This past weekend was kind of a huge mess but then turned into a great success. Yes that rhymed and I didn't mean it to. Saturday Ashley and I woke up and got ready to head out to Laval. The night before we had sorted our suitcases so that we only had to bring a little bit with us and then left the rest at Romain's until we found somewhere to live so that we didn't have to haul it around everywhere. That was Romain's brilliant idea otherwise it would have been a nightmare to haul everything around everywhere. We got ready and left the house a little bit later than planned but we were on our way to the train station in Tours. All of a sudden we see construction ahead and had to go around and take the long way there which made us later than preferred and then we ended up missing our train by one minute. Of course this would happen to Ashley and I... we have had so many things happen to us that it was really no surprise. Romain went back to Monts and Ashley and I went shopping in Tours. It ended up being a great last day in Tours but not expected whatsoever. We finally made it to Laval at around 8pm and we saw a little bit of the city and we weren't too impressed. We were exhausted so we hung out in the hotel and then went to bed.
Yesterday morning we woke up somewhat early and walked around the whole city to just explore and get to know the area. It ended up being a really pretty city. It's quite small but everything is super spread out so it doesn't seem very small. There are a lot of old buildings like any other part of France and there is a river that runs through. It's just really French and really cute. After walking around everywhere we went to a bar and got a drink. Then we got up explored a little more and then got some dinner. We had kebabs which are kind of like gyros but not as delicious. I'm sick of spending so much money on every meal but I feel like we don't really have a choice. I took several pictures of the city for all of you to see but again, I don't have my charger with me. After a long day of walking around we ended up back at the hotel and resting. I watched Tangled (in French) and went to bed.
Today we had our first meeting with our contact in France. His name is Stéphane and he is pretty much helping us with any questions that we may have about the teaching assistantship program. He keeps in touch with our schools and will help us get through all of the stress and whatnot. I was nervous because I didn't really know what to expect and guys intimidate me but he was super nice and outgoing. He studied in England for a little bit so he spoke English and French and would switch when necessary. At the meeting Ashley and I found out that we pretty much had to find an apartment in the next few days in order to get everything finalized like our bank accounts and everything else we need to have ready for this job to function correctly. Every other girl there had been talking about living at "le foyer de jeunes travailleurs" which is a place for students or young workers to live at. Since we don't have very much money it's just cheaper housing. It is kind of set up like a dorm but much nicer and bigger. At the meeting we thought about just living there and giving up on the apartment search. After the meeting we went out for lunch with the other three girls that we had met. Two are from England and one is from Texas. They are super nice and fun to be around. We had lunch and laughed almost the entire time. Afterwards we went with them to the "foyer" and checked out their rooms. We quickly decided to move in but instead of living with Ashley we are going to have our own apartments (studio apartments). I wasn't really fond of the idea but I'm just going to have to deal with it. I really wanted anything except to live alone. Everything happens for a reason, right? Well let's hope so because as of now I am not a happy camper with the thought of living alone. We went to talk to the lady in charge, filled out some paperwork and we move in tomorrow at 15h!! (3pm for you Americans ;);) ) It's exciting to have somewhere to live but it's also stressful having to spend so much money right away. I'm going to be poor for the next year!! Especially with student loans back home. I have come to the realization that coming here after graduating was not the best decision I've ever made. Loans are too expensive. It sucks to have that constant thought in the back of my mind and it won't go away for the next 10 years unless I win the lottery or marry rich! Whichever comes first, right? lol ANYWAY, now we're back at the hotel chilling, I might take a nap and then go eat dinner or something. It has been extremely hot here and it sucks!! Right now it's 84°F/29°C..GROSS!
Well I'll blog soon! I'm feeling homesick so I'm not having the greatest time .. I knew this would happen this time around but I don't know that there is much that I can do. Off to nap! Have a great day :D :D
Gros bisous,
Valé <3
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