I have been eluding to this moment now for about 3 months, I am finally going home. Today at 1:00pm I will boarding a train to Paris where I will stay until the 7th of July. At which point I will be flying back home to see my family and friends. It has been a rough night for me because I got back to the apartment after having a wonderful day with my friends and my mother had sent me an email that my Father was in the hospital with a partial intestinal blockage but not to worry. I called her immediately and I have just learned that my Father has cancer. We are unsure of the results of the pathology for a few more days but luckily the tumor was intact. It was removed last night and so the hardest part is now over. I was going to get a flight home as soon as possible but my Mother has convinced me that now we know it had not mastastisized I should stay until the 7th as planned. I know that it's serious and I share with all of you because you are also my family and I look for your support. Do not change your way about me even though the times are hard, keep me laughing and be your lovely, laughing, beautiful selves.
Now I am headed over to France Telecom to drop off my LiveBox ( wi-fi internet ) and to cancel my contracts for that as well as my cell phone. After which I am headed back to the house and going to make a once over before going to the train station to meet everyone and say goodbye.
Yesterday I spent the day with the teachers from Aristide Briand. I spent the last 9 months working with them and we went to David's house. He has a place outside of the city with a pool and a stellar view. We all brought a dish and we had some sangria, wine, and champagne as we talked. Unfortunately the time in the pool was short because as luck would have it there was a big storm yesterday that did not clear up until just before we left. I was excited to get to know Caroline a little better and I am sad that I had not had the opportunity a little earlier on. She was amazing with the kids and my regard for her grew even greater. Who knows what the future may bring if I am ever back in France. I plan to keep in touch with all of them and I hope that they do the same.
Yes, I am sad to go but now I look forward to going home and helping my papa get better. Love you all and I am sorry if I had not said it enough before. I will miss you and look dreamily to the next time I see you be it Australia, New Zealand, France, Brazil, England, etc. The website will keep going so you can always check in and see how I am doing but don't be too shy not to leave a comment.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Happy 1000th Visitor!
I know that some blogs get tons of hits everyday and this is not a great milestone in comparison. But I thought it was cool that since I added the hit counter I have now passed 1000 hits on the site. This is about a two month span of time because I wanted to see how many people were coming to see the site. I hope you all enjoy my little rants, antecdotes, and stories about my time here in France and all of my the friends that I have made along the way.
Monday, June 27, 2005
Normandy And Driving In France
This past weekend I went to Normandy to see the landing beaches of the American Armed Forces from the D-Day Invasions of Operation Overlord. We took a TGV through Paris, where we stopped at Starbucks for a coffee and then proceeded to Caen. Caen is a small French city about 40km from the landing beaches. We stayed there overnight in a Hostel and met another Australian at the train station. It's kind of funny because we disembarked the train when a guy with a large backpack cut between us saying "Excuse me" in a good Aussie accent. Having 2 Aussies with me in Jules and Anna she said "Hello Auz!" and he turned back to say hello. We talked as leaving the station and looked at the map to find the youth hostel. His name is Chris and was heading in the same direction. The girls traded information on where we were from, what we've been doing in France as we hopped the Tram to the Hostel.
Arriving at the hostel we were worried it was going to be a dump because it was only 11 euros per night. We were in luck because it had just opened and it was perfect with a shower in all the rooms. We decided to bring Chris in and we got a room with 4 beds, after hanging out a little and talking we decided that we had better get some things to eat. Nice kitchen in the joint as well. I decided that a pasta would be the best route for 4 people and so I made some Bolognaise. Luckily we had met Chris because there was not a sharp knife in the house and he had a Swiss Army that I had to use in place of my Global 10" chef's knife. I also made a nice appetizer with white beans, onions, tomatoes, garlic, and a fair amount of flat-leaf parsley as well. Serving it up with some fresh garlic bread and it was just what the Dr. ordered.
After finishing up dinner we went back into the room and talked for about an hour and a half getting to know our new comrade. He worked for L'Oreal in Australia as a Regional Product Manager type of position. When his position was moved and he was offered to do it by commuting to Melbourne twice a week he decided to leave and travel Europe for 3 months. He also was in the Australian Army Reserves so we had a military connection as well.
Next day we went into town and rented a car so that we had the freedom of choosing where to go and not being dependent on transportion for our valuable time. Since I was the American with experience in driving on the right side of the road I was chosen to drive. It was the first time I had driven since last August and it was somewhat a release. We went first to Bayeaux to see the city and the Bayeaux Tapestry celebrating William the Conquerer's battle in 1066. It's 70 meters long and depicts the whole story. Chris ended up being indispensable with his knowledge of both the tapestry and the D-Day beaches. Having studied both in his Arts and Commerce degrees.
Next we headed to Omaha Beach and the National Memorial and Cemetary located there. We walked down to the landing beach and I got some sand to take back to my Father. My Grandfather was killed in Normandy on June 6th, 1944 with many other brave souls fighting to rid the World of tyranny. It was a day quite like the one so many years before it I imagine because there were low lying clouds out over the Ocean and a steady wind. I took lots of photos and walked through the cemetary silently thanking all those who gave more than they had to bring Freedom for the rest of us.
Next we went to see some of the pill boxes at Point-Du-Hoc where the Rangers landed and scaled the cliffs to take the beachhead. Amazing what these men were able to overcome and the terror that must have filled the beaches that day encompasses my ability for reason. I also felt for the German soldiers who may have been fighting merely because they had to do it. After researching online about the gravesites I found that there are also 55,000 Germans buried in Normandy.
Although Jules wanted to camp and was talking about it all weekend the cold weather and idea of another hot meal sounded better. Not to mention we only had a 2 man tent that we had planned on squeezing 3 was no longer large enough to accomodate our new friend and travel companion. That night in Bayeaux was really nice as well, we made some turkey saltimbocca as best as possible in the small kitchen and next up was cold vegtable salad of garlic, onions, potatoes, green beans, parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil. We had enough so that Jules could have it for breakfast as well. We polished that off and had some drinks and played cards all the while talking and some serious laughing thanks to Jules. She was full of some random blurts that made us keel over on our sides. I would tell you some of them but they would not make any sense to you as they were from another language.
Sunday we returned to Caen and dropped the car off, parking of course before we had filled the thing up with gas. Back into the car and off to find gas. We stopped to ask a man who had parked across the street from us and it ended up being a hilarious exchange between him and myself. He was saying that I needed to go up maybe 1 or 2 lights, oh I don't know maybe 3 or 4 and there might be one, if it's open today. If not then come back down and there is one going out of the city, not sure exactly where, if it's open. Then he proceeded to do it all over again and the whole time making little comments. It took about 2 and a half minuted for him to go through it all with us and then we headed in the direction he pointed to from the start. No kidding it was 20 seconds down the road and there was a BP right in the middle of the road, we laughed hard again.
That afternoon we went to the War Museum in Cannes which is really nice and has a great exhibit. It is 15.50 to get in, and that is the reduced price as well, but we forked it over and went in to check it out. The museum reflects on both sides of the coin giving descriptions from the Allies and also the German's. We watched the movie on the D-Day invasion that is split screen and shows the events of the Allies and the Germans simultaneously. I highly recommend this museum to anyone wanting to learn more about WWII and the Holocaust. I purchased some postcards as well to bring back for my Father.
We hopped the train to Paris and Chris who was going to Amsterdam the following day decided to just come back to Paris a day early and stay with us. Anna decided to stay in Paris as well and I think that Chris is actually now staying an extra day with her to go to Versailles today. I will keep all of you posted on the romantic liasons that may ensue. He is currently living in Sydney and offered me a free bed when I come down after graduation.
In summary this weekend was a nice little escape from the reality that I am leaving soon and I have met a new friend along the way that I plan on seeing again someday soon down the road.
Arriving at the hostel we were worried it was going to be a dump because it was only 11 euros per night. We were in luck because it had just opened and it was perfect with a shower in all the rooms. We decided to bring Chris in and we got a room with 4 beds, after hanging out a little and talking we decided that we had better get some things to eat. Nice kitchen in the joint as well. I decided that a pasta would be the best route for 4 people and so I made some Bolognaise. Luckily we had met Chris because there was not a sharp knife in the house and he had a Swiss Army that I had to use in place of my Global 10" chef's knife. I also made a nice appetizer with white beans, onions, tomatoes, garlic, and a fair amount of flat-leaf parsley as well. Serving it up with some fresh garlic bread and it was just what the Dr. ordered.
After finishing up dinner we went back into the room and talked for about an hour and a half getting to know our new comrade. He worked for L'Oreal in Australia as a Regional Product Manager type of position. When his position was moved and he was offered to do it by commuting to Melbourne twice a week he decided to leave and travel Europe for 3 months. He also was in the Australian Army Reserves so we had a military connection as well.
Next day we went into town and rented a car so that we had the freedom of choosing where to go and not being dependent on transportion for our valuable time. Since I was the American with experience in driving on the right side of the road I was chosen to drive. It was the first time I had driven since last August and it was somewhat a release. We went first to Bayeaux to see the city and the Bayeaux Tapestry celebrating William the Conquerer's battle in 1066. It's 70 meters long and depicts the whole story. Chris ended up being indispensable with his knowledge of both the tapestry and the D-Day beaches. Having studied both in his Arts and Commerce degrees.
Next we headed to Omaha Beach and the National Memorial and Cemetary located there. We walked down to the landing beach and I got some sand to take back to my Father. My Grandfather was killed in Normandy on June 6th, 1944 with many other brave souls fighting to rid the World of tyranny. It was a day quite like the one so many years before it I imagine because there were low lying clouds out over the Ocean and a steady wind. I took lots of photos and walked through the cemetary silently thanking all those who gave more than they had to bring Freedom for the rest of us.
Next we went to see some of the pill boxes at Point-Du-Hoc where the Rangers landed and scaled the cliffs to take the beachhead. Amazing what these men were able to overcome and the terror that must have filled the beaches that day encompasses my ability for reason. I also felt for the German soldiers who may have been fighting merely because they had to do it. After researching online about the gravesites I found that there are also 55,000 Germans buried in Normandy.
Although Jules wanted to camp and was talking about it all weekend the cold weather and idea of another hot meal sounded better. Not to mention we only had a 2 man tent that we had planned on squeezing 3 was no longer large enough to accomodate our new friend and travel companion. That night in Bayeaux was really nice as well, we made some turkey saltimbocca as best as possible in the small kitchen and next up was cold vegtable salad of garlic, onions, potatoes, green beans, parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil. We had enough so that Jules could have it for breakfast as well. We polished that off and had some drinks and played cards all the while talking and some serious laughing thanks to Jules. She was full of some random blurts that made us keel over on our sides. I would tell you some of them but they would not make any sense to you as they were from another language.
Sunday we returned to Caen and dropped the car off, parking of course before we had filled the thing up with gas. Back into the car and off to find gas. We stopped to ask a man who had parked across the street from us and it ended up being a hilarious exchange between him and myself. He was saying that I needed to go up maybe 1 or 2 lights, oh I don't know maybe 3 or 4 and there might be one, if it's open today. If not then come back down and there is one going out of the city, not sure exactly where, if it's open. Then he proceeded to do it all over again and the whole time making little comments. It took about 2 and a half minuted for him to go through it all with us and then we headed in the direction he pointed to from the start. No kidding it was 20 seconds down the road and there was a BP right in the middle of the road, we laughed hard again.
That afternoon we went to the War Museum in Cannes which is really nice and has a great exhibit. It is 15.50 to get in, and that is the reduced price as well, but we forked it over and went in to check it out. The museum reflects on both sides of the coin giving descriptions from the Allies and also the German's. We watched the movie on the D-Day invasion that is split screen and shows the events of the Allies and the Germans simultaneously. I highly recommend this museum to anyone wanting to learn more about WWII and the Holocaust. I purchased some postcards as well to bring back for my Father.
We hopped the train to Paris and Chris who was going to Amsterdam the following day decided to just come back to Paris a day early and stay with us. Anna decided to stay in Paris as well and I think that Chris is actually now staying an extra day with her to go to Versailles today. I will keep all of you posted on the romantic liasons that may ensue. He is currently living in Sydney and offered me a free bed when I come down after graduation.
In summary this weekend was a nice little escape from the reality that I am leaving soon and I have met a new friend along the way that I plan on seeing again someday soon down the road.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
I'm Talking About A Heatwave
It was 34 degrees today in good old Lyon and for a country without a reasonable amount of air conditioning that is freaking hot! I met up with Jules after seeing Louis off to play soccer. I gave her quite a fright as well, Sorry Jules! She was walking to meet me in the park and I spotted her first and ducked down behind a car. Once past I ran up behind her and gave her a Boo! She jumped about a meter into the air and her face did the "Oh my god!" thing. It was great and got me a good slap in the process.
Next we headed down to try and find the new Centre Regionale Information Jeunesse that Jules said was by Lyon 2. Trudged through the blazing heat and it was nowhere to be seen. I stopped into the Rectorat to drop off some paperwork and Arno called. I asked him if he knew where it was and he filled us in. His directions were a little bit sketchy and I had to call him back to reconfirm exact coordinates but we found it in the end.
Went to get Louis and we went back and raided the kitchen. It was too hot for the park so I let him get into the hottub instead. I stayed outside and he pretended to be Gregory Coupet and I was Zidane. It was a lot of fun and I think I dehydrated myself in the process. I can't drink enough water right now, ridiculous. It's just getting me ready for those humid North Carolina summer days I guess.
I am probably headed to Paris a little bit earlier than expected and I think that the girls are going to head with me as well. We cannot bear being here in Lyon without everyone else. Jules I know you will be alright in the end but I am sorry that Anna and I are leaving you by your lonesome next week, your welcome in Paris through the 7th though!
That's it for now, I am going to be sending some postcards out soon so email me your addresses if you want one. I can't believe it's over and I cannot wait to come back.
Next we headed down to try and find the new Centre Regionale Information Jeunesse that Jules said was by Lyon 2. Trudged through the blazing heat and it was nowhere to be seen. I stopped into the Rectorat to drop off some paperwork and Arno called. I asked him if he knew where it was and he filled us in. His directions were a little bit sketchy and I had to call him back to reconfirm exact coordinates but we found it in the end.
Went to get Louis and we went back and raided the kitchen. It was too hot for the park so I let him get into the hottub instead. I stayed outside and he pretended to be Gregory Coupet and I was Zidane. It was a lot of fun and I think I dehydrated myself in the process. I can't drink enough water right now, ridiculous. It's just getting me ready for those humid North Carolina summer days I guess.
I am probably headed to Paris a little bit earlier than expected and I think that the girls are going to head with me as well. We cannot bear being here in Lyon without everyone else. Jules I know you will be alright in the end but I am sorry that Anna and I are leaving you by your lonesome next week, your welcome in Paris through the 7th though!
That's it for now, I am going to be sending some postcards out soon so email me your addresses if you want one. I can't believe it's over and I cannot wait to come back.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Maddy Is Leaving
Well, well, well, here we are on the last morning that I will see Maddy until I am either in Australia, which is going to be about a year and a half from the looks of ticket prices or next December in Brazil. The Brazil option is looking good and we will be travelling the country with Mauricio as our personal tour guide. The tickets are about the same as one to Europe so that is looking like my best option. Why not, what else am I going to do over December? Work? I think that I could take a few weeks off to go see Brazil, Mauricio, and of course Madeleine Legge!
Luckily there is a greve today so I can blame not coming to school on the metro service and have no worries. What else am I going to do, leave Maddy her last few hours in Lyon alone. I think that would not be very hospitable to do and my parent's did not raise me that way. So off we go and I post again later to let you know how it feels.
Luckily there is a greve today so I can blame not coming to school on the metro service and have no worries. What else am I going to do, leave Maddy her last few hours in Lyon alone. I think that would not be very hospitable to do and my parent's did not raise me that way. So off we go and I post again later to let you know how it feels.
Monday, June 20, 2005
Roanne
Howdy everyone, I am getting a little taste of how hot it will be when I get home to NC. It is really hot here in Lyon this week. I think that it is around 35 degrees today and this country does not believe in A/C at all. Hot!!! My shirt was completed saturated this morning when I was teaching English. The last class I went to was not even in the room. Not sure where they were because I waited for 25 minutes in the classroom and then decided they must be somewhere else. I guess I will see them next week and find out where the hell they went.
This weekend I finally went to see Arno's parents and him in Roanne, it's a small city outside of Lyon about 80km or so. The train was an RER without air conditioning and that was enough to make me so tired just as I arrived. Just across the street is a restaurant that I have read and dreamed of visiting. It is Troisgros. Formally the Troisgros brothers and now it's Michel Troisgros who is Jean-Pierre's son that is maintaining the place. I did a little tour through the place and actually said hello to him when he came out to speak with some film director, not sure who and I don't really care. I am more starstruck by great chefs than conventional pop stars. Chefs put years and years of hard work and behind the scenes ( No pun intended ) work than most aspiring actors and directors. I know this is not true of everyone but I think that there are more chefs than actors and singers out there that I can appreciate what I am trying to say. Behind every memorable night out there is a large group of players that pull it off and go unthanked. Anywho I bought a cookbook of his and I plan to use it in the near future. It's about acidic foods and I am very intrigued, yes it is in French so I will put that to use as well.
We went out to dinner at a small resto just outside the city and it made me recall North Carolina and some of the nice places that we have there. It looked a little bit like the foothills actually. I got a good night's sleep and the next day I said goodbye to Arno's Mom and Dad. She was crying when I left so I felt really bad when that happened. Marine, who is one of Arno's friends lives nearby and so we paid her a visit and she came along to the train station as well. She is also a friend of mine and has spent a few nights here as well over the last ten months. She is coming back with Arno next Sunday so I will have another night with the two of them before pulling up anchor and heading to Paris.
I said goodbye to Alex this afternoon before heading to teach and I have not realized yet that I cannot give her a call or hangout anymore just yet. I hope to keep in touch with everyone and I know it might not always work out but maybe I can see everyone again along the way, you never know.
Tonight is also the last night with Maddy, Scottish Jenny, and Jules and Anna are coming round as well. It should be a good night and I am trying to convince Madz to stay the night here so we do not lose any time and I have to work tomorrow as well. I really do not want to stay here another week without her but that's life I guess.
-NEWS FLASH-
I heard today that the beautiful, intelligent, and so cute I want to put her in my pocket and show her to all my friends teacher is now single. My kids want me to marry her and they started chanting Caroline plus Sean, Caroline plus Sean and she came over from the next room so it was a little embarassing but I shrugged it off because it was not my doing. She then took a picture of us and went back to her class, I am sure it will be a topic on Thursday morning in the teacher's lounge. I'll let you know how it goes.
That's all for now so leave me alone! Love all of you and see most of you in a few weeks. Ciao Bella
This weekend I finally went to see Arno's parents and him in Roanne, it's a small city outside of Lyon about 80km or so. The train was an RER without air conditioning and that was enough to make me so tired just as I arrived. Just across the street is a restaurant that I have read and dreamed of visiting. It is Troisgros. Formally the Troisgros brothers and now it's Michel Troisgros who is Jean-Pierre's son that is maintaining the place. I did a little tour through the place and actually said hello to him when he came out to speak with some film director, not sure who and I don't really care. I am more starstruck by great chefs than conventional pop stars. Chefs put years and years of hard work and behind the scenes ( No pun intended ) work than most aspiring actors and directors. I know this is not true of everyone but I think that there are more chefs than actors and singers out there that I can appreciate what I am trying to say. Behind every memorable night out there is a large group of players that pull it off and go unthanked. Anywho I bought a cookbook of his and I plan to use it in the near future. It's about acidic foods and I am very intrigued, yes it is in French so I will put that to use as well.
We went out to dinner at a small resto just outside the city and it made me recall North Carolina and some of the nice places that we have there. It looked a little bit like the foothills actually. I got a good night's sleep and the next day I said goodbye to Arno's Mom and Dad. She was crying when I left so I felt really bad when that happened. Marine, who is one of Arno's friends lives nearby and so we paid her a visit and she came along to the train station as well. She is also a friend of mine and has spent a few nights here as well over the last ten months. She is coming back with Arno next Sunday so I will have another night with the two of them before pulling up anchor and heading to Paris.
I said goodbye to Alex this afternoon before heading to teach and I have not realized yet that I cannot give her a call or hangout anymore just yet. I hope to keep in touch with everyone and I know it might not always work out but maybe I can see everyone again along the way, you never know.
Tonight is also the last night with Maddy, Scottish Jenny, and Jules and Anna are coming round as well. It should be a good night and I am trying to convince Madz to stay the night here so we do not lose any time and I have to work tomorrow as well. I really do not want to stay here another week without her but that's life I guess.
-NEWS FLASH-
I heard today that the beautiful, intelligent, and so cute I want to put her in my pocket and show her to all my friends teacher is now single. My kids want me to marry her and they started chanting Caroline plus Sean, Caroline plus Sean and she came over from the next room so it was a little embarassing but I shrugged it off because it was not my doing. She then took a picture of us and went back to her class, I am sure it will be a topic on Thursday morning in the teacher's lounge. I'll let you know how it goes.
That's all for now so leave me alone! Love all of you and see most of you in a few weeks. Ciao Bella
Friday, June 17, 2005
Want To Meet For A Coffee Or A Drink?
Those are the words that I have not wanted to hear all year. Most of the time it's "Where are you, want to come round for dinner, go out, meet at the park, etc." When you are calling to meet for a coffee or a drink it means one thing, let's say goodbye. Wednesday night I met Maddy for a beer late in the evening before she left for Italy. She will be back on Monday evening and we are going to have some dinner together, but it was like a little taste of what was to come. We both said that we are not saying goodbye, it's not going to be the last time and I am headed down under after graduation, bank or bust.
Today at 1:00pm I am meeting the twins Rachael and Claire, Alex, and Jules to have one last coffee or tea with them before they head out of Lyon. Jules is staying on until next February so she will not be leaving me, but soon I will be leaving her and it's beginning to hit home. I am leaving in less than two weeks for Paris, in less than three for North Carolina. It feels so foreign to me, I imagine that my reverse-culture shock is going to be really bad. Not being able to walk to the grocery store or the daily markets to get my food. The inability to hop on a Tram or Metro and spend the day with Maddy, Emelie, Alex, Jules, Jo, Anna, Rachael and Claire, hang out in the teacher's break room, get lost in Lyon, do some shopping, see my wine guy down the street, etc. When I get back it will be all in a car, I have not driven a car in 10 months, haven't needed one. I can probably count the number of times that I have been in a car since leaving come to think of it. Lyon has about the same population as Charlotte, why don't we have public transport? I know that we all have cars and think that life is great even with high gas prices, but what about 30 years from now? Should we go ahead and begin planning for that now? I vote yes, especially after seeing how effective and safe it can be.
I will begin packing up soon, putting my life inside another suitcase and moving on down the road. I am excited to be coming back to my friends and family. Don't forget Jules as well, but I am also scared of losing this feeling I have. I feel more alive than the last 3 years that I spent in Charlotte. I look back and I realize that the last year I was actually in a depression before coming to France. I am going to start writing things down about what I am looking forward to back home, and then why I also must stay focused on travelling more. Time will tell of course what the future holds for me, I know that this is like a window into my world. The blog is a very transparent representation of my thoughts, feelings, and life. I hope you all enjoy and take some pleasure in the things that I have been writing. I plan to keep it up when I get home, I think it will give me a platform to express my ideas, vent my frustrations, and stay motivated for the future. Thanks to everyone that comes to the site, I am sorry for the extra mushy posts as of late but I guess that is just life working it's way through my keyboard. Love you all, see some of soon, some of you in Melbourne, Sydney, or New Zealand ( That's just for you Jo! ), some of you down the road ahead. The main thing is I will keep working towards the next adventure and try to keep my horizon open and my thoughts young.
Cheers, Bisous, Ciao
Sean
Today at 1:00pm I am meeting the twins Rachael and Claire, Alex, and Jules to have one last coffee or tea with them before they head out of Lyon. Jules is staying on until next February so she will not be leaving me, but soon I will be leaving her and it's beginning to hit home. I am leaving in less than two weeks for Paris, in less than three for North Carolina. It feels so foreign to me, I imagine that my reverse-culture shock is going to be really bad. Not being able to walk to the grocery store or the daily markets to get my food. The inability to hop on a Tram or Metro and spend the day with Maddy, Emelie, Alex, Jules, Jo, Anna, Rachael and Claire, hang out in the teacher's break room, get lost in Lyon, do some shopping, see my wine guy down the street, etc. When I get back it will be all in a car, I have not driven a car in 10 months, haven't needed one. I can probably count the number of times that I have been in a car since leaving come to think of it. Lyon has about the same population as Charlotte, why don't we have public transport? I know that we all have cars and think that life is great even with high gas prices, but what about 30 years from now? Should we go ahead and begin planning for that now? I vote yes, especially after seeing how effective and safe it can be.
I will begin packing up soon, putting my life inside another suitcase and moving on down the road. I am excited to be coming back to my friends and family. Don't forget Jules as well, but I am also scared of losing this feeling I have. I feel more alive than the last 3 years that I spent in Charlotte. I look back and I realize that the last year I was actually in a depression before coming to France. I am going to start writing things down about what I am looking forward to back home, and then why I also must stay focused on travelling more. Time will tell of course what the future holds for me, I know that this is like a window into my world. The blog is a very transparent representation of my thoughts, feelings, and life. I hope you all enjoy and take some pleasure in the things that I have been writing. I plan to keep it up when I get home, I think it will give me a platform to express my ideas, vent my frustrations, and stay motivated for the future. Thanks to everyone that comes to the site, I am sorry for the extra mushy posts as of late but I guess that is just life working it's way through my keyboard. Love you all, see some of soon, some of you in Melbourne, Sydney, or New Zealand ( That's just for you Jo! ), some of you down the road ahead. The main thing is I will keep working towards the next adventure and try to keep my horizon open and my thoughts young.
Cheers, Bisous, Ciao
Sean
Sunday, June 12, 2005
I Do Not Want To Leave
OK, I know that I am beginning to sound a little bit like a broken record but I do not want to leave France. I don't want to say goodbye to my friends, I do not want to leave behind France and all of it's great things like food, wine, and it's love of free times. Although it's true that all the French do things at the same time, the park on Sunday afternoon, vacation, lunch, etc. but it is a lovely place to live. I know that when I come back it will be different because all of the friends that I have made will not be here, but there is something about meeting people in a faraway place and the bonds that develop because of this.
Last night I questioned whether the friends I have made are especially extraordinary or if all of us have made great friends. While I know that everyone has made friends like us, I feel that my close group of friends are a rare find. Is it also strange that they are Australian? Australians are probably the most travelled group of people on the planet. I have heard that 1 in 3 Australians are born overseas, this is from Alex who's father works for the Australian government in some sort of International Relations position so I think that the figure is probably accurate. From what I have seen Australians are much more adaptive to foreign environments and I would like to spend a few months there soon. Perhaps next Summer in the States or when I graduate in December 2006. That way I can go Down Under in Summertime and come back to Summer here, or France more preferably.
Anywho, not a lot to post today, I went to a dinner last night at Alex's and helped fix a few of the dishes. Funny sidenote is that Alex, a vegetarian, purchased some pork chops to serve to the French guest. I made them since she did not have a clue as to how to prepare them. We sit down to the table and offer our guest one, she says no thankyou because she is a vegetarian as well! LOL, that was the icing on the cake for the unorganized night of preparation we had until then. Specially purchased meat for a Frenchie that ended up not being able to eat it. Priceless. Next I went to the Quebecoises house to have some drinks and see Anna who had just returned from New York City for a little travel there. It was nice to see everyone one last time before Maddy and Alex leave next week. I will be posting some funny pics of the girls that they took of themselves last night. As well as your's truly in bed with 4 lovely, beautiful ladies. It was the best sex I never had! Cheers to everyone and I will see you soon unless I get a better offer here first!
Last night I questioned whether the friends I have made are especially extraordinary or if all of us have made great friends. While I know that everyone has made friends like us, I feel that my close group of friends are a rare find. Is it also strange that they are Australian? Australians are probably the most travelled group of people on the planet. I have heard that 1 in 3 Australians are born overseas, this is from Alex who's father works for the Australian government in some sort of International Relations position so I think that the figure is probably accurate. From what I have seen Australians are much more adaptive to foreign environments and I would like to spend a few months there soon. Perhaps next Summer in the States or when I graduate in December 2006. That way I can go Down Under in Summertime and come back to Summer here, or France more preferably.
Anywho, not a lot to post today, I went to a dinner last night at Alex's and helped fix a few of the dishes. Funny sidenote is that Alex, a vegetarian, purchased some pork chops to serve to the French guest. I made them since she did not have a clue as to how to prepare them. We sit down to the table and offer our guest one, she says no thankyou because she is a vegetarian as well! LOL, that was the icing on the cake for the unorganized night of preparation we had until then. Specially purchased meat for a Frenchie that ended up not being able to eat it. Priceless. Next I went to the Quebecoises house to have some drinks and see Anna who had just returned from New York City for a little travel there. It was nice to see everyone one last time before Maddy and Alex leave next week. I will be posting some funny pics of the girls that they took of themselves last night. As well as your's truly in bed with 4 lovely, beautiful ladies. It was the best sex I never had! Cheers to everyone and I will see you soon unless I get a better offer here first!
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Not a Lot to Talk About
Hello everyone, there is not a lot to talk about in the last two days since I feel I am on auto-pilot this month. The girls went to this place known as La Voie Verte and it is a 44 km long bike trail that I found a little North of Lyon with some amazing looking places to visit along the way. Ironically I could not go on the trip that I had researched because they decided to go during the week and I am now watching Louis and could not attend.
Last night I had a drink with Marie and Emelie over at their place. We had a good time and talked about love, life, and the future. It was really cool to listen to them speaking in the Quebecois accent. It is very different and my ears had to adjust for it, but it is beautiful just like French.
I am trying to come to grip with the reality that I am leaving my new home soon. I know that my friends back home have a hard time understanding that I would like to stay. It is not a matter of not missing them or my family. I miss you all very much indeed. In spite of this I have lived in the US for 27 years, spent 8 in the Army Reserves, all the while cooking along the way. I believe that I am ready for a change. I am not sure if being a Gemini has anything to do with it since I am not at all superstitious or into any type of religous beliefs. I feel that I need another start somewhere now, I want to see the World a little more through my own eyes and not the television monitors. There is only so much dimension that a flat-screen Sony can bring. I love a lot of things in the US including the Universities, Freedom of Speech ( although it is being encroached upon right now by the government, Big Business, and Religous Rights), baseball ( Go Red Sox! ), football ( let's here it for the Panthers! ), and of course the people like my family and friends as well. Right now though my goal is to finish school, move back to France and find a job. I think that once I perfect my French I am of to a Spanish speaking Nation like Spain, Mexico, or maybe a little Portuguese in Bresil!!! Who knows what the future may hold for me, I am done with the Army and I am not going to Iraq luckily. I want to help change the understanding that I have for the rest of the World. We are brought up to believe that we are the #1 country in the World. That is a misfortunate tool of propoganda in my eyes, there are a lot of #1's out there but we are all different. The French have a lot of flaws but they also have a lot of plus's that make up for it. Just like in the US, we have a lot of flaws but the good people and good things make up for it in my eyes. I am ready to see the World and create another life somewhere, I hope that you all understand this and when I make the move give me all of your support.
Did that really flow out of I cannot believe that I am going home soon? Wow! It's the truth though. Anywho, I have a lot to do this weekend like writing letters to end my telephone service and selling my bed and the things in my room so I have to run now. I also am going to spend as much time with Maddy and Alex who are leaving next Thursday for Italy. Oh, and nothing happened with the Scottish girl, sorry I think it was the booze talking on her birthday. It was fun then anyway, I am on the the French teacher now. I hope she's ready!
Last night I had a drink with Marie and Emelie over at their place. We had a good time and talked about love, life, and the future. It was really cool to listen to them speaking in the Quebecois accent. It is very different and my ears had to adjust for it, but it is beautiful just like French.
I am trying to come to grip with the reality that I am leaving my new home soon. I know that my friends back home have a hard time understanding that I would like to stay. It is not a matter of not missing them or my family. I miss you all very much indeed. In spite of this I have lived in the US for 27 years, spent 8 in the Army Reserves, all the while cooking along the way. I believe that I am ready for a change. I am not sure if being a Gemini has anything to do with it since I am not at all superstitious or into any type of religous beliefs. I feel that I need another start somewhere now, I want to see the World a little more through my own eyes and not the television monitors. There is only so much dimension that a flat-screen Sony can bring. I love a lot of things in the US including the Universities, Freedom of Speech ( although it is being encroached upon right now by the government, Big Business, and Religous Rights), baseball ( Go Red Sox! ), football ( let's here it for the Panthers! ), and of course the people like my family and friends as well. Right now though my goal is to finish school, move back to France and find a job. I think that once I perfect my French I am of to a Spanish speaking Nation like Spain, Mexico, or maybe a little Portuguese in Bresil!!! Who knows what the future may hold for me, I am done with the Army and I am not going to Iraq luckily. I want to help change the understanding that I have for the rest of the World. We are brought up to believe that we are the #1 country in the World. That is a misfortunate tool of propoganda in my eyes, there are a lot of #1's out there but we are all different. The French have a lot of flaws but they also have a lot of plus's that make up for it. Just like in the US, we have a lot of flaws but the good people and good things make up for it in my eyes. I am ready to see the World and create another life somewhere, I hope that you all understand this and when I make the move give me all of your support.
Did that really flow out of I cannot believe that I am going home soon? Wow! It's the truth though. Anywho, I have a lot to do this weekend like writing letters to end my telephone service and selling my bed and the things in my room so I have to run now. I also am going to spend as much time with Maddy and Alex who are leaving next Thursday for Italy. Oh, and nothing happened with the Scottish girl, sorry I think it was the booze talking on her birthday. It was fun then anyway, I am on the the French teacher now. I hope she's ready!
Sunday, June 05, 2005
Reality Is Setting In
As my birthday has passed and I have said my goodbye's to a few good friends I have had the strange and uncomforable realization setting in that my time here is almost over. Saturday I went over to Madz around 3:00 to go to La Part-Dieu, which is a large shopping mall. We went to go to CarreFour which is the European answer to Wal-Mart. I had to get some toiletries for the last month here and we purchased some things to have dinner as well. We had an old classic revisited with some salmon rubbed with a basque sauce and sauteed corn with mache, bell pepper, and garlic finished with some cream to hold it together. We served it up with Wasabi mashed taters and some green salad. It was lovely accompanied with several glasses of Martini Bianco.
En suite we went to Scottish Jenny's ( although she is originally Irish ) birthday party. She is a lovely girl, very spirited, intelligent, and always a joy to be around. While I do not know her as well as some I find her to be a young lady who works hard, and plays hard. She is recently 21 and a student in the Arts and Theatre. She is one of the few that I think actually wants to do the real deal on stage and is not interested in becoming a screen actor. She is also my roller buddy and I love doing the Generation Roller with her. For all of those who are nosy about my personal affairs, I have asked her out before. She had plans and so I took it as a hint and decided to leave it as friends. Last night we went to her place for a trash bag party. Everyone was given a trash bag and instructed to make a garment from it. Although it sounds a little strange it was actually a great idea and there were some impromptu skirts, shirts, and even boots. I had a little bit too drink and I was in happy mood all night long. Then we headed to an Irish bar by the name of Johnny Walsh's which if you are an anglophone and have lived or spent any amount of time in Lyon you probably have taken down a pint or two there. Since it was my birthday a few days earlier I thought a birthday shot would be nice. Jenny was up for it and I had noticed that she was also paying me special attention, I was smitten. I accompanied her to the next venue and she even gave me a little smooch, nothing major but I felt a rush none-the-less, she is a girl who not only exists but truly lives and is surrounded by some great friends. So, next we headed to a small bar/dance joint and I had my way on the dance floor for about 25 minutes or so. I would liked to have given her a real kiss, but I thought she was a little drunk and I am not that kind of guy. So, eventually she got involved with her friends and I tucked out to Madz to sleep off my buzz. I am happy to say that she is coming over for dinner tomorrow night and I will let you know if I have tea or coffee and explain the significance of that as well. I will be looking for a nice night with friends and if anything passes then I will be pleasantly surprised.
Today I woke up at around 10:30 and Alex, Madz, and I went to the market on the Soane to get some dinner items. We had a late lunch/early dinner after our morning Golden Grahams. So, we had one of the spit roasted chickens as the protein. Some nice shrooms and onions with a little soy sauce saute that was yummy! Also a big green salad with lots of fresh veggies and my orgasmic balsalmic dressing to top it off. I also got a nice piece of fresh chevre, damn I am going to miss the cheese. Although Jenny gave me a cut of great Scottish cheddar last night that made my mouth water while thinking about it now. Dessert was a great fruit salad prepared by the lovely Alexandra. It had watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches, cherries, orange juice, lemon juice, pear juice, a little bit of sugar to cut the sour. That was even better when we finished off 2 hours later. We did mange a little bit of crepes with nutella, maple syrup, and lemon and sugar later. You have to take a day off every now and again, and this was a decadent day of eating and hanging out one last final time before Madz moves out tomorrow. Maybe if I believe hard enough then it all will not end, right Peter Pan?
En suite we went to Scottish Jenny's ( although she is originally Irish ) birthday party. She is a lovely girl, very spirited, intelligent, and always a joy to be around. While I do not know her as well as some I find her to be a young lady who works hard, and plays hard. She is recently 21 and a student in the Arts and Theatre. She is one of the few that I think actually wants to do the real deal on stage and is not interested in becoming a screen actor. She is also my roller buddy and I love doing the Generation Roller with her. For all of those who are nosy about my personal affairs, I have asked her out before. She had plans and so I took it as a hint and decided to leave it as friends. Last night we went to her place for a trash bag party. Everyone was given a trash bag and instructed to make a garment from it. Although it sounds a little strange it was actually a great idea and there were some impromptu skirts, shirts, and even boots. I had a little bit too drink and I was in happy mood all night long. Then we headed to an Irish bar by the name of Johnny Walsh's which if you are an anglophone and have lived or spent any amount of time in Lyon you probably have taken down a pint or two there. Since it was my birthday a few days earlier I thought a birthday shot would be nice. Jenny was up for it and I had noticed that she was also paying me special attention, I was smitten. I accompanied her to the next venue and she even gave me a little smooch, nothing major but I felt a rush none-the-less, she is a girl who not only exists but truly lives and is surrounded by some great friends. So, next we headed to a small bar/dance joint and I had my way on the dance floor for about 25 minutes or so. I would liked to have given her a real kiss, but I thought she was a little drunk and I am not that kind of guy. So, eventually she got involved with her friends and I tucked out to Madz to sleep off my buzz. I am happy to say that she is coming over for dinner tomorrow night and I will let you know if I have tea or coffee and explain the significance of that as well. I will be looking for a nice night with friends and if anything passes then I will be pleasantly surprised.
Today I woke up at around 10:30 and Alex, Madz, and I went to the market on the Soane to get some dinner items. We had a late lunch/early dinner after our morning Golden Grahams. So, we had one of the spit roasted chickens as the protein. Some nice shrooms and onions with a little soy sauce saute that was yummy! Also a big green salad with lots of fresh veggies and my orgasmic balsalmic dressing to top it off. I also got a nice piece of fresh chevre, damn I am going to miss the cheese. Although Jenny gave me a cut of great Scottish cheddar last night that made my mouth water while thinking about it now. Dessert was a great fruit salad prepared by the lovely Alexandra. It had watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches, cherries, orange juice, lemon juice, pear juice, a little bit of sugar to cut the sour. That was even better when we finished off 2 hours later. We did mange a little bit of crepes with nutella, maple syrup, and lemon and sugar later. You have to take a day off every now and again, and this was a decadent day of eating and hanging out one last final time before Madz moves out tomorrow. Maybe if I believe hard enough then it all will not end, right Peter Pan?
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