I woke up early this morning (7, ungodly!)to go to my host mother's 2nd grad class. I should probably clarify that she teaches this class, she isn't a student in it. ha. I helped them finish up some Christmas presents that I worked with them on last week. The students are absolutely adorable, they always say "'ello linzee" and today when I left they said "Merry Christmas!" Since they knew me already, they all ran up to me before class this morning to give me hugs, which is even more adorable than it sounds since nobody hugs here. And of course pretty much every student draws me a picture each time I come. I have an entire future apartment wall-papered.
In class, we did a little bit of work and took a very easy oral exam. Then we watched a French film, "L'auberge espagnol" (Spanish hostel). We watched it completely without subtitles, not even French ones, and I completely understood! It's nice to be reassured that I really am making progress when on certain days it seems like I can't speak this language at all. For instance when Benedicte (host mom) talks to me and I'm like "yeah, I totally get all this!" then she turns and talks to Thierry (host dad) and talks about 10x faster. Awesome...
Since I'm leaving Thursday and my friend Zack won't be back after the break, it was our last time seeing each other. I was sad to say goodbye to such a good friend. We had a lot of good laughs while not paying attention during class. We acted like 1st graders and surely drove all of our teachers crazy, but it was fun. I'll probably learn more next term, but I'm certainly going to be bored. It was surreal to be the one staying and not leaving. I'm both jealous of my friends that get to go home and content to stay.
After saying goodbye to Zack, I met up with Niki and Ella at the metro for "un derniere repas" (I'm going to skip the accents, get over it). Again, surreal. Especially since we ate at one of the very first restaurants that I ever ate at in Lyon. We had a lot of laughs though and some mostly great food. My adventurous side got the better of me and I ordered the Tripe (intestines...) I had exactly one piece. I don't consider myself a picky eater but I just could not eat more. It was furry. And just, ew. The smell is still a little bit in my nostrils and I don't think that I'll ever forget that texture. But the soup and dessert (Ella and I shared our mousse au chocolat and creme brulee) made it worth it.
I like to procrastinate goodbyes, so Niki and I are going to see each other again tomorrow, thank goodness. I'm glad she lives in Portland and that we'll surely see each other again. Until then, I don't know what I'm going to do without her level-headed boy advice and funny stories.
The day after tomorrow (Thursday) I'm off to Barcelona with Allegra. I can't wait!
Until then!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Random activities:
We recently found an ice skating rink here in Lyon. It's super cheap (5 Euros) and of course fun!
This is Nadia, Ella and I on the rink
Also it has been snowing like crazy. Today I had to walk home because the buses all got cancelled. My feet complained, but the rest of me enjoyed the beauty. Snow in street lights has always been one of my favorite sights.
Sadly, that snowball was destined for my face.
Before it snowed, though, it was uncommonly warm and beautiful.
Pretty fall colors outside my house.
The old (super, super old, to be exact) Roman Amphitheater. Allegra, Diana and I came here before we went to mass at the basilica for All Saints day. The Service was beautiful and there was even a cardinal there. Of course I didn't know that until afterwards when Diana told me, but still pretty cool.
For Thanksgiving we had a group dinner at a restaurant. It was pretty delicious, but not exactly authentic. The pumpkin pie was definitely a welcome taste of home (sorry I didn't take any pictures of it).
à plus tard!
This is Nadia, Ella and I on the rinkAlso it has been snowing like crazy. Today I had to walk home because the buses all got cancelled. My feet complained, but the rest of me enjoyed the beauty. Snow in street lights has always been one of my favorite sights.
Sadly, that snowball was destined for my face.Before it snowed, though, it was uncommonly warm and beautiful.
Pretty fall colors outside my house.
The old (super, super old, to be exact) Roman Amphitheater. Allegra, Diana and I came here before we went to mass at the basilica for All Saints day. The Service was beautiful and there was even a cardinal there. Of course I didn't know that until afterwards when Diana told me, but still pretty cool.For Thanksgiving we had a group dinner at a restaurant. It was pretty delicious, but not exactly authentic. The pumpkin pie was definitely a welcome taste of home (sorry I didn't take any pictures of it).
à plus tard!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Nice
I recently had a week long break from school (after less than two weeks of school, gotta love the French education system). Originally, I planned on staying in Lyon but I was sick of the cold, gray skies. I randomly chose a city and bought my train ticket. Just like that, I was off to Toulon. Oh, you've never heard of it? That's because it's possibly the most boring city in France. I thought it would be on the coast, which it sort of is, but the main part of town just has a port. I didn't really do anything too exciting there.
It was still pretty, though.
The next morning, I decided to go to Nice because I knew for a fact it was a cool place. I was completely wonderstruck on the train ride. I had a book, but I don't think I looked down from the window a single time. The little seaside villages looked amazingly cozy, I can't imagine waking up to the Mediterranean Sea every day. You know when you're driving towards the beach, and you see the sparkling water through the trees for the first time and you're not sure if it's just a trick of your eyes or actually the ocean? It was exactly like that the first time I saw the Mediterranean. I didn't think that it could be real, it was so beautiful. The Oregon coast is always lovely too, but I've never seen anything like the South of France.
I somehow found the youth hostel super quickly, checked in, and then was off to the water!
I sat on a rocky jetty with the waves washing up on my toes for I don't know how long, I was completely content to sit there forever.
I sat on the beach for awhile, reading and writing in my journal, generally enjoying the view.
That night I found an English restaurant and made friends with this huge group of Australians that were there. They had a live band and everyone danced up on the tables all day.
The rest of my trip won't be too exciting for you guys, basically I sat on the beach all day in my swimming suit alternately reading, writing, and swimming. It was absolutely fantastic! I can't wait to go back.
It was nice when I came back to have a place to call home, and that I feel at home in this house.
I'm happy :)
Breathtaking, right?
This is about as high up as you can get in Nice. They have a cute little restaurant and park at the top.
Reading Jane Eyre, of course.
It was still pretty, though.The next morning, I decided to go to Nice because I knew for a fact it was a cool place. I was completely wonderstruck on the train ride. I had a book, but I don't think I looked down from the window a single time. The little seaside villages looked amazingly cozy, I can't imagine waking up to the Mediterranean Sea every day. You know when you're driving towards the beach, and you see the sparkling water through the trees for the first time and you're not sure if it's just a trick of your eyes or actually the ocean? It was exactly like that the first time I saw the Mediterranean. I didn't think that it could be real, it was so beautiful. The Oregon coast is always lovely too, but I've never seen anything like the South of France.
I somehow found the youth hostel super quickly, checked in, and then was off to the water!
I sat on a rocky jetty with the waves washing up on my toes for I don't know how long, I was completely content to sit there forever.
I sat on the beach for awhile, reading and writing in my journal, generally enjoying the view.That night I found an English restaurant and made friends with this huge group of Australians that were there. They had a live band and everyone danced up on the tables all day.
The rest of my trip won't be too exciting for you guys, basically I sat on the beach all day in my swimming suit alternately reading, writing, and swimming. It was absolutely fantastic! I can't wait to go back.
It was nice when I came back to have a place to call home, and that I feel at home in this house.
I'm happy :)
Breathtaking, right?
This is about as high up as you can get in Nice. They have a cute little restaurant and park at the top.
Reading Jane Eyre, of course.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Beaujolais
One of the director's of my program here in Lyon approached the participants in the program a few weeks back about the possibility of going to work on a farm for a week harvesting grapes. I jumped at the opportunity because a. I didn't know what to do with myself for the two weeks that I had off of school and b. I could of course use the extra cash.
Sunday night Charles, Diana, Allegra and I (fellow Oregon students) departed on a 20 minute train ride to Villefranche.
We had dinner and got to know our fellow vendangeurs, who were all very nice and awesome people who we got to know pretty well throughout the week. The next day we worked until our backs ached and our fingers couldn't possibly cut another branch. I've never worked so physically hard in my life and I have to say that it felt great. Dad, you would've been proud.
Allegra picking grapes
We spent the rest of the week working until we were exhausted, singing Disney songs, taking walks, eating delicious food, laughing, speaking lots of French and learning lots of new words (personal favorite: Chaleur - it means heat but can be used to describe a warm-hearted person), making some funny language mistakes, and getting to know some of the best people out there.
Such a beautiful place.
One of my favorite parts was when Charles played his guitar.
Friday night Diana, Allegra, and most everyone else left. Staying at the Gros Family farm was just me, Charles, Valentine, Alex, Julien, and Christian. We worked for another family until Tuesday night and left Wednesday night.
Amazing people.
It was kind of muddy...
...and a little bit wet.
On Sunday we didn't have to work, so we packed up a delicious lunch of Marie's (the mother of the Gros family) homemade bread and fresh fruits and veggies. The six of us as well as the Gros family and their kids ventured off into the hills for a hike and picnic. It was the most perfect day. Weather wise and everything wise. The whole time I was in Beajolais I was so completely content. It would have been impossible not to be. In the future, I would not object to owning a farm. It's the life. And what a great way to raise children!
Mom, I think you and Marie would make great friends. If you come visit we'll definitely go on a picnic/hike with them.
Just breathtaking.
Lucky dog.
The week and a half I spent here was arguably the best week and a half of my life. I just loved it and can't wait until I get to go back in November.
Sunday night Charles, Diana, Allegra and I (fellow Oregon students) departed on a 20 minute train ride to Villefranche.
We had dinner and got to know our fellow vendangeurs, who were all very nice and awesome people who we got to know pretty well throughout the week. The next day we worked until our backs ached and our fingers couldn't possibly cut another branch. I've never worked so physically hard in my life and I have to say that it felt great. Dad, you would've been proud.
Allegra picking grapes
We spent the rest of the week working until we were exhausted, singing Disney songs, taking walks, eating delicious food, laughing, speaking lots of French and learning lots of new words (personal favorite: Chaleur - it means heat but can be used to describe a warm-hearted person), making some funny language mistakes, and getting to know some of the best people out there.
Such a beautiful place.
One of my favorite parts was when Charles played his guitar.
Friday night Diana, Allegra, and most everyone else left. Staying at the Gros Family farm was just me, Charles, Valentine, Alex, Julien, and Christian. We worked for another family until Tuesday night and left Wednesday night.
Amazing people.
It was kind of muddy...
...and a little bit wet.
On Sunday we didn't have to work, so we packed up a delicious lunch of Marie's (the mother of the Gros family) homemade bread and fresh fruits and veggies. The six of us as well as the Gros family and their kids ventured off into the hills for a hike and picnic. It was the most perfect day. Weather wise and everything wise. The whole time I was in Beajolais I was so completely content. It would have been impossible not to be. In the future, I would not object to owning a farm. It's the life. And what a great way to raise children!
Mom, I think you and Marie would make great friends. If you come visit we'll definitely go on a picnic/hike with them.
Just breathtaking.
Lucky dog.
The week and a half I spent here was arguably the best week and a half of my life. I just loved it and can't wait until I get to go back in November.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
The Cow Story Or: How Allegra and I Almost Died in France
Disclaimer: If you care a great deal about my health/well-being, maybe don't read this because it might scare you.
Transcribed from my journal 21/09/2010
So. I'm in the country living the country life. After the hard work of the day was done, Allegra and I decided to g for a walk. We made our way down a big hill and into a field. To our left, I thought I spied a bunch of sheep. We walked up to the barbed fire fence surrounding the field and upon further examination discovered that they were actually cows. I think it was mostly my idea, and we were both thirsting after some adventure, so we deiced to shimmy our way under the fence, through some prickly bushes, and a bunch of stinging nettle. Allegra was wearing flip flops. Flips flops! Oww. We finally got to the actual field, take some pictures of ourselves, and approach the cows. But we weren't really paying attention because we were concentrating too hard on not stepping in the very large cow pies. I realized it before Allegra but when we were, I don't know, thirty feet, maybe? away, that all the cows were staring at us and slowly making their way towards us. I nudge Allegra and say "um.. Allegra? The cows are all staring at us." She looks up and now they are trotting directly at us. Allegra starts springing, but something in the back of my head remembered that running from big animals is a bad idea. So I crouch behind this bush thing but quickly discover that cows are smarter than they look and they all know I'm there. So I run as fast i can, directly straight so as to not leave time for the cows (who are charging now, no big deal) to catch up with us. Directly straight is into some sort of thorny berry bush, but we just charge right into it because there's no where else to go and the cows are almost on top of us. We sort of found a place of respite for a little bit, but I was still unsure if we were going to live through this adventure or not. Even though we were surrounded by thorny berry bushes, we had left a trail behind us, and the cows were still sort of edging closer. So Allegra finally plunges ahead of me and we just make our way through those bushes despite the pain. And finally, THANK GOODNESS, we made it back to the fence. Thank goodness we are alive! Oh my gosh. We are soo stupid. Anyways, as we walked through the other (cow-less) field, we saw all of the cows gathered around still staring us down.
This all went down about half an hour ago. I'm still all shaken up. So freaked out. But thankful to be alive!
What a crazy experience. Aside from that, this past week was absolutely amazing in every aspect. I loved every second. I think I have a new goal in life to own a farm. I'll post some more beajolais stories soon, but for now I need to go to bed.
Two very stupid girls.
Why we were so distracted.
I think I'm scarred for life.
Transcribed from my journal 21/09/2010
So. I'm in the country living the country life. After the hard work of the day was done, Allegra and I decided to g for a walk. We made our way down a big hill and into a field. To our left, I thought I spied a bunch of sheep. We walked up to the barbed fire fence surrounding the field and upon further examination discovered that they were actually cows. I think it was mostly my idea, and we were both thirsting after some adventure, so we deiced to shimmy our way under the fence, through some prickly bushes, and a bunch of stinging nettle. Allegra was wearing flip flops. Flips flops! Oww. We finally got to the actual field, take some pictures of ourselves, and approach the cows. But we weren't really paying attention because we were concentrating too hard on not stepping in the very large cow pies. I realized it before Allegra but when we were, I don't know, thirty feet, maybe? away, that all the cows were staring at us and slowly making their way towards us. I nudge Allegra and say "um.. Allegra? The cows are all staring at us." She looks up and now they are trotting directly at us. Allegra starts springing, but something in the back of my head remembered that running from big animals is a bad idea. So I crouch behind this bush thing but quickly discover that cows are smarter than they look and they all know I'm there. So I run as fast i can, directly straight so as to not leave time for the cows (who are charging now, no big deal) to catch up with us. Directly straight is into some sort of thorny berry bush, but we just charge right into it because there's no where else to go and the cows are almost on top of us. We sort of found a place of respite for a little bit, but I was still unsure if we were going to live through this adventure or not. Even though we were surrounded by thorny berry bushes, we had left a trail behind us, and the cows were still sort of edging closer. So Allegra finally plunges ahead of me and we just make our way through those bushes despite the pain. And finally, THANK GOODNESS, we made it back to the fence. Thank goodness we are alive! Oh my gosh. We are soo stupid. Anyways, as we walked through the other (cow-less) field, we saw all of the cows gathered around still staring us down.
This all went down about half an hour ago. I'm still all shaken up. So freaked out. But thankful to be alive!
What a crazy experience. Aside from that, this past week was absolutely amazing in every aspect. I loved every second. I think I have a new goal in life to own a farm. I'll post some more beajolais stories soon, but for now I need to go to bed.
Two very stupid girls.
Why we were so distracted.
I think I'm scarred for life.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
paradise
i hope this works cause im posting this from my phone. i cant use facebook but i can use pretty much anything else. Dumb i know. right now im at à vineyard in the beaujolais région of france harvesting grapes. Its hard work but super rewarding. Its so beautiful here and the people i work with are awesome and fun. I just love being here. Im surrounded by beautiful landscapes, delicious food and like i said, fantastic coworkers. I couldnt be happier. ive already had a couple unexpected aventures here including a sort of terrifying run in with cows while on a walk with allegra. Ask me and I'll be glad to give more détails. Sorry this is so weird, my phone is french and corrects everything i write; I'll be here til tuesday night so will be out of communication until then. Love you all!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Awkward.
The french pretty much don’t have a word for “awkward.” You can say “bizarre” but that’s basically the same as saying weird. I find it very awkward that there’s not a word for awkward.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
A Day of Dancing
Thing I Love About the French 002:
(this was transcribed from my journal. Written 9 September 2010)
Their open air markets! Today was my third experience with them and just as awesome as the first two. Ella, Niki, and I met at Croix Russe because Ella came here on Tuesday. White N and I waited for Ella we walked through the streets and discovered shop upon shop of cute clothes and delicious baked goods. Not that we were surprised, it's like that everywhere here. Love it! I bought this chocolatey-merrange-cookie thing that resembled a porcupine. I have no idea what it's actually called. But dude. It was freaking bomb. We met up with Ella and commenced exploring the market. It was SUPER BIG. It went on and on and on with sooo much food. Every kind of fresh and local fruits, veggies, cheeses, wines, and breads imaginable. Obviously, the place smelled amazing. And the atmosphere is so vibrant and alive, it's impossible to not get caught up in it.
The view from Croix russe. I'm pretty sure that's the Soane.
I love chocolate.
Du frommage!
ps I didn't realize people were commenting on this blog. For some reason it didn't occur to me that people would do that haha. But from now on I'll respond!
Their open air markets! Today was my third experience with them and just as awesome as the first two. Ella, Niki, and I met at Croix Russe because Ella came here on Tuesday. White N and I waited for Ella we walked through the streets and discovered shop upon shop of cute clothes and delicious baked goods. Not that we were surprised, it's like that everywhere here. Love it! I bought this chocolatey-merrange-cookie thing that resembled a porcupine. I have no idea what it's actually called. But dude. It was freaking bomb. We met up with Ella and commenced exploring the market. It was SUPER BIG. It went on and on and on with sooo much food. Every kind of fresh and local fruits, veggies, cheeses, wines, and breads imaginable. Obviously, the place smelled amazing. And the atmosphere is so vibrant and alive, it's impossible to not get caught up in it.
The view from Croix russe. I'm pretty sure that's the Soane.
I love chocolate.
Du frommage!ps I didn't realize people were commenting on this blog. For some reason it didn't occur to me that people would do that haha. But from now on I'll respond!
Friday, September 3, 2010
Thing I Love About the French 001
It is 100% okay to not do your hair. Or wear a lot of make-up. The greater part of the woman I’ve observed wear their hair very naturally. French people (excuse the generalization, know that this is just my personal observation) strongly believe in being sexy, but they find that most sexiness comes from within. The best way to be sexy is to do so naturally. I’ve already embraced this by not feeling the need to straighten my hair everyday. I don’t know if this will always work, since my hair has a mind of it’s own, but I felt great today. I love looking around me and seeing woman who are comfortable enough with the way they look that they don’t need a bunch of make-up or “perfect” hair in order to feel good about themselves.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Call me!
I got a cell phone! It's so nice not to stress about getting lost anymore. Or at least, getting lost and having no one to call.
If you call me it will obviously be expensive for you, but for me anything incoming is free. So if for any reason you need to call me here's my number (i'm pretty sure this is how you dial from the us):
011.64.38.51.07.8
If you call me it will obviously be expensive for you, but for me anything incoming is free. So if for any reason you need to call me here's my number (i'm pretty sure this is how you dial from the us):
011.64.38.51.07.8
Bisous Bisous
My sister, Clarisse, invited a bunch of her friends over ce soir for dinner and asked me to join. It was fun and interesting at the same time as it was awkward and difficult. For one, EVERYONE TALKS AT THE SAME TIME. At least two people, if not more. It’s all well and good if you speak French, but I had absolutely no idea what was going on pretty much the whole time unless someone was directly speaking to me. Usually I was like “ok, someone just said the word for underwear” and that was as far as I could get. At least there’s always non-verbal communication. Thank goodness for that. Anyways, it was a good night. Oh and I was surprised that all of Clarisse's friends did the bisous (kisses on the cheek). In my opinion, bisous are way better than handshakes, much more personal.
We had kind of an interesting meal consisting of: A super fresh tomato soup. It was delicious, but not too filling, and I was hungry. Instead of using a spoon, everyone just drank theirs. Bizarre! We also had a salad of grapefruit (pamplemousse! my favorite word.) and smoked salmon and some other thing that I have no idea what it was. I know it sounds weird but it tasted excellent. There was also a salad with avocado, chicken, pineapple, corn, and something weirdly spicy. It wasn’t bad, but I don’t know if I’d make it for myself. My favorite part of the meal, though, was our chocolate cake (duh). It had about 5 ingredients and you made the whole thing in the microwave. The microwave! It was sooo good and easy. Super moist and almost brownie like only better. So good.
One of my favorite things to do is to help my family cook. It’s so interesting and different and more delicious than what I’m used to. Also it helps me learn all sorts of vocabulary. Like the word for egg shell, where else would I get that?
The rest of the day was eventful, but not too interesting. I was sad to say goodbye to Niki who's been living with me for the past few days. Her family is finally back from vacation, so she had to leave. Boo.
And I think that's all I have for now.
Bon soir!
We had kind of an interesting meal consisting of: A super fresh tomato soup. It was delicious, but not too filling, and I was hungry. Instead of using a spoon, everyone just drank theirs. Bizarre! We also had a salad of grapefruit (pamplemousse! my favorite word.) and smoked salmon and some other thing that I have no idea what it was. I know it sounds weird but it tasted excellent. There was also a salad with avocado, chicken, pineapple, corn, and something weirdly spicy. It wasn’t bad, but I don’t know if I’d make it for myself. My favorite part of the meal, though, was our chocolate cake (duh). It had about 5 ingredients and you made the whole thing in the microwave. The microwave! It was sooo good and easy. Super moist and almost brownie like only better. So good.
One of my favorite things to do is to help my family cook. It’s so interesting and different and more delicious than what I’m used to. Also it helps me learn all sorts of vocabulary. Like the word for egg shell, where else would I get that?
The rest of the day was eventful, but not too interesting. I was sad to say goodbye to Niki who's been living with me for the past few days. Her family is finally back from vacation, so she had to leave. Boo.
And I think that's all I have for now.
Bon soir!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
ICI!
Hmm, where to start? At the beginning, I suppose.
I tearfully left Portland Tuesday at 12. Landed in Dallas around 5. Left for London around 9. The plane ride sucked. I didn't sleep at all, didn't have a personal light so I couldn't even read, and they didn't have personal tv's, only a big one at the front that stopped playing things fairly early on. Um, lame. But it was over soon enough. Once in London I considered going into the city seeing as I had 8 hours before my flight even boarded. But I decided that I was too exhausted and that it was too expensive to leave my baggage at the left luggage counter. I amused myself over the next 8 hours listening to the wonderful British accents that surrounded me as well as by keeping my ears open for French speakers that I could eavesdrop on. I was successful in finding said speakers but unsuccessful in understanding what they said. Ha.
After an uneventful flight to Lyon, I met up with fellow participant Tyler. A very kind woman, Alice, picked us up and we filled her small car to the brim with our 4 large suitcases. We went to sleep pretty much right away. The next day we woke up around 1:30, ate a very late breakfast of DELICIOUS pain au chocolat. We spent the day getting acquainted with the metro/bus/tram system and exploring Place Bellecour and Hotel de Ville. As we emerged from the escalator leading up from the metro into Bellecour, I found myself completely breathless. I don't think a view of anything has ever done that to me. I'd seen pictures, but there's nothing quite like being here yourself. I've never seen anything so beautiful and perfect. Both of these places are located on the "presque-isle" or "almost island" which is created by the two rivers of Lyon: the Rhone and the Soane (Soane rhymes with Rhone, in case you want to know how to pronounce it). There are many, many shops. How dangerous for me!
The next day we got up a little bit earlier to visit the Parc de la tete D'or. This park has a great big man made lake and in general is just... big. There are a lot of gardens and greenery etc, etc. The best part is that they have a free zoo! FREE! ZOO! Two of my favorite things combined. I think I'll enjoy studying while simultaneously watching the animals.
That night, I went to the station complete with all my luggage to finally meet my host family. Benedicte, my host mother, picked me up. We talked in French the whole way to their house. She is very good at speaking super slowly so I can understand almost everything that she says. She also speaks English pretty well, so if I don't know I word it's easy to ask. She is so nice and welcoming.
When we pulled up to the house, I had to pinch myself. It is absolutely beautiful. It has a huge gate that you have to open in order to enter, so it's basically it's own private oasis of awesomeness. The house is 100 years old, three stories tall, and has that surrounds the hosue complete with a garden, the fruits of which I have already enjoyed. My room is on the third floor and I'm happy to have plenty of room for all of my clothes and shoes. C'est tres bien! My family are seriously some of the nicest people that I have ever met. They are so welcoming and sweet. I mentioned that I needed an adapter for my computer, just in passing, and Thierry, my host father, had got me one while I was out today. So nice! I love this place, I love the people and the food and my house and my host family and the architecture and the rivers and the culture and the language and my co-participants. Everything!
This morning Benedicte and me went to the market which was super fun; everyone is very friendly and it's basically impossible to get fresher food. After that we went to pick up Niki, who's family is still on vacation so she's staying with us until they get back. We ate a delicious lunch of chicken and cous cous salad and then Thierry dropped us off at an amazingly beautiful chapel (that's not the word I'm looking for, my brain is slight dead, but whatever), where we started our tour of Viex Lyon (old Lyon). Viex Lyon is the part of Lyon that is, well, old. ha. The church is on the same hill that Niki and I live on. Thierry told us that there are two hills in Lyon: one to pray and one to work. We live on the praying hill. Even though the tour was completely in French and I think that most of us didn't understand too much of it, it was super fun to get to hang out with the people in our group and see the city that we live in. Once again, I've never been in a more beautiful place.
Tomorrow we're having a picnic at the aforementioned park.
I hope this isn't too long/boring.
à tout à l'heure!
P.S. en francais, ici means here :)
I tearfully left Portland Tuesday at 12. Landed in Dallas around 5. Left for London around 9. The plane ride sucked. I didn't sleep at all, didn't have a personal light so I couldn't even read, and they didn't have personal tv's, only a big one at the front that stopped playing things fairly early on. Um, lame. But it was over soon enough. Once in London I considered going into the city seeing as I had 8 hours before my flight even boarded. But I decided that I was too exhausted and that it was too expensive to leave my baggage at the left luggage counter. I amused myself over the next 8 hours listening to the wonderful British accents that surrounded me as well as by keeping my ears open for French speakers that I could eavesdrop on. I was successful in finding said speakers but unsuccessful in understanding what they said. Ha.
After an uneventful flight to Lyon, I met up with fellow participant Tyler. A very kind woman, Alice, picked us up and we filled her small car to the brim with our 4 large suitcases. We went to sleep pretty much right away. The next day we woke up around 1:30, ate a very late breakfast of DELICIOUS pain au chocolat. We spent the day getting acquainted with the metro/bus/tram system and exploring Place Bellecour and Hotel de Ville. As we emerged from the escalator leading up from the metro into Bellecour, I found myself completely breathless. I don't think a view of anything has ever done that to me. I'd seen pictures, but there's nothing quite like being here yourself. I've never seen anything so beautiful and perfect. Both of these places are located on the "presque-isle" or "almost island" which is created by the two rivers of Lyon: the Rhone and the Soane (Soane rhymes with Rhone, in case you want to know how to pronounce it). There are many, many shops. How dangerous for me!
The next day we got up a little bit earlier to visit the Parc de la tete D'or. This park has a great big man made lake and in general is just... big. There are a lot of gardens and greenery etc, etc. The best part is that they have a free zoo! FREE! ZOO! Two of my favorite things combined. I think I'll enjoy studying while simultaneously watching the animals.
That night, I went to the station complete with all my luggage to finally meet my host family. Benedicte, my host mother, picked me up. We talked in French the whole way to their house. She is very good at speaking super slowly so I can understand almost everything that she says. She also speaks English pretty well, so if I don't know I word it's easy to ask. She is so nice and welcoming.
When we pulled up to the house, I had to pinch myself. It is absolutely beautiful. It has a huge gate that you have to open in order to enter, so it's basically it's own private oasis of awesomeness. The house is 100 years old, three stories tall, and has that surrounds the hosue complete with a garden, the fruits of which I have already enjoyed. My room is on the third floor and I'm happy to have plenty of room for all of my clothes and shoes. C'est tres bien! My family are seriously some of the nicest people that I have ever met. They are so welcoming and sweet. I mentioned that I needed an adapter for my computer, just in passing, and Thierry, my host father, had got me one while I was out today. So nice! I love this place, I love the people and the food and my house and my host family and the architecture and the rivers and the culture and the language and my co-participants. Everything!
This morning Benedicte and me went to the market which was super fun; everyone is very friendly and it's basically impossible to get fresher food. After that we went to pick up Niki, who's family is still on vacation so she's staying with us until they get back. We ate a delicious lunch of chicken and cous cous salad and then Thierry dropped us off at an amazingly beautiful chapel (that's not the word I'm looking for, my brain is slight dead, but whatever), where we started our tour of Viex Lyon (old Lyon). Viex Lyon is the part of Lyon that is, well, old. ha. The church is on the same hill that Niki and I live on. Thierry told us that there are two hills in Lyon: one to pray and one to work. We live on the praying hill. Even though the tour was completely in French and I think that most of us didn't understand too much of it, it was super fun to get to hang out with the people in our group and see the city that we live in. Once again, I've never been in a more beautiful place.
Tomorrow we're having a picnic at the aforementioned park.
I hope this isn't too long/boring.
à tout à l'heure!
P.S. en francais, ici means here :)
Friday, August 6, 2010
Address in France
120 rue Commandant CHARCOT 69005 Lyon, France
Hopefully at some point I'll get a phone.
Hopefully at some point I'll get a phone.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)