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.
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