free wifi is underrated

i haven't had free wireless since last tuesday because i moved into paris and have been staying with my friend, greg, in the fifth until friday when we can finally move into our apartment. i can't WAIT! anyway, that is why i haven't written for a week.

i started working last wednesday. school is great - the teachers i am working with are very excited to have an american since most other assistants have been from the uk i guess. i hope i live up to their standards. the first day was pretty cool. i just observed some classes and sort of introduced myself. the younger kids were really funny - their english is pretty good but they are all nervous to ask me questions. the older kids i saw are a special needs group (more intricate learning disabilities, etc) and they were really quiet. they have trouble with french, let alone english so they will need more help and will be harder to teach because they have already given up on themselves. it's kind of sad but they are really great kids.

the second day i went with them to giverny (monet's home town...where the water lillies were painted) and had a great time. i chatted with the teachers and asked lots of questions. they asked me a ton of questions too since there is an american art museum in giverny and we spent about 3 hours there learning all about the us...kind of hysterical to hear how they teach french kids about the states. makes me wonder how skewed my perspective of france must have been when i was in high school.

the gardens and the pond at monet's were really beautiful. his house was pretty cool too. it was a nice trip but i think i enjoyed the company the most. i really like this job so far.

last night was nuit blanche. it was pretty fun - basically there is installation art all over paris for the entire night and people perform music and art and theater in the streets. most of the cafes and bars are open all night long and people just wander around drinking wine and having fun. we went to the pompidou center at one point and we found some crazy dance music in the marais and had a little dance party in the streets. it was a fun time but by 2am everyone was fading and cold so we all walked home.

i don't have a ton to write - i guess a lot happened but none of it was very interesting. next weekend, however, i am singing at a democrats abroad gathering here at mama betsy's house. it should be really fun. it's on my birthday too! (sunday...the 12th). anyway, i will write again the next time i get some wifi time. i'll be back in paris tomorrow. hope everyone is enjoying the fall weather! i miss the changing leaves. :)