It has been a while, so I think I am just going to hit the high points of the week and weekend to make for the most interesting blog post!
School has been a struggle for me, and I had a bit if a hard time this week after getting my grade back on my test and taking another one that did not go so well. I passed the first test with a 12, which is all I really need to do, but I was just getting frustrated with my lack of competency despite putting in a lot of effort. To top things off, I took another test on Thursday which I felt very prepared for, and was disappointed to find that a large part of the exam covered the only topic I did not study! Typical story of my life, but it was still frustrating none the less. I was getting upset about it and feeling stressed, so I decided to go for a run by the river with my friend Sarah to put things in perspective. Somehow putting your feet to the pavement with nothing but yourself and an ipod in tow can be extremely eye openening. I was running by the beautiful city on a clear, brisk night, Little Lion Man blasting in my ears as I passed my favorite building in Bordeaux, and, as cliche as it sounds, it made me realize what this trip and this life are truly about. I need to let go of the things I cannot control and enjoy myself and this gorgeous place. I work hard, that is all I can do, and that has to be enough. Okay, enough of my life epiphanies, on to the interesting... wine
I went to a wine tasting with the wine association at BEM on Thursday. We drove about 45 minutes outside of Bordeaux into wine country, and we visited a gorgeous Chateau Suduiraut that is famous for its sweet wines. The wines get so sweet because of a small type of mushroom that grows on the grapes and dilutes them of most of their water-leaving mostly sugar. I really liked the first wine we tasted, but the second was a little too sweet even for me. It was a dessert wine that was quite thick, almost a syrupy consistency. The first couple of sips were overpowering, but the after taste was surprisingly great. Hopefully we will get the opportunity to go on many more of the trips and learn much more about wine.
Saturday night Mary and I were invited to dinner at the apartment of a french boy, Victor, we met at the wine tasting. He is travelling to the U.S. in a week, and he wanted to talk a little about that, and we wanted to improve our french. We went over around 8:15, ate dinner, drank wine and beer, and then three of his close friends, also french, joined us, and we chatted unitl 1:00. Mary and I spoke french most of the night, and we learned so many new words that I can't even remember all of them. They were all so kind to us, and we did not have an awkward moment the whole time. I am so appreciative of their kindness, and I have been overwhelmed by everyone's hospitality and friendship. I know people say that the french are not overly kind and usually stereotype them as rude, but I have not encountered any of that here. I was so happy to have the opportunity to speak french all night in the presence of great company.
Bisous to all-
We Don't Serve Food on Saturday
Another weekend in the beautiful Bordeaux, and I am happy to report that this one wasn't as exciting as the previous one. I needed a little break from the habitual 5 am party; I am still having a hard time adjusting to this. At home, if I make it to 2:30 am that is considered a good night, but, here, not the case. 2:30 am is leaving early!
So, I guess I will just begin by recapping the weekend, beginning with the dreaded French test on Friday. It was not horrible by any means, and I am pretty sure I passed (that is all I have to do for this semester, 10 or above on a scale of 20, which is proving to not be as easy as I originally thought). I will let you know the results when we get it back, probably tomorrow. Friday evening a group of us went to a house party in Bordeaux. It was really fun, and there were a bunch of international students there, but I was completely exhausted from the week. We headed home early, or early for here at least, at 1 am, and then I was so, so happy because I got to use skype without interuption. The internet connection has been slow here because so many people use it at once, but at 2 am that it usually not the case!
Saturday we slept for so long, and I felt ten times better (8 o'clocks every day of the week are just rough). Another highlight of the day, I watched the Bachelor on my computer that morning! I am so happy it worked, and it will tide me over for a couple of months. We decided to go to lunch to debrief on the night before, the traditional American activity on a Saturday afternoon. We went back to the little restaurant Mary and I found in Talence and sat down to wait for a table. The bar tender came over to us, asked us what we would like, and Mary promtly said to eat. He replied very naturally that they do not serve food on Saturdays. All seven of us looked at each other, slightly embarrassed, and marched right out of the restaurant. As we continued walking down the street, we soon learned that most places in Talence do not serve food on Saturdays, only snacks. Welcome to France you backwards Americans! Honestly, I found it quite funny, and five of us just decided to head into Bordeaux for lunch; they serve food in Bordeaux after 2 or so! This is when the most wonderful thing happened to me... I found an organic, or bio in French, restaurant. I got to create my own salad, get a free vocabulary lesson on the names of vegetables, and eat a delicious meal for only 7.80 euros. The rest of the day was spent wandering Bordeaux on a gorgeous afternoon; I didn't even need a coat. Mary bought three pairs on shoes, Jenna one, and we all bought things at Carrefour. Don't worry just the grocery store; we joke because we have probably been to the grocery at least once a day. That evening we met up with some Irish girls, Megan and Emma, who are in mine and Mary's French class and have been here since last semester. We just hung out for a while in Megan's beautifully decorated DomoFrance apartment (there is hope for our apartment, and the makeover will begin this week), and then we headed to this club on a boat. Apparently Megan and Emma go all the time, but this time they would not let us in! They said we were too young or that they didn't know us. We were all wearing coats and boots, and we didn't even think about the possibility of not getting in. Next time I guess we should nix the jackets and trade the boots for heels... always heels, right La?
Today Mary and I have to work on our French project for class tomorrow, and we all plan to just relax and prepare for another week of school. I can and can't believe I have already been here for a week and a half. It feels like I have been here for so long already just because there has been so much to handle, and we have done so much already, but then again it feels like only yesterday that I arrived. I hope you all enjoy your Sunday.
Bisous
So, I guess I will just begin by recapping the weekend, beginning with the dreaded French test on Friday. It was not horrible by any means, and I am pretty sure I passed (that is all I have to do for this semester, 10 or above on a scale of 20, which is proving to not be as easy as I originally thought). I will let you know the results when we get it back, probably tomorrow. Friday evening a group of us went to a house party in Bordeaux. It was really fun, and there were a bunch of international students there, but I was completely exhausted from the week. We headed home early, or early for here at least, at 1 am, and then I was so, so happy because I got to use skype without interuption. The internet connection has been slow here because so many people use it at once, but at 2 am that it usually not the case!
Saturday we slept for so long, and I felt ten times better (8 o'clocks every day of the week are just rough). Another highlight of the day, I watched the Bachelor on my computer that morning! I am so happy it worked, and it will tide me over for a couple of months. We decided to go to lunch to debrief on the night before, the traditional American activity on a Saturday afternoon. We went back to the little restaurant Mary and I found in Talence and sat down to wait for a table. The bar tender came over to us, asked us what we would like, and Mary promtly said to eat. He replied very naturally that they do not serve food on Saturdays. All seven of us looked at each other, slightly embarrassed, and marched right out of the restaurant. As we continued walking down the street, we soon learned that most places in Talence do not serve food on Saturdays, only snacks. Welcome to France you backwards Americans! Honestly, I found it quite funny, and five of us just decided to head into Bordeaux for lunch; they serve food in Bordeaux after 2 or so! This is when the most wonderful thing happened to me... I found an organic, or bio in French, restaurant. I got to create my own salad, get a free vocabulary lesson on the names of vegetables, and eat a delicious meal for only 7.80 euros. The rest of the day was spent wandering Bordeaux on a gorgeous afternoon; I didn't even need a coat. Mary bought three pairs on shoes, Jenna one, and we all bought things at Carrefour. Don't worry just the grocery store; we joke because we have probably been to the grocery at least once a day. That evening we met up with some Irish girls, Megan and Emma, who are in mine and Mary's French class and have been here since last semester. We just hung out for a while in Megan's beautifully decorated DomoFrance apartment (there is hope for our apartment, and the makeover will begin this week), and then we headed to this club on a boat. Apparently Megan and Emma go all the time, but this time they would not let us in! They said we were too young or that they didn't know us. We were all wearing coats and boots, and we didn't even think about the possibility of not getting in. Next time I guess we should nix the jackets and trade the boots for heels... always heels, right La?
Today Mary and I have to work on our French project for class tomorrow, and we all plan to just relax and prepare for another week of school. I can and can't believe I have already been here for a week and a half. It feels like I have been here for so long already just because there has been so much to handle, and we have done so much already, but then again it feels like only yesterday that I arrived. I hope you all enjoy your Sunday.
Bisous
The menu at my new favorite organic restaurant, Natures.
My first actual "French" crepe.
Soldes in France
Today I had a really nice day. Nothing too thrilling or anything, but Mary and I went into the town of Talence to find a little cafe to study for our French tomorrow, and we stumbled upon the cutest place, Neo. We both order croque monsieur, and it was absolutely delicious. It was my first time having it, so I had no clue what was in store. It is basically a grilled ham and cheese sandwich except the cheese is on the outside of the bread, so it is melted and slightly crispy-perfection. The rest of the afternoon Mary and I just sat and reviewed over our notes. My French class is quite the struggle for me, and I just want to be prepared for the test tomorrow. I am without a doubt the weakest student in the class, so I am working extra hard to improve my French and take advantage of the opportunity. The teacher is definitely not the nicest lady in the world, and she is working with me to help me learn to throttle my "r" correctly. Class was fun today, though. We listened to French songs and had to try to write down the lyrics. It is great practice for our listening skills. Another exciting thing today-Mary and I went to the Casino (the name of the grocery store here! but it is so fun to say), and you all know how I love my grocery shopping. We basically go once a day! Anyway, Mary and I went to the Casino, and I found salsa and oatmeal-two things I have been searching for! I was so so happy. Also, we got frequent shoppers cards, so I really feel like a true French resident now. Well I'm off to study a little more and then possibly get my American fix via the Bachelor. Hope you have all had a great day!
Mary Dell, the picture is just for you! Rue St. Catheribe yesterday during the first day of sales.
Le Premier Jour
Today marked the first day of schoola at the Bordeaux School of Management. I was a little bit nervous walking into the classroom this morning because I had absolutely no idea what to expect, and we all know how much I love the unknown. Class began at 8:30 this morning, and I woke up at 7:30 to begin my first "normal" morning. Since we have no microwave, I boiled water on the stove to mix into my Active Lifestyle oatmeal(yes, I have brought a piece of you with me Case). I did my hair, shocking I know, dressed, and then headed over to BEM with Jody, Mary, and Jemma. Mary and I are in the same class together, so we were able to share in our nervousness together. The class we are taking this sequence- we take one class at a time here, one class every three weeks for five sets of three weeks, so it is fifteen hours- is a French language class for exchange students. When we got in there I was pleased to find that I knew several other students in the class, so that was a little comforting. Our teacher walked in, and we began class. She outlined the course schedule, we all had the opportunity to introduce ourselves, and then we started learning about Europe, the government, and all things pertaining to the french government. She handed out a set of three worksheets that asked questions about Bordeaux, France, and Europe in general, and I literally only knew one answer: Nicolas Sarkozy is the president of France! It was slightly embarrassing, and it just goes to show how little we learn about other countries or even continents in the United States. We got one thirty minute at 10:00, and after that we had to split up into groups according to home country and give a presentation on our country's government. Mary and I are the only Americans in the class, so we were on our own to explain the government in french! I made it through, not so eloquently, but we are determined to learn a lot and work hard. We were already assigned homework, so I'm not sure that is the best sign! It is definitely going to be a challenge for me, and everyone else in the class is far better than me in French, but I am mostly hoping to really improve my language skills. If this class can help me do that, it will be a success.
Class ended at 12:00, and I headed back to DomoFrance to change for a quick run around Talence. Running is such a great way to explore a new place without having to walk around cluelessly, so I decided to go in a new direction today. The weather was beautiful, and I found some new restaurants and grocery stores. After I got back, a group of about ten exchange students and I decided to venture into the heart of Bordeaux to shop at Auchan. How to explain Auchan... it is a giant Walmart with everything you could ever want in it. It is three stories full of groceries, home supplies, clothing, everything. We had to take two trains to get there, but it was a stroll compared to Ikea. Jody and I still needed several things for the apartment, including bleach to combat the mold, so we were thrilled to be going to Auchan. Who knew that bath towels and kitchen pans could make a person so happy. The trip took a little over three hours, but it was most definitely worth it. The apartment is coming together slowlt but surely, in large part to Jody. We did not have shower curtain for a while, so the water was just splashing all over the bathroom! (Also, it is not your American shower, it is just a shower head on the wall in the middle of the bathroom that turns on when you plug the sink, very Euro chic!) She managed to rig a shower curtain to the ceiling and then lower it to the ground with rope. I will have to take pictures to fully capture its essence.
The remainder of the night was spent finishing homework, cooking dinner in my semblance of a kitchen, eggs with a french baguette, repairing Mary's speakers so we can listen to music, it was all Jody-she has a gift with technology unlike myself-, and watching Jody complete her work on the shower. Day two tomorrow. Bonne nuit all.
Class ended at 12:00, and I headed back to DomoFrance to change for a quick run around Talence. Running is such a great way to explore a new place without having to walk around cluelessly, so I decided to go in a new direction today. The weather was beautiful, and I found some new restaurants and grocery stores. After I got back, a group of about ten exchange students and I decided to venture into the heart of Bordeaux to shop at Auchan. How to explain Auchan... it is a giant Walmart with everything you could ever want in it. It is three stories full of groceries, home supplies, clothing, everything. We had to take two trains to get there, but it was a stroll compared to Ikea. Jody and I still needed several things for the apartment, including bleach to combat the mold, so we were thrilled to be going to Auchan. Who knew that bath towels and kitchen pans could make a person so happy. The trip took a little over three hours, but it was most definitely worth it. The apartment is coming together slowlt but surely, in large part to Jody. We did not have shower curtain for a while, so the water was just splashing all over the bathroom! (Also, it is not your American shower, it is just a shower head on the wall in the middle of the bathroom that turns on when you plug the sink, very Euro chic!) She managed to rig a shower curtain to the ceiling and then lower it to the ground with rope. I will have to take pictures to fully capture its essence.
The remainder of the night was spent finishing homework, cooking dinner in my semblance of a kitchen, eggs with a french baguette, repairing Mary's speakers so we can listen to music, it was all Jody-she has a gift with technology unlike myself-, and watching Jody complete her work on the shower. Day two tomorrow. Bonne nuit all.
Let the Adventure Begin
Today marks my first blog entry of my trip. Most of the other students I have met created a blog, and they all said that it is a great way to communicate and update everyone on their latest adventures. Thus, I have decided to create a blog as well in order to keep in touch with all of you, whom I love and miss dearly. Know that I have brought a little piece of you with me to Bordeaux, and I am so thankful for your love, friendship, and support through everything.
Okay, now let the blogging begin. My trip began on Tuesday, January 4, and I was such a mix of emotions. I was so thrilled to be beginning the trip that I have dreamed about for most of my life, but I was also very apprehensive as the trip drew closer. I was nervous about coming to this completely new place and doing it all by myself; no wonderful Annie or George to hold my hand or help me through and no school mates to comfort me and ease my worries. Also, I began to get very sad at the thought of missing out on five months of school at UT. Just when I am finally starting to feel comfortable and find my niche, I am leaving. After the tearful goodbyes, my excitement started to sink in, and I was ready to arrive in Bordeaux.
After the almost twenty-four hours of flying, I arrived in Bordeaux on Wednesday, January 5, with already a brief education in French. All of the flight attendants on the flight to France were French, and I was beginning to dip my toes in the vastness of the french language. When I got off the plane, I was greeted my several members of the Melting Potes Team, the student organization at BEM that helps with the exchange process-true life savers, Jody, my roommate here at BEM and my friend from home, and the rain. We loaded all of our things in the van and headed into Talence, the city outside of Bordeaux where BEM is located and where we are living. We created a french bank account, signed our lease, and moved our luggage into our residence at DomoFrance. The apartment is, to say the least, not the nicest thing in the whole world, and I must admit that I was not the happiest person in the world upon seeing it, but I am liking it more and more everyday. The only problem, quite a big problem, is that we have mold! It is making me so crazy, and I am worried about it because I do not want to get sick. We have been spraying things to lessen the smell, and we are going to attempt to kill it with bleach tomorrow. Aside from that, it is very cozy here, and we have met some truly wonderful people that I foresee being great friends.
Okay, back to the play by play. I'm just going to try to hit the highlights but brevity is not a strength of mine. On the evening of the 5th, Jody and I went with some other foreign exchange students to an english pub in the center of Bordeaux and then explored the city a bit. Once we got off the tram and stepped foot in Bordeaux, I knew that this is where I was meant to be, and I could see myself falling in love with this goregous city. It was an early night, and then Jody and I just returned to our apartment. On Thursday, the 6th, we had our school orientation at BEM. We learned a lot of helpful information and got health insurance(yay Mom!). At the orientation I met a lot of the other students and more people who live in DomoFrance with me.That evening we had a five course tapas dinner with all the exchange students. The food here is a mix of incredibly delicious and bizarre, just because I am not used to it. We had a salmon dip(not too fond of this), a bollywood salad, chicken with mushrooms and rice in a rich sauce, potatos in a cheese sauce with a piece of melted Camembert on top(low carb and no fat Juj), and finally, and of course my favorite, two brownies in a vanilla sauce. The wine was flowing all night, and it was a great introduction. Friday we decided to venture to Ikea, a true venture! I went with Jody, Jemma from Australia, Mary from Minnesota. Arne from Germany, Annie from Sweden, and Louis from Argentina. It was a trek to Ikea, which is on the very end of the tram stop. We took two trams and walked about 30 minutes out of way, on the edge of a busy street, and through some trees, and then we arrived at Ikea. It was liking finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow; we were thrilled. We all needed so much stuff, like pillows and comforters, so we loaded up after about a two hour tour of Ikea. The problem... we had to carry it all back on the tram! Everyone was laughing and us and staring at us as we attempted to squeeze on the train at rush hour- silly Americans. In total, it was about a five hour trip. That evening the students at BEM arranged a party for us at a bar in Bordeaux. The theme: White and Fluoresect, or Fluoro in French. It was so good to be out with everyone and just let loose together. We discovered a new beer, Desperado, learned that it is common for boys and girls to share the bathroom, lost a man's jacket and traded it, accidentally, for a woman's coat and sweater, and somehow found our way home on the tram. The next day I slept until 12, yes 12(Juj you should be so proud). Then we woke up and the six of us, Me, Jody, Jemma, Mary, Annie, and Arne set out to get french phones. The mission was a success, and that night we went out to our first solo meal at an Italian restaurant in Bordeaux. The night was meant to be low key, but sometimes the best nights happen when you least expect them. Me, Arne, and Mary made our way to a salsa club, went to the bathroom on the side of the road and were spotted my a passerby, got asked if we were prostitutes while standing on the side of the road waiting to go to the bathroon, and then took a taxi home(the tram stops running at 1a.m.). The city comes alive at 3a.m.; it is so crazy. We just thought we would come back and hang out for a while, but we ran in to some french students from Paris who invited us to join their apartment party... so we did of course. We had a great time, thought we were pros at French(alcohol seems to do that), climbed to the roof of BEM, and got to bed around 5:45a.m. It was a truly good night full of so many memorable stories. That brings me to today, Sunday. We, Jody, Annie, Mary, Jemma, and me, went to Bordeaux around 12:30, walked around and explored the markets, and had a lovely cup of cappucino at a cafe. All of that, bring me to now, where I am just typing away in my apartment.
Sorry for the long first entry, but I just wanted to get it all in; I will write more often so I can include more details. Au revoir for now!
Okay, now let the blogging begin. My trip began on Tuesday, January 4, and I was such a mix of emotions. I was so thrilled to be beginning the trip that I have dreamed about for most of my life, but I was also very apprehensive as the trip drew closer. I was nervous about coming to this completely new place and doing it all by myself; no wonderful Annie or George to hold my hand or help me through and no school mates to comfort me and ease my worries. Also, I began to get very sad at the thought of missing out on five months of school at UT. Just when I am finally starting to feel comfortable and find my niche, I am leaving. After the tearful goodbyes, my excitement started to sink in, and I was ready to arrive in Bordeaux.
After the almost twenty-four hours of flying, I arrived in Bordeaux on Wednesday, January 5, with already a brief education in French. All of the flight attendants on the flight to France were French, and I was beginning to dip my toes in the vastness of the french language. When I got off the plane, I was greeted my several members of the Melting Potes Team, the student organization at BEM that helps with the exchange process-true life savers, Jody, my roommate here at BEM and my friend from home, and the rain. We loaded all of our things in the van and headed into Talence, the city outside of Bordeaux where BEM is located and where we are living. We created a french bank account, signed our lease, and moved our luggage into our residence at DomoFrance. The apartment is, to say the least, not the nicest thing in the whole world, and I must admit that I was not the happiest person in the world upon seeing it, but I am liking it more and more everyday. The only problem, quite a big problem, is that we have mold! It is making me so crazy, and I am worried about it because I do not want to get sick. We have been spraying things to lessen the smell, and we are going to attempt to kill it with bleach tomorrow. Aside from that, it is very cozy here, and we have met some truly wonderful people that I foresee being great friends.
Okay, back to the play by play. I'm just going to try to hit the highlights but brevity is not a strength of mine. On the evening of the 5th, Jody and I went with some other foreign exchange students to an english pub in the center of Bordeaux and then explored the city a bit. Once we got off the tram and stepped foot in Bordeaux, I knew that this is where I was meant to be, and I could see myself falling in love with this goregous city. It was an early night, and then Jody and I just returned to our apartment. On Thursday, the 6th, we had our school orientation at BEM. We learned a lot of helpful information and got health insurance(yay Mom!). At the orientation I met a lot of the other students and more people who live in DomoFrance with me.That evening we had a five course tapas dinner with all the exchange students. The food here is a mix of incredibly delicious and bizarre, just because I am not used to it. We had a salmon dip(not too fond of this), a bollywood salad, chicken with mushrooms and rice in a rich sauce, potatos in a cheese sauce with a piece of melted Camembert on top(low carb and no fat Juj), and finally, and of course my favorite, two brownies in a vanilla sauce. The wine was flowing all night, and it was a great introduction. Friday we decided to venture to Ikea, a true venture! I went with Jody, Jemma from Australia, Mary from Minnesota. Arne from Germany, Annie from Sweden, and Louis from Argentina. It was a trek to Ikea, which is on the very end of the tram stop. We took two trams and walked about 30 minutes out of way, on the edge of a busy street, and through some trees, and then we arrived at Ikea. It was liking finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow; we were thrilled. We all needed so much stuff, like pillows and comforters, so we loaded up after about a two hour tour of Ikea. The problem... we had to carry it all back on the tram! Everyone was laughing and us and staring at us as we attempted to squeeze on the train at rush hour- silly Americans. In total, it was about a five hour trip. That evening the students at BEM arranged a party for us at a bar in Bordeaux. The theme: White and Fluoresect, or Fluoro in French. It was so good to be out with everyone and just let loose together. We discovered a new beer, Desperado, learned that it is common for boys and girls to share the bathroom, lost a man's jacket and traded it, accidentally, for a woman's coat and sweater, and somehow found our way home on the tram. The next day I slept until 12, yes 12(Juj you should be so proud). Then we woke up and the six of us, Me, Jody, Jemma, Mary, Annie, and Arne set out to get french phones. The mission was a success, and that night we went out to our first solo meal at an Italian restaurant in Bordeaux. The night was meant to be low key, but sometimes the best nights happen when you least expect them. Me, Arne, and Mary made our way to a salsa club, went to the bathroom on the side of the road and were spotted my a passerby, got asked if we were prostitutes while standing on the side of the road waiting to go to the bathroon, and then took a taxi home(the tram stops running at 1a.m.). The city comes alive at 3a.m.; it is so crazy. We just thought we would come back and hang out for a while, but we ran in to some french students from Paris who invited us to join their apartment party... so we did of course. We had a great time, thought we were pros at French(alcohol seems to do that), climbed to the roof of BEM, and got to bed around 5:45a.m. It was a truly good night full of so many memorable stories. That brings me to today, Sunday. We, Jody, Annie, Mary, Jemma, and me, went to Bordeaux around 12:30, walked around and explored the markets, and had a lovely cup of cappucino at a cafe. All of that, bring me to now, where I am just typing away in my apartment.
Sorry for the long first entry, but I just wanted to get it all in; I will write more often so I can include more details. Au revoir for now!
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