Bonsoir! I really wish I could post ,ore than I have been, but its really difficult because i cant use my own computer!! :-/ So, what ive been doing is keeping a written list of things i want to remember, so i'll begin to transfer that list now (at least until a line forms to use the computer).

1. Ive noticed that when Parisians do the double-kiss, they start on the right cheek. Good to know in order to avoid awkwardness!

2. The other night at le réveillon i said "knock wood" and found out that the French say the same thing--"touche bois"--but Italians say "touch metal"

3. In Paris, the bill is often called "la note", not "l'addition"

4. When you use the possessive article with the word "copain(e)", it means boy/girlfriend

5. If anyone reading this is planning to visit Paris, I strongly suggest NOT getting a hotel by the airport (which i did)...i didnt realize how far away it is from the city...its about a 45 min/10 dollar train ride ONE WAY!!! it is neat; however, watching planes land from my room. however, the distance and cost kept me out of the city the past two days (which is honestly ok, because ive explored Roissy AND ive been EXHAUSTED from being sick--blah!)

6. Since I didnt go into the city yesterday, i decided to hqve dinner at the marriott up the road. it was; of course, really good food and excellent service. i took my time, à la française, and spent about 2 1/2 hours at the table. I read & people-watched (which, by the way, isnt sketchy en France...its expected!). Ready to be grossed out by what i ate? For an appetizer i had this pumpkin & mussels gratin...we're not talking pumpkin pie flavored, it was real pumpkin squash with mussels and cheese. it was good until about 1/2 way through and then i had had enough. my dinner was a chicken stew. i had forgotten that French chicken stew is a thin broth with vegetables (thank goodness for the potatoes!) and WHOLE chicken parts. like i had to cut the meat off the bone. it wasnt bad;;;but it had too many olives for my taste. the bread was GREAT, as was the coffee i concluded the meal with. i LOVE french coffee!!!!! after dinner, i went to the marriott's gift shop to buy some water, and the guy working at the counter saw my change holder (which has a horse & buggy on it because im cool like that) and so i tried to explain to him who the amish are. that was fun...kind of like explaining groundhog day to my french host parents in college...there's just some vocab you never learn...sorry, kids!

7. So, more about food, since im sure that that4s everyone's top concern...the other day i had an EXCELLENT croque-madame (which is basically a really good grilled ham 1 cheese with a fried egg on top of everything. i didnt take a picture of it? but i have pics of other meals, so i wont go into describing them now...fyi, when i get home ill post my pics asap and correct my horrendous typing (although i'm feeling a little more comfortable with this keyboard!) also, despite the good/interesting cuisine ive been eating, i cant wait to have some wings, a chicken quesadilla, and a tropical smoothie smoothie when i get home!!!

8. Something great about French TV is that they dont run commercials during shows...all commercials are shown between shows. I've been enjoying "n'oubliez pas les paroles"...the French equivilent of "don't forget the lyrics"...i also watched a special on carla bruni last night, and jerry maguire dubbed en français this afternoon..."Gagne-moi le blé!!" = "show me the money!"--very slangged up.

9. The first song that i heard when i got to france was "Womanizer." i have since learned that the French (in general of course) really like her, Pink, and Rihanna.

10. And the final important observation i've made over the past several days...the most modern toilets here (and throughout europe ive been told) have two buttons...one you use to flush the little jobs, the other for heavier loads. enough said. (although i must add that i am extremely impressed by the environmental focus).

Actually, here is my final observation of the day: I have not yet encountered a single rude French person. The stereotype that the French are cold and unfriendly is absolutely false. I have had nothing but positive encounters not only with people in the hospitality industry? but everywhere...on the subway, in shops, etc. I really notice a difference from the last time i was here...maybe it's because i'm older and wiser ;-) but i really think that both globlaization and the european union have impacted the French demeanor. i know, heavy stuff to end a post with, right?

ok, well, that's all for tonight then...i'm going to try really hard to get up early tomorrow and get a full day of sightseeing in. see you all soon!