My first week here...

It has been absolutely lovely in Aix. I've only been here for about a week, but its starting to feel like home already. Here's what's been going on:

Monday-

Went to orientation at the school... finally english speaking people! I met two girls, Lynn and Sarah, who are both in painting with me, they are both really nice and I think we will get along great!

Tuesday-

Classes begin! I have french at the Aix centre and then the art classes are at a different school called Marchutz. After french, John, one of the Marchutz teachers walked with us out to the school. It is a beautiful walk that takes about a half hour. It will be even nicer when it is not raining :). Alan and John are my art teachers. Both are very nice, encouraging, and funny!

Wednesday-

Classes: and then Lynn, Sarah and I walked around the city for a long time seeing what there is to see. Everything is gorgeous in Aix.

At night: I went to see a french movie with Lynn, Sarah, and another girl names Libby. I think the movie was cute... I didn't understand most of it, but the people behind me thought it was pretty funny.

Thursday-

Classes: We learned how to set up out easels (which is harder than it sounds) and are preparing to start painting on Monday! YAY. We went with John to the art supply store which was full of paint and brushes and all sorts of fun french things!

At night: Sarah and I went to a pub, ate dessert, and watched France lose terribly in the world cup. We were joined by a random french guy who was very nice. He got progressively more drunk as the game went on so we refused to give him our phone numbers when he asked... but we learned a lot about France and Les Bleus (the team) from him.

Friday-

We had our first field trip. We went to the villages of Luberon, Gordes, and Roussillon. All three are absolutely beautiful. We saw where Albert Camus is burried, cliffs of ochre, and the hills and fields of southern France... no words can describe how lovely it is here. After, a bunch of us went out for someone's birthday. Lynn and I drank wine by the fountain... it was pleasant.

Saturday-

Lynn, Sarah, and I hike up Mount St Victoire which is located just east of Aix. It is gorgeous! It was about 2 hours to the top and it was very very windy. We were exhausted, but the top was worth it! The way down was much quicker until we ended up not on the path anymore and got to make a new one. At night, we went out to eat at a fondu place where we were really confused and made the owners laugh at us.

Sunday-

Lynn and I went to church in the Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur d'Aix. It is ancient! I was very confused the whole time a) because I've never been to Catholic mass before, so didn't really know what to do and b) I don't know very much french... or latin for that matter. After that, Sarah, Lynn, and I took the bus to Marseille. We walked all around, saw the Mediterranean and enjoyed the very windy day!

Things I've learned:

-Seafood isn't so bad if you don't know you're eating it.

-Goat cheese rules!

-Cars do not stop for you

-Gelato is the best thing ever

-French guys are very forward when they like you

-Allez Les Bleus! (this is useful during the world cup)

-When your host family asks you about the weather in Chicago, it is weird to tell them about your hobbies

Traditions that have been started:

-Baguette and fruit and cheese for lunch

-Daily french time between us girls, forcing us to speak french with each other

-Saturday night date night where we pick a restaurant to eat out at

-Cherry pit spitting contests all over France... Marchutz, Aix, Gordes, from the top of Mount Saint Victoire so far

Now it is almost time for dinner and homework. Sorry this is so long.

Painting begins tomorrow... for real this time!