Cheeseburger

On Friday night, our professor invited all of us over to her apartment for a cheese tasting. She was so kind to have us and really went all out. She bought a whole board of cheese and then some, bread, fruit and some veggies, and dessert. Needless to say, c'etait delicieux. I know you're probably tired of seeing that word, but it's true. Some people brought wine, and we truly enjoyed the night. (Note: our professor did not provide us with any wine, just for clarity). There are few things better than good company, wine, and cheese...and whatever dessert she bought for us ;) It was a French version of a cannoli, and there was also speculoos cookies! 

To shuffle us out of her apartment, our professor took us on a walk along the Seine, made sure we found the metro if need be, and bid us good night. I went back to skype my mom, and I just have to say that we DO sound alike! It hit me when we first got on skype that I thought I was talking to myself because she sounded like me/I sounded like her! So it's ok if you confuse us two on the phone. There's no other person who I would like to be confused with :)

Saturday was my day to relax. I didn't leave the apartment at all, so I did some laundry (it's a very small machine!), finished a few assignments, and relaxed. For dinner, we ate tomato soup. Normally, I don't like tomato soup, but this was perfect! My diction to describe food is very limited; I apologize! Their version of croutons were toasted slices of a baguette with cheese on top. The soup could have been homemade, but I didn't see the mother prepare it, so I'm not sure. 

Today, Sunday, I went to mass in the morning, then headed off to the Musee du Quai Branly. It was free admission. First I took the metro and found a cafe/restaurant immediately. I sat down outside, ate a little lunch, and sat and read for at least a good hour. The weather was warm with a cool breeze, and I couldn't have asked for anything more on a Sunday: solitude, a good book, and French bread. 

Midway through my croque vegetarien

After getting lost in the book, Anna and the French Kiss, I found my way to the museum. It houses collections of Oceanic, African, Asian, and American art and artifacts. Anthropologists, eat your hearts out ;) The real reason I wanted to go was for their exhibition about hair. HAIR! It was so fascinating to see different cultural styles and fashions over the years. I walked around quite a bit by myself. I was glad that I was alone today because I could walk at my own pace and take my time without worrying where anyone else was or if they're not enjoying it as much as I am. Silly reasons, I know. I love going places with other people because I'm less likely to get lost ;) and it's fun,  but after two weeks of being here and doing so many group activities, I needed a few days for myself. 

It just so happens that the musee is right next to the Tour Eiffel! Who knew? I walked over one block, and I was back in Tourist Central, a suburb of Tourist Kingdom. It was amazing to see it up close though. It's so grand and it's a true icon for France, recognized all over the world! I still haven't been to Ellis Island & the Statue of Liberty (given to the US by France, and the French have a replica of the flame on Lady Liberty's torch next to a bridge, which I also passed today) so this is world monument number two that I've visited, after Mount Rushmore. Pretty cool.

Leaving the crowded underbelly of the tower and overflowing park, I started craving ice cream. Real ice cream. On a cone. It was warm out and I really wanted some Rita's. All the places I passed were too expensive, so I ended up getting a Magnum bar in my quartier and a chocolate and nut muffin. The muffin was alright. Nothing special honestly. Ca marche. 

A couple hours later, my host family came home, with friends, who  I was introduced to and had to kiss on the cheek. It was weird at first because I'm still getting used to it. When you think about it, it's very endearing and much warmer than a formal handshake. It was the mother's best friend and her son who I think is my host brother's best friend. They were so nice to me at dinner! It's hard to believe that there's a stereotype that French people are snobby and hate Americans and whatever else you want to assume. Some French people are uptight, but the families I met are just wonderful. We had a conversation about school, medicine, and how the hamburgers ('ahmbergerr) they were serving were actually cheeseburgers because they had cheddar cheese on it. Apparently cheeseburgers in France have a different kind of cheese. [I promise to elaborate in another post about cultural differences!]

Sometimes I think that I'm not learning the language and culture as quickly as I should, but when I think about it, I am accomplishing a lot. I took the metro by myself to someplace new without getting lost, I can carry conversations completely in French, and I can tell a good baguette from a bad one. Life is good. 

Thank you for your prayers and for reading my repetitive food reviews! Someone please go and get some Rita's for me :)

"Fear is useless, what is needed is trust."

Love,
Anna