The Ugly American

My time in Lille will definitely be an interesting experience. Right now, however, it's like being a college freshman again...simply because there are so many unknowns. Last night was not exactly uneventful. Since classes have not begun yet, I have a lot of time at the apartment to go on my computer, or watch TV, or sleep...etc. My host mother is very nice, but we basically stay in our rooms. It's a very small apartment. It's kind of nice in a way, though- I'm still recovering from jet lag. I was incredibly sick last night, perhaps from a virus and not jet lag...but it's easier to assume the latter. After I had slept for the first time in about 48 hours, I did feel a bit better. I'm still not feeling great, but I was able to go into the city. My host mother showed me where the bus stop was last night so I would know what to do today. Well, I left the apartment around 12:15 for the bus at 12:36...it's about a 10 minute walk to the stop. I was just outside when I realized I forgot my purse, so I ran back inside. By the time I left again it was after 12:20. I hurried to the stop and saw a bus coming. This was about 4 minutes before it said mine was supposed to arrive (I ride on line 12) so I just got on thinking this was the correct one. Wrong! I was on a bus on line 54. The driver was soooo nice. I showed him my map and tried to explain where I was going. In spite of my horrible French, he was able to help me. It ended up being an easy fix- he told me which stop to get off in order to get line12 to my destination. I felt like the ugly American. But this story just proves that not all French people are rude. I've had great experiences so far with the nicest French men who have been able to help me- a confused American who has little idea where she is going or what she is supposed to be doing. I love these guys!

Anyway, I went into the city to meet with Mme Bray, who is charge of the international students who come to Lille, and ended up running into Josh and his friend Matt. We all went to The Dog (really, I kid you not) to get lunch.  I was supposed to meet Becky and Brie, but apparently just missed them. So, I decided to explore by myself. I went to Printemps and some other shops in the Grand' Place. I was a little unsure when I should get back, but when I was close to the stop again, I had to run to meet the bus. I could have probably let it go and caught another one, but I knew it was on line 12 and wanted to avoid waiting.

I'm now back in my room watching Law and Order dubbed in French. Oh, France...you make me laugh.