Sorry (again) to load post a ton of entries at the same time. I’m sure you understand that my time was precious in Paris!
I got back to Dijon Saturday afternoon without any problems. At one point we thought our trains might be affected by a strike going on, but unfortunately, we didn’t get to stay one more day. It might have been for the best, though, because I was ready to pass out and wake up on Monday morning, I was so tired.
When I got back to my homestay, my host parents were getting ready to leave for the weekend and visit friends, but my host mom set out some boeuf bourguignon (beef stew) that she had made earlier and a tart made with mirabelles (little plums). I caught up on some internet browsing and then took a much needed nap. When I woke up, I had every intention of meeting some others from our group in town for dinner, but I decided I was too tired to catch the bus. Instead, I made myself some pasta since the rest of my host family was gone and watched the newest episode of Glee. Oh how I miss American TV.
Sunday was spent recovering from my long trip and trying to get myself organized. I went for a run (which was a little difficult after 2 weeks with no physical activity), uploaded pictures, and met Brittany in Centre Ville for dinner that night. My host brother Mathieu was nice enough to give me a ride to and from dinner since there are no buses out to the banlieue (aka suburbs) on Sundays. It can be a little frustrating living further away from everyone else, but my family is pretty awesome, so I guess it all evens out.
Yesterday morning (Monday), we had our placement test at the university here in Dijon to determine what level of French we’re in. Most kids from Wake Forest usually place into Level 5 (the highest one), so I wasn’t too worried about it. We had to do a little reading comprehension, grammar, and writing (like describe your best friend and tell me about your last birthday). The last two sections were a little harder with questions like, “Why do you think young people read the newspaper less?” Everyone else in my group had pretty much the same feelings about how they did, so I’m hoping most of us will be in classes together.
I was a little drained after the exam since I hadn’t really used my brain in two weeks, so I spent the afternoon searching for trains to London and Florence instead of doing my homework. Being back in Dijon and starting up schoolwork again was a bit of a slap in the face after spending a week gallivanting around Paris, so I decided to plan my weekend trips. Good news is I was successful and am now officially going to both Florence and London! Now that our group excursions are over (except one to Strasbourg in December), I can go visit friends in other countries. I adore France, but I’m ready to explore a little more of Europe.
From here on out, I’ll be in Dijon consistently (except for a few weekend trips), and it’ll be more like real life. The last month and a half has been fantastic, and I’ve seen so many amazing places, but now I have to remember that I’m here for school, too. It sounds dull, but it’s school in France, so that immediately makes it more appealing.
Don’t worry, I’ll keep you all posted on my next adventures in the land of mustard!
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