An American Girl in Avignon
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Girls' Night Out
May 5th
Ah, the start of week six. The work load is piling up, and even though I work, yet can’t seem to accomplish a single thing. All one can do is try their best, but it is a little frustrating to try to get some work done, and then something comes up, and you end up putting it off. I am really looking forward to relaxing weekend on the beach in Barcelona. I cannot wait to soak up some sun, do some browsing and sight-seeing. I just wish I knew more Spanish than my measly one year in high school. I know Hola, Adios, Gracias, De nana, Muy calinete, me llamo Catalina, and ou est el bano? That’s about it. I guess this will have to suffice for the weekend. I finally bought my tickets for the bus today, so it is official, I am going! Can’t wait…
I had my oral exam for the grammar class today, and thankfully, it was much easier than I thought it was going to be. M. Corbin even complimented me on my French. This was exactly what I needed to hear, because like many of the other students, I feel like I have hit a plateau, and instead of improving I am staying the same – or even worse, getting WORSE. You are your toughest critic after all, so his compliment was definitely a confidence booster – which is where I struggle most in my foreign language study: confidence. But I know I am slowly getting more and more comfortable every day. They weren’t kidding when they said learning a second language is a long and frustrating process, but it will be worth it in the end.
Tonight Katy had a special dinner at a Moroccan restaurant for all of the girls, where we ate couscous dishes (also one of my new favorite foods), drank aperitifs, and talked for close to three hours. It was really relaxing and enjoyable. One of the topics of conversation was how horrible everyone’s hair and skin looks here. It seems like all of the people who have never had skin problems, are having them (I am breaking out like crazy), and all the people who normally have poorer skin, are clearing up. Funny what can happen to one’s skin when you switch up the minerals and quality of water. I am convinced that my body just hates France, even though I love it here, because my eyes are always dry and red, and my hair is not cooperating at all. Luckily, I am not the only one having these problems. It seems like everyone else is in agreement with me. I am sure that if we decided to move here, our bodies would eventually adjust to the new air and mineral-dense water. But since we are here for such a short time, and our schedule is constantly “go-go-go,” there probably isn’t time to do this. Oh well, I am having a good time, so how my hair looks should probably be the least of my worries, but it is interesting to note how poorly everyone’s hair and skin is adjusting to the change of scenery.
After our late dinner, Kristina and I went back to our room to attempt to do homework before the next day. Hmm…I think that you can guess how that turned out. Thankfully, class doesn’t start until 2 tomorrow. Oh shoot, I have a project due Thursday…does it ever end? I am just going to keep thinking: Barcelona, Barcelona, Barcelona…that will get me through the week! :)
I had my oral exam for the grammar class today, and thankfully, it was much easier than I thought it was going to be. M. Corbin even complimented me on my French. This was exactly what I needed to hear, because like many of the other students, I feel like I have hit a plateau, and instead of improving I am staying the same – or even worse, getting WORSE. You are your toughest critic after all, so his compliment was definitely a confidence booster – which is where I struggle most in my foreign language study: confidence. But I know I am slowly getting more and more comfortable every day. They weren’t kidding when they said learning a second language is a long and frustrating process, but it will be worth it in the end.
Tonight Katy had a special dinner at a Moroccan restaurant for all of the girls, where we ate couscous dishes (also one of my new favorite foods), drank aperitifs, and talked for close to three hours. It was really relaxing and enjoyable. One of the topics of conversation was how horrible everyone’s hair and skin looks here. It seems like all of the people who have never had skin problems, are having them (I am breaking out like crazy), and all the people who normally have poorer skin, are clearing up. Funny what can happen to one’s skin when you switch up the minerals and quality of water. I am convinced that my body just hates France, even though I love it here, because my eyes are always dry and red, and my hair is not cooperating at all. Luckily, I am not the only one having these problems. It seems like everyone else is in agreement with me. I am sure that if we decided to move here, our bodies would eventually adjust to the new air and mineral-dense water. But since we are here for such a short time, and our schedule is constantly “go-go-go,” there probably isn’t time to do this. Oh well, I am having a good time, so how my hair looks should probably be the least of my worries, but it is interesting to note how poorly everyone’s hair and skin is adjusting to the change of scenery.
After our late dinner, Kristina and I went back to our room to attempt to do homework before the next day. Hmm…I think that you can guess how that turned out. Thankfully, class doesn’t start until 2 tomorrow. Oh shoot, I have a project due Thursday…does it ever end? I am just going to keep thinking: Barcelona, Barcelona, Barcelona…that will get me through the week! :)
posted by Catherine at 12:52 PM
2 Comments:
I know what you mean about feeling like you've hit a plateau/gotten worse. I swear that I actually DID get worse for awhile there, my cousin and my aunt actually asked me what was wrong once... but, the good news is that i survived it and, in the end, my French got so much better.
The skin thing is a pain the butt though.
have a great time in Barcelona! Sorry for stalking your blog!
Thanks for all of the advice and encouragement. I appreciate it, and I am glad that you read my blog! :)
The plateau is frusterating, but I think things are finally starting to look up! It varies from day to day, but I know I won't be able to see all of the benefits until the program is over.
Can't wait to talk to you when I get home!
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