You know what sucks more than signing 80 traveler's checks? Signing, dating, and then signing the back of 80 traveler's checks.
Today I went into the center of the city with Julien to open a French bank account. French banks are very similar to American banks with the exception that this one had, in the middle of the lobby, a car sans it's exterior (there were seats, a muffler, a steering wheel - you get the picture). I asked Julien what was up with that and he said the bank is reminding it's customers to take care of their cars before they become like the display. I commented that this was weird. He agreed.
After speaking with the woman for 10 mintutes, filling out the necessary forms for 5 minutes, and then signing over my traveler's checks for what seemed like eternity and giving myself carpool tunnel, I was all set. Best part was they deposited 40 euros into my savings as part of the student program. Sweet.
The other productive things I did today? Found rice, bought a stamp and sent a postcard to my Japanese family telling them of my whereabouts, and I exchanged a comforter set for a bigger one.
I know what you're thinking. You're thinking: Really Kelly? Is that something to be proud of? Honestly, the answer is yes.
When you are in a foreign country and don't speak the language you are rendered partially retarded. Common things you take for granted like buying flour to bake cookies can become disasterous (this happened to me in Japan. I went to the supermarket WITH a dictionary, matched up the kanji for flour and ended up baking cookies with tempura flour. The cookies tasted like fish.)
The problem with Rouen is that everyone speaks French so I am forced to use my limited French to do anything. Ask "Parlez vous l'anglais?" and the answer is "Non." followed by them staring at you until you either walk away intimidated or say something in French.
Today's usuage of French:
"Un timbre pour envoyer a Japanois?" and "Ou." (I needed to know where the mailbox was).
"Je peut echanger? Plus grand."
Like I said. Partially retarded. Anywho it's getting late and the sun is setting. Did I mention: Les nauges en Normandy sont tres belle. Time for dinner.
Rice awaits me.
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