Today is April 27th. This is my first post in this blog. I think it will a good way to process my days here. My perspective is often too egocentric, I admit. It doesn't help that there are only a few English speakers to talk to around here. I thought I could start a blog so that the friends and family that are interested can keep up with me when you want to. Please offer feedback, I miss communicating with ya'll and I need to keep a healthy perspective on things.

Sometimes I think - "Is this really happening? No, seriously? You're kidding?" But of course, I keep all of these thoughts to myself in an attempt to integrate into this new culture. Why didn't someone tell me that I would still be facing culture shock after 6 months of living here? I think I mistakenly thought that I would be pretty good at crossing cultures- to France after all doesn't seem like that big of a jump- compared to some places I've been. Well, I have found that Proverb that says, "Pride comes before a fall" to be true lately. I feel like I have fallen and I can't get up. :) Remember that commercial?

Well, before you all get tired of reading, let me tell you about my latest cultural challenges- So, I go to French class today- only to find out that we don't have class today. In fact, we don't have class for the next week and a half. Of course the next 2 Mondays are holidays , so of course we don't have class, my teacher explained to me (in French, I might add. She will only talk to me on French.). Why are May 1st and 8th holidays here? I have no idea. "Aren't they holidays in the US?" my teacher asked me. "No," is all I could say in French and then mumbled something about having a holiday on May 30th. Here there are 4 holidays in May- sounds great but not when you need to learn French NOW. It is so frustrating not to be able to communicate.

After having driven for an hour to get there- including dropping SA and all her necessities at the babysitter's, I arrived early (almost a first for me) only to find out that I was there for nothing. What a bummer. In fact this is the 3rd time that this same thing has happened to me. I have no idea why I show up and there is no class. All that to say that I left a little frustrated today and had no way of communicating to figure out why I keep having this problem. That is after all why I am going to the class- to learn French- so I can communicate here!

So, trying to salvage the day and take advantage of having a babysitter and some time to myself, I decided to go where? Of course, shopping! Sounds great - if it were possible to find a parking spot near the store I wanted to go to. I tried unsuccessfully to maneuver into a parallel parking spot that was too small and then decided to give it up. I would shop elsewhere and brave the underground parking lot- wonderful to look at these underground lots- lots prettier than the above ground kind in the States- but they are mazelike labrynths on the inside. The parking spaces are tiny as if they are trying to pack the cars like sardines, and it is scary coming in and out because of the very narrow and steep entrance and exit ramps. And then the parking spaces aren't slanted so it is difficult to get your car in without backing up and back alot. Well, I made it into a speace finally and got to go shopping- a less than enjoyable experience after all the disappointments of the day. Can't wait to tell you about my cofffee to go experience- but I'll save it for another day. Au revoir!