Watching Ducks Walk on Water

Today was the day for watching ducks walk on water, frozen fountains and pigeons on the heads of naked heroes—among other things.

French class was more difficult today. I have that sinking feeling that comes when internally scrambling to keep up, already knowing that it might not be possible. I have asked my teacher for special guidance, as I’m not here for just a semester…hopefully, it will be for life. He chuckled, flashed merry eyes, tapped a finger to his temple, and said, “ha ha…I already have some ideas in mind for you.” That’s good!

It was sunny here today, and cold. This does not stop anyone from being out and about…or soaking up some rays at Luxembourg. That’s a fabulous place for open-sky vistas, sun and visiting.

Today also marked the business transaction of buying renter’s insurance…it’s required by law here. I was expecting to pay 118 euros for one year, but, for reasons too boring to explain in a blog, the price crept up to 150 euros. This is a big difference. But, hey, I got a free pen :)

Yesterday and today also brought a couple interesting conversations with classmates. Two of them came up to me yesterday and asked what I thought of our classmates, because they thought our fellow students were stand-offish. I had to agree that a couple of them were just plain snobby—wearing their good schools and elitism like badges—they are dismissive folk.

But, the rest are just a little shy. It is only the third day of school. My two new buddies and I have vowed to get together for lunch and chat about “gurl” stuff and gossip.

The conversation I had today involved a student’s habit of not saying he is Jewish, based on the theory that since France is a country with strong Catholic roots, perhaps other religious persuasions might be discriminated against. This topic is uncomfortable for me to address, primarily because I have little first-hand experience of Parisian attitudes toward non-Catholics, and secondarily because I have done no research on the subject, and have just a handful of anecdotal information.

My sense of the situation is that where there is prejudice, it is not as explosive as the Civil Rights marches of the ‘60’s in the U.S. I think it exists, but might be based more on the actions of people and their assimilation into French life. Level of education is very important, too, as well as being born in France or of French heritage. I have heard only one person (a 21-year old policeman) say he hated Muslims (this after the famous car-burning incidents of a couple years ago).

As I am poorly informed about the topic, it isn’t proper to say more. What I really enjoyed was talking to my classmates...and of course, Paris.

Ciao maintenant and a bientot! Lilou