Bonjour

I’ve already been in France for 7 days! Immersion really is the best. Being surrounded by my French family and other francophones has helped my listening skills immensely. Speaking, not so much. Pas encore.

I’m living with a family of five: Catherine and Lionel are my French “parents”, and their children are Zoé, Célestin, and Laurette. They are great! I already feel so welcomed and part of their family. They live in a little town called Voreppe, and the whole town is bordered by mountains and hills. They love to hike, play board games, learn, cook, eat cheese…what’s not to love? The children are so helpful because they’re not embarrassed to correct me, and I’m not embarrassed to hear their corrections. Laurette will work on one sound with me for minutes at a time (my French “r” and “u” sounds especially). It’s perfect! Catherine speaks English very well, which makes it easy to discuss cultural differences as well as get to know the children using [much] translational help from her. In other words, I’m comfortable standing in the 5 foot end of the immersion pool instead of constantly staying afloat at the 9 foot end.

I’ve already done so much for week one: a trip to Annecy (gorgeous lake town about two hours from here), an Easter mass at a monastery, a walk through fresh snow, an array of delicious French meals, a daily dose of strolls to and from the city center (walkable cities and towns: what a concept, huh America?), and an introduction to a family who makes me feel like I have a French home! Looking forward to the next 6 weeks and learning lots more French and trying to teach some English.

A bientot!

Now cue the photos:

Government building in Grenoble