It's all about relationships. (And SNOW!!!)

In class yesterday, Paul told us: « Si tu ne comprends pas le culture, tu ne peux comprendre la langue. » "If you don't understand the culture, you can't understand the language. In French, it's all about relationships! One of the best examples, culture wise, is of a typical French meal. The courses are arranged so the dishes contrast and complement each other as well as pairing certain foods with certain wines. The relationships between the looks, smells, tastes, and textures are all vital parts of preparing and enjoying the meal (too bad this stupid Americaine misses out on most of it!). This emphasis on relationships is carried over into the language: relationships of time, mood, and always sound!

On a lighter, much less academic note, IT'S SNOWING!!! There has been some snow on the ground since we arrived in Grenoble (Paris was frigid, but there was no snow). However, no snow had fallen until last night, and since it started it hasn't stopped. I have no idea how many new inches there are, since I've stayed inside all day with the family. The buses aren't running due to the snow, so class was canceled. So, I've been doing homework, talking (mostly with Claire et Marguerite), journaling, and of course meals take up an hour or two each (not including breakfast). It has been a relaxed day - like any good snow day! What is there to do, better than thinking about snow when you are surrounded by it?