Fishy Mashed Potatoes, Literally.

Yet another day of orientation… We started with our language placement test in the morning. Abbey and I both ended up in the same class, although we’re not sure what level it actually is. I guess at least you can say the French department at UPS is consistent. The rest of the day was filled with learning that there are cultural difference between the U.S. and France and that we might get a little depressed because of all of those cultural differences. Mon dieu! It’s not like we’re in a third world country; it’s Occidental Europe!! I’m really not that worried by the fact that the French don’t smile as much as Americans. In fact I did such a good job at not smiling or making eye contact on the metro this evening that two different people asked me for directions. I could understand and respond to one of them.

For lunch today we had mushroom soup, Brandade Morue (think cheesy mashed potatoes with cod that has gone through a food processor) and a fruit and egg dessert item. It was interesting, but I definitely ate more than yesterday. Tomorrow we start our language classes: I have mine at 9am. Then I have a 4.5-hour break between that and my academic advising meeting, so I am going to find something interesting and at least somewhat touristy to do in the intervening time. I’ve come up with a couple of possibilities and just have to narrow it down. I also have to finalize my class choices.

For dinner tonight we had leftovers from last night but the salad my host mom made was a little different tonight. It had palm hearts in it; I’d never heard of them before. They were interesting and by the time I’d eaten all the ones she’d given me, I’d grown rather accustomed to them. I think I’m going to read a little Harry Potter tonight and go to bed early. Having to set my alarm clock these last couple of days has really worn me out. I should have some pictures to post tomorrow night hopefully.