Christmas day, started off nicely as I explained in my previous post. However, the moment I stepped out the door, WHAM! I go flying up, land flat on my back and my head hits the ground. Luckily I was well dressed in my winter coat and jeans, as opposed to shorts and a t-shirt which I was wearing only moments before.
What made me fly? A Giant 80 kilo dog, who belongs to a visiting chef from Madrid, ran through me while chasing pint-sized Nova.
Why was I nearly only wearing shorts? Because I was being taken to the Medeterrainian to go for a swim of course! It was my early "Polar Bear" Swim, and the weather and water temperature can be equated to a chilly day on Hornby Island. It was really nice! This is my second time to the sea in 4 months, and this is serving to satisfy my saltwater craving. As a tradition my family walks to Spanish Banks on Christmas day, so I felt I was at least keeping up with part of the tradition.
Finally back at the Chateau, we had a lunch made my Etien, and the Chef from Madrid. We at a bird that has a name that sounds like "Petard". We also had: Oysters, cheeses, and Foie Gras. The whole week was tough on me, food wise. As, in France, I have decided to eat anything prepared for me, I had a lot of new experiences. I ate: Oysters (4), Muscles, Clams, Calamary, "Petard", Steak, Veal, Chicken, Foie Gras, Sausage... oy.
After we ate our meal, I took a minute to use the computer. Sitting there, I looked out the door to the hallway and saw the 91 year old fall over backwards. I called for Ulrika, Peter and Frederique. They came down to help him, but at the same time Frederick was overwhelmed with a pain in her stomach. Etien took her to the hospital, as we dealt with the 91 year old at the Chateau. Having him go to bed, it was left with me, Ulrika, Peter, and the 96 year old to have dinner. Etien and Frederique stayed at the hospital all night.
Typing this day out doesn't make it sound quite as crazy as it was. However, by 6pm we were all ready to sleep as it all happened in a very short amount of time. The entire week was filled with little things like this.
Anyhow, I am in Paris again now, relaxing. I received a couple more cards here, and picked up a package from my Mom, Geoffrey and Brittany. I'll post pictures by the end of the week.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Everyone! I hope you had a great Christmas Eve and that the snow has melted enough for everyone to meet up with their family!
This morning I awoke and there was a small stocking and an angel hanging over my bed, which was a suprise. Opening Christmas stockings is my favourite part of Christmas morning. I then went to Ulrika and Peter's room where I was suprised with a dozen cards and presents from all of my family. I was very suprised at this! I knew my mom was sending something small, but was overwhelmed that everyone had sent things over.
I want to thank you all so much for your cards and gifts, which made me feel at home. I will really miss being there with you all today as you go for lunch, open gifts, eat dinner, and set cake on fire!
Merry Christmas! I will tell of the adventure of mine later this week when I return to Paris!
God Bless everyone!
This morning I awoke and there was a small stocking and an angel hanging over my bed, which was a suprise. Opening Christmas stockings is my favourite part of Christmas morning. I then went to Ulrika and Peter's room where I was suprised with a dozen cards and presents from all of my family. I was very suprised at this! I knew my mom was sending something small, but was overwhelmed that everyone had sent things over.
I want to thank you all so much for your cards and gifts, which made me feel at home. I will really miss being there with you all today as you go for lunch, open gifts, eat dinner, and set cake on fire!
Merry Christmas! I will tell of the adventure of mine later this week when I return to Paris!
God Bless everyone!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Christmas Eve Special
How I will miss Christmas at home!
I found this gem sitting on my laptop. It was taken 2 years ago today, and it really captures what Christmas eve is like at my house!
Merry Christmas everyone! I miss you all!
I found this gem sitting on my laptop. It was taken 2 years ago today, and it really captures what Christmas eve is like at my house!
Merry Christmas everyone! I miss you all!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Looking like Chrismas?
Hello,
It is only 3 days until Christmas and I am walking around Southern France with a tanktop. This is definatly not going to be a normal Christmas.
Leaving Paris on Friday I was in quite the Christmas-y mood after seeing the window displays and Christmas lights all over town. Then while in Dusseldorf, I saw Slava's Snowshow, and a cross-country ski race. So, while there was no real snow on the ground I had two good doses of artificial snow. Also, there were great Christmas markets in Cologne and Dusseldorf that I went to! I really think that we need some Christmas markets in Vancouver to help get people in the spirit!
Yesterday I left Germany early in the morning, where we had a fun time on RyanAir. We then landed in Girona, Spain and drove up to Chateau La Casenove, which is just outside of Perpignan, France. I will share some pictures of this 1000 year old chateau when I return to Paris.
Despite the weather difference, being here reminds me of going to Whistler at Christmas with my family. It is kind of in the middle of nowhere, and the life is just so much slower than being in the city. I think Christmas vacation really should be just for that, to slow down, recuperate, spend time with family and really centre yourself around things that are important before the new year commences. :)
It is only 3 days until Christmas and I am walking around Southern France with a tanktop. This is definatly not going to be a normal Christmas.
Leaving Paris on Friday I was in quite the Christmas-y mood after seeing the window displays and Christmas lights all over town. Then while in Dusseldorf, I saw Slava's Snowshow, and a cross-country ski race. So, while there was no real snow on the ground I had two good doses of artificial snow. Also, there were great Christmas markets in Cologne and Dusseldorf that I went to! I really think that we need some Christmas markets in Vancouver to help get people in the spirit!
Yesterday I left Germany early in the morning, where we had a fun time on RyanAir. We then landed in Girona, Spain and drove up to Chateau La Casenove, which is just outside of Perpignan, France. I will share some pictures of this 1000 year old chateau when I return to Paris.
Despite the weather difference, being here reminds me of going to Whistler at Christmas with my family. It is kind of in the middle of nowhere, and the life is just so much slower than being in the city. I think Christmas vacation really should be just for that, to slow down, recuperate, spend time with family and really centre yourself around things that are important before the new year commences. :)
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Happy Holidays!
Happy Holidays everyone!
This is my last post before I head off to Dusseldorf (my train leaves in 8 hours from now!). I am so happy to be finished everything up here and leave for a few days. I will try to post again before Christmas.
It is too late for me to think, so here is a video I took this evening. What you see here is a mass of Santas on Motorcycles! I was with my friends Cecilia, Anna and Olga looking at the window displays at Gallaries LaFayette, when the horns started honking, engines reving, and for the next 30 min Santas streamed by! It was quite a sight, but after a while we were really wishing it would stop since it was so loud! Enjoy.
This is my last post before I head off to Dusseldorf (my train leaves in 8 hours from now!). I am so happy to be finished everything up here and leave for a few days. I will try to post again before Christmas.
It is too late for me to think, so here is a video I took this evening. What you see here is a mass of Santas on Motorcycles! I was with my friends Cecilia, Anna and Olga looking at the window displays at Gallaries LaFayette, when the horns started honking, engines reving, and for the next 30 min Santas streamed by! It was quite a sight, but after a while we were really wishing it would stop since it was so loud! Enjoy.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
fuzzy doorknob
Today was a generally uplifting day. The morning starting with me meeting my friend Rocio, also from Simon Fraser University for coffee. While on the metro she informed me she'd be 20 minutes late, so I dropped by school and checked my email before going to the meeting spot. Leaving the school I had randomly happy thoughts and a big smile on my face. Immediatly someone was like, "O hello!", thinking I was smiling at seeing them. I did know the person, but nearly didn't realize it until she passed.
While waiting for my friend to arrive (who called to say they'd be even more late), I had 6 people come and ask me for directions. I was happy that I knew where 3 of the streets were that were asked of me, and for the other 3 I offered that they look in my map. All 3 took me up on that offer, which was fun, since people usually don't take me up on that offer. It was nice to feel useful as I waited, to make me feel as though I was not just wasting my time standing in the rain.
Coffee with my friend was great too, as she showed me a great little place, that in the midst of St. Germain des Pres area, you can get a latte and pastry for 3 euros! Amazing price for that area. My classes also went well in the afternoon and I ran into a number of people I know, which I always like.
Finally, coming home, as I walked up my stairs, I noticed floor number 3 had a fuzzy black door knob. This is strange for a couple reasons: firstly, I never notice floor #3 as by the time I look up, I am usually already at floor #4, and secondly, who has a fuzzy doorknob? Finding this strange, I investigated further, and realized that in fact, it was a glove covering the door knob. I think to myself, "I have black gloves like that, how strange". I think some more, check my bag, and then realize it is infact my glove that I must have dropped that morning rushing out.
Conclusion: Mystery of the fuzzy doorknob solved!
While waiting for my friend to arrive (who called to say they'd be even more late), I had 6 people come and ask me for directions. I was happy that I knew where 3 of the streets were that were asked of me, and for the other 3 I offered that they look in my map. All 3 took me up on that offer, which was fun, since people usually don't take me up on that offer. It was nice to feel useful as I waited, to make me feel as though I was not just wasting my time standing in the rain.
Coffee with my friend was great too, as she showed me a great little place, that in the midst of St. Germain des Pres area, you can get a latte and pastry for 3 euros! Amazing price for that area. My classes also went well in the afternoon and I ran into a number of people I know, which I always like.
Finally, coming home, as I walked up my stairs, I noticed floor number 3 had a fuzzy black door knob. This is strange for a couple reasons: firstly, I never notice floor #3 as by the time I look up, I am usually already at floor #4, and secondly, who has a fuzzy doorknob? Finding this strange, I investigated further, and realized that in fact, it was a glove covering the door knob. I think to myself, "I have black gloves like that, how strange". I think some more, check my bag, and then realize it is infact my glove that I must have dropped that morning rushing out.
Conclusion: Mystery of the fuzzy doorknob solved!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Procrastination #3: ninja bro
For those of you who don't know, my little bro is a Ninja. Here is a sampling that he made in July of his 'moves'. I bet most reading this post have not seen this yet, so enjoy.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Despite technology, it just isn't the same...
Hello again,
This past week has been my first one with interent at my place, and with my phone that include FREE calling to European landlines and all phones in North America. With these 2 forms of communications I have been able to skype and call people. I was so excited about this prospect, but now that I have skyped and called people I realize, it is just not the same.
The issues that remain include:
This past week has been my first one with interent at my place, and with my phone that include FREE calling to European landlines and all phones in North America. With these 2 forms of communications I have been able to skype and call people. I was so excited about this prospect, but now that I have skyped and called people I realize, it is just not the same.
The issues that remain include:
- The time difference -- I am 9 hours ahead of everyone in Vancouver, so for people who work, I am only able to call before they leave for work, or perhaps at lunch, and then on weekends.
- Different billing systems -- Most of my friends in Vancouver, who do not work during the day, only have unlimited calling after 6 or 8pm. This means that even if they are free, they cannot speak to me due to a lack of minutes.
- Webcams -- Not enough people have them, and they are only applicable when someone is at home on Skype anyhow. I want to see facial expressions!
- Appointments -- I am quite free, but I am finding it hard to catch people. I have reached a billion answering machines though and really request people make them more interesting. I am sick of hearing: " so-and-so cannot come to the phone right now...", I get it, tell me something I don't know. Seriously, why not random trivia, songs, ect?
- Lack of time -- After we do make an appointment, I expect to have a decently lengthed conversation. Think of it as though we were going out for a quick cup of coffee at Starbucks or something. I understand people are busy with their "real" lives, or just had exams, but if we set a time and date for a conversation, it would be nice if you didn't have to leave after 20 minutes.
- Reciprocity -- Since I have the free calling and you don't, I am the one who has to make the calls. This does not mean however that you cannot send a message and request one though, or maybe even call! That is right, I have caller ID, and I can call back. I do not even know what my ringer sounds like!
- Few and far in between -- When I speak to you, even on the phone for an hour after 3 months, I cannot possible be updated on all that has past. I find it so dissatisfying talking to people, since after I do, I just realize how much has not been said! At least I realize there will be things to talk about with people when I return.
My knowledge of everyone and everything is quickly becoming outdated, and this fact is becoming very evident. I also, do not have enough time in my life here to keep up with the life I would have had at home, and must accept that. I do hope to see you all on skype, or have brief conversations, or for you to write me HUGE emails comprising of EVERYTHING (which still shall not satisfy my want to see some moving faces). I think I shall give up a bit now though, and if we connect, then that is good. It is just that knowing how unsatisfying it is, I will reduce my degree of effort. Anyways, happy holidays and congrats to everyone finishing up on your exams!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Plans
This has not been the most exciting week as I have been spending a lot of time at homing trying to write my papers. My prof just sent an email to say he has extended the deadline, which does not help me. It is not due next Friday at midnight, but by that time, I will be in Dusseldorf and therefore will not be working on it.
So, to recap my Christmas plans: Go to Cologne on Dec. 19th to meet up with Ulrika. Go to Dusseldorf Dec.19th in the evening with Ulrika to meet up with Peter. Tour around Dusseldorf on the 20th. Fly to Perpignan the 21st. Travel about Girona the 22nd (?). Explore Perpignan the 22nd. Prepare for Christmas the 23. Celebrate Christmas 24-25th. Chill out the 26th. Return to Paris the 27 (?). Tour and celebrate New Years in Paris from the 27th- 3rd. Resume studies!
I have been spending a lot of time this week to think about what I want to do for the rest of the year during my breaks, and what to do in the summer. I really want to get to italy, see family in Switzerland, and go skiing. I am thinking I will try to spend my Feb. break to go to Switzerland again, and perhaps visit a friend in the Alps and ski a bit. During my spring break, I hope to go to Italy and Greece (hopefully there will be no riots by then!). For the summer, I am contemplating many options. I potentially would travel around Europe more, perhaps in the East, or find work somewhere. Another option, that I have recently been considering, is going to volunteer in Ghana. This may seem random, but it isn't really. I have always wanted to go to Africa, and Ghana especially after we sent a care package to a school there when I was in grade 7. I have been looking online, and there are a lot of different opportunities, and I have found a couple with really reasonable participation fees. Also, the flight from here is not too expensive either. I considered not mentioning this here, since I hate letting people know what I am considering until I have set plans. I never want it to be like..."o hey, remember when you wanted to do something really cool... and then didn't?". There is only a 30% chance I will, but there is only a 30% chance that I will travel around Europe, and 30% I'd work. They would all be good in their own way, so those are my current options. I do plan to go home to Vancouver at least by early August though as I will have a lot of things to sort out (room, courses), and I do love Vancouver and Summer there is great. Anyways, if you have followed my thoughts to here, have a great week.5 until Christmas!
So, to recap my Christmas plans: Go to Cologne on Dec. 19th to meet up with Ulrika. Go to Dusseldorf Dec.19th in the evening with Ulrika to meet up with Peter. Tour around Dusseldorf on the 20th. Fly to Perpignan the 21st. Travel about Girona the 22nd (?). Explore Perpignan the 22nd. Prepare for Christmas the 23. Celebrate Christmas 24-25th. Chill out the 26th. Return to Paris the 27 (?). Tour and celebrate New Years in Paris from the 27th- 3rd. Resume studies!
I have been spending a lot of time this week to think about what I want to do for the rest of the year during my breaks, and what to do in the summer. I really want to get to italy, see family in Switzerland, and go skiing. I am thinking I will try to spend my Feb. break to go to Switzerland again, and perhaps visit a friend in the Alps and ski a bit. During my spring break, I hope to go to Italy and Greece (hopefully there will be no riots by then!). For the summer, I am contemplating many options. I potentially would travel around Europe more, perhaps in the East, or find work somewhere. Another option, that I have recently been considering, is going to volunteer in Ghana. This may seem random, but it isn't really. I have always wanted to go to Africa, and Ghana especially after we sent a care package to a school there when I was in grade 7. I have been looking online, and there are a lot of different opportunities, and I have found a couple with really reasonable participation fees. Also, the flight from here is not too expensive either. I considered not mentioning this here, since I hate letting people know what I am considering until I have set plans. I never want it to be like..."o hey, remember when you wanted to do something really cool... and then didn't?". There is only a 30% chance I will, but there is only a 30% chance that I will travel around Europe, and 30% I'd work. They would all be good in their own way, so those are my current options. I do plan to go home to Vancouver at least by early August though as I will have a lot of things to sort out (room, courses), and I do love Vancouver and Summer there is great. Anyways, if you have followed my thoughts to here, have a great week.5 until Christmas!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Procrastinate #2: More pics
Before I start, I want to let you all know that I have finally changed the settings so that anyone can comment on the blog, even people without accounts. So, I expect to hear from you!
Here are pictures from Paris in November, there are not many since I was gone a lot. To see my pictures from Berlin and Stockholm, click here:
Here are pictures from Paris in November, there are not many since I was gone a lot. To see my pictures from Berlin and Stockholm, click here:
Monday, December 8, 2008
Procrastinate #1
I have a lot of hw to finish up before I start my Christmas Vacation on the 19th, so until then, my posts will mostly be posting things that are helping me procrasinate.
Today, check out Flight of the Conchords, if you have not already. A group from New Zealand who have songs that are from their TV show.
To improve your French vocabulary, listen to the first song.
For a solution to war:
I am sure you have asked yourself "what is wrong with the world?", and so have these guys.
Today, check out Flight of the Conchords, if you have not already. A group from New Zealand who have songs that are from their TV show.
To improve your French vocabulary, listen to the first song.
For a solution to war:
I am sure you have asked yourself "what is wrong with the world?", and so have these guys.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Skype
Finally having internet chez moi, I am not connected to the wonderful world of Skype! Skype is a great tool for having video conferences with people over. There is nearly no delay, and the video quality is not bad. It is great being able to have nearly face to face conversations with people. Last night I was able to speak with some family, and today with some friends. For those who do not have it, you can download it here. If you already have it, or have just downloaded, send me an email to get my username, or send me yours. Hope to talk to you all soon!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
France on Meds
I am healthy at the moment. Thank you to the 5 drugs the doctor gave me? Yes, 5. I had a cold forever, and went to the doctor. He gave me 3 medications to take. 2 weeks later, the cough was still present and I was given 2 different medications to take. I have never been so heavily medication for a cold in Canada.
Point of the post being: I now know why!
France does not have a National health system. It is all done by a health insurance system, were the patient has freedom to choose where to get treated. Since the patient has this choice, creating competition between doctors. To satisfy patients, the doctors give them prescriptions. This also prevents them from consulting other doctors. The result of this competition though, is that patients in France consume twice as much meds as people in other European countries!
So, French people are consuming way more meds than would be considered necessary elsewhere. While this may satisfy French patients, since people psychologically think they must be getting better when they are instructed to pop pills, it makes me uneasy. It makes me uncomfortable to go to a doctor, knowing they may be prescribing me drugs as a personal business move, and not for my health!
Point of the post being: I now know why!
France does not have a National health system. It is all done by a health insurance system, were the patient has freedom to choose where to get treated. Since the patient has this choice, creating competition between doctors. To satisfy patients, the doctors give them prescriptions. This also prevents them from consulting other doctors. The result of this competition though, is that patients in France consume twice as much meds as people in other European countries!
So, French people are consuming way more meds than would be considered necessary elsewhere. While this may satisfy French patients, since people psychologically think they must be getting better when they are instructed to pop pills, it makes me uneasy. It makes me uncomfortable to go to a doctor, knowing they may be prescribing me drugs as a personal business move, and not for my health!
Friday, December 5, 2008
It's Alive!!!
Sitting in my room, reading about Health Care Reforms in Europe, I could not believe my eyes when I noticed my Neuf Box start flashing! It is alive! I have internet, I have a land line, I have television! :). Ok, back to my reading.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Social Life
Since my return from Stockholm, I have become more and more integrated into life here, and made a number of friends. One of my friends, has started a weekly social newsletter for the group. One from a previous week:
"Newsletter
The plan for this week:
Tuesday: Salsa in the Arts et Metiers
http://rock.ueensam.org/Paris/Paris
Wednesday: Crous
Afterwards: Le Queen, http://www.queen.fr/
Friday: Diner chez moi
Friday or Saturday: Super-Concerts at Le Showcase
(generally it's for free before midnight)
http://www.showcase.fr/
Tell me if you will join!"
This, done over facebook makes it so easy to reply, and plan out a week of fun. I definatly do not have time to go to all the events as I have other things on my plate. Other things including: vball twice a week, church/young adults group, free Museum visiting,swimming and random other things. Amusingly, a friend visiting my 15m2 place and commented, "wow, it is so big! You should host a party here!"...proving how low our acceptable space limits have been reduced. When I return to Vancouver, by homecoming party will take place entirely in my bedroom.
PS. Super excited for Christmas break! Just bought my ticket to go to Dusseldorf, where I will meet Ulrika and Peter before going down to Perpignan. :)
"Newsletter
The plan for this week:
Tuesday: Salsa in the Arts et Metiers
http://rock.ueensam.org/Paris/Paris
Wednesday: Crous
Afterwards: Le Queen, http://www.queen.fr/
Friday: Diner chez moi
Friday or Saturday: Super-Concerts at Le Showcase
(generally it's for free before midnight)
http://www.showcase.fr/
Tell me if you will join!"
This, done over facebook makes it so easy to reply, and plan out a week of fun. I definatly do not have time to go to all the events as I have other things on my plate. Other things including: vball twice a week, church/young adults group, free Museum visiting,swimming and random other things. Amusingly, a friend visiting my 15m2 place and commented, "wow, it is so big! You should host a party here!"...proving how low our acceptable space limits have been reduced. When I return to Vancouver, by homecoming party will take place entirely in my bedroom.
PS. Super excited for Christmas break! Just bought my ticket to go to Dusseldorf, where I will meet Ulrika and Peter before going down to Perpignan. :)
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Locks and Doors
It is impossible to leave your door unlocked in Paris, unless you leave it open. The second you close it is locked. You need a key to open a door, as on apartments there are no doorknobs. Therefore, when one leaves their place, they need to be extra careful to have a key and it often occurs that people get locked out.
The extra annoying thing about my place is that I need to ensure I have my key even when I use my toilet, since the toilet is in the hallway. I am sure you see where this story is going… Last night I did indeed leave my key in my room and shut my door when I went to the toilet, realizing it when I arrived back at my locked door. Luckily my landlady (who lives 2 floors down) has a spare key, luckily it was only 11:15pm, and luckily my PJs are modest. I was lucky.
I have friends who have not been so lucky though. There are always stories floating around where people get stuck sleeping on their doorsteps. In one incident, my friend’s roommate lost his key, and borrowed hers. He then lost hers, so the two of them were locked out of their place for 3 days, since there was no one nearby with a spare. This story highlights the necessity of spare keys, multiple spares: one nearby, and one at a friends place who you feel comfortable waking up at 3am if need be.
The extra annoying thing about my place is that I need to ensure I have my key even when I use my toilet, since the toilet is in the hallway. I am sure you see where this story is going… Last night I did indeed leave my key in my room and shut my door when I went to the toilet, realizing it when I arrived back at my locked door. Luckily my landlady (who lives 2 floors down) has a spare key, luckily it was only 11:15pm, and luckily my PJs are modest. I was lucky.
I have friends who have not been so lucky though. There are always stories floating around where people get stuck sleeping on their doorsteps. In one incident, my friend’s roommate lost his key, and borrowed hers. He then lost hers, so the two of them were locked out of their place for 3 days, since there was no one nearby with a spare. This story highlights the necessity of spare keys, multiple spares: one nearby, and one at a friends place who you feel comfortable waking up at 3am if need be.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Live Music
This past week in Paris was really great. I went to two live concerts. The first one, Death Cab for Cutie, was really nice. I got to go due to someone elses misfortune; as in someone could not go, so I was given their ticket. I was unable to upload a video from it, but, I have been able to upload a video from the second concert I went to. The second one I went to was at "La Fleche d'Or" (Eng: The Golden Arrow). This club has live music every night, and free entry. The line up Friday night included: CARABINE (featured in video), Lilly Wood and The Prick, and Stereoheros.. It was great, and the place was suprisingly not too loud.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Berlin + Stockholm
For my November break, I headed off to Berlin, and then to Stockholm.
Here are the pics from Berlin.
Here are the pics from Stockholm.
Further description:
When I went to Berlin I stayed with Krista, who is an other SFU student on exchange. She was extremely accomodating and provided me with maps and guidebooks to get me started. I went to a number of museums while there: Pergamon, Altes, Check Point Charlie, Jewish,Eastside Gallery and the Holocaust Memorial. I also met up with Heike, who I know through Ulrika, and Sandra, who I know from my trip to the Dominican Republic last year. I was amazed at the history in the city, and love how laid back it is. It was very refreshing after being in Paris, since while people in Paris all dress nicely, there is very little diversity.
While in Berlin I met a group of girls from Stockholm, four of whom were on my flight. I ended up staying with one of the girls, Sara for my 2 nights there which was really great. It saved me from paying for an expensive hostel there (about 25 euros a night) and, gave me a friend to recommend cool places. I met up with Cecilia and Nick in Stockholm, and we went to the Vasa Museum, and then the National Gallery. After some shopping, my day in Stockholm ended with dinner at a very interesting Thai restaurant where we dinned in a Rickshaw.
Here are the pics from Berlin.
Here are the pics from Stockholm.
Further description:
When I went to Berlin I stayed with Krista, who is an other SFU student on exchange. She was extremely accomodating and provided me with maps and guidebooks to get me started. I went to a number of museums while there: Pergamon, Altes, Check Point Charlie, Jewish,Eastside Gallery and the Holocaust Memorial. I also met up with Heike, who I know through Ulrika, and Sandra, who I know from my trip to the Dominican Republic last year. I was amazed at the history in the city, and love how laid back it is. It was very refreshing after being in Paris, since while people in Paris all dress nicely, there is very little diversity.
While in Berlin I met a group of girls from Stockholm, four of whom were on my flight. I ended up staying with one of the girls, Sara for my 2 nights there which was really great. It saved me from paying for an expensive hostel there (about 25 euros a night) and, gave me a friend to recommend cool places. I met up with Cecilia and Nick in Stockholm, and we went to the Vasa Museum, and then the National Gallery. After some shopping, my day in Stockholm ended with dinner at a very interesting Thai restaurant where we dinned in a Rickshaw.
Monday, November 24, 2008
F*&% SFR
My quest for internet has, as pointed out by a friend, turned itself into an epic novel that just won't end. Last Thursday, Laure, the lady in Paris who has been helping me integrate into life here (one of Ulrika's friends), helped me call the customer service number to find out what was happening with my account. It turns out that it reached maturity a while back and was never re-activated which is why they did not call. I feel very lucky to have her help me, since when I went to the store, and called the number myself I was unable to get any information or help.
She got them to move their asses though, and since it has taken over 3 weeks to get it installed, I get my first month free. (woot, but I was willing to pay for it in order to have it a month earlier). Anyways, France Telecom FINALLY called me today, to make an appointment to install my line. Their earliest appointment being Thursday December 4th between 9-11am. I have taken this appointment, but since I ordered it on October 21st, which will make the delay 6.5 weeks long. Since I get one month free for it being more then 3 weeks to install, I think I should get 2 months for free since it will take over 6 weeks to install!!!
Being a student in Paris, I really do not have time to waste going back to the phone company, and getting on their ass so I can PAY them to have their internet service. I have essays to write, and having a landline is also vital. I can't continue having to go to friend's houses everytime i want to check my email, since the schools internet is only available for a total of 6 hours on weekends. I am not the only one in France to have to deal with BS on this matter; one of my professors is also sans internet at the moment. The French really do not know how to provide good customer service, in my opinion.
She got them to move their asses though, and since it has taken over 3 weeks to get it installed, I get my first month free. (woot, but I was willing to pay for it in order to have it a month earlier). Anyways, France Telecom FINALLY called me today, to make an appointment to install my line. Their earliest appointment being Thursday December 4th between 9-11am. I have taken this appointment, but since I ordered it on October 21st, which will make the delay 6.5 weeks long. Since I get one month free for it being more then 3 weeks to install, I think I should get 2 months for free since it will take over 6 weeks to install!!!
Being a student in Paris, I really do not have time to waste going back to the phone company, and getting on their ass so I can PAY them to have their internet service. I have essays to write, and having a landline is also vital. I can't continue having to go to friend's houses everytime i want to check my email, since the schools internet is only available for a total of 6 hours on weekends. I am not the only one in France to have to deal with BS on this matter; one of my professors is also sans internet at the moment. The French really do not know how to provide good customer service, in my opinion.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Premiere Neige
I knew it was getting cold this week when I found myself sitting on my couch wearing a sweater, and a touque, so I finally heated my apartment yesterday for the first time. For anyone who has visited my house in the winter, you will know that my family loves to freeze themself, meaning, it was actually cold yesterday.
Anyhow, it snowed this morning for the first! :) It was a pathetic snow fall, but I am still glad the sky tried. After being told it does not snow in Paris, I will take what I can get.
Anyhow, it snowed this morning for the first! :) It was a pathetic snow fall, but I am still glad the sky tried. After being told it does not snow in Paris, I will take what I can get.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
General updates
I cannot believe it is only Thursday. This week has been long, for no particular reason.
I had an exposé Monday for my Nobel prize of litterature course. I had to present on Thomas MANN, a German author who won the prize in 1929 for his epic novel the Buddenbrooks which he wrote in 1901 at the age of 25. The presentation went well, and I found that the research on teh author was quite interesting. After the presentation we were immediatly given our critiques, which were not that bad. The professor then went on to comment how he loves when international students speak French, and that he liked my pronounciation and thought I had a fairly high but pleasant voice...he then announced the marks for that days presentations at the end of class in front of everyone.
Tuesday, I went to the Young Adults group at the church I am attending. Young adults here include anyone from 18-35 years, but some people who are older than that come too. There were about 40 people that went. A nice evening. However, the day was not great. I went to SFR to complain about my lack of internet again. It has been over a month, and I am still waiting for a technician to call me to make an appointment to come install it. When the dude informed me he could do nothing, and that I just have to keep waiting, I burst into tears. This brings the count to 5, 5 being the number of times the internet has made me cry while in Paris.
Wednesay was also a fun day. In my Asian Cinema class, after having a short debat on religion, the professor asked me if I attended church. I replied yes, he then asked if I went everyweek. I said usually. Unable to prove his point that only old people attend church he simply said, "Bless you". On my way home, I stopped at SFR again, this time more composed, and the guy, who knows me by my first name now says he called his manager yesterday since my emotional display the day before made him uncomfortable. He tells me his manager has taken it into his own hands to resolve my situation. I tell him that while I appreciate that, I just want to know when someone shall call me. Wednesday evening entailed meeting up with friends at the student restaurant, going to a salsa bar, and walking down the Seine.
Today, Thursday, I am going to see "The President's Last Bang" at the Korean Film Festival. It is by IM Sang Soo, the director I will study for my upcoming Asian Cinama research. The film is about the assassination of former Korean President Park Chung Hee. he special thing about the screening tonight is that the film will be shown in its original format, and not its censored theatrical release one. The film finishes at 11:45pm, and then I have 2 classes at 8am tommorow! Any suggestions for cities to go to for a day trip Saturday? I am thinking somewhere in Normandy.
I had an exposé Monday for my Nobel prize of litterature course. I had to present on Thomas MANN, a German author who won the prize in 1929 for his epic novel the Buddenbrooks which he wrote in 1901 at the age of 25. The presentation went well, and I found that the research on teh author was quite interesting. After the presentation we were immediatly given our critiques, which were not that bad. The professor then went on to comment how he loves when international students speak French, and that he liked my pronounciation and thought I had a fairly high but pleasant voice...he then announced the marks for that days presentations at the end of class in front of everyone.
Tuesday, I went to the Young Adults group at the church I am attending. Young adults here include anyone from 18-35 years, but some people who are older than that come too. There were about 40 people that went. A nice evening. However, the day was not great. I went to SFR to complain about my lack of internet again. It has been over a month, and I am still waiting for a technician to call me to make an appointment to come install it. When the dude informed me he could do nothing, and that I just have to keep waiting, I burst into tears. This brings the count to 5, 5 being the number of times the internet has made me cry while in Paris.
Wednesay was also a fun day. In my Asian Cinema class, after having a short debat on religion, the professor asked me if I attended church. I replied yes, he then asked if I went everyweek. I said usually. Unable to prove his point that only old people attend church he simply said, "Bless you". On my way home, I stopped at SFR again, this time more composed, and the guy, who knows me by my first name now says he called his manager yesterday since my emotional display the day before made him uncomfortable. He tells me his manager has taken it into his own hands to resolve my situation. I tell him that while I appreciate that, I just want to know when someone shall call me. Wednesday evening entailed meeting up with friends at the student restaurant, going to a salsa bar, and walking down the Seine.
Today, Thursday, I am going to see "The President's Last Bang" at the Korean Film Festival. It is by IM Sang Soo, the director I will study for my upcoming Asian Cinama research. The film is about the assassination of former Korean President Park Chung Hee. he special thing about the screening tonight is that the film will be shown in its original format, and not its censored theatrical release one. The film finishes at 11:45pm, and then I have 2 classes at 8am tommorow! Any suggestions for cities to go to for a day trip Saturday? I am thinking somewhere in Normandy.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
New Neighbour
I, as you may know by now, live on the 7th floor of a building that is sans assenceur. My little rooms comes fully equiped sans toilette. My toilet is located in the hallway. For the past 2 months, I have been the only one using it since the other rooms on this floor are used as storage or are unoccupied; or, WERE unoccupied. When I came back from my petite voyage, I noticed my toilet paper was gone... dun dun dun... and on another occasion, when I went to the toilet, and it was occupied! How shocking it was for me to discover I am no longer the only person on my floor. I heard the person trying to get into their room... so I ran over to my peephole. The walls are paper thin though and HE turned to look at my door. I think the person is a 60ish year old man, but I cannot be sure since that one glimpse through the peephole is the only time I saw him. I am sad now... since I feel I should put on clothes to use the toilet, and not go in my PJs anymore. I am also afraid it will be occupied again and that is weird. I hope I get to meet this neighbour soon since I hear him come and go all the time, and the longer it takes to say HI the stranger (pun!) it becomes.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Pretty
Hair salons in Berlin are DIRT CHEAP. You can cut and dye your hair for 20 Euros, no joke. Due to this amazing deal, I was very tempted to get my hair done. However, after long contemplation I decided not to for a few reasons:
- I like how my hair falls at the back right now, which is hard to acheive.
- My last haircut was only 2 months ago, so it is still in decent shape
- I want to grow out my hair, as per usual.
- I have died my hair EVERY fall for the past 3 years, so why not be au natural for once?
- A ton of Berliner women have ugly bright red hair, which seems to be "in" right now, and I didn't know if I trusted the hair dressers sense of pretty.
- A lady on the U-Bahn randomly told me I shouldn't dye my hair. She commented that it looks like gold :P. She said if I want to change it, I should use Hazelnut leaves...I tried to buy some from the Apothoteke, but they would have had to order them in, and I didnt have time. Plus, how does one use hazelnut leaves on their hair?
I spent my last day in Berlin walking around Sans Souci, a beautiful series of palaces which Frederick the Great built in the spirit of wanting his own Versaille. Anyhow, I'll post pictures of that later. I was amazed by the automn colours during my walk that day, and decided my hair is a good colour for fall. Observe:
And for those who wanted to see the boots....
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Speaking French
Last beef of the day...
A few weeks ago, my friends the Twins, were complaining about how they felt used for their English. I did not feel this way at the time, but today I definatly did. I understand when people hear my accent that they may reply in English, fair enough, but when I speak back in French they should get the idea that I can actually speak the language.
Today, on two occasions I had people explicity speak to me in English and be like, this is great, I can practice my English. I let them know that this is not the case, and that if they would like to speak English, that they can go to Canada... but that while I am in France, I will not speak to native French speakers in English.
The guy continued to speak in English, so I discontinued the conversation. I refuse to have people exploit my English. I will correct their English in their essays if they ask, but only under the pretext that they then correct my French ones in the future.
A few weeks ago, my friends the Twins, were complaining about how they felt used for their English. I did not feel this way at the time, but today I definatly did. I understand when people hear my accent that they may reply in English, fair enough, but when I speak back in French they should get the idea that I can actually speak the language.
Today, on two occasions I had people explicity speak to me in English and be like, this is great, I can practice my English. I let them know that this is not the case, and that if they would like to speak English, that they can go to Canada... but that while I am in France, I will not speak to native French speakers in English.
The guy continued to speak in English, so I discontinued the conversation. I refuse to have people exploit my English. I will correct their English in their essays if they ask, but only under the pretext that they then correct my French ones in the future.
Ugly
I accidently deleted the colours that were here before... I now think it is ugly, but I am having trouble getting it back to normal... I need a new template too. This one bothers me...
This is just added to my discontent from earlier. I have been reading a number of blogs this afternoon, and I am not the only one in a ventful mood.
On a side note, I am wearing the new boots I bought in Sweden today, so I look great!
This is just added to my discontent from earlier. I have been reading a number of blogs this afternoon, and I am not the only one in a ventful mood.
On a side note, I am wearing the new boots I bought in Sweden today, so I look great!
Still waiting
I am finally back in Paris and upon my arrival back to my flat I was very excited that I should have my bus pass sitting and waiting for me. I was also happy because I should have had messages tellibng me my internet was going to be installed. However, my happiness was soon crushed when I realized despite waiting over 3 weeks, I still had not received my bus pass nor was there an update on internet.
I am sorry to bore you with these details, but these facts are very frustrating to me. I went to SFR to inquire about my Neufbox. I waited in line for 15 minutes and it was annoying. The French service people are not like those in Canada, you do not have someone smile and greet you. While you wait, you are not acknowledged at all, you do not exist. When it was my turn the dude called someone and I was told I should get a phonecall in 3 days. So, although I was told everything should at most 21 days, after 23 I must wait 3 for a phone call to make an appointment for the installation. What the heck!?? They seriously do not care about customer service.
Talking to others who have different providers the situation has been similar for them, waiting up to 2 months for internet. This horrible service seems to be the norm, so the individual company is not worried about losing clients. However, I refuse to become accustomed to the bad service I receive here.
I am sorry to bore you with these details, but these facts are very frustrating to me. I went to SFR to inquire about my Neufbox. I waited in line for 15 minutes and it was annoying. The French service people are not like those in Canada, you do not have someone smile and greet you. While you wait, you are not acknowledged at all, you do not exist. When it was my turn the dude called someone and I was told I should get a phonecall in 3 days. So, although I was told everything should at most 21 days, after 23 I must wait 3 for a phone call to make an appointment for the installation. What the heck!?? They seriously do not care about customer service.
Talking to others who have different providers the situation has been similar for them, waiting up to 2 months for internet. This horrible service seems to be the norm, so the individual company is not worried about losing clients. However, I refuse to become accustomed to the bad service I receive here.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
5 hours
5 hours = the amount of time my plane to Berlin was delayed by.
After we all got to the airport at 5 am, noone was impressed by the delay. What added to it, was that they would not tell how long the delay would be for, for quite a while. The screen simply said "delayed". After 2 hours, they gave us some good. This was good since we met other people on the flight, and had people to converse with. I met a student from Paris who is living in Berlin, and a translator from Berlin who is living in Paris. This was nice, the three of us talked from about 6 am until the place landed in Berlin at 1pm.
A 5 hour wait is a bit excessive, but at least I got there the same day. I have heard horror stories of poeple having to wait multiple days with delays. I would like to say it is better to just train since it is simpler, however coming back from Barcelona my train was about 2.5 hours late... so I don't know what the most reliable transportation is. Perhaps walking...but that is too tedious when traveling... and who knows, maybe one would sprain an ankel and also be late. Last night getting home took over an hour when it should't take more than 30 min due to construction on S-Bahn lines. grr...
OK, that was my transportation rant... I am done.
After we all got to the airport at 5 am, noone was impressed by the delay. What added to it, was that they would not tell how long the delay would be for, for quite a while. The screen simply said "delayed". After 2 hours, they gave us some good. This was good since we met other people on the flight, and had people to converse with. I met a student from Paris who is living in Berlin, and a translator from Berlin who is living in Paris. This was nice, the three of us talked from about 6 am until the place landed in Berlin at 1pm.
A 5 hour wait is a bit excessive, but at least I got there the same day. I have heard horror stories of poeple having to wait multiple days with delays. I would like to say it is better to just train since it is simpler, however coming back from Barcelona my train was about 2.5 hours late... so I don't know what the most reliable transportation is. Perhaps walking...but that is too tedious when traveling... and who knows, maybe one would sprain an ankel and also be late. Last night getting home took over an hour when it should't take more than 30 min due to construction on S-Bahn lines. grr...
OK, that was my transportation rant... I am done.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
aufWiedersehen Paris!
I just can't seem to stay still!
Tommorow at 4:30am I start my trek to Berlin. I was previously unsure how I would make my 635am flight since check in stops at 6 and the Metro only starts runnig at 530! I decided to pay for a shuttle. My door to the airport will cost17.5€, which is only 10€ more then public transportation, much faster, and allows me to have a goodnight sleep at home and NOT hang out at the airport between 1130pm and 5am. I think it is worth the cost.
I will be staying with a friend in Berlin and meeting up with my Godmother's friend on Friday, and finally seeing a girl I met in teh Dominican Republic on Sunday. I love how networks and modern communication allows people to keep and get in touch from long distances.
I will then leave and meet up wtih Cecelia and Nick in Stockholm where we will chill for a day. I am excited to leave! Thank goodness I have been slowly adapting my sleep schedule for this. Woke up at 645 on Tuesday, 530 Wednesay, and tommorow 4am! If i keep this up...
Take care everyone!
Tommorow at 4:30am I start my trek to Berlin. I was previously unsure how I would make my 635am flight since check in stops at 6 and the Metro only starts runnig at 530! I decided to pay for a shuttle. My door to the airport will cost17.5€, which is only 10€ more then public transportation, much faster, and allows me to have a goodnight sleep at home and NOT hang out at the airport between 1130pm and 5am. I think it is worth the cost.
I will be staying with a friend in Berlin and meeting up with my Godmother's friend on Friday, and finally seeing a girl I met in teh Dominican Republic on Sunday. I love how networks and modern communication allows people to keep and get in touch from long distances.
I will then leave and meet up wtih Cecelia and Nick in Stockholm where we will chill for a day. I am excited to leave! Thank goodness I have been slowly adapting my sleep schedule for this. Woke up at 645 on Tuesday, 530 Wednesay, and tommorow 4am! If i keep this up...
Take care everyone!
Congrats Obama!
This week is all about the USA. Walking into school Monday morning it looked like the 4th of July. There have been contests and parties, all themed after American inspiration (re: The American Dream Party).
Many students chose to stay up all night to watch the action at bars where the parties went on all night. For those of us not quite hard core enough to stay up all night, we got up at 5 am to watch the final poles come in and hear Obama's acceptance speech. By 6am 2 large amphitheatres were filled with students to watch the festivities together and hear political science experts weigh in on Obama's victory. One French newstation even had a correspondant persent in the theatre, showing the students at Sciences-Po enthusiam for the campaign and victory.
Will things change? I believe they will. Can we make things improve? YES WE CAN.
Many students chose to stay up all night to watch the action at bars where the parties went on all night. For those of us not quite hard core enough to stay up all night, we got up at 5 am to watch the final poles come in and hear Obama's acceptance speech. By 6am 2 large amphitheatres were filled with students to watch the festivities together and hear political science experts weigh in on Obama's victory. One French newstation even had a correspondant persent in the theatre, showing the students at Sciences-Po enthusiam for the campaign and victory.
Will things change? I believe they will. Can we make things improve? YES WE CAN.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Pictures in Paris (Part I)
Here are some pics of life here so far.
Paris in September!
Paris in October!
Paris in September!
Paris in October!
How to cook an Eggplant
Intro: On my previous post about Market Saxe Breteuil, I mentioned buying an Eggplant. It was an impulse buy and for a week it sat in my fridge while I contemplated what to do with it. It was only when Lisa came to Paris for a week and I invited her over for dinner that it was finally cooked. She had read the post and specifically inquired about how it was doing. Upon the news it was still just sitting in my fridge, she personally took on the task of cooking it up.
Prereqs: Eggplant, Pan, Knife, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Hotplate, Asian from Vancouver.
Step 1: Cut the Eggplant into bit size peices! (It turns out my eggplant was bigger than most of the small asian ones she was used it. We cut it in half, and that was more then enough.) 
Step 2: Put the Eggplant into the hot pan with oil, sat and pepper! (only spices I own)
Step 3: Let simmer
Step 4: Enjoy!
Result: Edible Eggplant dish.
Prereqs: Eggplant, Pan, Knife, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Hotplate, Asian from Vancouver.
Step 1: Cut the Eggplant into bit size peices! (It turns out my eggplant was bigger than most of the small asian ones she was used it. We cut it in half, and that was more then enough.) Step 2: Put the Eggplant into the hot pan with oil, sat and pepper! (only spices I own)
Step 3: Let simmerStep 4: Enjoy!
Result: Edible Eggplant dish. Saturday, November 1, 2008
pulled a Nancy
I have always had problems making sense. If you have spoken to me, you have likely realized this. I just thought I'd recount what happened Thursday evening, as a prime example of the accidently randomness of my speach.
So I was leaving my Asian Cinema class and nearly forgot my jacket. After going back to grab it someone remarked, "Is that all you have? Will you not be cold?" I assured them that I will be fine since the coat is a rain coat and does not breath well therefore I am always kept extra warm in it.
We then squeeze onto the elevator with 5 other people. It is squishy, but when we read the sign we note that it says there can be up to 8 of us. After this is stated, there is a 3 second pause, after which I say, "And I have mittens!".
I realized almost immediatly, as people turn to stare, that what I said had no context whatsoever to them. The only person who realizes that I am making reference to the earlier comment of me being cold laughs, as do others. I felt a bit embarrassed, but laughed at myself since I realized it came across as absurd.
Even in France, Nance is still Nance.
So I was leaving my Asian Cinema class and nearly forgot my jacket. After going back to grab it someone remarked, "Is that all you have? Will you not be cold?" I assured them that I will be fine since the coat is a rain coat and does not breath well therefore I am always kept extra warm in it.
We then squeeze onto the elevator with 5 other people. It is squishy, but when we read the sign we note that it says there can be up to 8 of us. After this is stated, there is a 3 second pause, after which I say, "And I have mittens!".
I realized almost immediatly, as people turn to stare, that what I said had no context whatsoever to them. The only person who realizes that I am making reference to the earlier comment of me being cold laughs, as do others. I felt a bit embarrassed, but laughed at myself since I realized it came across as absurd.
Even in France, Nance is still Nance.
November!?
Hey everyone,
So, although I have ordered internet, and have the modem sitting in my room. I still do not have access to it because I am waiting for the line to be installed. This is the excuse I give for not posting recently. I have a number of posts that are made, and waiting to be published, but I am trying to include pictures... and with the bad connection I have, they cannot be uploaded. So, I may not be posting now, but when I do, they will be fabulous.
I hope everyone had a happy Hallowe'en. I was so sad not to see people dressed up here during the day. There were some parties where people dressed up, but it just wasn't the same. I saw NO pumpkins! :(
and boo, it is raining again! and fereeeeeezing! (ooo, obvious exageration)
So, although I have ordered internet, and have the modem sitting in my room. I still do not have access to it because I am waiting for the line to be installed. This is the excuse I give for not posting recently. I have a number of posts that are made, and waiting to be published, but I am trying to include pictures... and with the bad connection I have, they cannot be uploaded. So, I may not be posting now, but when I do, they will be fabulous.
I hope everyone had a happy Hallowe'en. I was so sad not to see people dressed up here during the day. There were some parties where people dressed up, but it just wasn't the same. I saw NO pumpkins! :(
and boo, it is raining again! and fereeeeeezing! (ooo, obvious exageration)
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Just another Sunday afternoon
Yum, space. Yum, cleanliness. Yum, books. Yum, movies. People are okay too.
I am loving how my Asian Cinema course, and my Litt course are forcing me to watch and read critically. There is so much to be learned.
I don't have any news today. I shall go to the evening service of church tonight. I am a bit sick and was unable to wake up this morning. I woke up in the middle of the night FREEZING cold and had to get a bunch more blankets. I hope I am not getting the flu or anything gross like that. I am seeing a doctor on Monday, but to get a medical certificate that says I am fit to play sports. Just another added pretty much redundant step to be able to join sports here. However, I cannot ask that doctor about my sickness... I have to see a different one. I am getting good at making circles here.
The weather is getting gross here again. Grey is so the new blue. Parisians and their sky don't like colour.
I am loving how my Asian Cinema course, and my Litt course are forcing me to watch and read critically. There is so much to be learned.
I don't have any news today. I shall go to the evening service of church tonight. I am a bit sick and was unable to wake up this morning. I woke up in the middle of the night FREEZING cold and had to get a bunch more blankets. I hope I am not getting the flu or anything gross like that. I am seeing a doctor on Monday, but to get a medical certificate that says I am fit to play sports. Just another added pretty much redundant step to be able to join sports here. However, I cannot ask that doctor about my sickness... I have to see a different one. I am getting good at making circles here.
The weather is getting gross here again. Grey is so the new blue. Parisians and their sky don't like colour.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Volleyball
I was worried coming to Paris that I would not the normal dose of volleyball that I am used to, and that concern has become reality. However, not to the extent I thought. The school has an Association Sportif where students can choose from about 25 different sports ranging from horseback riding, fencing, Judo, chinese dancing, toVolleyball! I was tempted to try out one of the more obscure sports but I stuck with Volleyball and may venture to another one next semester if it fits my schedule. Since the summer volleyball has been destined to occupy my Friday nights.
The team here is great! There are about 40 girls who come out to play and then we are split into skill level. Being part of the competative group we will get to play every Thursday against other Grands Ecoles. The team is allowing me to meet non-international students here. It will also allow me to see some more of France in the spring. We will go away one weekend for intense training, and then another weekend to the Crit. The Crit the large Sciences-Po tournament that occurs in the Spring where all the campuses compete against each other. To pump up for this tournament our team will do more bonding activities as well as advertise our team. This years will be held in Lyon!
Practice time!
The team here is great! There are about 40 girls who come out to play and then we are split into skill level. Being part of the competative group we will get to play every Thursday against other Grands Ecoles. The team is allowing me to meet non-international students here. It will also allow me to see some more of France in the spring. We will go away one weekend for intense training, and then another weekend to the Crit. The Crit the large Sciences-Po tournament that occurs in the Spring where all the campuses compete against each other. To pump up for this tournament our team will do more bonding activities as well as advertise our team. This years will be held in Lyon!
Practice time!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Lisa and I bought Louis Vuiton purses!
So the first day I met up with Lisa we met at the Arc de Triumph, walked down the Champs Elysees, and bought Louis Vuiton purses. Real, and nearly 500 Euros a peice. I would definatly not have done it had she not been there. That is not due to pressure, coaxing or flattering though, it was due to her ability to speak Mandarin.
We did not get to keep them though, and we did not use any money. I suppose we purse laundered, and I hope I don't get in trouble for saying that here. It was perhaps a bit risky since there are things we realized later that could have gone wrong, but it was a fun experience. I doubt I will have another opportunity to go and buy a purse from there again. Not that I would want to. We both thought the purses were not all that great and had a hard time pretending to be excited about buying them.
If you want more explanation, I'll send an email. Speaking of the internet, I finally ordered it for my studio. My comp stopped picking up wifi there so I am ordering a Neufbox through SFR. This will include internet, TV, and telephone. I will get(in about 2-3 weeks) unlimited calling to all French landlines and all phones in North America and many other places around the world, however, if I want to call a French cell phone it will still cost me between 0.19 and 0.40 Euro cents. Crazy!
We did not get to keep them though, and we did not use any money. I suppose we purse laundered, and I hope I don't get in trouble for saying that here. It was perhaps a bit risky since there are things we realized later that could have gone wrong, but it was a fun experience. I doubt I will have another opportunity to go and buy a purse from there again. Not that I would want to. We both thought the purses were not all that great and had a hard time pretending to be excited about buying them.
If you want more explanation, I'll send an email. Speaking of the internet, I finally ordered it for my studio. My comp stopped picking up wifi there so I am ordering a Neufbox through SFR. This will include internet, TV, and telephone. I will get(in about 2-3 weeks) unlimited calling to all French landlines and all phones in North America and many other places around the world, however, if I want to call a French cell phone it will still cost me between 0.19 and 0.40 Euro cents. Crazy!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Upcoming travel!
Hello,
So, I am a day early in announcing my upcoming travel. I have book flights to go to Berlin and then Stockholm during my November reading break. I will be spending 4.5 days in Berlin, and then 1.5 days in Stockholm.
I am seeing Berlin because I have always heard good things about the city, and Stockholm because I have a friend who will be there at that time, and it is actually cheaper (after taxes, service chargers, everything) to fly back to Paris through Stockholm.
I am flying to Berlin on EasyJet with the only concern being that I need to get to the airport at about 5 am somehow, and the metro doesn't start until 530 am. I have 2.5 weeks to figure out the night bus system though, and it was a lot cheaper to get this flight then one that got me there in the afternoon and would waste half my day.
I am then flying to Stockholm on Ryanair. The annoying thing about this airline is that is has its airports outside the city, but the shuttles aren't too expensive in Stockholm. My return flight cost me the equivalent of 12 Euros all fees included.
Now, I need to figure out accomodation in both cities. I will stay in a hostel in Stockholm most likely with my friend, but I am considering alternate options for Berlin (aka, friends of friends perhaps).
Other than that, things are going well in Paris!
So, I am a day early in announcing my upcoming travel. I have book flights to go to Berlin and then Stockholm during my November reading break. I will be spending 4.5 days in Berlin, and then 1.5 days in Stockholm.
I am seeing Berlin because I have always heard good things about the city, and Stockholm because I have a friend who will be there at that time, and it is actually cheaper (after taxes, service chargers, everything) to fly back to Paris through Stockholm.
I am flying to Berlin on EasyJet with the only concern being that I need to get to the airport at about 5 am somehow, and the metro doesn't start until 530 am. I have 2.5 weeks to figure out the night bus system though, and it was a lot cheaper to get this flight then one that got me there in the afternoon and would waste half my day.
I am then flying to Stockholm on Ryanair. The annoying thing about this airline is that is has its airports outside the city, but the shuttles aren't too expensive in Stockholm. My return flight cost me the equivalent of 12 Euros all fees included.
Now, I need to figure out accomodation in both cities. I will stay in a hostel in Stockholm most likely with my friend, but I am considering alternate options for Berlin (aka, friends of friends perhaps).
Other than that, things are going well in Paris!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Busy Busy Busy
What happened to me having no life in Paris? I do not know.
So much has gone on the last few days, and so much is yet to come.
School has picked up and I had my first expose (ex-pose-ay), aka an oral presentation, on the Korean film Memories of Murder (it is a really good film based on the first serial killings in South Korea). The teachers here are crazy about them. Every class requires you to do one. I have my second one next week (in French!) on renewable energy. Luckily I'm paired with a real French girl, so I should have some help with my grammatical issues.
This past week I missed Canadian Thanksgiving, but sported a super cool maple leaf fake tattoo on my hand in support. For the election day many Canadian students united at the great canadian pub to try and be at least a bit patriotic. Very few were able to vote. This I largely attribute to the short notice we had on the election. 5 weeks is not a lot of time for dealing with all the paper work. A few students received their ballot the day of the election which was useless.
My friend Neil, from Hornby Island is in town this week with a friend he is backpacking with. It is nice to see people from home. We played ultimate frisbee with the group from Sciences-Po and it felt great to run! This weekend a former co-worker of mine will be coming and I will spend some time with her perhaps visiting a museum, shopping, or seeing a show. Having tourists around gives me a good opportunity to get see things I haven't had a chance to thus far.
I am also trying to book tickets for my November break. It is proving difficult for me to decide where I want to go. I have until this weekend to decide, so come back by Monday to see the decision!
So much has gone on the last few days, and so much is yet to come.
School has picked up and I had my first expose (ex-pose-ay), aka an oral presentation, on the Korean film Memories of Murder (it is a really good film based on the first serial killings in South Korea). The teachers here are crazy about them. Every class requires you to do one. I have my second one next week (in French!) on renewable energy. Luckily I'm paired with a real French girl, so I should have some help with my grammatical issues.
This past week I missed Canadian Thanksgiving, but sported a super cool maple leaf fake tattoo on my hand in support. For the election day many Canadian students united at the great canadian pub to try and be at least a bit patriotic. Very few were able to vote. This I largely attribute to the short notice we had on the election. 5 weeks is not a lot of time for dealing with all the paper work. A few students received their ballot the day of the election which was useless.
My friend Neil, from Hornby Island is in town this week with a friend he is backpacking with. It is nice to see people from home. We played ultimate frisbee with the group from Sciences-Po and it felt great to run! This weekend a former co-worker of mine will be coming and I will spend some time with her perhaps visiting a museum, shopping, or seeing a show. Having tourists around gives me a good opportunity to get see things I haven't had a chance to thus far.
I am also trying to book tickets for my November break. It is proving difficult for me to decide where I want to go. I have until this weekend to decide, so come back by Monday to see the decision!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Homesick?
Family, where are you!? I have heard from noone for the past week!
This week was my first week spent entirely at my studio in Paris. With this time to slow down and get focused on school I once again have come to the realization that I do not know what I want to major in! Browsing graduation requirements is something I should only do when in the presence of a hire professional who can consol me after :P.
Everyone in Vancouver sounds like they are getting very busy with school themselves, all preparing for midterms. This is only my third week of school and is only just starting to get intense. I therefore seem to have a lot more time to contact them then they do to me. At least, I shall believe that in order not to be sad by the lack of contact. I am very thankful for the notes people wrote me before I left, which I look at when I am feeling really alone. Thank you!
On another topic, I need to book some trains/planes to take me somewhere for my november and christmas breaks! At the moment I want to go to Berlin, Poland, Croatia, other cities in France, Italy, Spain... + everywhere else! The problem is trying to logically organize the trips in a way that I can hit them all up in the cheapest manner possible. If anyone has ideas, let me know.
This week was my first week spent entirely at my studio in Paris. With this time to slow down and get focused on school I once again have come to the realization that I do not know what I want to major in! Browsing graduation requirements is something I should only do when in the presence of a hire professional who can consol me after :P.
Everyone in Vancouver sounds like they are getting very busy with school themselves, all preparing for midterms. This is only my third week of school and is only just starting to get intense. I therefore seem to have a lot more time to contact them then they do to me. At least, I shall believe that in order not to be sad by the lack of contact. I am very thankful for the notes people wrote me before I left, which I look at when I am feeling really alone. Thank you!
On another topic, I need to book some trains/planes to take me somewhere for my november and christmas breaks! At the moment I want to go to Berlin, Poland, Croatia, other cities in France, Italy, Spain... + everywhere else! The problem is trying to logically organize the trips in a way that I can hit them all up in the cheapest manner possible. If anyone has ideas, let me know.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Market Saxe-Breteuil + 5 Euros
This beautiful Saturday morning I finally decided to investigate the market prospects nearby. It turns out that there are 2 markets very near by: the rue de Grenelle market and the Saxe-Breteuil market. Grenelle is open Wednesday and Sundays and the S-B is open Thursdays and Saturdays. Therefore, today being a Saturday I went to S-B and it was literally a 2 min walk away.
The market is about a block long and filled with produce, meat, jewellery and clothes. The air smelled of an odd combination of fish and flowers. The stalls would have furry dead rabbits hanging by their feet. I found the sight of the meat quite unappealing. As I walked down, the vendors would call out to get your attention to try and sell you their goods, or their friends yelling out "il est celibataire madame!".
With my 5 euros I had on me I bought:
The market is about a block long and filled with produce, meat, jewellery and clothes. The air smelled of an odd combination of fish and flowers. The stalls would have furry dead rabbits hanging by their feet. I found the sight of the meat quite unappealing. As I walked down, the vendors would call out to get your attention to try and sell you their goods, or their friends yelling out "il est celibataire madame!".
With my 5 euros I had on me I bought:
- 6 tomatoes (because I am addicted to them)
- 10 eggs
- A red pepper
- A baguette
- An eggplant
Now, I need to figure out what to do with an eggplant. I bought it spontaneously and it is now sitting in my fridge. I also need to find something to do with the red pepper... hmm.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
I love the whole world
I love the whole world.
Check out this video which was brought to my attention via the lovely Sarah :)
Check out this video which was brought to my attention via the lovely Sarah :)
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Nancy Cecilia Barcelona
I just got back from my trip to Barcelona with my two new American friends Cecilia and Nick. Nick's name is not included in the title due to pop culture, and is not an attempt to make his presence insignificant.
Barcelona is just what I needed after being in rainy Paris and Switzerland. However, realizing how nice and sunny it is so near by, I had ask myself, what am I doing living in Paris?
Barcelona is a beautiful city filled with colour and life. It is small enough that we managed to get around most days by foot. We visited works by Gaudi, which were I have to say amazing. The church being constructed is approximatly 20 years from completion and the outside is at the moment a lot more impressive than the inside. Due to this one can almost feel ripped off after paying to see inside, but since the money goes towards the construction, it is at least towards a good cause.
I was alone my first night in Barcelona and arrived at the hostel at about 1030. I walked to the hostel from the train station because I found the bus system confusing and didn't want to wait around. I took my hand drawn map and found the hostel 30 minutes later with little trouble. I do not reccomend this hike to others though because I was approached by 3 people during the walk who all seemed very sketchy, I had all my belongings on me, and Barcelona has a lot of pick-pocketers and theifs. I arrived there and met the 2 Australian girls staying in my room and went to sleep. (exciting details... I know)
The second night me and Cecilia went to see Vicky Christina Barcelona at a theatre with no other tourists. We had seen just enough of the city that day to be like "Oh! I know where that is!" throughout the movie.
On the third night (Cecilia's second, Nick's first) we went to watch FC Barcelona vs. Madrid. We found out about the game through other's at the hostel. The crowd there was amazing. It was the biggest stadium I have ever been to.
The next day we saw the Picasso Museum, also very neat, and hiked around the city some more. We ate tapas and had bread with tomatos mushed on it (yummy!). We then, as requested by Nick, had a siesta. :)
Barcelona is just what I needed after being in rainy Paris and Switzerland. However, realizing how nice and sunny it is so near by, I had ask myself, what am I doing living in Paris?
Barcelona is a beautiful city filled with colour and life. It is small enough that we managed to get around most days by foot. We visited works by Gaudi, which were I have to say amazing. The church being constructed is approximatly 20 years from completion and the outside is at the moment a lot more impressive than the inside. Due to this one can almost feel ripped off after paying to see inside, but since the money goes towards the construction, it is at least towards a good cause.
I was alone my first night in Barcelona and arrived at the hostel at about 1030. I walked to the hostel from the train station because I found the bus system confusing and didn't want to wait around. I took my hand drawn map and found the hostel 30 minutes later with little trouble. I do not reccomend this hike to others though because I was approached by 3 people during the walk who all seemed very sketchy, I had all my belongings on me, and Barcelona has a lot of pick-pocketers and theifs. I arrived there and met the 2 Australian girls staying in my room and went to sleep. (exciting details... I know)
The second night me and Cecilia went to see Vicky Christina Barcelona at a theatre with no other tourists. We had seen just enough of the city that day to be like "Oh! I know where that is!" throughout the movie.
On the third night (Cecilia's second, Nick's first) we went to watch FC Barcelona vs. Madrid. We found out about the game through other's at the hostel. The crowd there was amazing. It was the biggest stadium I have ever been to.
The next day we saw the Picasso Museum, also very neat, and hiked around the city some more. We ate tapas and had bread with tomatos mushed on it (yummy!). We then, as requested by Nick, had a siesta. :)
Long time no see!
Hey everyone,
I have not been updating lately since I have been on the move. I went to Switzerland for Michael's wedding, and then I went to Barcelona just to see the city.
Switzerland was really nice, I took a train there and as soon as i got to Switzerland the view was much better! I stayed with Simon's family and helped them with their last minute wedding preparations. The wedding itself was in a small church in Bern. The ceremony included a lot of music and a candel lighting event where everyone lit a candel for them and placed it into a large metal bowl of sand.
After the ceremony came the apparatif (?) where there were drinks, finger food, and more music. This time the music was Hans Martin's choir.
We then walked to the river where a small boat took us to the other side. Upon arrival we were greeted by 4 musicians playing medieval music.
The reception was in a green house. It was very magical especially when it became dark as we weaved small christmas lights throughout the vines the night before. The reception also had a lot of music, choirs, bagpipes, and a very awesome accordian type instrument.
It was neat to experience the wedding and not be able to understand anything. My table at the reception had some people who could speak English, but since they all couldn't the conversation was nearly all in German. Not being able to understand anything hightened my aweareness to the emotions at the wedding. I was nearly brought to tears in the ceremony even though I could not understand their vows.
After the reception, at about 12:30 we went back to the church, to light these odd candel air balloons that we sent up in the air. The wedding was similar enough to a Candadian one, but it definatly had unique twists, such as the balloons.
I have not been updating lately since I have been on the move. I went to Switzerland for Michael's wedding, and then I went to Barcelona just to see the city.
Switzerland was really nice, I took a train there and as soon as i got to Switzerland the view was much better! I stayed with Simon's family and helped them with their last minute wedding preparations. The wedding itself was in a small church in Bern. The ceremony included a lot of music and a candel lighting event where everyone lit a candel for them and placed it into a large metal bowl of sand.
After the ceremony came the apparatif (?) where there were drinks, finger food, and more music. This time the music was Hans Martin's choir.
We then walked to the river where a small boat took us to the other side. Upon arrival we were greeted by 4 musicians playing medieval music.
The reception was in a green house. It was very magical especially when it became dark as we weaved small christmas lights throughout the vines the night before. The reception also had a lot of music, choirs, bagpipes, and a very awesome accordian type instrument.
It was neat to experience the wedding and not be able to understand anything. My table at the reception had some people who could speak English, but since they all couldn't the conversation was nearly all in German. Not being able to understand anything hightened my aweareness to the emotions at the wedding. I was nearly brought to tears in the ceremony even though I could not understand their vows.
After the reception, at about 12:30 we went back to the church, to light these odd candel air balloons that we sent up in the air. The wedding was similar enough to a Candadian one, but it definatly had unique twists, such as the balloons.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Indecision 2008 - Nancy changes courses
I may as well have called this post "Indecision - story of Nancy's academic career", but I really think I am improving and this course change was not entirely my fault. The school I am attending in Paris has an insane course selection process which I shall not get into. What I will note is that they do not let you change your courses once you sign up for them. Furthermore, as soon as courses start you cannot drop courses and therefore will receieve an incomplete on your transcript if you do not attend.
While they supposedly have these strict rules for students, when it comes to themselves, the rules do not apply. Therefore, as I was checking my email last night in preperation for courses starting on Monday I noticed an email stating that one of my courses (which was full) had been cancelled and that I had to choose a new one from a list of about 15 choices. Seeing that suddenly supposedly full courses had room in them, I had to take the opportunity to full advantage.
Ever since signing up for courses in the mad process they have, I was a bit unsatisfied with them. I technically got what i wanted, but what I wanted was super vague so that was not hard to achieve. I therefore signed up for a course to replace "le medical et le politique" (which I was kind of looking forward to), and I switched out of "le societe civile et ses medias" since I felt it was very similar to a Communications course I took in Canada.
I am now taking in lieu of these courses:
- Le prix Nobel de litterature et ses laureats.
- Sociologie des entreprise -les grands debats à l'heure de la mondalisation
They both excite me more than the other 2 courses. This is a good opportunity to try out new things and step outside my (already large) box. I think the litterature course will be challenging but rewarding, and the sociology course should be very interesting. I hope the courses meet the expectations I have, based off their descriptions.
Enough of France!
A list of things that suck in Paris:
- The Administration - you get sent in circles!
- The smell
- The dog shit that is everywhere
- Frequent strikes
- The cost of housing and food
- The cockyness and pride of the people
- The lines when things are free -people waited up to 7 hours to see government houses on the weekend of Patrimoine.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
I feel naked without my baguette
Walking home today I noticed nearly everyone holding a baguette. I have not bought one in 2 days and felt a bit left out. It is pretty much a fashion accessory here, and if you don't have one, you totally stand out. I think I'll go buy a baguette now.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
La nourriture
Now that I settled into my sweet new pad, I decided to go grocery shopping. Starting with nothing I tried to pick necessary items. These included, a baguette, cheese, pasta, NUTELLA(what french people live off of), honey, more cheese, yougurt, apple sauce, cereal, eggs, 2 apples, 2 carrots, a tomato, and milk. I really don't know how to cook yet, but this all looks yummy to me and I am learning. A friend of my aunts has had me over for dinner a few times and she has kindly explained to me how to prepare what she makes.
The french people are proud of their reputation as a skinny nation, and insist their food is just healthier in general. Their wine, cheese, and chocolate are not like ours in North America, which is why they can eat it as they wish to.
What I have noticed is the way in which people is really what makes them healthier. They seem to take more time for every meal. Dinner time here is 8, not 6. Their relationship to food is not simply a means to an ends, or for instant gratification, it is more about enjoying the food. Smaller portions of quality dishes.
Maybe I'll return healthier after picking up their culinary habits.... if I can only stop devouring an entire baguette every afternoon!
The french people are proud of their reputation as a skinny nation, and insist their food is just healthier in general. Their wine, cheese, and chocolate are not like ours in North America, which is why they can eat it as they wish to.
What I have noticed is the way in which people is really what makes them healthier. They seem to take more time for every meal. Dinner time here is 8, not 6. Their relationship to food is not simply a means to an ends, or for instant gratification, it is more about enjoying the food. Smaller portions of quality dishes.
Maybe I'll return healthier after picking up their culinary habits.... if I can only stop devouring an entire baguette every afternoon!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
The Pad
The OLD
fridges
kitchen
bedroom
fridges
kitchen
The NEW
kitchen (bathroom behind the screen (toilet not in room))
bed
desk
VIEW (Eiffle tower!)
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Me: Desperate You: Accommodating
Where are you? I have been looking for you for days now. I thought I found you once, but it wasn't you, you are bigger than him. I thought I found you again, but I wasn't enough for you, he wanted to have another on the side, and I know you wouldn't ask that of me. It is not that I wouldn't share you, but I want it to be with someone I know well; and I also want the option of privacy. And then yesterday, I swear it was you! It looked just like you, big, spacious, private, quiet, light. But i should have known you are a tease. You seduced me, and then shut me down finding excuses of why I couldn't have you. You said I need to sign my soul to you that night, and that wasn't possible because I needed to read over the contract. Well screw you! I didn't want you anyhow! I am moving on. I realize I only have 9 days, but Mr. Right is out there. I responded to 13 ads today, and I just need one bite. The next one is it. I know it. Wish me luck.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Courses!
I registered in my courses yesterday. What an ordeal that was! Their inscription method is keeping the exact list of available courses a secret, not telling you the time of the courses until it is time to register, and letting everyone register at exactly the same time. It was mad chaos to say the least. The lucky few got all the courses they wanted, but many people ended up with only half the number of courses they needed since everything by about 10:15 (it started at 10) was full! The staff onsite was also very limited so people had to wait to be helped as the spots filled up. To make it worse, there was a fire bell in one of the buildings which made a number of students screwed over for their registration as well.
My courses:
My courses:
- Les grands risques de la planete, un perspective politique et scientifique
- Le medical et le politique
- La societe civile et les medias
- Social Policies in Europe
- Asian Cinema(!)
- Langue Francais
That is right, a full course load and more than half in French! The first course counts as 9 credits, the second as 5, and the rest as 4. This equals 30 ECTS credits which is the equivalent to 15 credits back home. I didn't get all the courses I wanted, but I am excited enough for the ones I have :)
Free concerts in Paris!
Being a starving (luckily not literally) student here in Paris, one must find all possibly ways to cut down costs. For the mere price of a bus ticket, you have access to many great concerts all around the underbelly of the city! In Vancouver we have buskers on the street, which is great, but you only listen for a second or two as you pass by. Paris' system of public entertainment is much more intelligent. Not only are there buskers at the metro stations, there are often buskers on the metro itself! You may here the soulful vocals of an old gypsy woman, or be blessed with musical merits of the accordion and tambourine. You are trapped with these melodies your entire ride if you are lucky.
Another randomly musical venue in Paris is public underground parking where they play classical music.
Another randomly musical venue in Paris is public underground parking where they play classical music.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Little random things
What to say...
I saw Babylon AD the other night at a Cinema on the Champs Elysee. It was 10 Euro, which is their premium weekend night price. A bit price, but oh well.
I went to Sciences-Po today for the first time! It is a hidden little building the 6th. It is nice. We had a 4 hour meeting with the hundreds of exchange students where we were just pumped with information. Most people had little breakfast before it started and we didn't get a break until 1:30! At 1:30 I went with some friends to find a restaurant CROUS which has discounted meals for students. For 2.85 Euro you can have a full meal. The meals are edible but people often sit down and try to deduce what type of meat they received.
I finally got an internet cable! This makes me sooo happy. Now I can use t he internet for a decent amount of time instead of always having to borrow cables from others. It also allows me to look up courses which is awesome since my course registration is on Wednesday.
Speaking of registration, I am slightly scared of it since it is supposedly a mad free for all. We were told to pick 2 back up courses for EACH course we want to take. So, since we take 6-7 courses here per semested, we need to pic about 18-21 courses we are interested in! I'm very interested to see what courses I get in the end.
More random tid bits... I locked myself out of my room today. I'll post a picture when I get a chance, but this means I had to cross the 10 lane highway which is right outside my room 6 times this afternoon to sort it out since the administration for my residence is on the other side. The over pass has about 30 stairs so it sucks having to go up and down constantly.
There is a lot of talk about shit here. Literally. Our bathrooms and showers are always nasty but I won't go into details. To add to the nastyness there are cockroaches in the kitchen. So, although the stairs to the 5th floor suck, they are at least a bit helpful at controling that problem on my floor.
Final thought: It is neat meeting people here and learning they know people you know even though they are from the other side of the world.
PS. Although this week has been stressful and shall be for a bit longer, I am very excited to spend the year here. So far, so good!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Where to live?
I have 3 weeks to find somewhere to live so I am starting my hunt today. I have a paper with the listings of many available places to rent. I will try to find a place in the 5th or 6th since that is supposedly where a lot of students live and it is close to my school. This morning I spoke to a person at the Canadian House at Cité Universitaire, and that is another option for me. A room there would cost about 410€ per month. The advantages of that place being there are a number of students who live there and the facities around it (tennis court, place to run, soccer feild, gym, library,ect) are really good. The disadvantage beng that it is at the very bottom of Paris in the 14th and therefore it is a bit inconvenient. (Also being in the Canadian house there may be a lot of English speakers (ewww), which is something I want to get away from. I feel a bit bad for the English speakers here as they are definatly shunned a bit.) However due to Paris' good transportation system it wouldnt be thattttt bad. It is annoying that a bus pass in Vancouver can cost you 100 dollars and it sucks, while here in Paris a monthy pass is about 75 canadian dollars and it rocks. Paris 1, Vancouver 0.
Friday, September 5, 2008
They run and are fun!
Everyone here is active, it is amazing. This, not diet, in my opinion is what is keeping them all thin! I went to the park yesterday morning and there were so many runners and people in running clubs that past by me. Later in the day I was taken to a tennis/country club to watch a tennis match. It is the biggest club in all of Europe and consisted of about 50 courts, a large swimming pool, a gym, track, 2 volleyball courts, 2 restaurants, 3 ping pong tables, and a basketball court. It was very cool.
Yesterday night we went to a club called "les planches" where we receievd VIP treatment. No line, no cover, and a bucket full of drinks with a value of around 400€. It was definatly a fabulous first night out in Paris.
Yesterday night we went to a club called "les planches" where we receievd VIP treatment. No line, no cover, and a bucket full of drinks with a value of around 400€. It was definatly a fabulous first night out in Paris.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Arrived in Paris
Hey everyone,
So I finally arrived in Paris today, but have yet to see the city. For september I am staying at Cite University which is at the Bottom of Paris. It was really hard lugging my stuff around and once I got to the place I had to carry my stuff over an overpass only to then be redirected to go back over it the other way. Luckily friendly Luca from Brazil came along to help me out and then let me use his internet connection. I then had dinner with 3 random guys from Algeria who were at the dinning hall, and am now in the room of a girl down the hall using internet while she mqkes herself dinner. I have found a number of nice people here, including the random lady who gave me tips on Paris for 45 minutes while on the train. All my interactions have so far been only in french and I am happy to note that I am surviving the, quite well. More updates to come when I am no longer borrowing internet.
So I finally arrived in Paris today, but have yet to see the city. For september I am staying at Cite University which is at the Bottom of Paris. It was really hard lugging my stuff around and once I got to the place I had to carry my stuff over an overpass only to then be redirected to go back over it the other way. Luckily friendly Luca from Brazil came along to help me out and then let me use his internet connection. I then had dinner with 3 random guys from Algeria who were at the dinning hall, and am now in the room of a girl down the hall using internet while she mqkes herself dinner. I have found a number of nice people here, including the random lady who gave me tips on Paris for 45 minutes while on the train. All my interactions have so far been only in french and I am happy to note that I am surviving the, quite well. More updates to come when I am no longer borrowing internet.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Final Week
Today marks the one week countdown until I fly off.
My new to do list:
My new to do list:
- choose what to bring
- pack my bag
- make photocopies of my id and such
- pick seat for my flight
- get guarantor letters and financial info
- find the info that tells me where I am staying for sept.
- choose courses
- get med insurance
- book train to go to Michaels wedding
- have my going away party with friends
- have my going away party with family
- pick up Jesus (Hey-soos)
- buy a coat
- buy new running shoes and vball shoes (may do when i get there)
- get all the crap I'm not taking with me out of my room
- say goodbye!!
Needless to say, I will be having a busy week. But alas, do not hesitate to try and make plans with me!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Island life
I`ll expand on this post in the future, but for now all I have to say is that island life is grand.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Reconnect
Hey,
So I have been on Hornby for 2 days now and am still in the unwinding process. It is good, but at the same time painful to be forced to relax. It is hard to go from being in constant interaction with people and stimuli to being alone, and left to simple amusements. Amusements like reading, walking, biking, swimming, or trying to decipher who is winning the 400m IM at the Olympics when your TV reception quality makes it more like you are listening to a bad radio with random black and white grainy images popping up once in a while. Seriously, who needs HD TV when you can have that!
I would hardly say life here is boring, but the pace is reduced from Hare like to Tortoise like. Hopefully that will be a winning change like in the story.
We did go clubbing on Hornby last night though. Clubbing on Hornby is dancing to the Marimba band at the Cardboard House bakery with your friends and their parents.
Life is so wholesome here, but I am still in adjustment mode.
So I have been on Hornby for 2 days now and am still in the unwinding process. It is good, but at the same time painful to be forced to relax. It is hard to go from being in constant interaction with people and stimuli to being alone, and left to simple amusements. Amusements like reading, walking, biking, swimming, or trying to decipher who is winning the 400m IM at the Olympics when your TV reception quality makes it more like you are listening to a bad radio with random black and white grainy images popping up once in a while. Seriously, who needs HD TV when you can have that!
I would hardly say life here is boring, but the pace is reduced from Hare like to Tortoise like. Hopefully that will be a winning change like in the story.
We did go clubbing on Hornby last night though. Clubbing on Hornby is dancing to the Marimba band at the Cardboard House bakery with your friends and their parents.
Life is so wholesome here, but I am still in adjustment mode.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Goodbye work, hello world!
I am no longer employed, and it feels great! The departure from work was bitter sweet. I will miss the people there dearly, I enjoyed my work, and I enjoyed going to work. Work was hardly a dreaded part of my day. My last day consisted of: responding to some inquiries, playing my last game of foosball, playing my last game of Ping Pong(which I lost! but I have to say it was perhaps one of our most intense games to date), sending a goodbye email to invite everyone to get the cake I brought in, cleaning my desk, and saying goodbye to people in person.
I then hopped over to get my wisdom teeth removed. As I was being put under I started saying ridiculous things and laughing. I thought bugs were crawling under my skin, and I loved how the whole ceiling was moving. I feel great now that it is done. If it was up to me I'd go play vball right now at the beach! However, that does not comply at all with doctor's orders.
Ahead of me is a solid 10 days of relaxation on Hornby Island. I get to see my awesome friends Ariel, and Sarah up there.
Talk to you when I get there! My internet access will be limited. Take care. Goodbye everyone (If you are from work, and want to leave a memory in the comment box, that would be sweet:))!
I then hopped over to get my wisdom teeth removed. As I was being put under I started saying ridiculous things and laughing. I thought bugs were crawling under my skin, and I loved how the whole ceiling was moving. I feel great now that it is done. If it was up to me I'd go play vball right now at the beach! However, that does not comply at all with doctor's orders.
Ahead of me is a solid 10 days of relaxation on Hornby Island. I get to see my awesome friends Ariel, and Sarah up there.
Talk to you when I get there! My internet access will be limited. Take care. Goodbye everyone (If you are from work, and want to leave a memory in the comment box, that would be sweet:))!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Last of the 9-5
Today is my last full day at work, and a good time to give a reflection of my last 7 months here. For those of you who don't know, I have been working as a Technical Writer at the Software company since January. It was my first full time job, and it exceeded my expectations. I will not talk about the job and its tasks. I will talk more about an overview of what I learned the past 7 months.
I learned that:
The out of work, term highlights included: Boat Cruise, Olivier's house, Karaoke, YBC, Cafe Crepe, Cambie, JulyCrawl, Motorcycles, Ultimate, Red Room, Vball, Running, Ping Pong, Clint's house, Penticton, and Phil's bonfires.
I will miss everyone a lot, especially my team and the other co-ops.
I learned that:
- You don't need to ask for permission to use the washroom at work
- 25 isn't old
- Throwing cheese isn't a good way to get rid of crows
- Dance fighting is a useful skill
- Scarves make good turbans
- Every desk needs at least 1 stuffed animal
- The Free Food Lookout Committee [FFLC] exists and it rocks.
- [co-op]
On a serious note:
- You actually don't need to ask permission for much
- You just do your job as you see fit, and comply with fairly broad set of requirements.
- There is no formula that structures your days, no lunch bells
- You interact with so many people and it is your own responsibility to set up the meetings necessary to get the information you need
- The final output is an accumulation of the knowledge communicated between those you work with
The out of work, term highlights included: Boat Cruise, Olivier's house, Karaoke, YBC, Cafe Crepe, Cambie, JulyCrawl, Motorcycles, Ultimate, Red Room, Vball, Running, Ping Pong, Clint's house, Penticton, and Phil's bonfires.
I will miss everyone a lot, especially my team and the other co-ops.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
2 more days (at work)
Hi again!
I have less than 2 days left at work. I am now ending Friday July 8th at 1:30pm. This the new time and date because I am lucky enough to get to have my wisdom teeth removed that afternoon. I figure recovering while on Hornby Island at the beach will be more enjoyable than recovering at home during my last week here.
For work, I now must just finish my workterm report and tie up loose ends. My co-worker SoloLisaYNadaMas gave me a "Rag doll of a Rabbit" this afternoon. It is adorable! Rabbits, bunnies, cats and bears have been an integral part of my co-op experience. I was also given a card with a magnet that says "Bitch...like it's a bad thing...". I will miss her dearly (but you will hear more about here in October when she comes to Paris!) , as well as my other co-workers.
I will post a full reflection on my time at BOBJ in the next couple days.
I have less than 2 days left at work. I am now ending Friday July 8th at 1:30pm. This the new time and date because I am lucky enough to get to have my wisdom teeth removed that afternoon. I figure recovering while on Hornby Island at the beach will be more enjoyable than recovering at home during my last week here.
For work, I now must just finish my workterm report and tie up loose ends. My co-worker SoloLisaYNadaMas gave me a "Rag doll of a Rabbit" this afternoon. It is adorable! Rabbits, bunnies, cats and bears have been an integral part of my co-op experience. I was also given a card with a magnet that says "Bitch...like it's a bad thing...". I will miss her dearly (but you will hear more about here in October when she comes to Paris!) , as well as my other co-workers.
I will post a full reflection on my time at BOBJ in the next couple days.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
30 Days
Hello everyone,
Welcome to my travel blog. As you may or may not know, I have not left yet. Today marks the 30 day countdown to when I leave. I fly on September the second. It is so soon that I am a bit freaked out. Here is a rough checklist of where I am in terms of preparation for leaving.
Checklist of things done:
- Gained acceptance from the school (Sciences-Po Paris)
- Booked my flight
- Found accommodation for September at Cite
Checklist of things yet to prepare:
- Choose courses
- Pack luggage (one 50 lbs bag)
- Pack up my room (we are going to rent it out while I am away)
- Find accommodation for after September
- Remove wisdom teeth
- Buy travel insurance
- Say goodbye to friends and family
I have 30 days to prepare. Out of those 30 days I have 4 more days of work, 10 days on Hornby Island, 1-2 days written off due to wisodom teeth removal, leaving me with around 14 days at home to do all of the above. Wish me luck!
Welcome to my travel blog. As you may or may not know, I have not left yet. Today marks the 30 day countdown to when I leave. I fly on September the second. It is so soon that I am a bit freaked out. Here is a rough checklist of where I am in terms of preparation for leaving.
Checklist of things done:
- Gained acceptance from the school (Sciences-Po Paris)
- Booked my flight
- Found accommodation for September at Cite
Checklist of things yet to prepare:
- Choose courses
- Pack luggage (one 50 lbs bag)
- Pack up my room (we are going to rent it out while I am away)
- Find accommodation for after September
- Remove wisdom teeth
- Buy travel insurance
- Say goodbye to friends and family
I have 30 days to prepare. Out of those 30 days I have 4 more days of work, 10 days on Hornby Island, 1-2 days written off due to wisodom teeth removal, leaving me with around 14 days at home to do all of the above. Wish me luck!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
