aix-en-provence

after a long train ride from hendaye, i arrived in aix-en-provence on saturday afternoon. a note to those who want to ride the trains in europe-- don't store your suitcases on the racks in the middle of the train, otherwise you'll have to wait for all the people who are clogging the aisle to get off the train before you can get them. by the time you get your things, you won't be able to go back to the exit because everyone who needs to board the train already bumrushed it and the aisle will be clogged again. you'll have to ask a middle-aged woman in broken french how to get off the train, and she'll tell you to run to another, emptier car.. and quickly! so you'll end up trying to run carrying a bulky backpack, a purse and a 40 lb suitcase that won't roll between the seats. and you'll look like a jerk when you yell "excusez-moi" into an old lady's ear, but you should make it off the train before it leaves your stop.

so far everything in france is great! aix is a beautiful city. all of the streets are really tiny and lined with super old buildings, a lot from the 1700s. there are 22 fountains in aix (i guess the city is famous for its fountains), and i've decided to take a picture with each one. (cait and nanette: my new uhaul project)

i really like madame lafay. she speaks a little english, which can be helpful, but mostly speaks in french. she's lived in aix for 10 years and has hosted students for nearly the entire time. she's really into eating healthy and organic food and is a good cook! she also has a cat named bianca. stacy is my housemate. she also goes to u of i and is a vegetarian. we each have our own rooms in the apartment. my room has two large doors that lead out to a balcony and i have a view of the cathedral. the apartment is only a ten minute walk from school and is very close to cafes, restaurants and all kinds of shops.

so far, the food has been delicious. for lunch, we have fresh vegetables (zucchini, peppers, olives, baby tomatoes, lettuce), bread, cheese and some fish. for dinner, madame cooks. the first night we had poisson et des petits pommes de terre (fish and baby potatoes), and the other night she made a vegetable tart. and, of course, we have cheese, bread and wine with every meal.

yesterday and today is orientation at school. we got a tour of the city yesterday and today classes start at noon! i have painting and drawing first.


my room


the view from my window