Avranches

Last Friday, I went to Avranches with Hélène, where she is doing her student teaching in the local high school. She invited me to a dinner hosted by her students who were raising money for a ski trip to the Alps.

It was a very interesting and wee bit hilarious evening. It was, however, not exactly like any high school dinner/fundraiser I'd ever seen in the USA.

Let's start with the commonalities:

People in rural areas, whether in the US or France, have no idea how to dress/put on make-up.
People in rural areas tend to be a bit heavier than city folk.
There are always people who live in the country but try to act like they come from the ghetto.
People from small towns are à la fois close-minded and welcoming.

A few notable differences:

Alcohol is served at the dinner.
Parents don't care if their kids are outside smoking or drinking.
A dinner means dinner: apéro, main dish, cheese, dessert, café.
Songs with vulgar lyrics are not banned. For example, a song about smoking a big joint or touching "la chatte."
There is no prayer before the meal. Church and state do NOT mix here!
The dinner/dance lasts until at least 2am.
Students come not in cars but on scooters.

Autumn Leaves

I've taken a long break from blogging. I really haven't had the time and still don't, but this is another excuse to avoid reality for a few minutes.

The fall months have flown by with the speed of a TGV. Faster even. I feel as if I've just arrived, and yet here it is the end of November. The principal reason for this blur of a season has mostly been due to my work. I've taken on quite a bit more this year than last, so it hasn't been all cafés and clopes like last year. I'm teaching 5 classes and have all of the responsibilities of a lecturer, which means roughly 35 hours a week at work, not counting the grading and prep time. Eh oui! Ca bosse!

My work life has been intense, as has my personal life. I've met new friends, reconnected with friends from last year, and yes, I've even met a boy. A lovely law student who kept me busy and smiling for over a month. Things between us right now are not quite so great. Our collective stress and neurosis have led us to take a break, and I'm not sure what will come of this, but whatever the result, I'm glad he has been around, and I hope he will remain a part of my life here, even if only as a friend.

Thanksgiving is almost here, and I miss my family and friends terribly. It is difficult knowing that they will all be together, having fun, eating my grandma's delicious stuffing, laughing... I'll be home for Christmas at least, so that will make up for missing them this week.

Meanwhile, I've got two Thanksgiving dinners this week: one at the Richter's and the other with a bunch of friends and a few colleagues. They'll both be a blast, but it is going to be a stressful lead-up to the weekend. Cranberry relish, stuffing, pies, cakes, etc. Il y a de quoi faire!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!