BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - IU volleyball standout Katie Pollom is studying abroad in France this semester and has graciously agreed to chronicle her time in Europe throughout the semester for IUHOOSIERS.com. This is the sixth installment of her diary series.

"I made it safely back to Aix after my week vacation in London and Barcelona. I wrote last from Barcelona, so I'll start off by recapping the rest of my stay in Spain. On Friday, my friends and I visited the Chocolate Museum and learned about the history of chocolate. The museum smelled great because there were amazing, intricate chocolate sculptures everywhere!

We also visited a beautiful Music Hall (and got a tour in English)...I tried some local Spanish food, paella and chocolate churros (great dessert!) Paella is everywhere...it is rice with veggies and seafood on top...I was imagining tacos and burritos, but didn't find those anywhere in Barcelona, since it is right on the Mediterranean and seafood is celebrated. I have since been reminded that tacos and burritos are Mexican (thanks Sabrina!)

My day in Barcelona, I visited the oldest Picasso museum, which displays works from throughout his life. I did not realize he was so versatile in his artwork before seeing this museum. Saturday evening, we watched the sunset from the dock (the water was about a 10-minute walk from the hostel), and I went to a club called Baja Beach Club...where one of the songs they played was none other than M.C. Hammer's "Can't Touch This"! I couldn't believe it :)

Sunday, I spent eight hours on a bus to get back to France. While I slept most of the way, I tried to stay awake at times to view the beautiful countryside...all mountains and sun the whole way.

This week, it was back to school for me, nothing very exciting from that aspect, although I can tell that I am gaining a better comprehension of French by listening to my teachers. Sometimes I find myself thinking in French now, which they say is essential for becoming fluent in a language...however, I have a long way to go yet before I'm fluent.

Last night, my host mom and I watched "Nouvelle Star", which is the French equivalent to "American Idol". It's so funny because they sing more English songs than French songs in the auditions! It was very comical.

Tomorrow, I am going on a religious retreat on an island just south of Cannes (as in the Cannes Film Festival). I'm looking forward to getting away and having some time to reflect. Two friends from my program are joining me, but the rest of the students going are both French students and other foreign students. We will have the opportunity to chat with some monks while there as well. The island should be gorgeous...hopefully it's not too cold! I'll let you know how it goes when I write next week. Until then...take care.

Katie"