La Grève

Apologies for the lack of posting this past week. It's been an interesting one with the grève here in France. I personally haven't been to the area where they are looting and trashing things (primarily Bellecour/Hotel de Ville), but I have experienced the lack of transportation. Otherwise, things have run smoothly for me....I've had school all week so you can't hate on me like many of the other assistants who now have 2 weeks of vacation.

In short, the past week has been full of fun and frustration. I helped cook a four course meal, danced the night and early morning away with my new roommates and friends Saturday, went to a crêpe party Sunday with a few teachers, and then dealt with the bank. Now, just opening a bank account is a process in itself...but dealing with the bologna to merely get your card is another story. Furthermore, when they sign you up for life insurance without your okay and you have to explain that France's social security system is a blessing itself for an American and want nothing to do with extra insurance. Talk about tricheurs!

This week I've been teaching about Halloween in the USA. It's been a blast and hopefully you will see some awesome pictures of what we've tried to put together this weekend. Until then, enjoy the pictures of the park Oonagh and I discovered yesterday in the freezing cold (after being locked up all week because of the rain/brutal wind/protests.)

 (actually that's the view from our little balcony)

 (where the two rivers meet)