one month later

so I have been in France now for one month. Im starting to make some friends but it is still very hard. Not only is there the language barrier, most of the people who go to my school live in surrounding hamlets and commute to school by bus. I am beggining to develop a regular schedual and that is nice. I hope to change my speciality from science/math to french literature. Ive realised that I can take chem and bio at home but not a french literature class in france. Its a difficult choice because ive already integrated into my class right now, however I still think switching is a good idea.

Chantilly

My host family and I went to visit the Cheatau Chantilly. A cheatau is a cross between a castle and a mansion. It was very beautiful and grand. Later we ate creme de Chantilly, its like whipped cream only much thicker and more rich. More pics later.

















The view from the gardens

French clothes, school etc...

It has been a very busy last two weeks or so. I have started school full time and that is very difficult. For now the material covered isnt so hard, but the fact that it is in french makes it very difficult. Im making some friends and that is nice. I have been fencing 2 times a week, and im getting in shape. Ive had to switch from foil to sabre because there are no foilist here. I have bought my first french clothes and I like them alot. They were more expensive than I would pay in the USA, but there is a much larger emphasis on the way you dress here. The pants I bought are much smaller around than the pants im used to, but they are very flattering. I will post some pictures when I take them. I am going to meet my second host family in a little while. Thats all for now.

bruxelles pictures

this was a nice little street with some cafes and shops. I liked it alot.
the hotel de ville

A nice view of the Grande Place

school

Well I finished my first day of school today, actualy my first half day. It was very very different than the ones I went to in Truckee. St. Jean de le croix is very formal, Truckee high isnt exactly known for their strictness or formality. The charter school I went to was even more informal. I come from an area in wich there is a huge powder day the students and teachers may or may not show up for class. The school here in france has more students but less area than truckee. Its really crowded. All the classrooms I have seen here are very spartan, none of the posters and things that are in every classroom in america ive been to. Ill say more about school more when I learn more.