I've been at my host family's house for almost two days and Ruth and I (Gordon student who is living here as well) are really blessed. They are a warm, well-humored couple who are probably a bit older than my own parents. Madame is really helpful, always has a word of insightful advice and a funny comment to go along with it, and Monsieur has really kind eyes and is very laid back. Their home is incredible. Though the school we'll go to is in the city of Aix, their house is several miles outside, and its the most beautfil home I have ever seen. They have mentioned how the building is very old for American standards and its true: its a really beautiful older home with lots of quirks (don't take hot showers) and many more enjoyable details (the natural light coming though large windows; the high ceilings; Provencal colors).
Yesterday after we arrived Madame walked us around the property where there are several pathways leading to a pool (with carved stone designs rather that the rectangular cement ones I am used to) and another path to a small clearing. The trees all still have their leaves mostly, as it only snows here about once every ten years (2009 was the one) and were all very pretty. There is even a Ginko tree here. Large trees are very unusual in the south of France, though there is a very large one near the main entrance. Another path led to a small building with a wall entirely made of windows. It was facing their neighbor's fields of turnips and beets (which had a pleasant, fresh smell ), as well as the sunset, which obviously made the view leave a body breathless. That building isn't in use anymore, but it was really "charmant", as Madame had commented, before she had added that at the right time of day the wall of glass was like a mirror for said view. I can't imagine. I do imagine, however that whenever the building was in use that the owners would sit on the loveseats and chairs inside and look through the glass (now a bit broken at parts) at the rise of the hills with its trees and fields and roads, enjoying each other's good company as much as the landscape.
We went to church with Madame and Monsieur and of course found very kind, prayerful people there. This was our first time in the actual city of Aix, but on a Sunday most of the stores and restaurants are closed until Monday at noon. La Rotonde, the rotunda on the edge of the city (but central in terms of activity) includes a fountain with a statue of three women on top: one represents Justice - she faces Aix; one represents Agriculture - she faces Marseille; and the last the Arts- she faces Avignon. Most of the part of Aix we saw today was developed around the 17th century I think, but Aix itself was founded by the Romans in the second century. We crossed the edge of the Cours Mirabeau, the main road of Aix which comes off of the Rotonde, passing an antiques flea market and many people. Madame commented that water is a defining part of the south of France : and I think Aix itself was appealing to the Romans for its springs.
Ruth just returned from a run around the property and I had tea in the kitchen with Madame while she made a compote of cherries and apples, for dessert tonight I am guessing. I don't know if I need to convince you but the meals have been delicious. Gladly we have had some dishes that I have never had before, and always very much better than meals I would normally eat.
Testing on wednesday (to decide the level of classes), and classes start the following monday I think. Can't remember. Don't quote me. In any case, I'm happy to be here, really blessed by the faithful couple who are so generous to open their home, as well as to be here with Ruth who is (really, really) great. A couple times in the past few days we just looked at each other and we both had these rediculously huge smiles on. Tres contentes, evidement.
Hope today finds you all well. Gloire a Dieu.
Yesterday after we arrived Madame walked us around the property where there are several pathways leading to a pool (with carved stone designs rather that the rectangular cement ones I am used to) and another path to a small clearing. The trees all still have their leaves mostly, as it only snows here about once every ten years (2009 was the one) and were all very pretty. There is even a Ginko tree here. Large trees are very unusual in the south of France, though there is a very large one near the main entrance. Another path led to a small building with a wall entirely made of windows. It was facing their neighbor's fields of turnips and beets (which had a pleasant, fresh smell ), as well as the sunset, which obviously made the view leave a body breathless. That building isn't in use anymore, but it was really "charmant", as Madame had commented, before she had added that at the right time of day the wall of glass was like a mirror for said view. I can't imagine. I do imagine, however that whenever the building was in use that the owners would sit on the loveseats and chairs inside and look through the glass (now a bit broken at parts) at the rise of the hills with its trees and fields and roads, enjoying each other's good company as much as the landscape.
We went to church with Madame and Monsieur and of course found very kind, prayerful people there. This was our first time in the actual city of Aix, but on a Sunday most of the stores and restaurants are closed until Monday at noon. La Rotonde, the rotunda on the edge of the city (but central in terms of activity) includes a fountain with a statue of three women on top: one represents Justice - she faces Aix; one represents Agriculture - she faces Marseille; and the last the Arts- she faces Avignon. Most of the part of Aix we saw today was developed around the 17th century I think, but Aix itself was founded by the Romans in the second century. We crossed the edge of the Cours Mirabeau, the main road of Aix which comes off of the Rotonde, passing an antiques flea market and many people. Madame commented that water is a defining part of the south of France : and I think Aix itself was appealing to the Romans for its springs.
Ruth just returned from a run around the property and I had tea in the kitchen with Madame while she made a compote of cherries and apples, for dessert tonight I am guessing. I don't know if I need to convince you but the meals have been delicious. Gladly we have had some dishes that I have never had before, and always very much better than meals I would normally eat.
Testing on wednesday (to decide the level of classes), and classes start the following monday I think. Can't remember. Don't quote me. In any case, I'm happy to be here, really blessed by the faithful couple who are so generous to open their home, as well as to be here with Ruth who is (really, really) great. A couple times in the past few days we just looked at each other and we both had these rediculously huge smiles on. Tres contentes, evidement.
Hope today finds you all well. Gloire a Dieu.
