Although Ive been abroad for almost three weeks now... I am now starting my blog.  ( better late than never) :) -  My  whole time in Europe everything has been "go, go, go" Ive really been trying to see as much as I can while I am here- since this is a once in a lifetime experience. My first impression of Dijon was an  impressive one. The town is quaint and historic, and I really found it interesting that Dijon was the main getaway for the Dukes of Burgundy back in the day- This explains the elaborate architecture, plazas and small streets. I really find the architecture beautiful especially the Palace and the Cathedrals throughout the city.  Although I was extremely tired, Natalie one of the program heads created a scavenger hunt for the VT students upon arrival to the city; encouraging us to familarize us with our surroundings for the next month.  Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised; there are so many cute joints! I just love looking at  the small cafes, cheese shops, wine shops, Gingerbread shops & mustard shops (renown food in Dijon) and small bakeries.

The Dukes Palace

An example of Plazas with outdoor Cafes

Being an everyday coffee drinker I was  determined to find a cute coffee shop/cafe where I could get  coffee to start my day.  After many dissapointments at other cafes where the coffee was to strong, to weak, to small,  or just straight up warm milk I finally found a really cute cafe that has decent sized  cappachinos for 2 euro. Not only are the cappachinos  really good, but to my surprise I found out alot about the French of Dijon while in this cafe.  Everyone in this coffee shop knows eachother....I love watching while they greet eachother with two kisses on each cheek.  The owner defies the sterotype  of "pissy french" and is extremely nice! He warmly greets everyone that comes to his cafe and knows most of his customers on a personal basis.  I noticed that the French are very involved in there personal conversations. At times Ive seen two people  sitting in this cafe for hours and just talking. I really like that the French take time to enjoy the day and each others company.  And very surpising ...I have seen atleast 5 people drinking a glass of wine at 9am in this one cafe! - I don't even think America serves wine at 9am! Even though I have rambled on about a cafe for a paragraph this cafe has given me  simple but pure exposure to the daily routine of the french.

                                                        Morning coffee :)

 Now onto the school part- I am currently taking BIT 3414 at the ESC Dijon  School of Business.  The school is about a 20 minute bus ride from the dormitories where the rest of the Tech students and I stay. The classes are fast paced since  we will be leaving on June 8th for Munster Germany to continue taking classes there. We meet (depending on the week) 3-5 days a week for 3 hours!  This is only bearable because my professor is really nice and gives us time to do some homework and ask questions in class. In addition to BIT,  Im also taking a French language/ culture class- I had the sweetest little French lady  teach me and a few of the other students some simple French phrases- although she didn't speak one word of English to us, I know she was sincere and was truly passionate about the language and her job as a French teacher.  We have recently switched gears to more culture (taught in English-Yeay!)  that explains to us some unique characteristics of the  French. This has been the most fun and eye opening for me. The culture claases really helped explain the weird things the French do, like hate speaking English or  rudely staring.  I found out they stare at you because the French are extremely curious about Americans ( not intended in a rude way) and they hate speaking English because they are taught at a young age that they are not good at it - being  extremely proud the French are embarrassed and avoid speaking English when possible.

Overall I have really enjoyed Dijion and will post about my more adventures to come! :)