Mick Jagger, 15 French verbs, and a 12-Century Jewish ritual bath

As I write this,  my hostess (Jacqueline) and I are watching a French quiz program. Jacqueline has some hearing problems and so has the closed caption on, which allows me a little bit better comprehension, since I can see, as well as hear the words. And when this question appeared I was pleased to be able to respond:

Comment s'apple de la chanteur de la Rolling Stones?

Prior to this program was a cooking program and Jacqueline squealed with delight whenever the contestants made a mistake. She would call out to them what they forgot. Oui, en France, cooking is a sport!

This morning, in class, we were given a sheet presenting les verbes fondamentaux. They included faire, dire, prendre, mettre, venir, savoir, devoir, aller, pouvoir, vouloir, être, connaitre, avoir, partir and voir. After reviewing these verbs, along with all of their conjugations for about 20 minutes we were asked if everything was clear. Of course I said "oui." Let it just be said that teaching/learning in France are QUITE different from teaching and learning in the USA. This page of French verbs was just part of our 3-1/2 course. I am going to spend the evening reviewing all of these conjugations, along with doing assigned homework.

This afternoon I joined a tour group and our tour guide, who spoke only in French, took us around the old part of the city.  I parted from the group after a couple of hours and, with the help of a map, eventually made my way back to the city square. Let's just say that I have a sense of humour, a sense of history and card sense. But, as far as a sense of space and direction? Well, It took me quite a bit of walking and figuring out just how to match my route with the map. I finally stopped in a little shop and bought some postcards and got directions from the proprietress.

Did you know that Montpellier has its own Arc de Triomphe?

It was at this point I became lost. But, now I know how to get here from there.

Tomorrow: a tour of Nimes!