more culture-y things i have learned in the city of paris.
1. there are seeds in all grapes. eat the seeds.
2. kid/razor scooters. they are everywhere and everyone uses them, kids and adults alike.
3. smoke in front of your kids. it has to be good for them.
4. when choosing a lane to drive in, drive in the middle. then after getting frustrated with the slow car in the slow lane, you change lanes effortlessly because you already called dibs in the fast lane too. everyone thinks theyre a good driver.
5. latest fashion: tights. tights with boots, tights with shorts!, tights with flats, tights with skirts. wear tights.
6. everyone dresses pretty nice here. no sweatshirts, loose jeans, or sandals. i really do not understand how they are comfortable, but they look pretty darn cute. my wardrobe is not up to paris standards.
7. its nice, they have hotdogs here. very american. but, the hotdogs come in baguettes. very french. (they de-hole the baguette and shove the hotdog inside. none of this open face stuff)
8. the young french people looooove “how i met your mother”!
9. on a sunny day, all of paris is outside. or at least it feels like that many people are outside. but actually, i have heard many parisians say to me that it is best to be outside to take advantage of the nice sunny days before the clouds cover us in. good obvious advice.
10. at the cinéma, they have this unlimited program. pay about twenty euros a month to watch as many movies as you can in month. i love it. an enhanced and legal concept of movie hopping.
19 octobre 2008
10 octobre 2008
10 23
09 octobre 1985, twenty three.
1. thank you for your messages and gifts! thanks ma ma, gung gung, linsay, and elizabeth.
2. i didnt tell anyone it was my birthday, except for katie.
3. i did have a good time, i went dancing till the wee hours of the morning with katie and school friends at club mix. sorry, we did not take any pictures.
4. the club was free for all foreigners before midnight. we made it in. the french/europeans love love american songs and who cares if you cannot dance to them american-style aka spice girls, nirvana, elvis, pretty woman…just move your body.
5. i received two plants and soap from my paris family. i do not think the mother thought it was a sufficient gift, but she does not know how much i like plants and sanitation.
6. benedictes mother, pomme, baked me a most delicious pear cake. it had three candles on it.
7. i drank a little champagne at dinner and i still turn red. that did not change with age.
8. it was a beautiful day in paris. weather was good enough to wear my birkenstocks.
9. being older allows leniency on the old people things i do: hot water with lemon, naps, something else i forgot…and i guess forgetting things.
10. thank you for all the love and support you send overseas. home never seems too far away.
love, jen
1. thank you for your messages and gifts! thanks ma ma, gung gung, linsay, and elizabeth.
2. i didnt tell anyone it was my birthday, except for katie.
3. i did have a good time, i went dancing till the wee hours of the morning with katie and school friends at club mix. sorry, we did not take any pictures.
4. the club was free for all foreigners before midnight. we made it in. the french/europeans love love american songs and who cares if you cannot dance to them american-style aka spice girls, nirvana, elvis, pretty woman…just move your body.
5. i received two plants and soap from my paris family. i do not think the mother thought it was a sufficient gift, but she does not know how much i like plants and sanitation.
6. benedictes mother, pomme, baked me a most delicious pear cake. it had three candles on it.
7. i drank a little champagne at dinner and i still turn red. that did not change with age.
8. it was a beautiful day in paris. weather was good enough to wear my birkenstocks.
9. being older allows leniency on the old people things i do: hot water with lemon, naps, something else i forgot…and i guess forgetting things.
10. thank you for all the love and support you send overseas. home never seems too far away.
love, jen
05 octobre 2008
lost in translation
America focuses on constructive criticism or positive reinforcement. The French handle their situations differently, I believe a little more negatively, and its killing my self-esteem.
Sunday, I attended a French Catholic wedding. The wedding was beautiful, but very different from the weddings I have attended in the United States. Entering into the calm cold country from the busy city life of Paris, Benedicte, the kids, and I drove between the grasslands to a little village where the church was its center piece. Driving along the little shops on traditional one-way cobblestone roads made France so surreal and really beautiful. I had never been to a Catholic wedding in the states, but I really enjoyed the wedding service. It was a very liturgical service with communion, hymns, cantors, a small message, and readings. I cannot really find that many similarities of American weddings to this French wedding. It was that different. The white dress and the groomsmen were pretty much the only thing the same. Bridesmaids, they were probably there, but one would not be able to tell; vows, maybe; ring exchange, did not see any, and no You may kiss the bride. There was the contract signing of the marriage, little boys and girls trailing the bride down the aisle, but dressed in these uniform dressings of yellow-gold and white.
I could not pay attention for very long before having to find one of the kids running amok amongst the chairs or within the confessional stands. It was crazy and kind of embarrassing. Despite the abundant amount of cookies brought to the wedding to bribe the kids to be quiet to have good behavior did not stop the echo of the boys' laughter or yelling within the church. Definitely not a musical addition to the ceremony.
After the service, we headed to a renovated abbey turned into hotel for cocktails and dinner. We did not stay for dinner, but I have no words to describe the beauty of this abbey. Hands down, the best place in France I have visited. I do not know what to say, but geeze, gorgeous. It made me wish I lived in that time period when it was built and used, to see it in its full form. And after all these years from what is left of it, is still beautiful. I wish I had pictures, but my camera died as I tried to take a picture. I will get the site for the abbey and post pictures from there. I hope I get to go back, whether it is for the day or if I have enough money to spend the night.
When I returned, I got ready for Nuit Blanche, White Night in Paris, where illuminated art is displayed all over Paris. Certain museums are open all night and different events and activities happen around the city. This only happens once a year, so I was excited to go, but then I also had no idea where anything was, so I was a pinch unmotivated to go out and see things. That pinch grew into a forgotten night of this once a year event, but nonetheless, Katie and I made the night our own. We hung out with some of her Moroccan friends, who spoke Spanish and French, but also very patient with my French. And later we hung out with the Dominicans, who spoke Spanish and French, and went back to the Salsa dancing place. It was fun getting to hang out with the Dominicans again, but this language thing is still awkward for me. I cannot do it, especially in a bar or club setting. Speaking French makes me nervous and I have to think about what I am saying. Plus, you cannot have good conversation in that kind of atmosphere, and why hurt yourself by yelling and struggling to say what you want to say. Eventually I will get the French down, but for now, speak to me in English.
The salsa club, La Pena, was crazy. Last week when we went out on a Tuesday, no one was there. Just us. This time when we entered the downstairs basement it was filled with sweat, the beating base and rhythms of Latin music, and what felt like hundreds of people all trying to salsa in this little space. It was madness and I loved it. I danced a few songs, but after finding my feet were not in sync, I gave up and people-watched into the wee morning. I was dead and bored by the end of the night, dying to take a shower and make it into my bed. This life is new and fun, but definitely not one I can repeat as often as others. The recovery throws me off my nap and sleep schedule.
Tomorrow I start my second week of language school at Alliance Francaise. First week went ok. My professor, Marie-Joseph, is funny and likes to make jokes and she is actually a really great teacher. The only bit is, the grammar part of the class is super easy. My grammar knowledge far exceeds my speaking knowledge, but the classes are centered around grammar and I am dying of boredom in my class. I am sure the speaking will come along with practice, but I seriously cannot do the remedial stuff anymore. I snuck that class kind of class for a good grade in college. So tomorrow I will find out my new placement, but I will be sad to leave my professor and the little group of friends I have made. All married (my class is very married or Vietnamese) or hot and heavy boyfriends, and all from around the world. Tomoko from Japan, married and has one kid (does not look old enough to have any kids), Alesia, lives in the United States, but is quite Polish, twenty something young and married, and Anna, late thirties, from Australia taking a year long holiday with her boyfriend. I like our little group of girls a lot, but my need for French language is needed here in the country, especially when they are leaving in a few months. And with people not staying as long as me, I find it hard to find and keep friends at my language school. It does not bother me because at least I have people to talk to in my class.
Overall it is hard to make friends here. I know I probably have not tried as hard, but it really does not bother me because I do not feel lonely. French girls do not really meet other girls unless they go to school together, and French boys only want to meet other girls for other things. I do not give those other things. I have met people and talked to them, but they are not people to keep. So, pretty much, I have Katie and we have each other. And right now, I am good with that.
It is cold here, around 10 degrees celsius, but rising a few degrees this week. This is not California weather. No more sandals, tights under the jeans with hiking socks, sweatshirt and jacket. But when you get inside, it is hot.
Sunday, I attended a French Catholic wedding. The wedding was beautiful, but very different from the weddings I have attended in the United States. Entering into the calm cold country from the busy city life of Paris, Benedicte, the kids, and I drove between the grasslands to a little village where the church was its center piece. Driving along the little shops on traditional one-way cobblestone roads made France so surreal and really beautiful. I had never been to a Catholic wedding in the states, but I really enjoyed the wedding service. It was a very liturgical service with communion, hymns, cantors, a small message, and readings. I cannot really find that many similarities of American weddings to this French wedding. It was that different. The white dress and the groomsmen were pretty much the only thing the same. Bridesmaids, they were probably there, but one would not be able to tell; vows, maybe; ring exchange, did not see any, and no You may kiss the bride. There was the contract signing of the marriage, little boys and girls trailing the bride down the aisle, but dressed in these uniform dressings of yellow-gold and white.
I could not pay attention for very long before having to find one of the kids running amok amongst the chairs or within the confessional stands. It was crazy and kind of embarrassing. Despite the abundant amount of cookies brought to the wedding to bribe the kids to be quiet to have good behavior did not stop the echo of the boys' laughter or yelling within the church. Definitely not a musical addition to the ceremony.
After the service, we headed to a renovated abbey turned into hotel for cocktails and dinner. We did not stay for dinner, but I have no words to describe the beauty of this abbey. Hands down, the best place in France I have visited. I do not know what to say, but geeze, gorgeous. It made me wish I lived in that time period when it was built and used, to see it in its full form. And after all these years from what is left of it, is still beautiful. I wish I had pictures, but my camera died as I tried to take a picture. I will get the site for the abbey and post pictures from there. I hope I get to go back, whether it is for the day or if I have enough money to spend the night.
When I returned, I got ready for Nuit Blanche, White Night in Paris, where illuminated art is displayed all over Paris. Certain museums are open all night and different events and activities happen around the city. This only happens once a year, so I was excited to go, but then I also had no idea where anything was, so I was a pinch unmotivated to go out and see things. That pinch grew into a forgotten night of this once a year event, but nonetheless, Katie and I made the night our own. We hung out with some of her Moroccan friends, who spoke Spanish and French, but also very patient with my French. And later we hung out with the Dominicans, who spoke Spanish and French, and went back to the Salsa dancing place. It was fun getting to hang out with the Dominicans again, but this language thing is still awkward for me. I cannot do it, especially in a bar or club setting. Speaking French makes me nervous and I have to think about what I am saying. Plus, you cannot have good conversation in that kind of atmosphere, and why hurt yourself by yelling and struggling to say what you want to say. Eventually I will get the French down, but for now, speak to me in English.
The salsa club, La Pena, was crazy. Last week when we went out on a Tuesday, no one was there. Just us. This time when we entered the downstairs basement it was filled with sweat, the beating base and rhythms of Latin music, and what felt like hundreds of people all trying to salsa in this little space. It was madness and I loved it. I danced a few songs, but after finding my feet were not in sync, I gave up and people-watched into the wee morning. I was dead and bored by the end of the night, dying to take a shower and make it into my bed. This life is new and fun, but definitely not one I can repeat as often as others. The recovery throws me off my nap and sleep schedule.
Tomorrow I start my second week of language school at Alliance Francaise. First week went ok. My professor, Marie-Joseph, is funny and likes to make jokes and she is actually a really great teacher. The only bit is, the grammar part of the class is super easy. My grammar knowledge far exceeds my speaking knowledge, but the classes are centered around grammar and I am dying of boredom in my class. I am sure the speaking will come along with practice, but I seriously cannot do the remedial stuff anymore. I snuck that class kind of class for a good grade in college. So tomorrow I will find out my new placement, but I will be sad to leave my professor and the little group of friends I have made. All married (my class is very married or Vietnamese) or hot and heavy boyfriends, and all from around the world. Tomoko from Japan, married and has one kid (does not look old enough to have any kids), Alesia, lives in the United States, but is quite Polish, twenty something young and married, and Anna, late thirties, from Australia taking a year long holiday with her boyfriend. I like our little group of girls a lot, but my need for French language is needed here in the country, especially when they are leaving in a few months. And with people not staying as long as me, I find it hard to find and keep friends at my language school. It does not bother me because at least I have people to talk to in my class.
Overall it is hard to make friends here. I know I probably have not tried as hard, but it really does not bother me because I do not feel lonely. French girls do not really meet other girls unless they go to school together, and French boys only want to meet other girls for other things. I do not give those other things. I have met people and talked to them, but they are not people to keep. So, pretty much, I have Katie and we have each other. And right now, I am good with that.
It is cold here, around 10 degrees celsius, but rising a few degrees this week. This is not California weather. No more sandals, tights under the jeans with hiking socks, sweatshirt and jacket. But when you get inside, it is hot.
01 octobre 2008
coming home
I am coming home for Christmas.
This decision was up for debate since the Rullier family invited me to their chatlet in the French Alps. I will probably never get the chance to go again, but after a few hard days with the boys and some weekend work, I do not want to work over the holidays. I do not want any responsibility. I love the boys, they are great and growing up, but I want to be responsibility-free.
Get ready to play.
ps. new theme for year 2009 coming soon.
This decision was up for debate since the Rullier family invited me to their chatlet in the French Alps. I will probably never get the chance to go again, but after a few hard days with the boys and some weekend work, I do not want to work over the holidays. I do not want any responsibility. I love the boys, they are great and growing up, but I want to be responsibility-free.
Get ready to play.
ps. new theme for year 2009 coming soon.
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