As this week has only been an observation week we have been trying to make the most of the days when we aren’t doing anything before we start teaching next week. Along with this there is not very much to do in Draguignan so we have to try go out and do things otherwise we would go mad in the next few weeks. First up on the agenda was a afternoon trip to Saint Raphael. The bus in the Var region is only €3 for a single trip so we wanted to take advantage of this even if the bus does go through every little town and somehow makes it through the narrow streets without crashing into anything. We set off in the afternoon and after 1hr 30mins we arrived in Saint Raphael which is a lovely village by the coast. It was nice to get out and see the sea because being by the sea is one of my absolute favourite things, I could sit and listen to the waves crashing against the beach all day. There was not very much to see in the town but it was nice to have a look around anyway and it was gorgeous and sunny as well so we made the most of it. Boulangeries and Patisseries are everywhere in France and they are so good that stopping myself from buying things everyday is a challenge because everything looks so good. As we were out for the day I decided to treat myself to some ‘macrons‘ as I had never really had them before. I got a chocolate, lemon and caramel one and then popped back to eat them by the sea. Is there any better way to spend a Wednesday afternoon? Getting the bus meant that we were a little restricted for time but it was still a lovely day. I also got a post card to add to my collection of all the places I have been. I have it proudly stuck up on my wardrobe to give my room a little decoration as I haven’t gotten anything else to stick on the walls yet to make it more homely.

When it comes to the weekend in Draguignan as I said there is not much to do, we can’t pop out to bop the night away unfortunately. Friday came and not wanting to spend it in again we decided to head out and try find a little bar to have a drink in for a change of scenery.  Of course as with many places in the world there is an Irish pub in the town centre so we popped in for a drink and a chat. After a late-ish night on Friday come Saturday morning all I wanted to do was chill out and catch up on the Bake Off now that I have internet. After spending the morning relaxing we thought we would get some culture in and head to the cinema. The tickets bought we settled in to watch ‘Radin’ a french film about a man who hates to spend money and how his life changes when his long lost daughter comes into his life. Although I have to say I didn’t understand every word it was actually a very good film with some parts that made you laugh out loud.

Sunday’s in France are a day when the world pretty much stops, shops close and people mainly stay inside and have family time. Luckily for us some of the bus routes still run which meant that we could make a day trip to Toulon for a little picnic by the beach with some other assistants.After a 2 hour bus ride which went through every town possible  we finally arrived. The weather was lovely and it was nice to go and see a new city and meet some new people. Having eventually found the right beach  we had a very french picnic with bread, cheese and wine, stereotype alive and well. It was lovely to sit and relax by the sea with some nice food and new people and just relax. Again due to bus restrictions we didn’t really get to explore the city so I will definitely have to head back and see what the city has to offer. I have to get a post card for my collection if nothing else.

Now it’s time to get ready for our first week of teaching. I am still waiting on my timetable for 2 of my schools but they don’t seem to be worried so I’m trying not to but it is a little strange. I’m sure everything will be sorted Monday morning and I’ll be able to relax. I already have children’s songs stuck in my head that I have been trying to learn to teach the kids so it’s going to be a fun year.

I’ll let you know how the first week goes and if anything exciting happens.

Emma

xx