Why "Adventures of the TOKEN AMERICAN"

I thought that I'd be a good idea to explain why exactly I chose this title for my blog: well, it comes with a story.

I think it was the third day here in Montpellier. I had been at the Minnesota office, hanging out with some friends, going online, and looking at courses to take at Paul Valery University. My friends, Laur, Christina, Kate and I decided that we should head out and go walk around by place de la comedie. The Minnesota office is not far from there, so I never thought anything bad would happen...but I was wrong.

Of course, on the walk to Comedie we have to pass by the lycee, or the high school. Sure, this would not normally be a big deal because students are in class and we can pass by without problems, but it was around lunch time and many of the coool high school students were outside. Two of these "chic" high school boys were kicking a soccer ball. Not kicking like, "oh hey, this is fun, let's kick a ball on the ground and be safe," no they were kicking it into the air with the possibility of it hitting someone. As soon as we turned the corner and I saw the two boys (yes boys) kicking a ball, I immediately had bad thoughts. I was standing next to Laur and we were saying back and forth to one another, "someone is going to get hit..they are going to hit one of us..it's going to be me because I'm the one with blonde hair.." and then BAM!

BAM as the ball slams into the back of my head. I didn't even see it coming! I was so shocked I turned around and started yelling in franglish. The impact of the ball must have screwed up my thinking pattern because I decided to yell in half French half English as all the high schoolers laughed at my condition. "OH MY GOD DIEU. DESOLE PEUT-ETRE? IT WOULD HAPPEN TO THE TOKEN AMERICAN WOULDN'T IT?!" Translation-"oh my god god. sorry maybe? it would happen to the token american." It was really a sight to see. Of course, my friends just laughed (as they were in complete shock as well) and carried me away from the situation. The two boys didn't even apologize, unless you count a pat on my shoulder and no eye contact. gosh.

So, with that lovely story being said, maybe everyone can understand why I feel like I am the token American. I got hit, with a soccer ball, in the back of the head, by two high school Frenchie boys. It would happen to me. The Token American blonde girl.

I swore I'd never pass by that school again...but the next day, I did. With my head held really high and an EXTRA angry look on my face. :)