Ok, so I mentioned that I experienced a bit of culture shock upon my return. I was mostly referencing the people. But I think I might have said that too soon though. I'll explain why.
We arrived here on Thursday afternoon. On Thursday evening, Manon and I went out to Zoé's house with a bunch of their friends, including my first host sister, Adeline. Their are kind of my friends as well, but they aren't my close friends, you know? Anyway, when we arrived we said hi to everyone, but they just did a bisous and asked "ca va?" as if they had seen me yesterday. I was a little shocked that no one seemed extraordinarily happy or even a little excited to see me. No hugs or things like that. I already mentioned I'm used to Brazilian people, and with them people are always touching you and it's just the way it is. Hugs and kisses and loudness and laughter and dancing and music... so this just seemed so calm and, well, cold! I was actually a little sad and disappointed.
But then it was the Ducasse de Vaulx on the weekend! There were many of my closer friends, and they greeted me much more warmly than the others. I was picked up and spun around twice, hugged a bunch of times, and kissed (on the cheek) many more times than that. I liked when the people I didn't expect to hug me back at all were actually the ones who initiated the hug. So that was much better!
I'm still waiting on Damien, Sarah, and Elena to come back from camp (tomorrow!!!), and Pauline and Polina to come back from vacation and then I will have seen all of my friends that I absolutely need to see. My second host family will also be coming back from vacation the 15th. And I will have dinner on the 11th with Martine, Jean-Paul, and Laura. On the 18th I'll be going to a Rotary meeting. I still have to work out a time to see my first family. I've seen Adeline, but I really want to see Marie!
Anyway, I think this weekend at Virelles will be best so far! I want to make my limited visit as memorable as possible! :D
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