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.
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