La nourriture

So, the « French Depression » as described in Culture Shock has still not come to pass… Though we have been in the country now for over two weeks. It’s nice that I’ve finally settled into a somewhat normal life here. The city, which seemed so imposing and different on day 1, has now become somewhat familiar and much easier to navigate. Our host family, which seemed really awkward and distant at first, is beginning to become more comfortable and approachable (even if it is still awkward at times). On the whole, I feel like I’m kind of settling in. Someone asked Caitlin and me for directions today, and before they could tell us where they needed to go—which turned out to be just next to us, actually—both of us felt prepared to help instead of immediately informing the woman that we weren’t natives, sorry.

As I feel I’ve mentioned before, the food here is really good and occassionally rather different. Our three most recent—and memorable—dishes are :

1) La Raclette : As you can see, it's a dish made with a special kind of cheese (That I hope is available in the states) and requires a special appliance (that I'm pretty sure isn't). It's essentially potatoes, cheese and meat all together, but in a completely new (and delicious) way.

2) Pasta Carbonara: Pasta with a raw egg yoke on it that you mix in. Isabelle did this at dinner and apparently my face was SUPER surprised so she laughed and explained it to me. It's actually pretty good.

3) Croque-Messieur/Madame: Essentially the best grilled-cheese you've ever had in your entire life. French cheese. Tomato. Ham. Bread. Egg. Happiness.


Isabelle, our host mom, showing us the proper croque-messieur-making technique.




Voilà! The final product!