it's been too long

I haven't written in here in a long time, so I think I am due for another entry. I left off last thursday, but that was just about the Indians, who I am so happy for!! I guess I could let you in on what I did this weekend...
On friday afternoon the Center took us on a weekend trip to Dijon. We took a bus to get out there, but it took us over an hour to exit Paris, so our bus ride ended up being about 6 hours. After that fun journey we finally made it into the town of Dijon. We ate dinner around 9:30 because we arrived so late, but the food was amazing. There were jugs of wine on our tables and it seemed as though each time it ran out, the waiter brought back more wine. They really like their wine here. Anyway, for the main course steak with a grilled and stuffed tomato and potatoes au gratin were served. Since I have to be the oddball and be a vegetarian, they served is an amazing pizza with tomatoes, peppers, onions, mushrooms and artichoke hearts. I think it was the best pizza I have ever eaten (sorry, Elmton...). Then for dessert (yes, dessert!!) we had creme brulee!! I think I gained ten pounds just by looking at it let alone eating it, but it was worth it. The next day we took a walking tour of Dijon and saw the Notre Dame of Dijon and the open markets and took a look at the architecture on some of the old homes. I wouldn't mind living there. Then we had lunch and some free time. I spent it walking around the town with some of my friends and then going back to our hotel to take a nap. Later we ate dinner at another restaurant (mind you that we didn't have to pay for any of the food all weekend...) where escargots were served (sadly I didn't eat any) for the appetizer, and then duck with potatoes. I had pasta and was underwhelmed with it, but hey it was free. Then for dessert we had a heavenly chocolate and hazelnut layer cake. I actually died and then came back to life when I ate it. Or maybe I just blacked out from all of the calories that I had consumed. I actually don't know, but I'll go with the first option. On sunday we took an hour ride to a town called Beaune (pronounced "bone") so that we could take a look at the Hospice of Beaune and have a wine tasting at a local vineyard. It was a more rural town but I really liked it and wouldn't mind coming back someday. Anyone want to come with me?? The wine tasting was interesting and we learned about the different levels of wine and which one is the most expensive. my favorite was the Pinot Noir for the red wine and the Bourgogne Aligote for the white wine. I bought some Dijon mustard and Creme de Cassis for my (real) family, so I have to get that sent along soon. The Creme de Cassis is a highly concentrated blueberry liquor that's used to make Kir, and french drink. You can either use white wine or champagne, and then you add a few drops of the creme de cassis and it gives the drink a sweeter taste. it's really good.
Up until now I have been pretty busy with schoolwork and stuff. I have to make a trip to the American Embassy so that I can request an absentee ballot. If I am sending one in from overseas then Ohio will accept it 20 days after election day. I don't plan on sending it in that late, but if it comes down to that, at least I can still vote. I am in a class called Muslim Presence in Europe and right now is the month of Ramadan. Our teacher thought that it would be a good idea to take us to a restaurant so that we could celebrate the breaking of the fast. She brought along one of her friends who is a practicing muslim and we talked about all kinds of things. it was a great dinner and I am really glad that our teacher put it together. Plus, once again, it was free. That's about all right now. I don't have classes today so I am going to run some errands, do homework, maybe some laundry and then watch a movie for one of my classes. Hopefully the weather clears up because it's raining right now. Talk to you all later!