Officially in my homestay!

(my new room in Parii!)

Aye aye aye where do I even begin!
Well, I have been officially accustomed to Paris and am now well adjusted to the many twists and turns of the city (for the most part). I have to admit that the first week was difficult (as well as the second). Additionally I must admit Paris was not what I thought or expected it to initially be. Let’s just put it this way... It was definitely not love at first sight; however, with time I am beginning to see why Paris is such a wonderful and unexpected city. It is definitely the small things you have to look out for which make Paris so unique. Everything has a special sort of feel with the various markets scattered throughout the city to the small clothing boutiques. My favorite things are the things you cannot find in California, like how small and close together all the streets and shops are from one another. Also, the bakeries! My oh my countless bakery's filled with delicious carbohydrates. The breads and sandwiches and croissants-Oh mon dieur (oh my god in French however it may be misspelled). I kept telling myself, "I WILL buy running shoes" since I’ve been here for two weeks and I just today finally actually did it. Now for the actual running part…
A few days ago I moved into my home stay with my new French family. When I first arrived they spoke not a lick of English and I was on the verge of tears. It is a couple, Madame and Monsieur Juy, and they have FIVE children. Once the children came home I felt much better and not because they speak any English but because they are petite actors! They are constantly in battle with one another to see who I can understand best. Whenever I finally understand they shout Gagne ("win" in French I believe) and become very excited. They are 12, 11, 7, 6 and 4 years! Madame has made me dinner every night this week and it has been TO DIE FOR. Quiche and green beans with tiramisu, salmon pasta (desert was hilariously yogurt and an apple), croque monsier (desert this night was grapes) and homemade pizza! I even tried ostrich… hmm don’t know how I feel about that one.
I am so happy to have chosen to live in a home stay rather than the dorms. This family is very genuine and I’m definitely getting the full French experience. I've been reading and hearing about the habits of the French since high school but it must be experienced to fully understand! I truly feel as if I have been shot back into time and am living in France in 1920! The furniture is old but gorgeous and the floors are wooden and creaky. During dinner the boys recite French poetry and after they play guitar and piano for me! Every morning I have the typical French breakfast; toast and tea and then I’m onto the metro and off to school! Speaking of the metro… there are too many good-looking men on the metro every morning in their designer suits and smart phones… eye candy! (hehe sorry M&D). Anyways, I’ve been doing many fun things with the family and little kids like playing Monopoly, Memory and also piling onto the couch and watching movies! Last night we watched Les Gendarmes en Ballade. It is a popular French movie from the late 60’s early 70’s I believe. I also taught the family how to give a high five; the French do NOT give high fives. Soon we are all going over to the family’s grandparent’s house. The French are very social and often eat meals with neighbors, friends and other family members-I love it!

A Bientot Amies!  :]