Week 1: Day 1 of School

So, the first week in Paris was pretty up and down. It involved a lot of walking, not a lot of talking, in English, and more types of pastries and foods a person could wish for. The little grocery stores with fresh bread and produce make me wonder how we ever got by in the U.S. without them, and the Cafe's and Brasseries lining the streets offer the largest variety of local cuisine and coffees. I ventured down Sebastopol, the main road near my apartment here, and I have decided it is definitely my favorite main road so far. Rivoli is nice, and it is close to the river and the Louvre, also leading to Laduree and Angelina, but it is just too touristy, and I prefer this area of the 3 arrondissement with local shops and cafes. Note for the future: don't go north of the apartment after 10pm. Not bad...just colorful. Today was the first day of class, and it was AMAZING. We all went into a large room with the entire cuisine and pastry program of Anglo (English) speaking students, even though less than 1/4 of them were native English speaking. It makes me feel like I haven't done my part in learning additional languages when most of my classmates come to Ferrandi to have classes in English, their second language, and have to learn French in addition to it all.

The teachers are amazing, all so talented and nice. The lunch provided was actually quite good, and they make a rather delicious Saccher torte. The winding halls of the 5 story, including basement, school will probably prove to make me late to class a few times if I don't remember my map! I was SO impressed with the uniforms and supplies we were provided with. My knife kit included things like a bench knive, whisk, pastry brushes, and so many more tools necessary for utilization in the pastry kitchen, ALL engraved with my own number so I don't have to ever worry about losing them; and mine are all numbered 1! Luck I suppose.

Tonight I had my first guest in the apartment. My friend Aya from class, she is from Chicago and lives near the school, she came over to see the apartment and we went to do some shopping for her and decided the produce looked too good to pass up. We settled for a large dish of Greek Salad with fresh French bread, greek olives and feta, and oil and balsamic. We finished it all with some Sauvignon blanc wine and some classical music. I must say it was pretty enjoyable to have company and enjoy a nice fresh and homemade meal.

Tomorrow we finish with our introductions to the school and tour the additional classes. We will get to go into the kitchens, and I am SO hoping to get a Macaroon or two :) Wednesday we start classes for real, and I am very glad I am in group A, because my classes are from 8 to 5, as opposed to 10 to 7! Wish me luck everyone!