I'm am horrible at keeping this blog updated! I don't think I will update it tomorrow, but possibly Thursday.
Anyway, a quick summary of things:
One weekend I went to Paris and saw my friends Jaspreet, with whom I ate dinner, and Alanna, with whom I wandered around Paris, found a market that served delicious Moroccan food, bought delicious rice pudding, and saw a Ray LaMontagne concert. I also went to Centre Pompidou to look at modern art. I had some interesting conversations with a few French people. There are some really great musicians in the Metro too.
My classes are going well and I've met nice people in them.
I went to Mont St Michel and St Malo the other day. There was good food, a wedding, a beautiful beach, cathedrals with gorgeous lighting...
I have several stories of me being awkward that are quite funny.
I got a job!
So I will try to elaborate on all of these things soon.
Bisous
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Quick Update
I'm going to bed right now, but I will update my blog tomorrow as a study break. In the meantime, here are some pictures from the past few weeks. You don't need to have a facebook account to look at them.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2029022&id=1148730058&l=069d089c89
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2029022&id=1148730058&l=069d089c89
Monday, September 14, 2009
Interesting Things
Some interesting things I've seen in France...
I can't put up any pictures right now, but I will. I promise.
1) A street sign that gives directions to different attractions in the city. This one, in particular, however, says "Take a break." Then there is an arrow pointing upward and the words "Listen to the birds" and an arrow pointing west that says "Watch the sunset".
2) A hair salon with the name Cool' Heure. Heure in French means hours and is pronounced eer. So, when pronounced in French, the name of the salon is Cooler. Or, more likely, it could be pronounced couleur, which is French for color and is a more likely, but less interesting, name.
3)I was in the pharmacy and saw a little advertisement for a tweezer company. The advertisement said, "[Company Name]--your source of beauty since 1785".
4) I saw a guy riding a bike with three baguettes sticking out of the top of his backpack. They looked like missiles. I don't have a picture of this one, but--trust me--it was an interesting sight.
5) Today I was in what was supposed to be my geography class. It turned out to be a computer technology class. Oops. Anyway, part way through the class, the professor's cell phone went off. Guess which song was his ring tone. (See below.)
I can't put up any pictures right now, but I will. I promise.
1) A street sign that gives directions to different attractions in the city. This one, in particular, however, says "Take a break." Then there is an arrow pointing upward and the words "Listen to the birds" and an arrow pointing west that says "Watch the sunset".
2) A hair salon with the name Cool' Heure. Heure in French means hours and is pronounced eer. So, when pronounced in French, the name of the salon is Cooler. Or, more likely, it could be pronounced couleur, which is French for color and is a more likely, but less interesting, name.
3)I was in the pharmacy and saw a little advertisement for a tweezer company. The advertisement said, "[Company Name]--your source of beauty since 1785".
4) I saw a guy riding a bike with three baguettes sticking out of the top of his backpack. They looked like missiles. I don't have a picture of this one, but--trust me--it was an interesting sight.
5) Today I was in what was supposed to be my geography class. It turned out to be a computer technology class. Oops. Anyway, part way through the class, the professor's cell phone went off. Guess which song was his ring tone. (See below.)
Friday, September 11, 2009
Catch-up Post
Coucou! In France this is a more casual greeting than bonjour and it is really fun to say. I haven’t written in this blog in awhile, so there are many things I would like to write about, but I think it would take me too long to do so. So I’ll write a little bit about many different things. Also, if there are not any pictures here now, I will add them in a bit. I don’t have wifi, so I have to use my host mom’s office to use a cable and connect to the internet, so I don’t go online and upload pictures very often (since uploading them takes a long time).
First off, congratulations Kristy on your wedding! I heard that it was beautiful. I am very happy for you and wish I could have been there. And I hope that all of you who went had a great time!
HOST FAMILY
I met my host family! They live about 20 minutes by tram from the city center (40 minutes walking) from the city center. Oh! It’s almost dinner right now and it smells very good in the house! Anyway, normally in the house there is my host dad, my host mom, my host sister Clementine, and my host brother Cyriaque. I hope that I spelled that correctly. They have three other children as well, but they are older and normally not at home. They were all here the first day I arrived though, and that day I was really nervous because they all talked very fast and I couldn’t understand very much at all. The three oldest kids are no longer here and I can understand better now though (and they are speaking a little bit slower too).
The family is very nice. I talk to my host mom the most. She is very welcoming and helped with various Nantes-activities, like applying for my public transportation card and showing me how to use the trams to get into town. She works from home, leads the neighborhood/community group in this area, is a great singer in a choir in Nantes, and also cooks delicious food. Oh! Dinner smells so good right now! I think we are going to eat in a little bit. I don’t know my host dad as much. He comes home from work around 7:30 most days and he is really nice and funny. He is also an expert at explaining the different types of cheese and wines to me, and really patient when I ask for his help with connecting my computer to wifi. He is also going to show me how to buy train tickets online tonight. (I will be going to La Ciagle in Paris next weekend to see a Ray LaMontagne concert, and I’m taking the train there. Last night I found a youth hostel to stay at that is only a few metro stops from the theater, so I’m excited). Cyriaque, the son, is about 12 years old I think. He is also really funny, and all throughout the dinner he plays tricks on everyone. He also likes to play video games and, in that way, reminds me of Conor a little. And Clementine is really nice. (I use the words nice and funny to describe people a lot). She is about 16 years old, and she studied in Canada for a bit last year, but she hasn’t spoken English with me yet. She tells many funny stories during dinner, and I can understand them most of the time.
MY ROOM
I have a really nice room. I’ll post pictures here. But I like it. It’s roomy and clean, with a comfy bed, and—best of all—I have my own sink, so I can brush my teeth and such in my room. I have a beautiful big window as well. Also, random note, in French houses, the toilet is separate from the shower and sink.
WEEKEND TRAVELS
I think I mentioned this in my last post, but all of the American students and I spent three and a half days traveling in Northwestern France last weekend. I was able to meet a lot of people and we visited many interesting places. My favorites were L’île aux Moines, a little island were we rented bicycled and biked around they island for about 6 hours. It was quaint and pretty, with seaweed-covered beaches, flower-lined small alleyways, and stores that sold Solero ice cream.
I also loved the village of Auray, a quaint town on the river that has cobblestone streets, Tudor-style houses, and pittoresque cafés. It was also where Benjamin Franklin spent much of his time, so there were many bars and cafés named after him. An oyster festival was taking place while we were there, and it was nice to see.
Sometime after L'île aux Moines and possibly before Auray, we visted Fortresse de Largoët, a large fortress that has one of the tallest towers in the area. The fortress is partly in ruins now, but it is gorgeous, covered in ivy, and contains several long, spiraling staircases. I took pictures, so I will put those up.
CLASSES AND ORIENTATION
I signed up for my classes today. I will be taking Topics in Advanced French Grammar, International Trade and Globalization, and French Writers and Foreign Nations at the study abroad center. Then I’ll take Sociology of Marginalized Groups, Comparative Sociology of Civilizations and Cultures, an African history course, and a geography course. I’m going to have to drop at least one of these classes because I will have too many credits right now, so I’m going to see which ones I like the most.
FOOD!
Every meal I’ve had here (expect this one ham/Dijon mustard lunch at the university cafeteria) has been amazing. I think some highlights have been mushroom, ham, and cheese crepes, an eggplant risotto my host dad made last night, barbequed salmon, and chicken sandwiches from sandwich stands. All the bread is delicious, and I love this one bread—pain de mie—that looks like a giant roll when you buy it. But, apparently, the French don’t find it that great because my host sister told me that it’s the poor person’s bread.
Tonight Dani, Olivia, and I are going to meet up with Florian (Flo), who grew up in Nantes but lived with us last year in the French house at Whitman. He is now back in Nantes and is studying to get his Masters. Well, he was last that I heard. His plans change often. After eating dinner with Olivia and her host family, we are all going to meet up. Dani, Olivia, and I are all really excited.
First off, congratulations Kristy on your wedding! I heard that it was beautiful. I am very happy for you and wish I could have been there. And I hope that all of you who went had a great time!
HOST FAMILY
I met my host family! They live about 20 minutes by tram from the city center (40 minutes walking) from the city center. Oh! It’s almost dinner right now and it smells very good in the house! Anyway, normally in the house there is my host dad, my host mom, my host sister Clementine, and my host brother Cyriaque. I hope that I spelled that correctly. They have three other children as well, but they are older and normally not at home. They were all here the first day I arrived though, and that day I was really nervous because they all talked very fast and I couldn’t understand very much at all. The three oldest kids are no longer here and I can understand better now though (and they are speaking a little bit slower too).
The family is very nice. I talk to my host mom the most. She is very welcoming and helped with various Nantes-activities, like applying for my public transportation card and showing me how to use the trams to get into town. She works from home, leads the neighborhood/community group in this area, is a great singer in a choir in Nantes, and also cooks delicious food. Oh! Dinner smells so good right now! I think we are going to eat in a little bit. I don’t know my host dad as much. He comes home from work around 7:30 most days and he is really nice and funny. He is also an expert at explaining the different types of cheese and wines to me, and really patient when I ask for his help with connecting my computer to wifi. He is also going to show me how to buy train tickets online tonight. (I will be going to La Ciagle in Paris next weekend to see a Ray LaMontagne concert, and I’m taking the train there. Last night I found a youth hostel to stay at that is only a few metro stops from the theater, so I’m excited). Cyriaque, the son, is about 12 years old I think. He is also really funny, and all throughout the dinner he plays tricks on everyone. He also likes to play video games and, in that way, reminds me of Conor a little. And Clementine is really nice. (I use the words nice and funny to describe people a lot). She is about 16 years old, and she studied in Canada for a bit last year, but she hasn’t spoken English with me yet. She tells many funny stories during dinner, and I can understand them most of the time.
MY ROOM
I have a really nice room. I’ll post pictures here. But I like it. It’s roomy and clean, with a comfy bed, and—best of all—I have my own sink, so I can brush my teeth and such in my room. I have a beautiful big window as well. Also, random note, in French houses, the toilet is separate from the shower and sink.
WEEKEND TRAVELS
I think I mentioned this in my last post, but all of the American students and I spent three and a half days traveling in Northwestern France last weekend. I was able to meet a lot of people and we visited many interesting places. My favorites were L’île aux Moines, a little island were we rented bicycled and biked around they island for about 6 hours. It was quaint and pretty, with seaweed-covered beaches, flower-lined small alleyways, and stores that sold Solero ice cream.
I also loved the village of Auray, a quaint town on the river that has cobblestone streets, Tudor-style houses, and pittoresque cafés. It was also where Benjamin Franklin spent much of his time, so there were many bars and cafés named after him. An oyster festival was taking place while we were there, and it was nice to see.
Sometime after L'île aux Moines and possibly before Auray, we visted Fortresse de Largoët, a large fortress that has one of the tallest towers in the area. The fortress is partly in ruins now, but it is gorgeous, covered in ivy, and contains several long, spiraling staircases. I took pictures, so I will put those up.
CLASSES AND ORIENTATION
I signed up for my classes today. I will be taking Topics in Advanced French Grammar, International Trade and Globalization, and French Writers and Foreign Nations at the study abroad center. Then I’ll take Sociology of Marginalized Groups, Comparative Sociology of Civilizations and Cultures, an African history course, and a geography course. I’m going to have to drop at least one of these classes because I will have too many credits right now, so I’m going to see which ones I like the most.
FOOD!
Every meal I’ve had here (expect this one ham/Dijon mustard lunch at the university cafeteria) has been amazing. I think some highlights have been mushroom, ham, and cheese crepes, an eggplant risotto my host dad made last night, barbequed salmon, and chicken sandwiches from sandwich stands. All the bread is delicious, and I love this one bread—pain de mie—that looks like a giant roll when you buy it. But, apparently, the French don’t find it that great because my host sister told me that it’s the poor person’s bread.
Tonight Dani, Olivia, and I are going to meet up with Florian (Flo), who grew up in Nantes but lived with us last year in the French house at Whitman. He is now back in Nantes and is studying to get his Masters. Well, he was last that I heard. His plans change often. After eating dinner with Olivia and her host family, we are all going to meet up. Dani, Olivia, and I are all really excited.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Early Morning in Nantes
Bonjour tout le monde!
First off, Happy Birthday Daddy! I love you so much!
Olivia and I are finally in Nantes. It's maybe around 6:30 in the morning right now; I don't have a watch so I'm not completely sure. Olivia and I met up at O'Hare and were able to sit next to each other on the plane to Paris. I think that there were at least 20 American students on the flight who were flying to Europe for studying abroad. But it was probably more. The row that I sat in was filled completely with American students. I slept most of the way to Paris. Olivia slept a little bit, but she has trouble sleeping on planes.
After arriving in Paris, Olivia and I meandered around Charles de Gaulle and finally figured out how to get to our next flight. The flight to Nantes took just about an hour. We took a taxi to our hotel, and the taxi driver was really nice. He gave us a little tour of Nantes and pointed out the only skyscraper in Brittany and old buildings that were sinking because they were built on sand. When we got to our hotel, Olivia and I found out that it was closed down due to construction. So we took our bags through the city to another hotel, which had a lovely elevator.
The shower in our hotel room. You can't really tell from this picture, but it is quite small. Olivia and I felt lucky that we could fit through the little shower door.
After bringing our bags to the hotel and having slightly embarrassing interactions with a few shop owners when we were trying to buy lunch, Olivia and I went back to the hotel. We were planning on staying up until at least 9 at night, but we fell asleep at 5. Thus, we have been awake since 3:30 (for Olivia) and 4:30 (for me). We can't check into the study abroad center until "late morning" (we aren't sure what time that is), so we have been waiting in our room and unsuccessfully trying to go back to sleep.
Olivia's not napping. But she's trying.
One thing that surprised me when we were lugging our bags yesterday was that everyone here seems young. Whenever I mentioned Nantes to French people in the United States, they would always remark that there were a lot of students in Nantes. It seems like everyone here are students. Probably only 1/4 of the people that I've seen look like they are over 30, and most of these older people were working in stores or restaurants.
I'm really excited about today though. We get to meet our host families and Olivia and I are going to wander around the city a bit more. Tonight we will spend the night with our host families. Then, on Wednesday, we leave for a three day orientation in Vannes, which I think will be a cute town.
The sun is finally starting to rise!
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