Bonjour mes amis!

After 30+ hours of traveling I finally made it to my (first) destination, Dijon.

Lost with no direction, Caroline and I took control of our trip yesterday when we landed in Paris at 6am. With no contact information to our french correspondant, Pascal, nor to our wineries, we bought train tickets to Dijon where Pascal lives and works. After booking a hotel for the night at Hotel de Palais, we went in search of an internet cafe. Here we received Pascal's latest email with more information on our living situation for the duration of our stay. With no hesitation I purchased a SIM card for my phone, contacted Pascal, and arranged a meeting time that night.

What a relief!

After grabbing dinner and a much deserved shower, Caroline and I went back out to enjoy some glace and limonade (ice cream and sparkling limonade).

With a laid-back and casual meeting expected that night, I threw on my t-shirt and jeans to meet Pascal. Low and behold as we ambled down the street talking, we walked right into an annual festival of food and wine (4/14) celebrating Louisiana food and music. The entire town was out, eating, drinking, dancing. It was a sight to behold. Women dressed up and glorious in their summer dresses were escorted by men, equally well-dressed, as New Orlean's music drifted thought the night air. Despite my haggard appearance of bead-head, drowsiness and all together too casual clothing, I was so happy to be witnessing this scene!

Now with Pascal's help I have moved into my dorm at the University of Dijon and will be staying here for July and August. Away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Dijon I will not be so easily distracted, but will have the company of my peers (or used-to-be-peers) in VEN 3 from Davis.

Now I am off to catch the final World Cup match, talk to you all very soon!

Love,

Laura