Last Weekend in Roanne!

This past weekend was bittersweet. Kate and I spent it mostly tidying up the apartment and packing all of our things up. 

On Saturday afternoon, Kate and I went to lunch at a teacher’s house. She was one of the english teachers that Kate has worked with throughout the year. She lives in another small town outside of Roanne, so we got to drive through some nice countryside! 

Once we got there, we met her boyfriend, and they served us a very french-style lunch. We began with a drink and appetizers. One of which was some couscous-like thing with crab and salmon eggs mixed in. After appetizers, we had some asparagus. Next, we had chicken legs and rice. The chicken legs had been cooked in a yummy sauce with pineapples. Then, we had assorted french pastries (cream puffs, fruit tarts, chocolate tarts, etc).  for dessert with a cup of tea. I ate so much and it was all so good! I am happy that Kate took me along to this meal. 

After we got back to Roanne, we headed directly over to Jack’s and Camilo’s place to chill for a while. Then we went home and cooked dinner (vegetable curry). I have never really eaten curry before this year, but now I know I am going to continue to cook it for myself! Jack and Camilo came over for dinner and we had yummy curry as our last meal together. After dinner, we went back to Jack’s and hung out, then went out together for the last time! We had a good time and I am so glad to have gotten to know the other assistants in Roanne this past year!

On Sunday, I went to mass for the last time in Roanne. I will miss my little church! Also, on the way back from church, there was a family walking in front of me. I heard the lady speak french to her daughter, then I heard her speak polish as well! So, I decided to go up to her and start speaking in Polish. She was surprised to hear polish and we had a nice chat together. Turns out she is interested in improving her english, and she is interested in private lessons by me! I wish that I had met this lady sooner! Unfortunately, I do not think that I would be able to help her out much because I am leaving… but if I am ever back, maybe I will contact her. She also told me that there are a lot of other polish people here, but I have not had any luck finding them until now, lol. 

On Sunday night, Kate and I wrote a letter to the future assistants of Roanne. We gave them advice on good restaurants and places to hang. I hope that the letter helps them in some way :). I kind of wish that the last assistants left us a letter with some advice about life here in Roanne. (maybe we will start a tradition, lol). 

On Monday, we finished cleaning the apartment, and someone from the school came and inspected it. Then, we ran some errands, had lunch, said goodbye to Jack and Camilo, and then headed off to the station! Tim took us the train station where we said good bye!

I'll miss my Aussie neighbor!

Before leaving, I snapped a photo of the famous restaurant here called: Trois Gros. Even Beyonce and Jay Z ate here once! 

Trois Gros- Roanne's claim to fame

I am going to miss living in Roanne, and I am going to miss all of the friends I have made here. I will never forget this experience, and I am grateful to have had such a great time teaching here!

My home for the past seven months!

I am sad to leave, but Kate and I are on a new adventure now! We are off to Cannes!  My teacher’s sister is renting an apartment to Kate and I until the 10th of May. It’s in Mandelieu, which isn’t too far from Cannes :). We arrived tonight, and we got a quick look at Cannes as we got from the station to our apartment. My teacher's sister picked us up from the station and gave us a quick tour of the place. I can’t wait to explore tomorrow and I can’t wait to spend my birthday in the south of France :).

Let the adventures continue,

Magdalena