This past week I had class for a total of two days for three hours each! Never in my entire college career have I been this lucky. So, the past week was relaxing, full of travel planning, and unexpected opportunities.
Our Paris trip was exhausting, just because we wanted to squeeze everything in, so the days of relaxation were much appreciated. Tuesday I actually had class, not that I can complain at all- it was just from 1:30 to 4:45 with a 15 minute break in between-, but it is the after class part that was unexpected. My friends Vicky, from Argentina, and Jemma, from Australia, invited me to soccer/ football practice with the club team at school, and, of course, I went. The practice was so great- I have not dribbled a football ball in almost 5 years, and I had forgotten just how much I love the sport for its athleticism and beauty- even though the girls spoke only French and we struggled to understand. There is nothing better than a team to make you feel like you belong.
Wednesday, another day of no class and so fitting because it is always the highlight of my week, Mary and I began planning for our two week vacation that begins on Friday. It is, to say the least, the most stressful thing I have ever had the pleasure of figuring out, and it becomes a bit of an obsession- which airline is cheapest, who has the best deals-, and it becomes exhausting. However, I, again, cannot complain too much seeing as how I am planning my trips across Europe. A funny story: Mary and I were booking our first trip to London from Bordeaux at the same time. Mary's order went through and was processed and then mine said the last ticket had just been taken. It said my credit card was not credited and that I should try again- you know me and computers, just my luck. So, I tried again, now slightly panicked that I might not get the same flight as Mary. I got through this time and successfully booked the flight. I go to check to my e-mail, and what is waiting for me? Not one but two confirmation e-mails of my flight(s) to London. Now literally freaking out, Jemma and Mary laughing their heads off, we find the help number of easyjet. Thank goodness for the rational Jemma and Mary who helped me to cancel one of the reservations, fully refundable since it was the site's error. But, seriously... only to me!
So below are my travel plans for the next two weeks:
Bordeaux-London (Saturday-Tuesday with Mary, Jemma, Ben, Katie, Casi, and maybe Leah)
London-Barcelona (Tuesday-Thursday with Leah)
Barcelona-Prague (Thursday-Monday with Casey and David)
Prague-Dublin (Monday-Thursday with Megan and Mary)
Dublin-Paris (Thursday-Sunday with Casey to run the half- marathon)
Not a bad deal if I must say so myself- thank you Mom and Dad!
The rest of the evening on Wednesday was one of the highlights of my entire trip. Jemma, Vicky, Arne, Mary, and I all went down to the river to walk, run, and roller blade. It was a gorgeous night with the perfect company. We made a group dinner afterwards, healthy pizzas in Jemma's oven full of tuna and onion thanks to Arne, which were surprisingly delicious, chicken, peppers, etc. We enjoyed each other's company over a delicious meal. And, how can I forget one of the best parts of the day. Jemma and I received e-mails from our football coach saying we were playing in the game on Thursday! What?! Neither of us were expecting it- we didn't even know there were games-, but none the less we went and bought shin guards and socks for our newest adventure.
Thursday, no class yet again, I bought roller blades with Mary so we can all go together by the river when the weather gets nice. They are a child's 36, baby blue with pictures of cartoon characters, but they were only 20 euro, who could pass them up? That afternoon Jemma and I hit the field for our first match. We won 6-0, thanks to Chris and Alba who each scored three goals! I loved getting to play again, and I am so happy that this fell into my lap.
Friday was class and then Mary's friends from home Alex and John came in town from Milano. Friday night we went to a Melting Potes party- Cuir et Moustache-, so we all put on our nicest leathers and even ended up with moustaches by the end of the evening. Saturday we toured Mary's friends around the city and did some touring ourselves since we have been a little slacking on our exploration of this gorgeous place. The night was low key, just meeting up with some friends and then early to bed. Yesterday, Sunday, Annie and I headed out early to make it to the fresh markets by the river. We have been wanting to go for some time now, and I was thrilled by all of the fresh fruits, fish, and vegetables. Annie and I bought a loaf of the most amazing looking bread, and I even got to go behind the stand and cut it myself. We want to go back after all of our travels for lunch and wine by the river. Yesterday evening, I washed my enormity of dirty clothes at the laundry down the street. I was so happy because I tackled the dryers, which only run for 10 minutes at a time, and left with perfectly dry clothes. Yes, that was the first time I have had completely dry clothes since being here. Last time Mary and I settled for damp!
This week is the last of my second sequence class with the final exam on Friday and our big marketing presentation on Wednesday.
Best wishes to all of you for a great week.
Congratulations to my ADPis for a well-deserved All Sing WIN! <>
The City of Lights
I can only say that Paris lived up to, and at times surpassed, my every expectation. It was a stunning, overwhelming, extravagant city, and it was mine for one weekend.
Our trip began on Friday evening after class when we, Mary, Annie, and I, caught two buses to the Bordeaux airport. Jemma and Jody have train passes, so they met us in Paris later that evening. The flight to Paris was oh so fitting, cheersing with our bottles of complimentary wine and getting anxious to land! We landed and Charles de Gaulle and then successfully navigated through the maze of trains to Gare de Lyon, where Mary's friend Laura was waiting for us. Gare de Lyon is a huge train station in Paris that directly faces the Bastille- so, yes, the Bastille was the first thing I saw as soon as we left the train station. From Gare de Lyon, we walked to our hostel which was right around the corner. I must admit I was very skeptical about this whole hostel thing, but it was really not bad at all- granted I could not sleep on the pillow, sheets, or comforter because I am spoiled and it grosses me out!-but, it was safe, we were all together in one room, we had our own bathroom, and we were in the perfect location. After getting there Annie and I went for a walk to the Bastille and the Opera house, and then Mary, Laura, Annie, Hannah(another of Mary's friends), and I grabbed dinner at a bar/ restaurant around 11:00. I had a delicious chicken salad, many ordered Croque Monsieurs, and we just relaxed and took it all in.
The next morning we were early to rise, and we began our touristy mission. First stop, Le Louvre. It is breathtaking- in the middle of a gorgeous square and just so elegant and delicate. We got in so quickly,no wait, and we walked around for several hours hitting the high points of the museum. The Mona Lisa was stunning, Jemma was nearly in love with it, and I was not disappointed by its size. Maybe it was because I expected it to be smaller than it was after all of the talk of its lack of grandeur, but it was just surreal to be standing in front of something that I have dreamed of for so long. After a lovely cappucino, we headed down the Champs Elysees to make our way to the Arc de Triomphe and la Tour Eiffel. ( I honestly still can't believe I am typing all of this; I can't believe I saw all of these things!) We did not make it to the Arc de Triomphe because we got side tracked shopping- who could balme us; it's Paris. Also, Jody and I thought we lost Annie and Jemma, so we had a minor freakout on the Champs before we were able to decode their text message and find them in, where else but H&M. After our several hour shopping tour, we took a short cut to la Tour Eiffel. Again, I was in awe of its grandeur. It is brown, which I was not expecting- I guess I always thought it was silver for some reason-, but I was still overwhelmed by it. The line was too long to go up, but we took plenty of pictures. By that time, it was already about 6:00, and we needed a break. We headed back to the hostel to make dinner plans. On the way home, Jody and I got a nice surprise when we were able to coordinate meeting with Kate and David from UT. It was so nice to see some familiar faces if only for a short while. After our reunion, all five of us were ready for some food. We explored a little and then decided on Le Bistro de Lyon. I had a gorgeous piece of salmon and was in my happy place with my friends, food, and laughter. After dinner, Jemma, Mary, and I met up with Mary's friends at a sports bar. It was relaxed, and we had a good time meeting our swiss banker friends minus the man that had to get removed from the bar. On the way home, we ate late night crepes (truly French, no more taco bell and krystals)!
Sunday morning I went to mass at Notre Dame with Mary, Laura, and Annie. It was probably the number one thing on my list, and I am so happy I was able to do that. The church, again, was breathtaking with its history and beauty and magnificence. After church, Laura took us to get world famous falafel (Chelle I thought of you the whole time because I had never tried it, and I know how much you love it). It was absolutely delicious, and it was so neat to be on a street tucked away from the main rues. Lunch was followed by a visit to the Centre Pompidou, which was free because it was the first Sunday of the month. The art was interesting to say the least, but it was eye opening to see this modren art and contrast it to what we had just seen at le Louvre the day before. I appreciate modern art for its innovation and stretch of the imagination, and I am so glad we got the opportunity to experience it. After the Pompidou, we decided to wrap up our trip with some last minute shopping. We went into several incredible vintage shops- it is a good thing I only had one suitcase-, and then I found the purchase I have been looking for: boots. I had to throw away the pair that I brought here because they were just falling apart, so a new pair was necessary, and I am in love, or as in love as one can be with a pair of boots! We closed out our tour of Paris with a farewell crepe, and then Annie, Mary, and I headed to the airport while Jemma and Jody left for the train station. The journey home to DomoFrance was an interesting one- a bus, a tram, and a walk later we arrived at our doors around 11:30 exhausted and hungry but still oh so happy from the most amazing weekend we had just experienced.
Paris was magnificent, and I cannot wait to return, but I was also so happy to be home and that was the best feeling- being able to look forward to coming back to Talence and Bordeaux, where I have made a home for myself.
On the plane heading to Paris
Just touching le Louvre
Jody, me, Jemma, and Annie at la Tour Eiffel
Sunday morning I went to mass at Notre Dame with Mary, Laura, and Annie. It was probably the number one thing on my list, and I am so happy I was able to do that. The church, again, was breathtaking with its history and beauty and magnificence. After church, Laura took us to get world famous falafel (Chelle I thought of you the whole time because I had never tried it, and I know how much you love it). It was absolutely delicious, and it was so neat to be on a street tucked away from the main rues. Lunch was followed by a visit to the Centre Pompidou, which was free because it was the first Sunday of the month. The art was interesting to say the least, but it was eye opening to see this modren art and contrast it to what we had just seen at le Louvre the day before. I appreciate modern art for its innovation and stretch of the imagination, and I am so glad we got the opportunity to experience it. After the Pompidou, we decided to wrap up our trip with some last minute shopping. We went into several incredible vintage shops- it is a good thing I only had one suitcase-, and then I found the purchase I have been looking for: boots. I had to throw away the pair that I brought here because they were just falling apart, so a new pair was necessary, and I am in love, or as in love as one can be with a pair of boots! We closed out our tour of Paris with a farewell crepe, and then Annie, Mary, and I headed to the airport while Jemma and Jody left for the train station. The journey home to DomoFrance was an interesting one- a bus, a tram, and a walk later we arrived at our doors around 11:30 exhausted and hungry but still oh so happy from the most amazing weekend we had just experienced.
Paris was magnificent, and I cannot wait to return, but I was also so happy to be home and that was the best feeling- being able to look forward to coming back to Talence and Bordeaux, where I have made a home for myself.
One Down
Shocking I know, I have been slacking on my blog documentation, but I will try to fill you all in as much as possible. Friday marked the end of my first class of the five I will be taking this semester. This was the French language course that was rather difficult; however, I am so happy that I struggled through it and learned so much. It is so crazy to think that I am already finished with one class and have been here for almost a month. We had our final exam Friday afternoon, and let's just say it was pretty difficult- I am just holding out for a passing grade of 10.
The weekend was one of celebration- we survived our first class unscathed! We honored Australia with Jemma, discovered a little too much of our friend Hannes' apartment, and got kicked out of a taxi (cheers Jemma). Luckily we stumbled upon another taxi soon after and were safely delivered to our door at DomoFrance. The rest of the weekend was low key because it has been absolutely freezing here, the average was about -1 celsius; a little too cold for my liking. I had a nice, long run by the river on Saturday to clear my head, wandered around the city a bit on Sunday, and then prepared to start my second class on Monday.
The class I am taking this sequence, Marketing, Luxe, and International Marketing, is taught in both French and English, so it is a great opportunity for me. (I feel like that is going to be my key word for this trip- opportunity. It is bursting at the seams with opportunity, and I want to rake advantage of every single one.) Also, it is very intimidating. Monday and Tuesday class were from 8:30-4:45, and they were taught entirely in French. I basically did not understand most of what was being said and was so grateful for the invention of powerpoints at that moment. We can, luckily, write all of our papers and assignments in English since the class is International Marketing, so I think that will help to save my grade. I do think it is a really good thing for me to be in this class, though, and I am really working hard to improve my comprehension and understanding. Yesterday we had a short class, only until 12, and it was so interesting. Our professor spoke, in English, all about wine marketing. He is a specialist in this and since Bordeaux is so famous for their delicious wine, our class will focus on wine marketing. Our final project is to create a marketing plan for exporting Bordeaux wine to a city of our choice. We, my group of five, Isabelle, Mary, Sam, Sara, and I, selected Liverpool, England- Sara's hometown. I am actually looking forward to working on it.
After class we headed into Bordeaux to shop for "throw away" clothes because one of the organisations on campus was hosting an open bar. (Definition of open bar- pay 4 euros and drink all you want all night.) Mary, Jemma, Megan from Ireland, Emma, Daniel, Sara, and I all headed downtown around 11:30 decked in our "new" outfits which consisted of rain boots, 3 euro shirts, and 8 euro leggings. The bar was a literal mess with drinks being spewed everywhere and everyone rushing to the bar to take advantage of the free liquor. When it was all said and done we looked like we had just gotten out of the shower- barring the stickyness of our hair and skin and pungent smell of vodka. At the end of the night we had managed to lose all of our jackets, which had out in a plastic bag to shield them from the rainfall of alcohol and placed atop a railing(I am holding out hope some kind soul will return them- Mary's had her phone and keys in it), visit the medical center on the second floor several times for Sara's sake, dance on a raised surface, help a friend in a kissing competition, and take the longest bus ride ever home to DomoFrance, only to arrive back at our door at the ripe hour of 6 am. Only in France, on a Wednesday night.
Today I did not have class, and we all lounged around and finalized some travel plans for our breaks from school. Tomorrow class starts in the afternoon, and then Jemma, Jody, Mary, Annie and I are headed to PARIS! That is correct, and I cannot believe it myself. I am so excited, and I cannot wait.
I will write again after the weekend to tell every detail about the magnificent City of Lights.
The weekend was one of celebration- we survived our first class unscathed! We honored Australia with Jemma, discovered a little too much of our friend Hannes' apartment, and got kicked out of a taxi (cheers Jemma). Luckily we stumbled upon another taxi soon after and were safely delivered to our door at DomoFrance. The rest of the weekend was low key because it has been absolutely freezing here, the average was about -1 celsius; a little too cold for my liking. I had a nice, long run by the river on Saturday to clear my head, wandered around the city a bit on Sunday, and then prepared to start my second class on Monday.
The class I am taking this sequence, Marketing, Luxe, and International Marketing, is taught in both French and English, so it is a great opportunity for me. (I feel like that is going to be my key word for this trip- opportunity. It is bursting at the seams with opportunity, and I want to rake advantage of every single one.) Also, it is very intimidating. Monday and Tuesday class were from 8:30-4:45, and they were taught entirely in French. I basically did not understand most of what was being said and was so grateful for the invention of powerpoints at that moment. We can, luckily, write all of our papers and assignments in English since the class is International Marketing, so I think that will help to save my grade. I do think it is a really good thing for me to be in this class, though, and I am really working hard to improve my comprehension and understanding. Yesterday we had a short class, only until 12, and it was so interesting. Our professor spoke, in English, all about wine marketing. He is a specialist in this and since Bordeaux is so famous for their delicious wine, our class will focus on wine marketing. Our final project is to create a marketing plan for exporting Bordeaux wine to a city of our choice. We, my group of five, Isabelle, Mary, Sam, Sara, and I, selected Liverpool, England- Sara's hometown. I am actually looking forward to working on it.
After class we headed into Bordeaux to shop for "throw away" clothes because one of the organisations on campus was hosting an open bar. (Definition of open bar- pay 4 euros and drink all you want all night.) Mary, Jemma, Megan from Ireland, Emma, Daniel, Sara, and I all headed downtown around 11:30 decked in our "new" outfits which consisted of rain boots, 3 euro shirts, and 8 euro leggings. The bar was a literal mess with drinks being spewed everywhere and everyone rushing to the bar to take advantage of the free liquor. When it was all said and done we looked like we had just gotten out of the shower- barring the stickyness of our hair and skin and pungent smell of vodka. At the end of the night we had managed to lose all of our jackets, which had out in a plastic bag to shield them from the rainfall of alcohol and placed atop a railing(I am holding out hope some kind soul will return them- Mary's had her phone and keys in it), visit the medical center on the second floor several times for Sara's sake, dance on a raised surface, help a friend in a kissing competition, and take the longest bus ride ever home to DomoFrance, only to arrive back at our door at the ripe hour of 6 am. Only in France, on a Wednesday night.
Today I did not have class, and we all lounged around and finalized some travel plans for our breaks from school. Tomorrow class starts in the afternoon, and then Jemma, Jody, Mary, Annie and I are headed to PARIS! That is correct, and I cannot believe it myself. I am so excited, and I cannot wait.
I will write again after the weekend to tell every detail about the magnificent City of Lights.
Letting Go
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-
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.
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