I have loved living with Madame. I consider her my mere Francais (French mother). She washes and irons my uniform, cleans my room, gives me medication when I’m sick, and always worries when I go out without a coat or scarf. She is kind, generous, sweet and warm. Living with her has been great for learning the language since I’ve asked her to only speak French. She has also welcomed me into her family – an opportunity I wouldn’t have otherwise. The French don’t readily accept etrangers (strangers) into their midst, so I feel quite fortunate.

But come next month, I’m moving out. I feel a bit like a bad girl for leaving her since I know she needs the money, and she’s gotten quite comfortable with me. By the end of July, I’ll be living with Ashley, my classmate, and her French roommate Jeremy. Ashley’s dear roommate, Matt, has decided to return to England for a job, so I have some big shoes to fill.

My new digs will only be a seven-minute walk from school, but now I’ll be closer to the center of town. Upon arriving at double green doors on the street, you enter the secret code, push through the heavy doors and walk through the quiet courtyard. The building is very modern, painted in white stucco. Take the elevator up to the 5th floor – named Degas in the elevator – and turn left to the first door.

The apartment is large and sunny with a great balcony that extends from the living room to Matt’s room (soon to be mine). Ashley sleeps in the living room on a futon and there’s a day bed in case she has any overnight guests. There’s a nicely appointed kitchen with all the things I need for experimentation. I’m hoping to log some serious time in there practicing or creating recipes. The bathroom has a standup shower – hooray! – and a washing machine – hooray again!

Down the street and around the corner are several fabulous stores for fish, bread, vegetables and fruit, cheese, wine, and meats. I’m looking forward to finding the best stores and developing relationships with the owners. I’ve learned that once a storeowner gets to know you, you’ll usually be given the best or freshest of what they have in stock. This is how the Parisians shop, by buying from the same people day in a day out and developing a common rapport.

I do plan to visit Madame often. After all, with two Cordon Bleu students in the same house, who is going to eat my dishes and cakes? I always rely on her to polish off the things I bring home since by the time I’m done cooking them, I have no desire to eat them. In September, she will host a new student, so I hope she enjoys the new person whoever they are. The last student who lived here wasn’t very considerate or kind which left a bad taste in Madame’s mouth.

It has been both a pleasure and an honor staying here, but I’m ready to leave the nest. Thank you Madame for everything – I am lucky to have found you!

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