Topping the Charts

So I've been here a month now and I decided to make a little list of the positive things topping my charts after my first month in Montpellier:

• chevre chaud-this is definitely the winner of the blue ribbon. it was my first find here that was truly different than something I had had in the states. toasted on bread with honey-yum:) thanks to Lori
• tea at Cafe Solo (and the little square of dark chocolate that comes with each cup)-I've stopped at this 'cafe du the' on more than one occassion now. it's very cute-you can sit outside or inside upstairs. they have these big canisters of fresh tea leaves and you can choose one, smell it first, and then order it. and one order usually guarantees at least three cups of tea-very nice with a book on a sunny day after work or with a friend on the weekend.
• the mediterranean-every beach is different and this one is no exception. and i love how even in the winter is crowded with people taking walks and enjoying each others company and maybe a stop at a cafe. can't wait to try and get in the water:)
• good espresso/cafe every day-a lovely, free pleasure here at the Hotel Comfort Inn. when i return home i will be sad that i don't live with a huge, silver coffee-makin' machine in my kitchen. so be assured i take advantage of this now. (a pool for the "broken" belgium biscuits)
• french-the language thing is starting to get better. more like a normal way of communicating now, rather than just a fun game we like to play (i've realized it doesn't stop). today during personal prayer time at the end of the service, i actually started praying in french, so i kept going:)
• biscuits-cereal, digestive, chocolate, fig, shortbread, they're all wonderful any time of the day-especially when dipped into a strong cup of fresh cafe. (or tea-i've discovered caramel tea here!ooohh)
• brie-i eat it alone, on fruit, in a croissant, toasted on bread, on a sandwhich. pretty much, always good-never liked it this much before; i've now aquired the knowledge for what is good about the taste. i've also become the typical french person without even knowing it: i eat bread and cheese and drink coffee every day!
• After Eight-thin mint chocolates that definitely rank over Andes now. And the title is right! The are perfect after eight and with a warm drink:) these have become my evening perk from Aisha (though they're actually British)
• Perfume-I splurged and bought new 'parfum' for myself. It's fun, doesn't give me a headache (even if i spray it directly on myself), makes me not smell like the kitchen, and even comes in a beautiful red bottle (and with a free red purse!) does life get any better?
• Friday nights-Going out to dance with my roommates is our weekend getaway from the hotel. We go to different places, but twice we've been to Ayers Rock Australie Cafe. And I have to give you a string of music they played (i'm being honest and laughing too): Usher's 'Yeah,' the Cotton-eyed Joe remix song, and then from Grease 'I've got chills...' and 'Summer Lovin'!'
• Getting mail-although my roommates are very jealous, I love feeling loved. and skype calls are wonderful too. i talked to my mom and dad for an hour today-for free:) (thanks to kari) if you want to talk to me too, download skype (it's free) and use a headset w/ microphone in your computer (if you don't have one i think they're like $15) it's good times
• watching Friends in French (and other American favorites, like the Wonder Years)-And laughing, not b/c I understand it all, but b/c I practically have it memorized. i never thought about how fast they talk on the show-so when it's translated, it seems even faster!
• Fun European roommates who enjoy a good adventure and make me talk to sales clerks or info booths when I have a question to practice my French.
• Seeing two films at the cinema in French (although movies involving animals and battles/fighting/drama really help out!)

There are more things but that makes for a good fun list. Love all of you!

erin