Day 3 in Strasbourg!

This morning I went to Mass with my host family.  I'm Lutheran but I have a feeling that I am going to be a good Catholic while I'm here!  The church was absolutely beautiful- lots of stained glass windows, a huge pipe organ in the back, and beautiful statues and architecture.  The mass was surprisingly similar to a church service back home- the same prayers, readings, etc.  It was interesting to hear everything in French and understand it all.  I went to mass with my host family in 2006, but my French has vastly improved since then so I understand much better now.  Astrid introduced me to some of her friends after Mass and then we went back home to a delicious lunch of salad, fish and rice with an amaaaazing sauce, and a mille feuille for dessert.

After lunch, Astrid's fiances parents came over to meet and plan for her wedding in September (I can't wait to come back for her wedding!)  I used the downtime to try to call home but no one I called answered or could talk. :(  Shortly after, though, Astrid and I went to the movies with her roommate, Claire.  We saw a chick-flick called "La Chance de ma Vie"  It was about a guy who brought bad luck to every woman who fell in love with him/with whom he fell in love.  It was really funny and very cute; I liked it a lot!  It wasn't a typical French film though - it had a happy ending.

Tomorrow I have to take my test at 8:30 AM to determine my level of French.  I don't know if I should feel nervous- I don't know what I can do to prepare for it.  It's in two parts: writing and speaking.  Hopefully I'll do well!  I'm more nervous about finding the building where the test is because I didn't pay close attention when we went there on the walking tour, plus I'm coming from a different direction.  Mappy.com will be my best friend until I become familiar with the city layout.

Luckily, my host family's apartment is right in the city-center so I'm pretty much within walking distance to everything.  There is a tram station very close the the apartment and it makes traveling faster but I think I'll be able to get everywhere I need to be this semester within 20 minutes by foot.  :)