I just had real conversations! I can have real conversations in French! I'm pretty sure I can do anything. Not to sound egocentric, but that's how I feel right now. I ate dinner with the guys on the roof; cous cous, the food so nice they named it twice. I love family style! We had real conversations, and I was able to respond in nearly the exact same way that I would have in English. I don't think they were very impressed, but I sure did impress myself. It's nice that when I don't know the word Papou has the English to help me figure it out. But, that goes both ways and I don't use it as a crutch. He is very helpful and makes an effort to help me with my French, rather than in most of France where they just make you feel inferior. This is definitely the better learning experience, Dad :) It's nice to have the prospect of a new friend. He seems like a pretty decent guy who speaks 6 languages, who wishes to visit the US above any other country (a common theme among many of the locals I've talked to), but moreso, who dreams of a united African nation where you can drive freely past borders throughout the entire continent. We finished our conversation as he finished his cigarette before entering his house so maman wouldn't see. I asked if she knew, and he said there are many things that people know about here that you just don't let be seen. An appropriate comment and great summation to this intense day of cultural studies.
I am already starting to feel right at home! And the fact that the first day wasn't easy makes me very proud of myself for having JOM and sticking to it. One day at a time, one moment at a time.
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