Bullet Points

• The Internet is terribly slow in my room. It takes an incredibly long time to upload photos and posts (and, disappointingly, I can't watch old movies on Youtube — my favourite routine before sleep).  I may begin taking my computer with me to the bibliotheque and doing my posts there. I don't want to stop — I like doing this and keeping a record of my journey, even if it is only for me.
• We began the study of the past tense in class today. The class is really good. We are now four: Jens (from Germany), Ananda (from Venezuela), Christian, our teacher, and me. Jens leaves at the end of this week and we will probably have a new student or more next Monday. Considering that the courses are designed for people to drop in for one week or 10, or however many they wish, it's done very well. I still prefer the teaching methods in the US, but I AM learning.
• After class I went to Flunch for lunch.
• Then, to Sauramps, a huge bookstore ["librarie"] and tried my best in French to ask for a phrase book. I got sent back to the travel books. When I asked the second person she said "une guide de conversation?" "Oui, oui, merci!" Once I found the book, it took me forever to find the cashier, having to wind myself down a few sets of stairs, and then I had to ask for directions on how to get out of the store.
• I'm dealing with the basics of life — drinking water, toilets, and regularity. Once I can solve these problems I can conquer anything.
• So, to the pharmacie, where a very patient woman assisted me in finding the medicament I required for le constipation. After she had explained and rang up one product she said it was necessary to refrigerate it and I lied and said I had no fridge (no way am I using that thing!) and so she kindly found another product and explained the best she could. The entire conversation was in French. I really appreciated her kindness and patience. Please believe me, the French are  very, very nice. I've not had a single encounter with an unpleasant person (unless you count the tattooed guy on the beach, but he was pleasant in his own vulgar way).
• Then to le bibliothèque (library) to do some studying. Now home.
• Ooo la la! I forgot that I had told Jacqueline that I would go to a concert with her on Friday evening. We just had an incredibly long and complicated conversation, because I also bought a ticket to go to Arles on Friday afternoon and we had to figure out what time I was returning, and whether or not I would come "home" and eat here before the concert. Well, I think it is settled. I am going to Arles, returning here for a quick bite, and then off to a concert of Corsican music. (She is of Corsican descent.)
• I brought a travel yoga mat with me. It's a great mat, when I remember to use it. Getting it out now and doing some stretches and downdogs. Although I walk A LOT, I'm really tense and tight. I must do yoga every day. Hopefully more exciting things to write about tomorrow. If not, I have that visit to Arles coming up on Friday afternoon, and then the concert. Stay tuned.