Yesterday was a day to test any patience I had. In Paris everyone was very helpful and knowledgable and gave us a ton of information when we need it. I wish I could have said the same for the people at the Nantes train/bus station. Jennifer and I took the train from Paris to Nantes early so I would be able to catch the 12:25 bus to Les Herbiers where Mme. Sachot was waiting for me. The only problem was that there are about six different bus stops at the station and not a soul could tell me which one was the stop for Les Herbiers. Needless to say, I missed the bus. Thankfully Jennifer's school contact in Nantes came to pick her up. She was very fabulous. We re-checked all of the stops incase I had missed the name or number. She also called the school to let them know I would be late. Anyway, the next bus didn't come until 6:20. So, at 6:10 I went to where one lady swore the bus would stop and waited. The bus did arrive...but when I flagged it down (like you must do in France if you want it to stop) it didn't stop. So, at this point I was so upset. I thought I'd never make it to this tiny town. There was one final which was to come at 7:35. So, once again I waited. I asked every bus that came into the stop if they were the bus/knew the bus for Les Herbiers. Finally, as I was asking a driver, the 270 showed but and she flagged him down for me. I was the only person on the bus. We drove and drove through the beautiful wine country full of cows and grapes and apple trees. It is seriously beautiful.
Once we arrived and the driver said, "We're here" and Isaid, "really? " (it was a dark parking lot) I got off to find a very concerned Italian man waiting for me. His name is Mattea and he is the best thing that could gave happend to me that night. He speaks french also but he prefers english...which was exactly what I needed. We took my stuff up to the apartment and I met my roommates: three french students who are in Terminal and one girl my age from Costa Rica. Then we went to his apartement across the hall and ate a very late dinner. After, I came back and went to bed.
Today, (I have to make this short because the Internet turns off at 10 o'clock because it is for the students) was fabulous... aside from the fact that I feel like I only understand 30 percent of what everyone is saying. I woke up late and then met with Melissa (the costa rician) for lunch and then we met a bunch a teachers, the principal, and the two ladies who will help me with anything I could need. I had a meeting with the High School english department and planned out my schedule. they are all so nice. I think (i may be wrong because my french is horrible) i get to work in an art class once a week!! we'll find out. We also had an interview/welcome in the principal's office. The interview ened up just being about Mattea but we had to be in the photo... it will be in the paper on sunday.
After all of the school appointments, we walked to the town center and went to go fight the bureaucaracy that is france. Melissa and I mailed our visa paperwork at the post office and then we walked through the town. Mattea bought us each a pain au chocolat (my favorite) at the boulangerie.
It was a fabulous day. I feel very welcomed and excited to be here. Its super strange and new (which makes it a little scary) but that is half of the fun. I'll update tomorrow about the things that are strange and unique.
p.s. it is so rural...it smells like cows.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
I wrote this on the train
Here we go. 29.09.2010
I’m on the train to Nantes and I will start with the fact that I am so thankful for this opportunity. France is beautiful and French is a fabulous language.
Here is a quick rundown of the high/Low lights from the last two-ish days:
+Seeing Anna Marie
+ Hearing French all of the time
+ Anne giving us a walking tour of Anciene Paris (we got to go into the Sabornne!)
+ Remembering how great things taste here!! (yogurt is to die for)
+ Trying out my very rusty French and actually getting logical answers
+ Notre Dame (will always be a highlight)
- The bus not completing the route which would have taken us straight to Anna Marie’s apartment
- Hauling our luggage through the metro (up a million stairs) [and yes, family, lugging those suitcases through paris totally sucked!]
- Scalding myself on the boiling hot water in the shower
-Leaving Jennifer Gfeller this morning
This adventure has already had its share of ups and downs and its only the 3rd day here. After we arrive in Nantes I’ll have to leave Jennifer Shannahan and I will take the bus to Les Herbiers where I’ll be on my own…hopefully with internet so I can stay in contact. Let’s hope it’s fantastique!
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