Friday, February 27, 2009
We are the Champions
Last week we went, as a group, and saw a play in Rouen. After the play (which none of us understood, even the anciens), we made our way over to an Italian restaurant called Al Dente. It is amazing. The owners are old friends of our director and it was just a really great dinner. Of course since we are in France the dinner was nearly three hours. Since I am now in love with this pasta dish I tried, I really wanted to go back.
Last night, as a fun farewell dinner before spring break, I went back with four friends for dinner. We couldn't make it two minutes into the dinner before the owner had realized we were American. Ben burst through the doors, at 9 at night mind you, and exclaims a very American "Bonjour!!" to the staff of the restaurant. Although bonsoir would have probably been a better choice, he at least gave everyone a laugh.
The owner is a short Italian man who has lived in France for 24 years. We got to talk and interact with him quite a bit since there were only 8 of us in the restaurant. When we asked if he liked living in Rouen he replied with a simply no. Without any further explanation really he added, "I think I might move to Brazil." Alright.
The highlight of the evening was that he is a musician too. Equipped with a keyboard and drum set he sat down and played us some familiar songs. Now only 6 in the restaurant, we all sang along. After playing songs like "Hey Jude" and "Don't go Changing (to try and please me)," he ended with Queen's "We are the Champions."
Happy, full, and humming Queen we made our way down to the river. We ended our night strolling along the Seine before heading back to our houses because we all still had to finish our reading for today's class. Go figure. Canton is just not going to do it for me when I come home.
Last night, as a fun farewell dinner before spring break, I went back with four friends for dinner. We couldn't make it two minutes into the dinner before the owner had realized we were American. Ben burst through the doors, at 9 at night mind you, and exclaims a very American "Bonjour!!" to the staff of the restaurant. Although bonsoir would have probably been a better choice, he at least gave everyone a laugh.
The owner is a short Italian man who has lived in France for 24 years. We got to talk and interact with him quite a bit since there were only 8 of us in the restaurant. When we asked if he liked living in Rouen he replied with a simply no. Without any further explanation really he added, "I think I might move to Brazil." Alright.
The highlight of the evening was that he is a musician too. Equipped with a keyboard and drum set he sat down and played us some familiar songs. Now only 6 in the restaurant, we all sang along. After playing songs like "Hey Jude" and "Don't go Changing (to try and please me)," he ended with Queen's "We are the Champions."
Happy, full, and humming Queen we made our way down to the river. We ended our night strolling along the Seine before heading back to our houses because we all still had to finish our reading for today's class. Go figure. Canton is just not going to do it for me when I come home.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Tu me manques!
I got a little bit of Watertown this weekend. I went to visit my friend, Pauline Wallard, who lives in Lille (Northern France near Belgium border). She was an exchange student in Watertown for a year during my Junior year of High School. We were good friends during here year there and have seen each other a few times since.
It was very strange to feel like I was back at home. We watched Friends, ate Dominoes, and even cracked open her WHS yearbook. We gossiped about old friends and had a really nice time. Every so often I would forget that I was in France.
We managed to accomplish and fit in many things during this weekend. We went to a museum, went ice skating, went bowling, saw a movie, and had lunch at a restaurant in town. Luckily thanks to our "cultural reimbursement program" (we do cultural activities and they reimburse us later in the month), we won't have to pay for much of it.
Although it was a really good weekend, I enjoyed returning home. My host mom had been skiing in the Alps for the past week. This was her week of vacation so she and her two kids decided to go skiing. It was fun to catch up and see her after a week. What was even nicer was to realize, once I got home, that I had missed her. I mean I have been here for over 6 weeks, it makes sense that I would have missed her it just struck me when I realized it.
For spring break I am going to Italy. Starting this friday (!!!) I am going to Venice for two nights, Florence for two nights, and Rome for three. I am going with my two friends Jordan and Ethan. We are going to stay in hostels and travel by train. I am really excited, can't wait!
It was very strange to feel like I was back at home. We watched Friends, ate Dominoes, and even cracked open her WHS yearbook. We gossiped about old friends and had a really nice time. Every so often I would forget that I was in France.
We managed to accomplish and fit in many things during this weekend. We went to a museum, went ice skating, went bowling, saw a movie, and had lunch at a restaurant in town. Luckily thanks to our "cultural reimbursement program" (we do cultural activities and they reimburse us later in the month), we won't have to pay for much of it.
Although it was a really good weekend, I enjoyed returning home. My host mom had been skiing in the Alps for the past week. This was her week of vacation so she and her two kids decided to go skiing. It was fun to catch up and see her after a week. What was even nicer was to realize, once I got home, that I had missed her. I mean I have been here for over 6 weeks, it makes sense that I would have missed her it just struck me when I realized it.
For spring break I am going to Italy. Starting this friday (!!!) I am going to Venice for two nights, Florence for two nights, and Rome for three. I am going with my two friends Jordan and Ethan. We are going to stay in hostels and travel by train. I am really excited, can't wait!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
L'agneau est mignon et c'est notre dîner.
I experienced a miracle. The coast of Normandy was sunny and beautiful for my entire trip. My cheeks were even a little pink on Friday night because of the sunshine. The weather was around 40-45 degrees and with clear skies and no wind. How is that even possible?
I had quite a full weekend. We went to the Abbaye des Hommes and a WWII museum in Caen, the tapestry of the Battle of Hastings and the Notre Dame Cathedral in Bayeux, the Normandy beaches of Arronmanches, the German bunkers (or what remains of them) at Pont du Hoc, the American WWII cemetery, and finally Mont Saint Michel. Needless to say, I am wiped out. Not only was it a lot of traveling and walking but also, it was a load of information. We bounced around in time between the 10th century monastery of MSM to WWII to the 11th century Battle of Hastings. It was a very interesting weekend. Considering that I have a quiz on everything I saw, I filled many pages of my notebook.The food this weekend was particularly good considering that we got to try many of the specialties of the Normandy region. This basically means anything from or near the ocean. One of these dishes that I tried this weekend was l'agneau de pré-salé. It is lamb that is raised in salt marshes making the lamb saltier than normal. C'est trés bien. The really awkward thing is driving into Mont Saint Michel and and seeing the sheep knowing that they will be your dinner later. They look so cute in their rich green fields with the monastery in the background. Oh well, they were delicious.
Friday, February 13, 2009
"Tu aimes le crevette?"
My host mother's granddaughter is the pickiest eater I have ever seen. The child doesn't like anything. Sitting down to dinner every night, there is an atmosphere of tension. Is she going to eat tonight? When will the dietary tug of war begin?
Last night, hier soir if you will, my host mother brings out a package of shrimp. Not only are these shrimp, these are shrimp that look like they have just come out of the ocean. Eyes still attached and antennas still waving (they are huge). I like shrimp but I have to admit I wasn't particularly excited to eat them.
Lea liked them. It was obvious that this was a special treat just for her because no one else ate the shrimp. Just when I think I have things figured out, things take a 180. I told my host mom that I thought that it was funny that Lea like shrimp because it is something most kids (or at least in my family) wouldn't eat. Especially when their little beady eyes are staring you down. My host mom thought this was very strange that children wouldn't eat shrimp. However I think it's weird that Lea doesn't want to eat pizza.
Last night, hier soir if you will, my host mother brings out a package of shrimp. Not only are these shrimp, these are shrimp that look like they have just come out of the ocean. Eyes still attached and antennas still waving (they are huge). I like shrimp but I have to admit I wasn't particularly excited to eat them.
Lea liked them. It was obvious that this was a special treat just for her because no one else ate the shrimp. Just when I think I have things figured out, things take a 180. I told my host mom that I thought that it was funny that Lea like shrimp because it is something most kids (or at least in my family) wouldn't eat. Especially when their little beady eyes are staring you down. My host mom thought this was very strange that children wouldn't eat shrimp. However I think it's weird that Lea doesn't want to eat pizza.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Once you go black, you can't go back
France has ruined me. I came to France as a bright color-wearing, café au lait drinking, English speaking girl but no more. I walked into the school offices today wearing turquoise tights with a black dress. Upon seeing my colored tights (as opposed to my normal black ones) the director cried out, "Laura, what happened to your French color palette?" I have been in Rouen for almost a month now and the one day that I added a bright color it was a shock to people. Now obviously self-concious, I d
In terms of coffee, I have been drinking either espresso or strong black drip coffee. No cream, no sugar. I never thought I would see the day when I was drinking espresso on a regular basis but here we are. When my friend Ashley offered me a drink of her cappucino last week I almost spit it out because it tasted like sugary milk. I am already planning on investing in an espresso machine when I get home.
Today when I was taking the bus into town for some previously mentioned coffee, I was talking with one of my friends. I was talking about the key to the office however what came out was not French nor English. I said, "I need the cley for tomorrow." Clé and key combined to form a new word. I would like to pretend that this isn't normal but this actually happens a lot. My English is slowly being replaced with French. I don't meet my friends at the train station, we meet at the gare. We don't talk about the student and teacher strikes, we talk about le grève et la manifestation. We are starting to have entire conversations in French amongst one another which is beginning so seem more normal as time goes on. I am starting to wonder what my conversations will sound like when I get home.
In terms of coffee, I have been drinking either espresso or strong black drip coffee. No cream, no sugar. I never thought I would see the day when I was drinking espresso on a regular basis but here we are. When my friend Ashley offered me a drink of her cappucino last week I almost spit it out because it tasted like sugary milk. I am already planning on investing in an espresso machine when I get home.
Today when I was taking the bus into town for some previously mentioned coffee, I was talking with one of my friends. I was talking about the key to the office however what came out was not French nor English. I said, "I need the cley for tomorrow." Clé and key combined to form a new word. I would like to pretend that this isn't normal but this actually happens a lot. My English is slowly being replaced with French. I don't meet my friends at the train station, we meet at the gare. We don't talk about the student and teacher strikes, we talk about le grève et la manifestation. We are starting to have entire conversations in French amongst one another which is beginning so seem more normal as time goes on. I am starting to wonder what my conversations will sound like when I get home.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Where have all the toilet seats gone?
So apparently, toilet seats are not as important to the rest of the world as they are to Americans. I have come to find that nearly all the public bathrooms I have visited (restaurants, train stations, ice arenas, etc.) are lacking in the toilet seat department. What is up with that? It's not as if it is a huge commodity but I am at a loss. There are holes on the toilet where a seat would be screwed it but alas, no toilet seat. Come on people, let's make an effort.
Besides an obvious lack of seats, Paris was great. Ben, Jordan and I had a great time getting all the touristy stuff out of the way so that during our "Paris week" in March we will be able to move onto bigger and better things. We went to the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, Champs Elysees, and, in general, walked around. I would say one of the highlights for me was stumbling upon the "Bird and Flower market" that I had learned about last summer. We climbed out of a metro station and encountered a street full of birds and flowers. I can only imagine that the market is better in the summer which will be fun to return to.
After our first dabbling in travel, we are all really excited to get back out there. We have a weekend excursion to the Normandy coast. There we will go to Mont St. Michel, the invasion beaches, a WWII cemetery, and a famous tapestry in Bayeux. It is supposed to be a great trip. The schedule is looking like this:
Next weekend: Normandy Coast
Weekend after (Feb. 20th): Visit to Pauline
Weekend after (Feb. 27th): Spring Break, either Italy or the South of France
So the next few weeks will be a lot of fun.
Besides an obvious lack of seats, Paris was great. Ben, Jordan and I had a great time getting all the touristy stuff out of the way so that during our "Paris week" in March we will be able to move onto bigger and better things. We went to the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, Champs Elysees, and, in general, walked around. I would say one of the highlights for me was stumbling upon the "Bird and Flower market" that I had learned about last summer. We climbed out of a metro station and encountered a street full of birds and flowers. I can only imagine that the market is better in the summer which will be fun to return to.
After our first dabbling in travel, we are all really excited to get back out there. We have a weekend excursion to the Normandy coast. There we will go to Mont St. Michel, the invasion beaches, a WWII cemetery, and a famous tapestry in Bayeux. It is supposed to be a great trip. The schedule is looking like this:
Next weekend: Normandy Coast
Weekend after (Feb. 20th): Visit to Pauline
Weekend after (Feb. 27th): Spring Break, either Italy or the South of France
So the next few weeks will be a lot of fun.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Est-ce qu'il y a des seche cheveux ici?
I have decided that I cannot live without a hair dryer.
Once I got past that hurdle I made my way to a store that I consider to be a Wal-mart equivalent. I am sorry to admit, I like Wal-mart better. I eventually found my hair dryer in the unmarked appliance section that is next to the tv's and vcr's. This was only I asked the woman behind the counter if there were any in the store. She kind of laughed at me like, silly American, why don't you know where the hair-dryers are? Regardless, I found the much desired seche cheveux and now the universe is back in order again.
What really makes me happy about this whole experience, besides the purchase, was that I managed to ask a question and get a response and understand everything. Although most the time it doesn't feel like it, I have made a lot of improvements. Conjugating verbs is easier, I even learned a past tense in the process. After a month, or really three weeks in Rouen, I am more comfortable with the French language. I can't wait to see what my French will look like by the end of this experience.
This weekend I am making my way to Paris with a couple people in the group. We plan to get all the touristy stuff out of our system so that when we go back in March, we will be able to move off the beaten path. So this means the Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees, Sacre Coeur, and others. I am excited to take my first "train trip" in Europe. The plan is to travel as much as possible while I am here.
Once I got past that hurdle I made my way to a store that I consider to be a Wal-mart equivalent. I am sorry to admit, I like Wal-mart better. I eventually found my hair dryer in the unmarked appliance section that is next to the tv's and vcr's. This was only I asked the woman behind the counter if there were any in the store. She kind of laughed at me like, silly American, why don't you know where the hair-dryers are? Regardless, I found the much desired seche cheveux and now the universe is back in order again.
What really makes me happy about this whole experience, besides the purchase, was that I managed to ask a question and get a response and understand everything. Although most the time it doesn't feel like it, I have made a lot of improvements. Conjugating verbs is easier, I even learned a past tense in the process. After a month, or really three weeks in Rouen, I am more comfortable with the French language. I can't wait to see what my French will look like by the end of this experience.
This weekend I am making my way to Paris with a couple people in the group. We plan to get all the touristy stuff out of our system so that when we go back in March, we will be able to move off the beaten path. So this means the Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees, Sacre Coeur, and others. I am excited to take my first "train trip" in Europe. The plan is to travel as much as possible while I am here.
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