Much randomness

First, thank you to Colleen for the use of MPRE materials. I received my score report and got 50 points higher this time. On a 150 point test that is a big deal. Now, to hear about the bar exam.

Thursday and Friday this week I am off work (or as they say here "on holiday") for the Jeune Genevois, which commemorates a fast in 1567 in support of Protestants in Lyon. I do not believe that people fast much, nor do I believe it is celebrated in France, so hopefully things will still be open. It will be lovely to have a four day weekend and we are planning on doing some hiking around and getting the apartment further in order. Also, we will go back to the market and find the guy who sells his homemade pasta and purchase all of it for a carbohydrate induced coma.

French classes for us both begin next week and the classification system is strange and includes both beginners and false beginners. We have classes at different times, but can study together and copy each other's workbook answers.

So the two questions or things people want to talk to me about upon learning I am American / hearing me bumble the French language are:
1. American politics, especially why there is no form of public health care, what people think of Obama, and whether Americans actually like Sarah Palin
2. (This is a quote heard several times) "Why are Americans so fat?"
As I am sure you have figured out, some of the things that are taboo to discuss with people you barely know in the U.S. are fair game for people here. Talking about politics especially seems to be a national pastime.