This week has seemed like a long one, I feel like I’ve been living here longer than I have! I think that’s because there is so much to get used to, and I’ve spent a fair amount of time getting to know my landlady, Michèle, and her 35-year-old daughter, Jannick, who is going to live in England for a year, from this Wednesday onwards.
I have a new housemate! Her name is Manqi, and she’s a Chinese Christian student. We met her at church last Sunday where we learnt that she was staying temporarily with some friends-of-friends in Rennes while trying to find more permanent accommodation, but she felt she was outstaying her welcome a bit. So Michèle suggested that since Andrew hadn’t arrived yet, she could stay with us until she found something if she wanted to. On Monday evening I returned home to find Manqi in the living room! She proceeded to try and find somewhere else to stay but it was proving difficult, so Jannick suggested to her Mum that Manqi lives in her room while she’s away. Not only does she have Jannick’s room, but it’s part of a whole side section to the house which comes off the living room including a small kitchen, living room and bathroom, so she’s struck gold! We get along very well and I’m pleased she’s staying here.
This week we had Michèle’s granddaughter to stay for a week – a really cute four-year-old. I have never seen a child smile so much over the consumption of cheese! Cheese was the treat she asked for more of after meals. Her little brother of 22 months was the same the day they dropped her off – he asked a number of times for more Camembert!! I’m learning a lot about the French culture already through this family, but especially about how they teach their children to eat.
Michèle looks after 4 other children during the week at varying hours of the day, and in varying numbers. The downside being that in this house you can hear everything (there are no carpets, and barely any curtains). I didn’t realise how much children cry and make loud noises and do silly things they have to be told off about! Ah well, it’s good for me to learn, and I like children, but I think I’ll work in the office at uni quite a bit if I can!
This week on Tuesday I was really pleased with myself. I managed to sort out various administrative proceedings in various locations and it all went relatively smoothly. I could feel the difference in my language level and cultural knowledge as I went about the tasks, it was easier than two years ago.
I’ve actually browsed the supermarket quite a lot this week, it’s so big – each time I go I discover a new aisle that I didn’t think they had! The other day I decided it was a good idea to buy some more skin-coloured tights to wear with my skirts, but I spent a long time trying to work out which ones were the ones I wanted. I won’t bore you with the details, but I was astounded to see how a simple task became so complicated in another culture. I still
On Thursday we signed our contracts which went well, but there wasn’t much else to do as the man in charge of us wasn’t available until Friday afternoon. Friday afternoon went well too, so thanks for your prayers. After an unsure start (no response from the man we were supposed to be meeting) we were warmly welcomed, and the head of the department already knew our names and said if we have even the smallest worry his door is open. In terms of some things there’s a lack of organisation which could prove difficult (we’ll see next week), but it’s nice that they’re friendly. I start teaching on Monday 12th Sept.
Other bits and bobs...
- I went to see a Spanish film subtitled in French(!) at the cinema and it wasn’t my sort of film but I could appreciate that it was a clever storyline and well put together anyway.
- I enjoyed a delicious ice cream on Friday afternoon in bright sunshine :)
Michèle looks after 4 other children during the week at varying hours of the day, and in varying numbers. The downside being that in this house you can hear everything (there are no carpets, and barely any curtains). I didn’t realise how much children cry and make loud noises and do silly things they have to be told off about! Ah well, it’s good for me to learn, and I like children, but I think I’ll work in the office at uni quite a bit if I can!
This week on Tuesday I was really pleased with myself. I managed to sort out various administrative proceedings in various locations and it all went relatively smoothly. I could feel the difference in my language level and cultural knowledge as I went about the tasks, it was easier than two years ago.
I’ve actually browsed the supermarket quite a lot this week, it’s so big – each time I go I discover a new aisle that I didn’t think they had! The other day I decided it was a good idea to buy some more skin-coloured tights to wear with my skirts, but I spent a long time trying to work out which ones were the ones I wanted. I won’t bore you with the details, but I was astounded to see how a simple task became so complicated in another culture. I still
won’t know if they’re right ‘til I put them on!
On Thursday we signed our contracts which went well, but there wasn’t much else to do as the man in charge of us wasn’t available until Friday afternoon. Friday afternoon went well too, so thanks for your prayers. After an unsure start (no response from the man we were supposed to be meeting) we were warmly welcomed, and the head of the department already knew our names and said if we have even the smallest worry his door is open. In terms of some things there’s a lack of organisation which could prove difficult (we’ll see next week), but it’s nice that they’re friendly. I start teaching on Monday 12th Sept.
Other bits and bobs...
- I enjoyed a delicious ice cream on Friday afternoon in bright sunshine :)
- I met a lovely Christian girl who works with one of the student groups in Rennes.
- I’ve discovered a lovely park nearby, and went on a mini adventure to find ‘Rue d’Angleterre’ (England Street). It was a lovely street with large picturesque houses. One house even had a mini house for its post!
Fiona x
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