I think I might be doing something like this today. For those of you who don't know this means I will be cutting on about two years (more or less) worth of hair.  Big step, especially for to have this attempted by a french woman I don't know who might not understand exactly what I want...stay tuned

STRIKE!

So due to new legislation France has taken upon itself to make this the most difficult week of my life!  That is a little small minded, it is difficult for everyone due to the strike in France.  I commend France for taking a stand. However, if you are a person living in Perpignan without a car getting around is challenging to say the least...a 40 minute walk to my school is not enjoyable at 7 am in the rain...
However my first week teaching at school was enjoyable and the children are very entertaining...also quite excitable.  Also, I bought sort of a gym membership and finally got my blood flowing--I am planning on going again today. Then tomorrow there is yoga!
Every Thursday I will be babysitting a little 4 year-old names Enzo, very sweet boy but we got off to a rocky start...it'll get better (i hope).  I'm hoping that 7 euros an hour is a good rate :P.

Lastly, I'm a little more brunette then I have every been--this was a happy accident.

good times

 Having a great time, meeting lovely people.  The two people I live with are in the last photo, they are great...I will say that I believe my clothing is a little too colorful for Europe. I walked into the patio with my orange shirt in a sea of black...worse things have happened.  Lot of great clothes here too, but I promised myself I wouldn't buy anything significant until I started making Euros...this is a major challenge.

So I start teaching next week, and my god do I have my work cut out for me...in one school so far I have 5 classes of at least 25-27 kids--all ranging from 6-11 years of age.  Funny thing is I'm actually not an assistant (as I once so foolishly presumed), I am THE one and ONLY professor.  Creator of lessons, instructor--the whole shabang.  So needless to say if you have any ideas on teaching english surely send them my way...
However, it is quite exciting--I love kids and I also love public speaking (if you know me, you know this already).  I'm looking forward to the challenge to come...

Already feeling disconnected from Moscow--not just Moscow but my friends. Because, as I have learned, it is not the town but the people--although Moscow is my home and I adore the people in it.  If you are reading this, know that I miss you and that I'm wishing I was with you now. :-).  au revoir bissou...

Perpignan

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.