9.1.11

I just moved in with my host family today, and so far, it is much less intimidating than I had anticipated!! I live with a couple and their dog and son (who apparently only sleeps here sometimes), and have a really nice room on the second floor. The bed is lofted, just like in a dorm, and I have plenty of room for all my clothes, personal items, etc. Both the host mother (Veronique) and host father (Amaury) are quite easy to understand, which is a relief. Their house is 20 minutes from downtown on foot, so that is absolutely perfect! The location is just perfect. The parents are so friendly, and willing to help me with everything. Tonight at dinner, we ate homemade bread, ratatouille, couscous, and chicken, easily the best meal I've had since I've been in France. We talked a ton, and they were very open about their lives, and interested in mine. I found out that they have been hosting students each semester for 10 years, so they really do know what they are doing! The most exciting thing I've found out so far is that there is ANOTHER exchange student moving in on Sunday from Germany! My host mother told me she loves hosting students during the school year because it's like getting to travel all over the world without leaving home. They've hosted students from England, Germany, Japan, Sweden, the U.S., Italy, Spain, Brazil, Switzerland, Austria, South Korea, and several other countries.
They are not at all strict, the only time i need to be home by is 7:30 for dinner, which definitely will not be a problem. My host mom is so fun to talk to. We both read the book "The Help" this last summer, and loved it, and she told me she loves facebook mostly because she is addicted to the game FarmVille. Both parents have made me feel so at home already, telling me I can eat anything I want from the kitchen, having me help with the dishes, and telling me that they do all the laundry, so I just have to put it in the basket :). I cannot wait to see how this semester unfolds!