What's the deal with all the BOOZE?

Today was another busy, cold, and wet day here in Troyes. We went to visit the CRS, the national police of France, and it wasn't terribly interesting for me because I couldn't hear what the guide was saying most of the time, even if I could understand him. Last night we had a "BBQ" at UTT and we talked about how strange it was that they were able to have wine and beer at school, but then we went to the CRS and saw that they had a bar in the police station and quite a few police officers were drinking at 10 am! That was a bit disconcerting for me, that and the fact that they wanted to show us all the guns they have, but they kept all of them pointed at "les americains" the whole time!
After the CRS, we had a meeting with the man who is essentially the governor of the region, and surprise surprise more booze! They had champagne for us but the governor was drinking scotch, at noon, while at work. Today was the first day that we really got to eat lunch together outside of the UTT cafeteria, and I am surprised at what a good deal most meals are here. We all got a sandwich on a whole bagette, with a big dessert, and a drink for 4 euros!
Finally we went to the champagne cave, and by then everyone was already exhausted. We had a short tour of the "cave", but most people were so tired that it wasn't as interesting as we thought it'd be. The champagne was much better than the stuff they served us at noon and very reasonably priced, but most people didn't want to taste more than one or two types because we've just been around too much alcohol. I'd like to say that when we get back to the US no one will want to even smell alcohol, but I don't think that's true. I don't want my trip here to end, but I am very excited to get home, to my bed, clean clothes, hot showers, and the warm weather!

Kathryn