Extrovert

It just goes to show how much of an extrovert I really am...

A French girl at my school named Laura approached me the other day and started up a conversation with me, as she was part of the organization that helps get the exchange students oriented and acclimated. She's very sweet and nice, and as we continued our conversation she said to me, "Do you like parties?"

Do I like parties?!

Does a bear you-know-what in the woods? I love parties! I'm all about parties. Parties are one thing I can do. 

We made plans to meet up on Thursday night and she was going to introduce me to a bunch of her friends. So we met up and she brought me to her friends apartment, and I swear to God it was like I was walking into one of my own friend's apartment at UNH. I guess college-aged gatherings are pretty universal. In any case, her friends were extremely kind and welcoming and I even had the privilege of everyone kissing me on each cheek as I entered! I learned that that gesture is used among friends, and not always strangers, so I was honored to say the least.

We decided to go to a place down the street not too long afterwards and grab a few drinks there as well. Just meeting all those new people and having some great conversations has completely rejuvenated both me and my spirits. And I'm looking forward to practicing the French I learn with these students as well, as it is a much easier to practice with a peer than a stranger at a coffee shop.

It will be nice to start classes now knowing some familiar faces and names in the hallways of my school now.

Names are a funny thing too. "Kendra" is not the easiest name for the French to pronounce, and it's been both fun and a teeny tiny bit frustrating trying coax the correct pronunciation out of the mouths of these wonderful French people I meet. 

This morning I chose to go on a small tour of the city that was offered for the exchange students. Even though it was very early and I was very tired, I'm glad I did because 1.) I got to know the city that much better and 2.) I got a chance to talk to one of the tour guides who is also a student at BSB. 

He had some really great advice and tips about the city. He grew up in Casablanca, and can speak many languages and has lived in many different places throughout his young life already. But one thing he said which was very comforting was how safe of a city Dijon is, and that of all the places he's lived he's never once felt unsafe here.

Mom...? Are you hearing this? 

Bottom line, I'm very happy that I love to talk to people and that people are willing to talk back to me. So far it hasn't steered me wrong...in fact, it's been nothing but beneficial.