Friday, December 3, 2010
So...
Looks like my computer has decided to stop working and I am currently studying for exams which means the time I get on a computer is limited for the time being. After Monday, I will be somewhat sane again and I will be able to update the blog. Ciao.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Sincerest Apologies
So I have been seriously lacking on the blogging front over the last month. For that I apologize. I will hopefully get a few entries out this week with pictures and stories from my travels to Taizé, Paris and Amsterdam. I am gearing up for exams, but I promise to make time to fill you all in on my crazy life.
Life is really good over here. Today I woke up after a great sleep to see snow covering the trees and cars. I was so excited to escape winter this year, but today made me realise that I really love Kamloops in the winter (there also isn't any wind chill so that's a bonus). I went out and had a lovely walk to fetch some cream for my first attempt at eggnog for our international thanksgiving feast. After trying to beat egg whites for an hour, I gave up and settled for runny, but very alcoholic eggnog. I promise to have my last month's adventure typed out here for you to see.
Life is really good over here. Today I woke up after a great sleep to see snow covering the trees and cars. I was so excited to escape winter this year, but today made me realise that I really love Kamloops in the winter (there also isn't any wind chill so that's a bonus). I went out and had a lovely walk to fetch some cream for my first attempt at eggnog for our international thanksgiving feast. After trying to beat egg whites for an hour, I gave up and settled for runny, but very alcoholic eggnog. I promise to have my last month's adventure typed out here for you to see.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
France: land of les grèves et les manifestations
When you hear about the French and how much they like to strike, you are hearing the truth. I know I can’t generalize the whole French population, but it’s enough people to make Charles de Gaulle airport run out of fuel, cancel a half or more of the trains, and shut down my university for many days. But it is really cool to see that if the people aren’t pleased, they do something about it. Sometimes I wish Canadians had the same gumption to react when they are upset with something their government is doing.
On Thursday, I took part in l’Assemblée Generale. Last Wednesday, there was another A.G., and the students voted to block the school for one day. That is why another one was held on Thursday to decide if the blocking would continue throughout the next week. After 3 hours of listening to people rant about the reform and the block (Sarkozy wants to move the retirement age of 60 to 62), only a few actually made some good points. I also couldn’t hear/understand a large portion of the speakers, but everyone else seemed to pay no attention to most of it either.
Then, it was time to vote. They had everyone move in a bit closer, and we then voted a number of times on a lot of different things. A French acquaintance explained the parts we didn’t get, but even he thought it was a little ridiculous. Finally it came to the vote whether or not to block for the whole week. The way we voted was by lifting our hands up. So, as you can imagine, it was very hard to tell the “for’s” from the “against’s.” We then had to move to a designated sign to make counting easier. It was decided that the school would not be blocked, but there would be another A.G. on Tuesday to have more discussions and voting (I think).
I have also been informed because of all the striking, there is no school Tuesday again. I don’t mind because I want to get as much work done before the break as possible. Speaking of the break, with all this striking, it is going to make getting to and from Paris a lovely obstacle. To get to Taizé, I have to go from Rennes to Paris, and then Paris to Macon (a town an hour north of Lyon) and then take a bus from Macon to Taizé. About 2 out of 3 trains are running. I don’t get reimbursed my money, but I just get credit for the same trip. I will get to Taizé, it just might take longer than predicted.
And that brings me to the fact I’m going to Taizé for 10 days in a mere 3 days. I don’t even know how to express how I’m feeling. I think I will have better things to write about it when I get back in November. Right now, it’s just anticipation and excitement. The more I listen to chants or read testimonials, I can’t stop imagining what this place will be like. Life has been so hectic and crazy the last month and a half from getting settled and moving away for the first time and having to speak a language that isn’t mine. It will (hopefully) be a good way to ground and refocus myself and make sure I am really getting what I want out of this experience.
As of my life in Rennes, I have been up to a lot lately. There was an accordian festival and an electronic festival going on over the past 2 weeks. I saw a few shows, including this really strange and fascinating ciné-concert in a caravan with a man playing the accordian to a surealist Czech movie running in the background, and the Vienna Vegetable Orchestra. Check out the video; it will amaze you. I have also been frequenting the Haricot Rouge way too much lately, getting my fill of les chocolats chauds Viennois and delish chocolate chips cookies. I will get a picture on here eventually. Good chance I will want to go before my holidays.
We also went to
the Paimpont Forest yesterday. It's known for its Arthurian legends and such. However we got there without too much info and the tourist office was closed. The most we saw was a sign that said Merlin's tomb and the Fountain of Youth were 14 km away and we had no idea how to really get there. So instead we walked around, had a picnic with cider and explored a little. It wasn't the adventure we were looking for, but it was a lovely day with lovely people and we found some cool trees and mushrooms, so it was still a success.
That is about all I have for you all right now. I am just wrapping up everything at school and prepping for my time at Taizé à ce moment. Keep me in your prayers over the next couple of weeks as I travel in striking France and I spend a week in mediation.
Biz,
Skye
On Thursday, I took part in l’Assemblée Generale. Last Wednesday, there was another A.G., and the students voted to block the school for one day. That is why another one was held on Thursday to decide if the blocking would continue throughout the next week. After 3 hours of listening to people rant about the reform and the block (Sarkozy wants to move the retirement age of 60 to 62), only a few actually made some good points. I also couldn’t hear/understand a large portion of the speakers, but everyone else seemed to pay no attention to most of it either.
Then, it was time to vote. They had everyone move in a bit closer, and we then voted a number of times on a lot of different things. A French acquaintance explained the parts we didn’t get, but even he thought it was a little ridiculous. Finally it came to the vote whether or not to block for the whole week. The way we voted was by lifting our hands up. So, as you can imagine, it was very hard to tell the “for’s” from the “against’s.” We then had to move to a designated sign to make counting easier. It was decided that the school would not be blocked, but there would be another A.G. on Tuesday to have more discussions and voting (I think).
I have also been informed because of all the striking, there is no school Tuesday again. I don’t mind because I want to get as much work done before the break as possible. Speaking of the break, with all this striking, it is going to make getting to and from Paris a lovely obstacle. To get to Taizé, I have to go from Rennes to Paris, and then Paris to Macon (a town an hour north of Lyon) and then take a bus from Macon to Taizé. About 2 out of 3 trains are running. I don’t get reimbursed my money, but I just get credit for the same trip. I will get to Taizé, it just might take longer than predicted.
And that brings me to the fact I’m going to Taizé for 10 days in a mere 3 days. I don’t even know how to express how I’m feeling. I think I will have better things to write about it when I get back in November. Right now, it’s just anticipation and excitement. The more I listen to chants or read testimonials, I can’t stop imagining what this place will be like. Life has been so hectic and crazy the last month and a half from getting settled and moving away for the first time and having to speak a language that isn’t mine. It will (hopefully) be a good way to ground and refocus myself and make sure I am really getting what I want out of this experience.
As of my life in Rennes, I have been up to a lot lately. There was an accordian festival and an electronic festival going on over the past 2 weeks. I saw a few shows, including this really strange and fascinating ciné-concert in a caravan with a man playing the accordian to a surealist Czech movie running in the background, and the Vienna Vegetable Orchestra. Check out the video; it will amaze you. I have also been frequenting the Haricot Rouge way too much lately, getting my fill of les chocolats chauds Viennois and delish chocolate chips cookies. I will get a picture on here eventually. Good chance I will want to go before my holidays.
We also went to
the Paimpont Forest yesterday. It's known for its Arthurian legends and such. However we got there without too much info and the tourist office was closed. The most we saw was a sign that said Merlin's tomb and the Fountain of Youth were 14 km away and we had no idea how to really get there. So instead we walked around, had a picnic with cider and explored a little. It wasn't the adventure we were looking for, but it was a lovely day with lovely people and we found some cool trees and mushrooms, so it was still a success.That is about all I have for you all right now. I am just wrapping up everything at school and prepping for my time at Taizé à ce moment. Keep me in your prayers over the next couple of weeks as I travel in striking France and I spend a week in mediation.
Biz,
Skye
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Un mois déjà...
Julie has informed me I haven't updated my blog since the 18th so I figured with some down time right now I should fill you all in on the last little bit.
Homesickness. Nearly non-existant anymore. I obviously miss everyone back home so much, but this has become my life and I'm starting to love it. I feel like in this last month I have had to do so much and face so many crazy things that the rest of my time here will be a breeze. Well probably minus writing French exams and spending Christmas away from everyone. Anyways. I am nearly integrated into my new life here.
Probably the next thing that I need to focus on is my French itself. You would think after learning how to form the passé composeé when you are 8 you would not have such terrible vocabulary and grammar skills. Apparently you do. It's not like I'm not fluent and can't form sentences with alright grammar. It's just a little embarassing when people ask you how long you have been taking French and you say 5 to be honest and your French isn't really that amazing. But I still often get asked if I'm quebecois. Which is a bit flattering. At least I don't sound completely anglophone.
Today I had class from 1:30-3:30, 3:45-5:45 and 6:00-8:00. Needless to say. It was a long one. But that was 6 hours straight of French listening, writing, speaking and thinking. Not bad. On top of that, my last class was my oral class. It might be one of my favourite classes this semester. There are about 15 people and the prof is really young and nice. She told us to never hold back talking and making mistakes because that is how we learn. I could tell she was genuine about it too. I didn't feel embarassed about saying something. She would correct us, but in a super constructive way. We listened to a radio clip about Hélène Grimaud. One of the questions we had to answer was what was her life-changing moment. The answer was when she met a wolf. When she asked us if we understood, we were all quiet. We were quiet obviously because we couldn't understand, but that this was just really weird.
Anyways, we then went on to describe one of our passions/loves to our partner, and then they explained it out to the class. I couldn't think of anything really exciting so I said B.C. Everyone laughed, but the 6'5 Sweedish guy's passion was chocolate so I was ok. We then had to switch partners and tell our new partner why their passion (we had to be listening too) sucked and how it's the worst thing in the whole wide world. Mosquitos and the cold obviously were brought up. I had to rag on le foot. I said how I don't like how dishonest the players are because they always pretend they are hurt. Drama queens. But the class was so good and I made some good connections. Needless to say, I'm excited for next week's class.
And now it's my weekend. Last night we went to Liza's residence, and Liza and her friend cooked us lovely chicken curry and rice. Delish. Then we had a little international music exchange. In one little room, we had Swedes, Americans, Brits and Turks. And me. Bringing my lovely Canadian music to the mix. We all just hung out and ate and drank wine and listened to everyone's music while putting it on our own computers. We finished the night by watching Flight of the Conchords videos (check this one out. Too perfect for my experience right now. It's so hard to take grocery shopping serious here) until 1am in the morning. Life can't get much better than last night.
And today we officially signed up for classes. It's just another thing that makes this feel more like home. This is where I'm living, and this is where I'm going to school. Tonight there is this festival-esque thing called Tam-Tam. It's basically 3 days of free stuff. My favourite. I think we can get our library cards for free and even get a membership that gets us free access to part of the museum once a week. There is a planetarium ie stars, so many stars. Only one of the most fascinating things in this universe.
Already one month has gone by. It feels like it has gone by so slow, yet at the same time I can't believe I'm already partially done one semester here. One of those things that continues to blow my mind. I should be off. It's nearly time to assemble some form of a meal on a hotplate.
A tout à l'heure,
Skye
PS Also I apologize if my grammar is terrible. I have this ridiculous blend of French and English in my brain right now. It's super hard sometimes to keep the 2 seperated. Franglais is at it's peak ce moment.
Homesickness. Nearly non-existant anymore. I obviously miss everyone back home so much, but this has become my life and I'm starting to love it. I feel like in this last month I have had to do so much and face so many crazy things that the rest of my time here will be a breeze. Well probably minus writing French exams and spending Christmas away from everyone. Anyways. I am nearly integrated into my new life here.
Probably the next thing that I need to focus on is my French itself. You would think after learning how to form the passé composeé when you are 8 you would not have such terrible vocabulary and grammar skills. Apparently you do. It's not like I'm not fluent and can't form sentences with alright grammar. It's just a little embarassing when people ask you how long you have been taking French and you say 5 to be honest and your French isn't really that amazing. But I still often get asked if I'm quebecois. Which is a bit flattering. At least I don't sound completely anglophone.
Today I had class from 1:30-3:30, 3:45-5:45 and 6:00-8:00. Needless to say. It was a long one. But that was 6 hours straight of French listening, writing, speaking and thinking. Not bad. On top of that, my last class was my oral class. It might be one of my favourite classes this semester. There are about 15 people and the prof is really young and nice. She told us to never hold back talking and making mistakes because that is how we learn. I could tell she was genuine about it too. I didn't feel embarassed about saying something. She would correct us, but in a super constructive way. We listened to a radio clip about Hélène Grimaud. One of the questions we had to answer was what was her life-changing moment. The answer was when she met a wolf. When she asked us if we understood, we were all quiet. We were quiet obviously because we couldn't understand, but that this was just really weird.
Anyways, we then went on to describe one of our passions/loves to our partner, and then they explained it out to the class. I couldn't think of anything really exciting so I said B.C. Everyone laughed, but the 6'5 Sweedish guy's passion was chocolate so I was ok. We then had to switch partners and tell our new partner why their passion (we had to be listening too) sucked and how it's the worst thing in the whole wide world. Mosquitos and the cold obviously were brought up. I had to rag on le foot. I said how I don't like how dishonest the players are because they always pretend they are hurt. Drama queens. But the class was so good and I made some good connections. Needless to say, I'm excited for next week's class.
And now it's my weekend. Last night we went to Liza's residence, and Liza and her friend cooked us lovely chicken curry and rice. Delish. Then we had a little international music exchange. In one little room, we had Swedes, Americans, Brits and Turks. And me. Bringing my lovely Canadian music to the mix. We all just hung out and ate and drank wine and listened to everyone's music while putting it on our own computers. We finished the night by watching Flight of the Conchords videos (check this one out. Too perfect for my experience right now. It's so hard to take grocery shopping serious here) until 1am in the morning. Life can't get much better than last night.
And today we officially signed up for classes. It's just another thing that makes this feel more like home. This is where I'm living, and this is where I'm going to school. Tonight there is this festival-esque thing called Tam-Tam. It's basically 3 days of free stuff. My favourite. I think we can get our library cards for free and even get a membership that gets us free access to part of the museum once a week. There is a planetarium ie stars, so many stars. Only one of the most fascinating things in this universe.
Already one month has gone by. It feels like it has gone by so slow, yet at the same time I can't believe I'm already partially done one semester here. One of those things that continues to blow my mind. I should be off. It's nearly time to assemble some form of a meal on a hotplate.
A tout à l'heure,
Skye
PS Also I apologize if my grammar is terrible. I have this ridiculous blend of French and English in my brain right now. It's super hard sometimes to keep the 2 seperated. Franglais is at it's peak ce moment.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
3 day weekend, Evening Hymns and IKEA
I think I am going to enjoy having a 3 day weekend for a whole semester. After classes finished on Thursday, I worked up the courage to go to volleyball only to find out they start next week. I was not pleased. Anyways, I will be going next week sometime (and I will also have my court shoes and kneepads! Thanks mom!).
That night we had a meeting with Gildas, our ISEP coordinator. We talked about our classes for a bit, but we spent the majority of the hour talking about the French school system and government. Apparently Rennes 2 is one of the most politically active schools in France. It's super amazing to see so many students passionate about their rights, but it means there is a good chance there will be a lot of days where the school goes on strike. Right now, there is an issue regarding pensions and the students have decided it affects them too so the school might be closed on Thursday. Also, the past 2 years in France have been really bad for strikes. When I was talking to a girl at the concert I went to Saturday night (I will get to this later), she said Rennes 2 went on strike and she didn't have classes for 3 months. The education is so different here, and in a lot of ways it's so much better than our system back home. Everyone has a right to education, and no one can be denied entry to university. It's ridiculous how much we pay back home for university (my American friends pay even more). I'm just hoping the striking doesn't get too crazy this year. As sweet as it would be to be off school all the time, I'm still here to learn.
On Friday we got and we went shopping! We've discovered the cheaper stores and I bought myself some trousers all the French girls wear around here, and some sweet kicks at H&M. H&M here is so much better and so much more chic (like everything else). That night we went to le Mairie (the mayor's building) because they were having a reception for all international students. This building was so grand and majestic. Kamloops City Hall is a joke. This was like a palace just for the mayor. We stood in a really crowded room and enjoyed some lovely French desserts and weird green punch.
Later that night, I went to this bar called La Bascule to listen to some indie-folk music. Everyone else was going bowling, and it was tempting to go. But I needed a night to myself and I needed to chill out and listen to some good, warm music. When I got there, there were so many middle-aged people, but I chatted up the girl who organized the event. This bar was so strange and awesome. The first act was so bizarre; I really didn't know what to think. But then Evening Hymns came out. It was exactly what I needed. You should all really check them out. I told them to come to Kamloops because they are so wonderful. (Watch the video they filmed in France called Dead Deer. Their voices together are so beautiful and haunting). Afterwards, I talked with them (Jonas and Sylvie). They were so friendly and interesting, like any Canadian indie artist. There was one more act, and he was so lovely, but I was tired. It was close to midnight and I still had a walk and a metro ride ahead of me. I was so glad I took the risk to go by myself and have to chat with people I don't know. I couldn't have asked for more.
This morning I got up around 10am and Wei and I went to IKEA! So exciting. We took a bus 10 minutes outside of Rennes. I couldn't believe how little this place we went to felt like France. It looked and felt like any suburb off a big city with McDicks, IKEA and giant mall and other warehouse stores. I successfully purchased a clothing dryer thing (I still had yet to assemble it) and a meal in the IKEA caf. It was so nice to have a warm meal that wasn't pasta or instant packages of rice. Then after being baffled by the buses, we got on the right one without waiting too long and made it home safe and sound.
Tomorrow there is this giant braderie (flea market). I had some friends that went today and they said it was crazy. It was so huge and there was so much stuff. I'm really excited. And then I have a long time to do go over all my notes and make sure I am picking all the right classes. Life is getting more normal here everyday. I can't believe I've already been here close to 3 weeks. Pretty soon and I will have already been here for 1/8 of my time in Rennes. That is so nuts.
At the end of October, we have a week of vacation, so I am thinking about going to Taizé. I am so close so I need to take this opportunity to go there. I am going to buy my train ticket this week so I can start mentally and spiritually preparing myself for the week in the community.
Thank you for all your messages and comments and prayers and thoughts. I miss you all beaucoup. The homesickness peels off more and more everyday as I get into the rhythm of things here. I know I can do this, and I feel confident in myself here because I know I have a whole group of people back home supporting me and praying for me and wishing me the best.
Grosses bises,
Skye
That night we had a meeting with Gildas, our ISEP coordinator. We talked about our classes for a bit, but we spent the majority of the hour talking about the French school system and government. Apparently Rennes 2 is one of the most politically active schools in France. It's super amazing to see so many students passionate about their rights, but it means there is a good chance there will be a lot of days where the school goes on strike. Right now, there is an issue regarding pensions and the students have decided it affects them too so the school might be closed on Thursday. Also, the past 2 years in France have been really bad for strikes. When I was talking to a girl at the concert I went to Saturday night (I will get to this later), she said Rennes 2 went on strike and she didn't have classes for 3 months. The education is so different here, and in a lot of ways it's so much better than our system back home. Everyone has a right to education, and no one can be denied entry to university. It's ridiculous how much we pay back home for university (my American friends pay even more). I'm just hoping the striking doesn't get too crazy this year. As sweet as it would be to be off school all the time, I'm still here to learn.
On Friday we got and we went shopping! We've discovered the cheaper stores and I bought myself some trousers all the French girls wear around here, and some sweet kicks at H&M. H&M here is so much better and so much more chic (like everything else). That night we went to le Mairie (the mayor's building) because they were having a reception for all international students. This building was so grand and majestic. Kamloops City Hall is a joke. This was like a palace just for the mayor. We stood in a really crowded room and enjoyed some lovely French desserts and weird green punch.
Later that night, I went to this bar called La Bascule to listen to some indie-folk music. Everyone else was going bowling, and it was tempting to go. But I needed a night to myself and I needed to chill out and listen to some good, warm music. When I got there, there were so many middle-aged people, but I chatted up the girl who organized the event. This bar was so strange and awesome. The first act was so bizarre; I really didn't know what to think. But then Evening Hymns came out. It was exactly what I needed. You should all really check them out. I told them to come to Kamloops because they are so wonderful. (Watch the video they filmed in France called Dead Deer. Their voices together are so beautiful and haunting). Afterwards, I talked with them (Jonas and Sylvie). They were so friendly and interesting, like any Canadian indie artist. There was one more act, and he was so lovely, but I was tired. It was close to midnight and I still had a walk and a metro ride ahead of me. I was so glad I took the risk to go by myself and have to chat with people I don't know. I couldn't have asked for more.
This morning I got up around 10am and Wei and I went to IKEA! So exciting. We took a bus 10 minutes outside of Rennes. I couldn't believe how little this place we went to felt like France. It looked and felt like any suburb off a big city with McDicks, IKEA and giant mall and other warehouse stores. I successfully purchased a clothing dryer thing (I still had yet to assemble it) and a meal in the IKEA caf. It was so nice to have a warm meal that wasn't pasta or instant packages of rice. Then after being baffled by the buses, we got on the right one without waiting too long and made it home safe and sound.
Tomorrow there is this giant braderie (flea market). I had some friends that went today and they said it was crazy. It was so huge and there was so much stuff. I'm really excited. And then I have a long time to do go over all my notes and make sure I am picking all the right classes. Life is getting more normal here everyday. I can't believe I've already been here close to 3 weeks. Pretty soon and I will have already been here for 1/8 of my time in Rennes. That is so nuts.
At the end of October, we have a week of vacation, so I am thinking about going to Taizé. I am so close so I need to take this opportunity to go there. I am going to buy my train ticket this week so I can start mentally and spiritually preparing myself for the week in the community.
Thank you for all your messages and comments and prayers and thoughts. I miss you all beaucoup. The homesickness peels off more and more everyday as I get into the rhythm of things here. I know I can do this, and I feel confident in myself here because I know I have a whole group of people back home supporting me and praying for me and wishing me the best.
Grosses bises,
Skye
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Day 3 of Classes (aka I'm finally getting excited)
Salut!
After the first day of school from the gates of gehenna, things are starting to look up. Yesterday I had my history and media seminar-esque class. It will be fairly difficult because we, as students, have to do most of the work and do a presentation. The language barrier is still there, but I was understanding the idea of things. Right now I'm in a group with 2 French girls doing our presentation on docudramas and docufictions from 1990-2000. I might be moved around because the groups are uneven and something to do with me being an exchange student.
After the class, I went to go to my anthropology TD and I could not find the classroom. My brain also was probably not able to process any more French for the day. I kind of just milled around, chatting with my friends in my building about our day and classes. I may or may not have watched Jersey Shore...
Later that night, Julie, Wei and I (two of my friends who go to school in Virginia) decided to go check out this Irish pub, the Westport Inn. On Tuesday nights, there are jam sessions of lovely Irish music. We got there around 9 and as usual, nothing had started. We decided to wander around and sat down by this lovely fountain in le Place Hoche. It was such a nice spot to people watch and chat. Around 10, we ventured back to the pub to find one of our Irish friends, Jerri. We also met a bunch of other Irish folks, made some good connections and had lovely conversations. I even had a half pint of beer. If you know me, you know the smell of beer used to make me nauseous. But I'm getting over that. I didn't die, I didn't feel sick, and I almost had another one. Alas, it was then midnight and the metro shuts down at 12:30am.
When I came back I was really excited for what this city and these people I've been meeting have in store for me. It was one of the first times where I wasn't just telling myself I am ready for this; I just knew it.
Today I had one class, my history and theory of anthropology lecture. Then the prof started talking. Holy crap she talks fast. But I noticed she was the first prof I've had here that actually has animation in her lectures. She is super passionate about anthropology, and she isn't holding anything back. She even said I will try to shock you this semester to get you thinking. How wicked is that. She also told us to "faire l'amour avec le texte", roughly "make love with your work" (she said not sexually, but the laughter from the classroom told me otherwise). At the break, I got up the courage to talk to her to let her know I'm an exchange student and I missed the seminar the day before. She was super friendly. When I said I was from Canada, she asked if I was from Quebec. Every single person asks that. I'm taking it as a compliment because it means I don't sound completely anglophone. Merci l'immersion française. She gave me all the papers and info I needed and a big smile. She may be super crazy and eccentric, but she is definately my favourite so far.
Tonight I am supposed to go play volleyball, but in trying to pack light, I didn't bring my court shoes or kneepads. I also haven't played for close to 2 years. It's a little more nervewracking than just sitting in a class. Not only are my French skills lacking, but my volleyball skills as well. We will see if I get up the courage to go tonight. I've been told it's an amazing way to meet French students, but I'm still super anxious about going.
That has been my last two days here. I know I am going to have to work super hard and the stress I have right now isn't going to magically disapear. But just looking back at the past 2 weeks I've been here, I've already progressed so much. I'm fully launched at this point and there is no turning back now.
Grosses bises,
Skye
PS Les bises (2 kisses here) is so much better than shaking hands when you meet someone. But I do miss big hugs between close friends.
After the first day of school from the gates of gehenna, things are starting to look up. Yesterday I had my history and media seminar-esque class. It will be fairly difficult because we, as students, have to do most of the work and do a presentation. The language barrier is still there, but I was understanding the idea of things. Right now I'm in a group with 2 French girls doing our presentation on docudramas and docufictions from 1990-2000. I might be moved around because the groups are uneven and something to do with me being an exchange student.
After the class, I went to go to my anthropology TD and I could not find the classroom. My brain also was probably not able to process any more French for the day. I kind of just milled around, chatting with my friends in my building about our day and classes. I may or may not have watched Jersey Shore...
Later that night, Julie, Wei and I (two of my friends who go to school in Virginia) decided to go check out this Irish pub, the Westport Inn. On Tuesday nights, there are jam sessions of lovely Irish music. We got there around 9 and as usual, nothing had started. We decided to wander around and sat down by this lovely fountain in le Place Hoche. It was such a nice spot to people watch and chat. Around 10, we ventured back to the pub to find one of our Irish friends, Jerri. We also met a bunch of other Irish folks, made some good connections and had lovely conversations. I even had a half pint of beer. If you know me, you know the smell of beer used to make me nauseous. But I'm getting over that. I didn't die, I didn't feel sick, and I almost had another one. Alas, it was then midnight and the metro shuts down at 12:30am.
When I came back I was really excited for what this city and these people I've been meeting have in store for me. It was one of the first times where I wasn't just telling myself I am ready for this; I just knew it.
Today I had one class, my history and theory of anthropology lecture. Then the prof started talking. Holy crap she talks fast. But I noticed she was the first prof I've had here that actually has animation in her lectures. She is super passionate about anthropology, and she isn't holding anything back. She even said I will try to shock you this semester to get you thinking. How wicked is that. She also told us to "faire l'amour avec le texte", roughly "make love with your work" (she said not sexually, but the laughter from the classroom told me otherwise). At the break, I got up the courage to talk to her to let her know I'm an exchange student and I missed the seminar the day before. She was super friendly. When I said I was from Canada, she asked if I was from Quebec. Every single person asks that. I'm taking it as a compliment because it means I don't sound completely anglophone. Merci l'immersion française. She gave me all the papers and info I needed and a big smile. She may be super crazy and eccentric, but she is definately my favourite so far.
Tonight I am supposed to go play volleyball, but in trying to pack light, I didn't bring my court shoes or kneepads. I also haven't played for close to 2 years. It's a little more nervewracking than just sitting in a class. Not only are my French skills lacking, but my volleyball skills as well. We will see if I get up the courage to go tonight. I've been told it's an amazing way to meet French students, but I'm still super anxious about going.
That has been my last two days here. I know I am going to have to work super hard and the stress I have right now isn't going to magically disapear. But just looking back at the past 2 weeks I've been here, I've already progressed so much. I'm fully launched at this point and there is no turning back now.
Grosses bises,
Skye
PS Les bises (2 kisses here) is so much better than shaking hands when you meet someone. But I do miss big hugs between close friends.
Monday, September 13, 2010
First day of school...
Today I woke up nice and early to skype with my lovely sister only to find out she thought it was tomorrow night and therefore could only quickly chat for 5 minutes. But I have discovered the early bird gets the best internet signal. I might have to become a morning person.
I started classes bright and early at 8:15am this morning. On a Monday. On the first day. I was thrilled. Then again, I don't have classes on Fridays, so I shouldn't complain about one morning class. I started by going into one amphi (the big lecture halls here) only to find out it was definately not 19th century European history but something to do with numbers and statistics. Thankfully the class didn't start and I just casually got up and left when I figured out my blunder. I get to my class, and it actually went pretty well. I think I took pretty good notes for not having done anything in French since high school and I could understand the prof pretty well. After class I had enough time to snag a 60 euro cent coffee and went to my next class.
This is when my day went from comfortable to horrible. The class was so hot and humid; my skin was super sticky. And I chose to sit closer to the back as not to look like a keener. Wrong choice. First of all, the prof talks so quiet and so fast. I could barely make out what he was saying at first. And then when ever I would start to get into the swing of things, the bustle from all the people coughing and sneezing and texting and talking and shifting in their really squeaky seats made it impossible to hear anything. My experience consisted of 2 hours not understanding a word the prof was saying with broken, incoherant French notes that I have to go over to try and make sense of. Note: sit closer to the front from now on. This was one of the first times I felt completely and utterly confused in what was going around me since I've been here. I have the TD, or the seminar-esque class, for the class I couldn't understand in an hour. There will only be 50 students at max so hopefully I will have a better understanding of the course. Wish me luck mes amis et mes amies!
I started classes bright and early at 8:15am this morning. On a Monday. On the first day. I was thrilled. Then again, I don't have classes on Fridays, so I shouldn't complain about one morning class. I started by going into one amphi (the big lecture halls here) only to find out it was definately not 19th century European history but something to do with numbers and statistics. Thankfully the class didn't start and I just casually got up and left when I figured out my blunder. I get to my class, and it actually went pretty well. I think I took pretty good notes for not having done anything in French since high school and I could understand the prof pretty well. After class I had enough time to snag a 60 euro cent coffee and went to my next class.
This is when my day went from comfortable to horrible. The class was so hot and humid; my skin was super sticky. And I chose to sit closer to the back as not to look like a keener. Wrong choice. First of all, the prof talks so quiet and so fast. I could barely make out what he was saying at first. And then when ever I would start to get into the swing of things, the bustle from all the people coughing and sneezing and texting and talking and shifting in their really squeaky seats made it impossible to hear anything. My experience consisted of 2 hours not understanding a word the prof was saying with broken, incoherant French notes that I have to go over to try and make sense of. Note: sit closer to the front from now on. This was one of the first times I felt completely and utterly confused in what was going around me since I've been here. I have the TD, or the seminar-esque class, for the class I couldn't understand in an hour. There will only be 50 students at max so hopefully I will have a better understanding of the course. Wish me luck mes amis et mes amies!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Le Mont-Saint-Michel
Salut!
I am currently sitting my dorm room having just returned from le Mont-Saint-Michel. If you don't already know what it is here is a lengthy, Wiki-description of it so I don't have to type it all out. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mont_Saint-Michel
We drove an hour from the university to get there only to find out they still had to get the tickets. It was such a let down to drive all the way there only to sit outside and stare at it for another 45 minutes. But after our lunch and encounters with some giant mutant seagulls, we finally received our tickets to go to the Abbey. Like everything in Europe, to get there, we had to go up a ridiculous amount of stairs. I will have quads of steel by the end of this year. After the sweaty and long trek, we finally made it to the top. The views were definately worth it.
When we went into the abbey, there was a prayer service happening. About 5 nuns in their cool outfits and Birkenstocks were praying on the floor of this majestic, yet very simple church. It was kind of neat to see after visiting all the big and grand churches in Rennes. We walked around the abbey for another 30 minutes until we all became extremely hungry and tired.
I bought an extremely overpriced, yet delicious, chocolat crepe. One thing France does not do like Canada is customer service. The customer is not always right. A lot of people have been extremely friendly, but I've found people aren't has keen to make sure you get exactly what you want. I am beginning to adjust to the culture, but sometimes I miss friendly, Canadian servers.
Now I am just hanging out, trying to make sure all my classes are in order for Monday. It looks like I will only have classes Monday-Thursday! This is so very exciting. I should be off now. I'm so pumped to finally be starting school and begin my next challenge here.
A bientôt,
Skye
I am currently sitting my dorm room having just returned from le Mont-Saint-Michel. If you don't already know what it is here is a lengthy, Wiki-description of it so I don't have to type it all out. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mont_Saint-Michel
We drove an hour from the university to get there only to find out they still had to get the tickets. It was such a let down to drive all the way there only to sit outside and stare at it for another 45 minutes. But after our lunch and encounters with some giant mutant seagulls, we finally received our tickets to go to the Abbey. Like everything in Europe, to get there, we had to go up a ridiculous amount of stairs. I will have quads of steel by the end of this year. After the sweaty and long trek, we finally made it to the top. The views were definately worth it.
When we went into the abbey, there was a prayer service happening. About 5 nuns in their cool outfits and Birkenstocks were praying on the floor of this majestic, yet very simple church. It was kind of neat to see after visiting all the big and grand churches in Rennes. We walked around the abbey for another 30 minutes until we all became extremely hungry and tired.
I bought an extremely overpriced, yet delicious, chocolat crepe. One thing France does not do like Canada is customer service. The customer is not always right. A lot of people have been extremely friendly, but I've found people aren't has keen to make sure you get exactly what you want. I am beginning to adjust to the culture, but sometimes I miss friendly, Canadian servers.
Now I am just hanging out, trying to make sure all my classes are in order for Monday. It looks like I will only have classes Monday-Thursday! This is so very exciting. I should be off now. I'm so pumped to finally be starting school and begin my next challenge here.
A bientôt,
Skye
Thursday, September 9, 2010
I might be the worst blogger ever...but I'm blaming it on my wireless-free life.
No internet in my room makes is super duper easy to keep updating this. But once my life is actually on a schedule, not just hanging out in Rennes for a week, updates will be more frequent.
School still hasn't started here yet, so I have been exploring, practicing my French, making friends from around the world, and of course, discovering all the best and cheapest French wines. I haven't done anything super exciting as of late besides walking around and just taking in the city. I still can't get over how old everything is here. In Kamloops, it's a big deal if something is hertitage and older than a hundred years. Here, le Centreville (downtown area) was built a couple hundred of years ago and you can still feel the historic vibe of centuries that have passed. And cobblestone streets! I love cobblestone streets.
I could keep writing, but I am going to Mt St. Michel this Saturday (look it up) and I will update my blog with pictures then!
A bientôt,
Skye
School still hasn't started here yet, so I have been exploring, practicing my French, making friends from around the world, and of course, discovering all the best and cheapest French wines. I haven't done anything super exciting as of late besides walking around and just taking in the city. I still can't get over how old everything is here. In Kamloops, it's a big deal if something is hertitage and older than a hundred years. Here, le Centreville (downtown area) was built a couple hundred of years ago and you can still feel the historic vibe of centuries that have passed. And cobblestone streets! I love cobblestone streets.
I could keep writing, but I am going to Mt St. Michel this Saturday (look it up) and I will update my blog with pictures then!
A bientôt,
Skye
Saturday, September 4, 2010
I know. I've been neglectful. But I'm here!
Hey everyone. I am sitting in a lovely cyber cafe roasting because it has been close to 30 degrees everyday since I've been here and so humid. One reason I have not updated yet is because I won't have internet of my own until next week (which means I have been getting used to typing on this crazy French keyboard). I got in safely to Rennes after 4 quick flights, no lost luggage, and one TGV ride through the countryside. Gildas, the coordinator for my exchange program, fetched me and took me to my home for the next 8 months. It is not what I expected but I will make due. Very soon I will post pictures of how high quality my residence building is...
Anyways, we have been doing so much over these past few days. I have made some friends from the states (everyone thinks I'm American), the Netherlands and Belgium. When we all hang out we speak French too which is super amazing. I can't believe how fast it is coming back to me. My accent if obviously not great but more and more people here will speak French back to me. Last night we went to le Rue St. Michel (appropriately nicknamed le rue de soif) and enjoyed the last few hours of the warm weather and a few glasses of cheap and delicious wine. Except here people don't even start partying until 11ish and go until 5 or 6 in the morning! All the discothèques don't even open until midnight. We will see if I can adjust to European hours.
I miss you all and if you want to send me mail or get mail just fire me a message or email and we can exchange snail mail addresses!
A bientôt,
Skye
Anyways, we have been doing so much over these past few days. I have made some friends from the states (everyone thinks I'm American), the Netherlands and Belgium. When we all hang out we speak French too which is super amazing. I can't believe how fast it is coming back to me. My accent if obviously not great but more and more people here will speak French back to me. Last night we went to le Rue St. Michel (appropriately nicknamed le rue de soif) and enjoyed the last few hours of the warm weather and a few glasses of cheap and delicious wine. Except here people don't even start partying until 11ish and go until 5 or 6 in the morning! All the discothèques don't even open until midnight. We will see if I can adjust to European hours.
I miss you all and if you want to send me mail or get mail just fire me a message or email and we can exchange snail mail addresses!
A bientôt,
Skye
Monday, August 16, 2010
Pre-Adventure Post
Hey there friends and family! I'm just shy of 2 weeks left in Canada before I depart on my French adventure. I've made this blog so that you can see what I'm up to and check in every once in a while. I will obviously try and post as much as possible so I can keep you all in the loop. I'm so unbelievably excited to go, and I can't wait to share stories and tales and adventures and mishaps and encounters and whatever else happens with you guys!
Skye
PS If you want to correspond with me in a snail mail-esque manner, send me an email or facebook message with your address. I will let you know my address once I know for sure what it is!
Skye
PS If you want to correspond with me in a snail mail-esque manner, send me an email or facebook message with your address. I will let you know my address once I know for sure what it is!
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