Thursday, I had my first French class with the Sorbonne. It was pretty intense. I was expecting it to be difficult and only in French, but I was still quite overwhelmed when I got there and nothing but French was spoken. It seemed like everyone in the class had more experience than I did too and was doing better in the class than I was, which didn't help either. Culture shock hit me hard at that point. I was very frustrated and left class feeling like I was going to fail. But I have found one way to overcome culture shock: retail therapy. So I decided to go shopping, since I neglected to bring any of my plain black shirts, which I am fairly certain I have a million of back home. Since people here do the all black without looking goth, and since I am also going as long as possible between washing clothes (ugh more money I need to spend when I could be shopping or traveling!!!) I decided to invest in some less expensive black tops. Dont worry, I was successful and now look even more Parisian than before! Its wonderful.
Speaking of looking Parisian.... The other day (and by other day I mean a week ago) when I was getting on the RER (a train line kinda like the metro only it is above ground and not one of the real bullet trains or anything), this ridiculously good looking man dressed impeccably well asked me something in regards to directions. I was so excited because:
- The man was beautiful and he was talking to me
- I look Parisian/French enough for people to ask me for directions!!
I was very sad that the only thing I could manage to say was, "je ne parle pas française, desoleil" (I dont speak french, sorry). Le sigh. Soon enough, hopefully, I'll be speaking and understand French well enough so that when the next beautiful and well dressed man who asks me for directions I'll be able to help him and maybe even hit on him. Tee hehehe.... Or just help him. Whatever.
But Friday I had my second Sorbonne class, which I was more prepared for this time around. It was still a little overwhelming at times, but overall it was better. Some of the things I learned before are starting to come back to me slowly, which is good. Its going to be an intense semester, but hopefully it will pay off!!
