Report From Claire Prejean in France

Well, I have been here for less than a week, but I am already in love with France ! My house is beautiful, my yard is huge, and my host family is made up of the nicest people. The weather here is beautiful, although because I am accustomed to Texas heat, I get cold much easier than my host family.

              On my second day here I went to the grocery store with my host mom and brother and let me tell you ! I have never seen so many kinds of fancy, moldy cheeses. Cheese from cows, goats, and sheep. I have already tried 4 new kinds ! The city of Segonzac is surrounded by vineyards because their main source of income is the Cognac made here and my host mom took me on a bike ride through the vineyards and around the beautiful town, telling me about the history of it. It was wonderful ! She also explained to me that on the old buildings, the parts of the walls that are mostly black are caused by very tiny mushrooms that consume the vapor given off by the Cognac.

My host mother cooks for almost every meal and uses tons of things from their garden. I have gotten to help her collect vegetables and apples and cut them up to be used in dishes. We also always have fresh eggs because they own four chickens. And of course, we have baguettes and cheese with every meal, even breakfast sometimes.

              I start school on Wednesday and my host mom keeps telling me that it will be very boring and it lasts form 8am-6pm !! Oh no ! But I’m sure it won’t be too bad once I start getting to know other students.

              As for the language, we always speak French and we only use English if I am confused about a specific word or phrase. I can’t understand everything ; my brothers usually speak very quickly and sometimes mumble. But my parents are always sure to speak very clearly for me. And they are all very nice and patient with me when I don’t understand something.

              Today we all went on a picnic for lunch. My host dad drove us in a really old jeep with no roof, doors, or seatbelts and it was a blast. The weather was perfect and the view was gorgeous. I cannot think of a better way to start the weekend, and tomorrow we are going to the beach !

              Well, this report isn’t very long, as I have only been here for a few days, but the next one will be much longer !

Hoping everyone is well,

Claire Prejean