What one learns at tea:
In Chinese, there are 5 different sounds for each group of letters. Take "ooo," for example:
1. ooo
2. ooo
3. ooo
4. ooo
5. ooo
You know, French ain't that bad.
This semester has a different feel. Most of the Americans in my classes went home. I thought others would be coming, but I only have two new classmates from Norway and a guy from an Arabic speaking country (I didn't catch where he's from exactly). So, all in all, it's me and the Japanese! And a girl from Taiwan! My lovely Laure flew away and I suppose Jake #1 is off somewhere in the mountains of British Columbia, smoking his pipe and finishing Le Petit Prince. Caitlyn and Jake #2 moved in on Saturday. They got the usual explanation of how everything works "chez nous" and, of course, felt like they'd been hit by a train. I had to be on my best behavior. No talking to myself. No random dance moves. I figure I'll let that come after we're a little more comfortable. I will be learning how to knit very soon from one of my French neighbors. How do you say "purl" in French? I talked to my friend Becky from New Orleans last night for the first time in a year! She's in Aix! We'll meet up soon over coffee. Ha! That's so crazy! I know, Eleanor, I know! Eleanor, you're talking to yourself again. I know!
At tea, one learns how to say "hello" and "goodbye" in Chinese. I'm sure this sounds profound.