"Se Vanter"=To Brag

Bonjour! I don't know where to start-I'm at a loss for words to describe how amazing it has been so far. The French family I'm living with is absolutely amazing! The father and mother are so welcoming and down to earth. I already feel so comfortable here! And the kids, the kids are perfect. The eldest girl and I get along fabulously-I think we're kind of similar. She is very helpful with my French. She even tested my vocabulary knowledge on her multitude of silly bands! The middle boy is precious! I haven't been able to get to know him as well yet, but I can tell he's a great kid. And the youngest is hysterical! She is almost 7 and literally bounces off the walls with energy. We went shopping yesterday and holding her hand through the stores and streets was a job within itself, avoiding fast-walking Parisians, shelves of perfume, and the easy things like CARS! :) She's a mess, but so full of life and intriguing!

The house is beautiful. There's a walkway leading up to house that reminds me of the Secret

Garden. It brings you to a small courtyard in front of the entrance. The house is four stories, but it has a very "home-y" feel. The "basement" is all mine! I have my own petite bedroom and a shower room. A little different-my sink is in my bedroom and the toilet is up the stairs. I'll just have to get used to that :)

Yesterday was an adventure. Not only was I thrown into a new life right after getting off of a long flight of no sleep, but I was speaking French constantly all day (except when I called to check in with my parents and Stacey of course :) all while trying to stay awake. Needless to say, my French was struggling by nightfall. Thankfully, they've told me my French was great... I think they're just patient! I definitely realize I have a LOT to learn. Especially at the dinner table when the whole family is together talking quickly, it's a little difficult to follow. But I now know for certain that this is the best learning experience available! I have been speaking so much French that it feels awkward to write in English-please excuse my bad English in advance as the year continues!

I gave my host mom a gift from my real mom yesterday-a coffee table book, "Charleston: Then and Now." There was a picture of the Citadel and they said "oh, a military school." I said, "actually not to... hmm what is the word for brag?" After many tries on both sides to translate, my host mother looked it up online to find that the French word for brag is "se vanter." I went on to explain that my grandfather was the president of the Citadel, etc. Last night at dinner, while I was lost within the conversation, the eldest daughter said something and everyone laughed. When they looked at me like I was should be laughing along, I asked, "what does that mean: 'brag"? (in a french accent). My host mother then explained that her daughter had used the English word "brag" in a sentence... I just hadn't understood because of her French accent! Haha! All that to reinforce, I have a lot to learn :)

I plan to go into Paris for the first time since I've been here today! I have a lot of little errands to run! I hope to take pictures today and post them soon! A bientot!