Le Crab Angouleme

... going to be writing letters and emails and making phone calls to anyone who might be able to help me secure employment.

10:26 PM

What an interesting and informative day! Now, as I sit on my bed listening to a compilation of KRCW's Today's Top Tune (the world's greatests radio/internet station!!) I am going over the lesson in website optimization

... of taking a nap in the afternoon if I’m feeling tired. Of course, in the States, I’m probably being more lazy than here!

I still haven’t built anything yet; my duties have consisted of cooking, cleaning, and admin work. Before I leave, I am determined to actually construct a wall or do some plastering: something, anything that will be a lasting part of La Giraudiere.

Louise, Holly, John, etc ...

... 8217;s been difficult trying to send her reservation confirmation; darn fax machine.

I spoke briefly with both Mom and sister; they sound like they each need some cheering up, but I don’t seem to be equal to the task. I wish I could scoop them up and bring them here to be with me…

There’s a definite sense of urgency about finding a job. Because this place is so rural, there aren’t many opportunities, but I am not ...

... streets to overflowing. You can find just about anything in the stalls, from a butcher who specializes in horse meat (no comment) to live chickens and rabbits; from fruits and veggies to fish; lovely handmade jewelry to tacky plastic hair holders, and on and on.

I was practiced the serious are of window shopping and only purchased a couple of post-cards and some rotisserie ...

... of her work. She's asked me to do some more! Oh noooo, what have I gotten myself into... Really it's rather an honor.

Dinner is running a bit late; Julie's cassoulet is still stubbornly partially frozen. I've stirred it and cranked up the gas oven. Maybe another 10 mins?

Louise, Holly and I entered the "guess these famous authors" contest and we ...

... beds (4) & rooms for unexpected arrivals. Sounds like a lot but I did have time to go on Facebook and play a bit: I can hear my mother and sister's disapproving groans from here.

It's about time to go back to the house. I am not even going to try to ride the bike back; my legs aren't ready for those hills as slight as they may be.

Later...

I did end up riding at part of the way back, whoooo hoooo!!

... Yanna and Ed to a concert held in a church carved out of a cave by Benedictine monks in Aubeterre (about 12 miles away). I even wore that sexy halter dress my sister Micki gave me and put on make up! That delicate ******et crème sweater with the faux pearls that I bought in Spain almost 10 years ago really came in handy over my shoulders in the cool interior of the church and I even had a chance to use one of my scarves (bright yellow ...

... little concerned about what it is she's about to love.....

10 mins later, Trev arrives with his psycho dog 'Socks' and hands Paul a bottle of Baileys with the comment, "All the ladies loove a Baileys, don't they?" Needless to say, it is in the fridge and has remained so......

At this stage of the party I am slightly worried as it is just me, Paul, Trev and Paul's brother Chris who keeps ...

... confortable going to Latin America on my own as a backpacker. You can call me chicken, I won't be offended!! ;o)) I have never actually travelled such distance alone and I felt it would be a nice gentle way to ease myself into the whole travel alone thing by doing the first leg with a tour. I am very aware and relatively confortable with my limits and that was one of them. So, Latin America... here's the route: PERU: - first stop and tour departure: Lima ...

... city. Most of my time here was spent sitting in on Kathryn's classes. She teaches English to several different age groups ranging from 5 to 12 years old. French kids are so frenchin cute!!!!!!! And they love Americans, especially Californians, especially from Hollywood. So Kathryn decided to add me to the schedule of most of her classes. I'd stand up, and all the kids could ask me anything they wanted to, as long as they ...