Hello everyone! I know it’s been a really long time since my last report but that’s because I’ve been super busy and I don’t have internet access. I’m sorry that it’s been that long but I will try my best to keep everyone informed about these last months. Well, first of all, I switched host families in January (16th to be exact) and it was probably the toughest day that I had to go through since my stay in France . I remember that Friday as if it would have been yesterday. There were many thoughts going through my mind. I was very sad knowing that I was extremely happy with the Debuire family. My “new” host family consists of my host mom, Francoise and two brothers. Simon is in the US doing his exchange year in Pennsylvania and Antoine is in college so he doesn’t live at the house. The first couple weeks were not very easy to deal with since I was found with just a host mom that did things completely different than I was used to. I found it difficult to understand her personality and way of life but as the days went by we got along. At first I found it strange because it was like starting your exchange year all over but yet knowing the language… well, in general it wasn’t a very easy task. But now, things are very well, my host mom and I get along and we go through good times together. In France students get two weeks of vacations in February. Normally, the vacations are meant to go skiing; I however, went to La Bretagne with Francoise for a week. We left the 8th and got back the 12th. We went to Le Finistère to be exact and I had lots of fun. We stayed at Helene and Frank’s home—which are Francoise’s parents—who are super nice people! I got an opportunity to visit many places such as “La Pointe du Raz”, and many cities like: “Quimperlé”, “Doëlan”, “Concarneau” and many more… we had so much fun! Then on the 15th of February, well, it was my birthday. It was so great; there is no word to explain it. When I woke up Francoise had a baguette with 17 candles on the table ready to be blown out and a small flower next it. We took pictures and had breakfast together (something we barely do) and it was nice. After a while together I got ready to have lunch with the Debuire family. My host sisters came to pick me up around noon and I left. I had a really good time with my first host family, everyone was there! We danced, joked around and sang as never before. I opened my presents and we had lunch. Surprisingly after eating, my host sisters came out of the kitchen with a cake and its candles. It was so lovely! After a couple hours together Veronique drove me back to Francoise’s house and when I got home Françoise and I talked, had appetizers and then she gave me my presents. I opened them with her and later had dinner. It was such a nice time; she had even prepared a special dinner. After we finished eating my real family called me. It was nice to hear from them on my birthday. I had such a great day… and at night when everything was over I began to think about how lucky I am to have such wonderful host families. On my birthday I was overwhelmed with wonderful feelings of joy and happiness. It was a feeling that I cannot explain. I was so happy and thankful—and I know I still am—because there are so many people around me who are not even related to me and they’re yet so nice… they’re just great people with a huge heart! I have to admit that I cried on my birthday; but not because I was sad but because I was too happy and grateful. I did miss my family and friends but I know that was completely normal and it didn’t stop me from having fun. I love everyone so much! After my birthday, on the 18th I went with two very nice Rotarians (the parents of Lise, a rebound that was in Florida last year) au Croisic. Le Croisic is a city by Nantes , right on the Atlantic coast. I had lots of fun! We were there for 5 days. Marie-Joëlle took me to “Guérande” which is normal, average city surrounded by a wall, it was very impressing. We also visited “les Marais Salants” which is where they make salt, that was also very neat. We also went for a walk to the biggest beach of Europe , “La Baule” and then we went back home. Marie-Joëlle and Jean are great people; we had a good time together. Well, after vacationing, I had to go back to school. What is there to say about school? Nothing much, nothing has really changed. I was however surprised on the week we got back because my friends and English teacher had gifts for me for my birthday! They gave me so many things… they are so nice!! Let’s see, in school… well, I do the work, take tests, notes and do sports. Since the last time I wrote in school we were doing gymnastics in sports; but we already finished that. Then we had to do volleyball but we finished that two weeks ago. Now we are doing badminton… (argh!!!) sports is very exhausting! Oh, also on March 5th I went with Francoise’s job to Montbéliard, which is a city next to Germany and Switzerland , we all had so much fun that weekend! “Le Carnaval” took place on that Saturday and it was something so amazing. Le Carnaval is a festival that takes place mainly throughout the month of February and March in certain regions of France . Many people dress up in different costumes and party. There were many marching bands, clowns, face paintings, food, games, and lots and lots of confetti!! It was so good… I really enjoyed myself! I’ve noticed that I’ve been to so many places lately… which is why I feel that time is quickly running out. Yesterday for example I went to Nantes to visit the big city. Francoise and I went to the chateau and walked all around the city. Also, next week I will be going to Italy for a week with my school. I leave Sunday and come back on the 2nd of April. Then on the 3rd I will go with my English teacher to a very well known 24 hour motorcycle race at Le Mans . Then (normally) on the next day I will do my French tour that lasts 12 days. I don’t like how times is quickly going by, it seems as if I got here a couple months ago from Florida . Unfortunately I know that is not the case, my stay in France is rapidly running out! Changing subjects, winter is over, it’s no longer super cold like it has been these last months. It’s still chilly but at times it could get hot. It rains a lot but all the birds are singing again, the flowers are blooming and the trees are slowly becoming green again! It’s getting pretty! People open their windows and well, it’s nice to see how the coldness is slowly going away! Well, I have to get going now. I don’t know when I will write my next monthly report but I will try to do it in a month. Even though I don’t keep in touch as often as I did before, I want to let everyone know that everyone is missed. I love everyone and since my year abroad is coming to an end I will see everyone soon. By reading my report I’m guessing people will notice that I’m having a good time, and I am… my stay in France gets better and better as days go by; but that doesn’t mean that I have forgotten everyone back home!! Until next time everybody!!! -BZuniga