Springtime in the Alps

First let me say, I feel so much for all of my Boston friends, and the news is even well known here in France, as I've had several people ask me about it, and have watched the news about the attacks here on the French news. Boston is a wonderful, special city, with the Marathon being the signal of spring arriving and the city celebrating, and I know that tradition will still continue. I miss you all! So onwards:

About a week ago, spring FINALLY arrived. After dozens of false alarms, we seem to be solidly in good weather and leaves are actually coming out on trees. Flowers are everywhere, especially on campus which seems to be defying the ugly sixties buildings by covering them with greenery. Say what you will about the campus, it is full of "verdure". Plus, there are some cherry blossoms so I feel at home.

Last weekend was quite a busy one, as the lovely parents were here. We went to about 500 museums and walked our feet off and ate many enormous meals and met with the host family for dinner one night. It was somewhat exhausting but really lovely to see them and show off my mastery of the confusing Grenoble geography. Those medieval streets! Also had a fun day in Lyon, which is much nicer when it is warm and sunny and green than when it is chilly.

Classes are starting to wrap up; I have technically ended two of my classes (though some assignments remain). It really is gorgeously warm and lovely out--even had a field trip with my French class to this really cool place, the Cryptes de Saint Laurent, which is a place the Grenoblois have been burying their dead for nearly 2000 years. Its pretty incredible to see the layers of construction and bones and coffins that have been unearthed and displayed.

So tomorrow starts les vacances, so thrilling. My most wonderful of schedules:
Tomorrow: train to Marseille, flight from Marseille to Fez. Stay in Fez for three nights!
Monday: train to Rabat, stay there for two nights
Wednesday afternoon: To Casablanca, where the next day we will fly out. I am going from there. . .
Thursday: To Florence! Where I am meeting my dear friend Alex from school the next day, as well as staying in the same hostel as high school friend Julia!
Monday: Back to Grenoble.

Pretty much the best 11 days ever. Like, ever.
I am so stoked. I shall have many many stories to tell upon my return!
GROS bisous,
Miriam