Catch Up Time

Well it has been almost four months already since I have been here, and I still can't believe I am in France!! It is like a giant dream, a whole different world. The time is flying by so fast and these four months feel like four days to me. I have been busy, busy, busy since I have arrived; there's always something to do or be done. I have gotten behind on my blog and I figured with Christmas vacation and a cold rainy day, I better do a little catch up! I'm going to just overview the highlights of each month I have missed, and don't worry there will be plenty of pictures. Also check out my new YouTube page that I created to document some of my adventures and what I see through my eyes. The videos are from when I arrived showing my surroundings so you can get a better picture of what my life is like. There is even some videos of the strikes during October that were very crazy. I will warn you now I am not much of a camerawoman; I need to work on my skills. Enjoy the upcoming posts and check out my link for the Youtube page, otherwise search FrenchieLexie and you should find me! http://www.youtube.com/user/FrenchieLexie

Rotary Toulouse-Est

I am here in France not only because of my supportive friends and family, but because of the amazing Rotary organization. This opportunity is because of Rotary, specifically my sponsoring club Wausau Rotary and my host club Toulouse-Est Rotary. I've been to a few meetings so far since I have been here. They are different every time; some are dinners while others are just shorter meetings. My club here in Toulouse meets on Monday nights at a hotel in the city, and it is always nice especially the food. Whenever we have dinners they last very long, and are full of a lot of socializing. I do not attend every week
because I'm not needed and just the regular
meetings are really not too exciting, all business, and I already have a problem understanding. My club here is smaller than in Wausau. This club only usually has about 20-30 people attend, but it is nice because we then sit at one large table with everyone. We have a four-five course dinner, which is typical French. They discuss news and events going on like the fund raisers and for example the Toulouse marathon this weekend. I get a chance to get to know the Rotarians and practice my French. A few of the Rotarians know some English and even some have been to the United States, many for business. At the first meeting I

gave a short introduction in French, and struggled throughout the rest of the night with my poor French especially since I had only been there for less than a week. I also exchanged my Rotary banner for the banner of the club with the president, who is the nicest guy ever. We had a meal that was common for Toulouse. It included some very strange tasted, like duck liver, which I ate happily, haha. It was just very different from what I am used to, but change is good and keeps life exciting. The club even auctions me off, no not for my awesome humor, but to host me for a weekend. I already spent one weekend with a Rotarian and his family. He had a daughter and three boys, so it was nice to be in a bigger family for a weekend. We went into the city, and went to the St. Michel festival that went on all over France for almost a month. This festival brings activites and a carnival which of course means rides. I am not one who like roller coasters at all; I avoid them at all costs. But I thought to myself "Hey, I'm in France. Why not do something I would never do back home?" So I got on one of the scariest rides there with their daughter, and definitely had a new experience. I thought I was going to die!!! It was the scariest thing I have ever been on! It was fast and spun and put us upside down. It was so much fun though, and I'm glad I forced myself. That night we attended a concert with African music. It is very popular in France and very much in Toulouse. It was really cool, and even involved some dancing. Sunday we then went and visited a castle outside of Toulouse. It was the castle of the man who had created the plans for the canal that runs through Toulouse. He is know for being a genius because it connects the Atlantic Ocean, Bordeaux, to the Mediterranean Sea all in the 1600's. He was able to find a source that no one had had success with in the past. His castle wasn't as grand as those throughout France and Europe, but was very interesting, and it was another beautiful day so the it was a great adventure. It even had a moat! Any castle is so intriguing to me, because I don't see many back in Wisconsin, haha. It was a great weekend with them, though it felt almost like I had started all over with being in a new home. Now for the next three weekends I am booked with different Rotarians. Every time is different and always exciting in some way. You never know what the weekend will bring, but they usually plan something fun.

Lycée Ozenne

I started French high school on September 2nd. It is located in the center of the city, next to the cathedral Saint Sernin. I am in Premiere L, which is like being a junior with a literature based course. They put all exchange students into this because it enforces French and language skills. My school is completely different then back at D.C. Everest. You stay with the same class the whole day, except for the language classes. They also do not have lockers at all. You carry all your things with you around, and girls do not use backpacks just very oversized purses. Also my school is very outdoors, with the only common type area being the courtyard in the middle. The lunch system is completely different then in the States. They get a huge meal and it actually tastes good, with things you wouldn't find in other schools like duck, salmon,  and very yummy homemade French desserts. Another thing different with the French school system is the relationship between teachers and students. The teachers are there to teach and don't talk or joke with the students at all unlike in the US; its very odd to me. And this is even if the teachers even show up. Here if a teacher is gone, that means you don't have class. It is really awesome and I love it, as any high school student would. Also we have  completely open campus, you can leave whenever you want. This helps because the first week of school already the teachers were on strike which meant for me that I had one class a day for three days in a row. It was great, except I had to find ways to waste time, but it's not that hard when you in the city center. Again this week the teachers and all governments workers are on strike. The French love to strike! It is annoying though because I wasn't even sure if the metro and buses were going to work. Without public transportation it puts me stranded and dependent on a ride which then deals with a ton of traffic. There thankfully were transportation today, except it was very reduced meaning less trains and buses which just crowded everything. I have learned how to get around on my own and I definitely know how to work the metro. There is a push and shove policy. When you hear the buzzer push and shove to get inside or you might lose a limb or any object in the way. It is actually really scary sometimes; the metro stops for no one! Its horrible though when your squished in like sardines, and when its hot (which is usually everyday) it is worse! Its my way to get to school though. If I have class at 9, we have to leave by 8:10 to beat the traffic to the metro station, then on the metro, then walking to school all equals to around 45 minutes to an hour of commute. It make the day really long and is worse when its busy. I do a lot of walking in France, and I mean a lot! I don't mind it though, just like how I don't even mind school here. I am completely lost in almost every class for now. It is so hard to follow and understand when the teacher talks so fast. It is worse in my Spanish class, since I barely know French let alone Spanish. I usually end up drawing or day dreaming once I got so lost I can't follow anymore lol. 

The classmates are really nice. They were shy at first, but that's the French. I'm talking with them more and more everyday. It's hard though because many of these kids have been with the same people since primary school. I do have two other exchange students in my class. Lucero is from Mexico and is with Rotary. Charlotte is from Germany, and has amazing French which helps. We stick together most the time because we are lost together in the French world. They are great, and we have a ton of fun. I've already had three test so far though. One in English, Spanish, and French literature. They weren't too hard because the teachers don't expect much right now since they know my language skills are horrible. However in French literature I did have to read the text and analyze it (in French) but I got to use my dictionary so I think I did fine. My classes are just as boring as they are in the States. It's school, just like it is anywhere.

I Have Arrived :)

Well I know I am kind of late with this post since I have been gone for almost a month, but it feels like yesterday that I was bored waiting and exhausted in the Paris Charles de Gaule airport.  Traveling was long, and a lot, a lot of sitting and waiting. I was lucky though that none of my flights got cancelled on me, thank goodness. My flight to Toulouse was slightly delayed but only about 20-30 minutes. I was also very lucky to meet up other exchange students already in Chicago so I was never alone. I even sat next to a girl from France (just by luck) who had just spent time in the US on exchange. We had the long flight from Philadelphia to Paris together which we spent talking about France and the US, and watching some pretty awesome movies. I couldn't sleep, for I was far too excited. Once in Paris Rotarians met us and showed us our way to our terminals, and so on. Once to my gate, I sat for around 5 or 6 hours, and oh it was so much fun. I just people watched and I caught in a much needed nap before hopping on my plane to Toulouse. I was so excited when I walked off the plane because I knew I had finally gotten here, the place I had waited for a year for! I arrived!!! Rotarians and my host mom were waiting for me. There were two other American girls with me also. We took pictures and greeted each other (the French way, two kisses), then searched for my luggage. At first I was worried because we waited for almost 45 minutes for my luggage! I thought it was gone! But thankfully it showed and we headed on the road to my new home. It was so hot the day I arrived, 97 degrees!!! It was beautiful though. On the way home I got to know my new mom a bit and experience real French driving( I thought I was going to die, literally)! The whole thing felt like dream! Everything was so different and beautiful in my eyes! My street is so different and French. When we pulled into the driveway and I was in awe at how beautiful it was. They have a private driveway that is lined with 12 foot shrubs with vines that hang over the edge and a huge gate. It was nothing like I am used to seeing.

When I saw their house I was in love. It is so pretty. It is more an Italian/ Spanish looking home, not the usual French that people think of. It is like that because I am in the South, and there is a lot of Spanish and Italian influence in the area. I got a grand tour and settled into my new room which I love because it's a lot bigger than my one in the States! They have a pretty big house, especially for Europe, and even a big yard with fruit and nut trees and a large in ground pool, though its freezing cold. They keep it cool because of how hot it is and also because it tends to get chilly at night. I unpacked and right away joined the family in their life, well life of dance that is. My host parent's own  dance studio and train world class dancers. The weekend I arrived was the same weekend they were hosting a large dance workshop and festival at their studio. I jumped right on into the action. I got the chance to take swing, salsa, lindy hop, and rock during the weekend. It is very different and difficult dancing then I have ever done, but fun. I got to meet a lot of nice people and we even took a trip into the city where I saw the city center where all the magic happens. It was a very tiring weekend though and I was looking forward to real life and calmness.

"Au Revoir" Party

My last weekend in the States was perfect though just a little hectic. Friday was filled with cooking and baking and organizing for my going away party that was on Saturday the 21st of August. The party was filled with not only yummy food and fun, but also all my family and close friends. It was a perfect afternoon and night. We filled everyone's bellies with a somewhat French themed menu. We had way too many desserts, but the French are filled with arrays of desserts so it all worked. I myself made half or more of the food. Some of the favorite items that I made was these rich truffles and heavenly tarts. When I baked these I really understood why people say the French love butter. The tarts were mainly butter, sugar, eggs, and just some almonds(more like over 4 cups). The food was not the best part though, I would have to say the bounce house we rented won that award lol. We decided (my father and I) to rent a bounce house for a little extra fun, and it was totally worth it! It was so much fun jumping around in there, though it was a workout for sure. I felt like a little kid again, and we even got some of the adults to crawl in. It was so nice to see everyone one last time before I departed for France. It was so amazing to realize the people around you who support and love you. I thank everyone who could come, it really meant a lot to me! The party went great, even towards the end with a bonfire and some silly games. My favorite would have to be the experiment of helium and the human voice. I never thought I could sound just like a chipmunk. The day was full of memories that I will always keep close, especially while I am on exchange. It was a long weekend, a full schedule, but although tiring it was perfect in every way possible. I am so lucky to have such amazing family and friends, no matter how crazy they are lol.

I Got the Golden Ticket!

Yesterday I received official confirmation on my ticket and flight itinerary. I'm actually leaving in less than 2 weeks! I leave August 25th at 11:29am from Green Bay. Then I fly to Chicago where I jump on a plane to Philadelphia, then over the Atlantic to Paris. I will be in Paris, France at about 7:30am (their time) where we will be greeted then I guess I'll be hanging out in the airport for the day until I hop on my next flight to my hosting city of Toulouse at 1:30ish. I will arrive at the Toulouse airport where I will finally meet my host family by about 2:30-3pm! It will be a long travel but so worth it! I don't have any long layovers besides the one in Paris. The best part is that I will fly to Paris with about 40 plus other Rotary Exchange students so I won't be alone and definitely will make a few new friends. Then I will fly with some of the other cool people staying in the same city as me! I can't wait till I depart!! I know their will be tears but I am so excited! I am a little anxious and nervous just for the whole idea of being in a whole new place with an unknown language, but it's an adventure of a lifetime! I will of course miss my friends and family, but I'll be back!!! They will get some peace and quiet for once without me, haha! I won't leave without plenty of goodbyes and memories! The weekend before I leave I am having a going away party, French theme of course, at my house for all my family and friends! It's the perfect way to see everyone and say goodbyes before I leave, plus its always plenty of fun with me around! I am so excited for the party because its always great to be surrounded by people who love you and support you and that absolutely make you laugh till you pee your pants, haha! It will be the best memory I think before I leave!! Plenty of French/American food, music, fun, and maybe a surprise or two...who knows.

Grand Rapids Conference

Wow, what a weekend it was! No offense but I never thought a Rotary conference could be that much fun! I attended the Central States Rotary International Exchange Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan over the long weekend of Thursday, July 8th to Sunday, July 11th. The adventure didn't start there though. On Wednesday I had to travel to Chicago to attend a French consulate meeting for the following day. My mother, exchange student named Leo, and I spent the day exploring Chicago. I think we walked over 10 miles, mainly on Michigan Ave. Though it was hot and rained, we had a good time. THe next day we hauled my luggage across Chicago, running through crosswalks to get to the French consulate office. Thankfully we walked in right on time, but I ended up waiting for a very long time for a 2 minute meeting. They took my fingerprints and picture and I was out of there. From there I hopped in the car with the other Alexis and the two women from IYWT who were the sweetest people ever. We almost however ended up in Wisconsin instead of Michigan haha. After a long adventure and being stuck in a ton of traffic we arrived in Grand Rapids, Michigan at Calvin College. I didn't know what to expect at first, but it ended up being one of the best weekends of my year! Just in those four days I met the nicest people and learned so much. I attended meetings ad listened to speakers (some that put many of us to sleep, lol). The best part of any day however was of course the dances at night. The first night was small then every night after it just grew into a bigger and bigger party!! Dancing I think is the one activity any one from any where can do together, and very closely. Also during this conference the variety show group got plenty of practice and bonding time to prepare for out final show together. On Saturday we ha the show combined with the talent show. It went great and the crowd went wild for the acts. That night was the most amazing! After the show and plenty of crying on all our parts we packed up everything and said goodbye to the show we loved. We didn't cry for long though. After we headed to the biggest party of the weekend!! It was so much fun and it didn't stop there! We were lucky enough to have an all night dorm which meant the party kept on going all night long and a few battles! Silly string and squirt guns helped get back on the Rotex and torture our favorite Matt! The rest of the night we all just hung out and talked, some slept but sleep is over rated. I pulled a definite all-nighter! Packing up was the worst because we all knew goodbyes would be next. At breakfast we had little time to say goodbye to the many friends we gained and maybe will never see again from other districts. Tears streamed down all faces. We boarded the bus which brought more tears and headed back on the longest bus ride of our lives. Grand Rapids was hot and full of mishaps like the fire alarm and craziness of the dances, but it was also full of the feel of family. I felt close to everyone there no matter if we had nothing in common or looked nothing alike, we all belonged. I never wanted to leave and it was sad to know that it was goodbye to so many brothers and sisters! Every stop on the ride home grew sadder and sadder! It was hard to even imagine a life without some of the friends I made over this last year. But we all knew that it would have to come to an end, and hopefully one day we will see each other again! It was late by the time we got back to Wausau, but I was tired and depressed and wanted my own cozy bed. It was a long weekend that built memories to last a lifetime! I will never forget the family I have in Rotary and can't wait to expand that family throughout this next year!! It's never goodbye in Rotary, its until we meet again!