Of Food, Fashion & la Fac

Greetings friends!

I've had a bad bout of writer's block lately, but I'm back! 

The beautiful Château d'Azay-le-Rideau.
 Seems to me something out of a storybook!

I’m starting to get into a bit of a routine in regards to classes, though there is much that continues to boggle me.  I’ve learned that in France it’s not unusual to show up for a class that doesn’t exist, or that has unbeknownst to me, changed times, or has been cancelled with no prior warning. Their classes are less time-consuming than in Canada, hence I’m taking 8 classes instead of my usual 5 at Laurier. I’ve been biking 3.2 kilometers each way to class, which really gets me moving, especially at 7:30 in the morning!

I am continuing to enjoy (possibly too much) the delights of French cuisine. I’ve set a goal of trying a new French cheese every week, and every time I succeed in beating the French administrative system, I award myself a wonderful flaky and buttery pastry. While French women may not get fat, Canadian ones do, so thank goodness for my bicycle and “butt, thighs and abs” classes! I’ve also managed to find a few home comforts as well. Last night my neighbor Chelsea and I made homemade mac & cheese (as Kraft Dinner sadly isn’t a French food staple), and finding cheddar cheese was surprisingly a great struggle! However, I did purchase some “American-style” bread (I can only devour so many baguettes a day) and (*drumroll please*) a precious bottle of Canadian maple syrup! Nevertheless, it is evident that I will not go hungry in this beautiful land of abundant, deliciously and affordable food!

Yours truly at the Botanical Gardens of Tours

I also wanted to comment on French fashion choices. As I’m clearly a contender for What Not To Wear, I’ve been casually observing the French dress. The scarf is a chic fashion must and I’ve been slowly adding to my closet a few of these trendy and versatile accessories. A few other curious things- everyone owns a denim jacket! I’ve always thought of this as a moms-stuck-in-80s clothing item but clearly it’s making a comeback! I’ve also been rather confused by boots as a fashion item. Personally, I’ve only worn boots when it’s minus 20 with the wind-chill and I’m thigh-deep in snow. Yet, I am now in possession of both new boots and a new coat, european style, so I am ready for autumn!

Tour Charlemagne and Basilique St. Martin

It was one month ago today that I arrived in Tours, I can’t believe how fast time has gone! I have about 8 more months to create as many wonderful experiences as possible and cram as much French into my brain! I’m so looking forward to the month of October as I will be heading to Dublin, Ireland with some of my new friends, then Mont. St. Michel on a school trip and finally London, UK with my dad for fall Reading Week!

Yours in cheese & pastry,

Z <3