Wish Come True

People think that Montpellier is a beach city but in fact it's about 5-6km away so it's not like I can go to the beach everyday after class. There's actually no direct trainline that goes to the beach either (although there's a shuttle bus that goes directly from one of the tram lines). So even though I'm quite close to the beach, I never was able to reach to the sandy beaches. Since my host mother took one week off, she kindly offered me to take me to the beach one afternoon. There are actually many beaches along the coast but we decided to go to Le Grau de Loi as there's a pier and a nice market area to walk around.

First things first, the sandy beach, oh how I missed you!

We then headed to go get some chichis which are flat churros that you find around beach towns in the South of France. The flour base batter is fried and then dumped in sugar. My camera wasn't able to catch the scale of them but they're huge!

Freshly making chichis

Typical beachside food...waffles, donuts, and crepes. All easy finger foods that will fill you up after long hours swimming!

I know I'm not supposed to eat that much wheat (I'm sensitive) but... yum!

Host mom biting in

 As we walked around the pier with our chichis, I discovered that there's lots of nice boutiques. As being girls, we both ended up going shopping rather than enjoying the beach. Some things are just the same everywhere you go.. I ended up buying 2 dresses, 1 scarf, and a belt with my host mom helping me out. 

Fishermen coming back into the ports

fresh seafood

And one last surprise on our way back home... flamingos! Apparently this is the only place in France (and only one of a few in Europe) that you're able to see wild flamingos.

The reflection of the trees made the reservoir turn completely green, stunning

As I get near to my end date in Montpellier I cherish the friendship and bond that has bloomed with my host mother and I. Though we were total strangers before that don't even talk the same language, I'm just so thankful how we have been able to communicate and really come to understand each other. She even finishes my sentences and my host father always get mad that she doesn't let me talk. I'm just so thankful of her presence and her support throughout these weeks. I'm going to miss her when I leave.