Bonne Année

Bonne Année

Oh boy, it’s been a LONG time since I’ve used an American keyboard... this should be really interesting. Hehe. Please excuse any and all typos.

I got back to Nantes this afternoon just before 4PM. The trip took almost exactly 4 hours and went by w/o a hitch. I really enjoy taking the train; it’s easy and relaxing. I listened to the MP3 player Mathieu had lent me, and that always makes the time much more enjoyable. I lucked out and had a rain-free day.

So this was definitely a Christmas unlike any other for me. I arrived into the train station in Brest on Saturday Dec. 23 and was greeted by Christine and her 3 girls: Marie (9), Claire (5) and Salomé (3). Since they live in Landéda, about 30 minutes outside of Brest in the countryside we took advantage of being in the city and did a little tour of the Marche de Noёl (Christmas Market). There were little rides for the girls to go on etc… It was getting dark by 5 when we headed towards their home.

The time spent in Landéda was very nice, reclusive, and relaxing… just what I was in need of. We took walks along the beach and in the dunes when the weather permitted and enjoyed time by the fire on rainy days. Poor Claire sprained her ankle and the doctor put her in a cast for 3 weeks, so she was significantly limited with what she was able to do. Ever the Super-Mom, Christine still came up with fun activities to keep everyone entertained. It was really funny for me to see the girls enjoying some of the same activities I played as a little girl 15 years ago (Playdough, plaster and molds to paint, Old Maid cards etc…).
Christmas dinner was wonderful; I had 30 oysters on the half shell in 2 days!!! Wonderful wine and seafood to enjoy. Unfortunately, I got pretty sick and was throwing up for 3 days and also had flu-like symptoms, so that did sort of put a damper on things. Thank goodness I wasn’t off traveling around, staying in a hostel, catching trains and busses. Instead I was in a cozy home able to rest.

I did quite a bit of reading: Reservation Blues by Sherman Alexi, The Plot Against America by Philip Roth, In America by Susan Sontag, and Et si c’etait vrai by Marc Levy (this book was made into a movie about a year or so ago; Reese Witherspoon played the lead female role). I was also able to spend a good amount of time on the internet in the evening keeping in touch with friends and family at home.

We went to the big aquarium one day, which I thoroughly enjoyed. They had 3 exhibitions: Tropical, Temperate (things you’d find right in the waters in and surrounding Brest), and Polar. There were 2 different sites with seals (which, hehe, the French pronounce as "fucks"; I’m 25 and still get a kick out of that one). They also had penguins, and I don’t know if I’ve ever seen them in real life before. Of course I especially enjoyed the beautiful sea turtle and got some great shots of her.

New Year’s ended up being one of the best parties I’ve ever been to. These people definitely have it down! It was held at friends of Christine’s who live in an old farm that has been completely renovated. There was a huge area cleared out for dancing and the buffet; even with 25 guests, the house still seemed spacious. The food was amazing starting with more oysters, lobster and shrimp, smoked salmon; then followed by meats such as foie gras, magre de canard, and another type of smoked duck, I think. Then cheeses and red wines (we all started off with Champagne, then white wine with the sea food and foie gras). Then they cleared out even more space and dimmed the lights for the dancing to begin. One of the guys had all of his own official DJ equipment with HUGE speakers. The party lasted (as well as the Champagne) until after 6AM!! There was a woman from Ireland who I enjoyed talking to (I also enjoyed eating the Cheese Cake she brought made with real Philadelphia cream cheese from London) and a couple from Tuscany.

Also during my visit, I went to the movies for the first time since being in France. We saw a children’s movie called Asur et Azmar the newest animation by Michel Ocelot. I absolutely LOVED it. I can’t imagine a film like this ever being released for children in the States; actually his last one Kirikou was banned since it showed women’s breasts (it was set in Africa). Typical of what I’d expect from U.S. censorship. Here’s a film for kids that has a message and something to say, is artistic and unique and we freakin’ ban it.
Yesterday Fred picked me up to spend the day in Brest so I’d get out a little bit and be that much closer to the train station today. It was fun to get to see the area where my Dad spent his 7 months in France last year. I met his neighbors (that’s where the New Year’s party was), got to see some of his regular hiking and biking routes, and the restaurant he so enjoyed while there. I felt like I was retracing his steps. Everyone I encountered who knows him had so many nice things to say and of course they commented on how much he loves France and, above all, French wine!

Now I’m back "home" and don’t quite know what I’ll do for the rest of the week. Jenny is the first to get back (she gets in on Sat.) and Lou and Jesse get in on Monday, I think. I for sure need to clean my room and do some errands etc… lesson plans, maybe a swim one day. We’ll see. To everyone who sent me a Chrismas card, Merci beaucoup! It made me feel not so far away and alone…. always nice when you’re abroad especially during the holidays (:
I hope the new year is full of pleasant surprises, rewarded success, happy moments spent with loved ones, and santé.

Love to you all, Elizabeth

P.S. I have a TON of pics to upload and will try to get to it this week. I’m even missing some from London. This site is weird and sometimes decides it just doesn’t want to post any more pictures. Boo!