Internet!

Yay! I'm officially up and running for internet in my new French dorm! So we can all chat on Skype once I have two seconds of spare time.  First of all, thank you for all your comments and emails--it was so comforting to turn on my computer for the first time in four days (which felt like an eternity, no matter how many fun things are distracting me) and see all your kind words.  

       Being in France is not comparable to any other experience I've ever had.  I think the first time you step into a foreign country, it's incredible just how different the cultures are.  It's called "culture shock" for a reason.  I'm going to have to talk to each one of you separately to regale you with my tales, but here are a few highlights:

--Montpellier! When I first arrived at my "hotel," I was honestly quite disappointed.  But on day two, when I joined up with my amazing program at the university, I discovered "vieux Montpellier," this European gem within a kind of sketchy area.  The "place de la comedie,"and the "l'esplanade," are two of highlights.  Basically, it's a little city center with a garden, markets, a little mall, a museum, restaurants, pubs, entertainment, everything.  It's like what you wish Times Square could be.  

--School! I'm living in the dorms with ton of international and american students who are all really interesting and always up for exploring the city.  Class is a little more intense than I imagined, and I tested into the highest level, which is pretty intimidating.  I have some friends with whom I speak English, which is a nice break, but for the most part, I'm trying to speak French all the time, which is both frustrating and wonderful!  My conversation skills socially are pretty bleak right now, but the feeling of triumph every time I successfully communicate with someone is unbeatable.  I really think that after a year, I'll have made some serious progress.  After only a few days, I've already noticed a little. 

--Public Transportation! Seriously, move to France.  It's a amazing.  

--Food! Here at the dorms, we have breakfast vouchers, and I've discovered something absolutely amazing--Fresh "pain au chocolat."  There are honestly no words.  Tomorrow I'm going to take a picture to help you understand.  

--Les Moniteurs! In English, the R.A.'s.  They're technically R.A.'s, but really they're just four young, super cool, friendly "francais."  The last two nights, I went out with them and some other students to the city center where they showed us the nightlife and we spent all night talking, drinking, and people watching in Montpellier.  Also, one of them happens to be a young frenchman who's very easy on the eyes, which always makes things better. :) 

Anyway, I'm a little embarrassed to call myself out as a tourist by taking pictures, so I only have a couple for you, but there are more to come, I promise.  I have a million things I want to say, but I promise to space them out and add lots of pictures!  Can't wait to get a chance to call everyone, but for now, miss you all, and thanks for the e-mails!

-A la prochaine-

  Crepes in Montpellier

Ma chambre 
View of Montpellier from the roof
McDo! (no, I didn't eat there)
The bathroom in my dorm room.  (Or as I call it, the port-o-potty)
The amazing Tramway