Bonjour!
I arrived in Marseille Saturday afternoon after a long and tiring flight. My roommate Katie and I were picked up at the airport by the housing director from our university and took the 20 minute bus ride to Aix-en-Provence where we met our host mom, Madame Emery in town. Between Katie and I there were four huge suitcases and a few smaller carry on bags, since the cars here are so small Madame took me and the bags to the apartment and went and got Katie after I was dropped off. They aren't big on elevators here so I had to carry my two 50 pound suitcases up two flights of stairs. Madame showed us around (four bedrooms, living room, bathroom..but the toilet in down the hall from the shower and sink), Katie and I share a good sized room with huge floor to ceiling windows that overlook the mountains.
On Sunday Katie and I walked around town and navigated our way to the university, it's a good 20 minute walk. Aix is characterized for its' fountains, they are everywhere! The weather here is much milder than it is at home.. which is in the high 40's/mid 50's. Aix is known for it's picturesque landscape, abundance of students, chic clothing style, laid back attitude and southern accent. According to the French law, stores are only allowed to have sales twice a year and lucky for me sales are taking place now until the beginning of February!
Today was our first day of classes, I had France During the Occupation and Speaking of Provence (both of which were conducted in English) and they were extremely interesting. In both classes we take trips to places in Aix or to surrounding cities. I am going to eat dinner now (it's 7:30 and it's actually a little early for dinner which is usually at 8) then some friends and I will walk back into the center of town to check out the nightlife and see what else Aix has in store for us.
I've only been here a few days but I can already tell that this will be one of the best experiences of my life.
Bisous (kisses)!
Lauren
I arrived in Marseille Saturday afternoon after a long and tiring flight. My roommate Katie and I were picked up at the airport by the housing director from our university and took the 20 minute bus ride to Aix-en-Provence where we met our host mom, Madame Emery in town. Between Katie and I there were four huge suitcases and a few smaller carry on bags, since the cars here are so small Madame took me and the bags to the apartment and went and got Katie after I was dropped off. They aren't big on elevators here so I had to carry my two 50 pound suitcases up two flights of stairs. Madame showed us around (four bedrooms, living room, bathroom..but the toilet in down the hall from the shower and sink), Katie and I share a good sized room with huge floor to ceiling windows that overlook the mountains.
On Sunday Katie and I walked around town and navigated our way to the university, it's a good 20 minute walk. Aix is characterized for its' fountains, they are everywhere! The weather here is much milder than it is at home.. which is in the high 40's/mid 50's. Aix is known for it's picturesque landscape, abundance of students, chic clothing style, laid back attitude and southern accent. According to the French law, stores are only allowed to have sales twice a year and lucky for me sales are taking place now until the beginning of February!
Today was our first day of classes, I had France During the Occupation and Speaking of Provence (both of which were conducted in English) and they were extremely interesting. In both classes we take trips to places in Aix or to surrounding cities. I am going to eat dinner now (it's 7:30 and it's actually a little early for dinner which is usually at 8) then some friends and I will walk back into the center of town to check out the nightlife and see what else Aix has in store for us.
I've only been here a few days but I can already tell that this will be one of the best experiences of my life.
Bisous (kisses)!
Lauren
