I'm here!!!!

Well, I made it. The actual trip was pretty easy. No delays. No overbooked flights. Just a long day, but I managed to sleep during every leg of my journey, so not so bad. I used my 7 hour layover in Minneapolis to go the the Mall of America and watch the Time Traveller's Wife. It was just okay, but it was a good way to spend the afternoon.

I was greeted in Rennes by my friend Michelle. We met when I studied here in 2000-2001. We had a couple years in the middle where we lost touch, but thanks to Facebook, we've been reunited. I couldn't be happier. Due to a last minute change with the dorm room, I spent 4 nights with Michelle, and her lovely partner Nathalie. They are super cool and super nice, and it was a great way to ease into being here. Nothing helps jetlag like big meals and lots of alcohol :)

Monday morning, I made it into my dorm. I have a TON of shit to buy (it would have almost been cheaper to ship stuff), but other than that, I LOVE it! It's almost like a mini-efficiency. I have a shared kitchen, but I have my own mini-fridge in my room and a ton of book shelves and the smallest bathroom you've ever seen all to myself...think just a snooch bigger than an airplane bathroom but that includes a shower :) There was no kitchen stuff included though or bedding, so I've started buying things. I need to find a job to pay for all this crap...and of course my living expenses next year. I think I should make a French résumé and just start dropping it in the street, see who calls.

I started French class yesterday. There is a month of intensive French and then the regular classes and French. The level of the others is LOW! I may end up being exempted out of taking the French class somehow. I may also end up going for the Master's right away and still staying for a 2nd Master's next year. I'll know more soon.

On top of all the other good stuff, the weather has been beautiful!!! Highs have been in the 70's mostly, though yesterday it was almost 90. That still wasn't so bad, but I was making multiple trips with heavy suitcases and bags of stuff for the dorm. Still, I didn't feel like I was going to pass out like I sometimes did this summer at home.

In summary, as always, things are wonderful. This has been the smoothest start to a trip ever, and I'm really looking forward to starting a routine and starting my life here. Hooray!!