21h00
I got up extra early today to make sure I was able to brave the public transit with time enough to arrive, print out my materials (free printing!), and be seated at a decent hour. We left at about 8h05, got to the first tram at about 8h20, and arrived at the Center by 8h45, which wasn't too bad at all! There are two other ways to get there, which we will try out later in the week. It was super crowded, but we managed to avoid being closed in the doors, haha.
Apparently the heat here is unseasonable, but it's kind of nice to be able to enjoy it like this. Also, I learned that the bicycles available everywhere can be used with our Navigo passes, so perhaps I'll rent a bike while the weather is still nice. It's such a great program, and they're in surprisingly good condition, considering how many people use them. I think Chicago should definitely think about it (though UChicago has a program that is quite similar, and I think I remember hearing something one time about Chicago wanting to). Good going, Paris :)
Apes and Human Evolution was a bit intimidating. There are many terms, and a lot to know in background knowledge, but he does seem to indicated all of the very important things. Which, of course, included reading us the entire first chapter of his book. Yay for super smart professors :P
At lunch, we went over to check out the Monoprix, which I like very much. I've been to two other supermarkets, but this one was definitely the most diverse. I would compare it to a Target: there's groceries and school supplies on the first floor, and clothes on the second! How cool! But really, we were there because class was so intense, we already knew we were going to need notecards :/ It's good I like memorizing :)
I had my ham and butter sandwich for lunch, along with these chocolate cookies I bought. Yummmm :)
French class was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. I love French. I love listening to it. I love being able to understand it. I know my speaking skills can most certainly improve, especially with vocabulary and sentence structure, but I managed to both answer and ask questions. I think I'm really going to like this. It's mostly a conversational class, and we have our graded conversations in the evenings in places like theatres and bars, where we're supposed to interact with the French in a productive manner. I think it's going to be very exciting. We've already more homework and a presentation on Monday to prepare. Finally, back to school! :P
On a side note, we were talking about the French school system. Did you know that higher education in France costs only about 2000 euros?! Wow. It was so impressive to see him so proud of their great schooling system. I very rarely see that in the states. Refreshing :)
We decided to take a different way home, which was basically just as easy. I'm not sure whether I prefer taking the RER to the métro, or simply two métro lines. There's also the tram plus a little walk, but maybe I'll try that tomorrow. We decided to get a bite to eat at the cafeteria at the Cité, which turned out not to be open until 18h15, so we explored more of the Cité in the mean time. Still beautiful. When we finally got there, the food was...eh. Basically like cafeteria food. It was only 3 euros, though, for an appetizer, main plate, and dessert...so how can I complain!?
On our way back home, I realized I had taken very few pictures, and hadn't yet posted any of my house yet. So as I was snapping some shots of where I live, this woman came up and asked if we spoke French (presumably because she heard us speaking English). I told her I did, and she asked if I could take a picture of her cute little puppy and send it to her, since she doesn't have a camera. I said, of course--he was such a cute one!
La Maison des Provonces de France (where I live):
Before she asked us to take the pictures, I saw the puppy and thought he was adorable!
Awww! He was only three months old!
Aww, petit Gaspard (what a French name!!) :D
We ended up talking for about an hour and half. Oh my goodness! It was a total conversation!! Man. It was so nice to be able to talk with some of the locals. See, this is what I like. I'm not sure if it's only the novelty of the situation, but frankly, I don't care. I'm enjoying myself, and it was a nice break.
Anyway, I also noticed this tree stump in the same general area. It must be diseased or something, but I thought it looked pretty darn cool!!
I feel like maybe I should be doing some more exploring of Paris or the whereabouts, but I'm so tired. Exhausted. I feel like I'm doing about all I can, haha. Really, though, I feel like it's all about what makes me happy. I mean, I'm here to enjoy the fullness of what Paris can offer. If I go out and do things that I'm not up for, I won't enjoy it, and really, what's the point of that? Does it sound like I'm over-justifying my lack of activity? Maybe :P
Either way, I think I'm going to like this. I talk with more locals everyday, and they seem to understand me perfectly well. I look forward to the day when I feel comfortable with my oration :)
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