The First Days in Aix!

        Bonjour tout le monde! I arrived in Aix-en-Provence on Tuesday, and I think I'm already in love with this town. The airplane ride wasn't pleasant at all, and I even got sick along the way. But besides that, the first two days have been the most thrilling and exciting days of my summer. When we got back from the airport, we were greeted with fresh croissants, fromage, beurre, etc. The food was absolutely amazing and way better than airplane food. After that, we had a group orientation where we went over the trip rules and such. We were given the keys to our new apartments and before I got here, I thought they were going to be small. I mean, really small. But, to my surprise, my apartment had TWO floors with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Oh, and we also have four balconies. It's pretty spectacular, to say the least.

        We had our first dinner at a small restaurant near Cours Mirabeau which is the "main street" in Aix. The food was delicious and I ate salmon lasagna. For dessert, we had tiramisu and it was TO DIE FOR. We took a walking tour before dinner and Aix gives out a sort of nostalgic feeling. You see the old buildings in such a beautiful way that you think to yourself if modernization is actually a  good thing. The outdoor markets and the flower shops are gorgeous. I even stopped by one and said "Les fleurs sont belles!" The owner smiled and said "Merci beaucoup!!" Honestly, the people here are so courteous and willing to help anyone if they're lost, or have a question. 

          Yesterday was the Fourth of July, and we ate pizza and watched "Date Night." We also took our placement tests yesterday which were not difficult at all. We had an oral part and a written part. Our electives took place today and mine is "French Conversation!" It was really fun and we made little sketches to present in French. It was a rewarding experience. 

           Now let's talk about the BEST parts of the first few days. I loved eating "shaved ice" at a local stand on Cours Mirabeau. It is the most amazing shaved ice, I've had in my entire life. Also, there was a man playing the accordion on Cours Mirabeau and the music was just simply beautiful. You will see it in the video!