Saturday, February 7, 2009

They live in a castle!?

Yesterday was unremarkable besides carrying on a full conversation with my host mom in French.  We were tres, tres American by going out for pizza and then to an Irish bar..but they really were the only place that had room for so many people.  

Today I skipped out on touristy stuff with friends because my host mom's ex-husband's dad was coming over for lunch.  He's 94 and doesn't speak a word of English but still managed to ask me about Obama..like most people do when they find out I'm American.  Speaking of Obama, the pizza place we went to had a special "Obama Pizza" which I thought was pretty silly.

Then, my host sister's friends from her university in Korea were visiting, so despite the snow we ventured out!  First, I found out that my host mom's parents live in an apartment with this view:



THEN I FOUND OUT THIS IS THEIR SECOND 'HOME' AND THEIR REAL HOUSE IS A CASTLE.  REALLY!

So, I'm trying to drop hints that I desperately want to see it!  And keeping my camera charged at all times in hopes that I get to.

Anyway, tonight we somehow got 6 euro tickets to the ballet which was neat. I don't think I've ever seen a ballet besides friend's dance recitals.  Luckily it was 3 short performances instead of one long one, so I didn't get as sleepy/bored as I feared.  Also, the Opera National de Paris (the building) was absolutely stunning.  My camera was dead by then but I'll be sure to get some pictures of it soon! 

Au revoir!  Cross your fingers that I get to see the castle soon...and thanks for all of the comments everyone!   


5 comments:

Sandy Belisle said...

OK - Your mission is to get us into that castle!!! (we'll settle for your descriptions and pictures). A homestay can be great, it can be a disaster. I am so happy that so far it sounds like your host family and residence will suit you fine - even if it's "suburbia".
FYI - for those of us in Lebanon, who have not been living in the "district" (Washington DC to us countryfolk), Paris suburbia is close enough.
Lauren - many friends and family are checking into this blog - even though they have not yet left a comment. Even your grandparents - yes, Harold and Norma - are planning on going to the library in Florida and using a computer to look at this blog. Now if that happens, many of us know what a feat that is!!!!!
Love you - Mom

Anonymous said...

Hi Lauren, Kathy had your blog on the computer when I arrived ~ otherwise I would never have found this. Sounds like you're fitting right in, even though you are combining French and Spanish. I bet within a few weeks you'll be dreaming in French-a scary thought!
Glad you made it to Montmartre and Sacre-Coeur--breath-taking. You've got to return in the spring to see all the artists at work. I climbed those stairs following a visit to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, another interesting site especially at sunset.
So, where's the castle? In "suburia"?
Like your mother, I'd settle for the pictures. I have faith in your ability to charm your way into the castle.
Enjoy - Ellie

Anonymous said...

Hi, Lauren!!! Love your blog!! I check it every day. The pictures are great!! Sure glad all has worked out for you - sounds like you are having the time of your life! Can't wait to see the pictures of the castle, as I'm sure you'll get there! Hey, I skied Okemo on Friday. As I drove down the hill to Ludlow it occurred to me that it was my first day this season going to a Mtn without Aunt Linda playing taxi-mom and taking you and I to the hill! It was great snow, though very cold that a.m. Maybe you can venture out for a day of skiing somewhere. Take good care! Aunt Kathy.

Anonymous said...

Lauren,Uncle Jean was over today and showed me your blog and I really enjoyed it. You are so lucky to spend a semester in Paris. I look forward to reading about the adventures of "Lauren in Paris". I especially look forward to speaking french with you when you get back. Love Grandmama

Anonymous said...

Bonjour Lauren,

Your mom is correct many people are probably seeing what your are up to in Paris and not commenting, as I have/ or have not as is the case. I've been lurking on your blog too.......

Enjoy your adventures, they will be lifetime mmemories.

Au Revoir!

Votre tante Francoise