At Home in Paris/ Arceuil

Bonjour!

I am typing on my family's keypad and it's kicking my butt, so this might be a little short.

I have moved in with my French family and live in the guest house. Their names are Francois and Francoise Bogros-Rouveau. They have two children, Camille, 17 and Quentin, 13 (i think). They actually live barely outside of Paris in Arceuil, a small and very sweet suburb. I dont mind a bit except that it is much more difficult to go into Paris on the train (the RER). Not always but, for instance, a friend that lives nearby and me want to meet other kids in the program at the Bastille, but the RER closes at 1 and we cant take a taxi like the others who live in the city. Instead; we have to take a sketchy night bus - and i wont go alone.

My family could not be nicer. Today, we went into the city and they showed me around. Both the mother and the father cook very well, too. Both kids are very nice to me. Their daughter, Camille is gorgeous, very French, and has a teenage attitude like mad. The son, Quentin, is funny but has not really been around much. My friend Leah who lives close has a host sister our age, which I hope will be good for making more friends. There is also a small French movies just two houses down and a large brand new shopping center closeby.

A huge aqueduct runs over the whole town and I cross under it on my way to the RER. This weekend is La Journee de Patrimoine, or Founders Weekend, so all buildings normally closed to the public are open. Today, we walked through the inside of the aqueduct (built by Henri IV). Tomorrow, I think I will wake up early and stand in line to see the Elysee Palace, where the President lives.

The food has been amazing - the French are SO good about their diets and tastes amazing everywhere you go.

There have been TONS of men in kilts this weekend. It's such a trip. I think it is for a rugby competition, which I heard brings in more people than the Tour de France.

And finally, French men are a whole other species here. Our program leader, Madame Suraqui had a talk with all the girls that we are in a Meditteranean country and if we aren't with a guy we'll get hit on everywhere we go and it's so true. All ages. But almost all of them are very good looking and there are many our age here from other countries. We met a group of people from Australia the other night that were backpacking through Europe.

Alright, that's it for now. If you want to call my cell from Skype or whatever (.02 cents per minute) my number is 06.34.51.08.98. I don't have Internet in my room and the family's skype isnt working well for some reason but my cell does so please do call when you can. I could REALLY use hearing some English.

love you all!