This experience wasn't really planned out. At all. And I am so lucky that I found a place to sleep, let alone a great experience.
I stayed in Nancy for the last few days, It was really nice to walk around the city. I don't know why I find it such a nice city, but the people on the streets are interesting, and they SMILE! Plus I've decided in my head that everyone in Paris is evil, which of course isn't at all true... but I have to work hard to change my mind.
Nancy has a beautiful park, even in the middle of winter it has a spirit to it. I went for a walk around 7 or 8 at night. It was foggy and dark, but the walking paths were lit by French street lamps, and there were perhaps around a hundred crows in the trees. It sounded so creepy, and it smelled like real air, which is something I haven't smelled in a long time! haha
I also went to see the museum there, And after seeing a lot of museums in Paris I wasn't expecting it to be as interesting. But to my pleasant surprise, it was very impressive. Unfortunately I don’t think I can explain the art work very well here. So I will leave it at that, and say that I'm inspired to get back to painting.
My host was .. well... awesome! I did not expect to have such a great first experience with couch surfing... and I think I lucked out! I left feeling very inspired to DO the things that make me happy... like singing, and dancing, guitar, painting, and writing, and I need to need to fix my camera, because winter in France is something special.
Because the things that you do have more impact in life then the things you say. There are so many things that I would love to be good at... but I never try. The thing is that I have the time right now, to really do it.
I want to take advantage of my disadvantages. I want to find them now, and work on them, so today i bought some paint and painted. and I practiced guitar.
I'm still looking for a career idea, but I don’t think I’m as afraid of having a career as I used to be.
I am really glad I did something different. I know it’s only Nancy, but for me it was really fun. It was nice to spend some time with someone new, and share some experiences, music, food, drinks and conversation (mostly in french).
Will be out couch surfing again soon!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
Voici quelques-unes de mes choses préférées
Now that it is freezing outside, and everyone is sick. It seems like a very appropriate time start sharing the love and celebrating the season.
Here are some of my favourite things to do around this time of year:
Eating chocolate (my family has gone through 1 kilo of chocolate in the last week) - and drinking it is especially satisfying, I've gotten Anais addicted to my hot chocolate because its awesome.
Baking- its nice and creative and keeps children somewhat engaged
Playing board games with french strangers - Anais and I went to a restaurant and played french board games with 3 very nice ladies for an entire afternoon this last week. (Possibly my favourite part of the week)
Pretending I can play musical instruments - My family is determined to play Christmas carols this year, so we are painfully strumming through chords on the guitar together, while the other guesses at the harmony, and Steph pulls it all together with the correct notes on the piano.
Spending lazy weekends with my sister and my host family.
Decorating the house! Listening to Manhattan Transfer Christmas songs and hanging christmas lights is mandatory.
Reading- although the last book I read was incredibly upsetting (flesh and blood by Michael Cunningham)It was still a great book.
Learning French. Although some days I want to roll over like a dog and play dead because I’m so frustrated with how long it takes to learn a second language. I am starting to be content with the amount of French I have been able to learn and understand.
French humour. It’s corky and awkward and that’s why I like it!
What do you do during this time of the year to keep you warm?
Here are some of my favourite things to do around this time of year:
Eating chocolate (my family has gone through 1 kilo of chocolate in the last week) - and drinking it is especially satisfying, I've gotten Anais addicted to my hot chocolate because its awesome.
Baking- its nice and creative and keeps children somewhat engaged
Playing board games with french strangers - Anais and I went to a restaurant and played french board games with 3 very nice ladies for an entire afternoon this last week. (Possibly my favourite part of the week)
Pretending I can play musical instruments - My family is determined to play Christmas carols this year, so we are painfully strumming through chords on the guitar together, while the other guesses at the harmony, and Steph pulls it all together with the correct notes on the piano.
Spending lazy weekends with my sister and my host family.
Decorating the house! Listening to Manhattan Transfer Christmas songs and hanging christmas lights is mandatory.
Reading- although the last book I read was incredibly upsetting (flesh and blood by Michael Cunningham)It was still a great book.
Learning French. Although some days I want to roll over like a dog and play dead because I’m so frustrated with how long it takes to learn a second language. I am starting to be content with the amount of French I have been able to learn and understand.
French humour. It’s corky and awkward and that’s why I like it!
What do you do during this time of the year to keep you warm?
Friday, November 19, 2010
Last angry career/life related post...
Here I am at 20 years of age. My parents are no longer able to guide me in any sort of direction as far as career goes, and I am here guiding a young child with small but perhaps influential ideas on how to live her life. I am completely frustrated with my situation
The education system that I was given has brought me to this very important moment in my life where it is absolutely essential to find my passion, my “gift” and to pay thousands of dollars to spend the next 5+ years studying my “gift” in order to receive a paper that says to my future employers that my “gift” now is valid.
Well screw you future employers. My life is not worth your fortune. And my “gift” is just that – Its mine, and it is unique and is valid without the approval of university professors. AHHHH! Why do we do this to ourselves, to our children?
I am not ready to find security, whatever that means. “Get a good job” “Make sure it gives you the financial security you need” “do the creative things on the side”. Why would I want to live my life doing simple nothings for the good of no one, just so I can have those 3 hours after work and the weekend to do what makes me happy?
Why are universities given such prestige? They are just a large manufacturing business like any other. I’m not saying that I wouldn’t want to buy what they were producing… but it’s only because my mind is set to be a consumer…
I remember when I was in a competitive music festival when I was 12 or 13, and I had practiced my songs over and over, and I was truly content with the songs I was singing and the music I was making. When I went up to the stage I took a big breath and sang from the bottom of my heart, carful to make sure that the song would become something on its own. I remember feeling this really awesome feeling after the song was done, music is really cool that way… It hits you unexpectedly with joy.
When I was evaluated I was told that my posture was all wrong and I wasn’t properly shaping my lips. What the hell does that have to do with music? Does the wind blow in straight lines through the trees? Does water hesitate to estimate the fall before jumping off cliffs?
But this is how we function; everything must fit into a box.
Everyone must aspire to live their life in a straight production (opps) productive line.
The education system that I was given has brought me to this very important moment in my life where it is absolutely essential to find my passion, my “gift” and to pay thousands of dollars to spend the next 5+ years studying my “gift” in order to receive a paper that says to my future employers that my “gift” now is valid.
Well screw you future employers. My life is not worth your fortune. And my “gift” is just that – Its mine, and it is unique and is valid without the approval of university professors. AHHHH! Why do we do this to ourselves, to our children?
I am not ready to find security, whatever that means. “Get a good job” “Make sure it gives you the financial security you need” “do the creative things on the side”. Why would I want to live my life doing simple nothings for the good of no one, just so I can have those 3 hours after work and the weekend to do what makes me happy?
Why are universities given such prestige? They are just a large manufacturing business like any other. I’m not saying that I wouldn’t want to buy what they were producing… but it’s only because my mind is set to be a consumer…
I remember when I was in a competitive music festival when I was 12 or 13, and I had practiced my songs over and over, and I was truly content with the songs I was singing and the music I was making. When I went up to the stage I took a big breath and sang from the bottom of my heart, carful to make sure that the song would become something on its own. I remember feeling this really awesome feeling after the song was done, music is really cool that way… It hits you unexpectedly with joy.
When I was evaluated I was told that my posture was all wrong and I wasn’t properly shaping my lips. What the hell does that have to do with music? Does the wind blow in straight lines through the trees? Does water hesitate to estimate the fall before jumping off cliffs?
But this is how we function; everything must fit into a box.
Everyone must aspire to live their life in a straight production (opps) productive line.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
my brain feels like scrambled eggs (get ready to read a bunch of scrambled questions)
Let me warn you that if you are not in the mood to listen to my thoughts go a bit crazy like they usually do - then you might want to read this blog some other time. Its not really a "travel post" per say unless you consider "travel" an action that occurs in your mind and not on the ground.
Children are wonderful because they make mistakes. And they make a lot of them. Parents are stupid because they correct their children’s mistakes.
When you do something according to rules or guides or books, it is actually incredibly easy for someone to replicate. Whereas if you make a mistake when creating something, it is almost impossible for someone to create the exact same mistake. Isn't that what creation is about? Making something that has never existed before and perhaps never again?
In my search of my next path to take in life I have considered becoming a teacher. The only thing is if I do that, my role will be to teach people how do think, create or act like someone else. So after I learn the subjects in university I will regurgitate it back to the youth. Isn’t that a backwards motion? What does "educate" actually mean?
What annoyes me about myself and others in general, is that we are all looking for affirmation. As I am doing right now; (look at me - I'm writing a blog that is different and I'm hoping you find my remarkes interesting and witty)
When do we stop? when do we start judging the world for ourselves without the influence of society.
Does an artist truly create for his own pleasure? Or does he create to impress others?
And what value does the acceptance of others actually have?
In what moment of our lives are we truly unique?
Children are wonderful because they make mistakes. And they make a lot of them. Parents are stupid because they correct their children’s mistakes.
When you do something according to rules or guides or books, it is actually incredibly easy for someone to replicate. Whereas if you make a mistake when creating something, it is almost impossible for someone to create the exact same mistake. Isn't that what creation is about? Making something that has never existed before and perhaps never again?
In my search of my next path to take in life I have considered becoming a teacher. The only thing is if I do that, my role will be to teach people how do think, create or act like someone else. So after I learn the subjects in university I will regurgitate it back to the youth. Isn’t that a backwards motion? What does "educate" actually mean?
What annoyes me about myself and others in general, is that we are all looking for affirmation. As I am doing right now; (look at me - I'm writing a blog that is different and I'm hoping you find my remarkes interesting and witty)
When do we stop? when do we start judging the world for ourselves without the influence of society.
Does an artist truly create for his own pleasure? Or does he create to impress others?
And what value does the acceptance of others actually have?
In what moment of our lives are we truly unique?
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Strike!
Today I will write about the strike going on in France;
It’s difficult to feel like my opinion on the strike is valid, being from Canada - a strike as great as the one here is unheard of, and would likely never happen in Canada.
So it has been incredibly easy to judge this situation and say "French people are way too passionate, and they should settle down"
But the strike continues, this week there was no gas available at gas stations from a certain time in the evening.
Every day for the last week I see riots going on around Paris- picket signs and fires! I have to admit it’s kind of exciting.
Yesterday I was on the train and I made it 2 stations away from arpajon and the train was terminated. Apparently there was a riot going on at a station in Paris so they had to cancel the trains. The funny thing is that there were about 1000 people waiting at the strain station, and every few minutes the announcements would tell us the next train was at a different platform. So hundreds of people would sprint from one platform to the next, only to hear that "oops the next train was actually at the first platform we started at". Great fun! I’ve included a picture...
So this is my personal experience, And before I say anything conclusive let me just say that I need to spend more time talking to people and understanding why this is so important to them. I will be on the search for more information and explanation on what is happening over here, because it’s no longer possible to ignore.
I have a feeling that this strike is not only about the retirement. Although increasing the age of retirement will affect everyone, not only those retiring.
I've noticed that people here are so resistance against the government and they will speak up when they feel there is a problem, where as in Canada I feel the majority of us have little to no idea what the government is actually doing. This leads me to my discovery of the importance of passion:
Passion makes the greatest stories. Nobody is interested in hearing stories about people with no passion, or people who thought passion was childish and unnecessary. Passionate people make the greatest heroines, lovers, debaters, leaders, rulers, enemies, and survivors. Passion makes you great. But perhaps passion makes you difficult. It’s not very easy to tell a passionate person how to behave.
So for hundreds of years we have labeled passionate people as a nuisance, because industrialism became our main purpose in life. - Work - work hard - don’t ask questions. But now it is absolutely necessary to be passionate. We need to find the best solutions for our future, and if we continue to feel uncomfortable with passion... our voice will never be heard and our collective ideas will never manifest.
Yes it’s a simple discovery, but it’s an important one. So no, I don't think French people are too passionate, and should settle down - I think they are just as passionate as they should be. Protecting your rights and ensuring that our society improves for everyone isn't such a bad idea.
I would love to hear your opinions on the strike in France; perhaps my opinion is a bit bias. lol
VIVE LA FRANCE!! VIVE LE MONDE !!
Friday, October 8, 2010
I don’t know if many of you know this, but I love to dance.
Big surprise, I know!
But I never knew I would love dancing to live funk music in Paris so much!
My host mom took me out last night to this funk club last night with all her work friends… who just happened to be a bunch of young, smart, funny, well dressed French men! Yay for me! Haha
Long story short, Tass and I went to the club around 8:30 and came back home at 3:30am! I love my host family! This last week has been CRAZY!! My Birthday party ended up being an entire weekend of meeting the friends of my host family. I have never experienced a party like this. I’ll let the photos speak for themselves.
After the party, we had a ton of great food and champagne left over, so our meals this week have been somewhat indulgent.
My family’s philosophy is to live for pleasure. It might sound selfish, but in fact they are some of the most generous people I know.
- Dance, Sing, Eat, Laugh, Speak with your heart. Be sincere in the actions you do and the sense of euphoria will be contagious.
I was on the metro yesterday, and a young guy was playing classical guitar, and it was good! But not a single person on the metro would even acknowledge the music. But it was something really special. It was kind of funny because I was on the opposite side from him, so I couldn’t compliment his music, so instead I gave him a thumbs up, and he gave me a real smile and said Merci. It was good. It was like a “ O wait! I am human and so are you, and I like the music you make” kind of moment. And believe me that is rare in Paris.
I hope that in every chance you get in life, you will choose to LIVE and screw what people think is “acceptable”. Being acceptable is way too predictable and incredibly boring. We have so much potential to be something much better than average. Try and live like a human today, let me know how it goes!
Big surprise, I know!
But I never knew I would love dancing to live funk music in Paris so much!
My host mom took me out last night to this funk club last night with all her work friends… who just happened to be a bunch of young, smart, funny, well dressed French men! Yay for me! Haha
Long story short, Tass and I went to the club around 8:30 and came back home at 3:30am! I love my host family! This last week has been CRAZY!! My Birthday party ended up being an entire weekend of meeting the friends of my host family. I have never experienced a party like this. I’ll let the photos speak for themselves.
After the party, we had a ton of great food and champagne left over, so our meals this week have been somewhat indulgent.
My family’s philosophy is to live for pleasure. It might sound selfish, but in fact they are some of the most generous people I know.
- Dance, Sing, Eat, Laugh, Speak with your heart. Be sincere in the actions you do and the sense of euphoria will be contagious.
I was on the metro yesterday, and a young guy was playing classical guitar, and it was good! But not a single person on the metro would even acknowledge the music. But it was something really special. It was kind of funny because I was on the opposite side from him, so I couldn’t compliment his music, so instead I gave him a thumbs up, and he gave me a real smile and said Merci. It was good. It was like a “ O wait! I am human and so are you, and I like the music you make” kind of moment. And believe me that is rare in Paris.
I hope that in every chance you get in life, you will choose to LIVE and screw what people think is “acceptable”. Being acceptable is way too predictable and incredibly boring. We have so much potential to be something much better than average. Try and live like a human today, let me know how it goes!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
The happy traveler(s)
Leave your home, your family, your job, your school, and your friends, and become a happy traveler!
When I was leaving to France, people told me that this trip was an opportunity to be whoever I want to be. And I guess I interpreted that to mean I could be somebody else for a year, and nobody would know I was pretending. But now I understand what they meant. It’s not that you get the opportunity to be something different, but you get to me exactly who you are - With no exterior influences. I don’t have to be more “manly” to fit into my job or more “responsible” around people I respect. I can just be!!
Steph and I work amazingly well traveling together. Because neither of us ever know what we are looking for, and we always find something amazing!
I saw my Aunt and Uncle this past weekend in Spain. What an incredible opportunity! They are on a 5 month voyage around the world, and they just happened to be in Spain last weekend.
Steph and I found tickets through Ryanair for 50 euro return!
( I would defiantly use Ryanair again even if we were herded like cattle, and the plane was 3 hours delayed… it was only 50 freaking euros!)
I am so inspired by my Aunt and Uncle, not only are they traveling around the world, they are also bringing their 3 sons with them so they can experience it together. The boys are just as excited as their parents. And it was so great to see what the boys were interested in.
We spent all of Saturday in the town of Girona, which is a small city in the Catalonia area. There is a beautiful cathedral there, possibly my favorite one so far. The ceiling is incredibly tall and it is decorated in many forms of Spanish art. There was a garden surrounded by tombs beside the cathedral that had a very peaceful but eerie ambiance. After that we drank some wine, then some more, and then decided to watch some local jazz band perform in the town center- it was awesome! Grandpa would be pleased.
The next day was a beach day. So Steph and I took the bus to the beach and we met our family there. The country side was beautiful, with the Pyrenees in the distance and the colorful and lush shrubbery… It was better than I could imagine! We ate paella and drank chardonnay on the beach, while beautiful Spanish men walk by and served us our drinks. I couldn’t stop smiling! Ah I love it here! Haha
The plane ride home was really interesting. Because of the strike in France (the 3rd one since I came here) Our flight was delayed for 3 hours. But the Pyrenees were incredible to fly over. Stunning black mountains… I’ve never seen anything like it. But when we flew into France it was super cloudy and the fog made it really difficult to land. Finally we made it back home to France, and I was so happy to see my host family again!
My next adventure is my birthday party this weekend! I think there will be around 20 or 30 people attending. So I have some work to do with my French. But I’m getting there, and I’m enjoying the process!
My plan for the future is to continue to do what makes me happy, to discover new things that can improve my life, to learn languages and to listen to my intuition, because so far that works really well!
When I was leaving to France, people told me that this trip was an opportunity to be whoever I want to be. And I guess I interpreted that to mean I could be somebody else for a year, and nobody would know I was pretending. But now I understand what they meant. It’s not that you get the opportunity to be something different, but you get to me exactly who you are - With no exterior influences. I don’t have to be more “manly” to fit into my job or more “responsible” around people I respect. I can just be!!
Steph and I work amazingly well traveling together. Because neither of us ever know what we are looking for, and we always find something amazing!
I saw my Aunt and Uncle this past weekend in Spain. What an incredible opportunity! They are on a 5 month voyage around the world, and they just happened to be in Spain last weekend.
Steph and I found tickets through Ryanair for 50 euro return!
( I would defiantly use Ryanair again even if we were herded like cattle, and the plane was 3 hours delayed… it was only 50 freaking euros!)
I am so inspired by my Aunt and Uncle, not only are they traveling around the world, they are also bringing their 3 sons with them so they can experience it together. The boys are just as excited as their parents. And it was so great to see what the boys were interested in.
We spent all of Saturday in the town of Girona, which is a small city in the Catalonia area. There is a beautiful cathedral there, possibly my favorite one so far. The ceiling is incredibly tall and it is decorated in many forms of Spanish art. There was a garden surrounded by tombs beside the cathedral that had a very peaceful but eerie ambiance. After that we drank some wine, then some more, and then decided to watch some local jazz band perform in the town center- it was awesome! Grandpa would be pleased.
The next day was a beach day. So Steph and I took the bus to the beach and we met our family there. The country side was beautiful, with the Pyrenees in the distance and the colorful and lush shrubbery… It was better than I could imagine! We ate paella and drank chardonnay on the beach, while beautiful Spanish men walk by and served us our drinks. I couldn’t stop smiling! Ah I love it here! Haha
The plane ride home was really interesting. Because of the strike in France (the 3rd one since I came here) Our flight was delayed for 3 hours. But the Pyrenees were incredible to fly over. Stunning black mountains… I’ve never seen anything like it. But when we flew into France it was super cloudy and the fog made it really difficult to land. Finally we made it back home to France, and I was so happy to see my host family again!
My next adventure is my birthday party this weekend! I think there will be around 20 or 30 people attending. So I have some work to do with my French. But I’m getting there, and I’m enjoying the process!
My plan for the future is to continue to do what makes me happy, to discover new things that can improve my life, to learn languages and to listen to my intuition, because so far that works really well!
Monday, September 20, 2010
one month in
This month has changed everything.
I don't know what I will do in the future.
I don't feel pressured to come up with some wonderful plan for success either. Right now... in this very short period of my life... I just want to live. When i come back there will be bills to pay and career plans to make. And I'm not really in a hurry to do that.
Why is everyone so concerned about the future, Its not like any of us can control it. So why do we pretend we can?
I guess the problem with planning for the future is that you make expectations. But I've learned this month that as soon as I stop making expectations - something really awesome seems to happen. And when I expect something really awesome to happen, it might still happen... but its so much better to be surprised.
For example. I went to Paris on Saturday, to see the city hall and was completly taken back by how grand it was. Steph and I had no real plans... so we had some indian food... then decided to go on a quest for maccaroons. We ran into a poster that read "Chopin" and decided we should take a short break from our quest.
This concert ended up being perhaps the best piano concert I've ever been to. The music was so good. Magical actually; To listen to Chopin, Brahms and Debussy in this beautiful little church in le Quartier Latin- With an audience of 15 or 20 people. The young guy was truly creating music, and the music was very much alive. I don't think i've ever felt so inspired after leaving a church.
So after that, steph and I continued our maccaroon quest. but to no avail. but instead we found a festival down by the river, serving free tastings of wine and armagnac and live samba (i think) music. We then decided to buy some wine, armagnac, cheese and baguette- and have ourselves a little picnic by the river.
Then after talking about love and life by the river, two guy passed by and said "bon soir" steph and i said "bon soir" and then they ended up joining our "picnic". They were new to the city as well, but were from France. Three girls that they new ended up joining us and we enjoyed the rest of the night with a group of very interesting people from Germany, France and Canada. It was awesome.
Oh and when we did finally find some maccaroons, they were dry and gross.
like eating chalk with some glue.
I don't know what I will do in the future.
I don't feel pressured to come up with some wonderful plan for success either. Right now... in this very short period of my life... I just want to live. When i come back there will be bills to pay and career plans to make. And I'm not really in a hurry to do that.
Why is everyone so concerned about the future, Its not like any of us can control it. So why do we pretend we can?
I guess the problem with planning for the future is that you make expectations. But I've learned this month that as soon as I stop making expectations - something really awesome seems to happen. And when I expect something really awesome to happen, it might still happen... but its so much better to be surprised.
For example. I went to Paris on Saturday, to see the city hall and was completly taken back by how grand it was. Steph and I had no real plans... so we had some indian food... then decided to go on a quest for maccaroons. We ran into a poster that read "Chopin" and decided we should take a short break from our quest.
This concert ended up being perhaps the best piano concert I've ever been to. The music was so good. Magical actually; To listen to Chopin, Brahms and Debussy in this beautiful little church in le Quartier Latin- With an audience of 15 or 20 people. The young guy was truly creating music, and the music was very much alive. I don't think i've ever felt so inspired after leaving a church.
So after that, steph and I continued our maccaroon quest. but to no avail. but instead we found a festival down by the river, serving free tastings of wine and armagnac and live samba (i think) music. We then decided to buy some wine, armagnac, cheese and baguette- and have ourselves a little picnic by the river.
Then after talking about love and life by the river, two guy passed by and said "bon soir" steph and i said "bon soir" and then they ended up joining our "picnic". They were new to the city as well, but were from France. Three girls that they new ended up joining us and we enjoyed the rest of the night with a group of very interesting people from Germany, France and Canada. It was awesome.
Oh and when we did finally find some maccaroons, they were dry and gross.
like eating chalk with some glue.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
my day in Creteil
Before i begin this post, I want to remind you that I'm having a really great time here and France is beautiful and the people are wonderful.
The day began early this morning at 6:30 am when I heard the taxi horn honking outside my house. Apparently the taxi wanted to come half an hour earlier than it was booked... fine... sure I can get ready in 30 seconds.
Taxi ride was pretty good, the driver was pretty good looking... (strange I know - but its France). And the guy was asking me a bunch of questions which I just happened to understand, AND respond to! - A proud moment
Then everything went completely downhill. I got to the Immigration office and it wasn't open. I had to wait an hour, in the parking lot, without a jacket...
Then when I got inside the lady directed me in a very general direction and told me to wait. So I wait... 30 mins pass... nothing happens, finally a nurse calls Mademoiselle Gogal? and Some other girl gets up! ummmm non... C'est moi. I said.
Lucky me! Its time for my X-ray! And nobody speaks English! but they think they do. "You muzzt taake uff all of clothing and juste" .... "just what?" ... "yes. juste" mmmmm okay. So to be safe i decide just to take of my shirt and pants. when I came out she says "Non, not your pant - jet zee bra" ( o god this is fun )
After the nurse scanned me, she told me to go up stairs to the right, then she was used her left hand and pointed left and said "to the right". So i went left, and found a bunch of people in a waiting room. We watched a movie about immigrating to France. then I waited for 2 HOURS, and nothing happened. Finally I asked a lady in very broken French if I was in the right place, and she looked at my papers and started laughing.
She showed me were to go and I finished my medical exam- After a total of 3 1/2 hours.
O but that is not it! Then it was time for legal stuff. And of course i didnt have the necessary papers or a photo of myself. So the lady was nice and told me what bus to take in order to get to the shopping center to get my picture taken. Then i could come back at 2pm and complete the Visa process.
So i took the bus. and I couldn't figure out how to pay, because everything is digital So I just didn’t pay at all. It’s easy to be a rebel when you can’t understand anything. Got to the mall… and the photo booth is broken. So I finally find another one and it works
Then I got my Visa completed. And took the train home in time to pick up Anais from school
the end.
The day began early this morning at 6:30 am when I heard the taxi horn honking outside my house. Apparently the taxi wanted to come half an hour earlier than it was booked... fine... sure I can get ready in 30 seconds.
Taxi ride was pretty good, the driver was pretty good looking... (strange I know - but its France). And the guy was asking me a bunch of questions which I just happened to understand, AND respond to! - A proud moment
Then everything went completely downhill. I got to the Immigration office and it wasn't open. I had to wait an hour, in the parking lot, without a jacket...
Then when I got inside the lady directed me in a very general direction and told me to wait. So I wait... 30 mins pass... nothing happens, finally a nurse calls Mademoiselle Gogal? and Some other girl gets up! ummmm non... C'est moi. I said.
Lucky me! Its time for my X-ray! And nobody speaks English! but they think they do. "You muzzt taake uff all of clothing and juste" .... "just what?" ... "yes. juste" mmmmm okay. So to be safe i decide just to take of my shirt and pants. when I came out she says "Non, not your pant - jet zee bra" ( o god this is fun )
After the nurse scanned me, she told me to go up stairs to the right, then she was used her left hand and pointed left and said "to the right". So i went left, and found a bunch of people in a waiting room. We watched a movie about immigrating to France. then I waited for 2 HOURS, and nothing happened. Finally I asked a lady in very broken French if I was in the right place, and she looked at my papers and started laughing.
She showed me were to go and I finished my medical exam- After a total of 3 1/2 hours.
O but that is not it! Then it was time for legal stuff. And of course i didnt have the necessary papers or a photo of myself. So the lady was nice and told me what bus to take in order to get to the shopping center to get my picture taken. Then i could come back at 2pm and complete the Visa process.
So i took the bus. and I couldn't figure out how to pay, because everything is digital So I just didn’t pay at all. It’s easy to be a rebel when you can’t understand anything. Got to the mall… and the photo booth is broken. So I finally find another one and it works
Then I got my Visa completed. And took the train home in time to pick up Anais from school
the end.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
the friends i will invite to my birthday party!!
Because my birthday is just around the corner and I'm turning the big 2-0 ... my french family decided it would be a good idea to make a list of all the friends they should invite to my party:
-Steph
...
- that guy that gave me his number when he helped me get on the train to paris
-A bilingual dad i met at the park
- the lady who cut my hair today
- another guy who talked to me on the way home from paris
and thats about it...
should be a good time...
after a while we decided it would be a good idea for me to take the phone book and start calling random strangers... "ello! c'est moi; Adrianne, et c'est mon anniversaire!...etc"
.... "yes i know you have no idea who i am, and that neither of us can understand eachother... but you are invited to my party!!! PLEASE COME!!"
i guess you had to be there...
french people have a weird sense of humor.
-Steph
...
- that guy that gave me his number when he helped me get on the train to paris
-A bilingual dad i met at the park
- the lady who cut my hair today
- another guy who talked to me on the way home from paris
and thats about it...
should be a good time...
after a while we decided it would be a good idea for me to take the phone book and start calling random strangers... "ello! c'est moi; Adrianne, et c'est mon anniversaire!...etc"
.... "yes i know you have no idea who i am, and that neither of us can understand eachother... but you are invited to my party!!! PLEASE COME!!"
i guess you had to be there...
french people have a weird sense of humor.
Friday, September 3, 2010
First day of School
Yesterday was the first day of school for Anais. It was really cute to see how excited she was to see her friends again. Her best friend is Lucie, and they are so sweet to each other. When they saw each other they went crazy – it was so cute!
And then after that I had the day to myself, So I went to Paris again, for the 3rd time already. The train is really easy to take, and it doesn’t feel like an entire hour passes. I told Steph that I wanted to meet her under the Eiffel Tower, since it’s a pretty recognizable landmark.
We both wanted to go to our language schools and register… but it was not as easy as I thought. With the language barrier and the size of Paris it takes FOREVER to get anything done. But we both did it and I’m glad to get it over with.
I had to take a language test to see how well I knew French, but it was a written test… and I am a terrible at writing! I was just B.S. ing the entire thing, it was like high school all over again!! But I think I recovered a bit after my speaking test, I’m a bit better at that…
Steph and I went to a café, asked for un café and got completely ignored! It thought it was really upsetting, but I think Steph has already adjusted to the city so it didn’t seem to faze her as much.
After that I returned to Arpajon with great relief. It’s a really beautiful town and a nice change from Paris. I picked up Anais from school and we went to the park. The children were adorable and Anais was really nice to all of them. I taught her a few Canadian hand games like “give me a break – give me a break – break me off a piece of that kit kat bar” and she loves it! Its good because she usually doesn’t like to speak English, but she has no problem singing in English.
Then I made some supper and watched an old French film about spies, I was a pretty good day overall.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Why am I here?
This weekend had so many moments that took my breath away, and not where I expected.
When steph and I went to Paris, it was almost difficult for me to fully appreciate it. It was the strangest thing. I think this time I noticed the people more than the landmarks, and this truly affected my mood (and I think steph's as well). I think it’s safe to say that a lot of Parisian people are very stressed, and can be very short with you. Sometimes I find it funny, but sometimes I find it very arrogant – it’s like they are fighting to be successful but they have little interest in the success of others (just going to make a large brush stroke there).
I got a crazy headache that day and I think it was because of the stressful energy that surrounded us.
Today was the complete opposite. My family brought steph and I to a castle and we had a picnic on the green in front of the castle, there was a beautiful duck pond in the front and some donkeys on the side. It was incredibly peaceful.
Steph was very tired and took the train back to Paris, and I made some supper for my family (not my best meal – but good for now). And then we had an incredible conversation about why I came to France, and I swear I still have goosebumps.
Because in truth, I am not entirely sure why I’m here, or why I decided to come. I just knew that this is what I am supposed to do. And this is where I should be. So we began our discussion with this point.
We talked about my past, my beliefs, my morals and the direction that my heart has taken me so far. And then we discussed the importance of communication and the importance of extending your environment and how I have changed my responsibilities in my life.
We then moved on to talk about listening to your heart, and letting it guide you. We agreed that you must stoke the fire in your heart and preserve a constant energy.
And then this is where it got a bit strange, We continued our conversation, and discussed perhaps why this is a good time in my life to emancipate myself.
And then to take in all that I can, without rushing, but allowing whatever will happen; happen.
And finally to let change happen, but not let it change me.
(They are concerned that France could turn me into a French person. And they would prefer me to be a Canadian exploring France. )
I am really enjoying my family, I could not be happier. We seem to truly appreciate each other’s company and there is a lot of understanding between us.
Perhaps I still don’t know why I am here. But I’m letting my heart guide me, and in turn I am experiencing wonderful moments.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
la vie est belle
“I came to France and I lost half my English!” – Steph Gogal
Steph and Adie have decided to write this blog ensemble.
This is the story of two sisters in France. One day, the sister named Adrianne took the train to Paris to visit Stephanie. There was a very handsome young man who helped Adrianne get on the Train because she had no idea what she was doing, He then asked for her number … it was a good way to start the day. Unfortunately Adie and Steph didn’t do so well on communicating their meeting place, so Adie decided to call Steph and meet her under the Eiffel tower. They found each other there, it was nice.
So after a petite pause on the Champs de Mars, Steph took Adie to see her apartment, which Adie liked. This made Steph happy.
Next they found a café and had some lunch. Adie ate really fatty duck called “confit du canard” and Steph had what the waiter described as “chicken cake”. It was delicious. Bien.
Adie bought a phone, and the two of them commented on how there is not very good shopping in Paris. So they decided to walk au bord de la Seine instead. But it was way too much work to walk along the river, so they took a boat. Next stop… Musee d’Orsay!
Do any of these names ring a bell? Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh(gal), Manet… oh, c’etait super bon! Seriously, they had never seen anything like it. To be so close to such art, it was incredible for them! Steph really liked Monet’s sail boats. Adie really liked the Courbet. They then had a very intelligent conversation about art and love and life.
Moving on. Notre Dame was the next stop….. Meh.
Just kidding – they thought that was pretty cool and Steph would like to go back so she can go all the way to the top. They then met Steph’s family who took them on a quick walking tour through the Quartier Latin. Oh la. Oh la la. Oh la la la la. They liked this a lot. They saw La Sorbonne and le Pantheon, and a lot of restaurants and shops. It was like a dream, the Paris of your imagination. They will definitely return!
Hadrien, the little boy that Steph takes care of, picked the restaurant for dinner. They couldn’t have done it more French if they’d tried! Raclette and fondue, complete with a lovely bottle of Savoie and an ongoing animated French lesson throughout. They had a lot of fun and were very very content to have spent such a great evening with Steph’s family.
Then they missed their train back to Arpajon (where Adie lives). But all was ok after they ran like crazy women to catch the next one! One hour later they arrived at the small village, and Stephanie’s feet were sore. Steph met Adie’s family, and they passed the evening very nicely , enjoying some herbal tea and conversing about the differences between French and Canadian culture.
They stayed up till 2 am writing a blog, then thought it might be a good plan to get some sleep before another exciting day tomorrow.
The End. (for now)
A bientot!
Steph and Adie have decided to write this blog ensemble.
This is the story of two sisters in France. One day, the sister named Adrianne took the train to Paris to visit Stephanie. There was a very handsome young man who helped Adrianne get on the Train because she had no idea what she was doing, He then asked for her number … it was a good way to start the day. Unfortunately Adie and Steph didn’t do so well on communicating their meeting place, so Adie decided to call Steph and meet her under the Eiffel tower. They found each other there, it was nice.
So after a petite pause on the Champs de Mars, Steph took Adie to see her apartment, which Adie liked. This made Steph happy.
Next they found a café and had some lunch. Adie ate really fatty duck called “confit du canard” and Steph had what the waiter described as “chicken cake”. It was delicious. Bien.
Adie bought a phone, and the two of them commented on how there is not very good shopping in Paris. So they decided to walk au bord de la Seine instead. But it was way too much work to walk along the river, so they took a boat. Next stop… Musee d’Orsay!
Do any of these names ring a bell? Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh(gal), Manet… oh, c’etait super bon! Seriously, they had never seen anything like it. To be so close to such art, it was incredible for them! Steph really liked Monet’s sail boats. Adie really liked the Courbet. They then had a very intelligent conversation about art and love and life.
Moving on. Notre Dame was the next stop….. Meh.
Just kidding – they thought that was pretty cool and Steph would like to go back so she can go all the way to the top. They then met Steph’s family who took them on a quick walking tour through the Quartier Latin. Oh la. Oh la la. Oh la la la la. They liked this a lot. They saw La Sorbonne and le Pantheon, and a lot of restaurants and shops. It was like a dream, the Paris of your imagination. They will definitely return!
Hadrien, the little boy that Steph takes care of, picked the restaurant for dinner. They couldn’t have done it more French if they’d tried! Raclette and fondue, complete with a lovely bottle of Savoie and an ongoing animated French lesson throughout. They had a lot of fun and were very very content to have spent such a great evening with Steph’s family.
Then they missed their train back to Arpajon (where Adie lives). But all was ok after they ran like crazy women to catch the next one! One hour later they arrived at the small village, and Stephanie’s feet were sore. Steph met Adie’s family, and they passed the evening very nicely , enjoying some herbal tea and conversing about the differences between French and Canadian culture.
They stayed up till 2 am writing a blog, then thought it might be a good plan to get some sleep before another exciting day tomorrow.
The End. (for now)
A bientot!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
HERE!!!
hi everyone! i made it!
The trip here was really bad but totally worth it! our first plane was an hour late, then we had to transfer planes in minneapolis. As soon as we got off our first plane we got the final boarding call for the second, which of course happened to be on the exact opposite side of the airport, so we ran - steph was at least 3 meters in front of me the entire time, and when she got to the gate the plane was gone , and she almost lost it - then we realized we were at the wrong gate and we got on the plane 20 min to spare before take off!!! Steph and I decided it would be a good idea to stay awake the night before we fly; so we could beat the jetleg. As it turned out, Steph slept the entire way and i watched her sleep. So I was a bit tired.
When I met my family I felt totally at home. They are truly nice people and are happy to share their lives with me this year. Anais was sooo excited, and as I expected I couldnt understand a lot of what she said. But its amazing how patient she is with me, and she is going to be the biggest help for me to learn french. Yesterday we Played with her dolls, did eachothers hair and nails, gardened, toured the town, went shopping, went to the park, came home again , made mud pies, ate a beautiful french meal and then finally fell alseep (after 48 hours of almost no sleep)
The parents are absolutely amazing! I cant believe how time and preperration they have put into me coming here. they recently built a beautiful addition to their home because they wanted an au pair. They really do love Canada; and it makes me happy to be Canadian. We are all looking forward to this year, and we are excited to see both Anais and I learn a second language and take in a second culture.
I have taken a few walks around Arpajon with Anais and Tassidite, they have shown me the park, library,market square, duck pond, grocery store, the best bakery and there is still so much to see
The trip here was really bad but totally worth it! our first plane was an hour late, then we had to transfer planes in minneapolis. As soon as we got off our first plane we got the final boarding call for the second, which of course happened to be on the exact opposite side of the airport, so we ran - steph was at least 3 meters in front of me the entire time, and when she got to the gate the plane was gone , and she almost lost it - then we realized we were at the wrong gate and we got on the plane 20 min to spare before take off!!! Steph and I decided it would be a good idea to stay awake the night before we fly; so we could beat the jetleg. As it turned out, Steph slept the entire way and i watched her sleep. So I was a bit tired.
When I met my family I felt totally at home. They are truly nice people and are happy to share their lives with me this year. Anais was sooo excited, and as I expected I couldnt understand a lot of what she said. But its amazing how patient she is with me, and she is going to be the biggest help for me to learn french. Yesterday we Played with her dolls, did eachothers hair and nails, gardened, toured the town, went shopping, went to the park, came home again , made mud pies, ate a beautiful french meal and then finally fell alseep (after 48 hours of almost no sleep)
The parents are absolutely amazing! I cant believe how time and preperration they have put into me coming here. they recently built a beautiful addition to their home because they wanted an au pair. They really do love Canada; and it makes me happy to be Canadian. We are all looking forward to this year, and we are excited to see both Anais and I learn a second language and take in a second culture.
I have taken a few walks around Arpajon with Anais and Tassidite, they have shown me the park, library,market square, duck pond, grocery store, the best bakery and there is still so much to see
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Hello Everyone! (or should i say goodbye?)
This blog is for you
I will miss you all very much when I am gone this next year. So to make the switch a whole lot better, I will update you on many of the fun times that I plan to have once I get there!
As you know, FRANCE has been my dream trip for the last 3 years, but it feels like ever. So I promise I won’t disappoint you.
I feel like I’m about to jump off a cliff, I really have no idea what to expect! But it really is an awesome feeling. The greatest thing about this trip is that I don’t feel like I’m doing it alone. You have been so supportive and excited for me that I feel almost fearless. Thank you for helping me get here.
Love you all!!!!
Adrianne
I will miss you all very much when I am gone this next year. So to make the switch a whole lot better, I will update you on many of the fun times that I plan to have once I get there!
As you know, FRANCE has been my dream trip for the last 3 years, but it feels like ever. So I promise I won’t disappoint you.
I feel like I’m about to jump off a cliff, I really have no idea what to expect! But it really is an awesome feeling. The greatest thing about this trip is that I don’t feel like I’m doing it alone. You have been so supportive and excited for me that I feel almost fearless. Thank you for helping me get here.
Love you all!!!!
Adrianne
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