ratatatatabouli

So, if you are my friend on facebook, you have probably seen some of my status updates on your news feed. You probably also know that I have been eating homemade tabouli salad for about 4 days now. I made enough to feed an army and thought I could down that thing within two days, but alas, I failed. Today, was my last and FINAL meal of tabouli salad. I can't say that I am sick of it but I am definitely tired of it. I won't be having it again for a while. It helps that I try to make something different every night to accompany it. Yesterday, I just happened to have all the vegetables I needed to make ratatouille and some left over parmesan cheese. Here is the before picture:  

It barely fit and I was afraid that I would have to use another pan aka another dish to wash. The bottom layer has some sauteed onion, garlic, and eggplant. Then there is a layer of fresh mushrooms, a layer of zucchini, and a layer of tomatoes on top. Each layer has a sprinkle of salt, black pepper, and parmesan cheese. Super simple dish but after an hour of baking, all the flavors come together wonderfully and you get a delicious soup at the bottom that is perfect with some crusty bread. Here is the after picture (i bit into it already because i forgot to take a picture, it looked too good):

I ate leftovers for lunch today with a fake vietnamese sandwhich. I guess its not really "fake" but it definitely wasn't authentic. I had a crap load of pickled carrots left over from the banh xeo and needed to use them. So I bought some pate (which is 75 cents for 2 squares in france) and mayo. I spread that on a baguette and put a massive amount of carrots and some cucumber on it. It was good but not "Vietnamese..yyy"

I have also been attending my first few political science classes at the university this week and I am COMPLETELY lost. But thankfully, French people are nice and willing to share notes. 

As stated in my earlier post, I am heading for Belgium and the Netherlands soon. I have decided that I am going to try COUCH SURFING! It sounds like a great way to meet people and discover the city more than I would by myself. Unfortunately, all the people I have contacted so far are no goes. But better luck tomorrow! Oh, no class on thursdays. boo yah. 

I will stay up later tonight and try to read more of the bible. I just finished Matthews and I wanted to read more, but I have had class every day at 8am for the past two weeks. Matthews was a really "hard to imagine" book for me. The idea that one of Jesus' own disciples turned him over for 30 silver coins is beyond me. Eternal salvation or 30 silver coins? HMMMMM. 

SIDE NOTE: if you come to france, stay away from the pain au chocolat au buerre or you will get fat and addicted, like i am right at this moment. I have eaten one everyday for breakfast for the past week. Yes i know, im bad.