Sometimes not so easy of a ride

Saturday June 12th
Today, I was able to make it on time to the morning meeting. We talked about the films we would be studying and it became all very exciting, because Sonia, the other student, and I were able to meet our teachers. It was nice to speak with them about our favorite movies and our assignments. The meeting was very informal and was set to a picnic.

During this period I finally felt like I really was thousands of miles away from home. It was a time for me to finally relax and enjoy the surrounding and the company around me. The picnic lasted a bit longer then intended (I didn't mind) that we missed the concert and bike ride that we were going to go on... It was nice to have some free time... to go and explore. Sonia and I ended up at the Cinema Bastille... to watch Easy Rider. (Dennis Hoper)

I had never seen the film, but it truly struck a chord with me. I am always interested 1. in road movies and 2. in flims that have Louisiana in them. Watching it in a parisian cinema with a grainy screen was an experience i'm glad that I didn't miss.

After that, What else? Crepes!!!! Then Sonia and I muddled our way (ON FOOT) back to Saint Mande, then stopped in a cafe for some Juice and Chocolate Mousse... then back to our homestays to get some sleep.

Sunday June 13th
The day started with an 830 run avec Sonia. It was nice, but short. I didn't last but 20 minutes... I'm still on sleep and eat schedule. Not bad, but If I wanna be able to survive 7 weeks a Paris I need to be able to do my stress run.

Any who... the run was in a beautiful park a street from my homestay. It was lovely and cool. When I came back I ran into my host parents and they were as sweet as could be.

Next, Sonia and I made it back up to the heart of the city to see some sights and eat lunch. We visited Notre Dame and walked around that area a bit, walked through some parks, and walked along the Seine. We ran into this friendly tourist from Boston, who chated us up so we could take a picture of him infront of ... (i'm not quite sure what the building was)....

After lunch, we need to rush back because we were suppose to meet our program director in order to go to the concert. 15 minutes late (pas mal) it's french time. We checked out the confusing french bikes, but did not make it in time to go to the concert, so Sonia and I, after a confusing tranaction once agian with the bikes, went on a quest to find Ice Cream. 3 miles later (It was a sunday) we found a place.

After the walk back, we watched our first film for class. Conte d'ete (A Summer's Tale by Eric Rohmer) I'm still sifting through my toughts, but I thought it was a lovely film. I felt connected to all of the characters. At the beginning my feelings were a little bias, but each character changed throughout the film. I thought the preformances were truthful...and it was entertaining.

I a little tired... and I have another full day tomorrow..

Au Revoir