Session four has begun, and as usual there’s no rest for the weary. The new kids are older and seem more mature so far than the previous groups. The nicknames are hilarious as usual, and among my favorites are Mrs. Catastrophe (hence the title), Dinner Roll and Roadkill.
We have 47 kids this time around, and I have one of the largest ESL classes, with 13 kids. They are all really bright and attentive though, so no problems yet! Teaching is still so exhilarating but I definitely have more appreciation for all my past teachers and current professors. Teaching is tough business!
My day off is in two days, and although the session has just started I’m really looking forward to it. For the third time I decided to take my first day off on the day of the Mont St. Michel trip, for obvious reasons. Having the freedom to either go along but break free of the pack as soon as we get there or not go at all, if the weather is nice enough in La Mazure, is close to magical.
I’m hoping that it will be hot and sunny then, like today, and I’ll be able to stay on-site in peace, soaking up the sun and finishing “Catching Fire”, the second book in the extremely addictive Hunger Games series. Seriously, I could not put these books down! Check them out if you haven’t already. I just found out that Stanley Tucci, one of my favorite actors, is going to be in the movie! I can’t wait to see what they do with it.
I have only 10 days left here, which is insane. Time has flown as it so often does for me in Europe, and before I know it I’ll be landing in the Boston airport and rushing to South Station to meet my best friend Lindsey and grab a quick catch-up lunch before she flies across country and I take a bus back to University. Life is crazy in the way that it wooshes past if you’re not paying attention.
The funny thing about Europe, and I’ve heard this same sentiment from several people, is that as soon as you get back, you start devising ways to get back quickly and cheaply. I am not sure whether I’ll be coming back to American Village next summer. It all depends on whether I have the big-girl journalism job I’m gunning for in Boston or not.
Either way, I know that my travel time is not yet over, and probably never will be. My ideal profession is that of a travel writer, one who can traverse the world with only the weight of their pen and get by happily doing so.
In the next week and a half I plan to take in everything about this beautiful and unique place, from the thick French accents to the crunchy baguettes with miel (honey) to the chilly lake and sounds of donkey brays in the field next to the gite (my apartment, basically).
I can’t miss a single moment or sensation while I’m here, because as much as I am ready and excited to being my final undergrad school year, just like Bulgaria La Mazure has carved a deep niche in my heart that won’t be replaced by anything else.
I’ve picked up working on my novel again recently. It’s still nowhere near ready to share with anyone but a select few but I love the random inspiration I get sometimes. I spent an afternoon during inter-session writing on the dock in the hot, unusual Normandie sun and made some great progress.
I’m starting an advanced creative writing course in the fall so I have to be prepared! What are you collegiettes looking forward to this fall? Have you started your summer reading? I know I’m behind but I plan to catch up quickly.
So here I am, a few short days away from the U.S. of A. It’s bittersweet but I refuse to dwell on sadness now. Goodbyes can be put off until the very last moment.
As always, Kay Away is there.
I’m off to take out some paddleboats (pedalos) with the kids! For now, Clementine.