Do they work here?

So, get this: I have been back at work for 3 days since our 10-day vacance, and apparently tomorrow (Armistice Day) is another day off of work. For the school I'm working at this week, I don't have classes on Wednesdays...so, after today I'm looking at another 2-day break. In the words of one of my students this morning, "c'est la France."

This weekend was very relaxing with perfect Autumn weather. Saturday, I went to Valence to spend the afternoon with Molly and Patrick. We went to one of the coolest markets I have ever seen, which was in a lesser-known part of town with a mostly immigrant population. The people there were incredibly friendly, and the food was incredibly cheap. I didn't buy any (holding out for the Romans Sunday morning market), but I did enjoy a fantastic dinner cooked by Patrick and Molly with the ingredients they bought there. I'm way too spoiled when it comes to cheap, high-quality fruits and vegetables here...hopefully Pike Place market will live up to the expectations set by French markets when I move back!

Yesterday morning, I decided to go to church. I didn't know exactly where the Protestant church was and, after a little confusion, found myself wandering into a church that I figured was some sort of Protestant church (the sign said "Eglise something," and I didn't really have time to think about it before I was welcomed and shuffled in by a very nice older gentleman. About 30 minutes into the service, I realized what the sign outside said: "Eglise Pentecôt," as in Pentecostal Church. Only at that moment did I remember what I knew about Pentecostal churches, a realization that occured at approximately the same moment that people in the congregation were speaking in tongues, crying profusely, and calling out to Jesus their Savior. I became pretty anxious as I sat there, realizing that I was in for quite the church experience. After another hour and a half, during which people continued crying and babbling and the pastor jumped around while delivering his message, I decided I needed to leave (this is about 2 hours and 10 minutes into the service). I'm usually not one to be too judgmental on churches, but this was one of the most frightening experiences of my life and I had to get out of there. Unfortunately, I also drank the communion wine, and spent most of the service hoping it wasn't a "don't drink the kool aid" situation. I told the girl next to me that I had to leave and asked her if it is okay for me to just walk out. She said yes, but not before asking me to give her my phone number and e-mail address, which I actually gave her (I know...the phrase "what was I thinking" has entered my head many times since). In an attempt to be stealth, I snuck out while people were on their way up to the altar to be blessed. Fresh air has never felt so good.

After readjusting to the outside world, I met Marie, a German assistant from Valence, to walk through the market, have some coffee, and show her around Romans. It ended up being a pleasant Sunday (after I got over the church shock).

Tonight I'm going to Valence to have dinner with a bunch of assistants at Abi's apartment (an assistant from Seattle). Should be a fun way to celebrate not having classes tomorrow.

I'm having picture uploading issues, but I will get all of my Vacances pictures up as soon as possible. À bientôt!