I've noticed since I've been in France:

• teachers are MUCH less formally dressed in France than in the US. I didn't feel that I was overdressed necessarily, but I was fancier than the large majority of teachers I saw today and I tried to be relatively casual. I brought over all of my teacher clothes from the US and I'm worried I'm going to look funny. But, I guess it's better to be overdressed as an assistant than look like a slob. 

• If you intend on standing instead of walking on an escalator, you should stand to the right so that people can walk past you on the right. Unless there are two escalators, then the one on the right is for standing and the one on the left is for walking. 

• I have no idea how people have any idea where they are supposed to be when they're driving. The lanes are separated by a white dotted line, which seems normal enough to me. Until I realize that the lanes are separated by a white dotted line regardless of if it is a one way road or if there is oncoming traffic. I would be going into the wrong lane trying to make a left hand turn constantly! I guess you're just supposed to follow the arrows, but the roads aren't marked very well and motorcycles are passing you everywhere and there are crazy roundabouts every 50 feet that each have different rules for who has right of way. I think I'll leave the driving to other people.

• Even relatively fit women like myself will feel absolutely ginormous when they live in France. Every single woman (pretty much) Is about the size of my left thigh. And there aren't very many natural blondes that I've seen, so I stick out even more! I've also seen a lot less tattoos here than I'm used to in the states, but no one gives me weird looks for mine, so I guess it's fine?

This has become far too long of a post- I hope I didn't bore you too much. I'll update soon! :-)

No longer homeless!

Okay, so I've never really been homeless. Christophe and Anissa have been amazingly accommodating. But, the point is- I HAVE AN APARTMENT!

YAYYYYY!!!!! 

Okay, that's enough of that. Although, I do hope you all sang that out loud, because I know I did. 

We actually decided to go with the first apartment that we saw yesterday. The second apartment was incredible, but Brian and I decided that it was more important for us to get situated earlier so we can settle in  instead of having to wait around for another month, living out of our suitcases. It's been great staying here, but I'm definitely ready for my own place. The landlord had actually called Elizabeth this morning and she told her we didn't want it. We looked around for other places this morning, without much luck. Elizabeth found an AMAZING place, but once again it wouldn't be available for a month and it wouldn't be guaranteed to be ours if we liked it. So, we chatted and Elizabeth is going to wait it out and find some other people who would be interested. Brian and I called back our future landlord to see if the apartment was still available. Obviously it was since I'm typing this now, but still... YAY! 

So the next couple days are going to be crazy. I'm visiting the schools tomorrow morning and hoping that we can get all of the paperwork together between tonight and tomorrow and hopefully be able to move in before the weekend! Brian wants to be able to move in tomorrow, but there's a lot of stuff to be gathered up, so we'll see. But, it should be soon!

The apartment is actually the building next door to where I'm staying now, so I don't have much of a commute to move my bags over. Plus, I can still pop in and see Christophe and Anissa really easily! It's an a safe area, close to 2 bus stops, which take you to the metro easily. It has a bike rental station right at the corner (if I ever pluck up the courage to try that again...) and it's a family oriented building, so we won't be trashing it by having parties... just doing that at other people's places. Smart, huh? 

There are a few downsides to the apartment, but they're easy fixes. For instance, it isn't furnished, but there are loads of things for sale reallyyyy cheap online that we can pick up with Brian's car. We'll be able to find things easy enough and we can sell it back online before we leave! We can also talk to our teachers when we visit and see if anyone has extras of anything (like a microwave, table, etc.) It'll also be really easy to find a third roommate considering a lot of other assistants still are looking. I just feel a lot more relaxed knowing I have something lined up that I felt it was worth the little extra money for some cheap furniture. 

You had better believe you'll be seeing pictures once I get moved in and then again once we start decorating!

I might be going out tonight, so maybe I'll have more to update on later, but we'll see. It'll be an early night for me so I can wake up and head out to my schools bright and early! I'm so excited!!

and just in case you still feel like dancing...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12VUjgYMm1U 

Apartment hunting is exhausting!

We had better luck than yesterday, but still no apartment yet. We found one GREAT maybe though. It's on the 11th floor and has 3 balconies over looking the city. The rent isn't too bad either! The only problem is that it isn't available until November 1st and I would personally like to get settled in somewhere before that. There's also the fact that a few more people had appointments to see it after us, so we need to wait a few days to even hear if it'll be offered to us. So, we're going to keep looking tomorrow.

Today was still productive though because we were actually able to have conversations with people that lasted longer than them telling us it was already rented. We made a few appointments and went and saw 2 different apartments. We drove by all of the apartments earlier on in the day to check out the area and decided that we weren't even going to go to the 3rd appointment. As my English/Irish future roommates would say... quite dodgy.

I'm really getting along with Elizabeth and Brian, so I am looking forward to having them as roommates. Maybe each day we search we'll have better luck. Who know? Maybe tomorrow we'll find something completely incredible that we can move into ASAP. It's a long shot, but it can't hurt to be optimistic, right? 

I'll move onto other things shortly, since I'm sure my unsuccessful apartment hunting isn't all that exciting, but I just can't believe how tired I am! Sure I called a billion places, which is exhausting in it's own way trying to understand people over the phone. But, we only went to see two places! It might have something to do with the fact the Brian and I got kind of turned around today and ended up walking for quite a while, but I think that was a good thing.

So, we were going to look for some agencies to see if maybe they could help us despite the ridiculous fees they charge. We couldn't find any and we ended up making a few too many turns. However, I think it was pretty great because I felt completely comfortable. Normally, if I'm not positive where I am, especially in an unfamiliar city, I get really nervous and frazzled. Ask anyone who knows me. But, today I knew that if I kept going and followed the street signs/my own instinct I would get back to a place from which I could at least get myself in the right direction. Plus, I'm not as nervous to talk to people now, so there's always the possibility of asking for directions.

I will be zen!

So even though I don't have a permanent place to live, I'm meeting new people, getting comfortable with my surroundings, and starting to realize that I'm actually capable of doing this. I feel like I'm starting to come into my own. That's not to say that I won't ever get frustrated or lonely, in fact I'm sure I will. I've got A LOT more annoying paperwork stuff I need to take care of. Not to mention I still have to get a phone and open a bank account... But, it'll all come together. I'm realizing that although I do have to put in an effort to get things done, I don't have to freak out. Everything is going to work out and it will all be okay.


In other news, I've officially made appointments to go visit all 3 schools this Wednesday. I'm really excited to meet the teachers/staff that I'll be working with. Maybe some of them might even have some ideas for possible accommodations? Plus, it'll help to see where they are and what I'm going to need to do in order to commute. Hopefully I'll be able to find out my schedule as well. So, Christophe is going to drive me to the schools on Wednesday (he is a saint, I swear). It'll be a very busy, exhausting morning I'm sure, but we should get home just in time for lunch. Which will probably be followed by a nap. 

Speaking of a nap and being exhausted, it's time for this lady to catch a few z's. Hopefully tomorrow I'll be posting with some more exciting news! Au revoir!

Melting Pot

Today's is just going to be a quick post because I've been busy all day and it's 1:30 AM and I need to get up early.

The day started by Christophe trying to kill me. Not actually, but we biked to the market and it was uphill both ways. Once again, I exaggerate, but I was seriously huffing and puffing. The bike system is really cool though. You can pay to rent a bike for the day and you get a piece of paper with a code on it. Then you can put the bike away at any station, which are located within a 1,000 ft radius I think. Then you can punch in the code and take a new bike and park it at any other station. It's really cool and is called Velo Toulouse.


Even if it was almost the death of me.

The market was great as well. There were musicians and food and shops and a ton of books. I'm definitely going to have to go back once I start getting paid.

After lunch, Brian picked me up and we met with Elizabeth to start our apartment search. Well, on a Sunday we didn't have too much luck, but we're going to try it again tomorrow and hope for a better response.

The afternoon wasn't a complete loss though! Brian and I met up with the girls that we met yesterday in le Capitole. We walked around for a while, got some coffee at a cute cafe (one of the few that are open on Sunday), and talked about various things. We went to their apartment for dinner and they made us pasta. Italians making pasta, who would've thought?  It was really delicious and a great time. We laughed and joked around, all in French.

I'm definitely finding that after only being here for 5 days, my French is already improving, or at least I'm getting less self conscious about using it. I have come to realize that it's okay if I make mistakes. I'm still able to understand and get information across, which is what communicating is all about. Although, sometimes it's just as hard to understand my fellow English speakers! Brian is from Ireland and Elizabeth is from England and let me tell you what- it may be English, but there are some definite things that get lost in translation!

But, I'm really looking forward to spending time with them and I think they're going to be a blast to live with, granted that we ever find a place. Which, will hopefully happen tomorrow, so this wanna be Frenchie should get to bed.

 Bonne nuit!

Friends!

That's right. I made some! I only had to go to France to do so... just kidding! (kind of.)

So today began around noon when Anissa made Croque Monsieurs for us and one of her friends. These were different than the one I had at the cafe, pretty much grilled cheese sandwiches with a slice of ham in the middle. They were cool though because they have this machine thing that presses the edges together, so it becomes this warm, gooey, French hot pocket like thing. And we had some yummy melon.

I have been talking on facebook with some other assistants and I had planned to meet up with some today. Well, I did! We went to le Capitole and met up with some other people there. The girls we met up with are studying in Toulouse, so they'd been here for a little longer, so they showed us around a bit. We walked down to la Garonne and saw le Pont Neuf, which was really beautiful.


From left to right we have a person from: Italy, Ireland, England, and America. Cool, huh? So many accents!

So, after our walk by the river, we went to a pub for a quick beer before heading back home. When I got back to the apartment I was the only one home, so I heated up some leftovers for dinner. As I was finishing up, Christophe came home from climbing, so I sat at the table while he ate and we had another great talk. It's so interesting to hear different opinions and see what stereotypes are true or false, etc. For instance- did you know that most French people don't actually hate Americans? They hate Americans who come to France and immediately expect everyone to speak English to them even though they're in France, which luckily I am not.

I'm a little disappointed that I'm staying in on my first Saturday night in France, but I'm going to have a busy day tomorrow I believe, so I'm okay with it. I guess. Tomorrow, the plan is bike to this market in the morning. Biking in itself should be interesting because these streets/drivers are crazy. But, I guess the market is like part farmers market, part flea market, part bookstore, but entirely cool. I'm really looking forward to it. After that I'm going to meet up with Brian and Elizabeth and start trying to contact people about apartments, but I don't think we'll have much luck on Sunday. Who knows though, maybe we'll get lucky.

Wish us bonne chance!

Keeping busy!

Hello everyone! I had a pretty exciting day (at least in my opinion)!

When I woke up I checked my e-mail, made some coffee, and waited around until the zombie effect faded. Then, I called the 3 schools I will be working at and made appointments to come introduce myself next week. This might not seem like a huge deal, but to me it felt like I'd climbed Mt. Everest. I've been so self conscious about using my French and how it sounds to others that I was absolutely dreading making these phone calls. However, either they spoke more clearly than people have been in person, or I'm getting better at understanding! I'm not going to say we had perfect conversations, but I was able to exchange information, understand, and be understood. Which is essentially the goal, right?

After this brilliant success, I hoped on the bus, followed by the metro into town. Christophe had given me a pre-paid movie voucher, so I got in line at the counter. I wasn't sure what any of the movies were about, but the movie the woman in front of me chose was starting relatively soon, so I just said the same movie she did.

So... it wasn't the best idea. Don't get me wrong, the movie wasn't bad. I just wasn't in the mood to see a tear jerker with a bunch of old ladies. That's what I get for not doing my research though. And I will admit that I did tear up at the end as well, but not as much as the ladies to my right. It was interesting to watch the movie in French because I obviously didn't understand each and every word, but thanks to being able to watch the scenes and see emotions, I was still able to follow the story line easily. 

So when I get home, I fix myself a little something to eat and when Christophe comes home, we sat in the kitchen for a while and talked about his day. We discussed the movie and apparently it's about an issue that's  been discussed a lot recently in France, which is that people should have to right to essentially euthanize themselves. But, alas, we moved on to other topics. We discussed certain differences between France and the US, different teaching ideas, recent social issues, etc. It was really refreshing. A lot of the conversation was in English, but we've definitely been mixing more French in there. When Anissa came home, she informed us that she was going to the movies later with her Mom and asked if I'd like to come, so I said sure- moving on to movie number 2 of the day!

We went and saw The Secret, which I still haven't decided if I liked or not. I'll give it interesting and mildly entertaining, but also a little crazy and weird. But anyways, this movie was actually played in English and as much as I tried to read the French subtitles, it just wasn't happening. I'd say it was a well deserved break from constant French, but I've definitely spoken more English than French since I've arrived. Oops. 

We actually met a friend of her mothers there and I was speaking to all of them in French and didn't have too hard of a time before the movie, but it was just basic conversation, nothing too fancy. After the movie, we decided to grab a drink at a bar near by. We stopped at Le Dauphin. I had a half draft beer, which was pretty good, but I can't remember what it was called. It was much harder to follow the conversation in the bar for a few reasons. First of all, it was loud. Secondly, it's always harder to participate in group conversations simply because I lack the background knowledge of what they're talking about. I could understand the vocabulary, but if I just don't know where or who they're discussing, I can't really participate. A band started that played mostly rock and sang all in English, so I could understand them at least! It was a really good time though. There was a drunk man dancing all by himself, which Anissa and I had fun laughing about to ourselves. 

I have plans to meet up with another assistant tomorrow, which is great because Anissa has plans with her friends and I should probably start trying to venture out a little more and make my own. We don't know when or where we're meeting yet, but it's nice to have the option now that there are more assistants arriving. 

I've been feeling more optimistic today and I haven't felt quite as out of place. I don't know if this feeling will last or not. It'll probably go away when I try to get official things done, but I think within the month once I'm settled into my own place and have finished with the paperwork end, I'll be ready to sit back, drink a glass (or bottle) of wine, and relax. 

After all, la vie est belle, non?

Roaming Solo!

Bonjour tout le monde! My morning was rather lazy. I slept in until 11:00, took a shower (which I was told was too long.. oops!), ate a small lunch, and then took a nap until 14:30. I guess jet lag decided that day 3 was the best time to hit me. I'm feeling fine now though! After getting ready, I ventured out all on my own to go to le Capitole!

I wore a scarf in an attempt to look more French... I don't think it worked.

I got on the bus and then took the metro (using my new carte pastel for both) until I got to le capitole. The first thing I did was go to La Poste, which is both the post office as well as a bank. I waited in line for about 10 minutes until I was able to speak to a teller. Now let me tell you, I was really nervous. Christophe had told me that banks can be unnecessarily complicated and not very patient with foreigners. 

There was definitely an obvious language barrier, but we were able to figure out what I need in order to open an account and I only detected him losing his patience once. He was definitely overall more pleasant than I expected, which was a relief. It might be a little more complicated when I actually go back to set up the account, but it should be fine. 

I'm trying really hard to remind myself that each little hiccup is a learning experience for me. I can't expect myself to know everything. It will get easier to understand people and I will slowly start to feel more comfortable joining into conversations. I just have to keep reminding myself that I'm here to learn and grow.

Anywho, after going to the bank, I walked around for an hour or so. There's a big square in front of the capitol building, so I sat down there for about 10 minutes and people watched. There is some interesting stuff that goes on! I couldn't get over that despite the fact that there's a ton of construction going on, it is so beautiful here. 

The capitol building, gorgeous, huh?

I went in and out of a few shops, but didn't buy anything- I know, boring. But, I did stop into a cafe and bought something to eat and drink. I didn't eat a big lunch and the French eat dinner very late, so I think I made a smart choice. 

Un croque monsieur et un orangina- another attempt at being French? Possibly- but so delish!

I took the metro and the bus back to the apartment (without getting lost or taking the wrong bus, may I add) and I was even able to open the door without problems. So, now I'm sitting at the apartment alone contemplating what to do with the rest of my evening. Christophe went climbing after school today and I have no idea where Anissa is, so I might just go for a walk around the neighborhood. I know I had a productive day, but I can't just sit inside on my 3rd day in France, now can I?

Although with a view like this out of my bedroom window, I could probably manage.

Anissa just got home so I have someone to talk to! I'm not sure where the rest of the night will take me, but for now, au revoir!

Day 2 in Toulouse!

For anyone who doesn't remember The Aristocats, this is Toulouse! Clever, huh?

Okay, maybe not so clever, but I just remembered his name was Toulouse and I got excited. Anyways, back to the subject- my second day in Toulouse- quite successful I'd say!

I thought I'd sleep in super late since I didn't go to bed until after 2:00 AM and I didn't get much sleep traveling either, but I was out of bed by 9:00 AM and although I don't think I'll be awake quite as late tonight, I still haven't crashed. What is this jet lag I keep hearing about? But, anyways, I didn't do much in the morning. Christophe has Wednesdays off, so he was doing some lesson planning and asked me to record a few things for his students. It's harder than it seems! I'm not great at thinking on the spot, even in English, so I had to try a few times. I recorded just a basic introduction and then a few different "If I were an animal/food/season/celebrity I would be...". He's so worried about me feeling comfortable, I'm glad I could do something to help him out as well.

Anissa came home from school for lunch and we ate around noon. We had ratatouille and it was delicious!

You guys had to have seen this one coming.

Around 14h (or 2:00 PM as I'm used to calling it) Anissa and I took the bus to the subway and then I bought my own bus/metro pass, which will save me a TON of money since it's how I'll be traveling each day. For the pass I had to take a passport style picture and they had a little photo booth set up right in the metro station! 

As you can see, I find this really exciting.

After helping me get my card, Anissa had to run to class, so I ventured on my own for the first time in Toulouse. I didn't go far, but I walked around for a while, sat on a bench by a fountain and people watched for a while. I got my first French coffee along with un chocolatine which was absolutely to die for. It's like chocolate baked into the most butteriest flakiest crescent roll (not really, but it's all I can think of to describe it). I ordered in French and used French money and no one laughed at me. I know this shouldn't be a big deal, but considering how lost I felt yesterday, I was still very happy!

But then, it was time to venture back to the apartment and try my hand at French public transportation solo.

The metro went perfectly. I used my new card and got on the right train and got off at the right stop and got to the bus stop easily. I got on the bus and patiently waited for my stop which hadn't come by the time the bus reached it's final stop. So, I swallowed my pride and told the bus driver that I was American and had obviously made a mistake about the bus. I told him where I needed to go and he gave me a map of the bus line and it turns out I was on the right bus line, just going the wrong direction. I was supposed to go to the bus stop across the street from where I got on! But, the driver was really nice and didn't laugh at my French either and told me that the bus I was currently on would be going the way I needed it to in about 10 minutes and to just wait there. So, it wasn't a big problem and I kept my cool. (and considering how easily frazzled I get- that's a big deal for me too!) 

So I get back to the apartment and I spend about 5 minutes trying to get into the building. The key fits, but the door isn't opening. The lock is turning and unclicking, but it just won't open! Well after that 5 minutes I eventually pushed the door and it turns out my key works just fine. In my defense, doors in the US say push/pull. Needless to say, I felt rather ridiculous, but alas, now I know. 

I went to the market with Christophe around 18h (I'm practicing!) and inquired about my choices for getting a phone to use in France and I think the best bet is to get a plan with no long term commitment, as opposed to a go phone, which I guess would be pretty expensive. I can get a plan for 24 euros a month and I'd be able to talk for up to 2 hours a day and send a few texts. I don't even know if I'd need that much, but it's a only a little more expensive than the plan that would let me talk for 1 hour each day. However, I need to set up a bank account before I can do that, so tomorrow my goal is to find a bank and figure out what documents I'll need to gather before that can happen.

At the market today I learned that they don't like it when you touch the products before your payment goes through. I was trying to be helpful and pack up the groceries while he paid when he very nicely told me that I couldn't touch anything yet because his card hadn't gone through yet.

See how much I'm learning!?! 

On my first day in France I learned that:

1. I'm not supposed to tip the taxi driver

I got out after paying and he came out after me with change and seemed to have no thoughts about keeping it, so I asked Anissa if I was supposed to tip him and she laughed and said no. So no tipping for cab rides. Check. 

2. I will be getting a lot of kisses in my time here!

I've learned all about "les bises," which is the standard way of greeting people in France, and they mean it! I've learned that southern France is especially attached to this. For those who aren't sure what the heck I'm talking about, in France, the normal way for friends (and apparently strangers) to greet each other is by a quick kiss on each cheek. I was aware of this, but I didn't know it would apply to me as well! Anissa warned me and she was correct! Lots of kisses!

3. French people speak a lot faster than French teachers.

I'm so used to hearing French that is catered to people learning the language that I am having serious trouble understanding what anyone is saying. If someone is talking directly to me it is much easier than trying to understand what the heck is going on in a group conversation. But, I'm hopeful that it will get easier!


Also, I apparently hold my silverware weird. Even my dinner manners are obviously American!

Bienvenue!

Bienvenue to me and you! Cough, I'm a poet, cough.

I arrived in France today after a quite long 18 hours of traveling. I didn't get too much sleep on either flight, but I'm surprisingly not very tired. I might even hit up a pub for a little while tonight.

I feel so blessed to be here. Although I don't have a permanent living situation yet, I am lucky enough to have somewhere to stay for a few weeks until I find something. I'm staying with a very generous family who has gone out of their way to make me feel comfortable and I couldn't ever thank them enough.

I even get my own little room with a desk!

I don't start teaching for a couple of weeks, so I've got a little time to learn the area a little more and get used to using public transportation. I'm going to get a bus pass! The girl I'm staying with is going to take me around to the schools I'll be teaching at and show me the best ways to get there. But, tomorrow I think I'm going to just walk around the neighborhood (after sleeping in) and see what's around. 

Despite of how lucky I am to be staying with this super awesome accommodating family, I must admit that I am seriously overwhelmed. I know it's only the first day and that it's going to get way more frustrating, but it'll get easier in a few weeks, but like... I thought I spoke French!? I can understand a lot of what I'm hearing, but everyone talks so quickly and quietly I can hardly even comprehend that they aren't just saying one really long word. 

I think we're about to go out, so I'll update more when I can. Wish me luck!