2 weeks here

So today makes two weeks that I've been here in Jonzac. Strangely, it feels like longer. It's...ok. Sometimes I like it a lot, other times I think "why did I think it would be a good idea to come here." Really, I think any negative thoughts about this town or this job are caused by the sense of solitude and isolation ( two things I'm not used to) and just the fact that I've never taught before and don't necessarily WANT to be a teacher...My heart just isn't in the job. Yet, at least, it could turn out, after a few weeks or months that it's something I really like. But, I doubt that.

Honestly, I haven't even really started the job yet, so it still seems intimidating to me. I'm supposed to be doing observations of classes until the 15th, but the teachers here seem to disregard this protocol, and are quite keen on having me stand in front of the class introducing myself for the better part of an hour. So, obviously, unprepared as I am for that, I'm not enjoying it.

The apartment is nice, very big and clean, with a huge kitchen and washing machine. The beds are alright, the lack of shower curtain confusing, and the free TV amazing for improving aural comprehension skills. The town is very small, I'm sure I've said it, so there's not only not a lot to do, there's not a lot of people to meet. I am, however, intent on joining the Judo club for the dual goals of meeting people and learning martial arts! I think on Wednesday I'm going to head down there and see what the deal is. Otherwise, I've been spending my time reading, skyping, writing letters home, or wandering. The bike I've been using decided to break, so I need to figure out what to do about that minor inconvenience.

I have to say though, this weekend wasn't the best. One of the teachers kindly invited me to join her for lunch chez elle and then for a tour of some Roman ruins, and finally for a visit to the seaside resort town of Royan. Well, when we got to Royan we parted ways- her returning to her house, and me for the train station where she assured me there was a 7:30 train back to Jonzac. One hour later, as I attempted to purchase a ticket for this alleged train, it came to my attention that not only was the entire train station closed, THERE WAS NO TRAIN. I was completely stranded in Royan. I called the teacher, quite emotional, fully expecting her to apologize for her mistake and offer to pick me up (Royan is about 45 minutes from her house.) Instead she apologized and informed me it would be "too inconvenient" for her to pick me up, and would I mind very much spending the night in Royan...........

That sucked, especially because the first train today wasn't until 4pm. I guess I made the best of an unexpected night there by walking along the beach for a long time this afternoon, but it still really galled me that after her mistake, she would find it "inconvenient" to pick me up. Inconvenience, dear, is spending the night in a strange city, unexpected, with not even a toothbrush to keep you company.

I'm not sure how to deal with her in the future. Admittedly, it was kind of her to invite me to lunch, and it was an honest mistake she made with the trains. But that she thought it was alright to just leave me there....Not sure how I feel about her or the situation. Needless to say, I'm glad to just be back in Jonzac and to have a shower.