Now that I've actually lived and gone to school in two completly different places here in France, I have been able to compare and contrast the different lifestyles of the country and the mountains. There are a bunch of obvious things like the variations in the architecture and the specialty foods that are eaten, but when looking at the big picture pretty much everything feels the same! I still eat stinky cheese at 9 p.m and go to a cafe practically every day. Just what I imagined a year ago when I was wasn't even sure if I could have this wonderful opportunity! One of the unfortunate things about France is how incredibly expensive it is to live here. I keep forgetting that the euro is worth more than the dollar.... Yesterday I spent my whole months budget on clothes.... Whoopsies!

School, oh school. I go to lycée saint Joseph, a private catholic school! Me? catholic school?? But you wouldn't guess it if you didn't know, there aren't any nuns or crosses and such. I think it's a great school... If you're an exchange student. The first day I got there, an English boy who has lived in France most of his life told me that I was in for hours of homework every night! I had a panic attack, I'm used to homework, but not in French! When I arrived at my first class, I was glad to find three other exchange students in my tiny class of 12. One from brazil, one from Argentina, and another American. One of the first things I asked about was the homework, they laughed and said "we don't get any" :) just for now. I think I'm going to have a good school year here, and I'll do the homework later!

!the view out my science class window

Perigueux! I love this city

I have moved to a new family near Perigueux! So far, I think I like it here :) it is very old and beautiful. On Tuesday I will be starting school in France for the second time, which is kind of a bummer. I had to leave all my new friends behind and I'm getting bumped up from seconde to premier! That means more homework in French.

Saying goodbye to Marignier friends! 

A view out the window in my new home

The view out my window

Hello everyone :)
I have been in France for over a week now, but have not had much time on the computer. So far, it's great! The food is amazing, even the airplane food seemed gourmet. My high school is very large, but only has about 1000 kids in it. There are three seperate buildings and five stories! Needless to say, I get a good workout during the 10 hour school day. Many of the girls in my class love to ask me all about NYC and LA, I'm still working on telling them there's much more to the US than those two cities.

 a nearby church

 switzerland! in paris!

Just got some pictures of my welcome family and where I will be staying! Looks awesome :)