Finally, I was switched to the other class... although it may be a little more difficult, it's still a blessing. I wasn't sitting there wanting to melt away in my chair because I was so bored.
I feel like I'm able to understand french more, even if I still can't speak it well (good sign?) let's hope so.
It's been hard trying to plan everything for the trips we want to take, and it's going to add up. I'm already poor. But I guess I expected this. I must do it while I have the opportunity!! Morocco, Eastern Europe, etc. Who knows when I'll get the chance again.
There was an international coffee today. Met some really cool people. Got a few compliments on my french (even the french couldn't hear my american accent!) It wasn't until I didn't understand the next thing he said that he realized I didn't actually speak french! lol
quite embarrassing-
I have to do some homework that I'm avoiding... I'm not used to having homework every night. I feel like I'm back in middle school.
Today I realized something: It's not age that makes you wise, it's experience.
I'm looking out my window and see something blinking in the distance. I can't tell whether it's a star in the sky, or a very dim light flickering on top of the mountain... maybe I'll ponder that for a while trying to think of how scared I am to make a 5 min oral presentation tomorrow on a topic I haven't even decided yet. (Changes in ___ (our country)- Thought: From 1954-2008 African American influence on America?
Second realization: I never called the United States, America, until I moved here.
Now, I'm from America, or Les Etats Unis (which is the Unites States in french- but I use America more now).
Still freakin' out that I can't find my flash drive... maybe someone stole it?
Ready for the snow... to snowboard... for the cold. I've already lost half my tan...
I think it's a star.
La lune est brillant!
A demain :)
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Extraordinary :-)
So sorry I haven't written in a while. I've been super busy with the start of classes and everything going on. I'll briefly inform everyone about last week. I am in the slow class for french and it's killing me. I wanted to be in the lower level, but that's only because I thought it was going to be similar to a 300 to 400 level in french, well come to find out, I'm in French 102 all over again and I'm about to die. (Trying to get switched out!- Let's hope it works!)
Have had a lot of fun this past week.
Finally got a phone (not sure if I've mentioned that yet?) but I got a blackberry for 1 Euro!!! How exciting!
Just in case anyone wants to call me from the U.S., my number is: +33 06 99 41 44 97
The +33 is the country code and the rest is my phone number (c'est bizzare, at least I think).
Posting some new pictures on my photobucket about our soirees and our "class exploration" around Grenoble. Lots of history and neat photos of cool things. lol. Make sure to check them out.
SO..... I don't feel like my french is improving at all. I don't know what to do.
I guess it's only been about 2 1/2 weeks I've been in Grenoble, I can't expect too much, but for some reason I felt like it would have improved more by now? We'll see where it goes... I guess it can only go up from here (*as long as I get into a class that challenges me).
So the highlight of my week by far was the hiking/camping expedition to the Alps!
I can't remember what the name of the mountain we climbed was, but it sure was an exciting two days!
I'll post pictures (tons) from that too!
We left at 9am on Sunday, took the tram, to a bus (where we missed the stop) so we walked back to where we were supposed to get off and then walked half way up the mountain via road until we stopped at this quaint little village. From there, we hitch hiked! I had my first hitch hiking experience and it was awesome!!! :)
We set off on your hiking adventure by mid-day and stopped where we were supposed to stay that night, only to find out that 20 others were staying there that night too... we mingled, had linner and set off again. 2 hours later and soaking wet from the rain, we arrived at our second refuge, again, only to find out that a large family and their friends were staying there! By that time, it was close to night fall and we wouldn't be able to get to the next stop, so we decided to ask if we could share the refuge. Thankfully they all had tents and let us sleep in the cabin that night after our night of much needed wine and cheese and most of the food we had left. It was spectacular!! We set off the next morning, hiked to another location and hitch hiked back down to Grenoble. Although so fatigued, I washed all my wet clothes from the rain and some others, and then went to a movie (District 9- en francais!) Not too shabby.
Anyway, I'm sure I'm missing some things that happened in this last week, and they'll come to me later! (Oh.. I didn't have internet for 2 days- something wrong with the network here) But I'll be sure to be better this week about updating!
This weekend: October Fest- Munich, Germany
Next weekend: Morocco
The following weekend: possibly another hiking/camping trip?
The last week and 1/2 of October: Fall Vacation- Eastern Europe adventure!!!
Then comes Novembre- where things should settle down a little more, well... snowboarding season begins ;)
Plus, that's when I get to see some very awesome people!!!!
Life is full of adventure as long as you seek it!
A bientot! Bis!
Have had a lot of fun this past week.
Finally got a phone (not sure if I've mentioned that yet?) but I got a blackberry for 1 Euro!!! How exciting!
Just in case anyone wants to call me from the U.S., my number is: +33 06 99 41 44 97
The +33 is the country code and the rest is my phone number (c'est bizzare, at least I think).
Posting some new pictures on my photobucket about our soirees and our "class exploration" around Grenoble. Lots of history and neat photos of cool things. lol. Make sure to check them out.
SO..... I don't feel like my french is improving at all. I don't know what to do.
I guess it's only been about 2 1/2 weeks I've been in Grenoble, I can't expect too much, but for some reason I felt like it would have improved more by now? We'll see where it goes... I guess it can only go up from here (*as long as I get into a class that challenges me).
So the highlight of my week by far was the hiking/camping expedition to the Alps!
I can't remember what the name of the mountain we climbed was, but it sure was an exciting two days!
I'll post pictures (tons) from that too!
We left at 9am on Sunday, took the tram, to a bus (where we missed the stop) so we walked back to where we were supposed to get off and then walked half way up the mountain via road until we stopped at this quaint little village. From there, we hitch hiked! I had my first hitch hiking experience and it was awesome!!! :)
We set off on your hiking adventure by mid-day and stopped where we were supposed to stay that night, only to find out that 20 others were staying there that night too... we mingled, had linner and set off again. 2 hours later and soaking wet from the rain, we arrived at our second refuge, again, only to find out that a large family and their friends were staying there! By that time, it was close to night fall and we wouldn't be able to get to the next stop, so we decided to ask if we could share the refuge. Thankfully they all had tents and let us sleep in the cabin that night after our night of much needed wine and cheese and most of the food we had left. It was spectacular!! We set off the next morning, hiked to another location and hitch hiked back down to Grenoble. Although so fatigued, I washed all my wet clothes from the rain and some others, and then went to a movie (District 9- en francais!) Not too shabby.
Anyway, I'm sure I'm missing some things that happened in this last week, and they'll come to me later! (Oh.. I didn't have internet for 2 days- something wrong with the network here) But I'll be sure to be better this week about updating!
This weekend: October Fest- Munich, Germany
Next weekend: Morocco
The following weekend: possibly another hiking/camping trip?
The last week and 1/2 of October: Fall Vacation- Eastern Europe adventure!!!
Then comes Novembre- where things should settle down a little more, well... snowboarding season begins ;)
Plus, that's when I get to see some very awesome people!!!!
Life is full of adventure as long as you seek it!
A bientot! Bis!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Nights In and the Bastille
Saturday night was just a nice night of staying in, playing some cards and a crap load of laughter. I think Luke laughed so hard that he couldn't breathe> come to think of it, we all did.. fighting over coins and falling to the floor. (We played a variation of spoons) which I then suggested to some other friends the next night. All in all, hilariousness!
Yesterday I went with Tatiana to grab lunch. A huge plate full of delicious Mussels and fries for just 5Euro. That's my kind of deal. The goal was to get organized, and get everything planned out for the week, all written down in my planner, but that failed when someone suggested to head up to the Bastille.
Such a great idea. It was a very nice day. A few drops of rain at the top of the mountain, but perfect weather otherwise. Not to mention I got a hell of a workout hiking back down the mountain. My legs were shaking by the time we made it to the bottom and I was exhausted.
I headed back with some of the group afterward and then went to Richy's for dinner with some other friends. A delicious meal was made in the common kitchen and we sat down and all ate together, pretty awesome I thought, knowing that never happened at VCU for me. We played every card game we could think of and dreaded having to wake up early this morning for our first day of classes.
Today turned out pretty well though. I got a lot taken care of. I still don't have a bank card, meaning I still don't have a phone. I also got placed in the second lowest level of french (GO ME!) because I got really nervous during our oral exam and froze half the time, thinking too much about what she was saying and what I was trying to say. As I watched her write A2 on the sheet, I couldn't help but become a little discouraged.
Didn't stop me for long though.
I haven't done much else today besides play on the computer. It's great to have internet. Even though I have no phone, I feel like I have some kind of connection to the rest of the world now.
Tomorrow is Officially our first day of our french class, at 8:30am... who wants to get up that early, really!?
More updates on how bad my french really is.. bientot!
Yesterday I went with Tatiana to grab lunch. A huge plate full of delicious Mussels and fries for just 5Euro. That's my kind of deal. The goal was to get organized, and get everything planned out for the week, all written down in my planner, but that failed when someone suggested to head up to the Bastille.
Such a great idea. It was a very nice day. A few drops of rain at the top of the mountain, but perfect weather otherwise. Not to mention I got a hell of a workout hiking back down the mountain. My legs were shaking by the time we made it to the bottom and I was exhausted.
I headed back with some of the group afterward and then went to Richy's for dinner with some other friends. A delicious meal was made in the common kitchen and we sat down and all ate together, pretty awesome I thought, knowing that never happened at VCU for me. We played every card game we could think of and dreaded having to wake up early this morning for our first day of classes.
Today turned out pretty well though. I got a lot taken care of. I still don't have a bank card, meaning I still don't have a phone. I also got placed in the second lowest level of french (GO ME!) because I got really nervous during our oral exam and froze half the time, thinking too much about what she was saying and what I was trying to say. As I watched her write A2 on the sheet, I couldn't help but become a little discouraged.
Didn't stop me for long though.
I haven't done much else today besides play on the computer. It's great to have internet. Even though I have no phone, I feel like I have some kind of connection to the rest of the world now.
Tomorrow is Officially our first day of our french class, at 8:30am... who wants to get up that early, really!?
More updates on how bad my french really is.. bientot!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Playing some Catch Up!
I officially have internet in my room now! YAY! :)
Although, I haven't been on it much since I've been trying to stay out and live it up before classes start on Monday.
I must update on the last few days. It's been pretty awesome, I must say.
Thursday was supposed to be the day to get things taken care of.. and only one that actually happened. I'm getting pretty fed up with the lunch breaks here being 2 hours long! Needless to say, I have a lot more to do when the week starts back up on Monday, along with the headache of french that's going to come my way! On another note, Thursday has been so far one of the coolest days yet. I only think this is because I got to dress really country (more explanation later). After some friends and I were coming back from le centre ville, we went to the Closing Ceremony for Welcome week and followed a really awesome band, listening to them play as the tunes rolled through the campus. The final stop landed in front of EVE (an on campus student organization, restaurant and bar) where were saw loads of people dressed in Old Western gear... I forgot I had seen the flyer about it! People here really go all out for it and I love it! You could never find so many participants like that in the U.S. So Richy and I decided to head back, put on some western gear and head back over to join the crowd. I saw a guy I had met earlier in the evening while signing up for an audition for a musical(yes, I'm going to audition for a french musical-wish me luck!) and talked with him in french for a bit after dancing to Cottin Eyed Joe in my short jean skirt, black tank with a white button up tee tied at the waist and my boots.. not to forget the awesome braided pigtails! Country!?
That night didn't stop here.. I followed the road back to Berlioz (my residence) and went to a soiree with a huge group of friends that ended up in the middle of a "football" field.. nice- and so much french!
That moves me to yesterday... the things that were supposed to be taken care of Thursday, still didn't get finished Friday.. But the evening was spectacular. We had a wonderful sit down dinner with dessert at Villa Borghese Ristorant at Place Claveyson. Mirion (our waitress) invited us out to the NOX club, and of course we were all for it! Before going to the NOX, we hit up my favorite little Irish pub again, went back to change for the second time (into dress attire) and then headed to the club. From there we danced the night away until 4:15am and then walked back to our residences. Woah, I bet I burned 1000 calories last night!
Today I woke up to go to the market, but when I got there, it was only food products, and as much as I love food.. I'm trying to stay away from eating too much of it! Man did I just want to buy all of the cheese though!
I walked around by myself all day, soaking up the culture and the hot sun shining over the mountains while I watched all the people walk around me.
I wish I had Oeli! I miss his so much. Everyone has dogs around here, and they take them wherever they go... today I saw a mini dachshund and I couldn't help the frown that came over my face. Unfortunately I didn't have my camera this weekend (due to a dead battery) but the memories are priceless. Images of pigeons pecking at my feet as I sit on a bench in a newly discovered area of Grenoble with the smell of fresh air and freshly baked bread is still burning in my mind.
It's only been a week and 2 days since I arrived here but it hasn't failed my expectations yet. It's been quite a saving grace.. but.
Just a few short little poems I've written in the past few days:
As days count down.. I feel my heart ache more Tears fall to the floor I pick myself off the ground. The mountains hiding my sorrow And surrounded by new faces I move along these new places But I will still see your face tomorrow.
: Today is a day I'm fighting hard.. To forget about the battle scars When the wind rolls by Please take my thoughts And take them anywhere I'm not.
: High mountains block the sun to shine.. Clouds roll in to chill my day It's hot out but still I hide To camouflage this dismay.
Although, I haven't been on it much since I've been trying to stay out and live it up before classes start on Monday.
I must update on the last few days. It's been pretty awesome, I must say.
Thursday was supposed to be the day to get things taken care of.. and only one that actually happened. I'm getting pretty fed up with the lunch breaks here being 2 hours long! Needless to say, I have a lot more to do when the week starts back up on Monday, along with the headache of french that's going to come my way! On another note, Thursday has been so far one of the coolest days yet. I only think this is because I got to dress really country (more explanation later). After some friends and I were coming back from le centre ville, we went to the Closing Ceremony for Welcome week and followed a really awesome band, listening to them play as the tunes rolled through the campus. The final stop landed in front of EVE (an on campus student organization, restaurant and bar) where were saw loads of people dressed in Old Western gear... I forgot I had seen the flyer about it! People here really go all out for it and I love it! You could never find so many participants like that in the U.S. So Richy and I decided to head back, put on some western gear and head back over to join the crowd. I saw a guy I had met earlier in the evening while signing up for an audition for a musical(yes, I'm going to audition for a french musical-wish me luck!) and talked with him in french for a bit after dancing to Cottin Eyed Joe in my short jean skirt, black tank with a white button up tee tied at the waist and my boots.. not to forget the awesome braided pigtails! Country!?
That night didn't stop here.. I followed the road back to Berlioz (my residence) and went to a soiree with a huge group of friends that ended up in the middle of a "football" field.. nice- and so much french!
That moves me to yesterday... the things that were supposed to be taken care of Thursday, still didn't get finished Friday.. But the evening was spectacular. We had a wonderful sit down dinner with dessert at Villa Borghese Ristorant at Place Claveyson. Mirion (our waitress) invited us out to the NOX club, and of course we were all for it! Before going to the NOX, we hit up my favorite little Irish pub again, went back to change for the second time (into dress attire) and then headed to the club. From there we danced the night away until 4:15am and then walked back to our residences. Woah, I bet I burned 1000 calories last night!
Today I woke up to go to the market, but when I got there, it was only food products, and as much as I love food.. I'm trying to stay away from eating too much of it! Man did I just want to buy all of the cheese though!
I walked around by myself all day, soaking up the culture and the hot sun shining over the mountains while I watched all the people walk around me.
I wish I had Oeli! I miss his so much. Everyone has dogs around here, and they take them wherever they go... today I saw a mini dachshund and I couldn't help the frown that came over my face. Unfortunately I didn't have my camera this weekend (due to a dead battery) but the memories are priceless. Images of pigeons pecking at my feet as I sit on a bench in a newly discovered area of Grenoble with the smell of fresh air and freshly baked bread is still burning in my mind.
It's only been a week and 2 days since I arrived here but it hasn't failed my expectations yet. It's been quite a saving grace.. but.
Just a few short little poems I've written in the past few days:
As days count down.. I feel my heart ache more Tears fall to the floor I pick myself off the ground. The mountains hiding my sorrow And surrounded by new faces I move along these new places But I will still see your face tomorrow.
: Today is a day I'm fighting hard.. To forget about the battle scars When the wind rolls by Please take my thoughts And take them anywhere I'm not.
: High mountains block the sun to shine.. Clouds roll in to chill my day It's hot out but still I hide To camouflage this dismay.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The beginnings..
Last night turned out to be grand! We all headed to town a little earlier this time.. we rolled deep with about 11 people and figured we must be able to find some where! We were supposed to go to that big international gathering, but when we couldn't find where exactly it was, we decided to just stop at the nearest place.
We stopped at this bar (don't know the name), stayed there for a while just talking and carrying on before we headed out to the Guinness pub again. I love that little Irish pub. They always have live music playing, it's always a fun time and last night I actually met some french people! :) Goal Met!
Today I went to some more orientation meetings, and then headed over to the sports center to sign up. You have to love the french system! You must have this before you can do this, but you won't get that until you have this and you won't have that before this day. Don't forget you need this, this and this. Make sure you go here for this and there for that, etc... blah blah blah. Fml. So I'm going to sign up for snowboarding tomorrow when I get my student card, scuba diving and maybe somethings else if it seems like I will have some time ;) They have EVERYTHING here you could think of.. from fencing to rock-climbing, from scuba diving to rugby, basketball to yoga, etc. You get the point. Think of it, I'm sure it's a sport here.
While I was in town later this day on some tour with InteGre, an organization to help out international students, I decided to depart from them, 1. because my feet were hurting from the new little shoes I bought. 2. because I had a lot of things I needed to do today; and just so happened on the way to the Tram to pass a guitar shop. I stopped in and played with some of the guitars for a while and it felt really good. It's been almost 3 weeks now and my calluses are slowly going away :(
I need money. I'm on zero after tomorrow and I still have to pay my social security and housing insurance. ehh.. too much to do.
Classes start Monday. My french is only improving slowly because I've been around a lot of english speaking people. The french have a way of keeping their distance although there is a group of people who always sit in front of my building that talk to me in French and it helps! They're really nice too!
Alright.. must meet friends at 7pm for dinner!
A bientot!
We stopped at this bar (don't know the name), stayed there for a while just talking and carrying on before we headed out to the Guinness pub again. I love that little Irish pub. They always have live music playing, it's always a fun time and last night I actually met some french people! :) Goal Met!
Today I went to some more orientation meetings, and then headed over to the sports center to sign up. You have to love the french system! You must have this before you can do this, but you won't get that until you have this and you won't have that before this day. Don't forget you need this, this and this. Make sure you go here for this and there for that, etc... blah blah blah. Fml. So I'm going to sign up for snowboarding tomorrow when I get my student card, scuba diving and maybe somethings else if it seems like I will have some time ;) They have EVERYTHING here you could think of.. from fencing to rock-climbing, from scuba diving to rugby, basketball to yoga, etc. You get the point. Think of it, I'm sure it's a sport here.
While I was in town later this day on some tour with InteGre, an organization to help out international students, I decided to depart from them, 1. because my feet were hurting from the new little shoes I bought. 2. because I had a lot of things I needed to do today; and just so happened on the way to the Tram to pass a guitar shop. I stopped in and played with some of the guitars for a while and it felt really good. It's been almost 3 weeks now and my calluses are slowly going away :(
I need money. I'm on zero after tomorrow and I still have to pay my social security and housing insurance. ehh.. too much to do.
Classes start Monday. My french is only improving slowly because I've been around a lot of english speaking people. The french have a way of keeping their distance although there is a group of people who always sit in front of my building that talk to me in French and it helps! They're really nice too!
Alright.. must meet friends at 7pm for dinner!
A bientot!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The end of the weekend and more
Still no internet access. I'm currently sitting in a building somewhere connecting to random WiFi so I can get on here.
It really does suck. I get internet on Thursday though.
So to tell about the rest of last weekend... Saturday night didn't turn out to what we were expecting it to. When a large group of friends and I went out well after 11pm, we found out that hard way that things close pretty early around here (with the exception of the disco tech the other night that didn't close until 4am) all of downtown, the bars, the restaurants all shut down starting at 12am. Some last until 1, and just a few other until 2am... so as we walked around trying to find a nice, cheap little bar to relax and enjoy conversation, we saw most places kicking people out, by this time is was past 12am. Walking around trying to find somewhere to go was pretty much the extent of our night. Because none of us know the city very well, it was hard to pin-point a place to go... so instead of walking back like the night before, we hopped on one of the last trams back to campus and just hung out there.. it turned into a pretty fun and interesting night with A LOT of laughter.
Sunday, I found out, is literally the day of rest. Nothing is open! I'm not used to that anymore...
So I got together with some of the group and while we were sitting on the grass debating what we should do since no where was open, I saw a nice little volleyball game going on in the distance. So I said my goodbyes and headed over there, hoping someone would feel bad for me sitting alone and ask me to join. Well... it worked. I heard some people talking english, so I asked them what "all of this" was about. Come to find out, the 100+ people out there playing games "football," rugby, volleyball, were all a part of the newly joined engineering school and were celebrating their collaboration of all the schools together. So one thing led to another and I ended up playing 3 solid games of volleyball with some students. It was quite interesting, because during the 3rd game we decided to switch up the teams and I somehow ended up on the team with all french people! We had a good game with a failed ending, but it was still quite fun even though I couldn't always understand what they were saying while in between turns (I got the gist, however).
We all parted our own ways and while I was heading back to my residence, some of the friends I had met while playing invited me to head to the Bastille with them that evening. I didn't have any plans so of course I tagged along, and I'm so glad I did. The view from the top of the mountain was amazing! And I really enjoyed riding the little bubble up to the top. We explored the old ruins from when Grenoble was liberated and took a 2.something kilometer hike up to the top. (I still haven't figured out this metric system yet!) While up there, met these 2 french guys who thankfully gave us a ride back down the mountain to save us from the pouring rain and fall of night! We all decided to grab some grub before heading back and had wonderful french conversation (I, of course, just sat and listened) while we ate. I hung out with the two guys in the dorm before I headed off to bed, since I had to wake up at 7:45 the next morning.
Which leads me to yesterday. We had our first day of orientation, all in french. But I do feel like it's growing on me. I still can't speak it very well.. but the more I hear it, the more I understand it. Which is good because classes start next Monday and that's going to be the true test! Btw.. I finally opened a bank account! On my own, by myself, with no help. Wheww... is all I have to say to that. Thankfully the banker was patient enough to deal with my lack of french and it turned out to be quite hysterical. In stead of getting frustrated when I kept telling her my address at my residence when the whole time she was just asking for my E-mail address, she busted out in laughter, joking with me as a friend would. The rest of the day just turned into nap time before I hung out with Christian at McDonald's to get on the internet for a quick bit.
Today as just been more orientation meetings and such.
It's been dreadfully dreary. Rainy and chilly. I'm wearing mt Suffolk sweatshirt today and I feel at home (thanks Rach!).
I'll be heading out tonight with some friends for an international social at a local pub downtown tonight! Should be awesome :)
More to come and pictures to upload when I get my internet on Thursday!!! (that's also the day I get to sign up for sports!- snowboarding, volleyball and gymnastics, here I come!)
Hope all is well back home.
<3
Kristi
It really does suck. I get internet on Thursday though.
So to tell about the rest of last weekend... Saturday night didn't turn out to what we were expecting it to. When a large group of friends and I went out well after 11pm, we found out that hard way that things close pretty early around here (with the exception of the disco tech the other night that didn't close until 4am) all of downtown, the bars, the restaurants all shut down starting at 12am. Some last until 1, and just a few other until 2am... so as we walked around trying to find a nice, cheap little bar to relax and enjoy conversation, we saw most places kicking people out, by this time is was past 12am. Walking around trying to find somewhere to go was pretty much the extent of our night. Because none of us know the city very well, it was hard to pin-point a place to go... so instead of walking back like the night before, we hopped on one of the last trams back to campus and just hung out there.. it turned into a pretty fun and interesting night with A LOT of laughter.
Sunday, I found out, is literally the day of rest. Nothing is open! I'm not used to that anymore...
So I got together with some of the group and while we were sitting on the grass debating what we should do since no where was open, I saw a nice little volleyball game going on in the distance. So I said my goodbyes and headed over there, hoping someone would feel bad for me sitting alone and ask me to join. Well... it worked. I heard some people talking english, so I asked them what "all of this" was about. Come to find out, the 100+ people out there playing games "football," rugby, volleyball, were all a part of the newly joined engineering school and were celebrating their collaboration of all the schools together. So one thing led to another and I ended up playing 3 solid games of volleyball with some students. It was quite interesting, because during the 3rd game we decided to switch up the teams and I somehow ended up on the team with all french people! We had a good game with a failed ending, but it was still quite fun even though I couldn't always understand what they were saying while in between turns (I got the gist, however).
We all parted our own ways and while I was heading back to my residence, some of the friends I had met while playing invited me to head to the Bastille with them that evening. I didn't have any plans so of course I tagged along, and I'm so glad I did. The view from the top of the mountain was amazing! And I really enjoyed riding the little bubble up to the top. We explored the old ruins from when Grenoble was liberated and took a 2.something kilometer hike up to the top. (I still haven't figured out this metric system yet!) While up there, met these 2 french guys who thankfully gave us a ride back down the mountain to save us from the pouring rain and fall of night! We all decided to grab some grub before heading back and had wonderful french conversation (I, of course, just sat and listened) while we ate. I hung out with the two guys in the dorm before I headed off to bed, since I had to wake up at 7:45 the next morning.
Which leads me to yesterday. We had our first day of orientation, all in french. But I do feel like it's growing on me. I still can't speak it very well.. but the more I hear it, the more I understand it. Which is good because classes start next Monday and that's going to be the true test! Btw.. I finally opened a bank account! On my own, by myself, with no help. Wheww... is all I have to say to that. Thankfully the banker was patient enough to deal with my lack of french and it turned out to be quite hysterical. In stead of getting frustrated when I kept telling her my address at my residence when the whole time she was just asking for my E-mail address, she busted out in laughter, joking with me as a friend would. The rest of the day just turned into nap time before I hung out with Christian at McDonald's to get on the internet for a quick bit.
Today as just been more orientation meetings and such.
It's been dreadfully dreary. Rainy and chilly. I'm wearing mt Suffolk sweatshirt today and I feel at home (thanks Rach!).
I'll be heading out tonight with some friends for an international social at a local pub downtown tonight! Should be awesome :)
More to come and pictures to upload when I get my internet on Thursday!!! (that's also the day I get to sign up for sports!- snowboarding, volleyball and gymnastics, here I come!)
Hope all is well back home.
<3
Kristi
Saturday, September 12, 2009
First night out with new friends!
Woah! Last night was awesome!
Not only did I speak French the entire night, I had a blast doing it :)
I went with some new friends to this little pizzeria where I had "le pizza 4 fromage!"
It was good, but there was some sort of cheese that I would definitely not prefer on a pizza but just on bread. It didn't mix well with the other flavors. I feel like that's weird for me to say.. humm?
The nights have been beautiful and the crisp air is good for my allergies (not my cold though!) I walk everywhere here and if I continue the way I have been eating and all the walking I've been doing, I'm going to be a rail by the time I get back.
Last night showed just how much walking we do here. After the exciting Tram ride to the city center or MC2 stop where we met a lot of other students and where the Disco Tech was, we enjoyed a fun filled night of speaking french, dancing and mingling! I didn't realize how much I liked that kind of music until last night. It's so easy to dance to!!! (And Jessica, I even made sure to dance your dance, especially for you! I wish you were here with me!) Unfortunately there was this really drunk girl there that I wanted to punch in the face because she was all over the place and even stepped on my freakin' foot (and that really hurt, and it's still... hurting!- Ref. Ouch,Charlie bit my finger!)
So by this time is was.. I dunno, let's say 4am when they closed, so we had 3 options... wait around until 5:20AM for the first TRAM of the morning, call a taxi or start walking.... Well, I don't know how we came to choose the walking option, but 5 or so miles and an 1 hour and 1/2 later, we make it to our residences.. as we see the first TRAM passing us on the way. Over all, it was quite a fun night. Can't wait to see what happens tonight!!
Orientation starts Monday, I need a phone very badly, I need more money, and everything closes early here. I think my cold is finally starting to go away though.. I wonder if it was the 5 mile walk last night with just a tank top on that triggered the departure.. Something to ponder!?
A DEMAIN
Not only did I speak French the entire night, I had a blast doing it :)
I went with some new friends to this little pizzeria where I had "le pizza 4 fromage!"
It was good, but there was some sort of cheese that I would definitely not prefer on a pizza but just on bread. It didn't mix well with the other flavors. I feel like that's weird for me to say.. humm?
The nights have been beautiful and the crisp air is good for my allergies (not my cold though!) I walk everywhere here and if I continue the way I have been eating and all the walking I've been doing, I'm going to be a rail by the time I get back.
Last night showed just how much walking we do here. After the exciting Tram ride to the city center or MC2 stop where we met a lot of other students and where the Disco Tech was, we enjoyed a fun filled night of speaking french, dancing and mingling! I didn't realize how much I liked that kind of music until last night. It's so easy to dance to!!! (And Jessica, I even made sure to dance your dance, especially for you! I wish you were here with me!) Unfortunately there was this really drunk girl there that I wanted to punch in the face because she was all over the place and even stepped on my freakin' foot (and that really hurt, and it's still... hurting!- Ref. Ouch,Charlie bit my finger!)
So by this time is was.. I dunno, let's say 4am when they closed, so we had 3 options... wait around until 5:20AM for the first TRAM of the morning, call a taxi or start walking.... Well, I don't know how we came to choose the walking option, but 5 or so miles and an 1 hour and 1/2 later, we make it to our residences.. as we see the first TRAM passing us on the way. Over all, it was quite a fun night. Can't wait to see what happens tonight!!
Orientation starts Monday, I need a phone very badly, I need more money, and everything closes early here. I think my cold is finally starting to go away though.. I wonder if it was the 5 mile walk last night with just a tank top on that triggered the departure.. Something to ponder!?
A DEMAIN
Friday, September 11, 2009
Grenoble! Je suis arrive!!!!
Finally- I've made it to Grenoble.
I knew we were close when I started seeing gorgeous scenery and mountains surrounding our train. I tried to take some pictures but the train was going so fast it was hard to get a good one. Getting all of our luggage (Diana and me) in one Taxi was funny. I felt bad for the taxi driver who had to put all of it in there. When we got the residence office, the lady only spoke french. I should have guessed this, but I hadn't really prepared myself for it, so it was quite overwhelming. Since I've been in France, I've always had someone who spoke english/ french to translate if I didn't understand, but it was more difficult this time when neither Diane or myself are fluent. We got our keys and then started in the direction the lady had told us and found ourselves a few flights up in the wrong building! Thankfully some painters had helped us carry all of our luggage and they were nice enough to help bring them down too. I settled in my room 3 more flights later (no elevators) and was so exhausted already but knew that I needed to get so many things. IKEA wasn't too far away, so we ventured out and I spent 103.00 Euro on bedding, bathroom necessities, etc. and another 60.00 Euro on some groceries. Things are SOO expensive here! Luckily they provide us with a small fridge, so I was able to get milk, juice, etc.
Unfortunately this cold has yet to go away! It's killing me. I have to blow my nose every 5 minutes and I sound like I have a frog in my throat.
It didn't hold me back though. Last night Diana and I went exploring the city.
We went to the city center and moseyed around until we came to this little Irish Pub. So we went in to have a drink and ended up meeting the two awesome English men here on business, with no accomplishment of what we had intended for the night, to meet FRENCH people, our night ended in great conversation and good beer.
Unfortunately we didn't want to pay for a taxi, so we had to catch the tram back to the university around 12:30am and retired as soon as we got back.
What a busy but fantastic day!
Today has been a little more relaxed. Just went around campus and met Fabienne, the ISEP coordinator for Grenoble. I then went of a hunt for internet access all around my residence. Mean while, overheard some people walking past speaking english, so I decided that today was going to be the day that I made friends (french or not)! The two guys are from England and yes, just as I had heard, speak English. Instantaneous friendship! The rest of the day has just been going to IKEA again for some things I didn't get yesterday (toilet seat cover- I found this very important last night when I almost fell into my toilet trying to sit down and pee), some silverware and cups.
I've just been hanging out with these two guys most of the day and Diana while planning our adventures for tonight. I believe it consists of a DiscoTech!? Anytime there is dancing- You Know I'm There!
more to come...
I knew we were close when I started seeing gorgeous scenery and mountains surrounding our train. I tried to take some pictures but the train was going so fast it was hard to get a good one. Getting all of our luggage (Diana and me) in one Taxi was funny. I felt bad for the taxi driver who had to put all of it in there. When we got the residence office, the lady only spoke french. I should have guessed this, but I hadn't really prepared myself for it, so it was quite overwhelming. Since I've been in France, I've always had someone who spoke english/ french to translate if I didn't understand, but it was more difficult this time when neither Diane or myself are fluent. We got our keys and then started in the direction the lady had told us and found ourselves a few flights up in the wrong building! Thankfully some painters had helped us carry all of our luggage and they were nice enough to help bring them down too. I settled in my room 3 more flights later (no elevators) and was so exhausted already but knew that I needed to get so many things. IKEA wasn't too far away, so we ventured out and I spent 103.00 Euro on bedding, bathroom necessities, etc. and another 60.00 Euro on some groceries. Things are SOO expensive here! Luckily they provide us with a small fridge, so I was able to get milk, juice, etc.
Unfortunately this cold has yet to go away! It's killing me. I have to blow my nose every 5 minutes and I sound like I have a frog in my throat.
It didn't hold me back though. Last night Diana and I went exploring the city.
We went to the city center and moseyed around until we came to this little Irish Pub. So we went in to have a drink and ended up meeting the two awesome English men here on business, with no accomplishment of what we had intended for the night, to meet FRENCH people, our night ended in great conversation and good beer.
Unfortunately we didn't want to pay for a taxi, so we had to catch the tram back to the university around 12:30am and retired as soon as we got back.
What a busy but fantastic day!
Today has been a little more relaxed. Just went around campus and met Fabienne, the ISEP coordinator for Grenoble. I then went of a hunt for internet access all around my residence. Mean while, overheard some people walking past speaking english, so I decided that today was going to be the day that I made friends (french or not)! The two guys are from England and yes, just as I had heard, speak English. Instantaneous friendship! The rest of the day has just been going to IKEA again for some things I didn't get yesterday (toilet seat cover- I found this very important last night when I almost fell into my toilet trying to sit down and pee), some silverware and cups.
I've just been hanging out with these two guys most of the day and Diana while planning our adventures for tonight. I believe it consists of a DiscoTech!? Anytime there is dancing- You Know I'm There!
more to come...
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
2nd to Last and Last Night in Paris :(
Yesterday was quite an adventure.
We started the day off with an excellent boat ride on the Seine, seeing all of Paris by water, all of the monuments, taking pictures, etc. It was beautiful. We then went to the Eiffel Tower... I have to say that my experience this time at the Eiffel Tower was not as good as the last time. As you should know, I'm a very impatient person. Waiting in that long time does not suit me! On top of that, when we finally made it to the top to watch the beautiful sunset, there were too many freakin' people to see anything... so instead of me being able to watch a peaceful sunset like I did on L'arc de Triomphe the other day, I had to spend it with a lady smacking her stupid gum in my ear. Can we say "GRRRR!" So after, we sat in front of the lit tower to watch some awesome fire dancers. The two boys have been practicing for 4 years and were amazing. How spectacular it was to watch them with the Eiffel tower right in view.
Frog and the Princess turned out to be a great little student bar on Tuesday nights with cocktails and pints for only 5Euro. Surprisingly our bartender was from Arizona and she spoke english!! YAY. I found out the equivalent to Bud Light- Naturale Blonde! Just in case anyone else needed to know.
This place ended up being way too crowded and filled with a lot of younger students, so we left and went to Chez George! This place was awesome! It was a winery and had a bar in the cellar. It felt like I was almost in a cavern with the damp, mildewed air, but with the music, wine and friends to accompany, it turned into a cute, quaint choice of destination for a Tuesday night! After we left Chez George, we walked around the streets of Paris for a bit before we left to come home.
Today- Bar des Artists was our first stop. Jean-Mark and I met Frederique, Diana and Camille here to eat an authentic french meal. We had foie de gras (which I found out for the second time, I do NOT like) and fried goat cheese (amazing!) for a starter. I chose "poisson" (fish) for my meal when I should have chosen the steak, but I was told by a certain person (JM) lol, that it was on a kabob. So I went with the fish, which was good, but tasted just like something I would catch in a pond, and for 14Euro, I was hoping for something with a little more flavor. The dessert, however, hit the spot. Something like a wonderful lava chocolate cake with white chocolate sauce around it.. yummmm! Yves, met us for dessert and un cafe and then we all, besides JM, headed out to Mont Martre. Spent some time there, walking around and such. The boys left, and while I was waiting for Fred and Diana to go to the top and come back, I sat on a ledge of the church and wrote while the breeze filled my lungs with cool air and a man played violin in the background. I felt at peace.
I asked the girls to go to Le Louvre with me. It was the only big monument I hadn't been to while I was here this week and it was my last day in Paris. My last meal was an amazing Italian restaurant with Frederique, her parents and Diana.
And here I am, on my last day in Paris, with a stuffy nose and sore throat, but still enjoying every minute of this trip! It will not bring me down!
Long day tomorrow.
Leaving for Grenoble around 9:30am, arriving around 12:30pm and then trying to lug all of our suitcases to the university is going to be a sight to see. I'll try to take some pictures along the way!
Who knows how long all of this will take. Might call for a night out tomorrow ;)
More to come....
We started the day off with an excellent boat ride on the Seine, seeing all of Paris by water, all of the monuments, taking pictures, etc. It was beautiful. We then went to the Eiffel Tower... I have to say that my experience this time at the Eiffel Tower was not as good as the last time. As you should know, I'm a very impatient person. Waiting in that long time does not suit me! On top of that, when we finally made it to the top to watch the beautiful sunset, there were too many freakin' people to see anything... so instead of me being able to watch a peaceful sunset like I did on L'arc de Triomphe the other day, I had to spend it with a lady smacking her stupid gum in my ear. Can we say "GRRRR!" So after, we sat in front of the lit tower to watch some awesome fire dancers. The two boys have been practicing for 4 years and were amazing. How spectacular it was to watch them with the Eiffel tower right in view.
Frog and the Princess turned out to be a great little student bar on Tuesday nights with cocktails and pints for only 5Euro. Surprisingly our bartender was from Arizona and she spoke english!! YAY. I found out the equivalent to Bud Light- Naturale Blonde! Just in case anyone else needed to know.
This place ended up being way too crowded and filled with a lot of younger students, so we left and went to Chez George! This place was awesome! It was a winery and had a bar in the cellar. It felt like I was almost in a cavern with the damp, mildewed air, but with the music, wine and friends to accompany, it turned into a cute, quaint choice of destination for a Tuesday night! After we left Chez George, we walked around the streets of Paris for a bit before we left to come home.
Today- Bar des Artists was our first stop. Jean-Mark and I met Frederique, Diana and Camille here to eat an authentic french meal. We had foie de gras (which I found out for the second time, I do NOT like) and fried goat cheese (amazing!) for a starter. I chose "poisson" (fish) for my meal when I should have chosen the steak, but I was told by a certain person (JM) lol, that it was on a kabob. So I went with the fish, which was good, but tasted just like something I would catch in a pond, and for 14Euro, I was hoping for something with a little more flavor. The dessert, however, hit the spot. Something like a wonderful lava chocolate cake with white chocolate sauce around it.. yummmm! Yves, met us for dessert and un cafe and then we all, besides JM, headed out to Mont Martre. Spent some time there, walking around and such. The boys left, and while I was waiting for Fred and Diana to go to the top and come back, I sat on a ledge of the church and wrote while the breeze filled my lungs with cool air and a man played violin in the background. I felt at peace.
I asked the girls to go to Le Louvre with me. It was the only big monument I hadn't been to while I was here this week and it was my last day in Paris. My last meal was an amazing Italian restaurant with Frederique, her parents and Diana.
And here I am, on my last day in Paris, with a stuffy nose and sore throat, but still enjoying every minute of this trip! It will not bring me down!
Long day tomorrow.
Leaving for Grenoble around 9:30am, arriving around 12:30pm and then trying to lug all of our suitcases to the university is going to be a sight to see. I'll try to take some pictures along the way!
Who knows how long all of this will take. Might call for a night out tomorrow ;)
More to come....
Monday, September 7, 2009
Eiffel Tower, Moulin Rouge, Montmartre!!! Day 4 of Paris Exploration :)
I walked so much today I was exhausted by the time we sat down for dinner in a quite little French Chinese restaurant in Jean-Mark's ville Reuil Malmaison. Did you know that General Tso's Chicken was actually not a real chinese dish. It's roots are uncertain but it's been discovered that it became popular only in the United States and Canada. I wish I had've known this before trying to order it here in France. JM and I had a really nice, long and relaxing dinner over wine, our meals, my sad attempts at french and deep thought.
We set out around 12 noon and headed to Montmartre, a beautiful history church at the top of the hill in Paris, seen from everywhere. But stopped by Moulin Rouge first to see the Red Windmill at work. Well of course you know it doesn't actually spin, but I got some great photos of that "part of town!"
In the church we saw this girl alone..she had been up in the tower with us and then we saw her again in the crypt, so of course, knowing me, I went up to her to ask her if she was by herself. Just my luck, she didn't speak english, even worse, she didn't speak french! Last resort, using the little spanish my roommate Sarah taught me to communite. (Not the correct spelling) "Me amamo Kristi!" etc. We were going to invite her to join us on our adventure through Paris, but being as we both spoke no spanish, we figured that might be a little confusing. So we said our goodbyes.
In Montmartre, I love the little cobblestone streets and small cafe's that bring character to this town. It's so different from the city of Paris that you could kind of consider it its own small village, says JM. And you can definitely see where he's coming from. We ate ice cream and laughed as a vendor told some girls who didn't know french that the flavors were "la voiture, la rue, les autoroutes" In english- "the car, the road, and the highways!" They all sound like great flavors to me! I think I'll have la rue!
It was such a beautiful day today. I wish I had worn a sun dress. The breeze felt wonderful and the air was soft and warm. Jean-Mark and I sat in front of the Eiffel Tower for about an hour, just soaking up the sun and the thought of being where we were. I played in the water and took pictures and just relaxed until it was time to meet JM's best friend. We walked around a little and the headed back home.
Over all- an amazing day!
2 days until Grenoble!
We set out around 12 noon and headed to Montmartre, a beautiful history church at the top of the hill in Paris, seen from everywhere. But stopped by Moulin Rouge first to see the Red Windmill at work. Well of course you know it doesn't actually spin, but I got some great photos of that "part of town!"
In the church we saw this girl alone..she had been up in the tower with us and then we saw her again in the crypt, so of course, knowing me, I went up to her to ask her if she was by herself. Just my luck, she didn't speak english, even worse, she didn't speak french! Last resort, using the little spanish my roommate Sarah taught me to communite. (Not the correct spelling) "Me amamo Kristi!" etc. We were going to invite her to join us on our adventure through Paris, but being as we both spoke no spanish, we figured that might be a little confusing. So we said our goodbyes.
In Montmartre, I love the little cobblestone streets and small cafe's that bring character to this town. It's so different from the city of Paris that you could kind of consider it its own small village, says JM. And you can definitely see where he's coming from. We ate ice cream and laughed as a vendor told some girls who didn't know french that the flavors were "la voiture, la rue, les autoroutes" In english- "the car, the road, and the highways!" They all sound like great flavors to me! I think I'll have la rue!
It was such a beautiful day today. I wish I had worn a sun dress. The breeze felt wonderful and the air was soft and warm. Jean-Mark and I sat in front of the Eiffel Tower for about an hour, just soaking up the sun and the thought of being where we were. I played in the water and took pictures and just relaxed until it was time to meet JM's best friend. We walked around a little and the headed back home.
Over all- an amazing day!
2 days until Grenoble!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Versailles et Le Arc de Triomphe
Today was another day of exploration! So many pictures!
This morning, Jean-Mark, his mom and I went to the market. How I love Europe!
It was everything you see in the movies. There are vendors everywhere; fish, cheese, fruit meat- all fresh! There are vendors with clothes for so cheap. 5 Euro for a pair of really nice jeans, shirts, dresses, etc. Shoes, boots for 10 Euro, it's amazing. I wanted to buy so much but stopped myself because I knew it would be hard to carry everything to Grenoble. I hope they have these markets in Grenoble, and for that inexpensive price!
Jean-Mark's mom made some really good lasagna, but it's not like lasagna in the U.S... there were vegetables, onions, different meat, and of course cheese, but it tasted completely different. Of course I picked out the veggies and onions, but it was still very good.
We then went to pick up Diana and we all went to le Chateaux de Versailles! I didn't go the first time, so it was a new experience for me. Actually today was an entire new Parisian experience for me. Because after Versailles we went to a cute little Cafe on Le Champs Elysee and got a drink before going up Le Arc de Triomphe to watch the sunset. Paris is so beautiful at dusk.
More adventures tomorrow!
This morning, Jean-Mark, his mom and I went to the market. How I love Europe!
It was everything you see in the movies. There are vendors everywhere; fish, cheese, fruit meat- all fresh! There are vendors with clothes for so cheap. 5 Euro for a pair of really nice jeans, shirts, dresses, etc. Shoes, boots for 10 Euro, it's amazing. I wanted to buy so much but stopped myself because I knew it would be hard to carry everything to Grenoble. I hope they have these markets in Grenoble, and for that inexpensive price!
Jean-Mark's mom made some really good lasagna, but it's not like lasagna in the U.S... there were vegetables, onions, different meat, and of course cheese, but it tasted completely different. Of course I picked out the veggies and onions, but it was still very good.
We then went to pick up Diana and we all went to le Chateaux de Versailles! I didn't go the first time, so it was a new experience for me. Actually today was an entire new Parisian experience for me. Because after Versailles we went to a cute little Cafe on Le Champs Elysee and got a drink before going up Le Arc de Triomphe to watch the sunset. Paris is so beautiful at dusk.
More adventures tomorrow!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
A little more of Paris
Such an amazing experience already, yesterday, I met Diana to get our train tickets from Paris to Grenoble. Getting there was quite the adventure. I got lost on the metro, because for some reason only the purple line went to St. Lazare.. I found out the long way. We went to the SNRF (or something like that) and had to use our french in order to get the ticket and our 12-25carte because the teller didn't speak english. But it was okay. We made it through. We walked around quite a bit and took the metro to the 5th district? to grab a drink and sit at an outdoor cafe to people-watch. We ended up at this little bakery and talked for a while as we enjoyed Parisian life. After Diana left, Jean-Mark came to pick me up and we went to Notre Dame and walked around Paris while waiting to have dinner with a couple of his friends. We ate at a restaurant that was delicious (I don't remember the name) and I enjoyed all the french surrounding me.
Next: THE OZ. This is a bar/ dance club and Sofie, Jean-Mark and myself heading to this wonderful place where we danced the night away until 4am!
Jean-Mark and I searched for an open McDonald's but unfortunately, they're not 24/7 like in the United States. So we went to the only open place= Gyro's et Frites and finally heading back and got home somewhere around 5am.
Today was a very lazy day other than having to wake up at 9:30am to go open a bank account and try to get a phone.
Once again, I wasn't able to get a phone because I didn't have something they needed from the bank, which I don't receive for another week or so... just my luck.
We came back and took a long nap and then sat around to watch the new 90210 en francais before heading over to Fred's new flat for her house warming party.
It's already been so much fun since I've been here.
I need to start speaking french more... but I bet that will come more when I get to Grenoble.
more updates as the days unfold!
Kristi
Next: THE OZ. This is a bar/ dance club and Sofie, Jean-Mark and myself heading to this wonderful place where we danced the night away until 4am!
Jean-Mark and I searched for an open McDonald's but unfortunately, they're not 24/7 like in the United States. So we went to the only open place= Gyro's et Frites and finally heading back and got home somewhere around 5am.
Today was a very lazy day other than having to wake up at 9:30am to go open a bank account and try to get a phone.
Once again, I wasn't able to get a phone because I didn't have something they needed from the bank, which I don't receive for another week or so... just my luck.
We came back and took a long nap and then sat around to watch the new 90210 en francais before heading over to Fred's new flat for her house warming party.
It's already been so much fun since I've been here.
I need to start speaking french more... but I bet that will come more when I get to Grenoble.
more updates as the days unfold!
Kristi
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Mon Premier Jour en France!
Wow! Paris, you are truly awesome!
I made it here. Finally. After all this time and all of the troubles I went through, I'm here.
My first day here was pretty grand. After the unfortunate flight delay of my original flight that was supposed to have left at 2:55pm yesterday afternoon, I ended up being re-booked on another flight to Newark, NJ that left at 5:40pm. At least I got to spend a little extra time with my parents and my aunt and uncle. They were sad to see me go, but happy for the adventure I was about to set off on.
After landing in Newark, I waited until 9:25pm to hop on the plane to Paris. This whole mix up messed everything up. Jean-Mark was supposed to pick me up at the airport at my first flight's arrival time of 6:55am, but instead, once I arrived, I ended up having to take a taxi all the way to his work. I felt so bad intruding, but he was kind enough to take me back to his place on his lunch break.
Even though I slept some on the plane, I was completely exhausted, so I passed out for about 2 hours to catch up on the time difference. (I guess it hasn't kicked in yet, because it's 3 something AM and I'm still awake)!
Once I woke up, I took a shower, got ready and decided it was time to explore the city. Before I left, I met JM's dad on the way out and discovered that my french is VERY bad. Remember: all of this is on my own. JM was at work. I had no help and was trying to communicate completely in french, since JM's parents don't speak any english.
So I set out and head to la Defense. It's a HUGE mall that connects to the metro/train. Let's just put it this way. la Defense stresses me out. I went around in circles trying to find this one store called l'Orange, so I could purchase a phone. I finally found it... an hour or so later and then ended up having to wait another 45 min just to be seen in the store.
True story: When my name is called to be seen in the store, I'm praying she speaks english. "Bonjour!" "Bonjour...Anglais?" "Non, a very little." (Thinking in my head- Oh crap! This is Not going to be good!) So, I suck it up, take a deep breath and Go for it! Little did I know, she actually understood me! Hot dog! So we discuss a few more things, en francais, and then she tells me I have to have my bank account open before I can get the plan. FML. I just spent all this time for nothing!? The bank is already closed, I'd been waiting for quite a while and the errand day seemed pointless. So I go back to JM's and have dinner with him and his parents and then we venture out to the night life of Paris. This city has so much culture. It's been 4 years since I've been here, and it continues to show me something new. We walked along Les Champs Elysee and headed over to Le Arc de Triumph. We ended up at this bar where I had my first drink in Paris and toasted to my French Adventure! More walking along Les Champs Elysee and made our last stop JM's favorite bridge, where we sat and laughed and watched the Eiffel Tower as it glowed in the night. The wind was chilly and the air cold, but nothing could numb the blessings of being in this beautiful city, rich of architecture and adventure!
And now, here I am still awake, wondering what the next year of my life is going to be like. I'm not sure words could even describe how much it means to me to be over here. It's like a dream come true. A dream that will become a new chapter of my life.
Notes of the Day:
1. Limonade- isn't really Lemonade
2. Soldiers are still walking around with guns
3. La Defense- causes me to go crazy
4. MUST improve my french
5. Need to eat cheese ASAP!
Tomorrow awaits me and so does Paris!
Woot!
Kristi
I made it here. Finally. After all this time and all of the troubles I went through, I'm here.
My first day here was pretty grand. After the unfortunate flight delay of my original flight that was supposed to have left at 2:55pm yesterday afternoon, I ended up being re-booked on another flight to Newark, NJ that left at 5:40pm. At least I got to spend a little extra time with my parents and my aunt and uncle. They were sad to see me go, but happy for the adventure I was about to set off on.
After landing in Newark, I waited until 9:25pm to hop on the plane to Paris. This whole mix up messed everything up. Jean-Mark was supposed to pick me up at the airport at my first flight's arrival time of 6:55am, but instead, once I arrived, I ended up having to take a taxi all the way to his work. I felt so bad intruding, but he was kind enough to take me back to his place on his lunch break.
Even though I slept some on the plane, I was completely exhausted, so I passed out for about 2 hours to catch up on the time difference. (I guess it hasn't kicked in yet, because it's 3 something AM and I'm still awake)!
Once I woke up, I took a shower, got ready and decided it was time to explore the city. Before I left, I met JM's dad on the way out and discovered that my french is VERY bad. Remember: all of this is on my own. JM was at work. I had no help and was trying to communicate completely in french, since JM's parents don't speak any english.
So I set out and head to la Defense. It's a HUGE mall that connects to the metro/train. Let's just put it this way. la Defense stresses me out. I went around in circles trying to find this one store called l'Orange, so I could purchase a phone. I finally found it... an hour or so later and then ended up having to wait another 45 min just to be seen in the store.
True story: When my name is called to be seen in the store, I'm praying she speaks english. "Bonjour!" "Bonjour...Anglais?" "Non, a very little." (Thinking in my head- Oh crap! This is Not going to be good!) So, I suck it up, take a deep breath and Go for it! Little did I know, she actually understood me! Hot dog! So we discuss a few more things, en francais, and then she tells me I have to have my bank account open before I can get the plan. FML. I just spent all this time for nothing!? The bank is already closed, I'd been waiting for quite a while and the errand day seemed pointless. So I go back to JM's and have dinner with him and his parents and then we venture out to the night life of Paris. This city has so much culture. It's been 4 years since I've been here, and it continues to show me something new. We walked along Les Champs Elysee and headed over to Le Arc de Triumph. We ended up at this bar where I had my first drink in Paris and toasted to my French Adventure! More walking along Les Champs Elysee and made our last stop JM's favorite bridge, where we sat and laughed and watched the Eiffel Tower as it glowed in the night. The wind was chilly and the air cold, but nothing could numb the blessings of being in this beautiful city, rich of architecture and adventure!
And now, here I am still awake, wondering what the next year of my life is going to be like. I'm not sure words could even describe how much it means to me to be over here. It's like a dream come true. A dream that will become a new chapter of my life.
Notes of the Day:
1. Limonade- isn't really Lemonade
2. Soldiers are still walking around with guns
3. La Defense- causes me to go crazy
4. MUST improve my french
5. Need to eat cheese ASAP!
Tomorrow awaits me and so does Paris!
Woot!
Kristi
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