A Little Eccentric

Mais oui!

Bonjour, tout le monde!
I believe Jeff hit the nail on the head in analyzing the character of France. They are exactly like that! Rioting in the streets through all the school days, on then on weekends, it’s time for chocolate! Or wine! Or bread and cheese! But you know, all those things are almost worth putting up with all the other stuff.

This week was no different. The strikes are continuing and it is hard not to get all depressed going to my worthless, terribly confusing classes in between fun-filled weekends. In CPE news, the law is set to pass and unions and student groups are still threatening action, but get this: they are not going to do anything until after Easter. Basically, these passionate, earnest, driven strikers who have been shutting the whole country down every week still want their Spring Break. Shows how much they really care about the cause versus how fun it is to march and protest when its convenient, doesn’t it? And the worst part is, they are going to get what they want. After all this crap, the government is still negotiating with them and the stupid law may get rescinded or watered down after all. This is enough to drive any sane person mad, which is where I feel I’m headed half the time living here.
Fortunately tomorrow I have my wonderful class, (the only one I like) Histoire de l’Art, taught by an extremely intelligent, enthusiastic and entertaining Frenchman. It is the only class I am really learning in, and I really enjoy it. Art has always been my saving grace, and is proving again to be just that. Also, our final test is a test on Impressionism! I could take a test on impressionism in any language and ace it.
Last night was great. Tchykita and I went to the fabulous Chez Leon (a Brussels-originated restaurant that specializes in moules ) for dinner. My dad was kind enough to send us 50 Euros specifically to go there since we were unable to get moules when my family was here visiting. We splurged, getting two delicious plates of moules with a pitcher of rose wine. (It is kind of funny, Tchykita likes white wine and I like red, but we both like rose. It really is the perfect compromise). After finishing my huge plate of moules a la escargot gratinee (mussels with butter, garlic basil and cheese), the manager came over and offered me a second plate for free. There was nothing about this on the menu, but how could I resist? I got another whole huge plate of moules avec tomate et mozzarella (mussels with tomato sauce and mozzarella) next, for free. Tchykita got moules avec des fruits de mer (mussels with calamari and prawns) and thouroughly enjoyed it. We were positively stuffed and road the bus home full and happy. Thanks so much, Dad! You totally made my day.
Also, my Grandma called and we got to have nice long talk. It was great and really went towards cheering me up even more. Knowing my family and friends are there for me makes me feel so much better about all the stuff I have to go through here. Thanks so much, Grandma!!!

posted by Molly Jo @ 5:45 AM