I wake up and the morning and smile.

On Friday, i missed my bus so i walked to the school. Was definately worth it as the walk was awesome. (Photo's below). A very cold week and it's bound to get colder. I managed to walk into a Historie of Art class and the teacher forced me not to leave. I did make some awesome friends from it though.

Niort has given me inspiration to write some new songs. I just need someone to play them with over here. Alas, this week was tough with a lot of rotary meetings and by the weekend, my brain was fried from translating and speaking so much. This was my weekend for resting, only to find that rotary had many plans for me. I will say, politely, that I did not enjoy myself. The only solution is to put on that rotary smile and muscle through it. I expect 8000 rotary students are feeling the same way.

Only thing that's pulled me through is my new little brother. He always cheers me up and it's so nice to bond with someone without any pressure.

I look forward to building upon my skills in the next few weeks. Until then,

Au Revoir

My extended family

My good friend Isabelle

                                         

                                                              Does that say biere?

                                                                     Apparently it does

                                                         My walk to school. It was kind of worth it.

                                                              Well it was pretty good.

                                                                  It was awesome

The view from my computer most mornings

Oh Gabin!

Where to start?

*le sigh*

An absolutely incredible start to my rotary exchange. I've had the best week/time of my life, meeting new people, making friends, french shopping and being cold. This is an incredible place, I have yet to meet anyone unpleasant.

I parted from my first foster parents François and Catherine for Isabelle and Didier. I dreaded the change but it seems to be for the better as i am finally settled in my new chambre. It snowed today. It was a wonderous sight seeing the snow fall down while in Historie class.


I am learning the language quickly, i can almost speak to people properly. It is crazy that i have made many friends so far. Niort has such generosity, with people giving me things and helping happily. It's awesome. I really can't find words for how much I am looking forward to tomorrow.

Alas, as expected, I have acquired a rather bad cold. Trying to cover it up at school today was rather difficult. I suppose there has to be a downside to my week, but it has not dampened my spirits in the slightest. I look forward to the week ahead when I can post again.

Salut!

                                             The last view of Le Maison de François en Catherine

The Boulangerie; Chocolat

                                           

                                           My new Chambre; plus Cat.

                                            Is that snow in Niort?????

                                           Indeed it is..........

Bon Voyage et Bienvenue

Today is my second day in Niort and my first day at school. I had a test in Mathématiques, on my first day, how about that? Unfortunately,  I think i have failed, but i am learning extremely fast thanks to my wonderful host mother Catherine. She has taught me alot even though she cannot speak english. Our conversations are becoming less clumsy and awkward. They are all very accommodating and nice people.

I managed to make a few friends today without being able to speak the language. I love my new school. I feel auspicious in it, and it is a friendly place. 

After five flights from Saturday/Sunday, i no longer knew what time it was, which happened to be my cure for jetlag. I feel i'm going to enjoy this place a lot, already i don't think of home as much.

I have included some photo's of Francois en Catherine Jeanneau's house

 Salut!
Joseph

Drama

Almost lost 2 very good friends of mine tonight. A lot of tension and a lot of lying on my part caused it to happen.
 I am a very silly man. :S

Change of Plan

My flight was changed from the 5th of January to the 21st January. By changed I mean, I thought it was the 5th the whole time when it was actually the 21st. How did I get that into my mind? Hoping to update this blog more often than once a fortnight. </br> 

All well, I suppose I have more time to pack now.