Map

My AFS year 

   I arrived in my new family today after a two hour train ride and with no help from my six bags that put up quite the fight along the way. When I got to the station and saw the steps at the end of the platform I just stopped. No way was I getting everything down in one piece. So when my host mom turned the corner and started up the stairs I actually could not have been more relieved. Not that I knew what she looked like beforehand, but judging by her reaction I knew it was her. She didn't know what I looked like either, other than from my year old application photo. But it was probably pretty easy for her to identify the teenage girl all alone with all of her belongings and what was probably a very nervous looking face. We both pointed out the awkwardness of meeting each other and not knowing one another but she was really nice. 

   We went and took some id pictures because I'm meeting with the school's principal tomorrow and I'll need them for my cafeteria and bus card. In the car she told me a lot about her family and some of the things that will be happening in the next few weeks. We stopped at a farmers market to get fruits, vegetables, chicken and cheese for lunch. She drove slowly through the village so I could get a first impression. It's so crazy how different it is here from both Paris and Tournon. The architecture, agriculture, people...everything. The road was narrow and land stretched out on both sides for what looked like (and surely is) miles. 

   The house if really big and cute and the farthest thing out from the village. We're all alone out here in the middle of fields. (Unless you want to count the cows). My host mom joked, but was serious, that there are more cows than people in this department! Fine by me, I do love me some cheese. 

   Since it's Wednesday, the whole family was home for lunch. I took a break from unpacking my suitcases and we sat down together. Everyone was really nice, and it was a great meal. The first of many here in this home.