QAF - Questions About France (Answered)

I can't really call them FAQ, because it's really just questions that have been asked by one or two people, but they're generic questions so I figure it's worth posting the answers here.

Q: How's the weather?
A: Most days it's pretty gray, but warmer than Chicago/Ann Arbor so I can't really complain! If it's gray, it's humid - though not too bad. It's rained lightly quite a few times. Temperatures feel like the mid 40's - 50's according to my own estimation. We do get the occasional windy day, but I haven't experienced the infamous Mistral yet. Sunny days, though rare so far, are gorgeous here...

Q: What is homework like for your classes?
A: Homework thus far is laughable. The way French classes are run, you don't have graded homework assignments like you do in the States. In French universities, students have a midterm and a final in each class (that's it!) and it's up to them to keep up in class. My professors seem to have expanded on that a bit.

History of France: He didn't give us a syllabus so I can't really remember. I think it's two oral presentations and a final. Homework thus far is to read or watch French news regularly - in particular to keep up with the French politics.

History of Provence: two oral presentations, three quizzes, and a final. Homework involves reading assignments of 2-5 pages from our textbook.

Phonetics: two oral presentations, two quizzes and a final. Homework involves weekly transcriptions from written French into the phonetic alphabet.

Studio Art: midterm and final critique of work done in and outside of class. We're expected to spend 3-6 hours a week sketching outside of class... yeah, we'll see if that happens.

Q: What do you do for lunch?
A: Some days I buy lunch from the street vendors. (Getting it at a sit-down cafe would cost at least 9 euro.) When I buy lunch I generally get a slice of pizza (1.70 euro) or a cheese sandwich (3.20 euro). Maybe one of these days I'll get adventurous and go to Subway (yes, that Subway) or Crepes-A-Go-Go for one of their lunch crepes. When I take lunch with me it's protein bars (like Balance bars from home or the odd French brand, Gerlinea) and a piece of fruit. Next week, I'll probably buy a loaf of whole wheat sandwich bread and start taking various types of peanut butter sandwiches (PB&J, PB&Banana, etc.). Thanks to Mom for sending me the Jif!!! Now I don't have to try the light-colored, sketchy stuff they sell here... :o )

Q: Do you have a car?
A: No - there's really no reason to with the quality of public transportation here. I only live 20 minutes away (on foot) from the building where most of my classes are anyway so I walk most places. The French are kind of crazy drivers too and in the old town (which is really the city centre here), people will just park at the end of a street. I've seen people sitting there for 2-3 minutes honking at the car in front of them, not realizing it's parked and there's no one in it.

Q: Do you live in the city?
A: Sort of. I live in Aix according to my address, but I'm really close to the northern boundary of the city. I live in a very residential area so I have a good 20 minute walk to school. Since school is on the north end of town (in the oldest part of Aix), it's another 10 minute walk from there to the decent-sized grocery store, Monoprix... think about one fifth the size of your typical Kroger. Anything resembling an American grocery store requires a bus ride to another side of town. My host mom tells me she actually drives to a smaller town nearby to do her shopping because she hates the crowds in Aix.

Q: What is Petanque?
A: Petanque is a game much like bocci ball, but with metal balls. Does that help or do you want more explanation?

Q: How can I look French?
A: Follow these simple instructions for 20-something women. (Disclaimer: I can't make you look French, but if you follow these, you'll look pretty French to me!)
1. Get your hair somewhat long.. no super-short cuts, anyway, though there are always exceptions to the rule.
2. Get a layered/styled haircut and consider a few bangs or shorter pieces in front.
3. Dry your hair every day and part it on the side or pull it back very loosely.
4. Wear dark jeans or black pants - nothing too loose or baggy.
5. Wear a short skirt over the pants, if that's your style.
6. Wear a dark-colored turtleneck sweater with a funky collar or a zipper in front (but off-center).
7. When going out, wear a long, black wool winter coat - peacoat style, but longer.
8. This is perhaps the most important step to looking French - get a dark-colored scarf. The scarf is the accessory to have right now.
a. Fold the scarf in half end-to-end.
b. Wrap folded scarf around neck from back to front.
c. Put two ends on one side through the folded loop on the other side.
9. Wear the most comfortable (yeah, right), high leather boots with heels and pointy toes that you can find - in shoes, any color goes.
10. Don't forget the makeup and large, silver hoop earrings if your ears are pierced!

You're ready to go - just remember to always have a least one major piece of clothing be black.