Bonjour tout le monde!


I have been enjoying my April vacation, and I can't believe the first week is already over! The Monday after Easter, I relaxed with my family and had a very nice afternoon. First, Emma and I walked to the local bakery and I FINALLY took some pictures of Lattes! For lunch, Nathalie taught me how to make frogs. They are surprisingly easy to prepare, and taste super, super good!! After lunch, me, Ludmila, Emma, Milena, and Nathalie painted some part of a tree or something(?) (see pictures below) and then Nathalie used them to decorate her balcony! We had a lot of fun…and Emma and Ludmila couldn't resist starting a paint war. Later that afternoon, Nathalie and Emma and I rode our bikes into the city and visited the new "Mairie," which is a town-hall kind of thing. It was about a 20 minute bike ride into the city and we enjoyed a nice sunny ride! 

This is the small church next to my house

La poste

Preparing the frogs

Soooo good!

The Montpellier Mairie

On Tuesday, the family and I drove a few hours up to Lyon where we met with Nathalie's sister and husband and explored the city. When we got there, it was raining and all the girls went into town and we visited numerous sites. First, we went into one of the oldest Cathedrals of France! Part of it is being restored, but it was still really incredible to see. We then descended down the big hill that the Cathedral sits on and I got to see some gorgeous views of Lyon.

My view from the hill!

Lyon

Typical French ladies with trench coats and berets :)

In France, one does not eat dinner at what I consider the "normal dinner time" (anywhere between 5-8). You eat at 8:30-9:30/10. This being said, you take a "gouter" or snack at 6ish. We had our gouter at a local Creperie. I had a strawberry filled crepe and it was delicious!

Creperie!

Ludmila and Emma

Nathalie et moi

Emma and Aunt Patricia

Next, we all went shopping and I finally bought some clothes! I was SO excited when the salesman chatted with me for a while, and finally told me that I spoke French very well! As it approached "French dinner time," we met up with Olivier and Nathalie's brother-in-law and walked to dinner. Our restaurant, which is called a "Bouchon" in Lyon, was a "typique Lyon bouchon" serving the specialties of the area. We ate a 5 course meal, starting with la graisse (grease…it was very interesting…), then a small serving of sausage and potatoes, followed by your main meal, then cheese, then dessert…frankly I am perplexed at how the French people are not grossly overweight. 

First time I have seen a Starbucks in France!

The bouchon had the napkins that clip to a button!

When our repas was finished, Nathalie, Emma, Uncle Frederick, and I drove around and saw "Lyon par nuit." The city was absolutely beautiful! The rain and all the dim lights made it seem all the more French, and I thoroughly enjoyed my evening. 


The next morning, Nathalie, Emma, Ludmila, and I went into the more modern part of town and did a little shopping. The mall was located just next to the river and all the buildings were uniquely designed. My favorite one was bright orange, and was supposed to look like a block of cheese. 

Cheese building

Following our shopping, we picked Olivier up and drove to Puy to visit all the grandparents! Our first stop, was Olivier's family. Their house has a huge amount of yard space and it is filled with all types of animals. Then, we visited Nathalie's grandmother. She was the cutest little old lady! Before arriving, we stopped and picked up baked goods for her, and in return she insisted that we take chocolates along with us. We continued driving, and drove through some beautiful areas! I of course took 1000's of pictures…

The Chateaux are so pretty!

Finally we arrived at Nathalie's parents' house where we stayed the night! When we first got there, we went with Papi (Grandpa) to post signs for the Presidential election—my entire host family, extended and all, are all completely for Francois Hollande. Then we came home to a FABULOUS dinner of Escargot, asparagus, and veau (veal). I was obviously a little nervous to try my first actual snail (and by actual I mean not found in the sea). But I surprisingly loved them! 

Before cooked

After cooked

The next morning, I woke up and did some exploring with Eloane, who is Lud's cousin, and Nathalie. We went into the countryside and they showed me a lake located on top of a volcano, and numerous chateaux. Later, Meme (pronounced like mommy), Eloane, and I went into the city and climbed 200 ancient steps up to one of the most sacred churches in all of France! There is also a statue of the Virgin Mary at the top of another hill, but it is being restored as well. 

Eloane et moi

My exploring buddy!

Puy

Lastly, Nathalie, Eloane, Emma, and I went to an old chateaux that belonged to a friend of Marie Antoinette. It is mostly ruins now, but overlooks all of Puy and was absolutely beautiful. I really enjoyed my time in Puy, and the rain made it all the better :)

Friday night me, Ludmila, Milena, Sara, Laura, and Clementine went out! We went to a "Boite de nuit" and danced for a few hours. On Saturday, I went to the Comedie with a friend visiting from Perpignan. We saw a movie (in French) and walked around. It is nice to catch up with other kids on exchange. 

Milena, Sara, Clementine, Laura, me, Ludmila

I have one more week or vacation, and I hope to spend it wisely before 8 more weeks of school! Bisous