visiting Classen

Yesterday, Nathalie and I got up early for her first glimpse at the inside of Classen SAS. The adminstrators, counselors and office staff were all very glad to meet her, and I know they'll take great care of her this year. I assured her that it took me a long time to figure things out there, so not to worry if she had questions. We toured most of the school and peeked in a lot of the classrooms. Empty now, they'll soon be teeming with students eager to return to school. Well, some of them anyway.

Checking my mailbox, I had an interesting package from France. At first, I thought it had something to do with my exchange, but then realized it was from Sofiane Tahi, counselor to the president of the Université Jules Verne in Amiens. He was part of the delegation that visited OKC in March. When we visited the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History in Norman, he was surprised to see rose rocks in the display case. A native of Algeria, he told us that they have something very similar there. The package contained several roses de sable (similar to the one pictured here) that he'd bought for me and other members of the Oklahoma delegation while visiting his family this summer. My discovery of this package was perfect timing, as Nathalie and I had a lunch appointment with Desa, Linda and Honorary French Consul Barbara Thompson that afternoon. We met at Cheever's, where chef Bill Hart (and brother of my dear friend Jamie) recommended the vegetarian soft tacos. Lunch was delicious, and Nathalie now has three new friends in Oklahoma City.

This morning, we went to the Oklahoma State Department of Education to pick up a gift from Desa to Sofiane (selenite crystals from the Great Salt Plains). Desa piled our arms high with Oklahoma maps and SDE documents, including a brochures for our friends in France that mention our new partnership. In the parking lot, we ran into my friend Greg, who had sent Nathalie a letter on super high-class Spiderman letterhead, so I was glad to be able to introduce him in person.

We went back to Classen for a few more introductions, a little work, and lunch with the Guidance and Counseling office. This afternoon, I finally started tackling the monumental task of packing. I have eliminated more clothes, and think what's will fit...I'm still worried about the shoes, though!

I had dinner tonight at Café Pranzo one last time. My traditional birthday restaurant, I had to eat there two days early this year. I can't believe my Dad, stepmom, brother & sister-in-law had never eaten there. I had my standard chicken portobello risotto, which never lets me down.

One more day to go....