I'll be gone for the next week in northern France/Champagne. Even though I'm really excited about this trip, I can't seem to get myself ready for it mentally. I haven't packed, showered, or finished the dishes, although my to-do list has gone down drastically today. I think I have just become so comfortable in Bordeaux that it's getting hard to leave, but the change will be good.
In other news:
1. Finances have been really tough this semester. Came back from Italy broker than ever, had to pay rent and deposit, buy stuff for the apt, food, then the soldes tempted me. Good news, though. Finally figured out where my scholarship money ended up so I'll have the rest of the first half (that I should have received in like September) by the end of March, and I sent in the information to receive the second half so I'll have that soon as well.
2. Talked to Dad yesterday and he made a good point. Said that I can't always be playing and that I should work this summer to save up money for next school year, and even though I don't really want to go back to the camp (great job, but I really need to build my resumé) I should because it's there and the job market is so tough right now. So I'm considering that. Probably won't be able to go to TX and AZ like I wanted, but hopefully will still be able to take a half a week or a week off to go to Davis for Ashley's birthday and to see people.
3. Book Club meeting yesterday. Didn't quite finish but we had a good discussion about Love in the Time of Cholera. Next we are reading a french book that sounds cute. I want to finish LTC and Eat, Pray, Love on this trip so I can concentrate on it when I get back, because I know it will take some time even though it is pretty short.
4. Thinking about starting a "French moment of the week" on here. This week's is too awkward to put up here (but I know I'll remember it in the future).
5. Had a good day today despite something on my mind. Went to class and enjoyed it (learned that a country can't be a part of the EU if they have the "peine de mort"; France abolished it in 1981); went rock climbing and made some progress (I have to buy my own shoes before the next time, instructor said today was the last time we could use his shoes), was pretty tired after; café "Les Mots Bleus" for a failed attempt at reading some of LTC with Kim, then Jardin Public where we sat under a tree and watched some french youth play football (aka soccer); then my first time doing yoga (it's harder than I thought!).
6. Academic Project...need to figure out how I am doing this. Which aspect of immigration will I tackle? Economic, Political, Social, Effects on Children?
7. Greatest '80s song ever:
Friday, February 18, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Dessert Night
Valentine's Day equaled Girls' night, Dessert night, and Movie night (Laws of Attraction, not the greatest), at my place. So delicious! But I'm still doing dishes...
I made dessert tacos! Cinnamon and butter on fried tortillas, ice cream, fruit, nutella, voila!
Kim's Brownie
I made dessert tacos! Cinnamon and butter on fried tortillas, ice cream, fruit, nutella, voila!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Aujourd'hui
C'était bien!
-Cours Civilisation
-L'escalade
-Un café et Pago avec Kim et Autumn, en asseyant sur la pelouse parce qu'il faisait très beau
-La bibliothèque avec Kim et Madeleine, j'ai lu 50 pages de Love in the Time of Cholera, finalement
-Une biére et promenade avec Nix
-Le film: Hors de Prix avec les filles chez Marisol. J'ai compris tout!
-Cours Civilisation
-L'escalade
-Un café et Pago avec Kim et Autumn, en asseyant sur la pelouse parce qu'il faisait très beau
-La bibliothèque avec Kim et Madeleine, j'ai lu 50 pages de Love in the Time of Cholera, finalement
-Une biére et promenade avec Nix
-Le film: Hors de Prix avec les filles chez Marisol. J'ai compris tout!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
L'anniversaire de Madeleine
Yesterday (Wednesday), was my friend Madeleine's birthday. She turned 21, and even though that isn't a big deal in Europe because the drinking age is 18 (unless you have parental consent, as I recently learned from a French friend), a birthday is a birthday and it is a very good reason to get together with friends to eat, laugh, talk, and enjoy. Madeleine chose a restaurant that has one star in the Michelin guide, meaning it is freaking amazing. Us four Californians left over from the Octi-Claire were a little overwhelmed by the formality of this place. The servers were all extremely attentive, from the moment they took our coats to the moment we paid. It wasn't busy at all; we were the only people in our particular room, and a number of employees waited on us with the greatest attention. Each seemed to have their own little job, for example the wine pourer (who had really beautiful eyes).
The pre-fixed meal started with an "amuse bouche", a little something to wake up our taste buds. It was a little appetizer that resembled sushi right down to the salmon inside it. Next up was the entrée, which I didn't get a picture of, but consisted of little tuna steaks that melted in your mouth. The main course was a portion of calamari and veggies covered in an incredible sauce which was extremely satisfying. So delicious! I wish I could have more of it right now. Dessert was crêpes with an orange sauce, also extremely delicious, and that was followed by a café and a selection of bon bons: a macaron, a truffle, and a little thing that tasted like Thanksgiving in my mouth because of the cranberry sauce and buttery cookie that was a part of it.
After lunch, we went our separate ways. Autumn and I walked along the river back towards our apartment, but ended up spending a couple hours on a bench bonding over conversation. It was so nice and relaxing after the meal. Also, the day was so beautiful! I can't believe it was just a week ago that I was wearing every layer I could, and now I'm out in a dress and a light sweater. I love Bordeaux when it is sunny. It makes me feel so happy. :)
That night, Kim and I went over to Madeleine's for facials. Kim ended up making tea eggs (I LOVE TEA EGGS) and Madeleine curled my hair (by the way, she cut my hair Monday so it is short once again, just how I like it), and I actually kinda liked how it turned out. I wouldn't mind doing it for a special occasion every once in a while. We spent a little time planning our trip to northern France and Luxembourg, which we are doing Feb 19-28 during the winter break. I had to walk home since the tram had stopped running at midnight, and along the way I witnessed three French youth in their underwears jumping (no, attempting to jump) into the pond at Place de Gambetta. Also I was asked directions to the train station by a guy on a bike who I initially ignored because I thought he was just trying to talk to me (I don't really consider it unfriendly when it's 1h30 and I'm alone). I was able to tell him, which is always such a great confidence booster because not only do I know where this place is, but I can give directions in French!
We did some more planning for our trip today, but Mont St. Michel is causing us some problems because it isn't the easiest place to get to and away from apparently. Spent the evening with my upstairs neighbors and my landlord and his wife during a little goodbye party for a girl who is moving out. They brought one of their 7 months old twins up since she wasn't sleeping. She is such a chunky little baby! But so full of laughter and energy, very adorable. I hope to meet her brother soon.
Time for sleep now, I should probably be awake for class and rock climbing tomorrow.
The pre-fixed meal started with an "amuse bouche", a little something to wake up our taste buds. It was a little appetizer that resembled sushi right down to the salmon inside it. Next up was the entrée, which I didn't get a picture of, but consisted of little tuna steaks that melted in your mouth. The main course was a portion of calamari and veggies covered in an incredible sauce which was extremely satisfying. So delicious! I wish I could have more of it right now. Dessert was crêpes with an orange sauce, also extremely delicious, and that was followed by a café and a selection of bon bons: a macaron, a truffle, and a little thing that tasted like Thanksgiving in my mouth because of the cranberry sauce and buttery cookie that was a part of it.
After lunch, we went our separate ways. Autumn and I walked along the river back towards our apartment, but ended up spending a couple hours on a bench bonding over conversation. It was so nice and relaxing after the meal. Also, the day was so beautiful! I can't believe it was just a week ago that I was wearing every layer I could, and now I'm out in a dress and a light sweater. I love Bordeaux when it is sunny. It makes me feel so happy. :)
That night, Kim and I went over to Madeleine's for facials. Kim ended up making tea eggs (I LOVE TEA EGGS) and Madeleine curled my hair (by the way, she cut my hair Monday so it is short once again, just how I like it), and I actually kinda liked how it turned out. I wouldn't mind doing it for a special occasion every once in a while. We spent a little time planning our trip to northern France and Luxembourg, which we are doing Feb 19-28 during the winter break. I had to walk home since the tram had stopped running at midnight, and along the way I witnessed three French youth in their underwears jumping (no, attempting to jump) into the pond at Place de Gambetta. Also I was asked directions to the train station by a guy on a bike who I initially ignored because I thought he was just trying to talk to me (I don't really consider it unfriendly when it's 1h30 and I'm alone). I was able to tell him, which is always such a great confidence booster because not only do I know where this place is, but I can give directions in French!
We did some more planning for our trip today, but Mont St. Michel is causing us some problems because it isn't the easiest place to get to and away from apparently. Spent the evening with my upstairs neighbors and my landlord and his wife during a little goodbye party for a girl who is moving out. They brought one of their 7 months old twins up since she wasn't sleeping. She is such a chunky little baby! But so full of laughter and energy, very adorable. I hope to meet her brother soon.
Time for sleep now, I should probably be awake for class and rock climbing tomorrow.
Monday Night Themed Dinners
My friend Madeleine had the fantastic idea that a few of us should get together each Monday for a little dinner. We made up a list of themes that we choose the week before and so far have had three of these meals. All have been delicious, of course. :)
The first one was on January 24; we made tagine kefta, a popular Moroccan dish, in honor of Madeleine's and my one week stay in Morocco over the Christmas holiday (before I went to Italy and met up with Kim for two weeks). Tagine is a mixture of veggies, meat, and broth. Very delicious! As we learned in Morocco, you are supposed to take a piece of bread and scoop it to the side of the dish and kind of fold it into the bread. They even have special tagine pans, which are very cool. Unfortunately I don't think I can take one back home because it is too big and heavy. Maybe I will be able to find one in California, but I doubt it. At least I have the memory!
I didn't take any pictures of the one we made (but they are on my friend's facebook), but here is one that we ate in Casablanca, Morocco at our friend's home:
See what I mean about the scooping?
Ok, the second night was January 31, hamburgers and milkshakes. It is impossible to get a good milkshake over here. They don't make them with enough ice cream and always end up as a thicker version of chocolate milk. I've gotten maybe three or four here and have been disappointed every time. I even got one at an American diner here in Bordeaux. The food was crappy, but they did have a license plate that said WYLIE so I might be back someday. When Kim and I were in Venice we went to Hard Rock Cafe and although the hamburgers were delicious, the milkshakes were highly disappointing once again. And the waiter called it their thick milkshake. Yeah, right.
We proved that it is possible to make a good milkshake in Europe, though. With a lot of ice cream and a little milk. :)
And the third night was Asian night, since it was the Lunar New Year last weekend. I made Spam Musubi for the first time and discovered how easy it is, so I will definitely be bringing it to potlucks in the future.
The first one was on January 24; we made tagine kefta, a popular Moroccan dish, in honor of Madeleine's and my one week stay in Morocco over the Christmas holiday (before I went to Italy and met up with Kim for two weeks). Tagine is a mixture of veggies, meat, and broth. Very delicious! As we learned in Morocco, you are supposed to take a piece of bread and scoop it to the side of the dish and kind of fold it into the bread. They even have special tagine pans, which are very cool. Unfortunately I don't think I can take one back home because it is too big and heavy. Maybe I will be able to find one in California, but I doubt it. At least I have the memory!
I didn't take any pictures of the one we made (but they are on my friend's facebook), but here is one that we ate in Casablanca, Morocco at our friend's home:
Ok, the second night was January 31, hamburgers and milkshakes. It is impossible to get a good milkshake over here. They don't make them with enough ice cream and always end up as a thicker version of chocolate milk. I've gotten maybe three or four here and have been disappointed every time. I even got one at an American diner here in Bordeaux. The food was crappy, but they did have a license plate that said WYLIE so I might be back someday. When Kim and I were in Venice we went to Hard Rock Cafe and although the hamburgers were delicious, the milkshakes were highly disappointing once again. And the waiter called it their thick milkshake. Yeah, right.
We proved that it is possible to make a good milkshake in Europe, though. With a lot of ice cream and a little milk. :)
And the third night was Asian night, since it was the Lunar New Year last weekend. I made Spam Musubi for the first time and discovered how easy it is, so I will definitely be bringing it to potlucks in the future.
Next Monday is dessert night for Valentine's Day! Hopefully we won't be too overloaded with sugar by the end of it.
Side note: I was just invited to my upstairs neighbors for the first time because one of them is moving out. Off I go :)
La Cirque!
Last Sunday, I went to my first ever circus! It was a really incredible experience and the whole time I was in complete awe of the acrobatic acts. Here are some pictures of my favorite stunts:
Laser show
These people are JUMP ROPING like this!
It's a tiger in a giant hamster wheel... whoa.
Elephants
Belly Dancer, sort of
This guy was really amazing; I don't know why he isn't in the Olympics winning gold medals on the bars.
This guy was just really strong and cool.
A giant ball with motorcross bikes zooming around. Started off with 3, went up to 5, ended with 8. I was dying of excitement and anxiety.
Laser show
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Mes cours
A little spot about the classes I am taking this semester:
Monday: Pas de cours
Tuesday:
8h30-10h30 L'univers de l'Islam, un cours d'anthropologie
10h30-12h30 La Sociologie de l'immigration
12h30-13h30 Mandatory one hour lunch break, during which I have time to walk home, make lunch, relax a little, and head back to school. I love where I live :)
13h30-15h30 La Sociologie des Discriminations
Wednesday:
10h30-12h30 Litterature Classique (at the international school)
Thursday: Pas de cours, but I think I am going to look for a sport to do this day
Friday:
9h30-11h30/12h30 (changes week to week) Civilisation (at the international school)
12h-14h L'escalade (aka Rock climbing)
13h30-17h30 Atelier sculpture (in which I have twelve weeks to make one scuplture, and as the prof said, it has to be un bien bien sculpture)
Monday: Pas de cours
Tuesday:
8h30-10h30 L'univers de l'Islam, un cours d'anthropologie
10h30-12h30 La Sociologie de l'immigration
12h30-13h30 Mandatory one hour lunch break, during which I have time to walk home, make lunch, relax a little, and head back to school. I love where I live :)
13h30-15h30 La Sociologie des Discriminations
Wednesday:
10h30-12h30 Litterature Classique (at the international school)
Thursday: Pas de cours, but I think I am going to look for a sport to do this day
Friday:
9h30-11h30/12h30 (changes week to week) Civilisation (at the international school)
12h-14h L'escalade (aka Rock climbing)
13h30-17h30 Atelier sculpture (in which I have twelve weeks to make one scuplture, and as the prof said, it has to be un bien bien sculpture)
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