Les Discjonctés, je vous aime

I have a whole other blog entry prepared - a photo-documentation of the route I take to the university on my bike - but first I want to tell you about tonight. Tonight was my last Monday night Discjonctes practice of my semester here in Dijon. Last Monday I was struck with an overwhelming sense of sadness while we were playing, and tonight it happened again. I've really become attached to the team. Playing twice a week with them has been one of the highlights of my study abroad experience. Not only is it fun to play competitive Ultimate, they do it with a real "spirit of the game," something Ultimate players expect from each other but don't always receive.

So tonight's practice was pretty standard: throwing in pairs, footing (aka running/jogging), warm-ups, and then scrimmages. I wouldn't say it was my best night of playing, but I remember having at least one good left-handed catch for the score and one good D where I actually skyed someone (aka jumped higher than they did and knocked the disc out of their reach). But the best part was at the end, when, to my astonishment, everyone gathered around and Lucie presented me with a bag filled with many wrapped items. It was actually quite heavy and on the top I could see a French flag, which they had all signed. I seriously almost started crying. I was literally speechless... conjugating French verbs was beyond my mental capacity at that moment. I shouldn't have been so taken aback...they have been so nice to me all semester, why would this shock me? But seriously, their kindness is one of many touching moments I have had over the last few days. Dominique, Miles' host mom, who helped Carolyn and I find the perfect present for Dr. Barbour...Joseph, who upon hearing I had lost my running pants, insisted on driving me over to look for them right away...Rémi showing me how to make crêpes.

This summer when I was en route to Fez, Sabrina and Yohan came to my assistance when I desperately needed it. From then on I swore I would never poo poo the French people, because two Francais went above and beyond to help me, a complete stranger, when I really, really needed it. If that wasn't enough, the people I have met this semester have convinced me that France is not just a country of good bread and good wine. I have met some wonderful people and they are the reason this semester has been such a delight. Viva la France et viva les Discjonctes!

Here's a picture of my collective presents from the team...note gold Santa hat with trim which lights up (batteries included), the mini disc-golf disc, candy, the CDs, sausage (?), the Chat Noir magnet, the change purse, and of course, the bottle of wine.