...but not really - much of this trip will unfortunately be spent working on internship stuff and completing this pesky placement test. My test was reset (so I am no longer signed up for the introductory section), but it still refuses to work - so I have to try another computer. Of course, we are leaving in less than 2 hours so I have no idea where I will be finding a computer, unless I can miraculously find one at my hostel in Florence. Yikes - what a mess.
Well, no matter - I am looking forward to the trip, especially Florence. It should be a lovely time!
Today's plans:
3-5pm: train from Tours to Paris-Austerlitz
>walk across bridge in Paris-Bercy
6:30pm-7am: train from Paris-Bercy to Florence, Italy
So long for now - I will update tomorrow night after our first day in Florence!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Uggghhh...
Today is one of those days - I am inexplicably tired, which is a bad start. Add to that the fact that the online placement test that I have to take didn't work and therefore I can't place into the right level for the class in a week, and it gets worse. Add to that the fact that in my frustration, I clicked on the other option (the first was I have already taken French before), which was "I have never taken French before," and of course it worked and automatically sent me back a message saying I will be placed in Level 1, introductory French, and blocked me out of the system. So now I am furious. Stupid French people and their dumb internet sites...
I suppose all will be fine in the end: I can talk to the people at the Institute when I get back - and on the bright side, I don't have to take the annoying test at all now. And hopefully Professor Spielmann can take care of it for me while I am on vacation. :) It's just frustrating, nonetheless.
So I spent this morning finishing up last minute French stuff (had to write a separate French blog and email an assignment) and working on internship things. I filled out my new resume for the State Department for the spring semester (due July 1, which is crazy). It's not easy - you have to complete an entirely new resume for it - no simple upload of what I already have. I need to work on the essay today too - or else on the train and hope that I can find internet somewhere and can send it before July 1.
We leave tomorrow for the mega-trip. I need to pack tonight, though my clothes are still in the wash. I also need to work on finalizing plans in all the places we're going - I have never been less prepared for a trip in my life.
Summary of the day: merde.
I am going to get some fresh (87 degrees and humid) air for my sanity now...
I suppose all will be fine in the end: I can talk to the people at the Institute when I get back - and on the bright side, I don't have to take the annoying test at all now. And hopefully Professor Spielmann can take care of it for me while I am on vacation. :) It's just frustrating, nonetheless.
So I spent this morning finishing up last minute French stuff (had to write a separate French blog and email an assignment) and working on internship things. I filled out my new resume for the State Department for the spring semester (due July 1, which is crazy). It's not easy - you have to complete an entirely new resume for it - no simple upload of what I already have. I need to work on the essay today too - or else on the train and hope that I can find internet somewhere and can send it before July 1.
We leave tomorrow for the mega-trip. I need to pack tonight, though my clothes are still in the wash. I also need to work on finalizing plans in all the places we're going - I have never been less prepared for a trip in my life.
Summary of the day: merde.
I am going to get some fresh (87 degrees and humid) air for my sanity now...
Les Vacances!
So vacation has technically started, but I feel like I'm swamped with work: internship apps, our mega-trip planning, the placement test, etc. Today will be a VERY busy day.
Last night, as you know, our beloved Landon Donovan and company lost to Ghana - yes, it was sad, but we should still be proud of how far our team went. At worst, we did better than France. :)
So I always manage to get the duty of walking the girls home at night - this is my 6th night in which I have done so - last night of course we got lost after the 2nd girl's house (I blame Noelle) and it took me about 1 1/2 hours to get from the bar in which we watched the game to my house (normally takes 8 min.). Oh well...
I returned to my house, where I expected everyone to be asleep (it was 12:30am), but everyone was just getting home. My host parents just pulled their car in (and smashed the front of a car behind them) as I was getting back and my host brother was having a slumber party with his friends (who are here ALL the time) in the guest house.
Lastly, it is grossly hot here - last week the high was in the mid-50s; now it's in the mid-80s and humid.
Last night, as you know, our beloved Landon Donovan and company lost to Ghana - yes, it was sad, but we should still be proud of how far our team went. At worst, we did better than France. :)
So I always manage to get the duty of walking the girls home at night - this is my 6th night in which I have done so - last night of course we got lost after the 2nd girl's house (I blame Noelle) and it took me about 1 1/2 hours to get from the bar in which we watched the game to my house (normally takes 8 min.). Oh well...
I returned to my house, where I expected everyone to be asleep (it was 12:30am), but everyone was just getting home. My host parents just pulled their car in (and smashed the front of a car behind them) as I was getting back and my host brother was having a slumber party with his friends (who are here ALL the time) in the guest house.
Lastly, it is grossly hot here - last week the high was in the mid-50s; now it's in the mid-80s and humid.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Chambord
Chambord is the most popular chateau - but in my opinion, not the coolest. Yes, the architecture was very interesting and the thing is huge, but the story is not as good as the others - it is a chateau made solely for parties and hunting for the king. It lacks the oldness of the other chateaus and interesting stories.
That being said, the place is still cool. Perhaps I am just tired of visiting chateaux. The famed double spiral staircase in the middle was built by none other than Leonardo da Vinci - it is cool but not as impressive as the classical staircase at Blois.
Well, that finishes off the CIW course - I should be getting an A! (crossing my fingers)
About 48 hours til we leave for Florence! Unfortunately, I haven't had time to plan out specifics - after the US game tonight, I will buckle down and work on it. I also have to submit some internship applications for the fall - the real world doesn't go away when you're in France unfortunately. :(
That being said, the place is still cool. Perhaps I am just tired of visiting chateaux. The famed double spiral staircase in the middle was built by none other than Leonardo da Vinci - it is cool but not as impressive as the classical staircase at Blois.
Well, that finishes off the CIW course - I should be getting an A! (crossing my fingers)
About 48 hours til we leave for Florence! Unfortunately, I haven't had time to plan out specifics - after the US game tonight, I will buckle down and work on it. I also have to submit some internship applications for the fall - the real world doesn't go away when you're in France unfortunately. :(
Sleeping In Never Felt So Good...
For the first time in 2 and a half weeks, I was able to sleep in past 10am because our field trip today to Chambord is not until 1:30pm. :) Unfortunately, I have to spend the morning doing the written (online) portion of the placement test. Oh well.
Yesterday was frustrating - between not knowing what the guy was asking in my oral interview and sitting at the table with my host brother's friends and not understanding more than just bits and pieces, I am starting to think I have a serious problem comprehending French speakers. My speaking is improving, but my listening is not. Part of it is that I think the group's commitment to speaking only French has sputtered away - too much English now. And now that the 1-week vacation starts tomorrow, it will only get worse. That being said, I am coming equipped with "Le Monde" and hope to keep reading it to improve my vocabulary and keep my mind fresh when it comes to French.
Tonight I really need to buckle down (after the US game of course) and start working on the day-to-day specifics of our mega-trip - what we're going to do in each city (Florence, Monaco, Nice, Lourdes), how we're getting around, etc.
Last night all of us (minus Hansky) met up at the Loire to have some wine and hang out. It was nice, but I did stay out pretty late...all the more reason sleeping in was fabulous. :)
Off to the most famous chateau in France today: Chambord!
Yesterday was frustrating - between not knowing what the guy was asking in my oral interview and sitting at the table with my host brother's friends and not understanding more than just bits and pieces, I am starting to think I have a serious problem comprehending French speakers. My speaking is improving, but my listening is not. Part of it is that I think the group's commitment to speaking only French has sputtered away - too much English now. And now that the 1-week vacation starts tomorrow, it will only get worse. That being said, I am coming equipped with "Le Monde" and hope to keep reading it to improve my vocabulary and keep my mind fresh when it comes to French.
Tonight I really need to buckle down (after the US game of course) and start working on the day-to-day specifics of our mega-trip - what we're going to do in each city (Florence, Monaco, Nice, Lourdes), how we're getting around, etc.
Last night all of us (minus Hansky) met up at the Loire to have some wine and hang out. It was nice, but I did stay out pretty late...all the more reason sleeping in was fabulous. :)
Off to the most famous chateau in France today: Chambord!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Last Day of Class!
Today we had our last CIW class (though the field trip to Chambord tomorrow technically counts for it too) - class seemed to be a bit more interesting last week, but by now it has gotten a little repetitive. But no worries because now it's time to move on!
I took the oral portion of the placement exam for the next course - I'm a bit upset because I couldn't understand the last question at all and probably will get placed in a lower level because of it. Maybe not - a lower level is not necessarily a worse thing, but I'm still a bit mad at myself. But from now, in a typical French manner, I will refuse to blame myself and instead blame everything else - the accent of the professor, the room temperature, whatever...
After the tests, we went to the "gangette," a nice outdoor bar next to the river that offers free game-playing in the afternoon. We played this schweet game in which the object is to move your piece across the board first but you can build wall things to block other people. Very interesting...and I won the first time, so of course I liked it. :)
So I bought new Converses for the trip (to look slightly more European) and I am not convinced of their supposed "comfort": everytime I wear them, they hurt and squeak incredibly loudly - making people stare at me funny. They better get worn in soon...
Though I have given up on the whole "look like a European" thing a bit - I refuse to not wear my neon orange, $0, plastic sunglasses. Classy.
For now, I just finished my last homework assignment for the course and will probably take a nap before heading out tonight for a bit with the homies...
I took the oral portion of the placement exam for the next course - I'm a bit upset because I couldn't understand the last question at all and probably will get placed in a lower level because of it. Maybe not - a lower level is not necessarily a worse thing, but I'm still a bit mad at myself. But from now, in a typical French manner, I will refuse to blame myself and instead blame everything else - the accent of the professor, the room temperature, whatever...
After the tests, we went to the "gangette," a nice outdoor bar next to the river that offers free game-playing in the afternoon. We played this schweet game in which the object is to move your piece across the board first but you can build wall things to block other people. Very interesting...and I won the first time, so of course I liked it. :)
So I bought new Converses for the trip (to look slightly more European) and I am not convinced of their supposed "comfort": everytime I wear them, they hurt and squeak incredibly loudly - making people stare at me funny. They better get worn in soon...
Though I have given up on the whole "look like a European" thing a bit - I refuse to not wear my neon orange, $0, plastic sunglasses. Classy.
For now, I just finished my last homework assignment for the course and will probably take a nap before heading out tonight for a bit with the homies...
Thursday, June 24, 2010
I've Seen Enough Churches...
So according to the last post, last night I was going to relax and catch up on work. But of course, just like every other night, something comes up - this time, MT called saying "I have tickets to a concert at Notre Dame de la Riche." When I asked what kind of concert, she replied "I don't know." Hmmm...so I was expected some kind of outdoors concert with live music - possibly rock, possibly just some violinists or something. Nope. Turns out the concert was in an old Gothic church and was 2 hours of a choir singing Gregorian hymns in several different languages (all incomprehensible because of the length of the notes) - including Latin, Old French, Italian, and a bit of English. Even the English was nearly impossible to understand. Overall, the experience was very cool, however - the voices were incredible. But it does get a bit dull after an hour of Latin singing that all sounds the same...
So today, after class, a group of us visited several "boulangeries" to finish our projects on French bread and other foods and then relaxed at the Institute for a bit - David and I played some foosball (boy, I am awful at this game...) before the whole group had a celebration for the end of the course (though it doesn't technically end until Monday) with wine (Vouvray white) and sweets bought by the professors.
Dinner was quite different today - I already knew that my host parents would not be there, but I did not expect to come down at 8:30pm to see a group of around 15 18-20 year olds eating on the lawn. They were the friends of Martin, my host "brother" who just finished the "bac" (test after high school) and is beginning his summer. It was fun to talk to some people my age again and eat some "steaks" (which are really hamburgers eaten by hand?) and French fries - the closest thing to an American barbecue I have had here yet.
Well, tonight, I again followed MT (this time with Hansky, Marie, and Christina) to the beautiful Cathedrale Saint-Gatien for a special occasion in which the church is open at night (it NEVER is). Even more beautiful than the inside is the glorious facade outside lit up at night - with its 1500s "flamboyant" style mixed with tenth century Gallo-Roman and 12th century Gothic style. It was a delightful night - but I think I'm ready to chill out a bit and cut it out with the churches.
We take our placement tests for the 4-week course at the Institute tomorrow!
So today, after class, a group of us visited several "boulangeries" to finish our projects on French bread and other foods and then relaxed at the Institute for a bit - David and I played some foosball (boy, I am awful at this game...) before the whole group had a celebration for the end of the course (though it doesn't technically end until Monday) with wine (Vouvray white) and sweets bought by the professors.
Dinner was quite different today - I already knew that my host parents would not be there, but I did not expect to come down at 8:30pm to see a group of around 15 18-20 year olds eating on the lawn. They were the friends of Martin, my host "brother" who just finished the "bac" (test after high school) and is beginning his summer. It was fun to talk to some people my age again and eat some "steaks" (which are really hamburgers eaten by hand?) and French fries - the closest thing to an American barbecue I have had here yet.
Well, tonight, I again followed MT (this time with Hansky, Marie, and Christina) to the beautiful Cathedrale Saint-Gatien for a special occasion in which the church is open at night (it NEVER is). Even more beautiful than the inside is the glorious facade outside lit up at night - with its 1500s "flamboyant" style mixed with tenth century Gallo-Roman and 12th century Gothic style. It was a delightful night - but I think I'm ready to chill out a bit and cut it out with the churches.
We take our placement tests for the 4-week course at the Institute tomorrow!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Allez Allez Les Etats-Unis!!!
Oh what a match!! 2 minutes left in EXTRA time and the US had to score to advance - and they did! 1-0 vs. Algeria and they are moving on. We took a brief break from the French world and watched the game at "The Pale," an Irish pub swarming with Americans. And what a fun game it was - tense up until the last minute. So even with the game against Slovenia stolen from us, we managed to win the group. Wow.
This morning, before all the madness, I of course had class, which for the first time today seemed rather boring and I was antsy to get out of there. After talking about food for an hour in class, we managed to build a mighty appetite - Mara, David, Hansky, Jacqueline, and I went out to lunch for a 10-euro lunch/dessert - filet mignon and creme brulee. Nice break from the daily tradition of a ham & cheese baguette (don't get me wrong, those are quite tasty too).
We had to go on individual visits to historic sites in the town today - David and I chose a History of Touraine museum in the old Tours chateau, but it is no longer open? So we went instead to the beautiful Saint-Gatien Cathedral, an amazing church built originally in the 300s, destroyed in several fires, rebuilt in the 1500s and added to every time. There is Roman, Flamboyant, and Renaissance influence. The church has an amazing display of stained glass and is also the final resting place of Anne de Bretagne, the famed woman of the 1400s who we have been following the story of through the past 2 weeks. We also got a mini-tour by nice lady who worked there and LOVED to talk. Great time all around.
After that, we watched the match - quite a sight even though we're not even in the US at the moment. I came home to an exasperated Chris (the other student living in the house), draped in an American flag and freaking out because he thinks he just watched a lady get hit by a car and die. Wow. He was the first to call the police...we'll see how it turns out - she is definitely seriously injured at the least. There were two little kids with her as well. Scary, scary thought.
Tonight, I am catching up on work - I have to write a 2-page paper on my visit to the Saint Gatien Cathedral and do some readings, as well as load pictures.
-Andrew
This morning, before all the madness, I of course had class, which for the first time today seemed rather boring and I was antsy to get out of there. After talking about food for an hour in class, we managed to build a mighty appetite - Mara, David, Hansky, Jacqueline, and I went out to lunch for a 10-euro lunch/dessert - filet mignon and creme brulee. Nice break from the daily tradition of a ham & cheese baguette (don't get me wrong, those are quite tasty too).
We had to go on individual visits to historic sites in the town today - David and I chose a History of Touraine museum in the old Tours chateau, but it is no longer open? So we went instead to the beautiful Saint-Gatien Cathedral, an amazing church built originally in the 300s, destroyed in several fires, rebuilt in the 1500s and added to every time. There is Roman, Flamboyant, and Renaissance influence. The church has an amazing display of stained glass and is also the final resting place of Anne de Bretagne, the famed woman of the 1400s who we have been following the story of through the past 2 weeks. We also got a mini-tour by nice lady who worked there and LOVED to talk. Great time all around.
After that, we watched the match - quite a sight even though we're not even in the US at the moment. I came home to an exasperated Chris (the other student living in the house), draped in an American flag and freaking out because he thinks he just watched a lady get hit by a car and die. Wow. He was the first to call the police...we'll see how it turns out - she is definitely seriously injured at the least. There were two little kids with her as well. Scary, scary thought.
Tonight, I am catching up on work - I have to write a 2-page paper on my visit to the Saint Gatien Cathedral and do some readings, as well as load pictures.
-Andrew
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Party on a Monday night?
Well last night was a special night in Tours - it was the annual "Fete de la Musique," a huge party in the streets with loads of live music (ranging for classical to rock to rap to techno) dedicated to the beginning of summer. The whole town practically was out in the streets - including a strange old man we have now seen two nights in a row who walks around with a goat. Crazy. We danced and drank a bit and David and I met up with our French friends for a little while by the Loire. Nice time - but I didn't get back home until 2:30am as I had the duty of walking 3 ladies back to their houses all across town. Not too big of a deal though.
Of course, we had class this morning at 10am, where we discussed and ate different types of cheeses (I've decided I prefer the Camembert and hate the Roquefort). After that was a short visit to the market (Les Halles)- wow, I realized then that I really didn't know the French names of tons of foods, from meats to vegetables to spices. Then again, I might have trouble understanding them all in English.
We had a brief break, during which 5 of us ate lunch down by the Loire. We talked there for about an hour before we checked out a nearby church (built in the 1200s!), which turned out to be closed (permanently, I think). But we found a sweet game there - a game in which you throw little carved chunks of wood into a wooden shoe haha - playin' it up Middle Ages style.
Then as part of our class, we went to view a French movie at the theater - titled "La Tete en Friche", it was tough to understand all the words, but I definitely got the gist of it and it turned out to be a cute little movie about a middle-aged, poor guy and an 80-year-old lady who teaches him how to read. Simple, but well done.
Rough week for the French soccer team - "Les Bleus" - two days after they caused an uproar by going on strike after the coach ejected one of the players for insulting him, France lost yet again - this time to South Africa - and put a cap on a pitiful performance this year. But the US plays tomorrow!
After a brief nap this evening, I finished my 5-page composition about the French retirement age and read a bit more of "Le Monde." I have to pick up the pace on reading the French newspaper - it is not only incredible helpful for comprehension, but it's fun and a great way to keep up with events around the world.
Nighty night,
Andrew
Of course, we had class this morning at 10am, where we discussed and ate different types of cheeses (I've decided I prefer the Camembert and hate the Roquefort). After that was a short visit to the market (Les Halles)- wow, I realized then that I really didn't know the French names of tons of foods, from meats to vegetables to spices. Then again, I might have trouble understanding them all in English.
We had a brief break, during which 5 of us ate lunch down by the Loire. We talked there for about an hour before we checked out a nearby church (built in the 1200s!), which turned out to be closed (permanently, I think). But we found a sweet game there - a game in which you throw little carved chunks of wood into a wooden shoe haha - playin' it up Middle Ages style.
Then as part of our class, we went to view a French movie at the theater - titled "La Tete en Friche", it was tough to understand all the words, but I definitely got the gist of it and it turned out to be a cute little movie about a middle-aged, poor guy and an 80-year-old lady who teaches him how to read. Simple, but well done.
Rough week for the French soccer team - "Les Bleus" - two days after they caused an uproar by going on strike after the coach ejected one of the players for insulting him, France lost yet again - this time to South Africa - and put a cap on a pitiful performance this year. But the US plays tomorrow!
After a brief nap this evening, I finished my 5-page composition about the French retirement age and read a bit more of "Le Monde." I have to pick up the pace on reading the French newspaper - it is not only incredible helpful for comprehension, but it's fun and a great way to keep up with events around the world.
Nighty night,
Andrew
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