Here I am, sitting at McDonalds in Dunkerque, France. The reason why? Because McDonald’s has free wireless in France! I guess they have to do something to get the French in. BTW, the McChicken isn’t very good in France. Save your money.
Anyway, in less than my first day, I have ridden the TGV (fast train for yours who are as of yet unfamiliar), seen my first French car crash, been spoken to in a condescending manner by a Parisien, and much much more! Admittedly, once I was dropped off at my room, I felt a little discouraged about my French. Scratch that, I felt devastated about my French. I can barely understand anything these people are saying, then I stare at them like a deer, not even understanding the context of what they have said. Suffice to say, I wanted to just stay in the rest of the evening and not go out. However, I decided that I couldn’t back down to the fear and humiliation. Well, that and the fact that the apartment didn’t have any toilet paper supplied. Necessity demanded it, but in all sincerity, I knew I had to get back up on the horse. I can recluse into the apartment. I’ve read of too many people who did that and it was a terrible experience for them. I have to keep trying. I can’t wait until the Spanish language assistant, Rocío, gets here. Her and I have already become friends over e-mail and it would be nice to have an English-speaking friend to go explore Dunkerque with. It is always easier feeling like an idea if there is two of you rather than just the one.
Anyway, sorry that there are no pictures posted yet. I will do that eventually, but I didn’t sleep on the airplane at all really, so I’m pooped. Getting to McDonald’s was about as far as I could get for organizing myself. Tomorrow morning, I have to stop by the secretary’s office to pick up something for a bank appointment @ 9AM, then go visit the English professors during their break. Beyond that, I have the rest of the day off. The German assistant is coming tomorrow, so it’ll be nice to meet her. Not sure which languages she speaks besides German and French. Hopefully we’ll hit it off! =) More exploring to be done tomorrow, at least walking around the city and maybe watch a movie in French! =D We’ll see!
Got to go! Tata for now!
Tags: France
