I am sitting dans ma petite chambre in the appartment of Brigitte et Fabrice Van Kote in Paris, France. We are just outside the centre of Paris, and no more than trois minutes away from the Dugomier metro station. Here, we are also within five or ten minutes from the two schools that Sam et Juliette (the children of B&F) go to.

Neither of the children speak any English at all. Juliette is a petite fille qui a onze ans. Sam is a tres petit garcon qui a neuf ans. They are both very bright kids and help me a lot with my french. Sam in particular tries to explain things in a way that I can understand. They have a Wii game system and explained to me how to play the Mario-something-or-other Racing game. I did not do so well, but I got my revenge when we played Ping Pong!!

Next week I start school with Juliette. Les ecoles francais are configured (and i am translating to the american system) so that all elementary school age children are together, and then 6th grade through 9th grade are together. I will spend my first hour in her 6th grade class, introducing myself and things. I'm pretty nervous! J'ai peur! Apres ca, I will go to the class of 14 and 15 year olds where I will be spending most of my time. In France, it is called the 3rd grade.
There are different classes every day, with a total of four hours of physical education. The French school systems do not have good sports systems, hence more PE than in the states.

Surprising things:
-You can't get a box for your leftover food when you eat in a restaurant! What's up with that?
-French people DO shower!
-Not a single person has tried to pick my pocket, or that of anyone around me. And I've been looking!


oop- dinner now. I'll write more later.

kisses
xoxo
susie