Pauvre Américaine

Yesterday was my first day of actual class at Sciences Po and I was having mild panic attacks about having to speak French in front of French people all weekend (just ask my roommate, Casey).  In a university that claims to be 40% international, I ended up being the only non-French student in my very first class (at 8am no less).  Sitting in that room was probably one of the most terrifying things I have ever done, trying to formulate what to say to introduce myself was impossible.  Although everyone gave me "poor you" looks when I said I was American, thankfully no one was mean or condescending about my less than parfait French skills.  Despite the fact that there are no other international students in my class, one of the great things about Sciences Po is that every student is required to go abroad for their third year.  In other words, the students in my class realize that a year from now, they will be in my position. They will probably be sitting in a New York dorm room crying to their mom via skype because they didn't understand the slang the cashier used when they were trying to buy tacos from a taco truck.  I'm still terrified of my class, giving two exposés in French will certainly warrant a few heart attack moments but its comforting to know that this feeling is universal for anyone who goes abroad.


La vie est dure:

Bank Hours: Bank hours? What bank hours? you mean the 2 hours a day where you can actually get someone to talk to you about how you need money wired internationally or a bank card that works. The 35 hour work week strikes again (actually more like the 2 hour lunch break that closes the entire bank branch).

Flashers: Yes, flashers are universal...they just seem more exuberant in Paris.  If you go on a Seine boat tour, be prepared to see a different kind of Eiffel Tower.