Meeting Keri Ann's rugby team (after she broke her ankle)
My ex-travel partner in crime had an accident during a rugby match and her ankle happened to break during said accident. Bummer 5000. I thought it was a joke. If only we were so lucky. Anyway, the Thursday after it happened I chaperoned her to practice so she would not be forced to sit alone in the clubhouse until everyone was finished. What this really means is that we played the ukulele, sang, drank beer and drew on her cast while we waited. Her team is fabulous. I'm a little jealous I don't play a team sport in France (although I'm sure I'd break something if I tried rugby). It is such a fabulous way to meet cool people without always going to bars.
A free trip to the symphony
There was a classical music festival in Nantes called 'La Folle Journee'. Keri Ann received tickets from a colleague who couldn't attend due to her job (you know, teaching) and since broken Keri was excused from work for a while she (we) lucked out. It was a Strauss symphony and was really good. Also, I was so impressed by the fact that the French place such an importance on their youth appreciating the arts. Over half of the theater was occupied by children under twelve years old. One might think that an auditorium full of kids is not appropriate for a symphony. They would be very wrong. The children were captivated by the music; silent and thoughtful. It was beautiful. Thanks Keri Ann for the sweet date!
Turning Jennifer, Keri Ann and Gregory's kitchen into an art gallery
What started out as an alternative to spending money at bars has now turned into a Sunday Night In Nantes tradition. There is nothing like letting the creative juices flow and then using a thumbtack to post your work. We always work based on a theme and everyone gets to draw or paint their interpretation of that theme or word. Its coming along well. I'll post a photo next time I'm in Nantes.
The Superbowl in France
Lindsey was fabulous and thew a Superbowl Party at her apartment! We were there before most everyone else and played french Pictionary (so much harder than I thought it'd be...but also great for vocab.) Later everyone arrived and we ate 7-layer dip, chili, guacamole and all sorts of other snacks. Greg and Lindsey eventually found a way to stream the game online without having to pay and we settled in to watch what was to become the longest Superbowl of my life. In all actuality, the game was average length. It was the fact that it started at midnight in France that was the kicker. Go Packers! We finally got to bed at five. Great idea on a school night? At least I only have one class on Mondays.
Hiking through the French countryside
 |
| We found adorable cows. Thanks for all of the delicious dairy products! |
Shopping at Flea Markets
Each weekend there are two giant markets in Nantes in the Talensac neighborhood. One is full of wonderful regional products and the other is a giant flea market. I, as you could probably guess, always want to buy EVERYTHING. What is stopping me? The fact that I remind myself that I have to take it back to America. We did find a long, old rope to use as a volleyball net. Good work, Lindsey!
 |
| Like most Flea Markets you have to dig but you can find some really cool, really old stuff. |
An afternoon of pick-up volleyball
Instead of playing football on Sunday (as usual) we decided to play volleyball. Lindsey fashioned a net out of the previously purchased rope and we were ready to rock. After the boys arrived it was decided that the teams would be Francis, Tim, Gregory and Rhys versus Melissa, Lindsey, Maria, Julia and myself. Boys vs. Girls. The age old battle. Needless to say we one all three matches. There was a slight disturbance when the ball was lodged into the trees by a member of the male team. Luckily Tim was able to climb the tree and shake the ball out so we could continue our winning streak.
We are on school vacation. But, I am teaching an English workshop for the first two days of vacation. The group is very small (the profs all think its because the students just had eight weeks straight of class) but its nice. Its great to be able to work with individual students on pronunciation and things that interest them. For the end of the stage linguistique tomorrow we are going to have a little party and the two groups will share their posters etc... Melissa and I are bringing traditional food from our countries. She is slaving away in the kitchen right now and I decided on Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches and chocolate chip cookies (homemade of course). I'm also getting ready to leave for the real vacation on Wednesday. Its off to Morocco we go. Richard and I are flying to Casablanca on Wednesday and then will meet up with Lindsey in Marrakesh on Thursday. I'm very excited. No need to worry. The political climate in Morocco is nothing like that of Libya or Egypt...and if its nuts, we'll leave.
Hopefully the next post will be full of stories regarding couscous and camels. A+
