School Days

I'm beginning to feel like I actually live here now! I began teaching last week, and it has proven to be interesting. Basically, I have students with a range of ages and abilities, so I go into each class slightly unprepared for what will happen. Some classes have an impressive amount of participation, and some just sit there and stare at me as if they don't understand a word I'm saying (which, they probably don't). So, I've done a couple of unplanned lectures since students weren't asking questions or participating; I just started talking about American politics, culture and economics for a long time...I'm sure they were all fascinated. It should get better, though -- I only see most of my classes once a month, so for now I have a lot of introductory sessions where I introduce myself, we discuss common French and American stereotypes (pretty predictable - "Americans are fat," "All Americans carry guns"), and I try to clear up some common misunderstandings. They always find it entertaining when I tell them the stereotypes we have about French people, especially that they don't shower or shave (they can't believe that there are Americans who believe that). Most of them agree with the stereotype that the French are lazy, though... they also admit to the fact that they complain all the time.

The teachers at the schools have been incredible and very welcoming - I think they will be fun to work with this year. There is one who frustrates me because she basically supports all of the negative ideas that the French have toward Americans in front of the class, which makes it a little hard for me to openly state my opinion. But, I guess there's always got to be one.

Other than that, I'm really starting to like the town I'm living in. I found a great running course, which I define as "great" because it avoids all large gatherings of people in the town. People don't really run in France, so when you do, they look at you like your ridiculous. I got sick of these looks right away, so I did what I could to find a path avoiding them.

I ventured to Valence the other day, which is a larger city about 20 minutes away from Romans by train. There is a university there, so I might try to find a class schedule and listen in on some classes. If I do, I will also put up a flyer to advertise for tutoring so that I can fill my schedule a little. On that note, I also bought a cheap guitar so that I can continue practicing :).

Last weekend, Annie and Régis took the Mexican assistant, Carlos, and me to their home in Seyne-sur-Mer near Toulon. We spent the weekend seeing the city, walking around on the beach, and hiking (well, I don't know if it can actually be called "hiking"...more like walking uphill) to some great viewpoints. For my birthday, their neighbors joined us for dinner at a Crêperie - it was delicious! After, we went back to their house and had a bottle of champagne. They really treated me well; it was so nice of them to take me under their wings once again.

Anyway, I better get going and try to get some things done with what's left of my day. It's really rainy out today, so the town isn't very lively. I will probably cook some dinner in my apartment and watch yesterday's debate, which I'm currently downloading. It's amazing how interested the French are in the election - most of the questions I get everyday in class revolve around either it or subprimes (yeah, that's easy to talk about in very basic English). Although they do know a decent amount about the election, most of their knowledge has a strong leftward slant and, with the way they talk about Obama, one would think he was God's gift to Earth. So, I try to teach them a thing or two about both sides. And, anytime they ask me who I'm voting for, I say I haven't decided yet.

Oh, for the record, I've heard a real French person say "Zut alors" three times.

I miss you all and will talk to you soon!