Retour à Rennes

I was in Rennes on Monday, but for less than 24 hours. I went to Dijon on Tuesday morning to go see Julie, Sabine, Stéphane, Julien, and some other people at CIEF. I was a lovely trip. The weather was good, and I got to catch up with old friends.

The first two days I stayed in the dorm with Julie and the OSU students. The students were all scrambling to finish work at the last minute, so I helped Julie answer their questions, edit papers, etc. It was kind of fun to be working with French again, if only for a short while. I got a chance to talk with some students about their experiences: how was it, what do you miss about home, what drives you crazy about the French, etc. It was rather interesting. The biggest complaint for most students was convenience, which comes as no surprise since lots of things close in August. Some students complained about the food, but when I pressed them on this they admitted that they really hadn't tried much. I, of course, lectured them on the importance of diving in and trying new and "weird" things.

The following days were spent at my friend Julien's place, where we did little except watch "How I Met Your Mother" and eat and sleep. I needed to recharge my batteries, and he had had a long week at work, so it worked out well for both of us. He's a very nice guy, and it is always a pleasure to see him.

Throughout the week, I got to hang out with Sabine and Stéphane, who are quite simply two of the coolest people on the planet. We talk politics, culture, food, and usually do all that while eating or drinking. I brought them some micro-brew beers which I hope they'll like. They're both always looking to try a new beer, and I figured this was a good way to show them that not all American beer sucks (They only get Bud in France).

It is Sunday, and so I am doing nothing. I have to get used to everything being closed again. I still have to unpack and organize, so hopefully I'll at least get that done. I have no food, so I may have to bite the bullet and go to the one place that is open (all the way across town) and pay too much for a few basics to get be through tomorrow.

My week should be calm, but I have meetings and things to prepare at the university. We start classes next week, and I'm teaching two, so preparation is in order. I also have to go to the Prefecture to renew my carte de séjour this week. That will hopefully not be too much of a hassle!