Hey all, sorry it's been so long. It's hard to post up here when there's so much going on! Today however, I've done almost nothing because I have the 24 hour stomach flu :(. I missed my two Wednesday classes, History of France (which we didn't have last week) and History of Art (Impressionism). My other classes are History of Art (Medieval Sculpture), Intro to French Literature, and Advanced Speaking and Writing. I enjoy all of my classes so far, but most of them are two hours long. We are also located in one of the most depressing buildings on an already outdated campus. We are students at The University of Toulouse II - Le Mirail, which specializes in the Humanities. I will take a picture tomorrow of our building, which feels more like a trailer or a bunker than a building of classrooms. However, the teachers are good and very patient with our French skills. Also, we have Fridays off! Three day weekends every week mean time to travel and explore the city.

Noah at Amorino: delicious hot chocolate, weird angel pics

The Capitol Square at night

I have been eating fabulously and learning a lot about food. I have now tried such delicacies as veal with white mushroom sauce, filet mignon of pork with spinach and then in spaghetti, blood sausage (didn't know until after I had eaten it...), pommes de noisettes (made from potatoes, I'll post a pic), scalloped turkey, gratin, and all different kinds of breads, cheeses, pastries, and hot chocolates! I am convinced that everything is just better in France. Luckily I bought some running shoes, so hopefully I won't gain too too much weight! 

So much cheese!

Scalloped turkey, salad with homemade dressing, and a gratin (fancy mac and cheese)

Le Kiri, my favorite cheese (for kids, of course)

This weekend, most of the students are taking an extra-curricular excursion to Marseille, the third largest city in France and its biggest port. Many pictures and stories to come! 

Mme Carel's apartment is close to the beautiful Cathèdrale St. Étienne and three beautiful gardens connected by bridges that cross over the street. I went running in the gardens and took some interesting photos.

 Casual Peacocks!

La Place Dupuy

Last weekend I went out on the town Thursday-Saturday, and I have decided that Toulouse is the real city that never sleeps (except during the day). Drinks are pretty expensive, but it's surprisingly easy to meet friendly people who are happy to chat and buy you drinks. 

My French mother, Mme Carel, is currently in the hospital because she has had some water in her lungs. She is doing better and should be back soon, but in the meantime her extremely genial son, Julian, has been taking care of me. I have eaten twice at his beautiful home now with his wife, Caroline, and his two sons Antoine (6) and Louis (2.5). As my brother Mark would say, "they're so French!"

More posts to come (and sooner than next week!)

A bientôt!