La Vie En Lyon: random array of thoughts

After spending Integration Weekend with three charter buses full of French kids last weekend and getting to know them, I have been having a much better time in France. Awhile back, I suggested an International Potluck night for the students in my apartment to get to try each others' foods and broaden our taste buds. The event turned into a bash where the French students were invited as well. There were all kinds of delicious foods prepared...from Filipino to Italian to Korean to American.. all of course, complemented by French wine and bread. It was a lot of fun jumping around to different apartments to see what they were cooking and preparing. When our French friends came over, the apartment turned into a lively and energetic party. We have been more cautious recently because of noise complaints, but it didn't stop us from having a good time. After eating and socializing, we decided to go out to an Irish pub called Shamrocks. We have been there before, but we wanted to take our new friends there. All of us had a great time together. We went out with some of them again tonight near Hotel de Ville and again, we had a blast.

The people who are part of my life in France contribute to why I am having such a great experience here. There are so many beautiful sights to see, foods to eat, and places to go, but I have been realizing that they are meaningless without someone to turn to and share it with. I feel fortunate to have an apartment full of crazy Americans who love to have fun, but have their heads on straight when it comes to school. We all have classes together so there is a good work hard, play hard ethic. I will introduce you to some of them in my next entry.

Here is a random array of flashbacks of the last few weeks. (really random)
At the cheese tasting, we got to try about 12 different types of cheeses, from goat to cow to ewe. My favorites were Chevre, Comte, and Saint Marcellin. Geneva, Switzerland was beautiful...one of the most peaceful and attractive cities I've seen. The chocolate and cheese fondue were delicious. The jet d'eau was even better in person than on the boat tour. Integration Weekend was so much fun - full of bonding activities, eating, mingling, and dancing. Classes are going well, especially my French courses. The only negative thing about school is the commute. 30 minutes on the train each way. I get small waves of homesickness, but not nearly as much as I expected. I am even thinking about settling down in Europe when I'm older. I love the lifestyle and can't get enough of the rich culture. We were frolicking at the Parc de la Tete d'Or a few weeks ago and came across a few guys playing the guitar. They turned out to be band members who were practicing in the midst of a gorgeous park, and we eventually joined them. They were so friendly and open, and apparently, things like that happen on an everyday basis. My other roommate moved in yesterday. He has a twin brother who is currently studying at UGA. What are the odds? He is from Belgium and speaks excellent French so I am hoping to learn more from him. Dinner time has become my favorite part of the day. We all participate in cooking, eating, and cleaning. I love sharing this part of the day with my friends. It makes it much more enjoyable than when doing it alone. I experienced rain a total of three times since I came to Lyon. The weather is getting chillier. My goal for next week is to be more punctual. The long commute has been taking a toll on me and my motivation. French fashion is very progressive and way ahead of its time. Even little children dress more stylish than most adults in the states. But they also dress alike in dark hues, so I don't come across a lot of familiar bright and loud colors like in the states. In public, it just seems like a montage of black, brown, and grey. But who knew there were so many different looks for those three colors? Every person makes their outfits individual and unique. I am still obsessed with my Haribo gummies. I started off eating them in the states because my co-op kitchen provided them for free. When I came to France, I was blown away by how many more products they had. I am making my way across the aisle and trying every single one before I leave. The most popular one around here is the World Mix because there is something for everyone. And Nutella is also still part of my everday life. I do miss peanut butter, though. And my mom's home cooking.