I need floaties!

Because of my recent successful conversation experiences, I decided I wanted to go out this weekend to try to speak a little to the locals. Everyone has told me how imperative it is to really put yourself out there and speak french as much as possible.

In my town, there are really two pubs that I know of, Le Milady's and OSullivans. Milady's is technically a Belgium bar, but everyone there speaks only french. I've been a few times with a group of au pairs, so I've been able to hold conversations with them. The other, OSullivans is an Irish pub. Most people there speak English. I tried to get some of the other girls to come out last night, but everyone had to babysit. I have to babysit tonight, so I decided that I was going out alone!

I made the decision to go to Le Milady's because I really wanted to challenge myself. As I was driving there, I had visions of myself striking up a conversation with people, being taught new words/phrases, locals helping me with pronunciation, and really just having a great time. When I got there, I went up to the bar and ordered a glass of pinot noir. The bartender couldn't understand me. I shouted it louder. I know I can pronounce "pinot noir" correctly! The guy standing next to me said something to the bartender and he brought me out a glass of red wine. I'm pretty sure it was merlot. Oh well.

I stood back and looked over the situation. Everyone was sitting in groups. No loners. I put on my big girl britches and approached a group of guys standing at that bar. I introduced myself. They did the same. I told them what I could. They spoke a lot of french I couldn't understand. I asked them if they knew any english. They said no. Basically, the conversation went nowhere! I finished my glass of wine and decided to leave. As I was putting on my coat, one of the guys asked me if I was leaving. I was able to tell him, "I go. It is too difficult because I know a little french." I think he understood me. I left the bar feeling completely defeated.

I walked back to my car and decided to call it a night. I pulled out the GPS and pressed Go Home. About one minute into the drive, I thought, "What am I thinking!?! This is not me. I do not give up!" I drove to OSullivans. I took a deep breath and walked in the door. Here goes nothing. I ordered a glass of wine. When I turned around, I saw two people I met on Monday. YAY!

Both guys are french but both speak fluent english. I told them about my night. We all got a good laugh out of that one. I ended up having a fabulous time and we stayed till bar close. I realized that I threw myself in the deep end before I knew how to swim. For right now, I need floaties.