French counting kind of hurts my hand

Last night I woke up to a horrible chemical burning smell at 3am. I had my window open because at home my house is an ice box, so I like having the window open to bring in the cool air (my radiant floor heating is radiant!). Either I was dreaming or I actually saw a huge cloud of smoke outside... I went around closing my windows and spraying air freshener until I could fall back to sleep. I woke up to no smell... and walking around later today, I didn't see any signs of where something could have been on fire. Huh.

Anywho... I was none-to-pleased when my alarm went off this morning.. but got up and ready in time to catch the tram at 7:50am. I decided the tram would be just as close to taking a bus and walking and easier to figure out. (No call from Sabine this morning who has taken me the last 2 mornings to this school... she told me later she was running late and forgot her phone). But, it ended up working out just fine and I got to school on time.

I guess because I've only been to this school (Les Marendiers) twice... I'm still not very comfortable with the kids or teachers. Everyone is very nice, but it's just a little more awkward than when I'm at the Berliet school, which I've been to 4 times now. It had been a while since we had talked about what we were doing... and for some reason I haven't really kept in touch with them via email like I do with the other 2 schools. So basically, other than bringing my bag to every class to make sure I had a back-up plan if the teacher didn't have anything (I brought 3 books and some stuff I had done with the Berliet school), I just sort of came in to do what the teacher had planned.

Thankfully I had Funnybones with me and the Halloween coloring worksheet because the first teacher asked if I would do something about Halloween (the one taught by the longterm substitute). This class has the worst behavior of all of my classes.... At first, (in general with all of my classes) I always try to just let things go and see if the classroom teacher will respond to behavior issues before I say/do anything.... I don't want to step on the teacher's toes, especially since I only see these kids for 30 minutes a week. But this class was just ridiculous... even after the teacher would say something, the kids literally would just laugh and continue doing what they were doing. Finally, after being as nice as I could... trying to motivate the class to quiet down so we could finish the activity and move on to something more fun, I just stopped and stared down a kid who was being extremely obnoxious. And then after an awkwardly long amount of staring, I said, you're not being very nice or polite, in French, and continued on. Needless to say, I had very few major problems from then on out. I guess I gotta do what I gotta do- 30 minutes goes by like that!

In the next several classes, I did practically the same lessons I had done the previous Monday (animal sounds with one class, postcards with another, introductions with another). I guess the teachers wanted to make sure their kids didn't forget everything they had learned over the break... But- in my very last lesson with the littlest kids (the CPs), I knew I needed to have something because the teacher doesn't plan for English as it isn't really a top priority in this grade. I brought my number people and we went over numbers from 1-10. They knew them all in order, but when I said a number, they couldn't correspond the English word to the correct numeric amount. So... before doing either the chant or song I had prepared, I would say a number and have them hold up the correct number of fingers. Of course... I got myself into trouble because I started counting with my index finger when I showed an example. In France, you begin counting with your thumb and so forth. I actually find it quite difficult to hold out the number 4 (all fingers out but your pinky). (And as lame as this sounds, my fingers hurt now!) After our little game, we sang "1 little, 2 little, 3 little pumpkins...." etc.

Anyway, they're just adorable... and the teacher loved my lesson. She wants me to do it again next week so that they can really get the hang of the song and the numbers said out of order.

After school, I ate lunch with the teachers, feeling a lot more competent in my French skills... I once again was able to actually be a part of conversation... so I'm making progress! On my way home, I stopped by Laurence's office to chat and ask about finding something to do for money on the side. She said she would send an email out to teachers to see if they wanted extra English lessons for their own children or needed babysitting. She also suggested actually getting a part time job and showed me websites similar to craig's list. I'm not thaaat desperate... so hopefully something will come about with the email before I have to start going through want-ads.

It was fun to see and talk to Laurence after going all vacation without seeing her. She's always so helpful:) I told her about my friend Amy coming to visit and she can't help me pick her up, but she can take her to the airport (with me of course) at the end of her stay. She did help me figure out what train or bus to take to go pick her up... so Amy- not to worry, I will find you at the airport!

It is a very very windy day... so I'm hoping there are no fires in the middle of the night and that the wind quiets down so I can sleep!

Reste cool:)

Quelle Surprise!

This morning, I got up before the sun was up, on a Sunday, voluntarily. I knew I had a whole list of things to do today and I went to bed insanely early last night (I think I was in a cheese comma). First on my to-do list, LAUNDRY. It is so inconvenient to not have a washing machine close by. Even in college all I had to do was walk down a flight of stairs. Now, I have to walk down a flight of stairs and down the street. And today it is cold and windy. Bleh.

But, on the other hand, I do like being out and about on Sunday morning s. There’s a big market right by my Laundromat, so I decided today I’d stick my laundry in a machine and go take a look around the market. Of course, I ended up buying all of my produce and bread there for the week (adding more bags to carry home with the laundry). But, not only was it cheaper (10 euros for 3 huge apples, 2 pears, 2 tomatoes, 1 avocado, 1 huge and beautiful head of lettuce, a basket of strawberries, and a large pink praline brioche that should hopefully last more than 2 days), but it was great fun! The market people (I don’t know what to call them in English) genuinely want you to have the best fruits and vegetables. One market guy sang everything I ordered and asked when I’d be eating my food so as to pick the perfect ripeness. It was cold and rainy and I walked away thoroughly pleased with my experience.

I got finished with my laundry and back to my apartment. I was starved, and got all the ingredients ready for an omelette au jambon (ham omelet). I had everything ready, from the lettuce and tomatoes cut and ready for my salad, to the butter melting in the hot pan when Laurence called, inviting me to lunch at midi (noon). I had no idea what time it was… I said, huh, well I’m just about to make myself something, but I can leave it for later. She said she’d be there in 25 minutes.

Now, I had a whole list of things to do today- laundry was first, omelet second, cleaning, putting away my laundry, and grocery shopping third, and lastly, a shower. I was looking a little rough, so I ran to the shower, and miraculously got ready in 15 minutes with enough time to put away my omelet ingredients and laundry! The rest can wait, I thought! Here’s my chance at the big French, Sunday meal I’ve always dreamed of (or something like that).

As you can imagine, my insides were a-gurgling at this point. We got to Laurence’s house (her mother in tow), and nothing was ready yet. I thought, my God, I’m going to collapse. (But, not to worry, I survived). Laurence’s mother is hilarious. She’s very theatrical, deaf, and talks non-stop. She knows 2 words in English: Good Morning. Even though I didn’t quite catch all of what she said, she was entertaining nonetheless.

All 3 kids were there and the husband went to fetch his mother, so we were 8 in total for lunch. Laurence made raclette, which is similar to fondue in that it involves melted cheese… but different. With fondue, everyone eats from the same pot of cheese, dipping their meats or breads in it. The cheese is also mixed with wine and cream and spices of some sort. With raclette, everyone is given a mini-frying pan, that has its own spot in a heating device put in the center of the table. In this frying pan, you put a type of cheese, cut especially for the raclette dish, in your frying pan. While it heats up, you take already cooked potatoes and cut them up on your plate… along with various charcuterie (cold cuts). Then, once your cheese is melted, you pour it over your potatoes and meat. It’s delicious. I probably had 8 little frying pans of cheese (they kept giving me more, it’s hard to refuse!). We had this with an appetizer of quiche and salad, and a dessert of almond cake and espresso. OH- it was good. Well worth the disruption in my planned out Sunday.

After lunch, we talked for a while, they asked me about my upcoming trips… gave me suggestions, etc. I told them I was a little afraid the strikes would interfere, but they didn’t seem too worried about it (but then again, this is normal for them). Laurence asked if I wanted to go see a movie with her and Laura, but I told her I needed to get back. But, what’s exciting is that she told me the movie theater in Saint-Priest, located a block away, will be reopening on Wednesday! And! Harry Potter is on the list of films that they will eventually show. Now, I don’t know if it will be in its VO (version originale) or the VF (version française, with dubbed over voices)… but who cares! I’ll go see both!

So now I’m home, ready to explode. I feel like I’m going to wake up with cheese coming out of my ears tomorrow after such a cheesy weekend. But, there are worst things I guessJ

Reste cool mes amis!

Feeling pretty fortunate!

Today was my first job-related orientation. It was a réunion (meeting) for all the primary language assistants in the Rhone region (about 30 in all, mostly English assistants, but 2 German). Laurence met me and Alexa, the other primary assistant in Saint-Priest for lunch before the orientation. We went to a little brasserie (cafe/bar) for a nice, typical French meal (haha). On the menu, there was steak haché et frites, which I knew to be a hamburger patty and fries. When Laurence was going through the menu to explain what each item was, she specifically said that this dish was very French. I sorta laughed on the inside thinking... it's also very American... but I'll get it anyway because I don't really feel good and according to you it's the most French thing on the menu. It was very good, I think they add a few different spices to the burger patty (no bun or anything) and the fries just tasted like regular fries. About the most French thing on my plate was the salad dressing on the little side of greens...

But anyway, lunch was nice because I finally got to meet Alexa. She's from Vancouver, Canada, but has lived in France off and on for the last 3 years... so she's a very fluent francophone, she has a wealth of knowledge about the French paperwork system (there is a lot, for everything!) and Lyon, so I'm very glad to know her!

After lunch, which Laurence kindly paid for, we headed to the Rectorat (Board of Education). There, we sat in a large meeting room with little microphones on the tables... kind of like how you see on TV at UN meetings or something. We went around the room, clicking our little microphones on and off to introduce ourselves, and then they went into the many particulars of the French system of doing things (what to do to make up days when you get sick, how to attain social security for health coverage, how to get paid, etc.). I also learned that I'm not really making the lessons so much as providing the teacher with oral language and cultural support. I'm sure it will depend on the teacher and how much they trust the assistants to do in their classroom, so on va voir (we shall see)! Laurence also told us that we may be able to work in the before/after school programs or cafeteria for more pay. Cool!

By the time the meeting was over... I was starting to feel more sick than at the beginning (sore throat :( ugh). I guess it was bound to happen... what with the sudden change of temperature and the adjustment to a new sleeping pattern... so instead of touring Lyon with Alexa, I lamely went home (I don't think I have real health insurance until November... so I guess being lame is better than getting more sick!). We did say hello to a few other assistants before I skipped out... and I began to feel very fortunate about my living situation. Many assistants are sleeping on couches of friends of friends and are desperately trying to find a permanent place to

stay. There are different options available, it's just a long process to go through... which is

something I would not want to be doing while I'm getting situated into a new job.

My apartment isn't right in the hussle and bussle of Lyon, but it is very close to where I work, and it will have heat come mid-October when it is turned on for the whole building. The outside of the apartment isn't very chic or pretty, but the inside is perfectly suitable for someone living here 7 months (and I'm practically living here for free, rent is very reasonable). They are supposed to be coming tomorrow with a new oven. And a huge plus, I have room to spare for visitors! So all-in-all, not doing too bad. Laurence and her family have been a huge help with getting me situated... they not only fed me last night, but loaned me some movies to watch!

I keep trying to upload the video I took of my apartment, but the internet connection is too weak or something... so I took some more pictures to show you! It's starting to look pretty cute with the sprucing up I've done!

On the schedule for tomorrow- buying a carte 12-25 (a discount travel card for buying train tickets), putting money on my Lyon transit card, and waiting for the oven to arrive.

Miss everyone! Reste cool:)

Taking things into my own hands

After a minor melt down last night and a call to my momma, I decided that this whole "kind of having internet" thing isn't going to work for me. And the alternative to stealing the free wifi, is getting a real phone and internet plan, which includes free international calling and HGtv. Currently, I'm using my pay-as-you-go phone to call or text home, which is costing an arm and a leg, so getting a real deal all set up for only 30 euros a month is a win-win all-in-all.

So my plan for today was to go all over Lyon. Well that plan changed to calling Laurence first thing in the morning. Unfortunately for me, Laurence did not answer and her daughter Laura said she would call back in the afternoon. I guess they do have their own lives, but WHAT ABOUT ME? Of course, this morning the internet worked, so I looked up providers and locations to make it easier for when Laura could call me back. After a few hours of waiting around, cleaning my apartment, pouring over a few maps of Lyon, I decided it was time to take this into my own hands. So I texted Laura that I was going to have a go at for myself, and she texted back, I think I'm confused about what you want to do. LOL. So I guess it was a misunderstanding... but either way, I went on my way.

At first I thought there was a SFR store right in St. Priest. Well, there is not. So after walking around in a few circles, I decided to ask someone, and then someone else (because the first woman didn't have a clue about what I was talking about). Thankfully, the second woman (a nice little old woman in a patisserie) told me to hop on the tram (which I now know how to use thanks

to my adventures with Laura yesterday) and go to the Porte des Alpes. I blindly followed these directions in hopes that this SFR store would be very obviously located at the tram stop.

It turns out, Porte des Alpes is a mall, with an IKEA, a few restaurants with free wifi (yay backup plans), tons of cute shops, and the SFR! I got in line, said I'm sorry if my French is bad, but I'm American, and the woman said, Oh no problem, I have someone who speaks English. This man, did speak some English, but translating phone and internet service terms is no easy task. We went back and forth and for a while I thought- YES, it's going to happen! But, after

figuring out that I did not yet have a French credit card, I would not be able to attain the service after all. I did just open my account, so he said that there was a chance I had been given the RIB (some sort of identification code) and if I could go back home to get it, or stop by the bank to ask for it, I'd would be all set. Well- of course, I didn't have it in my documents, and the bank is closed during the weekend (I only know, because I walked across town to see). So, bringing what I did have with me, I went back to the SFR store just to see... but no luck. Alas, FRANCE-1, LINDSAY-0. But as Victor says, it's who wins the war, not each battle. So bring it on France. Bring it on. Come Monday, I shall have this so called RIB thingy I need, and Monday afternoon I will have completed the beginning of the 2 week process to achieve reliable internet. Until then, let's hope this free wifi plays nice.

So after my grueling defeat of battle #1 by myself, without a French person to hold my hand (Laura), I sat a cafe and ate a nice, warm crêpe au nutella and a coca-cola light (as they call diet coke). With my tummy full and my spirits a little higher, I decided since I was a few stop closer to Lyon, I might as well go into the city for an hour or so until my little legs could travel no more.

At first, I thought I'd just ride the tram all the way in and walk. After stepping foot off the tram, I decided I would immediately hop on the metro because my little legs weren't doing so well. New words to live by: If ye are not familiar with where ye are headed, thou shalt not wear cute

shoes, nay, ye shall wear sensible tennis shoes. Anyway, I got off the metro right into the heart of Lyon at the Place Bellecour. Although I have only been in Lyon once, for about a total of 5 hours with Leslie, I knew where I was. The statue of Louis XIV on a horse, churches in the distance, and a huge square in the middle of Lyon, covered in reddish pebbles. This time was different, yes, it's colder and the ferris wheel was gone, but for the first time I didn't feel the overwhelming feeling of having to figure out where I was because I had been here before.

Then my little legs started to feel a little perkier and I adventurously went off in search of the big, beautiful church, St. Jean. I could see it in the distance and headed in the right direction. I passed an interesting roller blade competition (guys weaving in and out of little cones to blasting American music). I passed chic little boutiques and remembered that Lyon is full of chic little boutiques- hurray! I went in one, looked at a price tag and walked right back out. I passed an adorable baby clothes shop, and took a picture to show you. I passed chic candy shops and cafes. And arrived at the church with the little fountain in front. After a few pictures, I decided I'd better start back since, although I had some sense of direction, I didn't bring my giant map with me to help if I got lost.

Ironically enough, on my way back to the Place Bellecour, I passed a book store and went in to see if they had any small detailed map books (I have one for Paris that was very discrete and handy on a daily basis). Sure enough, I found one. I also found copies of the French version of Twilight. No, I know what you're thinking, I didn't buy them (yet), but I did take pictures of them because they have different titles.

Anyway, I wound my way back to the metro, hopped on and felt like I could eat a cow. I guess this is why the French eat so much, with all the walking, a crepe for dinner isn't going to cut it. On the way home (about a 30 min. tram ride) I passed a McDo (McDonald's, pronounced MacDoe), and momentarily thought about hopping off for a nice juicy hamburger royale. But, I decided I better just hold off until I got home where I have a jar of nutella and grapes waiting for me in the fridge. Buff. (At least I think that now is an appropriate time to use this sound).

So, for now, I am content. I have internet back up plans until I get it all situated, a long-term plan in the making, and a tummy full of de-seeded grapes (I can only find grapes with seeds at my grocery store) and nutella, and a better understanding of the transportation system. Since I have a whole day to go before my plan of attack can being on Monday, I guess I'll have another go at touring Lyon, but this time I'll be wearing my chic, yet sensible puma trainers.

Reste cool mes amis! Tu me manques beaucoup!!! (I miss you guys!)

Je suis en France!!!!

Bonjour!!!! from France!!! I'm here! I made it safe and sound and woke up this morning, to my surprise, to find my free wifi working in my apartment!!! YAY! So now I can update you all on the bazillion things I've done in the last day and a half:)

I'll start from the beginning- I was dropped off at the airport around 3:40 on Tuesday for my 6:40 flight to Lyon with a stop over in London. Thankfully, everyone (minus Leslie in NY) was able to see me off... as I rode, a little teary-eyed- but not too much;) down the escalator to security. The flight boarded on time, took off a little late, and arrived really late. I had to be through security by 8:05 to catch my flight leaving at 8:40 in London. Miraculously, I made it

through by 8:06, after listening to some seriously British people tell me to take off my boots and belts (insert seriously British accent) and watch them grab each others' butts and laugh as if it were a normal work pastime. Huh. I ran to catch the plane, which hadn't even boarded yet, eventually got on, and found out that I would be receiving a breakfast snack while the first class passengers received the "full English breakfast." I was a little miffed I didn't get the full English breakfast, and just the "Egg mayonnaise" or egg salad sandwich provided to

me in regular people class. Anyway, we were also told that the air traffic controllers in France were on strike... meaning we would have to literally fly around France (from London to Brussels to boardering the German/France line and into Lyon) to avoid issues around Paris. I landed at 11:35 (20 min late) and put all my bags on a little cart thingy... which a very nice old French man paid for (just 1 euro). I walked through the sign that said "sortie" (exit) and as I went through the doors, I saw Laurence in her red scarf... and my luggage came falling off my cart because I was paying more attention to finding said red scarf than watching where my cart went....

But, Laurence very kindly helped me transport my luggage to her little European hatchback (oh yeah which ended up being 2 suitcases weighing about 50 lbs each, and 2 "carry-ons," the bigger of the 2 being too heavy to hoist into an overhead bin...). We drove straight to Venissieux (the town right beside St. Priest) to her house. She had made a Lyon specialty, called Quenelles, that sort of looked like stuffed manicotti, but tasted more like dumplings... We also had crudités (salad with chopped up carrots and pieces of ham), and cheese for desert.... and of course all 3

courses were accompanied by a nice crispy baguette. After lunch, Laurence left to take her youngest daughter (16) to the doctor's office, and I was left to hang with her middle child, Laura (19), who has been very patient and kind throughout my first day. She spent a few months in Ecosse (Scotland) at the beginning of this year working in a kitchen of some sort, so she loved practicing her English skills. At this point I didn't mind speaking in English a little, as I had spoken in French from the get-go with Laurence. Although she is in

charge of the English Assistants, she knows very little English, studying Spanish and German in school herself. I didn't do half bad, but I was tired and feeling overwhelmed as it was, let alone trying to remember all the French grammar and vocabulary I'd forgotten over this past year.

After a shower at Laurence's house, we drove quickly over to St. Priest (pronounced Sanh Pree-est) to show me around before going to my apartment. I signed the papers and was given the keys to my 5th floor (4th in French), 3 bedroom apartment. The apartment is huge for just me; Laurence did mention that after they repainted a few other rooms, and if they found someone else to live here, I might have a roommate. So I won't get too comfortable living by myself, but then again, who knows when they'll get around to repainting and finding someone else... I have a nice little kitchen, with a borrowed micro-onde (microwave) from

Laurence's son, Jeremy (21) who is living at home now to attend university in Lyon. The oven (culinaire) is broken and is supposed to be replaced today. I have a nice bathroom, with a sink and a tub with a shower head, not attached to t

he wall but just laying free... so I have to hold it up to pretend I'm in a shower. And then the potty is down the hall in its own little home. This is a picture of my bedroom, it's the only one that was repainted before I arrived, so I moved all the furniture I wanted into the room. There is also a nice big living room with a pull out couch and 2 tables, a balcony that I've been told not to go out on because the railing isn't secure, and a view of other apartment buildings and pretty mountains in the distance.

After we looked around the apartment, Laurence and Laura decided we needed to go on a

shopping spree to help get me fixed up for the night. We went grocery shopping in my neighborhood store (yay big jar of nutella, chocolate croissants, and wheels of brie!), then to a huge store with everything much like at Wal-mart to buy sheets and towels, and then to the mall to get a prepaid cell phone. The phone card is kinda pricey, but to make local calls is very inexpensive. To make calls to the USA, it's like 1euro18centimes for every minute I use... so now that my internet sort of works, I hopefully won't need to use it much for calling home.

We then went back to Laurence's house for dinner with the whole family. Her children are hilarious.... they go from speaking French super fast and in slang I don't understand, to trying to translate to English, into singing songs they know inf English with the words they were just trying to think of. And to top it all off, Laurence started trying to speak in English, which made us all laugh because it is so broken and accented. (I hope I don't sound that bad in French!).

Finally, around 9:30pm (3:30pm our time) I went home to clean the bathroom, potty house, and put my sheets on my bed. I collapsed around 12:30, and woke up, wide awake at 8am... I don't know how I'm awake... I should have at least slept til 10, but just couldn't do it. I guess I'll be off like this for a few days! Here is a picture of the living room, during my late-night unpacking party.

Today, I'm going to get myself a little more situated, walk around St. Priest a little, and if for some reason my internet stops working this afternoon, I'll call Laurence to come take me to her house to use their internet. I would just go to the library down the street, but oh yes, I forgot to mention, there is another strike today... affecting buses, schools, etc. Très français, non?

Ok- that's all for now! Miss you all bunches!!!!!

Love, Lindsay

If you build it, they will come... (If you ask, you may be answered)

Before I launch into my exciting news, here is some background information that will hopefully make the news more exciting to you too:)

At the beginning of June, I was contacted by a woman in St. Priest (Celine, my first "contact person"). She told me I'd be getting my arrete soon enough, but before she went on vacation at the end of June, she wanted to ask if I wanted to live in the apartment used by previous language assistants. Of course I immediately freaked out and said YES YES YES. After that I didn't hear much....

....until I sent an email back to Celine, asking for more information about the apartment... hoping she would respond, "Oh yes, the apartment is yours!" Instead, she gave me other information, which was helpful. It's a 3 bedroom, fully furnished apartment, on the 4th floor of a building very centrally located in St. Priest, just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the bus or tramway that goes into downtown Lyon. On google maps, it shows that it is very close to a movie theater and the police station (so I'll have fun AND I'll be safe!). I was also given the email addresses of the most recent language assistants. One girl (whom I think is from England because her emails to me sounded very proper) has been very helpful in sending me details about the job and the apartment. But besides finding out more specific details about the apartment, I still didn't know if I had a room mate or if the apartment was, without a doubt, in my possession, immediately when I arrive on the 22nd....

....until I wrote an email to the new contact person (Laurence). After the first email from Laurence, I wasn't really sure if she'd be very helpful. She was the"new" contact person. She was very nice, don't get me wrong, but she started by saying she was new to St. Priest and she'd have to "see about this apartment." Of course, that made me a little queasy, but after a few weeks, and a nice email containing information about my orientation, I thought maybe she'd been in the job long enough to know more about the apartment.

So, I waited a couple days... and finally decided... "What am I waiting for? I should just ask!" And what do you know- not even 24 hours later, I got an email, on the weekend, from my French contact (much quicker than I could have imagined!). And it said: "I was going to let you know next week, they called to see when you're arriving so it will be cleaned. For now, you are alone in the apartment because the other assistant is looking for a place with her friend. If something goes wrong and it isn't ready, you are welcome to stay with me until it's settled. Don't worry, have a nice weekend, and as for picking you up at the airport, I'll have a sign with your name and a red scarf!"

YAY YAY YAY!

On the schedule for today: go get a backpackers backpack for my carry-on, stretch and run the 9-11 5k, and celebrate my birthday (again) with some friends! Hurray! What a good day!