The past two weeks here in France has been what can only be described as a blur. I have finally settled into a somewhat seamless routine and I have stopped gawking at the French street signs as I wander around Tours. I have been trying to blend in more and the dinners with my host family are no longer an hour-long grammar lesson. My classes are going well and the highlight of my education is, undoubtedly, my environmental studies class.

My environmental studies class, Loire 101 as I call it, is quite a treat. The class consists of a number of excursions on the majestic Loire River, discovering both the history and the science behind the world famous river.

This past Friday, we took a train to Chinon, a small town on the Vienne, one of the rivers that flow into the Loire. We boarded a medieval boat in Chinon and began to cruise down the river. We stopped at many key locations, including the exact point where the Vienne and the Loire meet. The class ended at Saumur, a beautiful town famous for its equine heritage. Without hesitation, this is by far the best class I have taken through Bucknell.

While in France, I have been taking advantage of the numerous modes of public transportation. Last week, I absent mindedly signed up for a bike race in Tours. The "fac a velo," as it was called, was a scavenger hunt around Tours. At the beginning of the race, I was given a map with six stations in the city, and over the course of four hours I had to visit each station and complete a task. Each station had a different theme, ranging from engineering to environmental studies.

After an exhausting and rewarding four hours, I finished the race thanks to our French friends who helped guide us through the last few stages. The race has been the highlight of my time here in Tours as it has given me the ability to see the city in a whole new perspective. No longer was I a simple pedestrian on the sidewalk, the exhilaration of cruising around the city at a brisk pace was very refreshing. I recommend it to any future Bucknell en France students.

This past weekend we visited yet another chateau, or castle in English. Chambord was our first stop in the rich Loire valley. The Chateau of Chambord is the third largest castle in France, eclipsed only by the monolithic Versailles as well as Fontainebleau. Chambord was constructed in the 16th century by Francois I. While on the tour, I was dumbstruck at the amount of Salamanders strewn across the walls and staircases. Fortunately, I had learned about the significance of the salamander beforehand, or else I would have believed Francois I to have quite an imagination. The salamander was the symbol of Francois I. He chose the amphibian because of its ability to resist and conjure fire. Francois perceived fire as a metaphor for war, the manipulation of fire represented his ability to control war.

The second chateau on the agenda was Cheverny. Although nowhere near the dimensions of Chambord, Cheverny made up for its size with sheer character. The interior of Cheverny was rich with art and décor. It is more of a house than a castle and it is still privately owned. Famous for its hunting grounds and exceptional hunting dogs, Cheverny has a huge kennel and a number of wooded acres. You may recognize Cheverny if you have ever read the Tin Tin series as a child, a replica of Cheverny is the headquarters of Tin Tin's captain.

Yesterday was one of the few days where I wanted to be nowhere other than France. The Rugby world cup is currently being hosted in France and last night was quite possibly the most anticipated game of the tournament. France was to play the number one ranked New Zealand team, known as the All Blacks. The odds were favoring the All Blacks by a long shot, but I decided to go out to Place Plumereu (the town meeting place) to watch the match. Upon my arrival, I was in awe at the number of people with the French flag painted on their faces. I had never seen this type of support for one's country in America.

By a stroke of luck, the French team cruised to victory as the crowds cheered "ALLEZ LES BLUES." At the sound of the final whistle, the whole of France was in a state of celebration. People were waving French flags, revving up motorcycle engines, and singing a chant that I could only discern as a song by the White Stripes? I had never experienced this type of pride/nationalism; I do not even know how to classify it. I was captured in the moment and drowned in a sea of Blue, White, and Red.

Although being in France is a real treat and I have been enjoying myself, it is by no means all fun and games. I have been forced to work very hard both in and out of the classroom. This is by far my most challenging semester to date, although it has been extremely rewarding. As I continue to listen to French radio stations, watch French movies, and speak with my family, I am finally beginning to dream in French...