She's Leaving the Chateau, <>

So.

Things are really coming together, if anything got accomplished while I was here, it was the peices of my life being comfortably fit back together in a nice little (temporary) life style. I've got a job lined up for me when I get back to Cleveland, and I've made a list of things to do while living there, here's a taste;

-Get certified as a swimming instructor
-Learn how to drive stick by the end of August (or by my birthday the 20th)
-Make at least two new friends
-Reconnect with all the old ones
-Set up a mini painting studio
-Find a proper instructor to take Bass lessons from
-Sell fancy watches to people

I have a couple other potential projects as well, including being in a play that a friend of mine is directing, helping to produce a large scale recording/concert for my buddy Ryan. I also have two weddings to go to, and that usually produces some lovely shots of Leigh and her sisters all dressed up holding wine glasses (at least three of us will be) so I'm excited to return.

Speaking of wine. I have to say that today was the first time I went down the wine isle at the super market. Wine here IS cheaper than water! Almost every bottle I passed by was less than 3 dollars!! I need to buy a second suitcase....Bonnie, get ready to turn 21 Parisian style.

Speaking of Paris, I will be leaving here to start my little tour of France/ Switzerland in less than 48 hours. I'll be going to Paris for Two nights, by myself.....trying to restrain myself from too much shopping. And making a B line for places like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. I am so excited. Then Allison's family has been so kind as to open their home to me for two nights while I go explore Zürich a little bit. Mmmm I cannot wait to see some mountains! After that, I am off to stay with some friends of the family in Normandy. I'm so glad that I got in contact with them. I just canceled my reservation with the shady Hostel I was going to be staying in for four nights. What a relief. Now I have someone to pick me up and take me to the Airport! I love the Gravelines!! (pronounced Graahv-leens). I am very excited to travel around a bit, it'll be bitter sweet leaving the chateau, but also refreshing.

The girl that is taking over for me at the Chateau is here now, she came yesterday. Her name is Robyn and she is sweet as can be. I can't tell you how great it has been to have someone here my age to vent to, to relate to, to just talk to in English and have a laugh with. It's been so nice. She's already started calling me "love", I think we've gotten off to a great start. It's too bad we have to leave each other on Saturday. Today, after we did some food shopping, we went to Chateau de Bauge. I love castles, it was great to finally do something touristy things nearby. Tomorrow we're going to take the bus into Angers and do some exploring at the Chateau de Angers, maybe go see the grand Cathedral there, and do a little wandering and shopping. I'm glad I have a travel companion for a little while. Particularly one that speaks better French than me ;) I'm sure I'll have more photo's to post when I get back tomorrow, and I'll try to do at least one up date while in Zürich and one while in Normandy.

Love to all.

Leigh

P.S. I learned how to play touch rugby today, it was terrifying :)