This weekend we went to a Chateau near the Loire Valley. It was tons of fun. When we arrived at 10:3o am we had bread, cheese, meat and wine. Then we harvested grapes for an hour. After that we walked around a bit, and had aperitifs. Then we had a 4 hour long declicious meal complete with bread and meat, salad, chicken, potatoes au gratin, a cheese plate, and for dessert apple tart, as well as more wine. We then walked around the property, and saw the donkeys. After our much needed walk, we listened to the guy who owns the chateau tell us about it, but by that time we were tired, had drank plenty of wine, and didn't really want to listen to him all in French. Then we got on our bus, and slept for most of the 2 hour bus ride home.

WOW!!! I can't believe that I have been in Paris over a week. Lots has happened since I got here. We have a ticket system for meals, and there are 3 places that we can use the tickets for. The Patisserie, Don Luigi's an italian resaurant, and the University Cafeteria. At the Patisserie,one ticket gets us a sandwich, drink, and dessert. After lunch, we came back to the Foyer and had a little meeting. After the meeting a bunch of us went to find a market. We found a really cool antique market with lots of things. Then we kept walking, and found a really cool cafe, where we got a drink. Then we saw the little Statue of Liberty. From there we turned around and saw the Eiffel Tower. So we walked to the Eiffel Tower, and looked at the huge line for going up. Then we wandered around some more, and happened on this event that was occuring for Breast Cancer. We saw French Step Aerobics. It was hilarious. After that, we went and walked to the Arc de Triomphe, then we took the metro back home. Our first weekend here has mainly consisted of going and exploring Paris, hopping on the Metro and getting off randomly to look around. We have a great guide Renan, who has been taking us around Paris and showing us some really cool stuff. Today we walked to the Eiffel Tower and around the Trocadero. School doesn't start until October 2. I took my oral exam and am happy with my placement. I have class 4 days a week. Monday 2-5, Tuesday 9-12 and 2-5, Wednesday 9-12, and Thursday 9-12. With my half day Thursday and my half day Monday I have a four day weekend every week. Its going to be pretty sweet. This weekend on Sunday we are going to harvest grapes at a winery/chateau. It should be really cool. Next week we have more touring of Paris to do, and we are also going to Versailles. I will update more next week.