If you haven’t been reading my earlier posts I’ve been staying in Tours, France these past 2 weeks for an orientation of sorts, full of “intensive” French classes *cough*threehoursaday*cough* and well, lots of free time.
I know I mentioned my host family in an earlier post, but since that post, the family size has more than doubled! All five of their kids came back from vacation ranging from age 12 to age 20. I was sitting in my room when all of a sudden I heard them…

The parents actually left for a date that evening, leaving us alone with the kids. It started off pretty awkward because they all spoke super fast and only with each other. But then the littlest boy told a joke and I laughed…

I think that was the moment when I won the respect of the eldest boy and he has since made the biggest effort to talk to me. I’m actually surprised at how much I’ve enjoyed talking to the kids. I think it’s because I’m very formal with the parents and choose my words carefully, but with the kids I can talk about everything from French YouTube stars to Mexican food!
So I’m actually kind of sad to be leaving this host family tomorrow because watching them all interact was both amusing and very enlightening and well, I’m going to miss having someone to talk to about “young” French culture.
Tomorrow, the group heads out for Paris, where I will be staying for the rest of the year! But before I go, I wanted to make a list of my favorite things about living in Tours.
1. Having a class in a room with a chandelier and sculpted walls.

2. Walking by buildings that are hundreds of years old every day and realizing that it’s completely normal for this city.

3. Switching in between French and English so easily you don’t even notice when you change.

4. Having this be your walk home:
5. And well, the tranquility. I’m probably going to miss the relatively laid-back atmosphere of Tours in comparison to Paris. Sometimes it’s just nice to relax 🙂
The next time I post I will finally be in Paris! Oh, and living next to the Arc de Triomphe! ❤
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Hi Ms Emmmileee, Loved it! Great choice of pics. We miss you but wouldn’t have you miss a minute of your time in France. Stay happy along with staying healthy! XOX, B.
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Thank you both! I’ll write a new post soon, but for the moment I’m staying right off of the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe!
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Dear Emily, Your grandfather is my little brother. I suppose we met at Jessica’s wedding — This trip is one I would have _loved_ when I was your age, but there was a war on. You are relishing it, dear Emily, making the most of it, and we at home are enjoying it long distance, happy it is you and not us who are experiencing it. I look forward to a year’s worth of Emily Abroad!
Love, Your Great-Aunt Helen Ryall Briggs
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Of course I remember who you are Aunt Helen! Thank you so much for reading my blog!
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Emily, I am reminded of the many families that Vic and I stayed with when we traveled through Europe. We traveled by boat, bus and train. At each stop people who had rooms to share would meet you at the stations and offer them. We met so many families in this way. I’m glad to read of your in-France experiences. Keep them coming. Aunt Ethel
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Of course! Thanks for reading 🙂
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Wow – your life is my dream. Enjoy every moment!
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Thank you Mrs. Fitz!
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