Ma Vie en France

This post is so long that I split it up into different sections. Look at the heading and decide what you’re interested in reading about. I’m sorry, but I’ve had a problem with writing (and talking) too much forever. There is no changing me, and I won’t be offended if you skim. P.S. There are pictures!

French Class

Today was my second day of class at Alliance Francaise here in Paris. I have 20 hours of French a week. That’s French class from 9-1 Monday through Friday. It’s a little exhausting. But, I like my teacher. She is in her late twenties, early thirties… and your typical French woman: skinny, practical, fashionable but not trendy. She also has that great French sense of humor.

There are two other DePaul students in my class. The rest of the students are from all over the globe. I have a Swedish friend named Mimi. There are people from England, Germany, Brazil, Mexico and probably other places as well. There are also two nuns from an island that I’ve never heard of, but I think it’s off of India. There’s a random mix of ages also, although almost everyone is older than me.
This is the first French class I’ve taken where I don’t feel like a complete idiot. I think that has a lot to do with the fact that it’s basically all review for me. I was definitely placed in the wrong class. But, I’m not worried about it. The practice is really what I need… not more lessons on grammar techniques that I’m not comfortable applying in conversation. The four hours feels like a long time, but with such a mix of cultures and native languages humor often ensues.

The Alliance Francaise

Art Class

Yesterday, I had my first art class. We’re studying impressionism. The professor is another great French lady. But, she’s older and very serious about teaching us art. She says she’s going to “train the eye”. So, we’ll see what that involves. I was worried about the tests in this class, because I heard they were killer. But, they’re essay format. So, my hand will probably hurt after writing so much (1 six page essay in class!), but it’s something I can handle if I prepare. We’re going to spend 3 hours at the Louvre on Friday. It will be interesting, but exhausting. The 2 hours of lecture on Monday was exhausting, so I can’t imagine what 3 hours of lecture, observing and walking will be like. Hopefully we’ll have enough energy left to do something fun afterwards on Friday night. I’ll be sure to take lots of pictures in the Louvre!

Vincentian Tour

Yesterday, between French and art classes we took a tour of the St. Vincent DePaul Chapel. Not being Catholic I wasn’t all that excited about it. But, the building itself was cool, and we heard some interesting history about not only DePaul, but Paris. We also went to St. Sulpice… a really old, really huge, really gorgeous church. They still have mass in all of these old churches… which is cool, but also weird when tourists (like myself) are filing in and out and taking pictures in a place of worship.

The St. Vincent DePaul Chapel. The people in this picture are looking at what is basically fragments of SVDP's skull placed in a wax figure of SVDP enclosed in a "tomb".... I think. Also, this Chapel was restored in the 198os and the French goveernment had to approve all details to ensure that the restoration was done true to the original. Interesting.

Le Bon Marche

Today after class I ate lunch at the Pomme de Pain. It’s the French equivalent of Cosi or Panera. I got a chicken and veggie sandwich thinking that it would be healthier than the typical Parisian ham and cheese on a baguette, but it had mayonnaise on it! It was so tasty, but also fattening- like most food in France. So far, I’ve liked all the food given to me by my host family. The craziest thing I ate was almost-raw steak. I couldn’t refuse it, because I didn’t want to be impolite. So, I ate a little. It was actually pretty good, but it kind of freaked me out at the same time! Hah! Some of my friends have been offered leg of lamb and pate by their families.

After Pomme de Pain we went to Le Bon Marche. Le Bon Marche is the oldest department store in the world, that’s right ladies and gentlemen, the first ever department store. At Le Bon Marche- a.k.a. the mother ship- I realized how much I hate the exchange rate. There was some cool stuff, some of it was even on sale… most of it was way expensive designer. But even things that sort of sounded affordable were not after I reminded myself to translate into dollars. Not only do I have to translate French to English, I have to translate Euros to dollars. But, I still had fun looking around the store with mes amies. There were some truly amazing hats. After that I walked home, passed by some cheaper stores (there is hope for my French shopping experience!) and got lost (of course).

Host Family

I think I finally have my host family dynamic (sort of) figured out. I still don’t know if Madame Serra and Flavien are married… I think they are. But, he doesn’t live here during the week. He works as a stock trader and (if I understand correctly) has an apartment on the other side of Paris. It would probably take him an hour or so each way to commute, but lots of people do that… so it’s a little strange that he doesn’t live here. The guy I met on the first day is definitely their son. I don’t think he lives here, but he was here for dinner today. I think his name is Flavien also, but maybe I’m wrong. I spoke a lot at dinner today… and Madame Serra told me where there are stores pas trop chere (not very expensive!). Also, I ate more rare steak today… today’s was cooked a little more and it was so good. I like it. I’m ashamed haha.

Their family seems to be very close. On Sunday they had all of their nieces and nephews over for lunch. I met them all in an overwhelming series of introductions, from which I remember no names. Madame Serra is very kind, and I think Flavien really likes me. It is so nice to be liked by a French person. I barely speak any French. So all I do is nod, smile and say things like yes and okay. My attempts at full sentences are usually pathetic. On Sunday one of their nephews stayed for dinner and the conversations that he and Flavien had seemed very interesting. They are almost debates or friendly arguments over who knows what. I know they talked about iPods, lesbians, marijuana and Canada haha. They seem to enjoy the conversations so much! I wish I could participate in the conversations… you all know how I love to argue (maybe not especially about pot or lesbians… but in general haha).

Overall, I really like my host family. At dinner I get to practice my French and eat good food, but before and after I have a lot of privacy. Over all—trés bien!

Les Photos

My room in Paris! It's comfy and cozy and all mine...

Bikes In the Courtyard of La Chappelle de St. Vincent Depaul

A plaque commemorating the death of a soldier at this spot during the Resistance (WWII). The French are big on history and not forgetting.... I wish I'd taken the time to take a better picture... but that's side of my prof's head in the front hah...



A hospital that was used from the 1500s until 1999. The French don't like to waste... anything. And in Paris space is a hot commodity. Apparently they're making a bunch of these old buildings into condos.

C'est tout!! I love and miss you all!! xoxo