Wow, two months since the last update! That is shameful! Life has been sort of evening out here, I guess. I have had a lot of time to think lately! A group of our English-speaking friends went home in December, since people are here for different jobs and programs, and now some of the German assistants will head home in March. I've been trying to work on my written French, and start up with Italian a bit. But I've also been trying to pay more attention to how beautiful the city is! When I arrived, I was too busy and stressed to notice much, and afterwards everything had already faded into the background. Also, I have stayed in France for all my recent short trips, and found I actually missed my apartment and my regular spots for errands and going out, and even just knowing what bus to take.
In December, I went to Strasbourg twice. It is in Alsace, about an hour and a half away by train, and they have a famous Christmas market. The first time, I just went by myself for the afternoon to do some shopping and get in the holiday spirit (since there isn't really snow here!). Then at the end of the month, my roommate Brady's dad, brother, and friend from Texas came to visit in Nancy before they toured around for Christmas. They invited me to come with them overnight on the 23rd to Stasbourg before they were heading into Germany, so rather spontaneously, I decided that I should go! We spent a while finding a hotel, and sorting out train issues, but then we had a great time just wandering around the city and sharing some mulled wine (vin chaud, or Glüwein in German) outside in the cold, and chatting over a game of darts in a bar while Brady's dad fell asleep watching us!
Then I headed home alone to spend a quiet Christmas in my now empty apartment! Autumn's dad and stepmom were here to visit, though, so I was invited out for Christmas dinner with them, and her and I made dinner for them another night too. Then next night, I stayed overnight at Aurelie's, watching French films and English comedy and just relaxing. She is a 26 year old first-year English teacher at the school who is super sweet, and we get along very well. Then for New Year's, Autumn was off to London, but Pamela and I were invited over by some French folks we often sit next to at this one bar, though we don't talk with them too much. There were only about ten of us there, so we had to speak with them a bit more but found they were all very warm, and we all had a great, if slightly awkward, time. And now we see them at the bar and actually chat with them and know their names! So all in all the holidays weren't too bad-- I was able to spend quality time with people and enjoy myself, but it wasn't quite the traditional Christmas I'm used to.
January 1st I hopped on a train to Grenoble, a small city near Lyon, further south in France. It is right in the middle of the mountains, and so beautiful! The only place I can compare it to is Colorado maybe, only French. I stayed in the hostel, and had a wonderful time cooking with other young travelers in the kitchen. I met a girl from England who was teaching in Scotland, two guys from the Czech Republic, and one from Slovakia. We didn't go out anywhere together, but it was nice to have friendly conversation over dinner. The second day I headed to a ski resort, but instead of actually skiing I went ice skating for a few hours (my ankles did NOT feel good after that) and then I hung out in the spa area. I found out what a hammam is, and went in a jacuzzi and sauna. Very relaxing... but then I took a train to Paris the next day, spent the night at the Louvre (free for youth on Friday nights!), and then met up with Mike and his girlfriend the next morning. I revisited Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower, but actually went to the tops of both this time, and got to wander around some different neighborhoods. But Paris felt different this time, like it was just too big and exhausting for me. I still love it, but was very glad to get home to Nancy and my familiar neighborhoods!
Since then it has been back to work! I have been teaching my students about the elections, which totally baffle them (me too), the death penalty, vacations, writing dialogues... anything, basically. Each class is doing something different! But I still try to use the lessons that go well with as many classes as possible. The terminale students (12th grade) are preparing to take their BAC, an exam that they have to pass in order to graduate. There are different programs in high schools here, so not every class will have exactly the same test, but most of them have to take an oral exam in English. I think they are finally panicking and paying attention to me more. Nothing like fear to get them to listen, eh? More exciting for me, we have actually started a chorus at the school with Aurelie, Jonathan (the teacher from England), and I. There are only six or seven students, but they are such a good group! I have them all in class too, so I feel like I am really getting to know them. We had two small shows for Christmas, one at the school and one at a library downtown, and we have two more coming up in early March where we will sing national anthems from English-speaking countries. We've already learned Flower of Scotland, God Save the Queen, and the Star-Spangled Banner, of course. I have to learn the French one, La Marseillaise, quickly since I'm the only one that doesn't already know it perfectly! I will be sure to keep you posted on the students, and my next travels-- we have another vacation in one week! And I will be sure to get the pictures up right away. I hope you are all well, and I would love to hear your stories from home too. Miss everyone! Happy February!
