Le 23 janvier 2008

I have been in Rennes for 3 days now and it is a little strange, but the culture shock is not as severe as I thought it might be. One of the main differences is their attention to the conservation of resources. For example, the lights in the hallways stay on for only about 2 minutes. Then the whole hall is plunged into darkness, and you have to find the switch to turn the lights back on. For a few days I couldn’t find the switches, so I started counting the doors to find my room. It is very similar in the showers too. The water stays on for about 30 seconds at a time. So, you rinse, [water turns off] lather, [turn water back on] rinse. I can see the sense in it, there is a lot less water just going down the drain, it was just strange at first. Also, none of the stores give bags. You can buy bags that are more like a canvas than plastic, or shove the stuff in your purse. I bought a hairdryer and had to hold it on the metro. I was afraid that clerks in other stores I entered would think that I had stolen it, but it was OK.

Another cultural difference has to do with personal space. The French are very close talkers. I want to back away a little but I don’t want to seem rude. I feel like it has also been difficult to speak French to the French students because every time that I ask for help during the many instances I cannot find a certain batîment, people realize that I am obviously not French and begin helping me in English. This really speeds up the process, but sometimes I think that my French is better than their English. The whole bisou bisou thing threw me too. Most Americans wouldn’t kiss someone they have just met.

In the dorms though, it is so quiet and private. Doors are not left open like they are in the states. When you pass someone in the halls either they don't even look up or there is a quick "salut." I have not knocked on my neighbors' doors yet to say hello but I will do so soon.

In Rennes we have was are called “les parrains” who are French students who have studied abroad so they are given an exchange student to help learn the ropes and understand the various things that are being demanded of us. Mon parrain is Antoine and he was nice enough to give me (son fileul) and another American student a tour around campus to say what each building is for. He also gave me his cell number in case I need anything else and told me where I can buy certain necessities.

So, overall, the semester is beginning slowly but surely. I'll keep you all posted.