It was my third day of French classes today, and I am so glad I decided to do this! I am surrounded by people who 1) WANT to be here learning French 2) are at the same level as me 3) come from different cultural backgrounds – so not all of them can speak English 4) who are so eager, we even speak French on all of the breaks! 5) they are new here too so they want and need to make friends as much as I do.
I`ve made 4 new friends and we already exchanged phone numbers and emails. 1) Xiao Feng is from China – she married a Canadian guy and they recently moved here. Her husband mainly speaks Mandarin with her so she barely speaks English. She`s super friendly and smiley and we sit together and help each other with spelling. 2) Li Li – also from China, she immigrated here a few years ago and she is very positive. 3) Steve - he`s from New Brunswick originally, and moved here a few years ago. He says he doesn`t know why he didn`t start learning French sooner! He`s a funny guy, and even though I know he speaks English, he always speaks to me in French. 4) Rosa-Maria – she`s from Peru and she used to own a discotheque in Cuzco with her boyfriend. I don`t know her full story yet, but she helped me book a hair appointment for this afternoon at a great, cheap salon – only $15 for a wash and cut on St. Denis! Sounds too good to be true, but we`ll see 
Though I know that being in this environment does make it easier, I believe that when you put yourself out there, smile and are sincere, you are bound to make friends. Pêople are basically good-hearted if you give them a chance.
