So we finished my first week with kids!!! It was a great week and all the kids were amazing!!!!

Unfortunately, I came down with a severe case of strep throat (first time ever in my life!) and had to miss most of Thursday and all of Friday. My director even had to deliver meals to my room. She said I looked so horrible she feared she woudl have to take me to the hospital!

So I got French socialized healthcare experience! My company takes care of my medical expenses thank god! It was strange going to the town doctor at 6pm... most American doctors offices are closed then! He spoke some English, but I had my director there to translate. I got nasal spray, throat spray, antibiotics and allergy medication. I had also previously taken quite a tumble in the shower earlier in the week and messed up my knees so he gave me some pain meds for that. What a mess I was! Now I'm sitting here with the worst sinus infection of my life! ahhhhhhh allergies! I guess thats what I get when I'm at a site surrounded by exotic trees; bushes and flowers!


The weekend was amazing! I was still not feeling my best, but I held on! The kids leave on Fridays so we have the entire weekend off which is nice. We spent the whole day relaxing and barbecuing. Saturday night we went to the local nightclub called New Swing. We didn't arrive until after midnight and we danced the night away until 5am when the sun came up!
After catching up on sleep, Sunday afternoon we went horseback riding through the vineyards of the French countryside. It was so beautiful; but I think it was this that started my sinus infection. Maybe I am allergic to horses? Or hay? I don't know.

Now its not just me that is sick. Everyone at Azé has been sick with allergies or strep throat. The saying is that "the strep throat grows in the trees" because every single counselor that has been here this year has gotten it! Our company has already exceeded the year's medical budget and it is only the 2nd of June! It seems like almost every other day our director is taking someone to the town doctor or pharmacy.

The other bad thing here? THE FOOD!!!! ugh it is horrible! The kids hate the food -- I am almost embarrassed that they serve the food they do! it is a shame because the kitchen staff is so nice, but the things they chose to serve are disgusting!!!!!!!!


This week's kids are not so good. I have the worst class I have ever taught. Its not because they are low level, but they do not respond or participate at all! I ask them if they understand, and they do nothing but sit there and stare at me. At least nod/shake your heads or something!!!!! it makes it really difficult to teach when the kids have no questions; do not participate, and have literally nothing to say. Very frustrating!

This weekend should be exciting though! My bestie Nomad (Heather) is at Tour de Buis' site. The whole site is coming by train to visit for the weekend and come dancing with us at New Swing! Lotsa partying and fun for sure!!!

Well time for evening meeting now and prep for the campfire!

- Dr pepper