Here is Mad's before passing out form imbibing a little too much.
Sunday, April 17, 2005
I Found NPR online.
It has been raining continuously here in Lyon for the last 3 days. It has been off and on all week with rain and lots of gray overcast days. However the last few days have been continuous raining. So much that the metros and Tramways shut down early last night due to the amount of water that had fallen. So, what better to do on a rainy Sunday morning than read and listen to NPR. I found it on the radio stations on the Media Player that I accidentally found while trying to find some Jazz and Blues stations. So here I am updating my blog and listening to NPR.
I have been all over the place today online. Reading the headlines of the Financial Times that has become my favorite paper since arriving here in Lyon. Bouncing over to MLB.Com and The Boston Red Sox homepage checking out how the boys from Boston are doing. Then I started searching for English teaching positions in Spanish speaking countries. I really think that when I finish my degree and I am looking into Grad School I would like to go and learn some Spanish or perhaps Japanese or Chinese. I think about staying in Charlotte and I get depressed about the thought of it. I think that I am beginning to feel the reverse-culture shock before I get home. I have another year, maybe year and a half before I am finished up at UNCC. I cannot wait to be done there.
Americans have to stop being so lazy in learning other cultures, while they are not as bad as the English I still think that we are lazy. A little anecdote for you about how I feel. When I was at the Monticello I was working a banquet one night. The banquet manager was bringing up the food for the party. Apparently, he thought that he could make it all the way without needing hot mits or a kitchen towel. Jaime ( pronounced HI-ME), was standing near the chafing dishes organizing the crudites and plates, etc... Jaime has been working at the restaurant for a few months and is learning English on the side at a community college. He works hard and the restaurant abuses his inability to speak English and the fact he is an immigrant to puch him as hard as they can without opening up there pocketbook like they would for an American. The banquet manager begins yelling at Jaime "Caliente! Caliente!" as he is walking towards the chafing dishes. Jaime hears and so he clears out of the way and moves to another end of the table. I also move out of the way and watch, the banquet manager begins yelling at Jaime to open the lids and calling him an idiot. I run over and lift the lids for the manager and he drops in the hot pan. I return to the lower dining room and soon the baquet manager, after chastizing Jaime for not opening the lids comes down as well. He turns to me and asks me if I can believe what just happened. I begged his pardon because I did not understand his point. He says well I said "Caliente! Caliente!" and Jaime just got out of the way and I almost got burned because he did not open the chafing dish lids. He tells me how much of an idiot he is, la-la-la..... So, I am standing there when pick something up and yell "Hot! Hot!" and the banquet manager jumps out of the way and he doesn't open the door behind him and help me through. I ask him why, I put the dish down and ask him why he did not help me out? He says, you only said "Hot! How was I supposed to know you wanted me to open the door?" So obviously I retorted with well you expected Jaime to open up the chafing dishes and help you when you yelled the same thing at him. Just before all this the banquet manager is telling me how any immigrant is responsible for learning English because it is "our" country. What an asshole? I hear that all the time though, and not at NRA meetings either. I know that I am speaking from a bias having spent the last 8 months in France but really? No offense Kat but I am going to pick on you, people are taking sign language at UNCC instead of learning a Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Italian, etc. I have no problems with sign language at all, but as far as the number of people that you can communicate with and the fact that it is without conjugation and only vocabulary it seems just a way to be lazy and get around the pre-reqs. You are not the only person that I know who has done this but I chose to pick on you because you actually read this site. I know that you are headed to Portugal this summer and I hope that you are learning enough Portuguese for getting around a cafe or finding you hotel. OK, that's it I think that we as Americans need to get off our asses and quit worrying about getting our jobs and our lakeside houses and go see the World and all of the cultures out there.
That said, I am feeling better this weekend in comparison to last week. I still have a cough and some nasty phlegm coming up occasionally, but on the whole I am better. So then I decided on Friday night to go and meet my friends at Maddy's place for the Pimps and Prostitutes Party, changed to the anything with a "P" party. I was too sick in the week to get a costume ready and did not think I was going to make it so I had to go sans costume. However, I found a couple lipstick yielding femmes and became a "Playboy" with some nice kisses all over my face. I planned to leave early and after snapping a few photos I went to catch the last metro. I missed the thing by about 20 seconds. So, I bought a six-pack and headed back up. I had previously decided not to drink but since I had to stay I said what the hell. I kept taking photos and everyone was so happy that I came back. I finished up by ending the party at 3:30am when the neighbor that yelled at me twice from the streets to close the windows eventually came up as someone was leaving and asked me to please stop. He was very polite and asked me kindly to turn the music down so that he and his wife could sleep since they had to work the next day. I went in and told everyone it was over and turned the music off. Claire, not thrilled said that the guy was crazy and who cares. After a little convincing that the party was already a success at 3:30 in the morning she succombed. I decided to walk home through the rain back home even though I was getting over a cold or possibly Bronchitis. I got about half a kilometer and decided I may as well run home to save time. 30 minutes later, soaked and coughing, I arrived chez moi. Took a shower and warmed up before going to bed with some more great memories a few months before my departure. I'll post some of the pictures as well. Hope everyone is well, talk to you soon.
I have been all over the place today online. Reading the headlines of the Financial Times that has become my favorite paper since arriving here in Lyon. Bouncing over to MLB.Com and The Boston Red Sox homepage checking out how the boys from Boston are doing. Then I started searching for English teaching positions in Spanish speaking countries. I really think that when I finish my degree and I am looking into Grad School I would like to go and learn some Spanish or perhaps Japanese or Chinese. I think about staying in Charlotte and I get depressed about the thought of it. I think that I am beginning to feel the reverse-culture shock before I get home. I have another year, maybe year and a half before I am finished up at UNCC. I cannot wait to be done there.
Americans have to stop being so lazy in learning other cultures, while they are not as bad as the English I still think that we are lazy. A little anecdote for you about how I feel. When I was at the Monticello I was working a banquet one night. The banquet manager was bringing up the food for the party. Apparently, he thought that he could make it all the way without needing hot mits or a kitchen towel. Jaime ( pronounced HI-ME), was standing near the chafing dishes organizing the crudites and plates, etc... Jaime has been working at the restaurant for a few months and is learning English on the side at a community college. He works hard and the restaurant abuses his inability to speak English and the fact he is an immigrant to puch him as hard as they can without opening up there pocketbook like they would for an American. The banquet manager begins yelling at Jaime "Caliente! Caliente!" as he is walking towards the chafing dishes. Jaime hears and so he clears out of the way and moves to another end of the table. I also move out of the way and watch, the banquet manager begins yelling at Jaime to open the lids and calling him an idiot. I run over and lift the lids for the manager and he drops in the hot pan. I return to the lower dining room and soon the baquet manager, after chastizing Jaime for not opening the lids comes down as well. He turns to me and asks me if I can believe what just happened. I begged his pardon because I did not understand his point. He says well I said "Caliente! Caliente!" and Jaime just got out of the way and I almost got burned because he did not open the chafing dish lids. He tells me how much of an idiot he is, la-la-la..... So, I am standing there when pick something up and yell "Hot! Hot!" and the banquet manager jumps out of the way and he doesn't open the door behind him and help me through. I ask him why, I put the dish down and ask him why he did not help me out? He says, you only said "Hot! How was I supposed to know you wanted me to open the door?" So obviously I retorted with well you expected Jaime to open up the chafing dishes and help you when you yelled the same thing at him. Just before all this the banquet manager is telling me how any immigrant is responsible for learning English because it is "our" country. What an asshole? I hear that all the time though, and not at NRA meetings either. I know that I am speaking from a bias having spent the last 8 months in France but really? No offense Kat but I am going to pick on you, people are taking sign language at UNCC instead of learning a Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Italian, etc. I have no problems with sign language at all, but as far as the number of people that you can communicate with and the fact that it is without conjugation and only vocabulary it seems just a way to be lazy and get around the pre-reqs. You are not the only person that I know who has done this but I chose to pick on you because you actually read this site. I know that you are headed to Portugal this summer and I hope that you are learning enough Portuguese for getting around a cafe or finding you hotel. OK, that's it I think that we as Americans need to get off our asses and quit worrying about getting our jobs and our lakeside houses and go see the World and all of the cultures out there.
That said, I am feeling better this weekend in comparison to last week. I still have a cough and some nasty phlegm coming up occasionally, but on the whole I am better. So then I decided on Friday night to go and meet my friends at Maddy's place for the Pimps and Prostitutes Party, changed to the anything with a "P" party. I was too sick in the week to get a costume ready and did not think I was going to make it so I had to go sans costume. However, I found a couple lipstick yielding femmes and became a "Playboy" with some nice kisses all over my face. I planned to leave early and after snapping a few photos I went to catch the last metro. I missed the thing by about 20 seconds. So, I bought a six-pack and headed back up. I had previously decided not to drink but since I had to stay I said what the hell. I kept taking photos and everyone was so happy that I came back. I finished up by ending the party at 3:30am when the neighbor that yelled at me twice from the streets to close the windows eventually came up as someone was leaving and asked me to please stop. He was very polite and asked me kindly to turn the music down so that he and his wife could sleep since they had to work the next day. I went in and told everyone it was over and turned the music off. Claire, not thrilled said that the guy was crazy and who cares. After a little convincing that the party was already a success at 3:30 in the morning she succombed. I decided to walk home through the rain back home even though I was getting over a cold or possibly Bronchitis. I got about half a kilometer and decided I may as well run home to save time. 30 minutes later, soaked and coughing, I arrived chez moi. Took a shower and warmed up before going to bed with some more great memories a few months before my departure. I'll post some of the pictures as well. Hope everyone is well, talk to you soon.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Blue Wednesday, oh-oh blue wednesday!
I am trying to update this blog a little bit more than usual because I am now done with school and I have a lot of free-time on my hands. So, basically this week blows! I missed work Monday to study for an exam, missed work Tuesday because I felt like crap and had no sleep. I have not been out in almost two weeks so those of you thinking I am just partying, that's not the case. Then on Tuesday night I went to the gym planning to really have a go at it. However, my body let me know really early it had other plans, I was so weak and fatigued really early on. Then a slight cough set-in... I finished up but I have now fallen ill. Yesterday I tried to sleep it off and take it easy, so I stayed inside and did some reading and searching on the internet. I felt continually worse throughout the day and had a little bit of chocolate and some orange soda to feel better. Having promised my roommate stir-fry I got into the kitchen to follow through. I made a nice big wok full of veggies, turkey, and of course the stir-fry sauce. I could not even stomach thinking about eating it and decided instead to just have some white rice with a little bit of butter.
Next, I received my grade in French earlier in the day, an astonishing 8/20 after studying all week for the damn thing. French, at least written French, is not panning out to be my forte.
Then last night there was a Champions League game for European soccer with the hometown Lyon up againt PSV who I think are from Germany. The game was excellent and it went through double overtime with Lyon missing a few opportunities to put it away in the end. Which really ticked off there star Junihno because it forced a shootout, which they lost. The Lyonaiss guys after Junihno looked like they were from a summer camp back home. They had no leg in the shots I guess because they did have the precision and power combination like Junihno. Would have been nice to have the Champions League Vainqeurs while I was here but maybe next time.
So, I also missed work this morning. I woke up with a super-light headed feeling, sore throat, and nagging cough. So I called the school and told the principal that I thought I had a cold or a Spring flu but that if she wanted I could make it. She told me that she would tell the teachers that I was not feeling well and that I probably would not make it and I could come if I was up to it or not if that was the case. I got up to see how I could manage and I almost fell over on my way to the bathroom. Needless to say, back in the bed. If it had been a restaurant I would have been there without an option and been ok I guess. I was happy to go back to bed though. I still feel like crap today after getting up at 2:00pm, yes I said 2:00pm. Very unlike me but I was trying to rest up. I want to get to the gym over the 2 week vacation and really give it hell. Until then I am sipping on Fanta Orange soda and craving some Cambbell's Chicken Noodle or Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. Why is it when we are sick the most processed shit is what we crave? I cannot remeber craving strawberrys or apples when I am sick. Almost always it is something created in a lab and packaged for the masses. Goldfish, sodas, chips, condensed soup, chocolate, jello, pudding, etc... It seems a little strange to me I guess because it probably worse than everything else that I could have in this situation, but here I am wanting pre-packaged, freeze-dried, powdered, condensed, artificially, frozen, preserved, ready-made...CRAP!
Next order of business is that I may not be back until mid-July now. Fred called me this morning and he wants me to come up to Paris until around the 15th and then he is going to fly back with me to Charlotte. So, Kat and Caya it is not in the books yet, I have to do some serious thinking in the next two days on my plans. I really would like to stay here in France at this point and I wish I had already finished my degree and could set up shop here. I saw the Australian guy get nabbed at the Capital because of asking to see Bush with 2 suitcases at the steps. They are going to through him out of the country for making a point. I think he is brilliant and I am worried about the state of my country of birth. I look out over the Atlantic in my daydreams and I wonder where the place I grew up learning about is? Where are those that stand for freedom? When did "God" become so involved in politics?
I recently read an article about the Day of Silence for homosexual awareness in schools and how the christian ( yes I know it is supposed to be capitalised:) opponents are using some big "Defense Fund" for christians to tell the truth about homosexuality. How it's wrong, yada-yada blah-blah..... It seems to me that two people loving each other is not wrong, but a group of people hating others love is ok for the ultra-conservative christian right.
Is it any more accepetable for Christians to persecute than Muslims, or Jews, governments, or anyone else?
Oh, and why in the hell does every christian tell me that it's the right way to think. As if there is no other option in the Universe, of which Earth is the only planet with life??? Fat chance buckaroos. I am not trying to say that I have the answers, but I know that I don't. Most christians think that they have the answer, it's right, no questions asked. What bible do they read??? King James? I think I am getting too hard on the christians here and need to broaden this whole argument for any religous, state, or cultural ideology. Shit, that puts old US-of-A and Uncle Sam at the top of the friggin list. I better watch my comments or I am going to get a visit from some SS, wait a minute here.... Secret Service-S.S.??? You make the correlation to the next sentence. Is it National Security when SS agents track down an artist for making a political statement in Chicago? Or when they visit a High School in Washington to investigate a student's art for possible threats to the President? I am truly scared that the shock and awe campaign is in the States and not in Iraq. Finally, I read another listing of a 16 year old girl being held in a detention center for wanting to be a suicide bomber. She is being held without an attorney, without bail, without any civil liberties in my opinion. Her parent's are illegal immigrants and she is not a citizen of the US, yet. She was a very well-liked student with lots of friends and tolerant and embraceful of many cultures. A young woman exploring her own heritage and that of her new Nation. She missed an appointment with immigration because she was excited for a school function if I recall correctly, and they arrested her and are holding her as a terrorist, whilst in the process of deporting her parents.
Give us your weak, your less fortunate?
I am going to return to a country that does not resemble the one in my mind when I left, when I joined the Army, when I was told it was the "Greatest Country in the World." I feel isolated and lost, more at home in my host country France than the thought of being back on my maternal soil.
Well, I really went off on a rant there. I am not sure what tipped it off. I think it has been in the making for some time. Since before I left I believe I have been on this road. Someone told me that they would give up liberty to fight terrorism. I say "Give me Liberty, or Give me Death." That is why I joined the Army in the first place. I thought there was some residual value in my country. Now it's a War in Iraq that Americans have become complacent with because why? Noone knows. Or Guantanomo Bay, Cuba? Need I say more?
OK, going to end this now. I miss you all very much, but I am worried I am not coming home. I am coming back to finish my degree and apply for graduate schools and then going to try and find a job or do some travelling around the World and see some things.
Next, I received my grade in French earlier in the day, an astonishing 8/20 after studying all week for the damn thing. French, at least written French, is not panning out to be my forte.
Then last night there was a Champions League game for European soccer with the hometown Lyon up againt PSV who I think are from Germany. The game was excellent and it went through double overtime with Lyon missing a few opportunities to put it away in the end. Which really ticked off there star Junihno because it forced a shootout, which they lost. The Lyonaiss guys after Junihno looked like they were from a summer camp back home. They had no leg in the shots I guess because they did have the precision and power combination like Junihno. Would have been nice to have the Champions League Vainqeurs while I was here but maybe next time.
So, I also missed work this morning. I woke up with a super-light headed feeling, sore throat, and nagging cough. So I called the school and told the principal that I thought I had a cold or a Spring flu but that if she wanted I could make it. She told me that she would tell the teachers that I was not feeling well and that I probably would not make it and I could come if I was up to it or not if that was the case. I got up to see how I could manage and I almost fell over on my way to the bathroom. Needless to say, back in the bed. If it had been a restaurant I would have been there without an option and been ok I guess. I was happy to go back to bed though. I still feel like crap today after getting up at 2:00pm, yes I said 2:00pm. Very unlike me but I was trying to rest up. I want to get to the gym over the 2 week vacation and really give it hell. Until then I am sipping on Fanta Orange soda and craving some Cambbell's Chicken Noodle or Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. Why is it when we are sick the most processed shit is what we crave? I cannot remeber craving strawberrys or apples when I am sick. Almost always it is something created in a lab and packaged for the masses. Goldfish, sodas, chips, condensed soup, chocolate, jello, pudding, etc... It seems a little strange to me I guess because it probably worse than everything else that I could have in this situation, but here I am wanting pre-packaged, freeze-dried, powdered, condensed, artificially, frozen, preserved, ready-made...CRAP!
Next order of business is that I may not be back until mid-July now. Fred called me this morning and he wants me to come up to Paris until around the 15th and then he is going to fly back with me to Charlotte. So, Kat and Caya it is not in the books yet, I have to do some serious thinking in the next two days on my plans. I really would like to stay here in France at this point and I wish I had already finished my degree and could set up shop here. I saw the Australian guy get nabbed at the Capital because of asking to see Bush with 2 suitcases at the steps. They are going to through him out of the country for making a point. I think he is brilliant and I am worried about the state of my country of birth. I look out over the Atlantic in my daydreams and I wonder where the place I grew up learning about is? Where are those that stand for freedom? When did "God" become so involved in politics?
I recently read an article about the Day of Silence for homosexual awareness in schools and how the christian ( yes I know it is supposed to be capitalised:) opponents are using some big "Defense Fund" for christians to tell the truth about homosexuality. How it's wrong, yada-yada blah-blah..... It seems to me that two people loving each other is not wrong, but a group of people hating others love is ok for the ultra-conservative christian right.
Is it any more accepetable for Christians to persecute than Muslims, or Jews, governments, or anyone else?
Oh, and why in the hell does every christian tell me that it's the right way to think. As if there is no other option in the Universe, of which Earth is the only planet with life??? Fat chance buckaroos. I am not trying to say that I have the answers, but I know that I don't. Most christians think that they have the answer, it's right, no questions asked. What bible do they read??? King James? I think I am getting too hard on the christians here and need to broaden this whole argument for any religous, state, or cultural ideology. Shit, that puts old US-of-A and Uncle Sam at the top of the friggin list. I better watch my comments or I am going to get a visit from some SS, wait a minute here.... Secret Service-S.S.??? You make the correlation to the next sentence. Is it National Security when SS agents track down an artist for making a political statement in Chicago? Or when they visit a High School in Washington to investigate a student's art for possible threats to the President? I am truly scared that the shock and awe campaign is in the States and not in Iraq. Finally, I read another listing of a 16 year old girl being held in a detention center for wanting to be a suicide bomber. She is being held without an attorney, without bail, without any civil liberties in my opinion. Her parent's are illegal immigrants and she is not a citizen of the US, yet. She was a very well-liked student with lots of friends and tolerant and embraceful of many cultures. A young woman exploring her own heritage and that of her new Nation. She missed an appointment with immigration because she was excited for a school function if I recall correctly, and they arrested her and are holding her as a terrorist, whilst in the process of deporting her parents.
Give us your weak, your less fortunate?
I am going to return to a country that does not resemble the one in my mind when I left, when I joined the Army, when I was told it was the "Greatest Country in the World." I feel isolated and lost, more at home in my host country France than the thought of being back on my maternal soil.
Well, I really went off on a rant there. I am not sure what tipped it off. I think it has been in the making for some time. Since before I left I believe I have been on this road. Someone told me that they would give up liberty to fight terrorism. I say "Give me Liberty, or Give me Death." That is why I joined the Army in the first place. I thought there was some residual value in my country. Now it's a War in Iraq that Americans have become complacent with because why? Noone knows. Or Guantanomo Bay, Cuba? Need I say more?
OK, going to end this now. I miss you all very much, but I am worried I am not coming home. I am coming back to finish my degree and apply for graduate schools and then going to try and find a job or do some travelling around the World and see some things.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Screwing up a little.
Hello all!!! Bonjour tout le monde!!! I know you have not heard from me in awhile and I am sorry about that. I actually posted a pretty nice little but last week but the server for blogger went down and I lost the entire piece. After that I was too busy studying for my French exam that I had yesterday. I am really not looking forward to the grade. I know that I did better than last time but I always have a lot of trouble knowing which personal pronoms to use. In spoken French it is usually simple because you can adjust what you say to accomodate but the written language is completely different. I really would like to have a working since of French in case I ever have the opportunity to come back here, or go perhaps to....French Guyana, La Reunion, etc...
What's new in Sean's world? Well, after studying all weekend I called the school yesterday and cancelled my classes to study more for the exam. I went to school all stressed and ran into Maddy and Mauricio going to lunch so I decided that it may calm me down to hang out. The diet was going great through lunch, through the exam, and after I got back home as well. Then I laid down at 5:00pm to take a cat-nap before the gym. Bad Idea!!! I woke up at 8:15, too late to make the gym since it closes at 9:30. So, I really felt like having some bad food and decided to celebrate finishing Lyon 3 by getting McDonald's. I bought and ate a meal and sundae, felt like shit the rest of the night. Next time if I cheat it's going to be homemade and not that crap. So, then I started reading the end of my book Wooden Boats about the Gannon and Benjamin Marine Railway in Martha's Vineyard, don't worry they're not the vacationing yuppies, real blue collar guys doing what they love. Really makes you want to find a boat captain and hit the seas for adventure. I was mesmorized and enticed by the stories at sea of the people working in the shop. How they came to be sailors, and then boatbuilders in a story that started off a little slow but brings you into the circle. It's a book by Michael Ruhlman, the only reason I bought it actually. It was on sale at a bookstore and I saw the author, who has written 2 great books for the restaurant world. They are The Making of a Chef, and The Soul of a Chef, the latter of which I enjoyed the most. The Making of a Chef is about the CIA in Hyde Park, NY and is informative but reflects why I do not like culinary schools, the job is hard enough without having to be an asshole to get things done all the time. The Soul of a Chef takes you through three kitchens, each one very different in style, grace, and dogma. Ending with the highly famed Thomas Keller at The French Laundry. In the end I really like Ruhlman's style and readability, he also writes cookbooks, at least when it's Thomas Keller.
So, after my long nap last night, reading my book until 1:30, I still did not fall asleep until after 4:00 in the morning sometime. So tired that I did not get up to go and teach this morning and have to go and explain myself a little later and make-up the time. ooops. I have not missed a day since coming back from Christmas so I think I am in the clear with less than 3 months to go, weird when I hear that my time is on the shortside.
OK, well I have to go make up for yesterday's absence at my school and I still need to get a shower before I go. Miss you all!!! Sorry I cannot make the wedding Timmer's, but I will see you this summer in July. I am looking to the 8th of July so I should make the Caya/Kat procession from the looks of it. Take care all. Ciao
What's new in Sean's world? Well, after studying all weekend I called the school yesterday and cancelled my classes to study more for the exam. I went to school all stressed and ran into Maddy and Mauricio going to lunch so I decided that it may calm me down to hang out. The diet was going great through lunch, through the exam, and after I got back home as well. Then I laid down at 5:00pm to take a cat-nap before the gym. Bad Idea!!! I woke up at 8:15, too late to make the gym since it closes at 9:30. So, I really felt like having some bad food and decided to celebrate finishing Lyon 3 by getting McDonald's. I bought and ate a meal and sundae, felt like shit the rest of the night. Next time if I cheat it's going to be homemade and not that crap. So, then I started reading the end of my book Wooden Boats about the Gannon and Benjamin Marine Railway in Martha's Vineyard, don't worry they're not the vacationing yuppies, real blue collar guys doing what they love. Really makes you want to find a boat captain and hit the seas for adventure. I was mesmorized and enticed by the stories at sea of the people working in the shop. How they came to be sailors, and then boatbuilders in a story that started off a little slow but brings you into the circle. It's a book by Michael Ruhlman, the only reason I bought it actually. It was on sale at a bookstore and I saw the author, who has written 2 great books for the restaurant world. They are The Making of a Chef, and The Soul of a Chef, the latter of which I enjoyed the most. The Making of a Chef is about the CIA in Hyde Park, NY and is informative but reflects why I do not like culinary schools, the job is hard enough without having to be an asshole to get things done all the time. The Soul of a Chef takes you through three kitchens, each one very different in style, grace, and dogma. Ending with the highly famed Thomas Keller at The French Laundry. In the end I really like Ruhlman's style and readability, he also writes cookbooks, at least when it's Thomas Keller.
So, after my long nap last night, reading my book until 1:30, I still did not fall asleep until after 4:00 in the morning sometime. So tired that I did not get up to go and teach this morning and have to go and explain myself a little later and make-up the time. ooops. I have not missed a day since coming back from Christmas so I think I am in the clear with less than 3 months to go, weird when I hear that my time is on the shortside.
OK, well I have to go make up for yesterday's absence at my school and I still need to get a shower before I go. Miss you all!!! Sorry I cannot make the wedding Timmer's, but I will see you this summer in July. I am looking to the 8th of July so I should make the Caya/Kat procession from the looks of it. Take care all. Ciao
Monday, March 28, 2005
Jason and Ashleigh in Paris
Hello all, I went to Paris again this past weekend to see some friends from home. Jason and Ashleigh came in on Saturday morning so I decided to meet them over at the hotel early. That way they would not have a chance to sleep and be jet-lagged all week. I met them around 9:30 at the Hotel Europe and we went to walk the beautiful streets of Paris. First we stopped by a cafe for some much needed coffee! Then we walked over to the Eiffel Tower and down through the park just in front of it. Over to the Louvre to see that famous pyramid of triangles made even more famous by Dan Brown and The DaVinci Code. We walked sooo much! Over to the Champs Elysees and to the Arc de Triomphe to finish. Then I let them head over to the Hotel for a little nap and so they could get ready for dinner at La Maison de Campagne. They were kind enough to buy my dinner and I was very happy to accept! It was really nice and we were fortunate because the waiter turned out to be an Irish ex-patriate so I was able to speak French and they spoke in English. The next day I met them at 1:00pm at the Musee D'Orsay because I did not realize it was daylight savings time to change and Spring Forward so I woke up late. It was nice to that museum because I had never been. The whole museum is nice and not crowded until you get to the 5th floor where the Impressionist's are. Then the place is crowded and it's hard to get a great view without being patient. The paintings are simply beautiful, I love Monet the most I think. Van Gogh is no slouch but I think that Monet had a better style and grace. Afterwards we went to a cafe and had a late lunch sandwich and coffee before I had to go and catch my train. It was a great weekend and now I have to hit the gym and pay the piper. It feels early but only because of the daylight savings. Well, I hope all of you are doing well and I will post again soon.
Monday, March 21, 2005
Spring Is Just Around The Corner
It has been absolutely beautiful here in Lyon this past week. I have been able to go roller-blading 4 times so far around Lyon and always in the Parc de La Tete D'Or. Which is a huge park in the North of the city where the whole city goes when it is nice outside. Last Thursday I skated up there to play some soccer with my peoples. We played and lazed in the sun for hours. I was so fatigued that I could not go to the gym that day! Then I went out on Saturday night with some Aussies ( of course ), and I also met some Swedes. The stereotype is true, they are all beautiful!!! However they are not all blonde. The one that I took a liking to was a blonde, and like every other girl that I like she has a boyfriend. Who apparently fits her like a glove as I have been told. So Sunday was the free-day and I woke up after being shifted into another bed when Mads got back from her rave. I went back to sleep and when I got up I had 2 bowls of this great Muesli with lots of chocolate chips! Then I grug over to the market to get some things for the rest of the week and that night. I love to get one of the spit-roasted chickens from some really jovial characters there. They are always singing and chatting with everyone so it always makes me smile to see them.
Next was off to the park again to meet an entourage and munch on some chips. I had planned to play soccer but I think everyone was happier talking and sitting in the sun so who was I to change that perfect setting! I did roller there and back so even on my day off I got some exercise. Which is good because I came home and made some broccoli and chicken pasta with parmasan, cream, and lemon zest. Not to mention the half pint of Haagen-Daaz that I ate afterwards. It was a nice weekend with great weather but it is now getting a little chilly again. Hopefully it will be nice next weekend when I go to see Jason and Ashley in Paris. Not looking forward to paying 90+ euros for the return fair but I would never miss seeing them. OK, that is enough for today I am going to me couche bientot. Ciao
Next was off to the park again to meet an entourage and munch on some chips. I had planned to play soccer but I think everyone was happier talking and sitting in the sun so who was I to change that perfect setting! I did roller there and back so even on my day off I got some exercise. Which is good because I came home and made some broccoli and chicken pasta with parmasan, cream, and lemon zest. Not to mention the half pint of Haagen-Daaz that I ate afterwards. It was a nice weekend with great weather but it is now getting a little chilly again. Hopefully it will be nice next weekend when I go to see Jason and Ashley in Paris. Not looking forward to paying 90+ euros for the return fair but I would never miss seeing them. OK, that is enough for today I am going to me couche bientot. Ciao
Monday, March 14, 2005
Murphyslaw Strikes, then backfires!!!
Bonjour a Tous! I have a great story to tell you all. I had planned to go skiing yesterday with a large group of friends. We purchased a group package for 27 euros. In all there were 12 of us from about 5 nations and four continents that joined in on the plan. We all had to meet at Belle Cours by 5:55am when the bus was scheduled to leave. Although France is known for being late, when it comes to transportation they are usually right on time. So, I could not fall asleep the night before. Probably because I had been fighting sleep all day since I got home at 5:00am on Friday night from an international gathering the night before. I left at about 3:40am but decided to walk home so that I could get up early and clean the apartment before the landlords stopped by with the new fridge. I arose at 10:30am and cleaned the place with a nice hangover. Then, I went to the gym because they had not arrived. They said sometime in the afternoon so I continued to wait. Finally, I went to the store to buy groceries for the trip and eventually they arrived at 8:00pm. I guess that is technically afternoon! Then I watched the Miss Europe Pageant. I am not a paegent kind-of-guy but it was my brother Fred's show and he wanted me too watch it. I went to bed around midnight but fell asleep somewhere between 2:00-3:00am. The next thing I know my phone is ringing and it's Mad's. I thought she was calling to make sure I was awake but it turns out it was 5:55am and the bus was about to roll out. No chance to get there in 5 minutes so after having bought my ticket and renting my skiis I thought that it was all in vain. I received several phone calls from Maddy and Jo after that telling me to get a train to Grenoble and then hitching a ride or finding a bus. That seemed a little bit too much of a shot in the dark so I started to get back in the bed smoldering with anger and envy. Then my phone ribbits ( I have a frog chime ) with a message saying that the bus is en panne or broken down at a gas station. The station is only about 10 minutes by taxi and they tell me I have 30 minutes before the bus arrives. I hopped out of bed, called Allo Taxi, put some sandwiches and edibles in my bag and went straight down to meet the taxi! Amazingly, the bus was about 12km away and after another 22 euros for the cab fair I rejoined my friends and had a great day skiing. Moral of the story, never give up when you can call a cab!!!
Hope that you enjoyed that little anecdote, it will be a memory of mine for years to come. Yesterday I went to the Parc De La Tete D'Or with Maddy her man Mauricio, Anna, Claire, Lynette, etc... for a little fun in the finally warm sun!!! I rollered there in my skates that I got the 2nd month here. I did not fall yesterday so I think that I am starting to get my feet back. My goal is to be able to navigate the streets really well and have a proficiency in skating backwards since I would like to pick up hockey again when I get back home. For all those interested I am still in the "Zone." I have lost around 4-5kgs so far. That is about 10-12pds for those who are not savvy with the metric system. Which, by the way, is so much more efficient and easy to use than the fucking standard system that we use in the US. Americans need to jump on board and we should be more like the English in tranferring our youth completely to metric by teaching them both in school. However, with the bold and STUPID "No Child Left Behind" doctrination of our bumbling 4 more years President I think that we are sliding back in time.
OK, I don't feel like standing on the soapbox right now on such a beautiful day so I am going to the gym, class, and then maybe even the Generation Roller tonight. That is a 15km skate around Lyon. They shut the streets down in front of and behind a huge group of roller bladers. Going to be some fun tonight!
Toodles...
Hope that you enjoyed that little anecdote, it will be a memory of mine for years to come. Yesterday I went to the Parc De La Tete D'Or with Maddy her man Mauricio, Anna, Claire, Lynette, etc... for a little fun in the finally warm sun!!! I rollered there in my skates that I got the 2nd month here. I did not fall yesterday so I think that I am starting to get my feet back. My goal is to be able to navigate the streets really well and have a proficiency in skating backwards since I would like to pick up hockey again when I get back home. For all those interested I am still in the "Zone." I have lost around 4-5kgs so far. That is about 10-12pds for those who are not savvy with the metric system. Which, by the way, is so much more efficient and easy to use than the fucking standard system that we use in the US. Americans need to jump on board and we should be more like the English in tranferring our youth completely to metric by teaching them both in school. However, with the bold and STUPID "No Child Left Behind" doctrination of our bumbling 4 more years President I think that we are sliding back in time.
OK, I don't feel like standing on the soapbox right now on such a beautiful day so I am going to the gym, class, and then maybe even the Generation Roller tonight. That is a 15km skate around Lyon. They shut the streets down in front of and behind a huge group of roller bladers. Going to be some fun tonight!
Toodles...
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Hitting the Slopes
This weekend is my first adventure into the French Alps for a little skiing. There is a big group of about 15-20 of us going through a service that we found that is cheap and reputed to be a nice group of slopes. Not that I am going to have any clue since it has been about 12 years since I went skiing and I had only been a few times before that. The main concern I have is the fact there was 55,000 injuries in France last season attributed to winter sports, or in otherwords skiing and snowboarding. I have just started the BFL Challenge and I am in week 2 so I am hoping that I do not go up there and screw it all up by getting a broken foot, leg, or arm! That would be just my style I think. Its not so much that I think I will fall and break something as much as I am worried about someone else running into me and causing damage like the last time I went skiing. I was plowed into by a friend of mine, I was already down and he tried something stupid above me on the slope to show-off, fell and planted both of his skis in my leg, did not break it but bruised it to the bone I can assure you. Well, I am supposed to be in class now and I have a test at around 1:00pm so I better run and get to it. Talk to you all later, looks like I have to come back for the end of May and first few days of June for a wedding. Congratulations Timmy! Never thought you would be first before Brendon or myself. No worries, wish the two of you the very best and I will see you in June I wreckon!
Saturday, March 05, 2005
Snowing in Lyon
It is Saturday here in Lyon and it is snowing with a fury. It is not really sticking anywhere but the rooftops and grassy areas. I think that there is enough salt on the streets and roads already to re-create the Sahara desert. Anywho, I have started the EAS 2005 BFL challenge. I have decided to start another blog to outline this so it does not take up too much time in this site. The address is http://www.thereunionchallenge.blogspot.com and I am updating it daily with my menu and workouts.Anyways, life here in Lyon is pretty normal. Although my roommate is not happy with my decision to "faire une regime." This is mainly because he has become accustomed to my cooking and I am no longer buying groceries together. Sorry, but when I want something I have to be a little selfish as long as it doesn't hurt anyone. That would be an arguable point for him because I have tasted his food and seen him burn fried eggs.
My roommate is trying to tell my how great Mariah Carey is and how her new album is going to sell double-platinum. I think he is crazy, maybe crazier than that crazy-ass singer herself. He also thinks that she is all-real. That is to say that she has never had any plastic surgery. I have to agree with Sharon Ozbourne and say that Mariah has the best boob-job in the business. Time will tell, just look back at some of the old album covers, where did the A-cup turn into a D-cup? Come on Mariah, they are fake, nice but fake.Thats all, and enough for now. Miss all of you, have a great Spring Break for those of you at UNCC.
My roommate is trying to tell my how great Mariah Carey is and how her new album is going to sell double-platinum. I think he is crazy, maybe crazier than that crazy-ass singer herself. He also thinks that she is all-real. That is to say that she has never had any plastic surgery. I have to agree with Sharon Ozbourne and say that Mariah has the best boob-job in the business. Time will tell, just look back at some of the old album covers, where did the A-cup turn into a D-cup? Come on Mariah, they are fake, nice but fake.Thats all, and enough for now. Miss all of you, have a great Spring Break for those of you at UNCC.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Back into the Zone
I have decided to do another EAS challenge. For those of you who do not know what this is I will explain it to you. A few years ago I was living in Myrtle Beach, SC. I moved there to help my sister open up a business and started working in a local restaurant. I was in the worst shape of my life, a lot like right now. So, I decided to do the EAS Transformation Challenge. It is a 12 week program of my choice and the objective can be to lose weight, gain muscle, etc. I entered the challenge at 232 pounds and at about 17.5% body fat. During the course of my program I followed a very strict diet 6 days a week and only took 1 day off. My workout routine was very rigorous work-out, with an average of 1 1/2 to 2 hours a day including a 30-45 mintute cardio session. I followed the program religously for 10 1/2 weeks until my best friend's wedding. After that weekend I let myself believe that I did not have a chance and did not send in my photos to be judged. My last measurements at that time showed that I significantly reduced my bodyfat to 10%. This test was administered by a licensed P.T. My weight fell to 189 pounds and I looked good enough to feel comfortable on a beach around Brad Pitt. Since I am in horrible shape I have decided to give it another go and this time make it stick. I am starting the challenge this week when I recieve my entry packet. The only thing I have to buy is a product from the company to take every day of the challenge. Not a large investment if you look at how much you spend eating out in a month. However, the products are very good and I do not mind taking a protein supplement and vitamins. That said, I would like to invite anyone to join me. This is not just a fakie competition with one crap prize like Men's Health. There are 2 grand prizes for the winner in the male and female categories worth $100,000, and many first prizes worth $25,000 each. Plus, the greatest part of all is that you get a great physique and a healthy lifestyle jump-start. I am doing this from France and so I will be calculating and translating in kilograms to pounds. I think that I am even going to build another blog for the occasion as well. I am thinking of posting my workouts, pictures, and diet. That is kinda scary considering I resemble a Walrus at the moment. I know I can complete this and I hope that I have your attention and support. I will let you know the website when it is operational. Bonne Chance!!!
Friday, February 25, 2005
Been awhile, been bored, been sleeping
Hello All!!! I have been in Paris since the 10th of February. The first few days here were very nice with Fred and the contestants for the 2005 Miss Europe competition. The girls were all gorgoeus and well-dressed but I think that if I had to stay around them longer than dinner I would have gone crazy, or spontaneously combusted. After Fred left to head down to Djerba, Tunisia to film the beach section of the show I became a bored-ass MoFo.
I know that its hard to believe that one can be bored in Paris, but it happened. The weather was not so nice and since I have already seen all of the sights I was not in the mood to hang out at the Eiffel or march up the L'Arc de Triomphe. So, I caught up on my sleep and watched a lot of TV and movies, chez Fred. I also did some walking and a lot of reading. Finally I had a friend arrive on Wednesday and that has given me someone to talk to and hang out with. Although today I slept until about 12:30, but stayed in the bed until a quarter after 1:00.
I have been doing a little reflecting since in Paris. I have tracked down a few friends from High School, if you google them you can find them! One is playing basketball not too far away in the city of Ferrara, just outside of Venice. Another is a Real Estate agent in Charlotte and the surrounding area, and the last is a case manager for the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America. All-in-all it was very nice to reconnect with them. I then learned that the High School Reunion I thought I was going to miss, is actually in August. So that means that I will have to go, but after talking to the friends I had recently reconnected with I think it might be fun. There are a few that I am not looking forward to seeing, but I will just spend my time around those that are more important to me.
Well, I am applying to internships at the moment and if I recieve the ones with either Bank of America or Wachovia I will probably be back sometime in the beginning of June. This is all up in the air and based on what happens in interviews I will be having over the phone in the next month or so. I will keep everyone posted on what happens and when I will be back in town.
BD, BD, BD, uh BD That's all Folks!
I know that its hard to believe that one can be bored in Paris, but it happened. The weather was not so nice and since I have already seen all of the sights I was not in the mood to hang out at the Eiffel or march up the L'Arc de Triomphe. So, I caught up on my sleep and watched a lot of TV and movies, chez Fred. I also did some walking and a lot of reading. Finally I had a friend arrive on Wednesday and that has given me someone to talk to and hang out with. Although today I slept until about 12:30, but stayed in the bed until a quarter after 1:00.
I have been doing a little reflecting since in Paris. I have tracked down a few friends from High School, if you google them you can find them! One is playing basketball not too far away in the city of Ferrara, just outside of Venice. Another is a Real Estate agent in Charlotte and the surrounding area, and the last is a case manager for the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America. All-in-all it was very nice to reconnect with them. I then learned that the High School Reunion I thought I was going to miss, is actually in August. So that means that I will have to go, but after talking to the friends I had recently reconnected with I think it might be fun. There are a few that I am not looking forward to seeing, but I will just spend my time around those that are more important to me.
Well, I am applying to internships at the moment and if I recieve the ones with either Bank of America or Wachovia I will probably be back sometime in the beginning of June. This is all up in the air and based on what happens in interviews I will be having over the phone in the next month or so. I will keep everyone posted on what happens and when I will be back in town.
BD, BD, BD, uh BD That's all Folks!
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Back in the Saddle
Hello all. I am back to some sort of routine here in Lyon. Lately it has been a routine of working and sleeping for large chumks of time. I had these huge black bags under my eyes and now they are shrinking since I have started to sleep a lot more. I do not know if the 2 are related but I do feel a lot better. Anywho, I purchased a gym memebership and connected myself to the internet. For any of you wondering about my current school situation here is the results of last semester.
French- 5.5/20 It was just too advanced for my level and the teacher agreed. Trying again this semester. Wish me luck!!!
Managing Global business- 11/20 This is about a B- in the US. I believe that the professor did not like my paper topic, which was the solitary mode of assessment for the class. Argued against the current NAFTA and primarily CAFTA free trade agreements. He is a big FTA's rule the world advocate no matter if it plunges the locals into poverty kind of guy.
Finance- 16/20 The equivalent of an A in the States. The class was actually a breeze. I studied about 3 hours over the entire semester. Thank you Mrs. Yarbrough!!!
Organizational Behaviour- 17/20 This was the shining star of the group. The class was a little boring but it was very easy because it is all qualitative analysis. Did my presentation on FedEx with a Danish guy and a Swedish girl and we rocked the house. Wrecking the competition. Not to mention I think that I killed the final.
That's it, I am working a job 12 hours a week during the morning and I really could not take any other classes last semester. I am still trying to work out my schedule this semester and with the job it is proving to be difficult. I may only have around 9 hours in comparison to our system but I do not think that they will have any idea until August and it will be too late by then to be a problem. Going to try and get a couple more classes in but they are all conflicting with my prior commitments with the Rectorat. I would quit but I cannot afford not to be making the extra cash.
Going to Paris in 2 days, got my tickets today. Fred is going to Tunisia to film the Miss Europe material so I am going to watch after the cat, Phoebe. I will be there for 17 days and I am skipping a week of class to go. I am such a bad student here but I am enjoying my time in France to the maximum. Who knows if I will ever be able to come back, you know? I really do not have any plans. I am going to try and get a couple days in at a local bakery to learn the craft of baguettes and work on my croissants. Luckily the Parisians are usually a little easier to get into than the ones here in Lyon. The Lyonaiss can take a long time to warm-up to you.
Well, as always I miss everyone back home and I will see you soon. Looking like the end of July since Brendon is planning to come over in July for a visit in Paris. I look forward to coming home and moving forward with my studies and career but I definitely do not want to leave this place. I love it here.
Gros Bisous a Tous!!!!
French- 5.5/20 It was just too advanced for my level and the teacher agreed. Trying again this semester. Wish me luck!!!
Managing Global business- 11/20 This is about a B- in the US. I believe that the professor did not like my paper topic, which was the solitary mode of assessment for the class. Argued against the current NAFTA and primarily CAFTA free trade agreements. He is a big FTA's rule the world advocate no matter if it plunges the locals into poverty kind of guy.
Finance- 16/20 The equivalent of an A in the States. The class was actually a breeze. I studied about 3 hours over the entire semester. Thank you Mrs. Yarbrough!!!
Organizational Behaviour- 17/20 This was the shining star of the group. The class was a little boring but it was very easy because it is all qualitative analysis. Did my presentation on FedEx with a Danish guy and a Swedish girl and we rocked the house. Wrecking the competition. Not to mention I think that I killed the final.
That's it, I am working a job 12 hours a week during the morning and I really could not take any other classes last semester. I am still trying to work out my schedule this semester and with the job it is proving to be difficult. I may only have around 9 hours in comparison to our system but I do not think that they will have any idea until August and it will be too late by then to be a problem. Going to try and get a couple more classes in but they are all conflicting with my prior commitments with the Rectorat. I would quit but I cannot afford not to be making the extra cash.
Going to Paris in 2 days, got my tickets today. Fred is going to Tunisia to film the Miss Europe material so I am going to watch after the cat, Phoebe. I will be there for 17 days and I am skipping a week of class to go. I am such a bad student here but I am enjoying my time in France to the maximum. Who knows if I will ever be able to come back, you know? I really do not have any plans. I am going to try and get a couple days in at a local bakery to learn the craft of baguettes and work on my croissants. Luckily the Parisians are usually a little easier to get into than the ones here in Lyon. The Lyonaiss can take a long time to warm-up to you.
Well, as always I miss everyone back home and I will see you soon. Looking like the end of July since Brendon is planning to come over in July for a visit in Paris. I look forward to coming home and moving forward with my studies and career but I definitely do not want to leave this place. I love it here.
Gros Bisous a Tous!!!!
Friday, January 28, 2005
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Sometimes I hate technology!!!
OK, so I had a nice little entry going and clicked the old spell check for this damn site and it erased my entire entry in the transfer. Basically I was going on a little about how I like Lyon, but I love Paris. Not in the way that there is all of the history and museums. Really more or less because it is a city that is alive. Plus, at any moment you can look up and see the Eiffel Tower. Don't get me wrong I love Lyon as well. It is just a different city and the people here are not as friendly, they still have a hunk of cheese up there ass from the Bourguoise days. Luckily I have lots of international friends and a few frenchies that I have adopted friends from. As always I am cooking all the time. I am really hurting for some of my cookbooks or recipes from home though. I wish I had them here but it would have been a lug ehh?
The teaching assisantship is getting better daily. I am putting in a little more time and energy and it is paying off with a lot more sanity. I tried to go and see the Bocuse D'or but it was too expensive on my budget. It was a 10 euro fare each way and 50 euros at the door. I would have only seen 2 hours and I couldn't afford it. I know the Serge Viera won the coveted effagy of Mr. Bocuse. The Norwegians took 2nd and I believe the Danes 3rd. The Americans did not place in any category so maybe I should find a nice stagiare somewhere soon too.
Still have not found La Bonne, not really looking either. Maybe she will turn up when I am least expecting it. On verras, uh? OK, going to post some pictures of the last week or so.
The teaching assisantship is getting better daily. I am putting in a little more time and energy and it is paying off with a lot more sanity. I tried to go and see the Bocuse D'or but it was too expensive on my budget. It was a 10 euro fare each way and 50 euros at the door. I would have only seen 2 hours and I couldn't afford it. I know the Serge Viera won the coveted effagy of Mr. Bocuse. The Norwegians took 2nd and I believe the Danes 3rd. The Americans did not place in any category so maybe I should find a nice stagiare somewhere soon too.
Still have not found La Bonne, not really looking either. Maybe she will turn up when I am least expecting it. On verras, uh? OK, going to post some pictures of the last week or so.
Saturday, January 15, 2005
Back in Paris
Well, after two weeks and another weekend in Paris you would think that I had enough. However, due to a technical difficulty I am back in Paris again. What was the difficulty you ask? Last week I looked for a cheap last-minute ticket to Paris and found one for 35 euros. However, the computer pulled up tickets for this week and I did not notice the difference so I bought a non-refundable, non-reimboursable ticket for the 13th instead of the 6th, ooops. So, even though I could have saved myself the return fair I decided to come up one more time. It is the last time I can make it for a while and I do love Paris. Although I am very lazy so I really do not do any sightseeing. Not necesarry really since I have been to Paris twice before and have seen the sights. I am trying to be more Parisian and just have fun with Fred and friends.
Work is going, not going great, but going. I am at a plateau with some of the classes and the teachers do not really care to help me plan the lessons or control the class too much. I need to find some new ways to get through to the kids that do not drain the pocket too much. If you have any ideas I am all ears. The Rectorat likes games, songs, and things of this nature but it g can be more of a problem for some of my "rougher" classes in the ghetto of Lyon. I will keep you posted on how things go.
My love life. I really have not had time in the last month to meet anyone new and so I am still single. Sometimes it is irritating but I enjoy my freedom and I think that when I meet "her" or "la bonne" it will inevitably feel right I hope and everything will work out. As everyone knows I am not much of the one-night stand types so no juicy bits to reveal to you at this time.
Is anyone listening? I try to write something on this blog every week but I come to find that there are only a few people who actually post a comment. So, if you stop in let me know by leaving a comment for me to read. Just click on the comment button and it will provide a link . You do not have to sign-up for anything and it will show anonymous so you can just type your name in the text box.
Miss you all, have a beer over at the Saucer for me.
Work is going, not going great, but going. I am at a plateau with some of the classes and the teachers do not really care to help me plan the lessons or control the class too much. I need to find some new ways to get through to the kids that do not drain the pocket too much. If you have any ideas I am all ears. The Rectorat likes games, songs, and things of this nature but it g can be more of a problem for some of my "rougher" classes in the ghetto of Lyon. I will keep you posted on how things go.
My love life. I really have not had time in the last month to meet anyone new and so I am still single. Sometimes it is irritating but I enjoy my freedom and I think that when I meet "her" or "la bonne" it will inevitably feel right I hope and everything will work out. As everyone knows I am not much of the one-night stand types so no juicy bits to reveal to you at this time.
Is anyone listening? I try to write something on this blog every week but I come to find that there are only a few people who actually post a comment. So, if you stop in let me know by leaving a comment for me to read. Just click on the comment button and it will provide a link . You do not have to sign-up for anything and it will show anonymous so you can just type your name in the text box.
Miss you all, have a beer over at the Saucer for me.
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Having Fun in Paris
Dressing in drag..... Last Sunday Fred and I went to meet some of his friends for brunch. We went to a popular American style place and had french toast, pancakes, and a cheeseburger. After hanging out there we went to meet Myriam. Myriam is a girl that we had Christmas dinner with and that night we met for some coffee. The atmosphere reminded me a lot of a place that I used to go in Charlotte, except they had the best desserts that were fresh-made daily and tasty. We had some interesting conversation about how 2 of her ex's are now gay. I do not know what they are thinking because she is cute, intelligent, and holds a PHD in Shakespearean literature. When we left the coffee bar we all three decided that it would be nice to have a drink. We were headed in the direction of a restaurant the two knew when we saw this rather cool looking bar that was very cozy, so we stopped there instead. After a few margaritas and her 22 year old summer love showed up we started to open up a lot. One of the proprieteurs showed us a trunk filled with costumes and wigs left over from a party earlier in the year. So, we started looting the trunk and dressing up. It ended up being one of those special chance nights where everyone in the bar followed suit and we danced, sang, and dressed up in drag. Really, dressing in drag was never so much fun.
The nex day was a bust and Fred and I woke ourselves up at noon or so, struggled to get running and then headed over to Hippo for a late lunch. Next, we got some firewood and watched some films before heading back to bed.
Yesterday Fred had to go down to Cannes for some work with Miss Europe and I had the place to myself. Fortunately, because the tartare did not agree at all with me. I think it was the raw egg and not the raw beef. Although the late night of drinking the night before I ate it may have been another factor.
Last night I met up with the afore mentioned PHD for a night at this small wine bar restaurant. The place reminded me a lot of the wine vault without the outrageous prices and a lovely small, fresh menu of appetizers and entrees designed to accentuate the wines. The owner was a young guy who loved wine and seemed very knowledgable so I left it to him to pair the wine. He chose a somewhat sweet wine from the south of France. Unlike the Vault he chose a good accompaniment and not the most expensive. It was a full bottle that was only 12 euros! The night was great and after the first 20 minutes Myriam and I were laughing and talking like we had known each other a few years.
Today I am meeting up with another Aussie, Olivia to have a cup of coffee and say our "see you next times." Later tonight I am going out with Fred, Thomas, and Myriam to go back to the bar from Sunday for there last night. I am thinking of inviting the Americans, English, and Aussies out to try and add another element so that it will be as fun as the first time. I will be sure to keep all of you posted.
Cheers, Salut, @+, ciao, later!!!
The nex day was a bust and Fred and I woke ourselves up at noon or so, struggled to get running and then headed over to Hippo for a late lunch. Next, we got some firewood and watched some films before heading back to bed.
Yesterday Fred had to go down to Cannes for some work with Miss Europe and I had the place to myself. Fortunately, because the tartare did not agree at all with me. I think it was the raw egg and not the raw beef. Although the late night of drinking the night before I ate it may have been another factor.
Last night I met up with the afore mentioned PHD for a night at this small wine bar restaurant. The place reminded me a lot of the wine vault without the outrageous prices and a lovely small, fresh menu of appetizers and entrees designed to accentuate the wines. The owner was a young guy who loved wine and seemed very knowledgable so I left it to him to pair the wine. He chose a somewhat sweet wine from the south of France. Unlike the Vault he chose a good accompaniment and not the most expensive. It was a full bottle that was only 12 euros! The night was great and after the first 20 minutes Myriam and I were laughing and talking like we had known each other a few years.
Today I am meeting up with another Aussie, Olivia to have a cup of coffee and say our "see you next times." Later tonight I am going out with Fred, Thomas, and Myriam to go back to the bar from Sunday for there last night. I am thinking of inviting the Americans, English, and Aussies out to try and add another element so that it will be as fun as the first time. I will be sure to keep all of you posted.
Cheers, Salut, @+, ciao, later!!!
Friday, December 24, 2004
Christmas in Paris
Hello everyone!!! I am in Paris for Christmas and I am having a great time with my brother Fred. We are eating well and getting to spend some QT together. Tomorrow his mother is coming over for the big feast on Christmas Eve and we went shopping for all the things today. We got some duck, escargots, and Homard de Bretagne!!! This is like the best lobster in the world, even better that Maine lobster because the waters are so cold on the coast in the channel. It better be because it was 120 euros for the 2 that we picked up!!! I am preparing them simply to ensure that we utilize the maximum natural flavors. I am going to roast the tails in the oven gently to accentuate the juices and keep in the flavors and then boil the claws half-way and finish them in butter. The ducks are going to have a citrus-date glaze and be baked tomorrow evening as well.
All I have done since I have been here is gone out for dinner and watched the 10th season of FRIENDS. Although I miss my family, I am happy here in Paris with Fred. It is nice to be here and not be worried about the time and getting around to see the sites, I have already seen them. I may hit up a few more museums and do some shopping but that is it. Sorry it has been a while since my last post but I know that you know how the holidys can be.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!! Joyeuses Fetes!!!
All I have done since I have been here is gone out for dinner and watched the 10th season of FRIENDS. Although I miss my family, I am happy here in Paris with Fred. It is nice to be here and not be worried about the time and getting around to see the sites, I have already seen them. I may hit up a few more museums and do some shopping but that is it. Sorry it has been a while since my last post but I know that you know how the holidys can be.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!! Joyeuses Fetes!!!
Saturday, December 11, 2004
Coming to an end for some...
Hello all. Today is the last weekend before everyone goes there seperate ways for Christmas or to their respective countries. I am thankful for the time that I have shared with everyone here this semester. Although I am also very sad to say goodbye. I know that I will probably never have dinner on Friday night with Isa, Chrissy, Richard, and Mad all together again.
Hopefully I will meet new people and while I hope to build close realtionships with them as well it is inevitably going to be different. As is life I guess. I tried to also do some Christmas shopping today at Part-Dieu. That is the equivalent of Concord Mills here in Lyon. It is 4 floors and has everything that you could ever want inside. I walked through the crowds and decided to come back another day. If someone yelled "fire" I think that half of the people in the place would have been trampled.
I am having a little french Raclette tonight with Maddy and her friends who are in town. Raclette is a semi-hard cheese and you boil and slice some potatoes, some hams, and of course lots of cheese. You set up the trays and then put an raclette oven on the table and cook your own little creation. It is very good in fact and a lively conversation always is being passed around the table with the scent of carmelizing goodness. It is one of the reasons that I love cooking. Eating brings more satisfaction to a group of friends than anything else you can think of, barnone.
This is also the last night of the Fete des Lumieres. The entire city is lit up every night with colorful attractions. The Place des Terraux outside the L'Hotel de Ville is a cool little projection of different things from France. The festival is famous and there were thousands of people out every night to check them out. I imagine that tonight is going to be another late one. It seems that everyone is leaving just before the holidays and since they have become my family it makes me sad. Plus, of course I miss everyone from home as well. I thought that Maddy was going to come to Paris but since Fred's mother is staying over two nights it is not going to be possible. I want to spend time with Fred so perhaps it will work out for the best this way.
Well, gotta run and help out. Merry Christmas everyone
Hopefully I will meet new people and while I hope to build close realtionships with them as well it is inevitably going to be different. As is life I guess. I tried to also do some Christmas shopping today at Part-Dieu. That is the equivalent of Concord Mills here in Lyon. It is 4 floors and has everything that you could ever want inside. I walked through the crowds and decided to come back another day. If someone yelled "fire" I think that half of the people in the place would have been trampled.
I am having a little french Raclette tonight with Maddy and her friends who are in town. Raclette is a semi-hard cheese and you boil and slice some potatoes, some hams, and of course lots of cheese. You set up the trays and then put an raclette oven on the table and cook your own little creation. It is very good in fact and a lively conversation always is being passed around the table with the scent of carmelizing goodness. It is one of the reasons that I love cooking. Eating brings more satisfaction to a group of friends than anything else you can think of, barnone.
This is also the last night of the Fete des Lumieres. The entire city is lit up every night with colorful attractions. The Place des Terraux outside the L'Hotel de Ville is a cool little projection of different things from France. The festival is famous and there were thousands of people out every night to check them out. I imagine that tonight is going to be another late one. It seems that everyone is leaving just before the holidays and since they have become my family it makes me sad. Plus, of course I miss everyone from home as well. I thought that Maddy was going to come to Paris but since Fred's mother is staying over two nights it is not going to be possible. I want to spend time with Fred so perhaps it will work out for the best this way.
Well, gotta run and help out. Merry Christmas everyone
Sunday, December 05, 2004
T-Day +7
Thanksgiving here in Lyon was a success. I am not sure how because I cooked for over 45 people and we had leftovers too! I spent a few restless days preparing the desserts and finally found a couple whole turkeys. All-in-all the guests were all very pleased and I must say that it went off without a hitch. Jacob, Michael, and Renee made it into town to join in the festivities. Sorry again that I did not have time to hang out as much as I wanted, a la prochaine.
The semester is coming to an end and most people are getting ready to go back home to there families. However, Maddy and I are staying in France. I am going to my brother's place in Paris and she is going to come with me. I cannot wait to see Fred and spend a day in a Parisian cafe watching the world go-by.
Last night I had a strange dream, I stayed at Mad's place since she talked me into going out last night. Although it was supposed to be an early night we ended staying out to 3:00am and one of the girls from Baruch College ended upi "hurling" in the club. Not a pretty site at all but she was fine and we all had an "EW! That was gross" and a good laugh. Now back to the dream, I was back in the States after my trip. I remember being in the grocery store and thinking "shit" i miss France. Also, I spoke a little in French and a little in English which I think is pretty cool. I have had a couple of dreams in French and English but not a full French one yet. My dream was weird because all I could think about was how I was going to get back to France.
It is funny here though because I have really learned a lot of verbal French and heaps of oral comprehension and my grades in French still suck. I tested into the advanced class and I have no idea how but I will only get the same credit for this class as the other 2 below it at UNCC. They have no idea that there are all of these different classes but since a professor is coming over next semester I hope that it will be remedied before I return. Return...not sure that I am ready for that thought just yet.
I do miss you all. Hope that you are still checking in from time-to-time.
The semester is coming to an end and most people are getting ready to go back home to there families. However, Maddy and I are staying in France. I am going to my brother's place in Paris and she is going to come with me. I cannot wait to see Fred and spend a day in a Parisian cafe watching the world go-by.
Last night I had a strange dream, I stayed at Mad's place since she talked me into going out last night. Although it was supposed to be an early night we ended staying out to 3:00am and one of the girls from Baruch College ended upi "hurling" in the club. Not a pretty site at all but she was fine and we all had an "EW! That was gross" and a good laugh. Now back to the dream, I was back in the States after my trip. I remember being in the grocery store and thinking "shit" i miss France. Also, I spoke a little in French and a little in English which I think is pretty cool. I have had a couple of dreams in French and English but not a full French one yet. My dream was weird because all I could think about was how I was going to get back to France.
It is funny here though because I have really learned a lot of verbal French and heaps of oral comprehension and my grades in French still suck. I tested into the advanced class and I have no idea how but I will only get the same credit for this class as the other 2 below it at UNCC. They have no idea that there are all of these different classes but since a professor is coming over next semester I hope that it will be remedied before I return. Return...not sure that I am ready for that thought just yet.
I do miss you all. Hope that you are still checking in from time-to-time.
Saturday, November 27, 2004
Going Crazy!
Ok, It is currently 1am in the morning here in Lyon, France and I am busily preparing for tomorrow's feast and wondering what the fuck I was thinking when I started this project? I have nearly 40 guests coming to a flat in the Hotel de Ville and I am getting a little nervous that something is going to go wrong. I have already prepared around:
50-60 cookies
5(7) apple pies (1 that slipped and landed on the counter and was thus used as a taster and grub for Isabelle, Arno, and Richard, and 1 that was given to my roommate after the cake she prepared for the party was not up-to-par)
5 pumpkin pies ( of which I must say that I am very proud because I have never attempted pumpkin pie from scratch and it was also not from a can, fresh lyonnais pumpkin)
3 giant pans of macaroni and cheese
3 giant pans of pommes de terres au gratin
2kg (4.4 pounds for you Americans) of candied almonds
another 2.5 batches of cookie dough to make tomorrow
I am going to make:
Sweet potato soup
Brussel sprouts with pancetta, white wine, butter, and garlic
Garlic and dijon mustard mashed potatoes
2- 5kg Turkeys ( that took me three days and 4 butchers to find )
1- 4kg fully cooked ham ( going to rub down with mustard, garlic, and honey when I warm it up
2kg haricots verts ( those are the lovely skinny french green beans )
chestnut, apple, and sausage stuffing for the turkey
I think that is about it and the guests will be arriving at 4:00pm in the afternoon and I am hoping that I will begin serving around 6 or 7. That is the game plan anyway, we'll see... I definitely tried not to go overboard with too many new things. Just using some classic American table items to give the International students an idea of a true American Thanksgiving. I will elt you all know how it turns out. I hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
-a la prochaine!
50-60 cookies
5(7) apple pies (1 that slipped and landed on the counter and was thus used as a taster and grub for Isabelle, Arno, and Richard, and 1 that was given to my roommate after the cake she prepared for the party was not up-to-par)
5 pumpkin pies ( of which I must say that I am very proud because I have never attempted pumpkin pie from scratch and it was also not from a can, fresh lyonnais pumpkin)
3 giant pans of macaroni and cheese
3 giant pans of pommes de terres au gratin
2kg (4.4 pounds for you Americans) of candied almonds
another 2.5 batches of cookie dough to make tomorrow
I am going to make:
Sweet potato soup
Brussel sprouts with pancetta, white wine, butter, and garlic
Garlic and dijon mustard mashed potatoes
2- 5kg Turkeys ( that took me three days and 4 butchers to find )
1- 4kg fully cooked ham ( going to rub down with mustard, garlic, and honey when I warm it up
2kg haricots verts ( those are the lovely skinny french green beans )
chestnut, apple, and sausage stuffing for the turkey
I think that is about it and the guests will be arriving at 4:00pm in the afternoon and I am hoping that I will begin serving around 6 or 7. That is the game plan anyway, we'll see... I definitely tried not to go overboard with too many new things. Just using some classic American table items to give the International students an idea of a true American Thanksgiving. I will elt you all know how it turns out. I hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
-a la prochaine!
Monday, November 22, 2004
Being Thankful
Today was a pretty trying day and all due to one of my classes who just do not care about learning english. I know that I should not take it to heart but I would like to be the best that I can be and somehow find something that interests them. Afterwards, I went and had lunch with Noemie, Laurence, and another friend to give Laurence her scarf back.
So I am beginning to get a little nervous about Thanksgiving. I have 25 people on the guest list and more wanting on board every day. The biggest difficulty is going to be arranging the preparation of the turkey and coordinating heating everything in the oven. I am going to cook anything that I can ahead of time. However, I think that I will be serving for about 3 hours because it will have to be in shifts. Once for everyones first plate and then another for second and third courses and we cannot forget about the desserts that will be in high demand too.
I just finished setting up a wireless network on my computer and I must say that it is one of the coolest things I have ever seen. Although I did it to transfer a little Tribe Called Quest to a friends computer but the stupid thing will not allow it to be played because it will not transfer the license and so I am a little pissed off. If I had bought a CD it would not have been a problem to share the music and I think that the music industry needs to give a little more.
Well, I am going to try and begin updating this site much more often so drop in from time-to-time and leave me a message or comment. A la prochaine!
So I am beginning to get a little nervous about Thanksgiving. I have 25 people on the guest list and more wanting on board every day. The biggest difficulty is going to be arranging the preparation of the turkey and coordinating heating everything in the oven. I am going to cook anything that I can ahead of time. However, I think that I will be serving for about 3 hours because it will have to be in shifts. Once for everyones first plate and then another for second and third courses and we cannot forget about the desserts that will be in high demand too.
I just finished setting up a wireless network on my computer and I must say that it is one of the coolest things I have ever seen. Although I did it to transfer a little Tribe Called Quest to a friends computer but the stupid thing will not allow it to be played because it will not transfer the license and so I am a little pissed off. If I had bought a CD it would not have been a problem to share the music and I think that the music industry needs to give a little more.
Well, I am going to try and begin updating this site much more often so drop in from time-to-time and leave me a message or comment. A la prochaine!
Saturday, November 20, 2004
Misfit's Thanksgiving 2004
Hello All! I am getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving here in Lyon and I am baking some cookies today. Last year I had around 30 people in my little 2 bedroom apartment and this year I am expecting 30-40 in Lyon, France. That is heaps as my Aussie buds would put it. I am charging 1o euros a head and I even bought a new knife to carve the bird. Which reminds me that I have to find 2 turkeys before next Thursday!
Things are going really well here right now and my French is improving although you would not know it from the grades that I have in my class. I understand more than ever, I learn more vocab each day but it has yet to transfer into a positive result in my French class.
This is short but I promise to update again soon.
Gros Bisous!
Things are going really well here right now and my French is improving although you would not know it from the grades that I have in my class. I understand more than ever, I learn more vocab each day but it has yet to transfer into a positive result in my French class.
This is short but I promise to update again soon.
Gros Bisous!
Monday, November 01, 2004
Thursday, October 21, 2004
The Red Sox Win The Pennant, New York City hospitals treat millions in shock...
Well, if the saying " The Red Sox will beat the Yankees when pigs fly. " Then you better go out your cars in the garage before they get a ton of pig doo on them. I am ecstatic that we finally lived down that curse. The only sad part is that I am 4500 miles away and I cannot go to the World Series or hang out with my Dad, brother and friends watching the Series.
In order to watch and more appropriately listen to the game due to the fact that the internet feed was too poor I had to stay up until 2am just so see the beginning. Nearly 4 hours later I was so happy and thrilled I counld not sleep. The only problem is that it was 6am and I had to work at 8:30. The kids were taught a lesson in American baseball rivalry today.
Lyon is awesome although I have not had any money for almost three weeks. Now, I have a little but I am still waiting on French bureaucracy to work my paycheck into my account. That, or waiting on the bank to put it into my account. They tend to hold the deposits a few days longer here to make some interest on the money while in transit, and there is nothing that I can do about it. It has been very good for me though because I have been forced to do things very cheaply like walking the city. I have walked at least 40 km but probably closer to 50 km in the last 2 weeks. I think that I have lost about 5 kilograms as well. That is 10-12 pounds to you and me.
I have had some interesting experiences as well. On Monday I had an appointment at the Prefecture. This is basically a police or government building where we have to go and get a carte de sejour for our stay here. I let the UNI make my reservation and went. I am also a language assistant as many of you know and so I had to explain that when I arrived there. I did and then was given a list of things to obtain like a 55 euro tax stamp and my student ID. This is where it got difficult. After meeting with the Academie I learned from another assistant that we do not pay for the OMI timbre, tax stamp. This is what I thought and so I returned to the Prefecture to fix the problems. I snuck in the back and they let me spill my problem. After basically telling them they were all wrong, ten times they went to ask the woman in charge. She said that I had two choices, stay there and pay for the stamp, be forced to get a work permit, or schedule a new appointment at another office where the assistants go. Guess which I chose? That was a day wasted away from work and way too much stress to have gone through. The upside, I did it all in French and they told me I was pretty good too after I apologized because in order for me to have convinced them I had to tell them no and explain things several times. That was a real motivator and confidence booster for sure.
That is all, I am going to try and post some pictures but it is going to be difficult since the BloggerBot is on my pooter in the States.
TOUT A L"HEURE!!!
In order to watch and more appropriately listen to the game due to the fact that the internet feed was too poor I had to stay up until 2am just so see the beginning. Nearly 4 hours later I was so happy and thrilled I counld not sleep. The only problem is that it was 6am and I had to work at 8:30. The kids were taught a lesson in American baseball rivalry today.
Lyon is awesome although I have not had any money for almost three weeks. Now, I have a little but I am still waiting on French bureaucracy to work my paycheck into my account. That, or waiting on the bank to put it into my account. They tend to hold the deposits a few days longer here to make some interest on the money while in transit, and there is nothing that I can do about it. It has been very good for me though because I have been forced to do things very cheaply like walking the city. I have walked at least 40 km but probably closer to 50 km in the last 2 weeks. I think that I have lost about 5 kilograms as well. That is 10-12 pounds to you and me.
I have had some interesting experiences as well. On Monday I had an appointment at the Prefecture. This is basically a police or government building where we have to go and get a carte de sejour for our stay here. I let the UNI make my reservation and went. I am also a language assistant as many of you know and so I had to explain that when I arrived there. I did and then was given a list of things to obtain like a 55 euro tax stamp and my student ID. This is where it got difficult. After meeting with the Academie I learned from another assistant that we do not pay for the OMI timbre, tax stamp. This is what I thought and so I returned to the Prefecture to fix the problems. I snuck in the back and they let me spill my problem. After basically telling them they were all wrong, ten times they went to ask the woman in charge. She said that I had two choices, stay there and pay for the stamp, be forced to get a work permit, or schedule a new appointment at another office where the assistants go. Guess which I chose? That was a day wasted away from work and way too much stress to have gone through. The upside, I did it all in French and they told me I was pretty good too after I apologized because in order for me to have convinced them I had to tell them no and explain things several times. That was a real motivator and confidence booster for sure.
That is all, I am going to try and post some pictures but it is going to be difficult since the BloggerBot is on my pooter in the States.
TOUT A L"HEURE!!!
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
One month in, no regrets.
Bonjour toutes le monde!
I have now been in Lyon for almost a full month and I feel like I am definitely having a blast meeting people and learning French. It is not always as easy as I would like it to be, but I am adapting all the time. My roommates are both French students in there first year of university. So, I think that I am like the big brother of the flat.
I have met a ton of people including friends of Noémie, the international students ( so far I like the Aussie and Kiwis the best .) the Americans mostly are annoying right now. A lot of them fit the stereotypical "L'auberge Espanol" classification for Americans and as a result I do not hang out too much with them. I am going to Paris next weekend and as long as the advance from the assistantship comes through I am also going to Prague at the end of the month. Kat, I have two students that I go to class with from.........drumroll.......Krakovia, Poland!!! Can you believe it? Maybe I will make it there after all.
Some of the differences here are amazing. The food is very cheap, red bell peppers by the kilo are 3 times cheaper than the States, the cheese is amazing too. Also, I have purchased a cell phone and I am paying 53.50€ per month for 4hours anytime, 6 nights and weekends. The unlimited concept for nights and weekends has not taken affect here and it is expensive. That is what happens when the largest shareholder of France Telecom is still the country of France. Also, the computer labs here are a joke, as well as the process for DSL or dial-up access. At the UNI you must sign in and then you only have 1 hour to do any work or emailing that you need to do. That is the hardest thing when I can just go to UNCC back home and pik one of the hundreds available on campus. Then again, it is free here, school I mean. So that causes a lot of difficulty. I have no choice on class times and I did not receive my schedule until the day before classes! Oh, and to get internet access you have to "open" a telephone line for 23.00€ and then pay 13€ per month to keep it. This has no internet access yet, it is a seperate transaction for that and it will be about 15.00-20.00 € for that. Oh, since I have a phone I can at least call people right? As long as it is to a land line, yes. Cell phones cost more, by the minute. Someone tell Nextel that there is a fortune to be made here if they get some competition.
Just a little look at the differences that I have encountered, not good or bad, just different. The teaching has just started and I think all is going to be fine now. Money is getting tight like the Presidential Race, hope they both work out to my favor.
Well, I am running out opf time here in the lab so I will post again when I have some free time. I have tons of pictures as well to download here and at the Niners Abroad site too.
à tout a l'heure,
Sean Murphy
I have now been in Lyon for almost a full month and I feel like I am definitely having a blast meeting people and learning French. It is not always as easy as I would like it to be, but I am adapting all the time. My roommates are both French students in there first year of university. So, I think that I am like the big brother of the flat.
I have met a ton of people including friends of Noémie, the international students ( so far I like the Aussie and Kiwis the best .) the Americans mostly are annoying right now. A lot of them fit the stereotypical "L'auberge Espanol" classification for Americans and as a result I do not hang out too much with them. I am going to Paris next weekend and as long as the advance from the assistantship comes through I am also going to Prague at the end of the month. Kat, I have two students that I go to class with from.........drumroll.......Krakovia, Poland!!! Can you believe it? Maybe I will make it there after all.
Some of the differences here are amazing. The food is very cheap, red bell peppers by the kilo are 3 times cheaper than the States, the cheese is amazing too. Also, I have purchased a cell phone and I am paying 53.50€ per month for 4hours anytime, 6 nights and weekends. The unlimited concept for nights and weekends has not taken affect here and it is expensive. That is what happens when the largest shareholder of France Telecom is still the country of France. Also, the computer labs here are a joke, as well as the process for DSL or dial-up access. At the UNI you must sign in and then you only have 1 hour to do any work or emailing that you need to do. That is the hardest thing when I can just go to UNCC back home and pik one of the hundreds available on campus. Then again, it is free here, school I mean. So that causes a lot of difficulty. I have no choice on class times and I did not receive my schedule until the day before classes! Oh, and to get internet access you have to "open" a telephone line for 23.00€ and then pay 13€ per month to keep it. This has no internet access yet, it is a seperate transaction for that and it will be about 15.00-20.00 € for that. Oh, since I have a phone I can at least call people right? As long as it is to a land line, yes. Cell phones cost more, by the minute. Someone tell Nextel that there is a fortune to be made here if they get some competition.
Just a little look at the differences that I have encountered, not good or bad, just different. The teaching has just started and I think all is going to be fine now. Money is getting tight like the Presidential Race, hope they both work out to my favor.
Well, I am running out opf time here in the lab so I will post again when I have some free time. I have tons of pictures as well to download here and at the Niners Abroad site too.
à tout a l'heure,
Sean Murphy
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