So I've decided to start a blog. I think it will be beneficial for my journaling as I am online anyways--but the movie Julie and Julia also changed my perceptions of the blog. Not sure how well I will keep up with this--let's just see where this goes...
To start from the beginning I am living in the center of town or Centre Ville address: 8 rue Francois De Paule 66000 Perpignan France. My 2 roomates are fabulous, a Spanish conversation assistant, Marina, and Nicolas a Perpignan resident. Our apartment is quite international...Nicolas has been living in Perpignan for a while and has many friends and connections (which is good for staying out until 4:30).
Arriving in Perpignan was quite another story, all flights on time (barely), train was manageable, and hotel and hostel gross gross. However traveling alone with a large suitcase, hiking backpack, laptop and purse--VERY trying, wouldn't recommend it. The money you save my taking a cheap flight into Paris and 5-6hour train ride to Perpignan, almost (really almost) doesn't seem worth it. But alas, I am here and settling--day by day my life seems more normal here in Perpignan.
In French culture the tradition of the cheek and cheek kiss. I love this... Max 5-6 ppl in the room and you take the time to acknowedge each one, it makes it more personable. These traditions vary everywhere even within the same country. In Bordeaux you kiss each person four times, twice each cheek... Here is the kicker my Spanish roommate said in Spain a room containing 10ppl or more, you take the time to kiss EACH one on both sides. Then you have Russia where a kiss on the lips is common for each person...incroyable.
