You learn about it in French 101, but it will still surprise you when you're greeted with a kiss on each cheek from everyone you meet. Sometimes there isn't even eye contact or a word spoken before someone's coming at you, and sometimes there isn't even that afterwards. This may have been a unique experience since my host sister Anne was celebrating her 20th birthday last night and had about 30 same-age-ish friends over, and there just may not have been time for all those pesky introductions. It was incredibly uncomfortable and awkward, but I did learn a great deal about socializing here, which isn't too different from the states, kissing aside. Everyone more or less sat around in chairs, drank vodka in little cups, smoked cigarettes outside. A big difference was that Madame and Monsieur were home, but it didn't phase anyone. Probably because they've all been drinking since it was legal at 16.
The house I live in is gorgeous. It's 4 stories, and while at first that seems crazy, picture the stereotypical French-looking tall homes all smooshed together, creating a long line of unique, old-country style homes that line the streets. The creaky wooden staircases all wind up to the next floor, which is about as big as a normal entrance to a home, with a few rooms on each floor, mine on the 3rd with the other exchange student, Rebecca. Thank God she's here. It's so nice to have someone friendly to speak English with and sit awkwardly at huge gatherings with. Anyways, I haven't done much adventuring or picture-taking yet, but here is the backside view of some of the homes:
It's a little rainy and gray here so far, but I still find it outrageously romantic and beautiful. I love the fact that this is home for two months, and I may come and go as I please. I was literally speechless when I was shown my room, since I didn't expect to even have my own, or for it to be as beautiful as it is. The pictures make it seem a little smaller than it is, but I snapped a few right before I unpacked:
I love that they don't have screens here. I enjoy peeking out the window, and the view is beautiful.
I'm so excited to start classes soon. I have orientation tomorrow at l'Institute de Touraine where I'll be studying. Having the internet here at the house though is unexpected and amazing. I thought I'd only be able to use it at the Institute.
Besides Anne, there's Claire (17), Paul (14), and Bénoit (9...and I'm uncertain of the spelling). Claire speaks the fastest French I have ever heard, Paul is sweet and adorably shy, and Bénoit is a riot. The first time I walked through the door, he was playing some crazy instrument and singing. He then entertained me with his 3-second long stilt-walking. His friend, who is 6 (and I believe he's the son of close friends to my host parents) is staying for the weekend. Blonde hair and bright blue eyes, he spent half the evening popping in my room to either find a spot to hide during hide-and-seek or poke me with his toy sword. His smile is contagious, and I got a peck on the cheek before the little tyke went to bed.
Oh, the park IS open, they just didn't open up the gates like it was yesterday. I guess I'll for a run now, the rain doesn't look like it's letting up. A bientôt!
