Alors, in this post I will summarize the month of May... A busy month indeed, and a productive one if I do say so myself!! As many know I continually strive to feel productive and get antsy if I feel bored for too long... so why the procrastination then?? Um, great question, I will have to ponder that one.
The month of May proved profitable with a busier than usual schedule and outlook. Here are the highlights:
Well for starters the end of May marked the official 6 month mark!!! I am no longer a traveller nor explorer abroad, but I actually live in France -complete with a bank account, health card number, family physician, ENT specialist, employment in a French company, and volunteering for a non-profit French group (well English focused anyways)...
It is quite interesting and somewhat intriguing as the 6 month mark in the adjustment process, at least from a psychological standpoint (but hey I am a psychology nut), is an integral step and one where there is greater acceptance and peace with the process as a whole. This has proved very true for me, and I am feeling like I fit into this frenchie world more and more each day.
So to celebrate the half way mark from my original goal of making it to one year in France, I finally enrolled in French school! A one month course at Alliance Française, et vraiment cher, but a great experience nonetheless. I was assessed at a language level of A2N3, which is near an intermediate level; so a pat on the back for the french girl in me! Unfortunately though, I could not continue further as the summer is filled with other adventures.... but more on that later.
At the beginning of the month I also responded to an ad looking for volunteers to host English dinners for an English club in Lyon, called Act4. I met with the director and signed on to be a volunteer!! I had attended a dinner with the group a few months back, as the only native English speaker, aside from the host of the dinner, and loved the concept! Let me clarify though, as in my hosting duties I am not responsible for making dinner, and thankfully so, as it would be a short volunteer stint otherwise ;) But I am responsible for hosting dinners at a pre-selected restaurant in the city and planning fun English activities for the night.
I co-hosted a dinner with the director during the middle of May, and then officially hosted or 'animated' (as I am called an 'Animator' ~ sounds so extroverted!), my first solo dinner at the end of May. Much fun was had, with delicious food, great conversation and of course wine; but where else but in France can you indulge in wine while volunteering!!
The month of May also brought out my social side and I hung out with some authentic french amis and people I have met in my time here so far. A few cinema visits, events and dinners lead way for a fun opportunity to practice my english accented french!
Just before the end of the month I took a short trip to London to see some old Maryvale friends, complete with a Stanstead airport terminal adventure, and much missed and appreciated girl gossip; but I will save that for a new post!
And at last, the end of the month proved busiest with me buying my very own used French voiture, a Peugeot; automatic of course ;) and a European GPS (otherwise I would not be writing this blog as I would be stranded somewhere lost and confused and out of gas literally and figuratively)! A short jaunt through the city streets of Lyon, and then on the May 31st I set out for a road trip to the south of France to see my friend Tefta (but that deserves its very own blog entry)!!
The end of May also brought about the end of my contract at Vinatier. My first official french job came to an end, after 4 months of renewed contracts. A memorable experience and one that shed much insight and appreciation; so I bid a heartfelt thank-you to my Vinatier colleagues for their kindness and support!
Well that is the month of May in a nutshell! Not bad for a girl in a new world, with a new language and outlook!
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