Wow, it's hard to believe I have been in France for over a week. The past seven days have been an enjoyable and exhausting introduction to the French lifestyle. Before coming to France, I had read a number of books on the French culture, lifestyle, and, of course, their food. I can safely say that no book could have prepared me for my first week here in Tours. Minus a suitcase, an open mind and flexibility are the only two things I recommend bringing to France.

The first week of class has been great. Madame Fazelly, my French teacher, might be the most patient person I have ever met. I have learned more French in one week than I could have learned in a year back in the U.S. Being immersed in the culture has helped me to understand French colloquialisms and my listening comprehension has greatly improved.

Monday through Friday, I spend from 9 a.m. to noon at the Institute of Tours, working to improve my grammar and oral comprehension. Lunch is from noon to 1:30, and then it is back to the institute to practice speaking. I am trying to perfect my French accent, and the lab at the institute is perfect. The lab is our last class of the day with Madame Fazelly, because right after the lab we have a class on French culture.

Yesterday, I took a class on French literature as well as a course on the history of architecture. The history professor's unique facial hair was enough to keep me entertained for the duration of class.

After an informative and almost exhausting week of classes, I was ready for the weekend. At 11 a.m., our entire group met up at the creperie "TY ANN." I had a delicious ham and cheese crepe, followed by another crepe filled with ice cream and brown sugar. Soon after washing it down with some French cider, I boarded the tour bus. Our first stop was Chateau Langeais, a medieval castle where Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany ruled over France. There was a drawbridge and two large turrets with extremely narrow windows for the archers.

During the tour, I was able to go up to the top of the towers and peer down to where the French used to throw hot oil and water onto their enemies.

After Langeais, the tour bus dropped us off at Chateau de Villandry. The gardens of Villandry were breathtaking. The tour began under a terrace of the most delicious grapes that I have ever tasted. Next was the garden of aromas where the scent of lavender filled the air. Finally, the tour ended on a small knoll overlooking the gardens. My visit to Villandry has been the highlight of my excursion so far.

Along with the sights and classes, I have been constantly taking notice of the differences in France. While trying to adapt to a new culture there are many things that I have learned about myself and where I have come from. This past weekend while at castle Azay-le-Rideau with my host family, we were walking down the street near a couple who were taking a picture. My French host mom stopped so they could continue taking the photo but we were in the way, so the woman said "You can walk through so we can take the picture." My French host mother looked at me and I translated the gesture into French. We continued toward the castle and my host mom seemed bewildered. While I sympathize that the Americans may not have spoken French I can only imagine what would have happened if this incident occurred on the streets of New York.

Over the past week, I have become more cognizant of my surroundings and I have finally made an attempt to blend into the culture.