L'acro-branche (ropes course)

Yesterday, I was so overwhelmed with the need for sleep that I decided to update my blog this morning. As my title suggests, the previous day was one of activity in the treetops. Paul, Cara, and I went with some members of our Rotary club to a town about thirty minutes (maybe more) away to have a picnic-actually more of a feast on picnic tables-and partake in some playing in the trees. The drive to the other town was incredible. We winded through narrow roads with the sea below the cliffs on one side and picturesque, little villas carefully placed within the hills on the other. Several times we stopped to take pictures of the perfect landscapes. The natural flowers of this area are gorgeous. The neon blues, pinks, and purples burst from every bloom, and Provencal olive trees line the curvy roads.

Once we arrived, we set up our food. My host mom packed me a lunch of two pieces of baguette each with butter, two kinds of cheeses, and lettuce. I also brought an apple, and then I was overwhelmed with the food from the Rotarians. There was a quiche (with ham so not for me), the juiciest cantaloupe I have ever eaten, some chips, bread, and cheese. I had to save my apple for later in the afternoon. After lunch we had a delicious fruit tart for dessert. It was the perfect blend of sweet and sour. Simply delicious. The best scene of the meal, though, was the beginning. I took a bite of my sandwich only to be told to stop. First, of course, we must all have a bit of an aperitif. The licorice-tasting drink was mixed with some water but still rather strong. Have looking everyone in the eye and saying "chink, chink" (the equivalent of "Cheers!") we downed the drink and began our lunch. I was so full after. In France, lunch is the big meal of the day. It is a good thing because I have time to swim, walk, or in yesterdays case, play in the trees to work off the mass amount of calories consumed. Don't worry Mom and Dad, I won't come home 10 kilos heavier! In fact, I think this is a key ingredient for the French. Everyday life is more physically demanding with walking everywhere or swimming. With lunch being the meal with the most food, it is easier to put those cals and carbs to good use. Back to yesterday events though.

After our meal, we all got harnessed up and began the instruction session. The instructor knew to talk a little slower for us Americans and repeated the most important things in English. The ropes courses began with number one and got progressively harder until number five. I felt like Jane as I barreled through the treetops in my harness. So much fun, and by course four most of us were finished. We were all sweating gallons even in the shade of the trees. I was happy for the semi-long ride back home to sit and relax for a few moments.

I was returned to my house and had some personal time to strip my self of the non-pleasant smelling clothes I had worn, before dinner. For dinner, we had a simple, but incredibly wonderful tasting casserole with zucchini, tomato, and mozzarella. Also bread and cheese. The flavors of the three ingredients complimented each other so strongly to make an explosion of flavor. Ahh, the cuisine of France is just indescribable. Following dinner was Pretty Woman in French on the tv. And then sleep for me after a few skype conversations.

I woke up late this morning and read. Now time for lunch. I do more than just eat here, but the smaller events are mundane and boring to read. Tonight is my first Rotary meeting. I'll blog about that experience too. For now, c'est tout.

J'ai assez mange (I have eaten enough)

Tonight, at dinner, my host mom suggested that I title this blog "J'ai assez mange." This is my new favorite phrase that I learned a few evenings ago. At every meal, and often in between, I find that everyone is always saying "Manges! Manges!" (Eat! Eat!). I'm constantly being handed bread, cheese, orangina, and the other staples of French meals. Now, though, I can simple say "j'ai assez mange" or "je n'ai pas assez mange" (I have not eaten enough), but I don't think that one will be put to much use.

Today was quite eventful. Ce matin, Paul and his host family picked me up at my house and we went to view the fire station. I thought most French men seemed to be on the shorter side, but that's only because I had not yet met the firemen of the Cote d'Azur. Mon Dieu! These men were gargantuan statues of safety. Paul and I got to climb up onto the Mercedes-brand firetruck and view the several different types of rescue vehicles. Quite interesting. At first, I was a little nervous because I thought we were going to join the gym. As I glanced around at all the men, I thought, I don't know if I can work out with these enormous firemen. That might be a good bit intimidating. But, soon to my knowledge, we would take a looksee at the gym apres our tour.

We left the pompeirs (firemen) and went to a few stores for some delicious foods. It was at this moment that I was in the idyllic French scene. A crammed street lined with open air speciality stores. First, we visited the fruits and vegetables. The sweet scent coming off of the perfectly ripe melons was intoxicating. Each tomato was a rich, blood-stained red. The apples and grapes were abundant in all sorts of varieties. Ahh... I was simply in heaven. Every basket holding its precious cargo was marked with a sign to tell the name of the food and its place of birth. The majority came from France and several from the Provence region. Following was the fish market across the street. The smell of fresh seafood wafted through the air as we entered into the crowded room. A large, whole fish was being stripped of its head with a long, serrated knife at the moment we entered. The prawns were about the size of my forearm, and several pairs of eyes glared up at me from the iceboxes as I inspected the sea creatures. We walked next door to pick up some bread, of course. This time the scent in the air was sweet with sugar and dough. My mouth watered as I gazed around at the pain au chocolat, croissants, brioche, baguettes and more. Thank goodness I left my euros in the car, or else I would've bought everything I could grab. After purchasing a few baguettes we were off to return to Paul's house.

Following the food shopping was hang out time. Paul and I killed some time before eating lunch with his host parents around 2 o'clock. We had some of the fish bought earlier that morning, salad, one of the baguettes, and some cheese. Voila! The perfect meal. Mmmmm.

To get some exercise and burn off some of the lunch, Paul and I walked down to the beach to meet up with some of the French girls I have hung out with previously. The beach was lovely and not too crowded. We spent a good hour in the ocean chatting away, and then continued the conversation lazily on the beach. The sun was beginning to dwindle behind the mountains of the town when we decided to all part our separate ways.

I look forward to the conversations that will happen at the dinner table here. Sometimes I'll spend moments before meals planning out how to say something that happened during my day. My host parents are so happy when I speak in full sentences. They give me encouraging looks and help me find the words I can not bring to mind. Tonight, we ended the evening with Disney movie conversation. It's fun to hear the different titles in French. My host dad cracks me up all the time. Tonight, when I asked if they knew Mulan they said of course of course. After recalling the dragon's name, Mushu, my host dad continued to tell me the other day he saw a girl with a dragon tattoo on the back of her neck. He said out loud, "It's Mushu"!! The girl was confused, but everyone else understood and laughed. Haha! I thought that was hilarious, plus I was extra happy because I understood what he said (he speaks very fast French). While my host mom was cleaning up some after dinner, he told me something, but I did not understand the main verb. He spelled it for me, and I looked it up in my little dictionary. Turns out, my host dad loves bothering my host mom (J'aime bien embeter Laurence). Haha! He's quite the character.

Well I believe that's all for today. Tomorrow I have exciting plans, but I will not reveal them on my blog until after the day is finished. I have to keep y'all someone interested.

A la Plage (at the beach)

Salut tout le monde! I didn't post yesterday because it was a rather boring day to write about. Really the only exciting events were that I started a new book, The Poisonwood Bible, I went to the school (just for a moment though, I didn't see much), and I had my first trip to a French supermarket. We didn't get too many items there, but it is near the school and we were out.

Today was a bit more eventful. Around noon I began descending the hill from my house to the main part of my new little town. I had a rendez-vous with Paul and Cara, the two other exchange students in my town. Paul's host family (who will eventually become mine; the three of us are switching among the same three households) owns a pizzeria in town, so we decided to meet there for lunch. I saw this pizzeria my first day in Cavalaire, so I had to do some searching through the haze of my memory from the past few days here. The days run together. I finally stumbled upon the cozy, little restaurant. After kissing the cheeks of my already known acquaintances, I greeted Paul with the same gesture. While we waited for Cara to arrive, we folded pizza boxes to pass time. Finalement, Cara came and soon following the three of us ate some delicious homemade pizza. Half of mine was cheese, goat cheese, and mushroom, and the other portion was made up of tomato sauce, cheese, olives, bell peppers, and artichoke. C'etait fantastique! It was also a relief to speak non-broken English with normal people (you can never tell with exchange students; sometimes they can be quite "interesting" characters). The three of us conversed in French as well and helped one another recall vocabulary.

After dejeuner, we were off a la plage! I think if one wants to become a member of the Cavalaire community, they must first, have a tan (even if one is as pale as a ghost, they will have a tan line), second, be skinny, and third, look very attractive without makeup (since daily life is spent on the sand or in the water). I think I'll get there, at least to some extent. The tan, I am working on. Usually, I just burn, but today after two or three hours at the beach I became a darker shade minus some of the redness. Perhaps the French sun will be my miracle worker! Swimming in the Mediterranean cooled me off an extreme amount. The water is as clear as crystal can be. I can always see my feet. Ahhh, and it is oh so refreshing after a hot day without air conditioning. I think the Office of Tourism will be my sanctuary on the hottest days because it seems to be the only place on the whole Cote d'Azur that has le climatisation. It is nice to be able to keep my window open all day and night though. In fact, since I've gotten here I haven't closed my window. All the windows in the house have huge shutters that we close during the hot times of the day and open back up mid-afternoon. All our meals are eaten outside on the patio with the true French doors open to lead into the house. The outside space is very much a continuation of the rest of the house.

I never thought I would be the kind of person that could live on the beach. That was before I came to live on the French Riviera. I do believe that I could spend eternity out on those sandy shores. It is just so incredibly beautiful. This whole region is! I think it will be nice to start school and have the structure that comes with a routine, but I'm glad I'll have time to relax sur la plage before I begin. Tomorrow afternoon I think I will repeat the afternoon of today. Time on the beach and in the water with friends.

Here's a fun fact: In France, Dora from Dora the Explorer speaks in French and teaches English words. Interessant!

Repetez, s'il vous plait! (Repeat please)

Today is my second full day in Cavalaire. Yesterday, was quite typical for a first day. I slept pretty late, about 9:30, and woke up to find a croissant waiting for me on the breakfast table. Both my host parents were working so I nosily went through the kitchen to find everything's place. After locating une tasse and le jus d'orange, I sat down to eat mon petit dejeuner (don't worry I took a picture of the scrumptious croissants). After breakfast, I unpacked my things with Mean Girls playing in French for background noise. Around one I ate lunch with my host mom at the house, and then some of Deborah's friends came by. Instead of me practicing French though, they practiced a little English. But, next time, French only!! Then to town with my host mom so I could buy a swimsuit. I know, I'm probably the only person who wouldn't pack a swimsuit with me to come for a beach town. Mine at home though, was all worn out, and I didn't have to time to buy one. Alas, my purchase was made. Dinner followed with my host parents. As we sat around the table on the patio I fervently listened to their conversations trying to decipher the fast language. Of course, when they speak to me they slow it down. I still sometimes must ask them to repeat though. Overall, it hasn't been too difficult to pick up on ideas even if I do not understand the meaning of every word. They wait for me patiently as I try to conjure up the correct phrase or sentence structure. And now my host mom calls my little French-English dictionary my new friend! It does come in handy.

Today I awoke at about the same time. Had some cafe avec sucre and read for a while (a book in English, but after it is finished I might try something in French). Today, it is not quite as hot as the first couple of days I've been here. There is more of a breeze, and it is a bit cloudy. Perhaps rain for tonight which would cool things off. Around noon I took a little walk down my street. Our house is on quite a steep hill, but my adventurous self walked to the very outskirts of the main street before turning around to trek back up the small mountain. My host dad saw me while he was driving up to the house and stopped the car to ask if I wanted a ride. Even though I was tempted, I figured I needed to work off breakfast so I declined. I arrived back home, sweating profusely, and read for a while on the patio while my host dad did some work. I got distracted from my book as he absentmindedly counted aloud. French is such a pretty language. After lunch I went to the bank which is in the post office. I'll skip over most of that because it is boring business. I did get to see where my host mom works (at the post office) and meet some of her fellow employees. The highlight of my day was when I met up with some of Deborah's friends at the beach. The ocean was the only repellent against the heat of the day. I should have gone yesterday! My new friends would help me with my French and were patient while I spoke (see, I told you today we would only speak French). I got to wear my new swimsuit from yesterday! After an hour and a half or so on the beach we walked around town. They showed me the shops and restaurants while teaching me important words such as shut up and bus stop. Definitely good things to know. After a nice shower I am sitting in my room. I think for supper we are having quiche perhaps.

I hope this post hasn't been too boring. Just a run through of my days. Everything seems so exciting to me, of course, because it's all new and in French! Tomorrow I am going to the school to look around and get my classes. I still have about two weeks before I start. Well c'est tout. Ciao. (I know it's Italian, but they use it in France too).

Bon Voyage!

Finally, after applying a year ago, I am in France!

My last night at home, my family, Deborah, and my best friend Anna came to eat a gastronomical French feast my mother prepared for an entire day. I woke up to hearing her in the kitchen at eight in the morning beginning to make the dough for her puff pastry. The pesto puff pastry was absolutely PERFECT! It was flaky and light and tasted like heaven. Bruschetta was the other appetizer which was equally full in flavor. For the main course Mom prepared a shrimp and crab quiche. After dropping part of one in the sink (good job Dad :D), we devoured the scrumptious pie-like entree with a big salad along side. Finally, for dessert, Dad baked molten chocolate cakes. The gooey center mixed with some vanilla ice cream tops my list of top three favorite desserts. They were exquisite. Some of the best food I have ever eaten.

The company wasn't too bad either. I was so happy to see my family gathered around the "Bon Voyage Leslie" centerpiece on the dining room table. As we ate the delicious meal described above we were all our usual loud selves. Just happy to be together before I hopped on my plane and Lauren drove back to school. After long hugs with my family members, I had to say a teary goodbye to Anna. In between sobs we each communicated our hopes for one another in the coming school year and our excitement for the wonderful things bound to happen to each of us. It will be hard without Anna; without having the ability to call her at a moment's notice because something only she would think is funny happened. I know our friendship will grow stronger though as we each become our own person. We will be able to teach each other such different things when we reconnect next summer. It will be wonderful!

The next day was D Day. Departure Day. This day had been looming around us for several days, even weeks. It was almost oppressive to know I was being taken away all at once from everything I've ever known to be put somewhere COMPLETELY different. A place where I don't even understand much of what is being said. Lauren left that morning to drive back to school. I miss you already Lauren!! Having a sister 13 months older than you creates quite a bond. The longest we had ever been apart (prior to last year while she was at college) was a month. Lauren left around nine that morning. I held it together while I told her bye and gave her a hug (something we don't usually do because she doesn't like to be touched), but after, in the confines of my bathroom, I broke down a little bit. We're already working on planning a skype date though.

The last friend goodbyes I said were to Alexander (Fred Big Owl Lucas Weatherford), Bradley (more formally known as B Rad), and Deborah. The lunatic boys I call friends brought me an obnoxious, button-down American flag shirt. I plan to wear it the first day of school (well, maybe that wouldn't be the best first impression). After they help load my two 48 pound bags into the car (haha thanks y'all) I gave them each a hug. Deborah went back to her host families house after sending me off as well. Now to the airport...

I told myself I wouldn't cry at the airport, but I'm already pretty emotional. This is a big step for me too. So after a few tearful hugs and kisses Mom, Dad, and Lucie dropped me off. I couldn't look back at them at security because I knew I'd probably fall out on the floor if I did (sorry Mom, I know you'll probably start sobbing when you read that). Such a bittersweet feeling. I was so extremely excited to be off to France after an eternity of waiting, but to leave the most important thing in the world to me, my family, was hard. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't.

It actually sunk in, what I was doing as the plane from Memphis lifted off the ground. It is so odd to have talked about something for so long, to explain it to everyone, to hear the praise of how brave it is, and then finally have it happen. As the plane took off I started to wonder if I was doing the right thing, if I was really going to be able to take the plunge. Every anxiety and doubt was thrown out of my mind, though, when I heard a family conversing in French before boarding the plane from Chicago to London. I couldn't help but smile. What an opportunity this is! I am so fortunate to be able to have an experience such as this, and it is because of the ones I love and cherish so dearly that I have the confidence to take off, to explore the vast world and make it a little smaller by understanding a different culture. For the long flight to London I was on a gigantic, two-story airplane. The five year old girl sitting next to me had the cutest little British accent. So many people, from so many places. It's crazy to think that everyone on that plane had a life and a story from places all over the world. I started freaking out in the London airport. The terminal had so many stores and so many people. I couldn't find where my gate was on the departure board, but finally I realized they release the gate numbers only an hour before a flight. All was good. I felt like I was going to vomit everywhere. I was so nervous before boarding the flight to Nice. Well, probably more anxious than nervous. After sleeping a little on the plane, I woke up to find the Alps underneath me. Thankfully, I had a window seat. I got to see the beauty of France from an aerial view. Quite exquisite. Nice is beautiful. Well, at least what I saw from the airplane was. The runway is right off the Mediterranean so it seems as if you are going to land in the water when the plane starts descending. Huge yachts and sailboats were out on the bright blue water. It looked like a scene from a movie. After getting my passport stamped and grabbing my bags (Nothing was lost) I met my first host parents. They are both so sweet, and our communication is pretty good. So I was thankful.

The two hour drive from Nice to my town was so incredible. New scenery that is just breathtaking. The first glimpses of le mer (the sea) were gorgeous. I was so excited to finally see the quaint little villa I'll call home for the next few months before moving to my second family's house. Such a French house it is. No air conditioning (none in the school either, it's a French thing). So that'll take getting used to. Also, the toilet is in a separate room than the rest of the bathroom. Also something I'll have to get familiar with. After a nice dinner with my host parents and cheese following, of course, I am in the bed about to let exhaustion take over me. I didn't want to get behind on my blogging (I just love that word) so I pushed through the weariness. If I have any grammatical errors I'll blame them on that. I don't think I'll have bad jet lag. I get to sleep late tomorrow! Woo hoo! And I plan to post again tomorrow evening once I've explored a little more of the town and unpacked. I'll put some pictures up too. For now a bientot....

Les Premiers Pas (The First Steps)

Dear Readers,

I assume the first post should be somewhat of an introduction. So, I will proceed with such. I am Leslie (for those of you who don't know me), and I am going to be an exchange student in the south of France. This blog will act as my online journal throughout the year and will tell of my travels, adventures, embarrassing moments, and times when no one can understand what I'm saying (and vice versa... je ne comprends pas).

The first important detail I must point out on this blog is that my sister, Lauren, so cleverly came up with the creative name. I don't think she would have let me use it if this statement was not made.

Since the formalities are over, I will begin more of the actual post....

Packing for a weekend trip can often be a daunting task for me, so one can imagine how overwhelming packing for a year abroad has been. I know, I know... everyone always makes a huge deal about packing, but it is a pretty gruesome task. I am the type of person that doesn't like to throw ANYTHING away because I one day foresee its use in the future. It was almost painful to see some things left behind in the packing. After a few last minute items were picked up, I can finally wrap things up. All that's left is putting the space bags and packing cubbies into the two big blue bags I'll tote from Memphis to Nice and several places in between.

Lately, I have become so thrilled about the upcoming year. Most of this excitement is due to the fact that the French girl I am swapping places with arrived in my town a little over a week ago. Deborah and I quickly became friends as our similar interests proved to be broader than our language and cultural barriers are. After a trip to mountains, our friendship and eternal exchange student bond was solidified. Alas, Deborah moved into her first host family's house, but we will still see each other a few mores times before I head off for her town.

Goodbyes have never been on the top of my "Favorite Things To Do" list (but who ever likes goodbyes?). Already, I've seen many a friend move into their dorms and leave the town we've all called home for so many years. Earlier this week I spent a fun night visiting two of my very best friends, Parker and Janie, doing the things we do best: laughing, cooking/baking (we make the best brownie s'mores), eating, and talking about life's most meaningful questions (for example, if you were on a desert island what five cd's would you want to be there with you?) Tonight, three days before I leave, was a rather momentous goodbye. I very sadly had to tell my best friend, Gus, bye. We now enter into unchartered territory as we move our friendship to the virtual world of skype. After three solid years of companionship we have to resort to video chat for the upcoming year. But, it is much better than an email (I at least try to be optimistic about the sad). However hard it may be to say goodbye, I know I will reunite with the ones I have left on my home soil. Just think how exciting it will be to share our adventures together next year!

I am certain my year abroad will open my eyes to a much bigger world. I will learn and experience things that will shape the person I am to become. As I look forward to departing to my home for the next year, I do not feel that I am leaving a life behind to start a new one; but rather, I am taking the life I have had-the memories, the friendships, the laughter-with me only to return to tell my veggie tales.