Champagne

Well, After my long journey back from Montpeillier. I decided to hop on another train with Elyse and Her Friend Dino to Epernay in order to discover the loveliness of Champagne tastings.
We took a quick train ride to Epernay and grabbed a quick bite before making it to the Moet & Chardon champagne house. There we were able to explore the cellar that contains (a lot) of Champagne... and drink some aswell.
It was a nice day... beautiful outside and the company was quite nice aswell :)
Upon my return I was once agian warmly welcomed by my family and took their evening stroll with the and LEO (the dog). We talked about music that we liked and such and different games. They were even given a taste of my very horrible singing trying to see if they had heard a song... lucky them.

MOVIES...
AN American in Paris...
It is a great one... I would recommend it if you are coming to paris... or a hopeless romantic like some... (I don't know if I could say me), but I am when I watch this film.. so watch IT.

till tomorrow.
<3

Beach

We woke up early in order to make it in time to be picked up by our new friends. 7 of us stuffed into a tiny european car, (it was quite fun). The drive wasn't too long, but I kept thinking.. I haven't known anyone in this car for more than 2 weeks... and I have only known one person for more than 48 hours. Those kid of moments are the ones that I love... being about to be far away from home and knowing that others are here to adventure, study, or be rebellious with you.

The beach was quite nice. We got there early enough so that there wasn't many people and it wasn't crowded. We plotted our land and ran towards the clear blue waters of the sea. It was so COLD.... when I say cold ... I mean I couldn't believe it was summer it was so cold.

The animal life was quite lively as well. 3 visions to put into your minds... LIME GREEN BORAT BATHING SUIT.... ONE LONELY NAKED MAN... EUROPEAN WOMEN TOPLESS.... (I don't think any european beach would be correct without these humble local wildlife).

After 6 hours, it was time to take my badly burnt self and hustle it to the train station. This time to get a seat. I slept for most of the train ride.. but my it was pretty... and after our short vacy... it was nice to come (home?) back I guess. To a semi place that I am comfortable with. My host family was very excepting back... and I am sad that I had just missed a chance to meet their daughter.

Dancing... (or maybe not)

Sonia, Martin, and I were able to meet up with our program director and her family for a nice afternoon in the center. It is a truly lovely city. I was able to talk to a street vendor... and hold an ... (ok) conversation... a real plus for me, but I have been feeling more comfortable being able to comunicate.

We were suppose to go to two dance shows, but unfortunately were only able to make it to(stand) half of one. When you have France outside.. why would you want to stay inside watching some woman dropping a knife into her hands several times in a row? WINE

We then met up with one of Sonia's friends from her childhood and talked with her and her friends.... it was nice to meet some more people. We planned to all go to the beach together the next day.

TRIP TO MONTPEILLER

SO... DUE TO THE TRAIN STRIKE... Sonia and I had the pleasure of waking up at 4am to catch a 6:21am train... (standing the enitire way), but the fearless warriors that we were we made it to Avignon in one piece. We bumbled around there until we met up with our host for the weekend, Martin.
He showed us around the small, medieval town and it was quite lovely. All that catholic history finally payed off. I remember hearing about this place for years in school, but never really put two and two together until I got to visit the actually site. They have a smashing half bridge as well.

After our trip there it was off on a bus to NIMS to catch a train to Montpeillier.... we missed the train and decided to spend our two lay over hours in NIMS with a picnic.

V-DAY

I FINALLY MADE IT TO VERSAILLES!!!!! :) I woke up bright eyed at 7:30..to make it to the RER... granted I got hit by the doors... running into the train and I was worried the entire time that I was on the wrong train, but then I started to play the fun game called count the travel books... (They were all Rick Steve so it's alright) I had mine out too... so I'm not judging.

Once I got there It was packed... but I zipped on through... because of my trustly european school Id... The Chateau was even more beautiful then I remembered... and this time I got to see the Hall of Mirrors and the Petit Trinon. I was not upset to go alone, until I saw the cute little row boats that you could take on the fountain/man made lake. I considered taking one out by myself, but then I thought I would just look pitiful... so I didn't, but next time... whoever goes with me... we're getting a boat... and we can even sing the T.I. song.

I loved sitting outside in the gardens. It was so sunny and beautiful today.... (the perfect day to go). I really had a lovely time. The only part that I didn't enjoy was flashing all of versaille with the silly skirt that didn't seem to want to remain close to me... but rather it ventured out... leaveing my rear end for all the world to see.

COFFEE.COFFEE.COFFEE.COFFEE.COFFEE.COFFEE,COFFEE,COFFEE,COFFEE.COFFEE.COFFEE,COFFEE.COFFEE.COFFEE,COFFEE,

Spur of the moment decision...ORSEY MUSEE.... they had a special show called Crime and Punishment that is closing in two days... and since I won't be here I wanted to see it before it closed. It was quite wonderful... It had alot of things pertaining to murders and exicutions... I found it very interesting... THEN OFF TO MY LOVES MONET and DUMAS. lovelovelove... I also was able to catch up with Renoir, Van Gogh, Manet...and a few other dear friends.... in order of musee and time periods it goes Louvre, ORSAY then Pompidou... Orsay is from late 1800s to mid 1920s... so next is the Pompidou to catch up with the history of art.

Tomorrow we leave for Montpeiller.... The train that Sonia and I were supose to be on is on Strike so instead of the 7am train we will be on the 6am train which means I have to wake up around 4 or 4:30... (I'll play that one by ear).

Till we meet agian.

Thursty Tuesday

CLASS.... Once more with my favorite thing. Dictee... BUT I AM IMPROVING!!!! :)
After a nice long class, 10 to 3 (but enjoyable) Sonia and I muddled our way to the Pompidou center.. but of course it was closed... so we settled for the Luxemburg Gardens... (how lovely It was). I really feel that Paris and I are at the beginning of our love affair. I've just started to become really comfortable in the city and more importantly with me traveling around in a place that I don't know extremely well and the language is ... well I don't mean to make a pun here but (foreign). I do try though.

We went to a used book store where I bought "Greatest Poetry throughout time" (with some notes scribbled in the margins MY FAVORITE!!! I love to see what other people think about the world, love, poems, books... or shopping lists.) and "The Suicide Club" :) for only 3 euros.. PAS MAL.

My host family let me try some fresh artichoke that they boiled. Being that I've never seen an artichoke out of a mason jar... it was very interesting. They even brought out a little vinger to put with it.... It was AMAZING ... we then chatted about several topics. They are the sweetest people ever. I think I say that every day, but it is so true. They are really making this whole experience a really wonderful one. They even put up with my really bad french... I also learned today that I shouldn't say that I'm excited ... which I do very often.. It might give off the wrong idea...

I watched a Jacques Demy film called "Peau d'Anc" or Donkey Skin. I thought it a bit odd but genuinely liked it... I guess it is something that people have to see for themselves. It is a light film that glosses over a very "not so light" subject... It is a little like Cinderella with a twist. I liked the design and movement of the film- they made it not so "bubblegum" as some of the musical type films of the era.(it's not a musical). made 1975

giggles :)

Today was full of lots of joy and giggles... and you guessed it more films...
I woke up to continue to watch the end of "La Chute de la Maison Usher" or The fall of the House of Usher based loosely on the tales of a dear close friend of mine...yes Edgar Allen Poe. The film was made in 1928 by the magical Jean Epstein. This silent film is truly something to experience. (you can find it online on you tube... WATCH IT) It was truly revoutional for the time in which it was created...
OH... tangent
After that, A lovely travel to Montmartre to do a little walking tour of the area.. (i'm not done with it quite yet...) funny story about this place. I was trying to pronounce the name and instead of saying the last part right I pronounced it "merde" look up your french... and see why laugher was response...
BACK TO CLASS
dicussed the film "The Rules of the Game" (La Regle du Jeu) 1939 Jean Renoir ... Not to be confused by his father who was Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

After class made a trip back to the Cinémathèque française.... where after nicely (in some kind of french I made up) if they had found my Id... The front desk switched me to the ticket test... who then asked a passing security guard if they had seen my Id... finally YES was the answer...and Sonia and I timidly followed the guards to the depths of the Cinémathèque française to find my ID.... and there it was the beautiful card in which I would be in deep (merde) without (amongst the men watching the world cup) I think it was Switerland and Chile today.

Sonia and I ducked into a Cafe to grab my life force (coffee) and her some wonderful french cusine. After being forgotten about due to the world cup, we made our way to bastille to check out the music party... (today is a free day for all to play music.)

Then back home to work on my presentation about JEAN EPSTEIN....
TWO CHEEK KISSES..

SUNDAY

NO VERSAILLE TODAY... I was convinced I was going all the way until the subway... It was raining... and So I made a decicion to go to the Lourve instead. I beat the masses and didn't have to wait in a long line and thanks to a student card.. I didn't have to pay... I brought Rick Steves with me.. and together we discovered the history of some of the world's greatest art. Venus de Milo or as some guy next to me put (to his child no doubt) "the hot sex goddess with no arms."

On of my favorite things to do in a museum is to creep on others to hear what they have to say about the art work that they see. In the Napolean apartments... one woman looking at a huge dinning room covered in red velvet and gold asked if they would actually eat in these rooms. To that the other woman responded well it's a little over the top... (WELL DUHH)

One of my other favorite things to do is count the video cameras and people taking pictures especially at art museums.. yes, I can understand takining maybe a picture in front of the mona lisa or another painting or statue that means something to you, but the people who walk around with the video camera launched in front of them documenting their ever step through the lourve.. first ... ARE YOU EVER GOING TO WATCH THAT AGAIN????..... second... you are missing out... I've seen plenty of tourists who just walk around holding a video camera... they are missing out... living life behind a lens is just silly. i think there is something special about art musems and the way that these painting are one of a kind... or the stories behind them... and by just glossing over them by not even caring enough to shut off your video camera.. it's a shame.

well then, after that I went to the St. Paul area and had a nice walk around before coming back (I think I caught a cold).

Saturday avec myself

Today, I woke up saying Versailles... (but that didn't happen) instead I decided to check out many of the boutiques around the Hotel de Ville/Chatlet area. I bought a light sweater because it was so COLD. I then bumbled around for a few hours popping in and out of stores and such.

Later in the day, I met up with an old friend of the family, Sue. It was a lovely meeting and we were able to catch up quite nicely.

I went to bed a tad early... because I wanted to go to Versailles the next day.

Paris on top of the Eiffel

Hello there. So after a lovely morning of classes and great conversation along with my fellow teachers and student. Sonia and I set out to meet Elyse and some of her friends to watch some of the World Cup. (USA). There was a large screen set up across from the Eiffel tower. I had a glass of beer and basked in the sun while watching the game.

After the game was over, Sonia and I made our way to (first ICE CREAM) then to the tower to walk under it, but when we under the line to climb the stairs was very small... so WHAT THE HELL. We climbed to the 2nd level and it was absolutely lovely. We stopped at the 2nd level because the line to the 3rd just wasn't worth the wait.

After our decent (and shaky legs I think it was around 750 steps), we walked around the park and the area a little. Once we found a subway we made it back in enough time to be bombarded by world cup fans. :) When I arrived home I set myself to watch Don't Look Now. It was wonderful. I had only seen the begining, but so many people have told me things about it that I had to watch it.. and finally I did. I think it was beautifully made... and I still am pondering....

June 17th

Another day of class. It was lovely to wake-up (early) .. hmmm... eventually i'll get used to it. Sonia and I were able to navigate our way to another of our teacher's appartments, but when we arrived off the subway.. right in front of us was moulin rouge. so... part of my (obnoxious) sight seeing is over :).

After class we stopped into a cafe to have some coffee, then hurried our way to st. paul to go to an american book store called the red wheelbarrow. (which happens to be one of my favorite poems by william carlos williams.) After meandering through the books for a little while. We hopped on the train once more..to meet at la cinematheque francaise.

Films watched today:
What's New Pussycat
L'Auberge Rouge
Les diabolique

So, I think i'm gonna sleep... I think tomorrow Catacombs.

Victor. June 16th

I guess I'm still not quite adapted to the time change yet. Today was interesting...

PLUS of Today... la maison de Victor Hugo. Sonia and I found it during our afternoon walk around the latin quarter. We also found this neat little indian the/coffee house. It was full of different middle eastern books and items. We attempted to go to the european photography museum, but it had closed before we arrived.

It was an early night but I got some quality time with my host family. I chatted with them and took the dog for a walk with them. I think I'm starting to settle in, thankfully.

FIRST DAY OF CLASS

JUNE 15th

I think time difference has started to get to me. I was really tired and didn't want to wake up in the morning, but (poor me in Paris I know). Class at 10 was very interesting. We discussed some of Nouvelle Vague (New Wave Cinema) and talked about Rohmer. The class was held at our professors house and I felt very at ease. It is kind of a familar learning style like at (le meme a) Sarah Lawerence. After Class, (apres la classe) I met up with Elyse to do some window shopping. I caved once more when I saw the American starbucks... but it serves me right because I asked for a latte and I got a steamed soy lait ( some hot soy milk) and if you have ever had just plain soy milk... not that tasty. So, that was my last trip to starbucks. Later in the day I was told that if you want a latte you ask for ( Cafe creme... c'est la meme chose "it's the same thing").

I was left to my own company around 3:30... so I decided to go to the Champ L'Eysee. I walked up to the Arc de Triomphe en la place charles de gaulle. I was going to wait to actually go up to the top with someone with me... but I just said what the hell... and went by myself. With my sorbonne student ID it was free...so why not. I'm glad I did go by myself it was a beautiful view and I was able to chat with a couple of other travellers up top...(who took a VERY close photo of my face).

After my walk, I made it back to Saint Mande and grabbed some fruit for the welcome dinner. It was another nice meal with the facultiy, Sonia, Elyse, and myself. We also met a past alumn of Lexia, who had moved to Paris. (she was the one who informed me about cafe creme). After several glasses of wine (la verre de vin) I muddled my way home and fell quickly asleep. :)

A Tad Bit Morbid

Today, I was not as bright eyed in the morning. I whined in bed for an hour before actually getting up to start my day. From 10 till 1:30 I was with the program director and Sonia figuring out a few details.... and had a dictation... (i didn't do so hot). I now will be reading

Le Nuage Bleu

to aid in my decline of the french language.

Positive things:
I now have a french phone number. I have a pretty sweet swipe-y card for the metros and buses. I bought my first bulk french groceries. I can't feel my blisters on my heals anymore. I held a baby today.

After the meeting, It rained... and rained...When that was done, I took my first swipe-y (what parisians use) card, trip to Le Cimetiere du Pere Lachaise. This is the place where Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Moilere, and Chopin are buried. It took me awhile to navigate through the largest cemetary I think I have ever seen in my entire life. I thought I would never reach any end at one point... it just kept going... and going... but anyways... It was most certainly worth it. I stood next to a couple at Jim Morrison's grave who recalled, when they were young, and he was alive. After a moment, they left leaving me and a couple of others in silence until a group of American Highschool kids made it to the scene. One Flicked a cigarette on to the grave, while the others just took a sigh, because they had finally found the grave. It was a wonderful moment for me, because here I was in this place thousands of miles away from home, but still I connected with the people around me only if for a few seconds.

My main purpose of course was for Oscar Wilde's grave. It is traditon to give Oscar a kiss goodbye and I was not going to miss out on this tradition. It was strange standing at his grave by myself, I was glad I came alone, but I felt a tad morbid reading the graffiti on his grave..... (which, of course, was covered by blush kisses). I wandered what I would someday want scrawled on my tomb stone. I'm still not sure, but I will keep thinking. Any who, I was able to give Oscar a kiss goodbye before dashing out (it was closing time and no matter how much I love the yard... I didn't want to spend the night).

After that experience I wanted to walk around the area a bit before heading back. For awhile, the area was really nice. I ducked into a health food store to see what a french one was like. Not too much longer after that, I took a wrong turn in ended up in not so great of an area. I didn't want to whip out my map (for fear of being noticed)- I already had been... so I just kept walking... 30 minutes later I was safely on the Metro towards Hotel de Ville to walk around in that area. I know this is extremely American of me, but I wanted a chai latte so bad when I saw a starbucks, that yes.... I went to starbucks... but I wanted Soy Milk and Chai... I was dying... Not having milk for so long.. then coming to a culture that does nothing but drink WHOLE MILK.. was killing my stomach... so I needed a little break from my break... and that is that.

Tomorrow should be nice,
First day of real class and some sightseeing... Probably no kisses.... But Oscar desereves them all

Sometimes not so easy of a ride

Saturday June 12th
Today, I was able to make it on time to the morning meeting. We talked about the films we would be studying and it became all very exciting, because Sonia, the other student, and I were able to meet our teachers. It was nice to speak with them about our favorite movies and our assignments. The meeting was very informal and was set to a picnic.

During this period I finally felt like I really was thousands of miles away from home. It was a time for me to finally relax and enjoy the surrounding and the company around me. The picnic lasted a bit longer then intended (I didn't mind) that we missed the concert and bike ride that we were going to go on... It was nice to have some free time... to go and explore. Sonia and I ended up at the Cinema Bastille... to watch Easy Rider. (Dennis Hoper)

I had never seen the film, but it truly struck a chord with me. I am always interested 1. in road movies and 2. in flims that have Louisiana in them. Watching it in a parisian cinema with a grainy screen was an experience i'm glad that I didn't miss.

After that, What else? Crepes!!!! Then Sonia and I muddled our way (ON FOOT) back to Saint Mande, then stopped in a cafe for some Juice and Chocolate Mousse... then back to our homestays to get some sleep.

Sunday June 13th
The day started with an 830 run avec Sonia. It was nice, but short. I didn't last but 20 minutes... I'm still on sleep and eat schedule. Not bad, but If I wanna be able to survive 7 weeks a Paris I need to be able to do my stress run.

Any who... the run was in a beautiful park a street from my homestay. It was lovely and cool. When I came back I ran into my host parents and they were as sweet as could be.

Next, Sonia and I made it back up to the heart of the city to see some sights and eat lunch. We visited Notre Dame and walked around that area a bit, walked through some parks, and walked along the Seine. We ran into this friendly tourist from Boston, who chated us up so we could take a picture of him infront of ... (i'm not quite sure what the building was)....

After lunch, we need to rush back because we were suppose to meet our program director in order to go to the concert. 15 minutes late (pas mal) it's french time. We checked out the confusing french bikes, but did not make it in time to go to the concert, so Sonia and I, after a confusing tranaction once agian with the bikes, went on a quest to find Ice Cream. 3 miles later (It was a sunday) we found a place.

After the walk back, we watched our first film for class. Conte d'ete (A Summer's Tale by Eric Rohmer) I'm still sifting through my toughts, but I thought it was a lovely film. I felt connected to all of the characters. At the beginning my feelings were a little bias, but each character changed throughout the film. I thought the preformances were truthful...and it was entertaining.

I a little tired... and I have another full day tomorrow..

Au Revoir

Day Deux

So... Thinking that I set my time right to Paris time. I was wrong and walked in confidently into a program meeting 45 minutes late. I thought that i was 5 minutes early, but no. It happens to the best of us.

After leaning a bit about each other and our cultures, we decided to have a little picnic outside. We grabbed some sandwiches (apparently I need to work on my french accent, because when I said Le Tomate, the server did not understand what I wanted... I recieved celery instead.) It was a nice afternoon (a la bebe) :)

Next we were off to another meeting with someone who was going to show us around the center a bit. We met at Cafe Zimmer... a tad late, because we took the wrong subway, but we were able to figure it out (eventually). Along with our guide we also met up with my best friend Elyse, who is studying here aswell. The guide showed us around and taught us how to use the Metro map and the Paris maps.

After he departed us, us three girls we able to roam around the city a bit. We stopped at a little cafe near the Louvre and had a quick drink, then off to find the metro in order to make it back to Saint Mande to pick up some items and change before dinner. Finding the metro was the difficult part, but eventually a nice woman pointed to a station right in front of us. Why we didn't see it before is beyond me.

My homestay mother was very welcoming to Elyse and I'm glad because I didn't really know the procedure of bring people to their home, but it all worked out. After I had refreshed a little, we departed to go to the place where Elyse was staying, with several other Louisiana people. We had a drink and "watched" a little of the world cup.

We then went to a nice french resturant down the street. It was absolutely wonderful. Duck salad followed by chocolate mousse. It was a lovely spot watching people go by. It was right near the Metro, so it was a prime people watching spot. Later, I was able to take the Metro by myself to Saint Mande.

On the metro some guys were trying to steal this other man's wallet. They chased him all the way to the doors and when they closed they stuck their hands through the windows where i was sitting. It was a tad scary, but we started to move and the moment was over.

My walk back from the Metro station was covered in sounds of cheers for the World Cup (France was playing) and lovely night air. I decided to explore a new way home (and was successful). Once I arrived home, I had to make sure the dog didn't bark at me to wakeup the entire house. After that challenge, I completely crashed.

Today inculdes: Picnic, Bike Ride, and Jazz Concert... I am super excited :)

The Journey to Paris

Despite being asked if one of my eyes had always been larger than the other one... the pre-trip time was less stress free than I thought... oh wait I forgot about the mess that Health Care providers cause... Yes. They tried to screw things up for me... but failed. It was redeemed by the cafe barista having my order ready before I even got up to the counter. Yes, I know I have a coffee problem... but I'm pretty headstrong and I don't think I'm gonna change now.

The night before my departure I watched 400 Blows... it truly got me pumped for my trip. It's kindof a mix between The Cather and the Rye and Stand by Me. To films that scream to the inner 12 year old that is trapped inside my heart.
SO...ANYWHO

So, My day started off extremely well with my morning run, then finishing packing. I made it to the Airport 2 hours early....and what do you know my luggage is exactly 50 lbs... I was shocked because... I always have to pay those stupid extra charges.. or stuff some more of my stuff in my carry on... but no.. today the odds were in my favor (until a cup of coffee landed in my lap).

HOUSTON TO PARIS: longest flight of my life.
Favorite Moments:
1. Bathroom lines the entire trip
2. toddler throwing up
3. The french woman who tried to talk to me. I think she was trying to tell me about her daughter, but after waiting in line for the bathroom, it just seemed to be a little too awkward for my tastes
4. Accidently kicking my seat buddy numerous times while trying to sleep. She still managed to enjoy my company though.
5. A woman in a floral dress, who walked around as if she had never seen a plane.. or people... or a bathroom... or AIR in her entire life.

PARIS: (raining cats and dogs)
I met the only other student on the program I am on. We had a chance to chat on the looonnng ride to our base office. It was really nice to have a great deal of things in common with her. I was worried that I would be stuck here alone. When we arrived to the office, we met up with our program director. She has to be the sweetest woman ever. She gave us maps and our first assignment. After we went to our homestays, we were to find each other again (without cellphones), get bus tickets, then take the bus to the bastile and meet the director once more.

#1 I think I am really going to enjoy my homestay. I've only met two of the residents Madame and the dog, but by them I can tell I will love the rest of the household, which includes another foreign exchange student. Moment I knew I was were I should be... when her face lit up when I told her of my love for coffee.
#2 Bus tickets and finding the bus no problem.
#3 Finding the director...problem.. (apparently there is more than one news stand in Paris) who would have thought.


The three of us + a baby were able to wonder around a little bit of the wonderful city. When it started to rain we ran for cover in a nearby Cafe. There my fellow student and I were left once more to bumble around then find our ways back to our homestays. No trouble there.

It was an interesting first day. I think it is a great start to a lovely trip. Well, I haven't slept since Baton Rouge.

Salut

Parlez-vous?

Last year I took a roadtrip through the south (Nashville, Jackson, Memphis, Birmingham, and Baton Rouge). While packing for my next adventure I found the notebook I kept during my roadtrip. My major influence for the trip was Into The Wild. Story of Alex McCandless and his journey of self-discovery....

"Two years he walks the earth. No phone, no pool, no pets, no cigarettes. ulitmate freedom. An extremist. An aesthetic voyager whose home is the road."

Thankfully, my trip did not finish in my death, but I think the book translated well to me.

ultimatly it's important not to forget where you come from, but I consider myself a mover. I don't stay in one place for too long... I think there is something beautiful about being a child of the world rather than staying in one box for all of your life.

Film for my state of mind:

Trois Couleurs: Bleu directed by Krzysztof Kieslowski

Song I'm inspired by:

Take Me to the Riot by Stars

Book <3

Into the Wild