Bloops

I may have forgotten the purpose of this blog. Of course, it's a record of my experience, and that record includes how I'm feeling...but it's also supposed to record all the things I'm learning and seeing and experiencing here, that are different from home, as well as share these experiences with all of you. And there are so many things I've seen and tasted and heard...that I haven't recorded at all. Oh no! If I don't keep this record, how am I going to remember it all? It will all fade away once I leave...I need to take more photos and write more! It will make me feel more productive too. So look forward to some more posts!

Currently eating: "Ossau Iraty Rocabret," AOC (Appelation d'Origine Protégée)

Something I don't want to forget: S (the 14-year-old) and how she talks to me and has reached out to me so many times. How could I ever forget how excited I was when, after a month or more here, I finally was able to understand a majority of her discourse (on corrupt politicians and Asian governments, on French high schools and on going to a Catholic school, or music or...who knows what's next!). Then, I could begin participating by giving feedback-something that never fails to make me feel proud of myself. I am so thankful that S is, firstly, an interesting and very intelligent person, and secondly, a high-schooler who's actually interested in talking to me. Earlier this week, she dug around and found L'Encyclopédie de Fromage in order that I might educate myself on French cheeses. Last night, she saw my iPod nano and asked to look through it (Apple products are more expensive in Europe, and everyone thinks they're cool, and thinks I'm rich because I have iPods and a MacBook), and reciprocated by guiding me through the French artists she recommends for me.