Went to Normandy this weekend!  Such a beautiful area.  We took a train to the city of Caen Friday afternoon and stayed there for the weekend.  Saturday, we took a train and bus and visited the D-Day beaches and the American Cemetery.  So terribly sad, but very important for any American to see.  Sunday, we went to a World War II museum in Caen (http://www.memorial-caen.fr/portail/) and it was by far one of the best museums I have ever been to.  Lots of things to look at and almost too much information to take in.  It was wonderful.
This was my second trip to Normandy.  This time, I noticed that the beaches are not respected as monumental grounds...they are like regular beaches.  I found that to be strange, but maybe that is because I am used to land being somewhat preserved (aka Gettysburg).  Unfortunately we did not make it Pointe du Hoc (a well-known cliff area where the US attacked German bunkers on D-Day) to see the remains of German bunkers and the extremely hilly landscape made from bombs.  I remember that as the part of the Normandy beaches I found most interesting.  However, we did find two bunkers near a memorial only 5 minutes down the beach.  It is a queer feeling to walk through them and think what happened only 68 years ago.  I cannot even begin to imagine.
Overall, it was a wonderful, educational weekend getaway and I am so glad I visited the area again!

Je pense que c'est le temps pour un blog en français!  Aujourd'hui, j'ai eu un exposé orale avec un partenaire.  C'était une petite sketch de journal télévisé.  Nous avons parlé des éléctions aux États-Unis et de France, et les differences entre les deux pays (la nourriture et les travaux).  Le professeur a dit, "Très bon! Très très bon!" quand nous avons fini...c'était bien à entendre!  Aussi, ce matin, j'ai eu un classe de phonetiques.  Dans cette classe, nous écoutons notre professeur et nous répétons ses mots dans un enregistreur.  Alors, il écoute à notre parole et il corrige nos erreurs.  C'est un bon système.  Ce matin, il a dit que m'accent était parfait pour un activité.  J'étais très, très heureux!  C'était les meilleures nouvelles que j'avais obtenu dans une semaine.

Translator:  translate.google.com
(Keep in mind that it does not always translate correctly online...)

À bientôt!

Yesterday was breathtakingly wonderful!!  We went on an excursion through l'Intstitute to le Mont St. Michel and Saint-Malo.  I had been to both on my previous trip to France about 4 years ago, and they were my favorite spots on that trip.  And I am happy to say that nothing has changed and they remain my favorite part of France!

Mont Saint-Michel is like another world.  You go over a hill and all of a sudden, a giant castle island is in front of you.  It's amazing that it is still a practicing monastery, and has been since 8th century AD.  From the top, you can see for miles and miles.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, Saint-Malo was a fortress of French corsairs, who conducted raids on passing ships on behalf of the French crown.  The fortified wall still remains around the center of the town.  We climbed rock bluffs just outside of the wall and it was one of the coolest things I have ever done!

Yesterday was also Bastille Day, the French independence day.  Our bus got back just in time to catch the fireworks!  They were just as good as Michigan ones.  It was the perfect ending to a wonderful day.

As an American, I never have had an issue finding somewhere to go to the bathroom.  We have them everywhere we go.  I think the biggest difference between the US and France (besides the language) is the lack of public restrooms. Les toilettes ici ne sont pas gratuites!  You have to pay to use them....what a crazy concept for me to understand.  The plus side?  It cleans itself after every use!  Downside?  There goes another .60centimes...

Weird Toilet

Another observation:  there is no free wifi anywhere!  Even in hotels (we had this problem in London and Venice, too), there is no free wifi.  Europe est trop cher!  The only free wifi is in McDonalds, and even then, you have to receive a text message with an ID and username.  Ridiculous.

Yet another observation:  restaurants do not have "take-home" boxes.  You finish everything on your plate.  Americans might think this is glutenous...but considering the French do not snack and eat only three times a day, it makes sense.  And it gives me an excuse to finish my plate and not feel sick about the amount I consume!

Tours is currently having a free art festival, called Rayons Frais.  Before dinner, I went with Hugette and Johanna (my new roommate) and saw a show.  It was one of the coolest things I have seen here so far!  There was a brass band who moved through the audience while they played.  They had dancers accompany them and it was very theatrical.  So cool!

Today I had the best ice cream I have ever had!  It was passion fruit and apricot.  Who would have thought I'd start to like fruit more than chocolate ice cream!  It must be the French air...

DELICIOUS!!
(orange was apricot and yellow was passion fruit)
Courtesy of Tutti Gusti in La Place Plumereau

Last night, I went across the river to another guinguette to their swing dancing night!  My friend Rachel's host mom took us and it was really fun!  We learned the basic steps and danced for a little bit, but compared to the French, I have two left feet....I did not last long.  Je préfère regarder les danseurs!

Prior to realizing I was never meant to be a dancer, I had class in the morning and then a Cours de cuisine.  We made galettes (like crêpes but without sugar) with ham, potatoes, egg, and cheese (including CHEVRE (goat cheese) which I keep forgetting to write about....it is the best cheese I have ever had).  They were delicious.  Then there was mousse au chocolat....also wonderfully yummy.  I have both recipes and fully intend on making them when I return.

I've been trying to think of things that I don't like here and I have compiled a small list:

1.  The dog poo.  The laws to enforce picking up after your pets are not enforced (if there are any) and it is left on the sidewalks...watch your step!

2.  The smell.  Obviously, sometimes it is not very pleasant...

3.  The price of a razor.  I had to pay 9euro/$11 for a razor with one refill!  I miss my cheap Meijer disposables.

4.  Not splitting the bill.  In Europe, they do not like to split the bill!  It always comes as one and it is such a pain to figure out who owes what when you have a group over 5!  Especially when you are out of cash and need to use a credit card...

But things I love?!  There are so many:

1. The food!--le fromage (especially chevre), nutella, la glace cassis (black currant ice cream), les rillettes (similar to a pâté), le millefeuille (yummy dessert)...the list goes on and on.  Even simple dishes, like salmon or chicken, taste differently than in the States because everything is so FRESH.  And they are garnished so simply, with just a mustard sauce or with nothing at all, but still have so much flavor.  I wish I could eat French food forever.

2.  The history.  There is so much history here!  And it is actual old history.  In the United States, we have history, but it is nothing compared to this part of the world.  The house I live in here was built in the 16th century and the cathedral it overlooks was built in 12th and 13th centuries.  There is nothing like that in Michigan!  It is truly amazing.

3.  The people...for the most part.  Nearly of the French that I have met are wonderful!  I love my mère d'accueil Hugette, my friends' host families, mes professeurs, store/restaurant owners, etc.  There are always those exceptions that are rude and unwelcoming, but I have had very few encounters like that while here.

I could go on, but there are too many to name!  I will spare you the details.

Classes have started!  And I think I'm in the right level of class, too.  My professors seem awesome; their names are Didier (oral) and Juliette (written).

Today we went on a afternoon excursion to Vouvray wine caves and le château de Chenonceau.  We went for boat rides under le château, which was probably ones of the coolest things I've done here so far.  The wine tastings was very interesting.  We tried three different kinds:  Brut, Demi-Sec, et Mousseux.  Brut is like champagne.  Demi-Sec is like champagne, but sweeter.  And Mousseux is a very sweet sparkling wine.  I loved the Demi-Sec and bought some to bring home to the States!

Tomorrow is a wine and cheese lesson after class and I cannot wait!  J'adore le fromage français and I can't wait to learn more about it!!

     What a week!! London and Venice were a whirlwind.  I have to say I preferred Venice for its laid back atmosphere and warm weather.  London was a bit too much like the US for my taste, but it was still a great vacation.

     In London we saw the Olympic stadium (can't wait to watch it on television...very cool!), Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Platform 9 3/4 (yeah Harry Potter!), Tower Bridge, London Eye, and Hyde Park.  Our hostel was great.  Really clean and the staff were very friendly! (Astor Victoria Hostel)  I would definitely recommend it for any young people looking for a cheap stay in London.  It's only a 10 min walk from Buckingham Palace and really close to Victoria Station.
The first day in London, we went straight to the Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guard...what a crowd!  Too many people for my liking.  The ceremony lasted over 30 min; we only stayed for about 20.  It was too hot to fight for a picture of marching guards.  Upside:  two marching bands led the guards into the Palace and they played American jazz music.  Interesting choice...
Westminster Abbey was beautiful!  We did not want to pay 13pounds (about $20) to see the inside, but the outside was magnificent.  I can see why the royals get married there...I wouldn't mind if I had to!  Right next to the Abbey is the British Parliament building.  It was probably my favorite London building. The architecture is simply amazing and intricate.  Very neat.
One afternoon we ventured to Covent Garden.  It's a kind of outdoor market filled with vintage odds and ends, but surrounded by designer boutiques.  An interesting mix of old and new.  I would definitely recommend this area if not for the shopping, for the street performers.  There is always something to watch!

Olympic Stadium 2012

     Venice was absolutely amazing.  The weather was perfect (mid-80s) and the people were so nice and helpful.  When Terra and I got to our hotel the first night (the group's apartment wasn't available til the second night), we asked where to find shampoo and razors.  The man (presumably the owner) brought us to a giant store closet and gave us free shampoo and cheap razors!  Talk about a great first impression.  The hotel was spotlessly clean and I would also recommend it for its private bathrooms and free wifi (a rare thing in Europe)! (Casa Gerotto Calderan)
     On our way to the apartment the next day, we got lost...about one hour off course.  The roads of Venice are such a labyrinth.  They end abruptly and are ridiculously winding and narrow...very easy to get lost without a map.  After that mildly-stressful situation, the rest of our time in Venice was peaceful.  We saw San Marco Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs, the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge, went to a beach, and took a water taxi ride.

     I can truthfully say I never had a bad meal the entire trip!  British fish and chips are all they're cracked up to be.  And so is the hard cider!  The pasta and pizza in Italy were even better than expected.  The only bad experience was the famous Venetian drink, Spritz (recipe).  It was recommended by everyone we spoke to, but it was awful!  It has an incredibly bitter taste and is nothing I would like to taste again.

     Getting home today was a bit of a struggle.  Our plane from Venice left in Italian time...30 min after the printed ticket.  Our hour layover in London turned into 20 min.  If not for the kindness of two British security guards, we would not have been able to cut the security line and RUN to catch our flight.  Someone must have been looking out for me!

Where to begin!  These past few days have been great.  Today was our last day of first session class.  Three weeks gone already!  Time is flying by.

Wednesday night was l'Institute de Touraine talent show...we sang the MSU fight song and alma mater!  Of course, no one understood anything and we sounded terrible, but it was fun to share our traditions with La Guingette.

Yesterday was La Fête de la Musique!  It is a nation-wide holiday of-sorts where live music is played all day and well into the night.  And it's free!  The perfect day for a poor American college student trying desperately to stay on budget.  There were all kinds of music--rock, rap, classical, punk, ethnic, etc.  We saw a steel drum band at La Guingette that was really awesome!  And at Place Plumereau, we saw a rock band....and I participated in the mosh!  It was an interesting experience (one that I can say with 99% certainty that I will never do again), but it was fun and I'm glad I was peer-pressured into it.  At least I burned off some of the excessive calories for the day!

La Fête de la Musique

Like I said before, today was our last day of first session.  I will be sad to see my days of no work be left behind.  But I suppose it is time to actually start working!  This afternoon, we took an oral placement test, and when we return from our week-off, we learn our class schedule for July.  After the placement test, I got ice cream--Kinder Bueno Bar flavored!  If you haven't had a Bueno Bar before...you have not lived.  And they are sold in the states, so buy one ASAP!  They are heaven in a candy bar.

For dinner tonight we had sardines!  I was extremely nervous that I would hate it.  In the states, sardines are known to be disgusting, fishy crap not worthy of eating.  But they were delicious!  Not bad at all.  I don't know if it was the way Hugette cooked them, but I would eat them again.  There was also pâté de lapin...also amazing!  She also made us homemade tiramisu--words cannot describe how amazing it was!  And Wednesday night she gave us millefeuille, a famous french dessert (Images of Millefeuille).  Today I treated myself to a mini chocolate pastry that was to die for.  I also tried un macaron nutella yesterday for about 1euro.  I could eat French desserts (really all French food) all day, every day.

Le 3 Chocolat

Sunday I leave for London!  And then on to Venice on Wednesday night.  I am so excited for my week-off.  It will be the best experience of my life.  Hopefully I don't get lost!

Paris was amazing!  I visited le Musée d'Orsay (Was literally a foot away from real Pissaro and Monet artwork! Cannot believe this is real life), went to the TOP of le tour eiffel (absolutely terrifyingly-awesome), successfully got lost at least twice (took us two hours to find our hotel that was only a 30 min walk from le tour eiffel), ate food that was so good it is impossible to describe, bought a painting in Montmartre near le Sacre Coeur, went to la Cathédrale Notre-Dame, and to top it all off, got some sun :)

Observations of Paris:
1.  Heard more English than French...disappointment.
2.  A lot of French restaurants close to major monuments serve American dishes to please the American tourists...understandable but seriously, hot dogs are not that great!  They'd get a better pay-off with hamburgers.
3.  There is nothing like lounging in the park under the Eiffel Tower.
4.  Montmartre is probably one of the COOLEST places I have ever been.  I thought that the first time I was there, and second time around, it still holds true.
5.  Les Champs-Elysées is over-rated, in my opinion.  Too many people and not a practical destination for a broke American college student!
6.  Sleeping eight people in one hotel room is actually not that bad...especially when we pay only $33/person per night to stay in Paris!
7.  Taking the stairs on the Eiffel Tower is terrifying, but definitely worth it!  Only 9euro to get to the highest point in Paris?! Yes, please.
8.  Maps of Paris are tricky.  You think a street is straight...and next thing you know, you're an hour away from your original destination.  Advice?  Get a taxi hahaha
9.  The Metro is confusing.
10.  I can't wait to come back!

(Also please excuse the awfully placed pictures...I am still trying to figure out how to make it uniform with two pictures per row!)

 <--A real Monet painting!! <--a bridge full of locks

<--La Seine                    <--la tour eiffel

               <--View from the top of the Eiffel Tower

 <--Best French wine     <--dessert w/ sparkler!

                 <--Street band

 <--First French Café

<--Montmartre artist   <--Keila and I @ le Sacré-Coeur

     <--le Sacré-Coeur     <--l'Arc de Triomphe