Suddenly the weather warmed up. I was so happy to get two weeks of sun! And it was even warm enough to wear shorts. Piha and I took advantage of the sun by going on very long walks both in the morning and the afternoon. It was positively splendid! Unfortunately I don't tan well, so only my arms got a tint of color; my legs are still ghost white. I even went on a few runs finally. But I figured with all the walking I did with Piha, it was too tiring to be running or walking in the sun all day. The sun was nice while it lasted, but now we are back to windy, cloudy, rainy days... Boo.
My French class has ended. Well, at the GRETA. It really helped me. Although it's difficult to see sometimes, I have made a lot of progress. My first day in class was disastrous. I seriously couldn't understand any word. And by the last class, I could understand most of it, and even participate in class. I made friends with the girls in class, so I still see them in Pau sometimes. And I think one of my teachers is going to do a cheaper class for us. Hopefully because I need all the help I can get!
Leaving the United States made me realize that I really don't know that much about my own country. People are constantly asking me about customs and history and I can only giggle and reply with, "Uhhhhh, je ne sais pas..." (I don't know). It makes me feel like I am living up my stereotype of a loud, clueless American. All those years of cramming facts before a history exam are finally biting me in the butt. I know that I knew the answers at one point in school, but now, I am completely clueless.
Referring back to my French class friends. Where ever we go, I feel like we cause a scene. The French, in general, talk quieter than people from the United States, and especially Spanish speakers. So when you get the American, German, Columbian, and Mexican girls all together, I'm sure you could hear us from a mile away. People walking by tend to stare at us. I believe it is partly because we are speaking a different language, but most likely, it is because of our volume. We speak SO loud when we are together. And it will move from French to English to Spanish.
In my opinion, Pau is magical. You could meet anyone here, even though it is a smaller city. In my church, there are members from Cambodia, India, Spain, America, Canada, Tahiti, etc. And then there are people from my French class from Mexico, Germany, Columbia, Turkey. It is so diverse! Never in my life have I met so many people from all over the world. I love it. I love Pau. It is quieter, but I like it that way. I don't feel too crowded, and there are plenty of walks I can take around and through the city. I want someone to visit me so I can show off everything that I love! Plus I'm going to need help shipping all my luggage back to Arizona..
The time has come for Pierre and Sophie to search for a new au pair. It made me realize that my time is running out. It is the weirdest feeling to be happy and look forward to going home, but yet, at the same time, dread the thought of having to leave. I've made so many friends here. And I have created a life that I am completely happy with. I will be sad to leave all my friends and family in France, and my French life. I try not to think about what is coming too much.
I bought my tickets home. Let's just say that I won't be looking forward to my travels home... I will take four different planes. Check in the Pau airport then fly to Paris. Find my bags, check my bags back in, go through security again, then fly to New York. Lucky me gets to spend the night in the airport. I have to wait 12 hours for my next flight to Los Angeles. Then I only have to wait an hour until I fly to Phoenix. The grand total time I get to spend in the airports and flying is about 31 HOURS! And keep in mind I will be completely alone this whole time... Yeah, it's going to be terrible. Not only will I be alone, but I will be depressed because I'm leaving France until who knows when. I better start praying now for courage...
P.S. My iPhoto finally works! (I just had to reset my computer...) So pictures will be up within the next couple of days!
