now I only wish I wouldn't disappear

I have less to say than I thought I would. I was planning on posting photos of La Rochelle, including the boats that came into town this week for the Velux 5 Oceans challenge that began today from this very port. Unfortunately, I discovered that the cord I'd brought to download images is the wrong one. So tomorrow, once stores are open, I'll be buying a new cord and showing them to you.

Until then, I have a few photos of my life here. When I dropped my dad off at the train station a few weeks ago (whew, time flies!), I walked back to my apartment as the sun was rising here in La Rochelle, passing through the Saturday market that stretches across the main market square and down several streets in all directions. I stopped to buy some bananas, then kept walking home and took some photos of the early morning light on the botanical gardens next door to my apartment.

I also took photos of my classroom, where I'm having to stand in front of a bunch of middleschoolers on my own and act the part of teacher. Me. They come into class, stand behind their chairs til I tell them to sit, and then they look to me to tell them what to do, what we're going to be talking about or covering in class. It's weird.


It's funny how different schools can be from each other. Obviously, school is school, but here, in between each class, is a fifteen minute break that isn't for getting to the next class. They have a break, then congregate outside and wait in groups for the teachers to come down and get them, leading them to class. We, as the teachers, are responsible for them from the moment we go fetch them from outside. Also, they can't sit down until the teacher prompts them to, and when they leave the classroom, they have to put their chairs up on the desks like they are in the photo above. Little differences, but it's fun exploring them.

And as always, I bought a delicious treat from the bakery down the street. Mille feuille aux fraises, which is like the one I showed you last time only with strawberries instead of chocolate. It's probably my favorite dessert so far. The pastery layers are crisp and delicious without being too sweet, the cream is fluffy and flavorful without being all sugar, and the top is a sort of iced glaze with dark chocolate drizzled in a pattern. The perfect bit is a little of each layer: some pastry, some cream, some of the iced topping, and a strawberry. Perfect combination of sweet with just a bit of tangy, and chocolate finishes that aren't the familiar sugary chocolate.


And, of course, the almond slivers on the sides. Mmmmmmm.

Yes. France has been on strike nationwide for several days now. I feel like telling them I would give anything to retire at 62.