Le Premier

Dearest blog,

I know I have been away from the beautiful American land and its people for nearly a month now, but
if you don't appreciate my first entry as tardy, then just realize it has been over 27 years since I could have written to you :/ I can't say yet how long this courtship may last between me and you, between me and France, nor between me and this Earth, but I will do my best to be faithful and honest during the process.

To begin, it seems important to discuss the new beginnings I have placed myself in. The city is Nantes and is located here:

It used to call itself the capital of Brittany, the northwest department of France, but now resides in the Loire-Atlantique department. However, I have come to realize that it holds many of the Breton values near to its heart. Food and meals have really grown to be important to me even since my first visit to France. Dinners can last for hours. They often begin with an 'aperatif' or apero. Simply put, this is when you have a nice glass of white wine, Ricard (a french liquor), or your drink of choice, and also a snack or two (perhaps snails are served to the peoples delight... or dislike). Then you will have the entree, which is usually a salad, some salted meat with bread, or anything delicious. Following we have the main plate. Sausages are great and very popular all over France. Several regions are famous for their sausages, for example, Toulouse. Also you can have steak hachees, aka hamburgers for you Americans ;) Apres le plat on va manger le fromage. Oh sorry, forgot we were speaking in English. Ok, so we have the beautiful and delicious cheeses after the main dish.

Raclette :D (raclette cheese with saucisson et potates)

The stinkier the better I'm starting to learn. Also if you are not sure, it is best to ask if you can eat the rind for it may be regretted if you don't...  From soft cheeses to gruyeres to goat cheese covered in ashes (thank you Katie :) ) I am happy to be developing a knowledge and love of cheese. The French are deservingly proud of their culture and cheese is most definitely a part of that. Now for many peoples favorite part, you have a dessert. Desserts are pretty common all over the world and hopefully we have all left room for them. Not every meal will be this long, but when on holiday or just because you have the time, its nice to spend it enjoying great food and hopefully the company is just as nice! :D

In Bretagne, they have fabulous crepes and galletes (the version of crepes served with meats and cheeses) along with their seafood and the beautiful coastal area (must see: castle of Saint-Malo and Le Mont San Michel).

The cities are old and have held their Breton heritage proudly. Even many coastal towns still teach the Breton language. French chateaux are apparently as numerous as their are astonishing, as shown here in Nantes with the Chateau de ducs de Bretagne.



It is interesting to think about and to recall the process that I have gone through to begin my life in France. It seems simple enough to do things like open a bank account, get a phone and internet for your appartement, and things like that. Elo is so terribly organized and has been my savior these past few weeks. The whole Busnel family is a great pleasure to be with. I really feel like I have a french family and I know that when I need a taste of home, I can visit them and spend the holidays with them to be ok. They have truly taken care of me. Now that I have started my classes and am without them and Elo during the weeks, I feel much more confident and at ease than I thought possible.

Busnel kids with JP (bottum left) and me!

To end the beginning of what I should hope to be a fruitful friendship, I want to say thanks for reading! Ill be sure to fill in some details missed here and more and more pictures will come :) I miss all my family and friends but it is with their strength that I can hope to make this experience lasting!!