Today I...

...slept in.
...started thinking in mixed French and English.
...walked a little slower.
...went to the travel agent and got a train ticket to Paris speaking only in French.
...figured out my French clothing size.
...found French clothes. (So much more fun to shop for French clothes than plain old American clothes!)
...had an entire conversation with the saleslady about which size to get or whether to have something tailored - in French.
...stopped having to wear my bright purple fleece jacket...
......because I found a black coat for 100 euro off the original price.
...started remembering words that usually escape me at the perfect moment.
...wore sunglasses and looked around.

Today was a really good day. :o )

Site Update

Added current weather to the Around Aix page...

In other news, went to a swing dance (w/ lessons) last night and had a great time, but can't write now because I have to go work on a Phonetics presentation that's due today. more later...

Clarifications

1. The French phone system may be messed up but they definitely have one advantage over the States - all incoming calls to cell phones are free! :o )

2. No one actually asked me how they can look French - I just rearranged the actual question of how the French students dress.

3. Though I complain about French inefficiency, Michelle is right that it's an indicator of how laid back they are which can be very nice at times - like when they let you sit in a cafe for lunch for 3 hours and think nothing of it. They don't even bring the check until you ask for it so there's no pressure - no rush to kick you out. It would even be the same if you just bought a cup of coffee...

Travels - Marseille (ok, not really traveling) :o )

Round-trip bus ticket to Marseille for 9.20 euro - not worth it

Walking 1.5 hours to get to the ghetto flea market reputed to be "Algeria in France" or "the place where people go to sell the stuff they stole during the week" - only worth it for the exercise (didn't even get pictures cause I was afraid to lift a hand from my purse)

Taking the bus back to the city centre for 1.50 euro - SO worth it

6 oz. of orange juice for 1.50 euro - not worth it

Best meal I've had in Aix for 13.50 euro - Totally worth it
(parmesan risotto, cafe au lait and ice cream)

Walking 30 minutes back home - more exercise

2 hour nap at 4:30 in the afternoon - heaven