dimanche, le 11 janvier

all has been going very well. one week of class down, all pretty easy. A girl named Katie got in last night - she was an exchange student here last year, and so is visiting the family for a week. so thats nice. right now, everyone is just finishing dinner (it's almost 10!) and watching Moulin Rouge.

today i had an experience worth writing about, i'd say. we went to a festival in a tiny town nearby which was based, of course, on food. there were a few stands selling local meats, cheeses, wines, apples, and the most local food specialty - champignons, or truffles. i got to taste a bunch of exciting things, like lavender honey, olive oil, all sorts of sausages, apples, and red wine, all local. my host mom bought a truffle for tonight's dinner (not bad), but at the fair i could only afford to smell them, which was a rich enough experience. for the first time i really felt like i valued and appreciated what meager sense of smell i do have. the whole thing was a really cool experience for all my senses, and it was fun to talk to the vendors about apples and honey from washington and california. what a great culture it is here.

there are vinyards everywhere here, and i hear all the wine is good. i can't wait until it gets warmer - you can't tour wineries in the winter, it just wouldn't feel right. wine is something i want to learn all about.

alright well i hope all is well back home!