Exactly the same, just different...

One of the most common themes discussed in our "Real World"-esque house is how strangley comfortable we all feel. It helps that the group of us get along extraordinarily well. It's not at all bizarre to find ten or more of us huddled together in one room talking about anything and everything that may come to mind. But what we have all noticed is that even with the extreme language barrier, the everyday actions and behaviors of people in Lyon are astonishingly similar to what we are regularly confronted with at home. Just to further connect home and here, I have found many similarities to Lyon and Boston. They are both historic, large cities that have more of a town center vibe. These factors explain the seamless transition we seem to be making. The only tiny obstacle left? Speaking French...
But even with the comfort of the city we live in, the fact that we may actually miss home is starting to take its affect. The first clue? A rather lengthy discussion involving every food that we miss from home. I admit that we sounded a bit dramatic for only two weeks in, and after a while our conversation resembled a war movie way too closely. The top things that we miss? Dunkin Donuts, bagels in general, worcestershire sauce, cheesesteaks, light salad dressing, breadcrumbs, anything requiring an oven, and the obvious front runners...peanut butter and mac and cheese. Although the peanut butter/mac and cheese has pretty much been taken care of due to certain family members special deliveries (thanks guys!).
As for highlights of the past week? We finished our first week of classes. After having to switch one of my classes I now only have class on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays! Long weekend trips here I come. On Saturday night, a group of us hiked back up to the Basilica around midnight. We ended up having to jump the fence :/ but the view was absolutely worth it. It was breathtaking during the day and just downright stunning at night. That was followed by about a two and a half hour walk home. Strolling, talking, and really enjoying to sights was definitely an experience to remember.
This week at CEFAM we don't have any regular classes. This is what they call seminar week. Us Americans are grouped with the third year students for a week long marketing simulation "game". We have to be there from 9:30 - 4 everyday, but it's not that bad. Still having to get used to this two hour lunch break thing though. It definitely clashes with the American mindset of "let's get everything done as soon as possible so we can go home early." I guess I'll just have to learn to slow down a bit.

Coming up...I'm going to Paris this weekend to see my mom! We are going to a Lyon soccer game on Wednesday (my first one), and then Barcelona in two weeks!

More interesting things we've noticed:
-You are hard pressed to find a clock in this city. There are none anywhere in school, in the apartments, in stores...
-All of our butts are looking fabulous due to the fact that there is a ground floor in every building. So we live on the third floor, but its actually the fourth. Same thing at school. I'm refusing to take elevators because that and walking are pretty much my only forms of exercise.
-Buying hair dye is an even more stressful situation when you can't read many of the colors.
-Stock up with whatever you might need on Saturday because absolutely nothing is open on Sundays!