Snails!

Why the random title you ask? Well, I’m in France aren’t I? Ok, so we went to the market on Saturday and saw pre-prepared snails (or escargots) so we thought we’d try them. So that evening, amid wine and amazing apple and Armagnac pie, we (Dana, Lisa, Deborah and I) ate snails. It was…interesting. I had snails years ago on a school trip in Year 6 and really enjoyed them then, but these ones seemed different. They were ok, but I don’t think I could get out of my head that I was eating something that is generally slimy and icky! Weird, huh?

On Saturday, we also went to an ‘Artisan Fair’. This was also a bit strange, and not worth the 7 euros to get in! Dana and I bought these very pretty hair things that keep your hair in a chignon…can’t get mine to work too well, but it looks pretty J. The food hall was the best bit though – especially when some guy is giving free samples of very potent aperitif alcohol in cherry and sangria flavour. Two less-than-shots later, starting to feel pretty good and more than a little ‘muzzy’! Not that I’m a lightweight or anything! The food hall is where we bought the apple pie, which really was delicious – the Armagnac gave it a little extra something and the pastry was all light and flaky. Very nice J

On Friday, we got together with as many of the Chartres assistants as we could for dinner – the 9 month-ers had just had their first day you see, so we wanted to all discuss how it was going, lesson plans etc, and just generally be sociable. So we went for an Indian – how French we are! It wasn’t great though – and they didn’t give us poppadoms! The French can’t do anything right!

This last week I’ve had a slightly fuller week of teaching – but I’m yet to have a full week – we had another orientation on Thursday. I’m still enjoying it though! Less tired too so that’s good. With the CE2s we’re doing colours and animals and a little of the numbers and alphabet. They’re starting to get there, and are so cute about it! The CM1s are doing ‘my name is’ ‘my address is’ and ‘my telephone number is’ and the CM2s are doing pretty much the same but it might just be revision. I’m getting involved mostly with the CE2s – basically teaching them, but the other two levels I’m just acting as the assistant – I go round and help them with their work, answer their questions (or try to! My French isn’t that good yet!) and give them a tick/look over what they’ve done. Joanne still does most of the teaching, but I think she wants us to have equal status in the classroom. I want to do a bit, but I’m very happy just assisting at the moment, and teaching a little when I know what’s going on/what I’m supposed to be doing!

Internet in about 2 weeks hopefully!...Just in time for me to come home :P Yes, I’m back in Angleterre on the 26^th of October, for Toussaint (All Saint’s Holiday). Feeling like I should really be staying in France, but I’ve got Paul to think about – it’s not fair on him if I stay. But I’m thinking about staying and maybe doing a bit of travelling in the Winter Break (February). I need to improve my French and I can’t do that in England!

Think that’s all for now,

Much love

Nielle