First off, I have to talk about my wonderful Easter break. After slogging it out all week, finally it was time to go and spend a blissful few days with Andreas and the English family he's staying with in Chateauroux. Everything was all set, I'd booked my trains tickets in advance and I'd planned every step of the journey. Chateauroux is not far from Limoges, which is where the nearest airport is, but unfortunately there are no direct trains from Annecy, so just to make things complicated I had to go via Paris, and change trains. Obviously me being me I was worried about this, especially since I'd be doing it alone and I only had 30 minutes to get off one train at Gare de Lyon, find Gare d'Austerlitz and the right train there. Andreas, who had done the same journey after spending the weekend with me in March, told me it was easy, oh yeah the stations are well sign-posted, you'll be fine ... yeah right.
After 4 hours, I finally arrived at Gare de Lyon around 1.30. As I came off the platform and into the station, there actually were plenty of signs. I didn't realise at this point that all these signs were just saying basically "Gare d'Austerlitz - outside" so once I was out of the station, there was nothing. In a typically womanly fashion, I wandered around aimlessly trying to spot something that might help me; I had zero idea where I was nor any idea in which direction Gare d'Austerlitz was. Never in my life had I felt so lost! Ticking was ticking by, I'd already wasted 10 of my 30 minutes to get there. SERIOUS panic began to set in ... I asked several people for directions, but typically, everybody gave me different instructions. One woman, who spoke English, told me to get on a bus ... at this point, I thought I was doomed! After yet more blundering around, I ended up on a footbridge over a road. As I was crossing the bridge, I happened to look down and catch a glimpse of a sign: Gare d'Austerlitz! Woop! I went running towards it, my bag flailing, dripping with sweat, trying to keep my pants up ... it was not my best look I'll admit. After a few minutes sprinting, I finally I got there, and managed to get on the train with 3 minutes to spare. I threw myself into the seat next to a bemused Spanish man who looked at me quite worryingly. The best part was, after all my Olympian-like efforts, the train was delayed at the station for 20 minutes - if I'd known that, I could have had a leisurely walk and stopped for a coffee!!!
Anyway, my weekend with Andreas was wonderful. It felt like it had been ages since I'd seen him. On Easter Saturday we went bike riding into Neuvy, the nearest village, and stopped for the most amazing lunch at a cafe; charcuterie assortment, steak and frites, cheese plate, pudding, coffee, a bottle of wine and water for just 12 euros each! It was amazing. Needless to say I was a little unsteady on the bike afterwards ... but I managed!
I know what you're thinking, where did I get those sexy shoes?!
On Easter Sunday, we mostly just chilled out. It was a gorgeously hot day, so we spent most of our day just lazing in the sun. The day before, we had bought some things to have a picnic in one of the gardens the family owns, so we did that in the afternoon. It was lovely, very French!
On Easter Monday is when things were actually celebrated. In the morning, we all got up early to go to Easter Mass at church. Although it was far too crowded and I couldn't hear or understand much, it was really nice to be there.
A segment of the procession we failed to join, in the thing they are carrying is allegedly two drops of Jesus' blood .... allegedly.
And already, it was Tuesday, and time to go home! Time had flown by far too quickly. I really didn't want to leave, I'd had such a good time - everyone was really friendly, the weather had been great, and it was generally a lovely place. I can't believe it's already been a full week!
This month is set to be pretty busy for me. As well as my Intercalary Project, which seems to have become the bane of my life, needs to be submitted mid-May. I've changed it about a gazillon times, but hopefully what I've got is good. I want to make it good as it's the only piece of assessed work for this entire year, so basically is the mark for the year, no matter how well your languages skills have progressed or what you've learnt. So I'm working hard on it!
Also, beginning on the 15th May, Les Pensieres has a huge Vaccinology Workshop lined up. There's 135 guests from literally all over the world set to arrive, using all the bedrooms (some are even staying in neighbouring hotels) and conference suites. It's being conducted in English, so I've been roped in to help out the woman who's organising it. I'm doing crazy hours: 7-12, then 3-5, but hopefully it will be pretty good. I'm quite looking forward to it!
Lastly, I have to mention that its my little sister 18th birthday one week today that unfortunately I will not be with her to celebrate ... although I have sent presents!
Longest blog ever! I think I'm all caught up now :) xxxxx
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