October 23, 2016. A Sunday. A relatively nice day if you overlook the 55 degree temperature and focus on the fact that you can actually see the blue sky. That's the best part. A great day to celebrate 2 months in France, without a doubt.
It's kind of surreal when I think about it. The other exchange students are as confused as me. Didn't we just get here? Like, maybe two weeks ago? I can understand what people are saying suddenly and- oh wow! Did I just respond? In french? What? How did that happen? No clue.
2 months went by quickly, and as expected, there wasn't a whole lot that changed from the first month. School is still school, doesn't matter what country you're in. It's always going to be boring. Rotary meetings still happen, which I look forward to with every fiber of my being since it means seeing the other exchange kids. The only thing that I can say has changed drastically is the weather and my growing affection for my host families cat. I couldn't stand her at first but now she sleeps in my room. Meanwhile when I first got here it was well in the 90's and even 100's for about 2 days. Now it's barely reaching 60 degrees and I had to buy myself a winter jacket. I'm definitely not accustomed to it. My body is rooted in California climate; hot and dry.
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One of the most recent meetings with the exchange students was held in Amneville at the Zoo there. It was really awesome getting to see everyone in one place again, considering the last time we did that was literally the first week we were all here. Everyone has changed and progressed so much and it's incredible getting to see how, no matter what, we're all learning.
My most favorite people ever (at the Zoo)
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Lunch was held at the Buffalo Grill that day, which got a laugh out of the Americans.
Aside from going to the Zoo, we all went ice skating. And of course, it was hilarious. Half the kids managed to skate pretty well, myself included (I only fell once). There was an endearing handful who wiped out every ten minutes (I tried to stay close to them to watch), and another infuriating handful who were pros. They didn't need the hand railing or anything to keep going, and they were even skating backwards. Completely ridiculous. I'm positive they were cheating somehow.
Squad Picture (ft. that random kid on the left who started hanging with us?)
Squad Picture #2 (I can't tell if Mari is falling or not towards the back)
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Quick pic in Verdun!
Leaving was especially hard, because just a few hours together with all these kids is like months of friendship forming. Thankfully we still see each other often enough to keep the waterworks at bay, but it's still sad.
I happened to spend the entire weekend with a Rotarian from Sarreguemines, since she lived close to Amneville and could bring me to and from the meeting. Her family was very kind and welcoming, and they took me to see a movie with them the first night and then to Verdun the day after the meeting. I got to visit the WW2 monument there, and also the museum that detailed the war that once took place in the region. As always the history in this area is incredibly interesting to me. And when you think about it, it really wasn't that long ago. Which is even more mind blowing.
The next meeting for the exchange students is in two weeks on Saturday and Sunday, a two day trip in Verdun. We will all have to present (in our country groups) all things American; food, clothing, etc. Basically a US culture lesson. Seeing as it's next week, I'll take lots of pictures and write a post then detailing it. I'll also include pictures from my up and coming trip to Alsace with my third host family! I leave for about 4 days and I get to visit their family there. Apparently they own a vineyard so it will definitely be fun. I'm going with them because it's vacation, which I forgot to mention earlier. It's the most random two weeks off of school I've ever experienced but I'm not complaining.
I'll also try to get some pictures of my school, because it's an insanely old building but it's pretty cool on the inside. It's grown on me (even though I have to walk up more stairs than ever before). Whereas American schools cover more ground, schools in France are way taller. So many floors. So many stairs.... I'm so fit now...
Adieu ~
