Oh what a wonderful weekend. On the 20th I left (with my fellow CCA friends) for Nice for the weekend to celebrate Carnival and discover the beautiful Cote d'Azur. Wow, it was so beautiful in southern France. I definitely enjoyed everything about Nice- the food (canolis, pizza, gelato, yum!), the beach (there was no sand, just rocks!), the scenery, everything. We took two tours of Nice and took an adventure up along the biggest chateau there. Nice has a very strong Italian influence because it's so close to Italy, but the French there are very affirmative stating that they are French, not Italian in heritage, seeing as how France was a country before Italy was... Oh, and Carnival is this huge masqueraded festival that celebrates (in older times) the freedom that accompanies disguise before Lent/Ash Wednesday. So, yes, we celebrated in wonderful fashion.
Leaving the beautiful beaches of Nice was a bit of a drag, especially when I came back to dreary Paris. Now that's not exactly true, you know, Paris is glamorous, but not when it rains, and the sun doesn't shine here like it does in Nice. After a day or so, though, I found myself just as happy to be here as the first day of my arrival. It's good to be back.
Last night I went out with a friend to a bar to watch the soccer match between Lyon (France) and Barcelona (Spain). I learned who Thierry Henry (a Frenchman who currently plays for Barcelona) was when the entire bar erupted when he scored a goal; apparently he's really good (arguably the best player in the world, to be exact). After the game was over, we went to a cafe in the more residential corners of the Bastille where some musicians were performing a small concert. It was acoustic guitar like I'd never heard before, and something I'll never forgot. This is the sort of thing I can see my dad just loving, and it was nice to be reminded of him though I'm so far away.
On tap this week, I have scheduled another trip to Pere Lachaise Cemetary, a few museum trips (the first Sunday of every month grants free admission to all museums in Paris), some more ultimate frisbee (yay!).
Speaking of which, I didn't give my update of my first practice. (For those of you uninterested in ultimate, I would suggest moving onto the next paragraph, seeing as this will be detailed.) My first practice with Les Phoenix was last Wednesday night, and it was great! Though ultimate is an American game, the French have adopted their own vernacular for conserving the purity of the language (they try to keep English out of their language wherever and however they can). So, I had to learn a whole new set of terms for concepts I'd already understand, but in French. I found it rather difficult to remember what a "foul" (fault) was in French, or how to say "home" (gren...oulie?) versus "away" (horlage). I admit I'm a little out of shape, so after 3 hours of indoor ultimate, I was beat, especially since I had run earlier that day (bad idea maybe, but brilliant to play). But I left with such a big smile on my face. I notice that although there is a small language barrier between the players on my team and myself, no matter where you go, ultimate kids are still ultimate kids. Goofy, weird, happy. I felt at home with them. The ultimate scene in Paris is very active so I'm really looking forward to becoming a part of it. Wish me luck for my upcoming practices this Friday and Sunday!
Alas, I'm getting tired so I'll head off to bed for the night. Bonne nuit et à plus.
mercredi 25 février 2009
lundi 16 février 2009
Not Quite Nice...
What, another week has gone by already? I just can't believe it! I've been busy doing, well, whatever I've wanted- kidding. I started classes last week at the Sorbonne and after about 3 minutes in class I realized that I was in the wrong class so after a week of annoying moving-around-sort-of-business I am finally in an appropriate level and already enjoying everything about my class. I'm sure I've already mentioned it, but I must express yet again the diversity that I have experienced here. In my class this morning, there were kids from Taiwan, Ireland, China, the States, Japan, Germany, and get this- there is a girl in my class who grew up in Elmhurst which is the town I was born in. It's just so cool!
Besides studying, I've been exploring the beautiful city of Paris. I've been passing the afternoons and evenings reading or hanging out at cafes (the coffee is so yummy) and grabbing an occasional pastry- the apple or apricot tarts are probably my favorite, or going running (yes, can you believe it? seriously though!). Also, I love catching foot matches with my foyer mates because they get so pumped about the games.
This Valentine's Day weekend started on Thursday; I went to the Opera Bastille to see Madame Butterfly, and wow, it was such a moving show. It's an Italian tragedy that has received fame from all masters of opera, so needless to say it was a real treat. To be honest, though, I watched the orchestra more often than I watched the opera itself. I just can't help loving orchestra after spending countless years in orchestra myself. After perusing the bar scene on Friday night with a friend in Bastille, we called it an early night.
I spent Saturday throwing a frisbee (sigh!) in the Luxembourg Gardens- it was about 40 degrees Farhenheit- perfect! A guy from my program also plays ultimate so you can imagine that this he has often been the object of my persistent nagging of "hey, wanna throw?" anytime it's nice out. Thus far, he has yet to punch me. :) After grabbing yet another coffee (man, if I don't come home with a serious caffeine addiction I will be amazed), I attended a black-and-white/Valentine's Day/birthday party for a friend that I've recently made in Paris. Without going into too much detail, all I can say was that it was a blast. I can't help but notice again the difference between the way American and French kids typically party- they are just more responsible drinkers. So, after a glamorous night of drinking (in moderation, cough cough), dancing, and making more friends, I spent Sunday recovering.
Now the school week is back and with it my procrastination. Damn. I thought I left that in the States. Nah, I'm kidding; school work isn't that bad. Since starting the blog I have now joined 2 ultimate teams in Paris, and I'm going one of my first practices on Wednesday night- wish me luck! Then this weekend is dedicated to a trip to Nice to celebrate Carnival! The south of France is typically warmer than Paris (ugh it's so rainy and cold right now) so I'm pretty stoked for the scenery change.
I'll keep you posted. Much love, Lauren
Besides studying, I've been exploring the beautiful city of Paris. I've been passing the afternoons and evenings reading or hanging out at cafes (the coffee is so yummy) and grabbing an occasional pastry- the apple or apricot tarts are probably my favorite, or going running (yes, can you believe it? seriously though!). Also, I love catching foot matches with my foyer mates because they get so pumped about the games.
This Valentine's Day weekend started on Thursday; I went to the Opera Bastille to see Madame Butterfly, and wow, it was such a moving show. It's an Italian tragedy that has received fame from all masters of opera, so needless to say it was a real treat. To be honest, though, I watched the orchestra more often than I watched the opera itself. I just can't help loving orchestra after spending countless years in orchestra myself. After perusing the bar scene on Friday night with a friend in Bastille, we called it an early night.
I spent Saturday throwing a frisbee (sigh!) in the Luxembourg Gardens- it was about 40 degrees Farhenheit- perfect! A guy from my program also plays ultimate so you can imagine that this he has often been the object of my persistent nagging of "hey, wanna throw?" anytime it's nice out. Thus far, he has yet to punch me. :) After grabbing yet another coffee (man, if I don't come home with a serious caffeine addiction I will be amazed), I attended a black-and-white/Valentine's Day/birthday party for a friend that I've recently made in Paris. Without going into too much detail, all I can say was that it was a blast. I can't help but notice again the difference between the way American and French kids typically party- they are just more responsible drinkers. So, after a glamorous night of drinking (in moderation, cough cough), dancing, and making more friends, I spent Sunday recovering.
Now the school week is back and with it my procrastination. Damn. I thought I left that in the States. Nah, I'm kidding; school work isn't that bad. Since starting the blog I have now joined 2 ultimate teams in Paris, and I'm going one of my first practices on Wednesday night- wish me luck! Then this weekend is dedicated to a trip to Nice to celebrate Carnival! The south of France is typically warmer than Paris (ugh it's so rainy and cold right now) so I'm pretty stoked for the scenery change.
I'll keep you posted. Much love, Lauren
vendredi 6 février 2009
My how time flies...
I can't believe my 3rd week in France is coming to an end already. Here's a small update on what I've been up to...
I took my entrance exam to the Sorbonne on Wednesday, and of course, ended up getting lost on the way. Not a surprise and usually not a big deal, but seeing as this was an important exam, I had to get there before it started. So I hailed a cab, and it turns out I was only 6 or 7 blocks away from where I needed to be anyway. Not bad, right?
The next few days I've spent with friends from CCA getting lost in random parts of the city, stopping in random places for a small bite or quick drink, and getting the feel for life in Paris. It has certainly been busy, and I have loved walking around everywhere, not to mention talking French whenever possible.
The foyer, as I think I've already stated, is really great. My only issue is that I have yet to meet my roommate, whom I think is named Isabel. She doesn't sleep or spend any time at the foyer. Under normal circumstances, I would be happy to have a room to myself; however, I am disappointed because I would like a French-speaking roommate. Oh well. Other than that, I can't complain.
I spent yesterday with Lucie, a girl from the foyer who is Czech (Dad, that made me think of you, of course!). She and I voyaged to Montmartre and Sacre Coeur- beautiful! Paris is a relatively flat city, and seeing as Montmartre is one of the highest points of the city, you can see all of Paris from the top. It's quite breathtaking! As we were walking up the winding hill to the church, we also passed the Moulin Rouge- not so scandalous anymore- and many artists trying to sell paintings or paint pictures of us.
We also passed the Cemetary of Montmartre. I can't recall, in my life, seeing cemetaries as beautiful as these in France. They are so mysterious and awe-inspiring, and kind of eerie too.
After a long morning of walking, Lucie and I grabbed lunch at a "Resto-U" which is a cafeteria-style restaurant for college students that sells lunches/dinners for about 3 euro (cheap). All I have to say about this cafeteria food is that it has something in common with US cafeteria food- it's rather disgusting.
Last night, I met my fellow CCA friends at a bar in the 20 arrondisement, which is pretty much on the outskirts of Paris, and far away from my foyer. No sweat, though. I arrived fashionably late (no surprise). So, the featured band that night played a mixture of Spanish, French, and Arabic music. Different, but beautiful. Although I couldn't understand what they were saying (I think they were singing mostly in Arabic), it seemed that much of their audience followed the music and sang along with them.
Alas, like most travelers, I have finally fallen sick to some sort of bug going around. I'm trying to rest up before school starts on Tuesday and hope to see a few more touristy sites. I'll keep you posted. A bientôt!
I took my entrance exam to the Sorbonne on Wednesday, and of course, ended up getting lost on the way. Not a surprise and usually not a big deal, but seeing as this was an important exam, I had to get there before it started. So I hailed a cab, and it turns out I was only 6 or 7 blocks away from where I needed to be anyway. Not bad, right?
The next few days I've spent with friends from CCA getting lost in random parts of the city, stopping in random places for a small bite or quick drink, and getting the feel for life in Paris. It has certainly been busy, and I have loved walking around everywhere, not to mention talking French whenever possible.
The foyer, as I think I've already stated, is really great. My only issue is that I have yet to meet my roommate, whom I think is named Isabel. She doesn't sleep or spend any time at the foyer. Under normal circumstances, I would be happy to have a room to myself; however, I am disappointed because I would like a French-speaking roommate. Oh well. Other than that, I can't complain.
I spent yesterday with Lucie, a girl from the foyer who is Czech (Dad, that made me think of you, of course!). She and I voyaged to Montmartre and Sacre Coeur- beautiful! Paris is a relatively flat city, and seeing as Montmartre is one of the highest points of the city, you can see all of Paris from the top. It's quite breathtaking! As we were walking up the winding hill to the church, we also passed the Moulin Rouge- not so scandalous anymore- and many artists trying to sell paintings or paint pictures of us.
We also passed the Cemetary of Montmartre. I can't recall, in my life, seeing cemetaries as beautiful as these in France. They are so mysterious and awe-inspiring, and kind of eerie too.
After a long morning of walking, Lucie and I grabbed lunch at a "Resto-U" which is a cafeteria-style restaurant for college students that sells lunches/dinners for about 3 euro (cheap). All I have to say about this cafeteria food is that it has something in common with US cafeteria food- it's rather disgusting.
Last night, I met my fellow CCA friends at a bar in the 20 arrondisement, which is pretty much on the outskirts of Paris, and far away from my foyer. No sweat, though. I arrived fashionably late (no surprise). So, the featured band that night played a mixture of Spanish, French, and Arabic music. Different, but beautiful. Although I couldn't understand what they were saying (I think they were singing mostly in Arabic), it seemed that much of their audience followed the music and sang along with them.
Alas, like most travelers, I have finally fallen sick to some sort of bug going around. I'm trying to rest up before school starts on Tuesday and hope to see a few more touristy sites. I'll keep you posted. A bientôt!
dimanche 1 février 2009
Wow! What a day! I started off the day with an attempt to ride the Metro to the Trocadero (without getting lost, yay!), where my fellow students and I would go on a tour. Much to my surprise and pleasure, the train ride started off with an accordian player serenade- whoa! However, I quickly realized this is quite a common occurrence on the M... artists just trying to make a buck.
So moving on, I played touriste for the day and saw all the famous sites- the Eiffel Tour, the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, l'Arche de Triomphe, Champs Elysées... it was so cool! Studying these structures and seeing pictures gives no justice to the monuments in real life. We spent about 3 or 4 hours at the Musée d'Orsay appreciating all the oeuvres- Manet, Degas, Caillebotte; today was also the last day of the Picasso exhibit, although I did not get to see it as the line was too long. My favorite sculpture there is called "Le Désespoir" by Perraud Jean-Joseph. So after a long day of admiring and eating a little bit I headed home to the foyer.
I had dinner with some girls from the foyer tonight. It seems that most everybody here comes from other countries- The Czech Republic, Russia, China, Morocco, Chili, etc. Of course, there are girls from France here as well, studying anything: art, history, finance, cuisine, you name it, they got it. However, it was great to hang out with kids (or adults, I guess you could say) my age and speak to them solely in French!
I also have to laugh a little, though... When people ask me from where I am, I of course reply the United States and upon further inquiry, Chicago (seeing as no one knows my real hometown). I get either one of two reactions, "Oh, the hometown of Obama!" or "I hear there are many gangsters there!" So... yeah. Well, I'm off for the night. Until next time!
So moving on, I played touriste for the day and saw all the famous sites- the Eiffel Tour, the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, l'Arche de Triomphe, Champs Elysées... it was so cool! Studying these structures and seeing pictures gives no justice to the monuments in real life. We spent about 3 or 4 hours at the Musée d'Orsay appreciating all the oeuvres- Manet, Degas, Caillebotte; today was also the last day of the Picasso exhibit, although I did not get to see it as the line was too long. My favorite sculpture there is called "Le Désespoir" by Perraud Jean-Joseph. So after a long day of admiring and eating a little bit I headed home to the foyer.
I had dinner with some girls from the foyer tonight. It seems that most everybody here comes from other countries- The Czech Republic, Russia, China, Morocco, Chili, etc. Of course, there are girls from France here as well, studying anything: art, history, finance, cuisine, you name it, they got it. However, it was great to hang out with kids (or adults, I guess you could say) my age and speak to them solely in French!
I also have to laugh a little, though... When people ask me from where I am, I of course reply the United States and upon further inquiry, Chicago (seeing as no one knows my real hometown). I get either one of two reactions, "Oh, the hometown of Obama!" or "I hear there are many gangsters there!" So... yeah. Well, I'm off for the night. Until next time!
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