I really believe that I could not have it any better than I do here at the Lycee Lorgues (perhaps a better mode of transportation to the outside world, but that is all that is lacking). I have already mentioned how floored I am to find the teachers in such warm and welcoming spirits, but I need to take a moment to focus on one couple in particular that has taken it upon themselves to help the new assistants (Lucy and myself) feel truly at home. Gerard and his wife have taken us in as sort of adopted nieces or perhaps lost stray pets very much in need of some tender loving care. It was they who offered to drive us to the outing in the Ile de Porquerolles and made sure we were properly introduced to all those accompanying us on the hiking adventure. Everyone was incredibly talkative—a trait of the south, and of the French in general—but the pleasant surprise was their interest in us, the newest additions to the school. They never stopped informing us of their opinions, nor of asking us questions regarding our backgrounds, interests, and viewpoints. Yet even after our delicious communal lunch, complimented by local Rosé, of course, I still found myself a bit ill at ease with my new friends, but felt flattered to have them feel as though we fit right in.
I must admit that I was struggling a bit to keep up with the conversation and took much time observing the landscape and minding my step. I feel that in new places, I have a tendency to fall into the role of observer. I think this may be in part due to my insecurities surrounding the language, but it happens in English-speaking settings as well. I prefer to analyze my surroundings to truly get a feel for its dynamics. While this does set me back a few paces in the race to be social, I feel that it can give me a sort of advantage. It is simply the way I learn. Lucy is a go-getter, and her outgoing nature is at times intimidating for me, who, though I hate to admit it, enjoys watching before doing. I like to know how deep the pool is before I jump in head first and fail to orient myself. Is this a good trait? The answer depends upon the situation and I find my extroverted counterpart’s enthusiasm to be ample inspiration to change my approach. She was an assistant last year and her French is significantly more developed than my own—or at least more confident—and I plan to learn all I can from her to truly profit from the time I have been given in this new exciting place.
As for Gerard and his family, Lucy and I have found true friends in them—and it is a friendship that makes our entire experience that much more enjoyable. This weekend they proved themselves yet again to be infinitely generous and caring to a point that would put our parents more at ease than any blog or phone call. Yesterday’s journey to Marseille marks our second outing with them and I believe it might just become a sort of tradition. We accompanied them on a family outing to the Museum of Primitive Art in Marseille where they know the curator, and, as if I needed any more reason to want to go to Africa, seeing its incredible art never fails to conjure up dreams of safaris and treasures traded for chewing gum. Following our exotic adventure through history, we settled down to the most filling lunch I have had since I have been here—a bit comparable to my meal in Strasbourg in the spring--,as well as dessert to top it all off. We then attempted to walk off the calories by climbing the sloping roads to the Basilica over looking the city. It is the beacon of Marseille, a true landmark and symbol, and a spectacular view. With each step I felt that I was getting even more of an education than I was expecting on this trip. From her perch atop the Basilica the Bonne Mère stands watch over all that lies before her, and I was grateful once again for the panoramic feature on my camera to be able to record the magnificence of her birds-eye view. The view was not the only breath-taking element of our elevated seat; Le Mistral—the infamous wind stream from the north—blew gusting across its usual path catching us in the middle and setting me right at home in Chicago, if only for a few moments. The day finished with some leisurely drinks with the family and a car ride home sharing musical tastes with Lucy. I feel as though I keep ending these journeys with scenes written for Hollywood and I am eager for he next episode, knowing that this is only the beginning.
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