Today was kinda a flash … everything was kinda blurry I know I was still really jet lagged. But I do remember the French coordinator and her assistant really helping us out in getting our problems fixed. Although we still have some issues … our water isn’t working correctly, the rooms are still kinda under construction and no Internet. I do want to thank them for their hospitality. I think they went out of their way to help us, but I think I’m more frustrated at the French in general for the situation … I don’t know I’m mad at who ever is responsible for not getting the rooms right. For the following students, make sure you get pictures of the exact housing, understand exactly what you need to bring, what will be there and what you need before signing anything. Doing this will help you be prepared and make things easier overall. I think a lot of our stress now is not only from being dropped into another country but also this whole housing mishap. Also pack ahead of time and give yourself a day to think about what you packed. I did this, and I still forgot a bunch of stuff … laptop lock, shampoo, face wash, sheets, pillow cases etc. I did remember to cancel my car insurance …

Anyways I do remember we got phones today … it took each person at least 30 min, make sure you bring a student to translate, it can be a little difficult, oh and expensive, a sim card alone can cost $40+ and price per minute is not what we Americans are used to. The monthly contracts … minimum 2 year commitment so pre-pay is the way to go. Unlocked phones can help, but you may just want to get one here.

After most of us got phones, we decided not to go out but to pick up some groceries and cook something. Of course I offered to cook for what was left of our tired group. Carrfour in Part Dier is the place to go! Part Dier is pretty much a really big mall. Carrfour is like Wal-Mart / Martins. So we picked up some pasta, some sauce, some cheese and some wine, took it back and cooked it up. I think it was a really good ice breaker. We were able to give something back for the all the help translating the Swedes did for us while getting the phones. Nothing builds relationships like beer and wine.

I’m still doggin’ tired and I think we are going out again … so good night