My time in France is almost up! I'm leaving this Friday, taking a plan to Frankfort and then from there flying to NYC, where my lovely parents await me with baited breath. Or something. I'm sure they'll muster up a little enthusiasm for the occasion.
Recently, things have been very nice and relaxed here. After coming back from my grand adventures I only had one week of classes, of which one of the days (May 1) was a public holiday. May 1 is quite a big one as its the worker's holiday so absolutely everything is closed, even the trams. I was a little suffocated, but it was okay. May 8 and 9 were also public holidays, but some things at least were open and also the spring sales have started! So I may have to do some shopping before I leave. Assuming I have any money left.
My 21st birthday was May 7, which was lovely, as my friend Lindsay organized a little get together complete with mac and cheese, that much craved American dish, and wine and a strawberry cake. It was so great to hang out with everyone, especially knowing our time here is limited. I loved the card they got me, too, a cute little kitty card that everyone signed! Twas a fantastic birthday, even more so because the next day I went to the new bubble tea place downtown and had my fave drink for the first time in months. Lovely!
Last night my host family and I were finally all home to eat togethter at the same time, so they purchased some delicious mini pastries and put 21 candles in and sang Happy Birthday in English! It was really nice and sweet and the pastries were great. They also got me a little makeup bag as a gift, very cute and practical so I'll remember them by it.
Mostly things have been quiet because its now the exam period, which while still much less intense than at home, is nonetheless irritating and cranky, so as a treat Lindsay and I took a day trip yesterday to a small city about an hour train ride from here, Chambery. Chambery is very cute but small, and has a lovely little old city with fun little shops. We got fondue for lunch, since we were in the Haute Savoie region, and had a lovely Savoie white wine with it. The next time I go to France I definitely want to do a vineyard tour! A highlight was a visit to the chateau complex, which is very old and has been added to over the centuries. We took a tour with a hilarious and friendly guide, and among our group were some adorable little French children. I like baby French--one little boy kept saying "par que" for "parce que". She asked where everyone was from, so of course when we said we were American the French people did the sort of head tilt big smile "Ahhh" they always do when we say where we come from, as if they are 1) surprised we speak French and 2)confused as to what we are doing there and not Paris.
I have recently been taking note of language things in French, as I get more advanced. One saying I quite like in French is "j'ai le droit de" which literally translates to "I have the right to", but is used frequently as a kind of I can. It is such a very French thing to say, for everything from I have a right to watch TV without you yelling, Tess, to I have a right to an extra blanket at the hospital. Another favorite saying is the word "vachement" which is used quite frequently as an intensifier, but literally means "cow-ly". I also like what the kids like my 11 year old host sister say, which is "grave" whenevery they think something is cool or they really agree with it. It is sort of like saying something is "sick" in English.
That's all for now!
Love,
Miriam
Recently, things have been very nice and relaxed here. After coming back from my grand adventures I only had one week of classes, of which one of the days (May 1) was a public holiday. May 1 is quite a big one as its the worker's holiday so absolutely everything is closed, even the trams. I was a little suffocated, but it was okay. May 8 and 9 were also public holidays, but some things at least were open and also the spring sales have started! So I may have to do some shopping before I leave. Assuming I have any money left.
My 21st birthday was May 7, which was lovely, as my friend Lindsay organized a little get together complete with mac and cheese, that much craved American dish, and wine and a strawberry cake. It was so great to hang out with everyone, especially knowing our time here is limited. I loved the card they got me, too, a cute little kitty card that everyone signed! Twas a fantastic birthday, even more so because the next day I went to the new bubble tea place downtown and had my fave drink for the first time in months. Lovely!
Last night my host family and I were finally all home to eat togethter at the same time, so they purchased some delicious mini pastries and put 21 candles in and sang Happy Birthday in English! It was really nice and sweet and the pastries were great. They also got me a little makeup bag as a gift, very cute and practical so I'll remember them by it.
Mostly things have been quiet because its now the exam period, which while still much less intense than at home, is nonetheless irritating and cranky, so as a treat Lindsay and I took a day trip yesterday to a small city about an hour train ride from here, Chambery. Chambery is very cute but small, and has a lovely little old city with fun little shops. We got fondue for lunch, since we were in the Haute Savoie region, and had a lovely Savoie white wine with it. The next time I go to France I definitely want to do a vineyard tour! A highlight was a visit to the chateau complex, which is very old and has been added to over the centuries. We took a tour with a hilarious and friendly guide, and among our group were some adorable little French children. I like baby French--one little boy kept saying "par que" for "parce que". She asked where everyone was from, so of course when we said we were American the French people did the sort of head tilt big smile "Ahhh" they always do when we say where we come from, as if they are 1) surprised we speak French and 2)confused as to what we are doing there and not Paris.
I have recently been taking note of language things in French, as I get more advanced. One saying I quite like in French is "j'ai le droit de" which literally translates to "I have the right to", but is used frequently as a kind of I can. It is such a very French thing to say, for everything from I have a right to watch TV without you yelling, Tess, to I have a right to an extra blanket at the hospital. Another favorite saying is the word "vachement" which is used quite frequently as an intensifier, but literally means "cow-ly". I also like what the kids like my 11 year old host sister say, which is "grave" whenevery they think something is cool or they really agree with it. It is sort of like saying something is "sick" in English.
That's all for now!
Love,
Miriam
j'ai le droit de dire que tu es vachement folle!
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