Sunday was very relaxing, and consisted of walking around Montpellier, exploring the city. Then I went out to eat for the first time that night, at an Indian restaurant! It was delicious. Monday was really fun! After class, our afternoon was free, so I went with my roommates and another girl to celebrate her birthday. We got some French ice cream (I got pistachio), and then we walked around the mall downtown. I found out that clothes here are really expensive, and also really cute! Hopefully a sale comes around soon. That night we went out to the Australian again. On Tuesday, 8-30, all the students in the program watched a French film called "Je vous trouve très beau", a cute romantic comedy! Then I spent my night studying for our first test, which was today. I'm not really sure how it went, but I'm hoping for the best! Later, we had a school-sponsored wine and cheese tasting! It was so much fun, and I learned more about wine than I ever thought I would, so that's exciting! For some reason it tasted better than the 1-2 euro wine that I've been buying for myself. Tonight, I'm just doing some packing, and going out one last time with a group, since it is our last night in the hotel! I move in with my host family tomorrow! I AM SO EXCITED!!!!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
The rest of my first week in Montpellier
On Wednesday, August 24th after class, everyone in the group headed over to a beach on the Mediterranean called "Le Petit Travers". It was so amazing! It was perfect weather, soft sand, so of course the conditions were perfect for me to get a little sleep and get a sunburn. The sea was perfect for swimming, so a group of us ended up out in the water for about 2 hours. That has been the most relaxing day by far on this trip.
The pre-session class hasn't been too difficult so far. Right at the beginning of orientation, we all had to take a placement test and were placed into the classes based on our score. I tested into the most advanced class which I'm happy about, the level is not too difficult, and I understand most of what is being said. We've had a little grammar homework each night and so far just two very short and informal papers to turn in for grades.
On Thursday night, my roommates and I along with other people from our program went to the "Australian", which is a bar/ disco tech right by our hotel. It was so much fun! The music was awesome for dancing to, and the French men were not nearly as touchy as guys in the U.S. clubs that I've been to. Here's a link to my favorite song of the night, which happened to be by Mika :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4FYZqOJryA
Friday was super low key, I just went to class, then we had to do a bunch of administrative procedures like filling out forms for the University Paul- Valery in Montpellier. That night, a bunch of us watched the famous French film, "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" in a friend's room.
Saturday, August 27th was probably my favorite day I've had so far! We got up early and took a bus to Pont du Gard for a tour of the aqueduct there, and it was absolutely beautiful there. Pictures will be up soon (hopefully).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pont_du_gard
After that, we went over to the city of Nimes, where we had two hours of free time for lunch and exploring. A couple of us decided to find some Crepes. During our tour, we saw the Roman Ampitheater, the "Maison Caree" (square house) and "Jardin du Fontaines" (garden of fountains). Also, I thought it was cool that denim (the fabric) comes from Nimes! Denim= de Nimes. Anyway, after we got back, I went out to an actual restaurant for the first time. But instead of a French restaurant, we went out to a really delicious Indian restaurant by our hotel! I got to try some various "beignets", so basically deep fried onions, cheese, and squash on a bed of greens, with various types of homemade sauce. Then some girls and I went out to the Australian club again that night.
I think today (Sun, August 28), some people and I are going to head over to the beach and just relax there all day.
The pre-session class hasn't been too difficult so far. Right at the beginning of orientation, we all had to take a placement test and were placed into the classes based on our score. I tested into the most advanced class which I'm happy about, the level is not too difficult, and I understand most of what is being said. We've had a little grammar homework each night and so far just two very short and informal papers to turn in for grades.
On Thursday night, my roommates and I along with other people from our program went to the "Australian", which is a bar/ disco tech right by our hotel. It was so much fun! The music was awesome for dancing to, and the French men were not nearly as touchy as guys in the U.S. clubs that I've been to. Here's a link to my favorite song of the night, which happened to be by Mika :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4FYZqOJryA
Friday was super low key, I just went to class, then we had to do a bunch of administrative procedures like filling out forms for the University Paul- Valery in Montpellier. That night, a bunch of us watched the famous French film, "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" in a friend's room.
Saturday, August 27th was probably my favorite day I've had so far! We got up early and took a bus to Pont du Gard for a tour of the aqueduct there, and it was absolutely beautiful there. Pictures will be up soon (hopefully).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pont_du_gard
After that, we went over to the city of Nimes, where we had two hours of free time for lunch and exploring. A couple of us decided to find some Crepes. During our tour, we saw the Roman Ampitheater, the "Maison Caree" (square house) and "Jardin du Fontaines" (garden of fountains). Also, I thought it was cool that denim (the fabric) comes from Nimes! Denim= de Nimes. Anyway, after we got back, I went out to an actual restaurant for the first time. But instead of a French restaurant, we went out to a really delicious Indian restaurant by our hotel! I got to try some various "beignets", so basically deep fried onions, cheese, and squash on a bed of greens, with various types of homemade sauce. Then some girls and I went out to the Australian club again that night.
I think today (Sun, August 28), some people and I are going to head over to the beach and just relax there all day.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Montpellier orientation (first couple days)
So far, I absolutely love being in Montpellier!! I am staying a hotel/ apartment thing (has continental breakfast and room service, but also a kitchen and dishwasher). I am staying with two really nice girls, and the people in my orientation group are from all over the United States. Each day has been filled with learning important information, regarding safety or basic knowledge such as how to get around the city, etc. Then the afternoons have consisted of touring Montpellier as a group. Our evenings are completely free, and during that time I have been hanging out with a bunch of new people who I've met, and gone out to bars, or just walked around Montpellier. I am so happy with everyone I have met, and now that i have a local phone I hope to keep in contact with them when I move in with my host family. I will give you more details about Orientation as it actually happens, but mostly, the days are set up so that from 9 a.m.- 12:30, we have intensive French class (FOR A GRADE. I was not ready to be in an actual class. But it's pretty fun). And then during the afternoons, we will often be taking excursions just outside the city! I am so excited for that! Tomorrow we will be going to the beach!!!
The one downfall of France: No free public bathrooms. Oh well, c'est la vie! These upcoming 2.5 weeks will be extremely busy, but after I am settled at the host family's home on Sept. 1st, I should have more downtime to update this blog in more detail.
The one downfall of France: No free public bathrooms. Oh well, c'est la vie! These upcoming 2.5 weeks will be extremely busy, but after I am settled at the host family's home on Sept. 1st, I should have more downtime to update this blog in more detail.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Travelling to France.
I am now in Montpellier, France! Hooray! Travel was boring. The flight from Minneapolis to Paris was 8 hours. Luckily, there were movies and TV shows to choose from, as well as SOLITAIRE! The eventful part of the day so far was getting to the Montpellier and my luggage not showing up at the baggage claim. 3 other people and I from the program are in the same boat. It's apparently supposed to show up later tonight. Well, I don't have much more to talk about right now. We start orientation tomorrow (Monday, August 22nd). So until then, I am gonna go explore this city a little bit with some other students in the program!
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