I have been wanting to update everyone on me being in Strasbourg but just haven't made the time. When I first got here, I was really homesick and kept thinking to myself, "What am I doing here??" I came to find out that just about everyone who came on the trip through BCA was feeling the same way. In the beginning, I had so much trouble understanding French...especially the accents and the words. I can see that I am improving already. Each night, I try to do a little bit of French grammar. I live with a host family: a mom, Isabelle, and her 8 year old daughter, Manon. They are very nice and patient with me! There is also a cat (which if you know anything about me, you know I love cats) who follows me around when no one is home. So far, I have gotten lost for about an hour and a half. It was the second day I was here and I had to take the bus home. I didn't know what the house looked like so I just kept walking around and eventually I recognized a trashcan outside the door! The city is beautiful with lots of flowers. I begin school this coming Monday, September 13 so I am kind of nervous about that. Below I will post some pictures so you can see what I have been up to!
The European parliament is based in Strasbourg. We went to see the president of Mali speak. He is sitting down in the front with the reddish/pinkish outfit on. After I took this picture, a lady came by to say it wasn't allowed.
Strasbourg is in the French province of Alsace. This is historic Alsatian dress.
This is the oldest building in Alsace (the brown one on the left). It has a German look; Strasbourg has passed between being German and French several times over the centuries.
A pepsi and a croque monsieur, which is kind of like a grilled cheese sandwich. There was also ham in it. Some of the other ladies and I were at a cafe near our school.
The Strasbourg Cathedral, which is the second tallest in France. It is magnificent inside!
I would love to receive emails from you to let me know what is going on in your life; it helps me be less homesick! Talk to you later.
Paige
Staying with a host family is perfect plan for learning the language and avoiding authorities from discovering your "real" mission in France.
ReplyDeleteThe top secret pictures of the European parliament came in excellent. You can now proceed with objective 2. Don't fail. Red-alpha out.
- Larry B.
Wow! It looks really beautiful there!! Thanks for putting up pictures. Its nice to see where you are and stuff :)
ReplyDeleteABOUT TIME!! lol
ReplyDeleteWOW Glad to hear from you-- be safe and have a great time--miss you !! What a fantastic experience for you-- I am jealous.. Love , Aunt Vicki
ReplyDeleteWow Paige...I love it! I wish I was there with you. Looks like you are having a great time. Bonjour aux Alsacian! (Guess who said that?) La vie est belle! :P
ReplyDeleteLove and miss you Paige. Keep the pictures coming. Love the blog. I read your memories of Pepper. Great job!
ReplyDelete