Day 201+202 +203: Exams exams exams. So the start of this week isn’t particularly interesting as it’s just full of exams. Yet exams in France are unlike no other exams that I’ve experienced at home. Here are a list of all the things I’ve witnessed since taking exams in France:
- Told the date and time of the exam a week before but not told the place or room numbers for some exams until the day of
- Name not on any of the lists, therefore meaning I have to add my name on the bottom after explaining that I’m an Erasmus student every time
- Allowed bags in the room down by the side of you during the exam
- Teachers/invigilators turned up late
- Question paper is given out whilst people are still talking meaning Lucille and I had time to quickly ask each other a few questions before they finally gained control over everyone
- Don’t know the weighting or point system for questions on some exam papers
- No clocks in the rooms so can’t monitor your time
- Didn’t look in my dictionary meaning I could have hidden notes in there
- Exams on the same day at the same time and when asked what I should do about this I received no help or a solution
- People talking during the exam, especially when people are allowed to leave after an hour as everyone rushes to the front causing more noise
- Teachers/invigilators having rather loud conversations during the exam
- Someone shouted during the exam to ask a question instead of putting their hand up
- For one exam there was a powerpoint slide with a variety of questions projected on the wall serving as our exam paper and it went off halfway through
- People casually turning up 30 minutes late to an exam and are still allowed in
- Phones went off during the exam and no action was taken
Day 204: Lunch with two ASM rugby players. Caught up with one of our friends Lucille and I met at the airport the very first time we came to Clermont last September. It’s amazing how time flies. Can’t believe that was over 8 months ago. We went to this coffee place called LAG coffee which is actually owned by one of the ASM rugby players and low and behold two ASM rugby players were there having lunch with their wives and child. I felt a little rude asking for a photo and didn’t want to look like a freak trying to take one without them noticing, but you’ll have to trust me on this one they were there. You can always spot rugby players from a mile off because they’re so tall and stocky.
Day 205: DAN’S HERE!! So it’s nearly been a month since I’ve seen my boyfriend and to say the least I was very excited. Long distance relationships are very hard but somehow we’ve managed it so far and haven’t got that far to go either. What a better way to spend the night than getting a Chinese takeout and watching movies. Chilled to perfection.
Day 206: Puy de Dome. Up early and straight up the volcano to a magnificent view. The sun was shining bright, the birds were singing… total serenity. These sort of views really make me want to live in the countryside. I’ve realised this year that I’m definitely not cut out for the city life as its too busy and waking up to concrete blocks is not my idea of living. After a peaceful morning we went back into the city and went out for dinner at this lovely little Italian place. It was so nice to actually sit down and spend some quality time together… it was what we both needed.
Day 207: Spa and relaxation. On today’s agenda was the spa in Royat. There’s just something so relaxing about being in water and surrounded by flowing water. At the spa they have a variety of pools, one of which is very very cold and Dan was brave enough to go in there several times and sit there for a good few minutes too. I only went in and walked to the other side and that was enough for me. Though I felt rather refreshed and rejuvenated after.
So this is the end of the penultimate week in France. I’ve only got one more week to go and then I’m back home for good! No more goodbyes and lots to look forward to. Stay tuned for my last year abroad blog entry next week.
You and Me Roam Free.