Its funny because we were always taught in French class that Mardi Gras was a major holiday in France, and to be honest, it didn't seem like it was. Most of our professors talked to us about what Mardi Gras was and the traditions behind it. Of course first and foremost its the eve of Lent (le carême). The tradition in France is to get Crepes. We decided this was a very good choice and decided to follow that advice.
So yesterday was Mardi Gras and we went out for crepes. They were amazing. It was a tad bit expensive, but then again it was the very first time that we had gone to an actual sit down restaurant. It was quite refreshing. I had a galette for my dinner which is buckwheat, filled with goat cheese, sauteed onions, and poitrine fumee. Although i'm not exactly sure what kind of meat that was it was quite delicious. I longed to have another, but at the same time one galette is quite filling and we still had dessert to wait for. For dessert i got a crepe with mint ice-cream on it and melted chocolate. Needless to say I was quite satisfied when I had finished. I'm pretty sure this is a place that I will take my folks to in a few weeks when they're here. We finished off the night be going to our usual tuesday event Mardi Cafe (organized by the school to meet other students). It was actually quite successful because i talked with a few Japanese girls from my classes and go to know them a little better.
Today, however, is Ash Wednesday (le mecredi des cendres). I found a church close to where I live that I'm gonna to go to mass at tonight at 8 pm. I'm a little nervous about it, even though it is a Catholic mass, it'll be in French and I honestly don't know the words. But I'm going to try and follow along to be best of my ability. I am at a loss though for what I should do for lent; usually I give up something I enjoy (t.v., sweets, etc) but here thats hard to do. First i don't watch t.v., I hardly ever eat meat, and if I were to give up sweets and wine I would really be missing out here. I'm only in France to study once.... So I don't know what I should do. Just by being here I'm trying to develop as a person and get out of my comfort zone so I'm already doing things that I'm not normally at home such as being more outgoing, willing to try new things, optimistic, not worry as much, etc. And once it warms up I'm going to run. I know lent is a time of sacrifice, but my lifestyle here is so different from back home, that I have no idea what I should do...
Love to all
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Dinner with the girls and First excursion
These past few days have been quite exciting!!! This past week my host family was gone, and in all honesty it was kinda nice to be able to act myself and not have to worry about their schedules or anything. But it also allowed me to work on my cooking skills such as making savory crepes or grilling up a sausage and making pasta with it etc.
Friday night, we took advantage of the fact that my host family wasn't there. We decided to take the time and cook ourselves a nice dinner. So after buying groceries from the store we made our dinner: we had salad with this interesting kind of greens that looked like cloves, but also had tomatoes, bell peppers and pears. For a dressing it was oil and vinegar like the French. After that we had potatoes with onions and garlic that we amazing, and we seared some pork we marinated in a pan. It was delicious!!! For dessert we shared 4 kinds of little tartes and cakes we picked up from the Patiserie. All were good, but my favorite was the lemon tartelette. But we just spent the night eating, drinking wine, and enjoying each other's company.
Today was quite an enjoyable day. We headed out early to St. Malo which is located in the Bretagne region of France and on the Atlantic Coast. It was beautiful. Although the town was destroyed during World War 2, it was rebuilt to look identical to how it was prior. And the beaches! They were so nice! The weather was beautiful to go today. A little grey, but thats it. We then decided to try the regional specialaties. We went to a creperie and had galettes, which are a buckwheat crepe. In all honesty I prefer normal crepes, but they were good. We also tried the cider that the region is known for. It pretty much tasted like an alcoholic apple juice, which is what we expected. But we also tasted the two regional cakes; one was a custard one, the other was kinda like a round filo-dough with tons of butter and sugar. I prefered the second.
After that we headed to Mont St. Michel. This place is pretty well know because of the fact that during high tide it is an island, but during low tide you walk or drive to it. Its also built up pretty high so you get a nice view of the area. After St. Malo I was a tad bit dissapointed. It was really touristy, where St. Malo wasn't. But thats to be expected. The Abbey at the top was really pretty and the sights were great. I'm quite amazed at how they built it.
Pictures:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2024533&id=1195471084&l=5a4d8
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2024637&id=1195471084&l=344f7
love to you
Friday night, we took advantage of the fact that my host family wasn't there. We decided to take the time and cook ourselves a nice dinner. So after buying groceries from the store we made our dinner: we had salad with this interesting kind of greens that looked like cloves, but also had tomatoes, bell peppers and pears. For a dressing it was oil and vinegar like the French. After that we had potatoes with onions and garlic that we amazing, and we seared some pork we marinated in a pan. It was delicious!!! For dessert we shared 4 kinds of little tartes and cakes we picked up from the Patiserie. All were good, but my favorite was the lemon tartelette. But we just spent the night eating, drinking wine, and enjoying each other's company.
Today was quite an enjoyable day. We headed out early to St. Malo which is located in the Bretagne region of France and on the Atlantic Coast. It was beautiful. Although the town was destroyed during World War 2, it was rebuilt to look identical to how it was prior. And the beaches! They were so nice! The weather was beautiful to go today. A little grey, but thats it. We then decided to try the regional specialaties. We went to a creperie and had galettes, which are a buckwheat crepe. In all honesty I prefer normal crepes, but they were good. We also tried the cider that the region is known for. It pretty much tasted like an alcoholic apple juice, which is what we expected. But we also tasted the two regional cakes; one was a custard one, the other was kinda like a round filo-dough with tons of butter and sugar. I prefered the second.
After that we headed to Mont St. Michel. This place is pretty well know because of the fact that during high tide it is an island, but during low tide you walk or drive to it. Its also built up pretty high so you get a nice view of the area. After St. Malo I was a tad bit dissapointed. It was really touristy, where St. Malo wasn't. But thats to be expected. The Abbey at the top was really pretty and the sights were great. I'm quite amazed at how they built it.
Pictures:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2024533&id=1195471084&l=5a4d8
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2024637&id=1195471084&l=344f7
love to you
Monday, February 16, 2009
Past several days
The past several days have actually been quite busy.
Saturday was Valentine's Day and it was actually enjoyable. I met up with Cate, Piper and Emma downtown and we made a day of it. We shopped and I bought a new dress, a purse and a new wallet to hold euros which didn't fit properly in my last wallet. We then realized that it is impossible to have a late lunch in France; places are closed. So we decided to get bread, wine, cheese, salami and go to a chocolate shop for a special v-day treat. We headed back to Emma's and had a wonderful meal. The chocolates and company were amazing! I've found that the french don't really celebrate Valentine's Day. But I was also able to open my present from Chris. It was perfect!
Sunday was also enjoyable. We decided to go to the Musee des Beaux Arts d'Angers. Their permanant collection was actually really vast and enjoyable. But I like museums. I also met more of the "family" Its vacation in France right now so two of the sons were home. Both were nice, but then again I am a border in their house. Currently everyone is gone. Literally. I have the house to myself, and I'm really enjoying it. I can act normal and not have to worry as much. I made myself a delishious dinner. I bought crepes at the store and made them with salami, goat cheese, and aioli. But I accidently bought dessert crepes so there was a nice mix of sweet and salty, which I really enjoyed. For dessert I continued the feast of crepes and made a few with Nutella, which I"m liking more and more. Today the package came from my parents and it was such a nice little surprise. I loved it!
Thats all for now. Pictures:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2024533&id=1195471084&l=5a4d8
and
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2024368&id=1195471084&l=a64fe
in both albums
love you all!
Saturday was Valentine's Day and it was actually enjoyable. I met up with Cate, Piper and Emma downtown and we made a day of it. We shopped and I bought a new dress, a purse and a new wallet to hold euros which didn't fit properly in my last wallet. We then realized that it is impossible to have a late lunch in France; places are closed. So we decided to get bread, wine, cheese, salami and go to a chocolate shop for a special v-day treat. We headed back to Emma's and had a wonderful meal. The chocolates and company were amazing! I've found that the french don't really celebrate Valentine's Day. But I was also able to open my present from Chris. It was perfect!
Sunday was also enjoyable. We decided to go to the Musee des Beaux Arts d'Angers. Their permanant collection was actually really vast and enjoyable. But I like museums. I also met more of the "family" Its vacation in France right now so two of the sons were home. Both were nice, but then again I am a border in their house. Currently everyone is gone. Literally. I have the house to myself, and I'm really enjoying it. I can act normal and not have to worry as much. I made myself a delishious dinner. I bought crepes at the store and made them with salami, goat cheese, and aioli. But I accidently bought dessert crepes so there was a nice mix of sweet and salty, which I really enjoyed. For dessert I continued the feast of crepes and made a few with Nutella, which I"m liking more and more. Today the package came from my parents and it was such a nice little surprise. I loved it!
Thats all for now. Pictures:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2024533&id=1195471084&l=5a4d8
and
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2024368&id=1195471084&l=a64fe
in both albums
love you all!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Irish Pub: Inishmore
Thanks to Piper's list of places to try, we found the Irish pub in town. Yes, thats right. Its a real Irish pub in Angers. Its ran by and Irishman who speaks very little French and has no desire to learn it. When we walked in Irish "rock" music was placing and most of us decided to order Guiness on tap. It was good! Most of the other beers, on tap were also Irish, 90% of which I have never heard of. Friday nights at Inishmore consisted of Frenchmen and women coming in to speak English with the bartender/owner and listen to live music in the form of 2 acoustic guitars and some sort of flute whistle instrument. Overall it was an enjoyable night and will be repeated!
Loves <3>
Loves <3>
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Getting into the swing of things
I have successfully gone to all of my classes at least once. Yesterday (tuesday) was my busy day of the week. I had Langue in the morning and it wasn't too bad. We did various activities with an excerpt from the story of Cinderella (Cendrillon), with activities such as listening to it to see what we understand, to talking about it, to finishing the story in pairs etc. Within all of this we worked on our speaking skills and grammar skills. I think I'll like this class. My professor is really nice and helpful if I have a problem. AFter that I went to my French culture class. Its mostly going to be a discussion class on why French do things certain ways, whether in work, daily life, politics etc. I think its going to be one of my favorite classes. We get to choose the themes for the class. It'll be a lot of information, but I think i'll learn a heck of a lot from it. AFter that I had my favorite class thus far: History of France. This teacher is really awesome. She lectures then does a pretty elaborate outline on the board, and whatever is written on the board is on our exams. But also she speaks well and is easy to understand. We're starting with the revolution which is always interesting. Later last night I had my writing class. I think it'll be ok. The main purpose of the class is actually to be able to read the newspapers and understand what is being said. It'll be a useful class but I honestly don't like things like that. Today I only had one class; 20th century French lit. We'll see how this one goes.... we're starting with poetry for the next month, and i really do not like poetry. And we're also starting with Apollinaire, who I really don't like. We read a few of his poems in the intro to lit class and they just went over my head. He likes to make poems in shapes. Literally. For example one poem was in the shape of an apple. Not fun. Overall my classes should be good and I'll have hardly any homework except in lit probably. Not bad at all.
Last night was also the first "mardi cafe". This is put on by the school...kinda. What it is, is every tuesday night, a bunch of the foreign students meet up at a bar and just mingle. Its supported and advertised by the school. Its actually kinda nice because its a way to get out and see more of Angers, but also to meet people that aren't in my classes. I went last night with some friends and had fun. I had two drinks; both of which i really enjoyed. The first was called "une twist" what is consisted of was a lemon syrup i believe and Kronenbourge (sp?). It was actually really good. The other drink was a mojito. It was actually the first time, I had ever had one and I really enjoyed it. They were on special, and I'm glad I tried it.
This morning I walked and finished getting my school supplied (except text books), and some food for the rest of the week. To be honest, I get kinda tired of having to walk everywhere. I would love to just be able to drive there, anywhere but thats really not going to happen for another 4 months. I must be lazy, or just want instant gratification.
now some randomness:
I find it amusing that French people park their cars on the sidewalks. I can see how its convienent but its not quite that convient when you're walking and have to walk in the street.
I miss diet coke. Coca lite is nooooooooooooooooooooot the same! Its like coke zero and is not satifying.
I picked up my ticket this morning for the first excursion! Its to Mont St Michel. If you have no idea what it is, google it. Mont St. Michel is probably one of the coolest places in France. Its a day trip, and totally worth it. I'm planning on taking a ton of pictures.
I miss being able to watch The Office. I can't get it online here, because apparently nbc can tell that I'm in France and can't broadcast there... lame.
I'm pretty sure that people here can tell I"m foreign. Most likly from the fact that I don't wear grey and black all the time. No joke. French people love those colors I think. I'm used to wearing bright colors and my pink coat is probably what makes me stand out. And maybe the fact that I wore a yellow shirt today.
Thats about all.
Loves to all :)
Last night was also the first "mardi cafe". This is put on by the school...kinda. What it is, is every tuesday night, a bunch of the foreign students meet up at a bar and just mingle. Its supported and advertised by the school. Its actually kinda nice because its a way to get out and see more of Angers, but also to meet people that aren't in my classes. I went last night with some friends and had fun. I had two drinks; both of which i really enjoyed. The first was called "une twist" what is consisted of was a lemon syrup i believe and Kronenbourge (sp?). It was actually really good. The other drink was a mojito. It was actually the first time, I had ever had one and I really enjoyed it. They were on special, and I'm glad I tried it.
This morning I walked and finished getting my school supplied (except text books), and some food for the rest of the week. To be honest, I get kinda tired of having to walk everywhere. I would love to just be able to drive there, anywhere but thats really not going to happen for another 4 months. I must be lazy, or just want instant gratification.
now some randomness:
I find it amusing that French people park their cars on the sidewalks. I can see how its convienent but its not quite that convient when you're walking and have to walk in the street.
I miss diet coke. Coca lite is nooooooooooooooooooooot the same! Its like coke zero and is not satifying.
I picked up my ticket this morning for the first excursion! Its to Mont St Michel. If you have no idea what it is, google it. Mont St. Michel is probably one of the coolest places in France. Its a day trip, and totally worth it. I'm planning on taking a ton of pictures.
I miss being able to watch The Office. I can't get it online here, because apparently nbc can tell that I'm in France and can't broadcast there... lame.
I'm pretty sure that people here can tell I"m foreign. Most likly from the fact that I don't wear grey and black all the time. No joke. French people love those colors I think. I'm used to wearing bright colors and my pink coat is probably what makes me stand out. And maybe the fact that I wore a yellow shirt today.
Thats about all.
Loves to all :)
Monday, February 9, 2009
First Day of Classes
Today we received the results of our exams from last week. I scored 325, and I'm really pleased about it. Its in the middle near the top and its a nice place to be. However, I have to take 18 hours while i'm here. Its not going to be sooo bad but it'll be ok. The classes I'm taking are Langue, a basic French language class, History of France which is from the revolution to WW2, a composition class, 20th century literature, and a modern French culture class
Right now here is my schedule:
Monday: Langue 10h15-12h15, Histoire de France 14h30-1530 (2:30-3:30)
Tuesday: Langue 9h -11h10, Culture class 11h15-12h15, Histoire de France 13h30-15h30 (1:30-3:30), Composition 18h-19h (6:00-7:00)
Wednesday: Literature 14h30-15h30 (2:30-3:30)
Thursday: Langue 8h-10h, literature 13h30-15h30 (1:30-3:30), compostion 17h-18h (5:00-6:00)
Friday: Culture Class 8h-10h, composition 14h30-15h30 (2:30-3:30)
So thats it. Not too horrible, except that class until 7 pm...
For some reason, I had a fit of homesickness. I really hate when that happens. Its probably one of the worst feelings in the world to miss someone. Because you feel helpless, and I'm trying really hard to not have that. All I want right now are hugs from my parents, my brother, my best friends, and my boyfriend.
well thats about it.
loves to all
Right now here is my schedule:
Monday: Langue 10h15-12h15, Histoire de France 14h30-1530 (2:30-3:30)
Tuesday: Langue 9h -11h10, Culture class 11h15-12h15, Histoire de France 13h30-15h30 (1:30-3:30), Composition 18h-19h (6:00-7:00)
Wednesday: Literature 14h30-15h30 (2:30-3:30)
Thursday: Langue 8h-10h, literature 13h30-15h30 (1:30-3:30), compostion 17h-18h (5:00-6:00)
Friday: Culture Class 8h-10h, composition 14h30-15h30 (2:30-3:30)
So thats it. Not too horrible, except that class until 7 pm...
For some reason, I had a fit of homesickness. I really hate when that happens. Its probably one of the worst feelings in the world to miss someone. Because you feel helpless, and I'm trying really hard to not have that. All I want right now are hugs from my parents, my brother, my best friends, and my boyfriend.
well thats about it.
loves to all
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Du Vin
Last night was quite an enjoyable evening. Piper, Kate, Aric, Emma and I got together; we went to the monoprix and bought some things to eat and two bottles on wine. One white, one red. We went to the Place du Ralliement, which is almost the center of downtown; sat and ate our food. Shared the bottles of wine and just enjoyed ourselves. It was fun to just relax (in the cold) and get to know each other a bit more.
We decided to try a few places that Piper had learned about by recommendation. We first went to Le Cercle Rouge, which is a wine bar. It was small and quaint, and quite fun. We shared a bottle of wine, with the agreement that we would only speak French while in the there. That agreement was only met about half the time. After that we went to another place not to far off that was filled with French men and woman as well. Overall, it was nice to get away from the american populated bars, and try something French. Thats the whole point of the trip, right?
I'm slowly learning to enjoy wine. At the moment I like whites, the Riesling we had last night was pretty good. Its a tad bit sweeter and not as dry. But the red we had at le Cercle Rouge was really good too! By the time I leave France, I should have (fingers crossed) have a good idea of which wines I like and don't like. I am most definetly keeping the cork from the very first bottle I bought (also the first legal drink I bought). It'll be weird to return to the U.S. and not be able to buy alcohol or drink freely and not have people question my age.
loves to all
We decided to try a few places that Piper had learned about by recommendation. We first went to Le Cercle Rouge, which is a wine bar. It was small and quaint, and quite fun. We shared a bottle of wine, with the agreement that we would only speak French while in the there. That agreement was only met about half the time. After that we went to another place not to far off that was filled with French men and woman as well. Overall, it was nice to get away from the american populated bars, and try something French. Thats the whole point of the trip, right?
I'm slowly learning to enjoy wine. At the moment I like whites, the Riesling we had last night was pretty good. Its a tad bit sweeter and not as dry. But the red we had at le Cercle Rouge was really good too! By the time I leave France, I should have (fingers crossed) have a good idea of which wines I like and don't like. I am most definetly keeping the cork from the very first bottle I bought (also the first legal drink I bought). It'll be weird to return to the U.S. and not be able to buy alcohol or drink freely and not have people question my age.
loves to all
Saturday, February 7, 2009
First Weekend in Angers...thus far
Yesterday, Friday, was the first day we didn't have anything scheduled, which was nice because I got to sleep in and take my time figuring out what I wanted to do. I ended up, spending the morning walking around downtown and just sitting in the park eating apples. It was actually quite nice. I'm figuring out new ways to get downtown and walk back, and finding cute little cafes and bars and restaurants along the way. Just scoping things out in general.
Last night I met up with a few people from KU. I first met up with Kate and Piper and we went and bought a bottle of wine and a wine opener from the grocery store. We were going to this crepe thing at the Universite des Beaux-Arts. Which is across the River (La Maine), but we decided to buy a bottle of wine to drink on the way. I bought the bottle opener which was the first legal alcohol related thing I have ever boughten! I was pretty excited about it and kept the cork from the bottle since it was my first legal drink! AFter meeting up with some more people from KU we went to this crepe things and met some people from China and some other French people. But after that we ended up going to this bar K'lypso for drinks. I was thrilled to buy a beer (I'm such a nerd) and be legal. Coincidentally we met up with some people from C.I.D.E.F. who are from Oregon State (OSU) and Notre Dame University. So they were fun to talk to and meet.
This morning I met up again with Piper and Kate and Emma, and we went to the Market (kinda like a farmers market) that is by the park downtown. It was a lot of fun. Although it was cold, everything looked so good and we can't wait to go again when its warmer. Its also some place that I want to take my family to when they get here. We decided to get some things from one of the Chinese venders for lunch. I got 3 eggrolls for 3.something euros and they were probably the best eggrolls I have ever had in my life. I don't think I have ever had any that tasted as good as that. After that we decided to walk around a little bit and go to a cafe to sit.
France is quite an amazing place. Although there are some everyday things I miss (like my shower and diet coke), I'm able to find something new each day. I'm looking forward to doing weekend trips with friends to various parts of France and to just explore.
I did experience a tad bit of awkwardness today...When I got home from the market a little bit ago, I could hear Brigitte (my house mom) on the phone. I talked to her youngest son (whose name I am always forgetting) and met one of her daughters who I guess is home today (she lives in Angers and goes to another university but doesn't live at home). I generally hear Brigitte on the phone quite often so it didn't really phase me, but when I went up to my room it was a little strange because she started crying and yelling on the phone. I think she may have been talking to her husband who was supposed to come home this weekend, but because he had a lot of work didn't. I honestly don't know for sure but she kept saying "le week-end!!!" so thats what I think it was. So now I'm not exactly sure what to do....her room is just down the hall from mine and I know thats where she was because it was quite loud. Now its pretty quite and I think everyone is just keeping to themselves. I'm not sure what to do so I'm just going to give it time and we'll see what happens.....
loves to all. and duh I miss you!
Last night I met up with a few people from KU. I first met up with Kate and Piper and we went and bought a bottle of wine and a wine opener from the grocery store. We were going to this crepe thing at the Universite des Beaux-Arts. Which is across the River (La Maine), but we decided to buy a bottle of wine to drink on the way. I bought the bottle opener which was the first legal alcohol related thing I have ever boughten! I was pretty excited about it and kept the cork from the bottle since it was my first legal drink! AFter meeting up with some more people from KU we went to this crepe things and met some people from China and some other French people. But after that we ended up going to this bar K'lypso for drinks. I was thrilled to buy a beer (I'm such a nerd) and be legal. Coincidentally we met up with some people from C.I.D.E.F. who are from Oregon State (OSU) and Notre Dame University. So they were fun to talk to and meet.
This morning I met up again with Piper and Kate and Emma, and we went to the Market (kinda like a farmers market) that is by the park downtown. It was a lot of fun. Although it was cold, everything looked so good and we can't wait to go again when its warmer. Its also some place that I want to take my family to when they get here. We decided to get some things from one of the Chinese venders for lunch. I got 3 eggrolls for 3.something euros and they were probably the best eggrolls I have ever had in my life. I don't think I have ever had any that tasted as good as that. After that we decided to walk around a little bit and go to a cafe to sit.
France is quite an amazing place. Although there are some everyday things I miss (like my shower and diet coke), I'm able to find something new each day. I'm looking forward to doing weekend trips with friends to various parts of France and to just explore.
I did experience a tad bit of awkwardness today...When I got home from the market a little bit ago, I could hear Brigitte (my house mom) on the phone. I talked to her youngest son (whose name I am always forgetting) and met one of her daughters who I guess is home today (she lives in Angers and goes to another university but doesn't live at home). I generally hear Brigitte on the phone quite often so it didn't really phase me, but when I went up to my room it was a little strange because she started crying and yelling on the phone. I think she may have been talking to her husband who was supposed to come home this weekend, but because he had a lot of work didn't. I honestly don't know for sure but she kept saying "le week-end!!!" so thats what I think it was. So now I'm not exactly sure what to do....her room is just down the hall from mine and I know thats where she was because it was quite loud. Now its pretty quite and I think everyone is just keeping to themselves. I'm not sure what to do so I'm just going to give it time and we'll see what happens.....
loves to all. and duh I miss you!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Journee 2
So today was my second day in Angers. I got to sleep in a little bit which was nice. The homesickness set in a tad bit last night but after talking to my roommates and my parents it got a lot better! Its weird being the only student in the house, since I think most everyone else is with another foreign student. So there have been times when it gets a little lonely.
I'm still working on adjusting to the food difference. Tonight is the last night that I've paid for meals for the week (I receive 3 dinners a week, and breakfast everyday). So I went to the closest grocery store with is kinda on my way back from the university. But I looked around and bought a few apples and some cookies to snack on, but I think I can find things to make pretty easily everyday. It'll probably go there everyday and just pick up something small for dinner and eat lunch at the university restaurant.
Its actually kinda funny because i find that I'm starting to think in French a little bit. Although I'm quite far from fluent and I can talk many times without having to think, and I don't really ever translate things in my head. I can just hear them and understand. Its a nice feeling. I'm looking forward to classes. And I'm slowing getting more confident with my speaking capabilities.
The weather here is interesting. It tends to rain a lot over night but then be fairly clear for most of the day. Its cloudy off and on, but overall its been nice weather.
I put pictures of the town on facebook. this link should work :
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2024368&l=a64fe&id=1195471084
love to all, especially you and you and you etc.
I'm still working on adjusting to the food difference. Tonight is the last night that I've paid for meals for the week (I receive 3 dinners a week, and breakfast everyday). So I went to the closest grocery store with is kinda on my way back from the university. But I looked around and bought a few apples and some cookies to snack on, but I think I can find things to make pretty easily everyday. It'll probably go there everyday and just pick up something small for dinner and eat lunch at the university restaurant.
Its actually kinda funny because i find that I'm starting to think in French a little bit. Although I'm quite far from fluent and I can talk many times without having to think, and I don't really ever translate things in my head. I can just hear them and understand. Its a nice feeling. I'm looking forward to classes. And I'm slowing getting more confident with my speaking capabilities.
The weather here is interesting. It tends to rain a lot over night but then be fairly clear for most of the day. Its cloudy off and on, but overall its been nice weather.
I put pictures of the town on facebook. this link should work :
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2024368&l=a64fe&id=1195471084
love to all, especially you and you and you etc.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
First Day, First Adventure
Today was my first full day in Angers. It was a little difficult to sleep last night because of the time difference and jet lag. But I got up fine this morning. It'll be interesting because i have no mirror in my room, and there are no electric plugs in the bathroom (where the shower is, not where the toilet is. Those are two different rooms). So I blew dry my hair this morning using my webcam to see myself. it probably was a funny sight to see.
The weather here is pretty good. It was a little rainy but still fairly nice out. The school really is only 15 minutes walking so I'll definitely get good exercise. But I had my exam for class placement this morning. It wasn't too difficult, but there were some question I had absolutely no idea on. After that we had lunch at the university restaurant...it was ok. But then we did a walking tour of downtown. It is so pretty and I found so many places I want to shop at; Galerie Lafeyette, H & M and a bunch more . We walked down to La Maine river and looked at the other side of Angers. Overall the whole town is really pretty. I think I"m going to enjoy it here.
I've met a few girls I'm getting along with. One is Katelynn who actually goes to KU, and the other is Kate who goes to a small school in Oregon. Both are really sweet and I hope to hang out with them more soon.
Overall I'm really enjoying it here. Although its a little hard to adapt to some of the differences. Like food and clothing, and of course language. I know my language skills are greatly improving. But the food is a little difficult to adjust to. I don't know what half the things are, that are presented to eat at the university restaurant. And you get these little tiny cups to drink out of. Like tiny, maybe only a few inches tall.... And everyone pretty much wears muted colors lots of blacks and greys... oh well. My wardrobe doesn't fit at all. haha. The other thing is smoking. I was really surprised how many people smoke. They aren't allowed to smoke inside anymore but its weird to see all these students congregated and smoking. I guess thats just how it is.
To be honest I'm kinda looking forward to when classes start because it'll give me some solidarity of something to do. I think when those start I'll pick up running because I'll be on a more solid schedule. I also should probably find out if I have a curfew, i've yet to go out and see how that works.... hmmmm.
Overall I think I'm gonna do well in Angers, and thankfully I have yet to feel homesick. So yayayaya!!!!!!!!!!!!! But that doesn't mean I don't miss anyone, duh.
loves to you
The weather here is pretty good. It was a little rainy but still fairly nice out. The school really is only 15 minutes walking so I'll definitely get good exercise. But I had my exam for class placement this morning. It wasn't too difficult, but there were some question I had absolutely no idea on. After that we had lunch at the university restaurant...it was ok. But then we did a walking tour of downtown. It is so pretty and I found so many places I want to shop at; Galerie Lafeyette, H & M and a bunch more . We walked down to La Maine river and looked at the other side of Angers. Overall the whole town is really pretty. I think I"m going to enjoy it here.
I've met a few girls I'm getting along with. One is Katelynn who actually goes to KU, and the other is Kate who goes to a small school in Oregon. Both are really sweet and I hope to hang out with them more soon.
Overall I'm really enjoying it here. Although its a little hard to adapt to some of the differences. Like food and clothing, and of course language. I know my language skills are greatly improving. But the food is a little difficult to adjust to. I don't know what half the things are, that are presented to eat at the university restaurant. And you get these little tiny cups to drink out of. Like tiny, maybe only a few inches tall.... And everyone pretty much wears muted colors lots of blacks and greys... oh well. My wardrobe doesn't fit at all. haha. The other thing is smoking. I was really surprised how many people smoke. They aren't allowed to smoke inside anymore but its weird to see all these students congregated and smoking. I guess thats just how it is.
To be honest I'm kinda looking forward to when classes start because it'll give me some solidarity of something to do. I think when those start I'll pick up running because I'll be on a more solid schedule. I also should probably find out if I have a curfew, i've yet to go out and see how that works.... hmmmm.
Overall I think I'm gonna do well in Angers, and thankfully I have yet to feel homesick. So yayayaya!!!!!!!!!!!!! But that doesn't mean I don't miss anyone, duh.
loves to you
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Airplane, Trains, and Angers
I arrived to Paris without any problems because I slept through most of the plane flight!!!YAY! It was pretty boring actually. However, it took me quite a long time to actually figure out where the train station was in Charles De Gaulle Airport. But eventually I found it and had to wait for...3 hours..ugh and it was coooooooooooooooooooold!
But I made it to Angers and Mme Boucher met me at the trains. She is a really sweet woman. Her husband works in a different town so he's only home on the weekends. They have 5 kids;3 boys, 2 girls. Only one still lives at home (He's 15). But their house is really cute. I have my own room and the bathroom to myself. Plus she' going to allow me to put things in the fridge and pantry and use the kitchen to make food when I want to! I know hardly anyone does that. I also got a tour on Angers, got to see where the university is, the trainstation, the two closest shopping places. It was all very nice and pretty. Angers is really a pretty town, at least the part that I'm living in. Probably later tonight I'll install their wi-fi onto my computer. Then I can talk to everyone more. I'm still trying to figure out my cell phone....its tricky with the international numbers and everything. But i've been able to talk to my folks a few time which makes it easier.
I have been surprised though that I understand the French fairly well, and can express myself. Although there are still a lot of words (A LOT) that I don't know, I think I'll be able to make it here.
I miss youuuuuuuuuuuuuu all
loves
But I made it to Angers and Mme Boucher met me at the trains. She is a really sweet woman. Her husband works in a different town so he's only home on the weekends. They have 5 kids;3 boys, 2 girls. Only one still lives at home (He's 15). But their house is really cute. I have my own room and the bathroom to myself. Plus she' going to allow me to put things in the fridge and pantry and use the kitchen to make food when I want to! I know hardly anyone does that. I also got a tour on Angers, got to see where the university is, the trainstation, the two closest shopping places. It was all very nice and pretty. Angers is really a pretty town, at least the part that I'm living in. Probably later tonight I'll install their wi-fi onto my computer. Then I can talk to everyone more. I'm still trying to figure out my cell phone....its tricky with the international numbers and everything. But i've been able to talk to my folks a few time which makes it easier.
I have been surprised though that I understand the French fairly well, and can express myself. Although there are still a lot of words (A LOT) that I don't know, I think I'll be able to make it here.
I miss youuuuuuuuuuuuuu all
loves
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Leaving tomorrow
This time tomorrow, 3:30 ish I'll be in Chicago preparing to board my international flight soon. Its a weird feeling, but I am for sure starting to get really excited!!!! I will be a lot happier once I'm finally in Angers and know that I don't have to travel hardcare for a while. Being on an airplane is one of my least favorite things. I really hate to fly and be on airplanes; so this 8.5 hour flight will be nerve racking. But I'm excited.
I'm pretty much all packed now. I was really trying to only take one bag....but that of course doesn't work out. So I have two large dufflebags. I'll be able to manage them....I hope. I'm small so its always my worry that I won't be able to manage my bags. So when I discovered I wouldn't be able to take just one bag, I was (in classic me fashion) kinda pouty and not happy. It'll be fine. I'll only have to deal with my bags with regard to the train...ugh. still.....
However, yesterday, was a really good day. My friends, and roommates, and boyfriend, came over and we just watched the KU game and ate Jimmy Johns, and cake etc. It was really nice to see everyone and say goodbye one last time. Chris got to hang out for a while after everyone left and that was nice to just spend sometime with him. I know thats something I'll miss. I'm gonna try really hard to not get emotional. I'm a naturaly emotion driven person, so I react upon those, but I'm going to try to overcome that and this is my chance to do it. But that doesn't mean I'm not going to miss some certain people.
love to all
I'm pretty much all packed now. I was really trying to only take one bag....but that of course doesn't work out. So I have two large dufflebags. I'll be able to manage them....I hope. I'm small so its always my worry that I won't be able to manage my bags. So when I discovered I wouldn't be able to take just one bag, I was (in classic me fashion) kinda pouty and not happy. It'll be fine. I'll only have to deal with my bags with regard to the train...ugh. still.....
However, yesterday, was a really good day. My friends, and roommates, and boyfriend, came over and we just watched the KU game and ate Jimmy Johns, and cake etc. It was really nice to see everyone and say goodbye one last time. Chris got to hang out for a while after everyone left and that was nice to just spend sometime with him. I know thats something I'll miss. I'm gonna try really hard to not get emotional. I'm a naturaly emotion driven person, so I react upon those, but I'm going to try to overcome that and this is my chance to do it. But that doesn't mean I'm not going to miss some certain people.
love to all
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