a little more conversation

On Tuesdays and Fridays, I often go to my French Conversation group.  We meet at various homes of the animatrices (facilitators) who volunteer for AVF (Accueil des Villes Françaises).  I usually catch a ride with my friend Esther.  Her daughter, Lise is in the same class with Gaius.  Right after conversation, we rush back to the school together to pick up our kids.

my buddy, Esther

You can meet people from all over the world at Conversation Française.  They come from the Netherlands, Greece, Spain, the Philippines, America, Great Britain, Brazil, Russia, Lithuania, Iran, China, Japan, Australia and Germany... the list goes on and on!

french conversation today

representing the Netherlands, the UK and Greece

new friends

One exciting part about going to French Conversation is that I actually get to see the inside of real French homes.  French bathrooms have the tiniest sinks, about the size of a drinking fountain!  Once, the group was held at the home of someone who had an actual bidet in the powder room.  What's the etiquette for using the bidet at someone's home?  Do you have to be an overnight guest?  Is it there just for show?  It seems like it would be bad form to use it during a meeting of French Conversation.

cute tiny sink #1

my favorite tiny french sink

At French Conversation, they usually serve coffee, tea and pastries.  They also always have actual sugar to serve with the coffee.  I think a lot of people here use sugar rather than the artificial stuff.  They have really cute sugar in France.  Different shapes like hearts, diamonds, clovers (card party, anyone?).  I found these at la Grand Epicerie.  Sugar shaped like the monuments of Paris!

so sweet, but pricey!

pastry spread at French Conversation today

look at the cute sugar cube

I have recently partially achieved a personal goal.  Sometimes, I am able to drink my coffee black.  I've always been somewhat impressed by people who take their coffee black.  I think they get taken more seriously than those who add cream.  Is it just me?  

Sometimes, there are special events at French Conversation.  Once, we had a special tour of a local patisserie.  Another time, we all had a chance to make crepes.

making crepes

Today, we learned about Easter in France and the history of bells.  ???  I know.  You never know what you'll get when you show up to French Conversation!

Going to the group has really improved my French and knowledge of French culture.  If you love holidays, France is the place to be!  It has also been a great way to meet new people.  Heading home back to Williamsburg soon.  Is anyone interested in being in a French Conversation group with me???

à bientôt!