So I've decided to move to Vire, France...

Okay, just kidding. But I am loving life in Vire. Vire is the cutest little, French town that I have ever been to and I have seen quite a few cute, French towns. I came Monday morning with my professor, Dr. Elliott, to research a famous 18th century French writer, Madame Le Prince de Beaumont. She is most famous for her many, many books and pamphlets that focused on educating women. She also wrote a number of novels, one including the famous Beauty and the Beast. Here in Vire at the local library, they house her personal, actual, real, over 300 year old letters. That I touch. With my (properly gloved) hands. Reading, cataloging, and attempting to translate her personal letters has been overwhelming, but so incredibly cool. Reading her personal letters and manuscript notes is definitely hard work (these letters are hundreds of years old and are hard to read - plus they're in French), but unlike any experience I have had thus far. 

And did I mention how cute Vire is? It's a small town in the region of Normandy where it mostly rains (yet it has been sunny for us the past few days), but has the friendliest people. The food here is amazing. So much goat cheese. On all the things. I love it. 

It has also been a great experience to venture out of Strasbourg and into a smaller and more quaint town. I can definitely tell I am a small, French town kind of girl. Now while I've had a blast in Vire, I can't wait to begin my next adventure in Paris on Thursday. Tomorrow is my last day in Vire (don't remind me) and my last day doing my research on Beaumont's letters. Prayers for safe travels Thursday will be much appreciated. 

Bonne Nuit! 

Oh hey beautiful, French country side. NBD. 

Luggage, Cheese, and Bread...SO GOOD!

8 days after I was supposed to receive my luggage, it has finally arrived! While this past week in a foreign country with minimal clothes and toiletries has been challenging, it also has taught me so much. I now know that I can easily make an outfit for each day out of about 4-5 pieces of clothing and two pairs of shoes for 8 days. But I have also learned that one does not need physical things to enjoy life - the last week in Strasbourg was challenging, but so beautiful and wonderful and intriguing. But I'm still pumped to have my warm sweaters!

Now that I have my luggage, I can now really experience and enjoy the culture that France has to offer. It's been interesting to not only go to different stores and restaurants, but also get to shop in local super markets and even street markets. I've tried different foods - even l'escargot (that's snails for those who don't know). But my absolute favorite meal still has to be cheese and bread. It's so good here, you don't even know!

Today, my professor, Dr. Elliott, and I traveled from Strasbourg to Paris and are staying at her sister's apartment. Tomorrow, we take an early morning train to Vire where we will begin our research and read the 18th century letters of Madame Beaumont! The French literature nerd in me is giddy!

I will try to stay close to my computer now that Wifi is a little more accessible and will try to update this blog more frequently. À bien tôt!

LOOK! IT CAME! PTL!