Looking up

While the beginning of the week was a bit rough, the week ended on a high note! Thursday evening I went to see "Riders to the Sea," an opera by Ralph Vaughn Williams, with my friend and fellow lecturer Sarah. It was preceded by Williams' "Travel Songs." I enjoyed them both, but Sarah doesn't really get into atonal or dissonant music, so the opera was a bit much for her.

After the show, we went to a little bar à vin called La Grappe, which is rapidly becoming our haunt in Rennes. It is owned and run by a very fun middle-aged couple who always treat us well and give us good advice on what to drink. We sat and talked about love, friendship, people we miss, why we love France, why we hate France (basically anything and everything that could be discussed). She is a great person who is fun to hang out with and we get along quite well. I'm glad she's here.

Today was, as you may or may not know, my day off. We each have a day off during the week, and mine is Friday. I went out to lunch with my friend (and boss) Perrine. She is adorable and I always enjoying spending time with her. We went to a little restaurant called La Cerise sur le gateau (The Cherry on the Cake). It is a tiny little restaurant owned and run by an adorable and sometimes hilarious gay couple. I'll definitely be going back for more dessert (we shared Pecan Pie and Apple Cake, both of which were delicious!).

After lunch we went shopping for her husband, who is evidently the same size as me, so I tried things on and modeled for Perrine. It was pretty hilarious. My other boss, Lisenn, met us for coffee not long after. She is also fantastic, though I don’t see her very often. She is taking us to la Forêt de Brocéliande tomorrow to visit more sites. I'm excited since this time we'll be going in a car, which means we will be able to see a lot more of the cool enchanted forest! The weekend should be fun, but for now I have to grade and do laundry, which seems to be a constant struggle to keep up with these days. The laundry, not the grading, though I have been putting that off too. I miss having my machine in the basement. Oh well! I'm in France, so I really shouldn’t complain! Bon week-end!

Rien

An update to state that there isn't much to update! Things continue, preparations are taking place for Thanksgiving in Rennes and the weekend Thanksgiving dinner at Candice's parents in Saint Cyr en Arthies! I may be going to the enchanted forest again this weekend. I should have more to say soon.

This week has been one of odd ups and downs. Probably the grey weather and the routine setting in. Hopefully things will clear up soon. Know that, regardless of my inability to stay in touch, I miss you. Just remember, I'll be home in just over a month for two weeks!