When Frederique picked me up from the SYA school, we took my two suitcases (one carry on, one checked (at 70 pounds.)) and lugged them across the gravel (seriously, SYA? A gravel road for the meet-up? 60 kids with 9 months worth of luggage..) to her car (a mini van, but shrunken to European-size). The carry-on went first and fit nicely in the trunk. The checked suitcase, not so much. After we lugged it into the car (did I mention a handle was broken on it?), it wouldn't fit in the trunk! Not upright, or sideways.. so we took the carry-on out and shoved that suitcase in so hard, and slammed the trunk door shut (numerous times) until it closed. The carry-on went up front. We drove 5 minutes to the center of Rennes, where my host family lives. For the sake of their privacy, we'll just call them the B's. How's that sound?
So we arrive in front of the apartment that I may or may not have already seen on Google maps.. (About to invade some privacy..). If you know Rennes, then you'll know that this is the top spot to be, basically. We live in Parliament Square. My room overlooks Parliament Square, and to my left and ahead, I see gorgeous, old buildings with shops on the streets and apartments above, and to my right there is Parliament. It's the center of Rennes - you can tell just by how loud it is.. all. of. the. time. So we are at the apartment door, and I drag my suitcases into the hallway to be greeted by a little boy and a dog. And a LOT of French. And then there was angry French as a younger girl and slightly older boy came running down the stairs and Frederique made them carry my 70 pound bag (with no handles, remember) up the stairs. And these are old stairs with very high ceilings, and 3 floors worth of them. They loved me..
Who are the B's?
Bernard: The father. The nicest man, with a round stomach and mostly-bald head. He makes sure to speak very slow, and re-explain in English sometimes. I love talking with him.
Frederique: The mother. A kind woman who intimidates me. She's coming to treat me as her own, which means yelling my name and making me clear the table. I like it. (:
Marie: The first daughter. She is 21, and is taking one of the most rigorous courses of education for French students, and majoring in art! She speaks fast, but it's great to talk to her (especially since her English is very good!).
Jean Baptiste: The first of three sons. He is 17, and not around much. I don't know if he's really into the whole American-who-doesn't-speak-French-comes-and-lives-with-you thing, but I'm working on him.
Gabriel: The second son. He is 13, and is always doing something. Singing or dancing or humming or tapping. He loves the Beatles and piano, and I am the most comfortable with him. He loves American music (most French do!) and we bond over sharing music and wrestling. It's normal.
Raphaelle: The second daughter. She's 11, but she acts like she's 14. She is much more mature for her age.. Most of the time. We've had a few great conversations, and she reminds me of Emily (my sister) so much.
Nathanel: The youngest son. He's 7. He was my first friend in France, from the second I dragged my suitcase through the door. He is small with blonde hair, and loves to dance like Michael Jackson (he gets very focused when he dances), and is always pulling my hand to show me something, or tossing a ball in my direction. He's amazed by eye-crossing and tongue-to-nose touching. He's the sweetest.
I cannot believe that I've only been in France for a week. I feel like I've been here at least a month. I'm already so much more comfortable with the family, and Rennes is coming to feel like home (maybe. Some of these French cultural things..). I walk the streets daily - I walk everywhere! - in amazement, looking at the architecture, and the people, and the language that surrounds me and I'm just in awe. I can't believe that I'm actually here, in France.
I'd like to apologize to everyone for not responding to emails/letters/facebook messages/texts. My internet is ethernet, so I don't get it on my phone at home (only at school). As you know, I'm in France. It has me a bit busy. I apologize for the lack of blog posts, and I hope to fill you all in on my life here in France shortly. Keep reading!
The apartment. From the 3rd floor and up, and 2 more windows to the left.
Parliament.
No comments:
Post a Comment