Ma vie!

So now that I've had more time to adjust and explore I feel ready to tell you more about my life in Cannes!  After getting settled in our rooms, some of us decided to explore the area.  The weather hasn't been great (very rare here) with a lot of rain; however it is still absolutely stunning to see.  We walked up and down the beach area called La Croisette and were able to see the beautiful mountains which house the older area of Cannes.  On the opposite end you have the newer(still hundreds of years old) area which houses the Hotel de Ville, or town hall and the Festival!  There is so many little streets and different areas to explore I already feel overwhelmed that I have to do it in a semester! 

 Below is the view that I am able to see out of my dorm window!  Yup I can see the Mediterranean every day!

We have become pretty good friends with some of 

the international kids here.  They are sooo much fun and are great about helping us with our french.  Our friend Edwardo is from Roma so last night he and some other guys drove us (they have cars, a HUGE plus!) to an Italian restaurant where he was able to recommend some amazing wines and delicious pastas.  After this, they took us to the beach to hang out and see Cannes at night.  They are such gentlemen, always opening car doors and making sure we are al

right- however they drive like my mother which is to say with a lead foot! Finally they took us to Morrisons which is an Irish pub with a really cool vibe, always playing live music, so we listened to the band and had some beer to celebrate Edwardo's birthday!  It is so funny to see them learning English. We tried to teach them how to rhyme, but they still insist food and wood rhyme.  This is my roommate Maria with our friend Jeremie from Reunnion, an island in the Indian Ocean, and Edwardo who is from Roma.  

Today we took our placement tests for our classes.  After this we were supposed to take a tour of the city on le petit train; however, as it is an open train and it was still raining, we decided to do the tour on foot with our trusty umbrellas!  Regardless of the weather, we saw absolutely stunning sights.  Cannes really is as beautiful as the pictures if not more so.  After the tour we were able to divide and conquer the shopping district for much needed supplies like a straightener!  I even got a cell phone-very European of me! I have been surprised to learn that mannny people here do not speak English or very very little so its a great way to practice my french! All in all we hiked for about 6 hours today, and contrary to some guide books, it would take many ice cream cones to see all of Cannes.  We have begun planning our weekend trips, and this weekend we are heading to Monaco!  

I still can't get over that this is my new home!  I am far from homesick (sorry parents), but I'm sure when the time comes I will be ready to come home....well or not but the money will run out eventually!

Paix,

Leah