So my first full weekend here and I am completely immersed in my host family’s family. My host family has four child, the youngest of which was Christened on Sunday. Only the closest family and friends went to the ceremony, but afterward, 100 friends and family members met for lunch/dinner. The meal was almost six hours long and full of conversation, most of which I did not understand.

The night before I did not sleep much because I was worried about what to wear (I know, typically female anxiety). I had only been to a few Christenings in the past, and it was for family members and none of them cared what I wore. I did not want to insult the family by wearing something inappropriate or too dressy. But anyway, I woke up at 8am to make sure I was ready to go because I had neglected to ask at what time we were leaving. As it turns out, the ceremony wasn’t until 12pm and we were almost late for it.

There were two other babies being Christened at the same time so there quite an audience. The church was beautiful, It surpassed every church I have seen in the states. The priest was a nice man who took the time to explain the ceremony to the other children in attendance. he made it interactive for them so they wouldn’t become too restless and bored. I must say that I did not understand a word he said; I know at one point he said the Lord’s Prayer because I recognized the rhythm, but other than that – nothing.
After the ceremony I was driven to the reception which was held in a elementary school cafeteria. Again, I did not understand anything anyone said unless they spoke directly to me and basically spoke one word at a time. This was the first time I had ever had Champagne (my 21st birthday was in April) and tomatoes at the same time. We had four courses beginning with an appetizer of seafood. Next was the main course which was pork and rice, followed by a plum ice-thing to “clense the pallate” like in The Princess Diaries. Then we had cheese and salad and lastly dessert. I have to say that by the end of the meal I needed some time to myself. My brain was on overload from all the French I had to constantly translate back into English so I could understand what was being asked of me or told to me.

Overall I am really glad that I went. I was able to see a traditional French family gathering and observe some of their culture. I had great food and met some really interesting people that I will remember for a long time.

Location: 25000 Besançon, France