Author: meghanc079

This day has been a perfect example of how even the most normal of things can blow our American minds. Our group traveled to the supermarket, the most ordinary of places, all of us were ooing and aahing at the plethora of meat choices, cheese stands, and especially at the quality of the food that was offered. Tori and I immediately bought a box of strawberries for each of us and started eating them right away. To be honest, they were the best strawberries I’ve ever eaten in my entire life. After seeing all the different vendors (butcher, baker, seafood vendor (there was no candlestick maker)), Tori and I decided to buy a baguette (again, one for each of us). It only cost us 1.80€ each!! Again, the most normal of things (in this case, bread) can be a complete wonder to us Americans. We also purchased gifts for our “mères françaises” (French mothers) because it’s Mother’s Day in France this Saturday! I got the classic box of chocolates and a card. After we were done at the market, we went back to Sainte-Ursule for a short break, and then we were off again to the “Musée de Compagnonnage,” where we learned about masters in different types of art. Specifically, things like shoemaking, hatmaking, wood-sculpting, etc. All the different amazing works of art acted as a nice reminder that America is not the only producer of wondrous objects. After the museum, our class was done for the day, but I enjoyed a nice drink (non-alcoholic, don’t worry) at the local pub with Solène, Kelly, and Kelly’s exchange student, Élise. This proves yet again how a simple act like getting a drink after school can be a bit bizarre, since we’re not used to going someplace and just getting a drink without some type of food to go with it. I’m very enthusiastic to see the simple wonders to come, as I’m sure there are plenty to discover. ~Meghan Cowen

At Saint-Ursule, you can always count on there being some sort of game going on in the central courtyard. Usually, it’s a game of volleyball, where there are as many as 8 people to each side of the court. There are often students sitting on the windowsills of the gymnasium, even though there are signs clearly stating the illegality of these actions. Over the course of the day, I often saw couples in the courtyard. When I later asked my exchange student about PDA in France, she said it was normal and that it didn’t bother anyone. These are only a few examples of the bizarre differences between French and American culture.