Blogs from Centre, France, Europe - page 26

I was only about 40 kilometers from my destination. After hours in Parisian traffic, I finally broke loose on a wet and darkening day. Though I'd intended to take the smaller, country roads, when I saw the freeway in my direction I tightened up my ropes and bit my lip. I filled up my tank at the mid-sized town of Chartres around 4:30pm, and the wind was picking up. Filling up with my luggage isn't easy. All my things are tied together on top of the seat, and on a Vespa the gas tank is underneath the seat. That means I must balance the bike, while lifting the 80lbs of luggage, WHILE using the fuel pump. I'm pretty good at it now, but it took some practice. I still prefer to fill up prior to adding ... read more

Bonsoir!!!!!!!!!!! First, I'd like to say a BIG thank you for the birthday wishes and comments. :) It makes my day to read a little piece of home. :) I had to write today because somethings were just too good to wait until next week! I woke up this mornng with so many birthday wishes and skype voicemails that made me feel so unbelievably happy and loved. After a few tears of joy, I got ready for my first Literature Class as a student with the students I work with. I'm very familiar and comfortable taking French classes at the University of Akron because it's with the same people who are all American. I was so nervous for my class today. The students see me as this confident person who speaks English with them and were ... read more

Geo: 47.1661, 0.238081On the bus this morning, Rolinka had us all do buddy introductions. My tour buddy is Larry from Thousand Oaks; we interviewed each other at dinner last night. He began and said a few things about me, including that I'm a legal secretary. Then he went on to say that I am a somewhat accomplished traveler, and that during one of my travels I was arrested for art forgery. Hilariously, the bus went just a little bit more silent than it already was, and I heard someone behind us say, "Really?" Larry said that as a consequence of my legal bills, which I was unable to pay, the law firm forced me to work for them as a secretary. I thought it was a riot, but I think a few people weren't so sure ... read more

Geo: 47.0829, 2.39658We were all out the door with our luggage by 8:15 this morning to meet our Flemish driver, Jean (who somewhere along the route got a call from his daughter telling him he's going to be an Opa next year), for the journey to Guedelon and then Bourges.Except for 15 minutes at a rest area (which was a helluva lot nicer than any rest area I've ever seen in the U.S.), our first stop was at Guédelon to see a 13th century castle being built. When I saw this bit on the itinerary, I thought, "Meh." But it wound up being absolutely fascinating. Some rich French guy who "collects" castles thought it would be fun to actually build one, and to build it in exactly the same manner, method and style they would have ... read more

BONJOUR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope everyone is doing great! I'm finally feeling more comfortable here in Tours. I've met all my students and figured out my schedule while I'm here. Having a set routine each week will certainly help me deal with being away from home. I'm adjusting to being alone out here...but it's not easy. I miss going into town and seeing everyone and having class everyday with the same people. I'm now the "American" wherever I go...but I guess that's not necessarily a bad thing. I will be teaching at the Lycee Vaucanson on Mondays and Fridays. I believe I will have 7 classes with students ranging from 14 - 18 years old. This will most likely be my biggest challenge. I have more boy students than girl students and the French boys are definately not ... read more