I have been asked a number of times what is my favorite French word (seriously, this has come up in conversations). A lot of people will say “pamplemousse”, which means grapefruit, but I personally would choose the word “pantoufles”, which means slippers. I bought a neon green pair Friday, that’s why I mention it.

I have now lived in Mons for almost a week (tomorrow will be a full week). Each day has consisted of many minor tasks to get me through and put a life together. This has included opening a bank account, getting a cell phone (don’t worry, I know I’m getting ripped off. I got a cheapest plan for calling the U.S. which will cost me 10€ a month plus the calls I make. It costs 0,21€ to call home after 7pm here. Good deal, if I was paying from my bank account. I currently am paying on my visa card so I’m paying about $15 a month and $0.33 a minute. I think I’m going to fix that), registering at the university, getting the key to the American Studies Center where I will be working, and joining a gym. All of these events, and they have been events, have been an experience. Not necessarily worth mentioning, but worth noting. *smile*

I still have to start work and sign up for classes (it has to be a class within the school I’m working in, so I’m thinking Italian or Russian or German. Who knows). I have to register for my residence card, which I can’t do until I get my visa, so until then I’m carrying around my passport.

Mons is a cute town. It is small. I can probably walk around it in an hour. I live 4 blocks from an H&M, which some of you may know makes me very happy. I bought a bamboo mat. Random, I know, but the room needed something. Next I need to get some decoration for the plain white walls.

So far the most exciting thing was being invited to a party (which took place on Saturday). Most the Belgians go home for the weekend, so it’s just the international students here. Two Czech girls, Martina and Veronica had a little get-together to “celebrate” our coming to Mons. We were a hodgepodge group with a variety of accents in our not perfect, but pretty good, French. We consisted of the two Czech girls, a German (Victoria), a Greek (Aphrodite), an Esonian (Myee) and me. I’m still working on meeting Belgians, but that’s a little more difficult.

Check out the photo page. I finally got some stuff up. And one final note, the “s” at the end of Mons is pronounced and in Dutch this city is Bergen. Just thought you would like to know. Until next time, salut!