September 13, under a tree in Montpellier.
It is supposed to be autumn but yesterday it was 30 plus, and today is the same. It nearly killed me. I managed to find my way to school on Monday morning, by bus and tram. Along with all the university students!
Montpellier is a very young city and very multicultural. Many Algerians emigrated here and there are people from all over the world and many, many students. So many beautiful and slim young people!
The heat and light are incredible. When I stepped out of school yesterday afternoon, the light was dazzling and the heat overwhelming. And it got more and more unbearable, as the afternoon wore on. I managed to find a suitable activity though,
A ride in “le petit train” around the historic centre of this beautiful city. Open carriages and shade from the sun, while listening to a commentary in English on the headphones. A very sensible idea and one which saved the day.
Afternoon tea was a crepe with a '”boule de glace”, enjoyed under the plane trees in an outdoor cafe. Delicious. Then I headed home to Marie's place on tram, then bus. However, when I got off the bus, I was completely lost! Thought I had go off at the wrong bus stop but I hadn't, it was just so hot and by then 5pm and I was exhausted. Almost suffering from heat stroke probably.
I managed to ask the way and found I was just around the corner from home, but the heat had confused me. Almost a panic, but was very relieved to find I was in the right place.
All the streets look the same. Most homes and apartments are in cream or pale pink, orange or yellow. All very Mediterranean. Lots of trees too, and I am sitting under one, near the the town centre, Place de la Comedie, and just near the railway station.
Accent Francais School is in a very old building so thank goodness it is cool. My class of eight is a lot of fun. Most of the students are a lot younger even than Jennie.
One, Helena from Germany, is closer to my age but the others are soooo young. We have had a lot of laughter and some confusion. But it is mostly listening and speaking which is what I need.
One teacher is Xavier. He admitted to day he is 25. Karen is a bit older, a great extrovert and very expressive, in the Occitane way.
We are encouraged not to use the dictionary, but to find another way of saying something if someone doesn't understand . A lot of interaction is encouraged. Yesterday we had speed dating! It was not something I am used to so maybe didn't ask the right questions! A lot of fun though.
Today I move from Marie's home to Clauderic's, just around the corner. Marie is a Servas host and her friend is interested in having me to stay, to try out having a Servas visitor! I have been so hot since I arrived at Marie's on Sunday night, I don't feel I have been a very good guest. I don't cope so well with the whole adventure, when I am overheated. So I hope I can do better and make a good impression.
No comments:
Post a Comment