Madelyn's Blog

After travelling for 35 hours, I finally made it to Pau! It took two cars, 3 planes, a bus, and a train to get me here, but I’m in one piece and have all of the bags I started with. Success. My family met me at the airport, and pretty much as soon as I dropped my bags off in my room we went to watch the two youngest kids in an end of the year play. I didn’t understand much, except something about ancient Rome and people getting stabbed. A lot. Several dozen times, actually. It was very violent for being put on by kids too young to drive. After the play we came back to the house and had a very late European dinner. Anyway, here is the run-down on my new French family:

Cecile: Mother to 5 loud kids, all of whom adore her. Very nice. Makes the best quiche I’ve ever tasted.

Jean-Bernard: Father. Owns a manufacturing company that makes parts for airplanes. Speaks English, likes to make fun of fat American animals. Has taken me under his wing and insists that I sit in the special chair next to him at dinner.

Jean-Baptiste: Oldest brother. Works with his dad for the summer, has a very pretty girlfriend.

Jeanne-Marie: Oldest sister. Haven’t met her yet, as she’s off working somewhere for the summer.

Raphaelle: Sister, my age. Very nice, and outgoing. I have a feeling she’s going to be a big help in learning what French culture is really like.

Victor: Younger brother. Helped me fix the WiFi today so I can blog. Thank you Victor!

Augusta: Little sister. Was hilarious to watch in the play tonight, and even more hilarious at home. She sings and dances and raps and I think we’re going to get along very well.

Tomorrow I have orientation at the university at 9am. It’s past midnight here, so bonne nuit!