So this week came at a much quicker pace than the week preceding it. I started French classes last Monday, which run from Monday through Friday, and those are going really well. I've been learning some useful French expressions and improving my conversational abilities. The other students in the class include another American from Colorado and several young women from Lithuania. I sorted out my class schedule (sort of) and so I'm all set to take other classes, but the first of them doesn't begin until February. The weather last Sunday was lovely, so I took a little walk along the beach (a frequent hobby of mine here) and watched the sunset over the ocean.
I've also met some different people here. I got in touch with the other two students from my university, Rachael and David, who have been living here since August. They showed me around to some of the students here. I've met people from all different parts of the world. I met an Iranian, several Mexicans, Spaniards, Germans, Brits, and even some Japanese kids. The picture above is from the start of a party we went to, with Rachael standing on the left. I went to a couple of parties this weekend where I was able to mingle and try out my French skills. My conversation skills pale in comparison to some of the other international students, but they have all been fairly impressed with my language skills when I tell them that I've only been here in La Rochelle for two weeks.
I couldn't possibly capture everything I've been doing in a single blog post, but suffice it to say that I'm having an awesome time. It's been warming up a bit here, and I've been meeting so many interesting people. It's nice to feel like a citizen of the world, instead of just my small corner of it. In other news, my girlfriend, Rebecca, is going to be able to come stay with me in March. I offer an open invitation to anyone reading this to come and visit me as well. I'll be happy to show you around town.
