I spent yesterday with one of the girls doing not much except for a visit to la librairie (bookstore) where I discovered the French are just as mad about twilight as the rest of the world (why???) I was forced to speak french all day which was very good for me as I can already tell that my french has improved.
Today I went to hand in my placement test at ecole PERL where I will be studying French three times a week. I had to do an oral test and was told I speak the language very well. I was very pleased until she took a look at my written test and began to exclaim loudly in French: oh la la ta grammaire, ta grammaire... Well yes I have not been studying for about 7 months I tried to explain to her but this proved difficult as she is the fastest and loudest talking person I have ever met both in french and english! I don't think she approved of my excuse thus it is back to my grammar books otherwise I fear I may be banned from the french language altogether.
I also put off resisting shopping today and went to Forum des Halles but was mildly disappointed as there was not much of interest apart from H&M where I can proudly say I spent only 10 euros! I then took a walk around Place de la Republique and came across the strangely placed Canal Saint-Martin which, despite the rank smell, is quite nice. However quite nice turned into my first experience of sleazy french men. As I was admiring the view from one of the bridges a man took it upon himself to befriend me. After trying to ignore him I told him I had to go. To my horror he kept on appearing everywhere where I was walking including close to where I live. It amazes me how some men cannot take the hint the first time you say defiantly you will not give them your number! Oh how I wish I knew something rude in french!