Thursday, May 20, 2010

La classe est fin


Our last class is this morning. In two weeks I believe my French has improved so in spite of my initial impression of a daunting task, progress has occurred. Both my comprehensions (listening and reading) are better and even my near mute speaking has improved a little. C'est vrai je suis heureux avec ma classe.

In the two weeks there has been insufficient time for our group to really bond but in these last few days some semblence of association has emerged. My group, who have gathered for four hours each morning, are Michael from Ireland; Ji Min and Hae Jin from Korea, Joanne and Pam from the US, Angela from Austria and Darja from Latvia. Various others, particularly the Japanese seem to come and go. A special mention of Darja who speaks four languages and now she is our star in French. She came here directly from Toyko from a language school there. Whilst you would think there was not enough time, she has a boyfriend here. Peut etre c'est par-ce que elle se ressemble Maria Sharapova! However she is my favourite because she told me she admires my persistance! Some might call it pigheadedness but not Darja so there you go.

Language learning is quite an industry in the Tower of Babel that is Europe. There are some like Darja who are what might be called language professionals and others like Anibal from Spain who is and aeronautical engineer and has a French girlfriend and wants to move to France for work and love. The largest groups are younger students from Germany, other germanic language countries and the US who are forfilling their language course requirements.

The afternoon has been Atelier (workshop)which has been of mixed intensity, interest and usefulness. Drama has been my low point. In one workshop I met Eric, a Gay psychariast from the US. Eric reakons that the best way to practice speaking is to go shopping! It makes sense.

After class today I will have lunch with Claudio who is from what appears to be everywhere and who has studied at Bond University. Then I will do a walking tour of the Latin Quarter. Tomorrow it is Musee D'Orsay and les Printemps for the wedding tie and chocolates for Jacqueline and Marine my very friendly and warm hosts. It has been great to stay with such a family.

On Sunday I leave for Lille. I should say I will miss my daily walk from Opera up Rue Des Italiens past Le Cafe Grand Capuchins but I won't. As with all travellers, the horison beckons.

PHOTOS ARE COMING

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