Le Loto (BINGO)

Only in France would I be able to win three and a half liters of wine playing Bingo sponsored by the Rotary Club. You gotta love this place. Not this past Sunday but the one before, Cara, Paul, and I went to help out with the annual Rotary Bingo in Cavalaire. We were expecting to put out tables and chairs, help pass out chips and cards, things of that nature. Much to our surprise (and satisfaction) we just got to sit and play for free. I was working three cards as were my other Americans. (It was actually good practice for hearing numbers... yes, I know how to count in French by now, but let me be the first to say it ain't easy. All the numbers in the seventies are sixty+a number-soixante-dix, soixante onze, soixante douze, etc.-and the eighties are four twenties + one, two, etc... and the nineties are the worst... four twenties + eleven, twelve, etc.-quatre vingt dix neuf = ninety nine). The three of us were on a role, quickly covering each number as it was called. At one point, all I lacked was 13. Of course, it was 13 that made me lose. A few rounds later, I got to call out that blessed word: BINGO. Well actually I raised my hand while Paul and Cara started shouting "Elle a gagné! Elle a gagné!" It was quite a momentous occasion which turned out to be even better when I saw the numerous prizes that awaited me. As I said before, two bottles of wine-one of which is of tremendous proportions-a video camera (not high-quality, but a video camera nonetheless), a belt, an ipod shuffle, a dinner for two, and a decorative candle holder. Not bad for a Sunday evening.

This weekend, once again, the three of us returned to Toulon, this time going down to the actual city and not just stopping at the shopping center before. After checking out some music stores, we walked down near the port to find the mall that is in Toulon. The huge sales in France were still going on so we wanted to profit from some of the slashed prices. I must say, the three of us can entertain ourselves with just about anything, especially if there's a camera to document our spontaneous acts of amusement. We found two statues of men situated at a table playing cards. We proceeded to then talk to Tim and Dan (yes, we named them), dress them up, and take numerous photos with our new friends. One group of women stopped and asked if we'd like a picture of all three of us. Oh how I love my friends. The exchange student gods were seriously looking out for me when they chose these two crazy people to live with me in France. I couldn't ask for better friends. Eventually, we left Tim and Dan in search of bigger and better things a.k.a. half-priced clothing. As we walked down the cobbled stone streets of Toulon, one store called out our names. More accurately, the rap music pouring into the street screamed, "Americans come listen to music from your country and save yourselves from another techno beat!" A few pictures of Cara with the salesman and the brand Oakwood (the town from which she hails) later and off we went to find the mall. About 20 minutes later we stumbled upon our destination and started with the shopping after grabbing sandwiches on baguettes. We took the second to last bus back, not wanting to continue the misfortune that has plagued our ability to make it back to Cavalaire from Toulon.

I returned to my original house to spend the night with Cara and see Laurence and Christophe. We had a crepe party! Oh this country and their crepes. Laurence knows me all too well. I was more than happy to go back to my house. I think I'll always see it as that. At one point I referred to the bedroom as mine, Deborah's, and Cara's... eventually Paul's. Sunday for lunch we ate bouchée de la reine. Mine was with fish and oh so delicious. We finished the meal with une galette and a piece of chocolate with our afternoon coffee, as usual. I felt right at home. I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity to live with them. I'm sure I sound redundant in saying this (I feel like every post I talk about how much I love Paul, Cara, and my host parents), but it's the truth.

I've been in a blissful mood since this weekend, and I know this is where I'm supposed to be. This exchange has taught me about myself, another culture, different people, and so many other things which I will go into more detail about in the future. Words can't begin to express how marvelous my past five months here have been-yes, five months as of Sunday. I am certain that the remainder of my school year here will be equally indescribable.

J'adore la France.

Le Grand Changement (The Big Change)

Sunday two major events occurred. I will preface the first with a bit of information about what happened in Tupelo last week. It snowed. And not just a few flurries... it down right snowed, and Tupelo High School was actually closed for a snow day. Yes, the high school that stays open even if a tornado, tsunami, and hurricane are all about to hit town closed for the snow. Of course it snows the year I'm not there. I think Mother Earth knew I was bummed about missing the snow (even though I saw snow in Alsace; schneit is the Alsacien word for it's snowing) so she sent some to the French Riviera. No you are not mistaken, I did say it snowed on the French Riviera. I was jumping up and down (quite literally) with excitement. The snow didn't stay, and I had to go to school the next day BUT I can say I saw snow on the French Riviera.

The snow fell as I finished packing up all my things to move to my next host family. I was not anxious to leave my host parents and my house. I was extremely settled in there and really felt that it was my home. But, it had to happen (Rotary rules), and I am already very happy at my second house. I spent about all day Saturday and Sunday morning getting everything packed. I've acquired a few more items since I've gotten here. I ended up leaving with my two suitcases, my computer bag, my purse, another small bag, and two boxes full of things.... so just a little bit more. Cara and her host parents brought all her things to my house to get her moved in. Paul had already moved into Cara's house, and I was the last one to move (I'm now at Paul's). Around 4:30 my host mom, Cara, and I drove over to Paul's (I think we're all keeping the previous host parent/house references). Paul's house is on a gigantic hill and the driveway is not paved for one of the steepest parts. It rained a good bit at the end of last week so driving a car up to the door was definitely out of the question. We had to haul all my stuff up the mini-mountain. We made it, though, and now I'm all settled in with pictures on the walls and clothes on shelves. I already know my Paul's host parents/my new host parents really well. I've spent time with them and everything so there wasn't so much of an awkward get-to-know you time.

My host parents now own a pizzeria down in town. They work nights so I am here alone. We have one dog and two cats, and when the cats want to go outside they go stand by the door. So I let the cats out my first night here, Sunday. As I put my things away in my room I kept hearing a noise that I thought was the cats. There are three sliding glass doors off the kitchen and living room and each one has a set of blinds that close all the way down with a push of a button (quite cool). So every time I heard this noise, I would open the blinds a little to let the cats in, except that every time I opened the blinds, there was never a cat. I'm sure the neighbors thought I was crazy and wondered why I kept opening the blinds every 3-5 minutes, but I was worried about the cats freezing in the cold. Finally, as I was leaving the bathroom I got the life scared out of me by an automatic air freshener. It sprays a little burst of some corny-titled scent into the air at regular intervals. I finally put two and two together and realized that I was hearing the air freshener go off, not the cats at the door. Now I know.

The change has definitely been weird. I find it odd that all my things are in Paul's room, and all Cara's things are in my room. However, I do see why Rotary makes us change; how we'll get to experience a different family's way of life. I was extremely lucky to have such an incredible experience for my first four and a half months, and I can't wait to see what the next ones hold. I know I will be very happy with my new parents and routine. It's already settling in after a day.

Pictures: packing everything up in my old room... I have yet to take pictures of my new room or house. Also, attempted pictures of the snow... but you can't really see anything.

Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année (Merry Christmas and Happy New Year) Continued

Sorry, read this after the post below it. I accidentally posted the wrong one first.

Christmas Eve quickly approached, and I was very much in the Christmas mood after the snow, markets, gingerbread-looking houses, and the magic that is Alsace. After breakfast, we went to the grocery store to pick up a few last minute items. We had lunch, and afterwards my host mom and I took a walk around Soultzbach. We walked on a path that wound around the back of the town and then down into the center. Even though Cavalaire is a small town, there isn't much open space. Houses and buildings are very close together. This walk in Soultzbach was the first time I had seen just open plots of grass. There were some horses and other animals on small, personal farms. I even saw some chickens! We walked through a section of woods-yes, woods! I was so excited!-and found some remnants of snow. It was enough to have a quick snowball fight and make a snow angel. Also, in these woods there was a clearing with some benches and a Virgin Mary grotto built into a rock hillside. It was beautiful. We made our way down into the quaint center of town where there is a butcher, a bakery, the mayor's office, a school for small children, several fountains, and a little river called le Krebsbach. Soultzbach used to be a source for bottled water, so some of the fountains have fresh drinking water. The town came to life as my host mom told me stories about her childhood there. She showed me her grandmother's house, and we even stopped by to visit a friend she's had since childhood before heading back up to the house. We returned to find our party of five turned to six with the arrival of my host mom's sister. Sophie was busy in the kitchen preparing the big Christmas Eve meal when we arrived. That night we ate Baeckeoffe au poisson-a traditional Alsatian dish generally with meat but adapted to fish for me. Baeckeoffe means "baker's over." It is potatoes, carrots, onions, some herbs, butter, scallops, frog, and salmon all cooked together in a gigantic, sealed dish. Oh c'était trop bon! Following supper was present time. With ornament earrings dangling down and santa hat securely on my head (thanks Parker!) we started. I was given the responsibility of being Santa. My host grandmother helped me pass out the gifts though. I was given mass amounts of chocolate along with other wonderful presents. Everyone was very happy with all. We returned to the table to eat une bouche de Noel but in ice cream. Again, just another delicious dessert to add to the list. The night winded down. Sophie went back to Colmar, and everyone got in their pajamas and watched a Christmas song program. I was in my new pajamas that my parents sent me along with my other Christmas presents. It's somewhat of a tradition in my family to all get matching pajamas on Christmas Eve so that Christmas morning we all have them on to open presents. My host family found this to be quite amusing.

Now, my host grandparents do not have a computer which results in them not having internet. I brought my computer with me, and they got the internet code from their neighbors so that my host family could skype with Deborah and me with my family. The neighbors live right across the street, but for some reason the internet reception was not strong at all. My host mom never managed to connect with her laptop. The only places where I had internet were in the den behind the coach next to the sliding door or in my room with my computer sitting on the window sill with the shutters open. My host family and I got plenty of laughs with this one. Thankfully, I got to see my house full of my family on Christmas Eve, and Deborah got to see her family all in Alsace.

Christmas Day, just before lunch, my host granddad's sister-my host mom's godmother- and her friend and Sophie all came back over. After exchanging gifts with them we had a big Christmas lunch which included foie gras (again not for me) and another bouche de Noel for dessert. My parents back home planned to skype with me at 3 o'clock my time 8 o'clock theirs'. A few minutes before, I changed back into my pajamas and gathered all my presents from them behind the couch. I got everything ready and logged on. My mother wasn't on skype. I waited, and after a few minutes, my mom's best friend called me via skype. She informed me that there was a terrible thunderstorm that night and that the internet was not working at my house. This was a huge blow to me as my family and I had planned to spend Christmas morning together. My mom was on the phone with Mrs. Valerie as she told me the news. However, I held it together and opened my presents with Mrs. Valerie, Dr. Earl, and Sami. After my mock Christmas morning in Tupelo I changed and finished the afternoon with my French family. We said our goodbyes to Sophie and my host mom's godmother then began to pack everything up. That was a challenge. Squeezing even more stuff into my already full suitcase was not an easy task. I had to wear some of the things I got as gifts and carry a backpack as well as my computer bag and purse. About an hour before we left I checked my computer one last time to see if the internet was back up at my house. I was ecstatic when I saw my mom's name lit up on skype! During our conversation everyone told me to hold on; they wanted to show me something. I jokingly asked if it was another animal to add to our small petting zoo of six dogs and one cat. They said not quite but close. My father came back holding a cardboard me. Well the torso was cardboard. My legs were two extremely skinny pieces of wood. It was dressed in my clothes with a picture of my face for the head. They spend Christmas Eve and morning with the almost-me. Thank you Lauren for being the craftiest sister I know! After I saw everyone, in their matching Christmas pajamas I might add, and Deborah saw her parents, we stuffed ourselves into the car. I empathized with my clothes in my suitcase. We were packed in their, but it wasn't a long drive. We made it to the airport, and once again I was a bit anxious to see how much my bag weighed. 21.5 kilos-the max is 20. The woman at the counter let it slide though because it was Christmas. My host mom gave her a chocolate Santa in return. The flight went by quickly. We flew over a section of Italy right before getting to Nice, and I saw snow-covered mountains, illuminated for skiing and snowboarding. I saw Nice all lit up too.

Flying back into Nice brought back memories of my first flight into this airport August 24th. It honestly feels like yesterday that I first arrived. My time here has gone by unnaturally fast. I'm coming up on my five month anniversary in France. Already five months. I feel so much at home here, and while I will definitely be excited to be reunited with my family and friends, I'm not looking forward to the next time I'll be at the Nice airport.

The rest of the vacation was spent lounging around my house and hanging out with Paul (Cara left for Brittany France the 23rd and came back the 3rd, so I didn't get to see her for the whole vacation-our reunion at monthly Rotary meeting the Monday after she got back was quite joyous!) Paul and I did go to a town, about an hour away by bus, called Hyères. We began to walk around and saw a sign for a circus. Excitedly, we decided to find the place and go see the circus after lunch. One pizza later and we were ready to go (I don't know why we always eat at pizzerias when we go to a different town). The circus was not good. We were lured in by the bright colors and pictures of cool animals, like a hippopotamus. I don't know how it's legal to have all those poor animals kept in those tiny cages like that. I really wanted to free them but figured my French wasn't quite strong enough yet to explain to le Gendarme why I let six lions, six tigers, and a hippopotamus loose in Hyères. I think I'll stick to Cirque du Soleil from now on out if I have an urge to see a circus.

For New Year's Eve I went with my host parents to their friends' (Sophie and Philip) house. The five of us has appetizers and champagne and a wonderful dinner. We brought in the New Year throwing steamers in our party hats at one another. Definitely a fun way to start of 2010.

The first Sunday of January is l'Épiphanie- when the three Magi Kings came to visit baby Jesus. In celebration of this, the French have les galettes. A galette is a somewhat flat, round, flakey cake with, traditionally, frangipane filling-which is made from almonds. I love these cakes (thankfully, my host mom does too. We cheated a little bit and ate some galette back in December). We had Sophie and Philip and my host parents' other close friends Winfried and Anna Laure (they're German) over to eat galette with us. In each galette, there is a little figurine, and whosoever finds this figurine is le roi ou la reine and has the privilege of wearing a crown (the King Cake that's eaten around Mardi Gras derived from this tradition). My host dad used to be a baker and made a galette for everyone. Philip is currently a baker, so he also brought a galette and a round brioche with candied fruit and raisons, called la couronne-crown. We ate our galettes and brioche with our coffee under mine and Philip's rule after we found the figurines in our cake. I don't think I've ever seen a galette in the U.S., but maybe they can be found. I think I'm going to have to master the art of making one so I can have it back home.

School started back the 4th. I was not happy to wake up early again, but I was glad to see all my friends. It is now Saturday. This week went by incredibly fast. I'm about to start packing up all my things because we change host families tomorrow. I am going to Paul's house, Cara is coming to mine, and Paul is going to Cara's. While we all really like the others' host parents, no one wants to change. I honestly feel at home in my house with my host parents. I'm so comfortable around them and everything. I'm also not looking forward to getting all my things together. Ooo la la, it's going to be difficult. However, I do see the positives of living with another family and experiencing a different way of life at another household. I love my next host parents too; it will just be hard, but I guess most change is hard at first. Sorry these updates took so long. I'll be more diligent next time. I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année!