Turns out that I use these words to excess. Some of my more attentive students often give me a little ribbing when I use them ... but the thing is, so many things are either a) amazing, b) brilliant or c) awesome. So here are some little tales of France that are either a) amazing, b) brilliant or c) awesome:
The amazing trip to the doctor / pharmacy:
So, many thanks to my last cold I acquired a sinus infection. The thing is, I really hate going to the doctor and dislike the pharmacy equally. Which means that I usually procrastinate going as long as possible - and if I can avoid going at all, I absolutely will. But by Thursday I knew that I couldn’t put off a visit to the médecin any longer. I called for an appointment around 1 pm, and got one at 4:40 pm. I arrived at the doctor exactly on time - it’s a 2 minute walk down the street - had barely sat down in the small waiting area (no check in, no nurses, just the doctor) when the doctor appears. I explain that I have a sinus infection, list the symptoms, get a quick check up (ears, breathing deeply, blood pressure), then receive a list of prescriptions, each of which is explained in detail and after paying 22 euro, 14 of which will be reimbursed I’m on my way. The appointment took 10 minutes! I head toward the closest pharmacy, hand over my list of prescriptions, everything is filled and I pay ... 0.14 cents! Thanks to French socialized healthcare and my supplemental coverage all I had to pay was 0.14 cents for 5 different medications! I couldn’t believe it! After 20 minutes and 8.14 euro I was on my way to recovery! Probably the easiest thing I’ve done in France! (Grocery shopping is more complicated!)
The amazing student / the wonderful compliment:
Two Thursdays ago I met with 3 students for a BAC preparation class (I give them an unknown document and they prepare their presentation for 10 minutes and then they are expected to speak about the document for 10 minutes). This group tends to have a very low level and there are a couple of students who are repeating their final year because they failed the BAC exam. So I don’t usually expect a whole lot, but instead focus on simple things that can help them to improve. The class was going well, the three students were very quiet but as sweet as could be and really made a good effort. The last student, however, was really special. During her presentation she did a great job, but noticeably lacked confidence - often pausing to make sure the word was correct or looking at me for approval on most sentences. The thing was - she really didn’t need to worry. And after her presentation I told her as much, encouraging her to trust herself and believe in her ability. It was clear she was incredibly smart, and very sweet but lacking in confidence - which in the French system is a fatal error. I went home really thinking about her and hoping that she would trust herself - she really struck me as someone very special and I hoped that she found her voice. I was also hoping that my words had gotten through, but I knew that I would never be able to find out - since I usually see each student only once.
Imagine my surprise when she walked back into my classroom this past Thursday! I was so happy to see her! Once again she went last, and I gave her a pretty tough document to work with, but I knew she could do it and told her so. I have to say, I was blown away by her presentation. She presented the document perfectly, made very few grammar/vocabulary errors and spoke for 9 minutes (most students in her class speak for between 2-5 on a document). Needless to say, I was overjoyed! I was so proud of her! Her score improved by 5 points just because she trusted herself! Not only was I thrilled for her, but if was nice for me to know that I am helping to make a difference. To make things even more sweet, as she was leaving, she stuck her head back in the door and said, “I am really happy I met you.” I think it’s one of the sweetest things I’ve ever had said to me. So amazing.
The brilliant french concert:
I spent most of Saturday running errands and feeling overwhelmed by the ridiculous crowds everywhere - French shoppers have a big tendency to buy things last minute (whether they like the freshness or are just procrastinators I have yet to figure out) so grocery shopping was an absolute nightmare. I think all of Orléans was in Carrefour at once. But Saturday night was really special. A French friend, who I didn’t know was a musician until 2 weeks ago, had a concert as the Maison des Arts so a handful of us went to support him. Such a great experience! The opening act was a poet who absolutely stunned me. Now, I didn’t understand everything - I missed the whole first poem and half of the second before the French speaking part of my brain decided to participate in the evening - but it didn’t matter. He had such a sense of rhythm and storytelling - he incorporated a lot of music and he voice was so powerful and beautiful. What I did understand was just phenomenal. It’s not often that a poem can carry you away - but this guy really had be in the moment. Seamus and I agreed - he belonged on a much bigger stage than the Maison des Arts of Orléans. The music was really excellent as well. Turns out my friend is an incredibly talented musician and has a great stage presence! His songs were really well done and it was so fun to have a cultural night out! Icing on the cake - I realized that when I have finally reached the point where French stays French in my brain! I don’t need to translate to myself anymore! And my vocabulary has improved a lot!
The awesome Easter brunch and basket exchange:
I decided a while ago that Easter wasn’t Easter without a big meal and Easter baskets. So I decided to make it happen! I invited over 7 friends and made everyone swap names and make a 10 euro Easter basket for someone else! We decided to go for brunch due to various plans and started bright and early at 10 am. We had quite a feast - ham, potato salad, deviled eggs (all of which I made), pancakes, brioche and nutella, yogurt and granola, fruit salad, regular salad, fresh baguettes, and mimosas (alcoholic and non). It was super good! One of those meals where everyone ate in silence and went back for seconds. I really love these parties where everyone brings something and it’s all good. After we ate we searched for baskets - which took all of 2 minutes in my very small apartment. It was so fun! There was lots of chocolate and various goodies. Such a nice Easter.
The amazing Boulangerie:
There’s a really incredibly boulangerie down the street from me. It’s so good that it’s won the best croissant prize for both 2008 and 2009 in the Loiret. It’s so good that every Sunday the line is out the door. It’s so good that I’ve witnessed people stopping in for just baguettes and croissants and then going elsewhere for chocolate items (even though the other places have baguettes and croissants). But the very best part about this boulangerie is the fact that when I stopped in on Saturday the owner looks at me and says, “Une baguette et un pain au chocolat?” to which I said a very astonished, “Oui!” Turns out, they know me. And it just so happened that I had superior timing - the baguettes were still hot. Which, in all honesty, warm baguette might just be the best thing on earth as well as the most irresistible, because by the time I got home my baguette was half eaten.
The most amazing part of this upcoming week? I’m on vacation! For 2 weeks! Trips to Paris, Chenonceau and southern Italy are planned. It’s going to be awesome!
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