Bonjour from McDonald's, how French..

I'm starting to settle in more everyday to my new life in Tours. I'm continuing to meet so many wonderful people. Friday morning my mother and I parted ways with a tearful goodbye in the train station at 5:30am. I made my way to Orleans, the hometown of Joan of Arc, for an orientation. I met there other some other language assistants from Tours and also made some new friends in the area too. The day was pretty boring as we went over the many administrative details I need to take care of soon. We did have a short break and guided tour during the lunch hour. Orleans isn't nearly as picturesque as Tours and and lacks charm despite it's size and history, making me even more grateful I have been placed in Tours :) That evening I took the train home with two assistants I met at orientation, one from Australia and one from the UK. We hung out a bit over the weekend as well, inviting others and making more friends while out in Tours. Yesterday I went to a recreational rugby match. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it as I'd never really watched the sport before. In the last two minutes the teams were so close and it was a nail biter, but Tours pulled out an exciting win! I feel assured that I will always have friends to call if I'm feeling lonely because I didn't spend much time alone this weekend! I also met for coffee with an English teacher at College Montaigne, Adeline. She is from Bordeaux and just moved to Tours. I feel that we are going to be very good friends as she is my age and considering we easily spent almost 2 hours chatting at a cafe.

This morning I went to College Jean Philippe Rameau and observed 3 classes with Helene. The kids generally seemed curious to get to know me and happy to have a new face in the classroom. After observing today I'm quite a bit more excited to start working with the students! It seems that I will have half of a class at a time and will be free to do whatever lessons I want, as long as they are listening and speaking oriented, and in English of course.

The most difficult part, aside from the administrative paperwork nightmare, is not consistently having internet at my apartment. I am now sitting in the McDonald's using their free wifi. I hate the fact that the internet has become almost necessary. I will need to spend time surfing the web for lesson plan ideas and activities, not to mention, it would be nice to hear a familiar voice from home via skype. Also, not having spoken much French lately, I am a bit rusty. Hopefully another week or two and I will regain my confidence.

This evening I am going to a cafe where there is a casual language exchange, apparently in several language groups. Tomorrow I plan to go to my other school, College Montaigne, to observe. Should be exciting!