I know I didn’t post the first few days of me being here, but it’s been fast and exciting so I tend to forget my plans. We’ve been exploring so much of the city and walking everywhere, like I have done more than 15,000 steps a day (let’s get those legs in shape).
(1/5) Thursday, we did our orientation. But first, and the most important, we took our placement exam for classes for the semester. I think I did well enough to not be in too low of classes but it’s a waiting game until Tuesday when it’s posted. La Vague is one of their on campus dining options which is the equivalent to USP at EKU, but food wise-so much better, extremely. For about 3 euro I got a giant plate of food, plus two sides and bread. Works for me!
I walked home for the first time this day which was so terrifying, but I made it with my salad and other things tucked away in my backpack. I relaxed and all was well. (Especially since the cat likes me)
(1/6) Yesterday, we took the bus with our USAC coordinators so we could see parts of the town with them (fresh market, church, tourism office, etc). After, around 11:30 or so we met with the Vice Mayor of Pau. We were supposed to meet with the mayor, but ya know, he’s a busy man. Anyway, we were welcomed and given bags with Pau on them; inside were maps and a super cool wooden pen. The ceremony closed with the wine of the region, Jurançon, some chocolates, cookies, and chips.
After this, we were left to our own devices. Eating lunch at a cute restaurant (croque poulet), riding the ferris wheel downtown and finding the best macaroons ever. We ended at the supermarket where everyone bought their dinner and parted ways.
(1/7) Today was just as long as yesterday and is still going! We took a tour with a professional (?), which was very unprofessional as she stopped multiple times to speak to friends but apparently, that’s a very French thing to do. Weird. We learned more about the Château de Pau, which is very beautiful. However, it was freezing outside and everyone’s toes were close to falling off their feet.
We went to the market in more detail this time. We tried cakes, cheeses, meats and fruits of the local area. It was such a great experience it helped us understand the region more and how to go about shopping in markets. Some cheese was questionable (sheep) and some meat (idk the name), but overall a good experience. Lunch again, this time just a crêpe, but we have come to realize the French don’t drink water, or if they do they don’t drink a lot? It sucks because we all want water all the time.
We went out, most of our first times legally at a bar. It was fun, we talked and talked about our universities, significant others, family and the reasons we came to France. We explored and bar hopped just to make the experience better we were intoxicated trying to find our way home. I remember last night but it most definitely was a struggle.
As a group, we’ve been bonding by exploring the city and what it has to offer while we’re here for the next four months. Between figuring out bus passes, ordering food and finding our way back it’s been an enjoyable and eye-opening experience so far.
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