Good start, bad middle, good end
Shelley and I headed out to the market in the morning. It's a fresh produce market that sells wonderful herbs and spices along with fruits and veggies. I bought some Herbs de Provence. Looking froward to trying them on pasta. I also had the "Ed" experience. It's kind of like a mini Winco for all you Spokane peoples. And a little more sketch. Anyway, got some foods and hauled by bag of groceries all the way back to the dorm and up the 64 steps to my room. I was able to find the same peach syrop that my host family in Nice had. :)
The afternoon was not so wonderful. Here's a rundown:
got lost
got lost
didn't have paperwork
got paperwork
did have paperwork
found out about 200 euro fee
did paperwork
still need paperwork
If I go into any more detail here I will either cry or break something so lets leave it al that
The evening was Shelley's goodbye party at Mike's appartment
We only made it about a third of the way through the crepe batter because the gas tank ran out, but it was a great night anyway.
Something I forget from yesterday: Ashley lives on the first flood of my dorm and goes to ICCP. She's from Circle, right next to Jason's grandparents. Her last name is Mothershead. Life is crazy.
What I learned:
Potatoes are heavy
It's going to be a long week, or two, or three.....
More advise (this one is going on my wall)
"Be patient with yourself" --Geoffrey
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Day 4
Spent another night at Shelley's. I'm growing fond of the slumber parties. We got up and went through some paperwork and a scary desk worker to get my key.
The ladies who work at the International Office are amazing and wonderful, beautiful people. I'm going to avoid all other offices and their intimidating staff and just go straight to the international office from now on.
So I finally got my dorm assignment and key. And I'm in the recently renovated dorm! It's soo great! I have my own mini bathroom--feet in the shower when you sit of the toilet. The toilett has a seat AND a lid! It's like paradise. The rooms were redone in the last year, so everything is new and done in a modern/sixties inspired look. The hot pink balnket from Jason goes perfeclt with the crome accents and neon green chair. There will be pics posted.
I'm on the top (5th) floor. Unfortunately I'm on the south side of the building so my view is a tree instead of the city of Aix and the sunset. Oh well. I'm just so happy to be in the new dorm. It has an actual kitches with a few tables and an oven. Life is good.
I finally got a few hours of actual, deep sleep. A nap hasn't felt that good in a long time. Not quite moved in yet. But it feels good to have my room.
Tonight we went to Life Group, a bible study put on be the Church (which is called ICCP-International Christian Community of Provence). It's at Bill's house. They have 3 adorable children. They are originally from Chicago, but have lived in Aix since May. The kids are surpassing them in French :) They made Biscuts and Gravy for us all (about 10 college students) and a chocolate tart for dessert. We went through Luke 6 and had a sending off for Shelley.
Tomorrow's plans are market, grocery store, drain-o for the shower and goodbye party for Shelley.
Charlie bought a pink bike. He is very happy.
Language test is Monday, tour of Aix is on Thursday and classes start the following Monday.
Things I learned:
The office of tourism is your friend--it knows all.
US showers are heavenly
Potatoes hanging in the doorway can be dangerous
Shelley yelling at Charlie:
"YOU said make a child"
"See, this is what I live with. Day in and day out. YOU."
Shelley's advice for living in France:
"If it doesn't make any sense whatsoever, you're probably doing it right"
The ladies who work at the International Office are amazing and wonderful, beautiful people. I'm going to avoid all other offices and their intimidating staff and just go straight to the international office from now on.
So I finally got my dorm assignment and key. And I'm in the recently renovated dorm! It's soo great! I have my own mini bathroom--feet in the shower when you sit of the toilet. The toilett has a seat AND a lid! It's like paradise. The rooms were redone in the last year, so everything is new and done in a modern/sixties inspired look. The hot pink balnket from Jason goes perfeclt with the crome accents and neon green chair. There will be pics posted.
I'm on the top (5th) floor. Unfortunately I'm on the south side of the building so my view is a tree instead of the city of Aix and the sunset. Oh well. I'm just so happy to be in the new dorm. It has an actual kitches with a few tables and an oven. Life is good.
I finally got a few hours of actual, deep sleep. A nap hasn't felt that good in a long time. Not quite moved in yet. But it feels good to have my room.
Tonight we went to Life Group, a bible study put on be the Church (which is called ICCP-International Christian Community of Provence). It's at Bill's house. They have 3 adorable children. They are originally from Chicago, but have lived in Aix since May. The kids are surpassing them in French :) They made Biscuts and Gravy for us all (about 10 college students) and a chocolate tart for dessert. We went through Luke 6 and had a sending off for Shelley.
Tomorrow's plans are market, grocery store, drain-o for the shower and goodbye party for Shelley.
Charlie bought a pink bike. He is very happy.
Language test is Monday, tour of Aix is on Thursday and classes start the following Monday.
Things I learned:
The office of tourism is your friend--it knows all.
US showers are heavenly
Potatoes hanging in the doorway can be dangerous
Shelley yelling at Charlie:
"YOU said make a child"
"See, this is what I live with. Day in and day out. YOU."
Shelley's advice for living in France:
"If it doesn't make any sense whatsoever, you're probably doing it right"
Day 3
First real day in France. We made omelets in the morning. Charlie is master of the kitchen.. I think there were three cloves of garlic between our two omelets. In the afternoon, Charlie, Shelley and I went to visit Judy, a lady Shelley met through the school. She just turned 60, but really dosen't look it or act it. She's been all over the world and knows everything basically. We had tea and popcorn and chatted in the kitchen for a few hours.
At five we went to church. Awesome place. It's pretty tiny, but the people are wonderful and the message was sound. I got introduced to a ton of people and we all went out for kabobs afterwords at Le Pacha--you pick put a kabob of meat and they cook it and put it in a pita with french fries and sauce and lettuce and tomato. Quite filling and only 4 euros.
I don't really remember anyone name, I started falling asleep at the table. I did find out why Chrlie looked familiar, though. He was in the band Courderoy Shots with Josh Kuhn. Yah, craziness.
At five we went to church. Awesome place. It's pretty tiny, but the people are wonderful and the message was sound. I got introduced to a ton of people and we all went out for kabobs afterwords at Le Pacha--you pick put a kabob of meat and they cook it and put it in a pita with french fries and sauce and lettuce and tomato. Quite filling and only 4 euros.
I don't really remember anyone name, I started falling asleep at the table. I did find out why Chrlie looked familiar, though. He was in the band Courderoy Shots with Josh Kuhn. Yah, craziness.
Day 2
(sorry about the delay--just got actual internet this morning)
Day 2
tired of lines. tired of people checking the camera for plastic explosives. tired of going to gate go gate, getting different instructions each time. tired.
Met an awesome Russian named Paul. I shared my gummy bears with him and we hung out while waiting for the plane. Then I had 2 free seats next to me so Paul joined me for the 11 hour flight. we took off the headphones and did commentary to the latest Harry Potter. I dare say it rivaled Wizard People. He's a doom metal guitarist (I seem to have a knack for finding those) who signed with Candelight Records here in the US with his band Forest Stream. He was in San Fran to graduate from his on-line computer animation school. made the flight go buy soo much faster.
I sat across from 2 flight attendants who were very entertaining. one of them has a son in Paris who is a model--just walked the Mylan runway for the new line of the designer who was the head of men's Prada. So now it's six hours in the frankfort airport. then hopefully getting to the school. internet is $12.00 an hour here. I just want to check my e-mail then go to sleep.
---------
So, Americans have some sort of ability to sense other Americans. Six of us found each other in the Frankfort airport. They are all part of a different program goning to Aix University. You know, the kind that actually care about you. I sat next to Tony, a kid from New York who works with a theatre there. Good times on the plane ride. An 90 minute flight was a piece of cake. For the in-flight snack we had whole grain mini sandwitches with a cream cheese-like spread and onions. Really interesting. And coffee. Mmmmmm.
No one was there to meet me at the airport. Of course. The others all had host families waiting for them. The kids were holding signs with the student's names on them. Soooo cute. Tony's family had to meet him somewhere else because out flight was a little delayed. He asked the two program coordinators who were there if they could help me. He was even willing to ask his own host family if I could stay with them (which dosen't work so well in French culture). The coordinators are wonderful people. They totally went into maternal mode. I said I could just take the train and then a taxi (what Amira suggested) and hope that someone was actually going to be there (like they said). They wouldn't hear it. They didn't want me taking the risk of getting stuck out there and said that a taxi would completely rip me off. After making calls and everything, they decided just to put all my stuff in their car and drive me to the University.
When we got there, no one was there. Of course. Niether lady could find anyone that was able to help. So, when all else fails, go to a bar! They took me to Wohoo Cafe, a sweet little bar in Aix owned by amazing people. The guy stored my luggage in the back and let me use the internet and his phone to contact parents and Shelley. And gave me a free Smirinoff Ice with a glow stick in it. Best place ever. Seriously. Shelley came and we walked to the university with all my luggage. We met her brother (well, like Kurtis brother) half way. Charlie rocks. And not only because he hauled my red 50 pound bag up four flights of stairs. Shelley showed me around the dorm and we hung out awhile. Not exactly sure what else we did. Kind of out of it.
Things I learned:
Dorm toilets have no seats. Perch with caution.
Make your first purchase in Aix toilet paper. There's none of that in the bathroom either.
The showers only stay on for 10 seconds at a time.
The best grocery store is called "Ed" but there is discrepancy on campus. Some say it's pronounced "ed" some say "eday". Pick your side.
The front door of the dorm is locked. But if you just pull it hard enough, it opens.
Day 2
tired of lines. tired of people checking the camera for plastic explosives. tired of going to gate go gate, getting different instructions each time. tired.
Met an awesome Russian named Paul. I shared my gummy bears with him and we hung out while waiting for the plane. Then I had 2 free seats next to me so Paul joined me for the 11 hour flight. we took off the headphones and did commentary to the latest Harry Potter. I dare say it rivaled Wizard People. He's a doom metal guitarist (I seem to have a knack for finding those) who signed with Candelight Records here in the US with his band Forest Stream. He was in San Fran to graduate from his on-line computer animation school. made the flight go buy soo much faster.
I sat across from 2 flight attendants who were very entertaining. one of them has a son in Paris who is a model--just walked the Mylan runway for the new line of the designer who was the head of men's Prada. So now it's six hours in the frankfort airport. then hopefully getting to the school. internet is $12.00 an hour here. I just want to check my e-mail then go to sleep.
---------
So, Americans have some sort of ability to sense other Americans. Six of us found each other in the Frankfort airport. They are all part of a different program goning to Aix University. You know, the kind that actually care about you. I sat next to Tony, a kid from New York who works with a theatre there. Good times on the plane ride. An 90 minute flight was a piece of cake. For the in-flight snack we had whole grain mini sandwitches with a cream cheese-like spread and onions. Really interesting. And coffee. Mmmmmm.
No one was there to meet me at the airport. Of course. The others all had host families waiting for them. The kids were holding signs with the student's names on them. Soooo cute. Tony's family had to meet him somewhere else because out flight was a little delayed. He asked the two program coordinators who were there if they could help me. He was even willing to ask his own host family if I could stay with them (which dosen't work so well in French culture). The coordinators are wonderful people. They totally went into maternal mode. I said I could just take the train and then a taxi (what Amira suggested) and hope that someone was actually going to be there (like they said). They wouldn't hear it. They didn't want me taking the risk of getting stuck out there and said that a taxi would completely rip me off. After making calls and everything, they decided just to put all my stuff in their car and drive me to the University.
When we got there, no one was there. Of course. Niether lady could find anyone that was able to help. So, when all else fails, go to a bar! They took me to Wohoo Cafe, a sweet little bar in Aix owned by amazing people. The guy stored my luggage in the back and let me use the internet and his phone to contact parents and Shelley. And gave me a free Smirinoff Ice with a glow stick in it. Best place ever. Seriously. Shelley came and we walked to the university with all my luggage. We met her brother (well, like Kurtis brother) half way. Charlie rocks. And not only because he hauled my red 50 pound bag up four flights of stairs. Shelley showed me around the dorm and we hung out awhile. Not exactly sure what else we did. Kind of out of it.
Things I learned:
Dorm toilets have no seats. Perch with caution.
Make your first purchase in Aix toilet paper. There's none of that in the bathroom either.
The showers only stay on for 10 seconds at a time.
The best grocery store is called "Ed" but there is discrepancy on campus. Some say it's pronounced "ed" some say "eday". Pick your side.
The front door of the dorm is locked. But if you just pull it hard enough, it opens.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Day 1: Thursday, January 21st
My suitcase is exactl 50.00 pounds. The iron is now in my carry-on, but totally worth it. The Lady at security checking tickets asked how old I was. They only do that if tey think you are under 16 and therefore need to show ID.
The plane from Spokane to San Fransisco was tiny. Thankfully I sat next to a Canadian who owns a cajun restaurant in New Orleans, and not next to the idiot. The kid was 4 rows ahead of me, probably about my age, and I could hear him loud and clear the entire flight (3 hours long because of delays). He never shut up. He graciously informed the entire first half of the plane about getting drunk, doing extacy with 13 year olds, cutting down trees in 25 below and in general being such an awesome bad ass dude. Yah. Wow.
Anyway, I much prefered my Cajun cooking Canadian. We talked the entire way about family, kids, twins, New Orleans, food and travel. And we made fun of sky mall and the $200 stool/chair.
Here are the highlights of the food conversation:
--coconut brownies: pour in half the batter, cook for 5 min, put in chilled coconut ball (shredded coconut, condenced milk, butter, powdered sugar) add rest of the mix.
--put sugar in steak seasoning to make a crispy sear--always let steak thaw out to room temperature, self tenderizing-
--roll out self-rising dough very thin, roll in ham and cheese, let rise
So, generally awsone flight, even though it was longer than expected.
We got in late and I ran with a guy going to Austria to get to our next flight. We got to the gate, which is on the very very tip of the international gate, about 3/4 the way across SFO, and the gate agent pointed at the plane making its way down the runway. So, after attempting the auto-rebook machine and visiting united counters, I found myself in the customer service line for over an hour. There two poor agents were tying to rebook everyone who was delayed because of weather, which was 5 flights full of people when I got in line. Many many more came after me. Should have brought my cell phone.
What I learned:
People are a lot nicer because I look 13
Also, be nice to people, and even those who are really stressed will be nice to you and it makes their day better.
While waiting under the awning for the airport shuttle I met a family of 4 who had gotten delayed as well. The little girl smiled at me and told me that she was 4 and her name was Lucy and introduced me to her stuffed black bear, Ginger. Her 7 year old brother, Jack, wasn't quite as interested in me. From there I started talking with her parents and found out that they live on Saunders Street in Helena! The wife's name was Shannon McDonald I think. So I left Spokane, flew to San Fransisco and found a family from Helena! So now I'm in the Comfort Inn, which is quite nice, and getting some needed sleep. My plane leaves at 12:30 pm tomorrow and I'll arrive in Marsaille at 6:15pm on Saturday.
What I learned:
Airport shuttle is really hard to find in SFO.
San Fransisco is more fun with Kyrstin
People are generally pretty cool, especially Montanans.
Stuffed bears are very important, but you don't bring them to the beach. They don't like all the sand.
The plane from Spokane to San Fransisco was tiny. Thankfully I sat next to a Canadian who owns a cajun restaurant in New Orleans, and not next to the idiot. The kid was 4 rows ahead of me, probably about my age, and I could hear him loud and clear the entire flight (3 hours long because of delays). He never shut up. He graciously informed the entire first half of the plane about getting drunk, doing extacy with 13 year olds, cutting down trees in 25 below and in general being such an awesome bad ass dude. Yah. Wow.
Anyway, I much prefered my Cajun cooking Canadian. We talked the entire way about family, kids, twins, New Orleans, food and travel. And we made fun of sky mall and the $200 stool/chair.
Here are the highlights of the food conversation:
--coconut brownies: pour in half the batter, cook for 5 min, put in chilled coconut ball (shredded coconut, condenced milk, butter, powdered sugar) add rest of the mix.
--put sugar in steak seasoning to make a crispy sear--always let steak thaw out to room temperature, self tenderizing-
--roll out self-rising dough very thin, roll in ham and cheese, let rise
So, generally awsone flight, even though it was longer than expected.
We got in late and I ran with a guy going to Austria to get to our next flight. We got to the gate, which is on the very very tip of the international gate, about 3/4 the way across SFO, and the gate agent pointed at the plane making its way down the runway. So, after attempting the auto-rebook machine and visiting united counters, I found myself in the customer service line for over an hour. There two poor agents were tying to rebook everyone who was delayed because of weather, which was 5 flights full of people when I got in line. Many many more came after me. Should have brought my cell phone.
What I learned:
People are a lot nicer because I look 13
Also, be nice to people, and even those who are really stressed will be nice to you and it makes their day better.
While waiting under the awning for the airport shuttle I met a family of 4 who had gotten delayed as well. The little girl smiled at me and told me that she was 4 and her name was Lucy and introduced me to her stuffed black bear, Ginger. Her 7 year old brother, Jack, wasn't quite as interested in me. From there I started talking with her parents and found out that they live on Saunders Street in Helena! The wife's name was Shannon McDonald I think. So I left Spokane, flew to San Fransisco and found a family from Helena! So now I'm in the Comfort Inn, which is quite nice, and getting some needed sleep. My plane leaves at 12:30 pm tomorrow and I'll arrive in Marsaille at 6:15pm on Saturday.
What I learned:
Airport shuttle is really hard to find in SFO.
San Fransisco is more fun with Kyrstin
People are generally pretty cool, especially Montanans.
Stuffed bears are very important, but you don't bring them to the beach. They don't like all the sand.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
