I have now completed my first 3 days of school and I am very glad that it is the weekend! I love school but it is extremely draining. When I get home I am usually so tired that curl up on the couch and drift in and out of sleep. The two days of school since my last blog post have been great. I still can't really remember peoples name but I am understanding more and more each day. After lunch both days we have headed over to a near by park. All the girls I am friends with are the most hilarious people and make everything so much more fun. I thoroughly enjoyed my start to Thursday owing to my croissant and bowl of hot chocolate. It was delicious! When I head off to school in the morning and when i return home it is dark. So I really only get to see the sunshine at school which is something I'm not really used to yet. Friday afternoon due to year 12 practice exams I ended up finishing at 5pm instead of 6pm. This mean't I had to catch the bus from the middle school instead of my school. It was quite a stressful experience because I was running late and I wasn't quite sure which bus I had to catch. That morning I had been told to take the bus K13 from outside the middle school. However I got confused because usually in the morning I catch the K13 bus and the bus K15 on the way home. However there was a K15 at the very front of the bus line and as I progressed further and further down the line of buses I began to double guess my translation to english. Just when I was starting to freak out I saw the K13 bus at the very end preparing to leave. I jumped onto the bus and asked the bus driver in my best french "Á Le Verger?" Unfortunately my pronunciation of Le Verger didn't quite meet French standards. I had to repeat myself 3 times before the kid behind her said "Ah Le Verger, oui!" She then proceeded to ask for my bus card and me not understanding explained to her why I had to catch this bus instead of showing her my card. In the end she made a rectangle with her fingers and in french demanded one more time for my bus card. Finally understanding I searched through my bag, showed her my card and was at last allowed onto the bus. It was the first time so far that I have felt completely and utterly out of place. The experience really made me realise how difficult this exchange is going to be. To cheer myself up when I got off the bus I walked across the the Boulangerie and bought myself a Pain au Chocolat. It was the best thing I have ever tasted! In the evening they showed my this massive pumpkin they are going to make soup from, a non-supremarketed onion and walnuts and hazelnuts in there shells. All of which I thought was pretty cool. For dinner Céline made this delicious potato, bacon and cheese bake. There is a photo below of me taking photos of the food and Céline cooking it which I think really captured the scene. This morning I had an amazing sleep-in followed by a walk to look at the tiny markets in the town square which was comprised of two stalls, crepe and vegetables. I then proceeded onto the Boulangerie where I bought my self an apple pastry for breakfast. I know it's not the healthiest breakfast but I'm living up the french novelties while I have them. We are off to the big markets in Rennes soon so I will write about them later.
Hi Georgie, poor you with the bus mix-up! That's my biggest fear with starting the Camino next year - I have to use all different types of transport to get to the 'start line' in St Jean and have very little language. It goes to show that people will be patient and help you though (and at least French pastries are helping you cope!). I am off to India on Friday and have so many things to do before then it's scary. Mausie, Blade and I are going out to Nana's to have fish and chips tonight so we'll show her your blog - she's been very keen to hear all about it. You are doing a great job and learning so much - you're a very lucky girl. Remember your God and your mother won't you, love Fiona xxxx ps I'll write comments from India too and we can compare notes! Lots of love xxx
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Georgie
15/11/2014 04:45:26 pm
Thanks so much Fifi! That's so exciting!!! I can't believe you leave so soon! You are going to have an amazing time! Will you be putting photos on Instagram? If you are I will be constantly checking to see what you are up to. Give my love to Nana, Maureen and Blade. Thank Nana for me for my beautifully warm presents. They have been amazing! You are going to have so much fun! Love you,
Georgie
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Mausie
18/11/2014 12:42:49 am
Hi Ginny, I did leave a comment on this post but mustn't have pressed submit! Sorry you had that muck up, you will cotton on to the language before you know it! Hang in there babes!!
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Grumps & Joan
22/11/2014 10:34:47 pm
Hi there Georgina, we are following your blog with much interest - loving the photos of all that comfort food - lots of croissants & hot chocolate. You're so brave travelling on their public transport and you'll be so competent by the time you come home. Look forward to hearing lots more.
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Grumps and Joan
22/11/2014 10:40:27 pm
Enjoying your comments and following your experiences with great delight. I would enjoy the chocolate irrespective of what was served with it.
Keep enjoying yourself and the French will come naturally to you. Love Grumps and Joan
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Georgie
25/11/2014 01:33:39 am
Thanks so much Grumps and Joan! Also thank you so much your email. I didn't get a chance to reply because things have been so busy here but I really appreciated it :).
Georgie xx
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Grumps and Joan
25/11/2014 03:21:34 pm
Georgie, I hope we are allowed to use your name as you define yourself. We are enjoying the photos from your blog and look forward to further news. This quite a new experience for us. My Mobile number is 0407021711 if that is easier for you. God's richest blessing be with you whilst you are in France, experiencing a new culture and meeting many new friends. Love Grumps and Joan
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Joan & Grumps
25/11/2014 03:21:40 pm
We are just loving this blog experience - it's very private which is great. Don't worry about reply - the photos say heaps. Just absorb it all and enjoy yourself.