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!

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!