Visiting Coline

I realize that I haven't updated this in a few weeks. Thankfully not too much has gone on.

At the end of May I went to St. Etienne to visit Coline and her family. Once again they are fantastically sweet to me! We went to the saturday market then to a creperie. It was really funny because they didn't know what galettes (buckwheat crepes) were! And of course being so close to Bretagne, I eat them pretty often. And they had never had cidre!! It made me laugh to realize that although France is a lot smaller there are so many regional differences.


In the afternoon we went to the Mine Museum. It was quite interesting. We got to go into one of the mines and had a little tour. The vocab was a bit hard to understand because it was all technical words. AFter that we went to play lazer tag...yeah not my favorite thing but it was actually fun to do. I completely failed at it and felt a little awkward around all of her friends. Since I was the only one not in a couple is was like Kayleigh = 9th wheel. oh well. We went to dinner that night with her boyfriend and another couple and I was pretty much lost in the conversation, but it was good practice.

Sunday was one of the best meals I ever had. They remembered that I love escargot! So we had escargot and some other meat and veggies. It was all pretty good, but the dessert was fantastic, and not only because Coline and I made it, but this chocolate cake used an entire chocolate bar that you melt!!! So glad I have the recipe.

It was a fun weekend and worth the 5 hours I spent on the train.

16 Days of Travel

This is probably going to be a really long update... you have been warned.

Going to Beauvais Airport in Paris was like the movie "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles". We took the train to Paris, then the metro to the bus stop to catch the bus to the airport to get the plane to Rome. It was a long trip but worth it. We arrived at our hostel with and were able to just go to bed right away.

The next morning we discovered that is was Rome Communist day, or something like that. There were a bunch of parades and everyone was wearing red. It took us a little while to realize what they were marching for. It was all peaceful but quite interesting. But we went to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum and Palatine hill!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My life is now complete. I fell in love with them and they just helped to enforce that I love Classics. The Colosseum was a lot smaller than I though it was be, but super cool to see. They had the labyrinth open (well permanently) so you coul see where the gladiators and animals were kept. Its really cool actually. We then went to the Palatine hill that holds the Roman Forum and the other buildings. It was weird to see things I have learned about in history class and dreamed of seeing. But it may have been my favorite part of the trip, as the nerd in me speaks. Over all Rome was fanastic. For a big city it was very walkable and everything was neat to see. I didn't feel the earthquake and I'm kinda glad. Once I found out what had happened it was kinda scary to realize that I was that close to something so devestating. One of my favorite memories of Rome was when we found this little shop of knick-knacks that this old man sold. I bought several old keys which have become my new interests.

Florence was the second town we went to. The architecture was so different from Rome and everything there was nice to see. It was a lot more laid back and we could relax a little bit. Several afternoon siestas occured in various squares around town. The Pont Vecchio was breathtaking and I was glad to walk over it everyday and see the daytime, evening, sunset, and night; all of them so different. We had some pretty good food while we were there such as this little whole in the wall where this woman made lasagne homemade. It may have been one of my favorite things to eat.

For a daytrip we travelled to Siena which is in the Tuscany region. The countryside was beautiful! so green and like nothing else I have ever seen before. I loved everyminute of wandering through that town. We saw the Duomo which was rediculously extravegant like all other Italian churches. The center square of the town was pretty cool. One of the buildings was actually curved which was neat to see.

Verona was the next of the Italian towns and may have been one of the best. The people were so friendly. Upon arriving and leaving our stuff in the hostel, we went to lunch at this little bar. The bartender asked if we liked pasta because his mama made it. So of course we had to eat there. After talking to him for a few minutes he asked if we liked wine and proceed to bring out a bottle from his region and pour it for us. The pasta was fantastic and was followed by lemon cello (which we had not asked for, but was brought to us). The whole meal cost about 24 euro which was much cheaper than it should have been. The town of Verona was small but perfect. Walking the streets was nice and relaxing, and the weather was beautiful.

Venice was our last town in Italy, and probably my least favorite. Its nice to see the island for a few minutes but then it gets too touristy and expensive. I did by myself a little mask which i love. The day we spent in venice was the perfect amount of time and I couldn't image spending more time there. I had no particular reason to not like it, but the feeling of the place and the fact that some of the other places we went to were prettier.

Italy was really a beautiful place and we picked a perfect time to go. The weather was amazing and we were lucky. I hated not knowing the language though. That was probably the hardest part of the whole week. In France I can communicate, but in Italy it was so much harder and I felt guilty that I didn't know the language. The other downside was that there was a lot of graffeti (sp?) everywhere. I personally hate it so having to turn a corner adn see it in practically every city was a turn off. One of the upsides was gelato. We ate it practically everyday. My favorite flavors were lemon and dark chocolate, and they went really well together.

After Venice we flew into London. We were heading to Stratford-Upon-Avon so we went to what we thought was the general information desk to ask how to get there. The woman said it was a 90 minute bus ride and we could buy tickets there. We did that and got on the bus. We arrived and realized it didn't look right. The stupid woman sent us to Stratford London!!!! one of the suburbs. We spoke with the bus driver and he took us back to the airport. The bus company initially couldn't do much for us because we didn't buy the ticket from them, but said that we could catch a bus and we there at 10:15....after our play. So I started crying which is what I naturally do. The instant that happened 6 people started working to figure out how to get us there to make our play. Cate and I went up to the "information" desk to get our money back. AFter me bitching at them for 20 minutes and telling them that they ruined our trip,we got the money returned to us. Mean while the bus company found a train for us that would get us to Stratford-Upon-Avon at 7:15 in time for our play. They even gave us free bus to the station. They were just fantastic. So after changing into dress clothes on a train we made the play. Winter's Tale was really nice to see and a lot like greek tragedies.

S-U-A was a nice town and good to spend Easter day in. We got to see Shakespeare's birthplace and just wander and explore a bit. The food was quite similar to the food I eat in the states and I was overjoyed to have Cadbury eggs and lots of them!

Next we went to Oxford. It was good town and I love all the universities there. Christ Church was fantastic and I was super happy to see where parts of Harry Potter were filmed. I'm such a nerd. I think I could live there. And all the tourguides had stories and history that they loved to share with us. I loved it. We went to a pub for lunch and had a pint and Piper and I shared fish and chips. mmmmmmmmmmm :) I can see why the British love it. In the afternoon we did some more wandering in the historic district and had some Indian food for dinner with some new French friends from our hostel. It was a nice way to end our stay in Oxford.

Our last place in England was Liverpool. I think it would have been better if we had known what we wanted to see when we first got there, but the problem was that we had no idea what was in Liverpool except our flight to Dublin the next day. So after wandering around random downtown parts of Liverpool we decided to just go see a movie. We hadn't really had a rest day adn we were pretty tired. So we saw The Fast and the Furious. It was interesting to see. But a nice break. The theater was cool because you had assaigned seats, very smart how they do that. But the next day we went to Albert Dock with all our luggage and found the Tate Gallery of Modern Art, A slavery museum and a maritime musuem; all free of charge. That was really nice. So after we found the good part of Liverpool it was enjoy able.

Ireland, however, was amazing. We stayed the first night in Dublin but headed to Galway on the opposite coast early the next morning. It was beautiful. The town is small but the perfect size. We walked to the bay of Galway, and upon starting to head to the other side of the Bay and explore more of the coast, Piper took a stumpled and bruised/scratched/caused to swell both her knees. The cherry on top was when I went to get bandaides, a seagull pooped on her. It was lovely. So we spent some time cleaning her up and her coat. But that evening we went to a pub and enjoyed a pint of Guinness and some live music. I kinda wish we could've stayed longer because the town was so nice to visit. I will return.

Dublin too was amazing and charming. Guinness. The Guinness tour was fantastic. I learned how beer was made and the history of Guinness, which is like no other. For example Arthur Guinness has a 9000 year lease on his land, dating back to the 19th century. yeah. After doing the tour we went up to the bar that was 360 degree view of Dublin for our pints. It was mmmmm yummy! And we took our glasses, which you are techinically not supposed to do... but we paid for it. kinda. oh well. its my pride and joy of the trip. The rest of Dublin was pretty great to see. We went to Trinity College but didn't see the book of Kells or the long room because it was too expensive. But we walked around and saw Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral, and the very much out of place yet fitting Spire. Overall I really enjoyed Dublin.

We returned to France the same way we left: plane to bus to metro to train to walking. So it was a full circle but I loved every minute of it. I was happy to go with two people that I'm happy to call my friends. And I think we really got to get to know each other on this trip. I learned that even though I am the crazy planner, its ok to wing it a few times and that you won't die. And that I'm really good, kinda, with city maps.

I loved this trip and it was a change in a lifetime trip.
photos:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2025744&id=1195471084&l=bea0b5123d
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2025746&id=1195471084&l=48874a4828
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2025747&id=1195471084&l=b4fd0e0df2

Three Countries -> 16 days

Spring Break starts tomorrow evening and I have never been more excited!!! Piper, Cate, and I are going to spend these long two plus weeks exploring Italy, England, and Ireland. The weather already looks like its going to be beautiful in Italy, but a little chilly in the UK, nonetheless this is the perfect time to go! We'll play the role of the tourist, but hope to also see some countryside and make some new friends.

Places to be visited:
Rome, It
Florence, It
Siena, It
Verona, It
Venice, It
Stratford-upon-Avon, Eng
Oxford, Eng
Liverpool, Eng
Dublin, Ire
Galway, Ire

Upon my return April 19th, I will update (or more likely the 20th) and share pictures and stories. Until then mes chers amis!
bisous

Beaches of the D-day invasion

Yesterday was the excursion that I had been looking forward to the most. Finally being able to see the D-day beaches, was overwhelming. The very first day of the invasion 10,000 soldiers died on those very beaches.

We first stopped at the Memorial Museum. The three languages that the museum is in is French, English, German. It started with leading up to the war and through the war. Even being there was overwhelming. They had one room focusing on the concentration camps. In that room there was a picture, full sized, of a girl who had just been hanged. It was startling. At this museum they also had a Nazi flag and other articles. That one flag. What it symbolizes. It was odd to stand in front of it, knowing the ideas that surround it. At the museum the had a short film we watched. It was two sided, one of the preparations and the actually debarqument ( I can't think of the work in english); landing, the other was of the germans, preparing for the day and being bombed. The day they landed, was probably one of the worst days chosen. I can't imagaine first travelling across the ocean, but then landing knowing that you are going to your death. The thought of that is... i don't know. I can't imagine.

We then went to the American Cemetary. It was beautiful. The French goverment gave the land to the United States. It overlooks Omaha Beach and the Ocean. The cemetery is organized quite nicely and really is a lot more beautiful than pictures show. I really enjoyed how the Jewish soldiers had stars of David and not crosses. All of it is so beautiful.

After that we went to Omaha Beach for a few minutes. It was a wonderful sunny, yet chilly day. The beaches themselves are beautiful and if I hadn't known that thousands died here I would've love to run around breathing in the fresh air. But then reality hits that I was standing where someone died. Each step I took, they had taken 65 years ago struggling for their life and trying to kill the enemy. Pictures do not do it justice, and the emotions can't be explained. There is a sense of sadness at all the lives that were lost that day, but also pride in the soliders who went their giving the ultimate sacrifice. I think because we have footage of this war, it makes it so more real. And seeing these beaches did that as well.

We then went to La Point du Hoc. The Germans had quite a bit of artillery here which was pointed at Omaha beach. The Rangers arrived and had to climb the cliffs to get up. In addition the Americans bombed this area like crazy. It was the first place we saw that you really knew war had been there. The craters from the bombings were still there, and they were plentiful. Every few feet there was a new one. And they were huge. Only a few bases of the buildings remain. Seeing this brings the war a new reality.

Our final stop was at the German Cemetery at La Cambe. I was really glad they took us here. This cemetery was so different from the American. It was quite a bit smaller, but had over 22,000 soldiers buried in it, a lot more than the American. Most of the soldiers buried here were about my age when they did. I saw one boy who was 2 weeks short of 18 when he died. It was sad. The cemetery is not as intricate but it was beautiful all the same. There is a monument in the center and at the base, there were flowers from some canadians, some polish people, and some english. It was nice to see that most of the animosity has dissappeared thanks to the European Union.

Yesterday was an emotional and eye-opening day. Its hard to say, after seeing that, that the Germans are the "bad" guys. Because of the Treaty of Versaille, they were forced into a huge depression, and occupied. In the French occupied south, their women were raped requently by the French soldiers and in general they were treated with disgust (this we learned from one of the French history professors who went with us). They were resentful of the English, and French, and even the Russians for doing this to them. How is it not surprising then that this didn't happen? How could you not support some sort of revenge for this treatment? Thats all these soldiers knew, for them it was about regaining the importance of Germany, not about killing Jews. With that in mind, its hard to "pick" sides.

Seeing these places made the war more of a reality. I've always been terrified of war. This makes it so much more. In the states we don't know what it looks like, seeing footage and seeing the actual place are two different things. Even thinking about it now, I hope I may never see something like that. In the states, we have our little comfort zone, we weren't in the middle so its easy to say that we can go to war. But when you see the destruction, see all the graves, and feel the power of the emotions there; its different. It makes you hope for peace so much more.

pictures: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2025362&id=1195471084&l=eb1659cab7

Some pondering

I'm about to my halfway point in France. Its a weird feeling sometimes its still surreal that I'm here. But since I'm not crazy studying for tests at the very moment, its nice.

I've been getting grades back on my tests and they are confusing, either on a 20 or 30 point scale, and much different from back home. An "A" is equivalent to a 15/20 or higher or a 21/30 or higher. Thus far I've gotten all A equivalents: a 23/30 on my lit test, 21/30 on my langue test, a 16/20 on my writing test, and a 28/30 on my culture class. I"m still waiting for the results of my history test. Needless to say I think this semester will be a gpa boost.

Another interesting thing is that women here are super judgment, and appearance is everything! I mean EVERYTHING. Walking into a place sometimes you get a head to foot look down. It was a shock at first. I can't wear tshirts here, and have to watch my style. Anything flashing draws attention, because the French really love their black. Its incredible how much black they wear. For real! And I try not to wear black, so that puts me out of it.

I am realizing how much I miss different food. Not french foods. Thats probably the hardest part about living here, not have such a diverse selection of foods. I don't eat cooked meat that often, but I do eat more desserts because they are fantastic. I'm surprised I haven't gained weight actually. haha. but its probably because I walk everywhere. I'm getting calves of steel! Not really but kinda. I walk up 5 flights of stairs for class at least once a day.

I am super excited right now because my spring break starts in a week! We're are going to Rome, Florence, Siena, the Italian coast, Verona, and Venice (thats Italy). Then up to England for Oxford, Liverpool and Stratford-upon-Avon for a Shakespeare play, A Winter's Night, in his birth town! Then over to Dublin and a day trip to Galway. I am super pumped!!!!! a 17 day trip and 3 countries. And for my birthday, it ends up I'm probably going to go to Brussels, Belguim! And then Madrid at the end of May. I'm really quite excited about all the travel coming up!!!

Tomorrow we are going on our last excursion to the D-Day beaches and the American Cemetary. I have been looking forward to this trip the most since I arrived. Its supposed to be cloudy and rainy, but I feel like that is fitting for this place. It shouldn't really be that sunny.

Greve/Strike

There's something I've been wondering about...

Last Thursday there was a major "greve" or strike in France. A lot of the transportation was down and some places were closed in support. I understand that yes, the French feel the need to strike to show their voice. Thats fine. But students at schools can strike; university students. I'm just wondering how they get away with it. In the states if you were to strike at a college they would just fail you, so how can French students force a test to be moved, or decide they don't like how things are going and strike?

I realize this must come from the days of the revolution, but I still don't understand it.

Past two weeks

The past few weeks have been pretty crazy. I've had a few test (which I'm happy to say I've done well on). But here is an update:

My parents, Terry and Heather were in Angers for a few days. I showed them the sights such as the Chateaux, Galerie David D'Angers, the two major gardens, the markets, etc. It was nice to have them here. And I think they really enjoyed where I am living. I was super excited that Brigitte (my host mom) decided to invite my family over for cocktails! It was a nice experience to be able to show my host family my real family, but also to be able to show my real family my host family. It was a nice little time. My folks left on Monday which allowed me to study and prepare the week ahead.

Tuesday was St. Patricks day. So, as is expected, green was worn and Piper, Emma and I went to and Irish Bar in town. It was packed. A pint and a half of guiness cost about 10 euros... it was pricey. but we're looking forward to real guiness in Ireland.

This past weekend I joined my family in Paris for friday night and saturday. We went to the Pantheon, Notre Dame, and the Jardin de Luxembourg. It was a nice little visit and wonderful to see my family.

I can't believe that I still am in France for 2.5 more months. But its going to start going a lot faster. My weekends up coming are going to be crazy. This next saturday I'm going on our final excursion with the school to the D-day beaches of Normandie. The weekend after that starts Spring Break, so from the 4th to the 19th I will be travelling around Italy, England and Ireland with a few friends. The last weekend in April (25) I'm going to St. Etienne to visit the family I stayed with in high school. The weekend of my birthday, I'm probably going to Corsica with some friends to celebrate. And the four day weekend at the end of may, probably going to Madrid. So its a full schedule ahead and I know time is gonna go faster.

But I still miss people like crazy. Its weird to think that I've been away from the boy this long and from my roommates. I miss them all like crazy. Its nice to know all my friends are still waiting for me back home and not a whole lot will have changed...well we'll see.

So that the abridged version of the update

photos:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2025095&id=1195471084&l=16b926b82b
and
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2025164&id=1195471084&l=37e2c65dff