My Random Weekend

This weekend was yet another 3-day weekend. I decided to stay here however, because my French buds offered to take me to the beach, and it was free, so I was up for it.

Let's start with Thursday night...

Rachel and I decided to run to the convenient store before dinner. We were tired and did not feel like putting on a real outfit. I went outside in a workout t-shirt, basket ball shorts, flipflops and a pony tail. We jokingly talked about how we were look like freaks. People actually stopped to look and laugh at us in our American outfits. It was hilarious.

Later that night our French buds took us to a "soiree" (party) at this high end club.

 Oh my God, it looked like a club from a movie. I felt like I was in a movie. It was fun. We just chatted and drank free alcohol. I like going out with my French buds because I learn a lot. They are cool.

On Friday we were going to go to Aix-en-Provence but did not feel like spending 30 euro to get there and back. We opted for Orange. It is known for its super old Roman theatre built in 1 AD. It was cool and I liked the garden there. However there was not much to do there. Though I did find some good postcards.

Friday night we went to Apt, where a few of our French friends live. It is so far away. By car it is about an hour. I don't know how they make the drive so much. Plus there are so many round-abouts and curving streets. They drive like lunatics. If I die in a car crash here, at least I'll die instantly. (But don't worry Mommy, I won't die) So we stayed in Apt for the night because 

the beach was kinda far away. 

Our French friends never like to tell us anything about where we are going and what we are doing. It gets kind of annoying. Friday night I found myself at a dinner party for our friend

 Thomas. He is super nice and he family was so welcoming. They just kept giving me food (I had already eaten a full meal) and cheese (which was so good) and wine and pies and alcohol. Oh, it was amazing. I have been gaining so much weight! The French kids always make fun of me because I never stop eating here. I like 

to think of it as taking full advantage of the culture. I have all summer to work it off. So basically I left this dinner party trashed. Thomas's dad danced on the table without his shirt, letting his huge belly hang out, then he mooned everyone. Boy do the French know how to have a good time.

Next morning we woke up and went to the beach...but not before walking through the

 Saturday morning market in Apt. It is supposedly the best outdoor market in Provence. It was nice but we didn't really stop to buy anything. See, the problem here is with the cars and driving us all around. The cars are smaller so we're always having to drive everywhere twice and I never know what is happening. That is basically my life here: confusion. 

So we headed to the beach called La Caitot.

 It is by Marseilles on the Mediterranean. 

Boy was it beautiful. The car right there was nauseating, but it was worth it. Lots of topless sun bathers lined the beaches. It was a little cold, but that didn't stop me from swimming in the water. I kinda wish I hadn't gained so much weight, but Oh Well! You only live once and you only study in Europe once.

After the beach we watched a handball game. Oh, I forgot to tell you. Me and Rachel are friends with the majority of the Apt Handball team. They are all so good looking. I'm talking 6-pack abs. They took us to the beach because they had a match in La Caitot that evening. It was interesting and I did not mind watching the hot boys run around one bit. I especially liked the end when they won and took off their shirts. I am telling you, they are GOOD LOOKING. It was something fun and interesting to do. I don't know why these boys like to hang out with us, but I'm not complaining. They're fun to be around and I can practice my French and experience how the French live more than the other students here. I feel bad for the students who don't know any French people.

After that we took a different route home. Thomas, the super nice boy with a super nice family and a super hot body, took us through Marseilles. It was gorgeous. I wanted to stop and get out and take pictures. The group will be going there in a few weeks for an over night stay. I am very excited.

We ended our trip at McDonald's, however I have not been hungry today. And now here I sit. Planning more of my Normandy trip. Next weekend I will be canoeing under le Pont du Guarde. Then the weekend after that is a 4-day weekend where I will be visiting Normandy. We will see the Bayeux tapestry, the D-Day beaches, and Mont St. Michel. I am super excited! I can't believe I have been here for almost 7 weeks. I do not want to leave! The longer I stay here, the more attached I become. France is so beautiful and so laid back. I could definitely get used to this. If only I could understand and speak more...

Oh and my oral exam went well. Christophe said that I am improving and that I speak well and participate enough in class.

Have a good week in the USA!