I survived my first week of classes!

On Thursday I had my first class at Charles V - the English School of Diderot. It is called Themes, and is what the French call French to English translation (the reverse - English to French translation- is called Version). Our actual teacher was absent, but a student teacher (who was clearly American) filled in. We had to translate a page from L'Homme de Londres (or The Man from London in English). In theory, translation is easy, however in reality it can be difficult. It is not enough to understand the meaning of what is being said- you have to be able to word phrases exactly as the author intends. For example, saying "I killed Bill" instead of "I just came from killing Bill" is a huge difference (and will result in a failing grade), when in reality the meaning of the phrase similar. Luckily, we are able to use dictionaries which will be a huge help. My french will defiantly improve as a result of this class.

On Thursday afternoons I have the lecture component for my history of the 20th century class. The teacher is very intimidating - she speaks very quickly and has a no nonsense attitude (she also wears diamond rings on EVERY finger which is intimidating by itself). Luckily, the course focuses on post WWII- which is probably my favorite chapter of history- focusing mainly on WWII and the Cold War (or so it seems).

On Friday's I currently do not have any class. This is both good and bad. It will be great for traveling, but it is defiantly hard to motivate myself to get out of bed in the morning. On Friday night, TJ, Mary and I tried to get into an Opera at the Opera Bastille (they sell 25 euro tickets 30 minutes before the show starts to students and people over 65) but had no luck. So, we went back to Chatlet, and ultimately found ourselves at Planet Sushi- a small restaurant with a very classy feel, great music, pink accessories, and a television that showed fashion runway shows (need I say more?). We were given free fruit smoothie shots while we waited for our table, and we ordered a plate of different kinds of sushi. I had never had sushi before, but found that I actually enjoy it. The tuna and salmon rolls (wrapped in seaweed) were really good, and the California role wasn't bad either (considering that I don't like cucumber or avocado)- however after 4 or 5 pieces I was feeling done with sushi. I think it's the texture that gets to me. We plan on going back at some point because they have a good lunch menu - I'm pretty excited! Interesting fact - the French put cheese in almost all of their sushi which I am assured is not a common practice!

Saturday was a lazy day, but at night we went to TJ's apartment at the Vivaldi and watched youtube videos and Drop Dead Gorgeous over a bottle of cider. We all had a lot of fun.

On Sunday, TJ and I once again tried to get into the Opera. This time I arrived about an hour early to wait in line for our discounted 25 euro tickets. While in line, an old woman (who must of been at least 100 years old I kid you not) started yelling at me in French- saying that I could not appreciate opera because I was too young and that I was taking her spot! I really didn't know how to respond, other than to say "I really do like Opera", and all of a sudden the woman behind me started yelling at the old woman saying that I did like opera and that I had every right to be in line! Eventually, the old lady was escorted off of the premise and I was told (by the woman that defended me) that this is a weekly occurrence with this particular woman. After all of this, it turned out that there were no discounted seats for the opera that day. As a consolation prize, TJ and I decided to go to a Chinese restaurant near Charles V (which was very yummy) and then we walked up and down the Champs Elysee, stopping finally at the Arc de Triomphe. We climbed to the top (all 300 narrow and winding stars) but it was totally worth it! Like the time I went with Pauline and Marie - the view was absolutely incredible! It was nice being able to see it during the daytime too, now I can see I have had the best view of Paris at night and during the day! Later, we met up with friends and went to the Banana Cafe (which is quickly becoming our evening hangout) for some cocktails.

On Monday, I finally received my Diderot student card!!!! I am now officially a French student (although I am not officially signed up for classes yet-haha). I ran some errands, had a CROUS (school cafeteria) dinner, and went home to prepare for Tuesday's classes.

Today (Tuesday) was the first day of the RD course taught by our Resident Director Anne-Marie. The class is called "The trick is in the sauce - a history of France through French Cuisine". The class does seem like it will be a lot of work (we have an oral presentation, a midterm, final, and final paper - which for a course in France is quite a bit). However, I think the class will be fun and interesting and I really like Anne-Marie. We even get to cook two full course meals during the course of the semester. After class, I grabbed a quick lunch and went to the TD (discussion) for 20th century history. Once again, this class freaked me out and left me feeling completely overwhelmed. It is not that the class is necessarily difficult - it is the attitude of the French students. Many people showed up again trying to enroll and they were not happy that we (the American students) had priority. I understand where they are coming from but I felt so attacked! At least my friend is also in the class, so we are able to tough it out together.

Tomorrow is my medical exam to complete my visa. Completing this step enables me to obtain a stamp that allows me to travel outside of France and re-enter into the country legally. I hear it is quite the ordeal- hopefully it will go well!

Missing you all something dreadful!