It might seem to you that I just got back from France, and you'd wonder how could I be ready to leave already... and you would be right. I'm not, but I'm leaving anyways. I am going to The Netherlands really early tomorrow morning. I'm spending the first two days in Amsterdam and then on Sunday I am going to Groningen to visit some relatives. Super early Monday morning I head back to London to go to my internship at 10:00 in the morning. Even I am beginning to recognize the ridiculousness of my planning. I am also acknowledging the great potential this trip has for an adventure!
Originally I was supposed to be traveling with two friends, but things have come up and now I am traveling on my own. No worries, I'll take the same precautions as usual. The funny thing about going to Holland is that I don't speak any Dutch and I didn't get any books with it. In addition to that I have no major monuments on a giant list to go see. My brother compiled an excellent list of things to do/see for my sister when she went. My mom got that forwarded to me. So I just looked through it and put stars next to things I might be interested in, but I'm- once again, not going to plan. I have theatre homework to do instead and I'm kind of tired.
Wish me luck this weekend!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
Advice you've heard before.
Advice on Traveling while Abroad that you've probably heard before, but I am going to reiterate, and probably add onto as this month of traveling continues: Holland, Ireland, Stratford, Some Unknown Little Place 2 hours North of here for a UK Host Program
- Pack light
- Wear comfortable shoes
- If you can take a train instead of a plane, do it. You spend less time in the station and you see some of the prettiest areas. All the same, it's still okay to sleep.
- Don't travel too many weekends in a row, it's exhausting (Yes, I realize I don't heed my own advice- that's not new)
- Remember what country you came to study in. If you're studying abroad only to travel, don't study in London, pick a cheaper and more central location.
Note: This is not me. I am glad I picked London, for London. - Go somewhere on your own at least once.
But bring your phone, journal and camera so when you're overwhelmed or just plain enthused you have someone to share it with. Also, if your university gives you an alarm or something of the sort during orientation, bring it with you. Mase isn't legal in many countries, but loud beepy noises are. - If a friend is living with a host family that offers to let you stay a night... or a few, take them up on it
- Sleep before trying to tackle the Louvre. It's too much to do on 2 hours of sleep
- Go on walks that aren't to get anywhere. You will find the best things/places (this is about all of your life, not just when traveling in new countries)
- Take pictures, but not so many that you only look at things through the lens
- Realize you will be sharing a hostel with people who may not share your same sleep schedule. Don't let this bring you down. Loud children (or grown-ups) on trains and delayed planes... it's all part of the experience.
- If you're going to France, bring a corkscrew for your wine.
Better than Nutella
When I was planning my trip to France I expected many things. I had made plans to visit the Louvre and Le Musee D'orsay. I wanted to go to the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. After two nights in Paris I would go to my friend, Amy's host family's house in Rennes, France and visit with said friend. I knew before I went that traveling by myself would probably be stressful, exhausting and a bit overwhelming.
And for the most part, I was right. I visited those places. I saw those people. I felt those emotions.
While my experience is documented in a few hundred of pictures, I have condensed most of that town to 70 pictures. 60 of which are in this album.
What I did not expect was to feel fully confident in Paris and then to have some of the most renewing days in Rennes.
When I arrived in Rennes Amy and I sat catching up while I ate my lunch. A wonderful older gentleman encouraged us to keep our cheer because not enough people have it. I was grateful that someone, someone who doesn't even know us, was able to feel what I was feeling just by walking by. After my sandwich, Amy showed me around town a bit. We walked through a beautiful garden where spring was alive and well. I got a better feel for where Amy is spending this entire section of her life. Nine months is a long time to live in a completely new place and I am so grateful that I was given a taste of it. Back at Elizabeth and Michel's (sp?) house I met their wonderful puppy dogs (one of which is named after the awesome bear in the Bare Necessities) <3 and got settled. Then Elizabeth came to tell us it was dinner time.
I can not even explain to you this dinner. To be honest, I don't even remember what all I ate. All I know is by the end I was completely full- I didn't even think I could have dessert, but then I tried one bite and it was like 10,000 Lindoor truffles in this delicious cold cake and - mmmm. After dinner, but before dessert there was cheese and wine... and dinner itself was-- perfect. I'm not sure how long we were there eating, but as I found out from Amy, dinner usually last about 2 hours. She told me her one friend had stayed in France over Christmas and for the holiday the family ate for 6 hours. The greatest part about eating at Amy's house was the conversation. It was, obviously, in french, and Amy translated for me when it got complex, but it was lovely to listen to. Both Michel and Elizabeth have wonderful syntax so they just sound nice when they talk- completely different from each other, but equally nice. Plus it's nice to consistently be engaged. As soon as I start zoning I am completely out of the conversation, which is usually interesting so you don't want to zone anyways. I can't just half-listen. I love it. We talked for a bit more and then Amy and I retired to her room, catching up more and eventually sleeping.
Oh. I can't remember when we went running. I think it was that afternoon. We ran along this canal that was everything that you would want France to look like- stunning. We ran back along these fields. I had to walk a bit just to appreciate the beauty. I didn't have my camera so we took plenty of mental pictures.
The next morning Elizabeth and Michel had put out breakfast for us- bread, 4 different, delicious fruit jams, nutella, cereal, milk, tea, coffee... Basically I was completely spoiled for 3 days. Amy had class so we went to school and got lunch. Then I went to the library and studied while she went to class. While sitting in the library I met a nice boy named Damien who was from Rennes and looked more like a -- well, not a Damien. He borrowed my pen. After classes Amy and I explored new parts of Rennes and I had my first french crepe... nutella, of course. Loved it.
At night we returned home to another amazing dinner. After dinner we watched Lancelot. Amy had a phone interview with a summer camp so for about a half hour just Michel, Elizabeth and I watched Lancelot in french. I understood most of it, and what I didn't, I made up... so occasionally I laughed when they didn't, but overall we were on the same page.
The title of the photo album on facebook comes from one of Michel's comments during the movie. He's hilarious and likes to occasionally throw an english phrase in conversation. Sometimes he'll say bye to you in english or -- just all sorts of times. Sometimes I would get thrown, and respond in french and then realize the world was backwards, haha. Well, during Lancelot he was occasionally dropping them in and at one point Lancelot threw Quenivere (sp?) on his horse and said, "C'mon baby... Twist and Shout"... wait. What? Awesome. You have to meet this guy, essentially Amy lives with the greatest people in France...
And the thing is, Amy deserves to live with the greatest people in France. She's someone who will actually appreciate them and get the most out of the experience. I, am just blessed that I was able, for a few days, step into this family. It's sort of hard to explain. London is great. There is so much for me to learn from the city, but I live in a tiny room in an 12? story dorm building... I'm not even sure. I'm on the 6th, which is actually the 7th floor and after that I don't really count. There are lovely people, but when I go back to Ohio, we'll only keep in casual contact, and only a couple of us at that. I guess, now that I think of it, there is enormous benefit to not becoming a part of a family- you never have to leave it.
On day 3 Amy skipped grammar and we took a train to St. Malo, a beautiful walled-town on the sea. It was completely destroyed in the war because of how important the port was, but it had been rebuilt. Amy's host parents told us how it had been chilly in Rennes that afternoon, but on the ocean we were able to take off our coats as we looked at sea shells. We picked out our favorite ones and even found some beach glass which reminded us of our good friend, Faith. I don't know if it was the beauty of the day or the smell of the sea, but I just couldn't imagine wanting to be anywhere else. Since being overseas there have been quite a few times I have had a bit of trouble being as comfortable with people as I would like. Sitting with Amy on the sea, I felt true to myself and true to my surroundings, but I wasn't zoning Amy out, or needing to zone out. Rather, I was truly enjoying her company. After a bit we decided we were hungry and ate the best sandwiches I have ever had. It's not even an exagerration. There was sausage and chicken and "salade" and... I don't know. I don't know what it was made of, but if I could only have one sandwich for the rest of my life, I think it might be this one... If I had to make it every time, then it'd be PB&J, but if this woman made it... I just wish I remembered the name. We wondered a bit, saw a lot of oysters and watched the tide come in.
When we arrived home Elizabeth and Michel were at a friend's home and had made a huge, delicious stack of crepes for us. Did I mention how awesome these people were? Amy and I ate until I could hardly move. Then we took the dogs for a short walk and returned for more conversation. We planned the rest of our life. We're making a band. We comprised the guest list for the first concert, made mostly of runners or ex-runners, but with a few exceptions. The funny thing about listing people with someone who actually knows the people is that sometimes you're actually left missing them less. It's as if because you're with someone else you're able to conjure up more of them than when you're by yourself... or maybe I'm just crazy. Either way, we like Hope people :)
The next morning Michel and Elizabeth went to Michel's mom's and Amy and I went for a run. We went to the grocery store and I bought delicious French chocolate that didn't even make it through Monday. Amy took me to the train station and I returned to Paris.
While in Paris I visited the Sacre Coeur and nearly cried. I watched the people outside and felt wonderfully calm. I walked through France's red light district and took a picture of The Moulin Rouge, which had a long line of well-dressed people in front of it. I returned to the hostel, checked some emails, wrote a bit and then went to bed. The next morning I woke up earlier than I should've and made my way to the airport....
The entire time, I kept 2 seashells in my coat pocket. I think they'll stay there for a bit.
And for the most part, I was right. I visited those places. I saw those people. I felt those emotions.
While my experience is documented in a few hundred of pictures, I have condensed most of that town to 70 pictures. 60 of which are in this album.
What I did not expect was to feel fully confident in Paris and then to have some of the most renewing days in Rennes.
When I arrived in Rennes Amy and I sat catching up while I ate my lunch. A wonderful older gentleman encouraged us to keep our cheer because not enough people have it. I was grateful that someone, someone who doesn't even know us, was able to feel what I was feeling just by walking by. After my sandwich, Amy showed me around town a bit. We walked through a beautiful garden where spring was alive and well. I got a better feel for where Amy is spending this entire section of her life. Nine months is a long time to live in a completely new place and I am so grateful that I was given a taste of it. Back at Elizabeth and Michel's (sp?) house I met their wonderful puppy dogs (one of which is named after the awesome bear in the Bare Necessities) <3 and got settled. Then Elizabeth came to tell us it was dinner time.
I can not even explain to you this dinner. To be honest, I don't even remember what all I ate. All I know is by the end I was completely full- I didn't even think I could have dessert, but then I tried one bite and it was like 10,000 Lindoor truffles in this delicious cold cake and - mmmm. After dinner, but before dessert there was cheese and wine... and dinner itself was-- perfect. I'm not sure how long we were there eating, but as I found out from Amy, dinner usually last about 2 hours. She told me her one friend had stayed in France over Christmas and for the holiday the family ate for 6 hours. The greatest part about eating at Amy's house was the conversation. It was, obviously, in french, and Amy translated for me when it got complex, but it was lovely to listen to. Both Michel and Elizabeth have wonderful syntax so they just sound nice when they talk- completely different from each other, but equally nice. Plus it's nice to consistently be engaged. As soon as I start zoning I am completely out of the conversation, which is usually interesting so you don't want to zone anyways. I can't just half-listen. I love it. We talked for a bit more and then Amy and I retired to her room, catching up more and eventually sleeping.
Oh. I can't remember when we went running. I think it was that afternoon. We ran along this canal that was everything that you would want France to look like- stunning. We ran back along these fields. I had to walk a bit just to appreciate the beauty. I didn't have my camera so we took plenty of mental pictures.
The next morning Elizabeth and Michel had put out breakfast for us- bread, 4 different, delicious fruit jams, nutella, cereal, milk, tea, coffee... Basically I was completely spoiled for 3 days. Amy had class so we went to school and got lunch. Then I went to the library and studied while she went to class. While sitting in the library I met a nice boy named Damien who was from Rennes and looked more like a -- well, not a Damien. He borrowed my pen. After classes Amy and I explored new parts of Rennes and I had my first french crepe... nutella, of course. Loved it.
At night we returned home to another amazing dinner. After dinner we watched Lancelot. Amy had a phone interview with a summer camp so for about a half hour just Michel, Elizabeth and I watched Lancelot in french. I understood most of it, and what I didn't, I made up... so occasionally I laughed when they didn't, but overall we were on the same page.
The title of the photo album on facebook comes from one of Michel's comments during the movie. He's hilarious and likes to occasionally throw an english phrase in conversation. Sometimes he'll say bye to you in english or -- just all sorts of times. Sometimes I would get thrown, and respond in french and then realize the world was backwards, haha. Well, during Lancelot he was occasionally dropping them in and at one point Lancelot threw Quenivere (sp?) on his horse and said, "C'mon baby... Twist and Shout"... wait. What? Awesome. You have to meet this guy, essentially Amy lives with the greatest people in France...
And the thing is, Amy deserves to live with the greatest people in France. She's someone who will actually appreciate them and get the most out of the experience. I, am just blessed that I was able, for a few days, step into this family. It's sort of hard to explain. London is great. There is so much for me to learn from the city, but I live in a tiny room in an 12? story dorm building... I'm not even sure. I'm on the 6th, which is actually the 7th floor and after that I don't really count. There are lovely people, but when I go back to Ohio, we'll only keep in casual contact, and only a couple of us at that. I guess, now that I think of it, there is enormous benefit to not becoming a part of a family- you never have to leave it.
On day 3 Amy skipped grammar and we took a train to St. Malo, a beautiful walled-town on the sea. It was completely destroyed in the war because of how important the port was, but it had been rebuilt. Amy's host parents told us how it had been chilly in Rennes that afternoon, but on the ocean we were able to take off our coats as we looked at sea shells. We picked out our favorite ones and even found some beach glass which reminded us of our good friend, Faith. I don't know if it was the beauty of the day or the smell of the sea, but I just couldn't imagine wanting to be anywhere else. Since being overseas there have been quite a few times I have had a bit of trouble being as comfortable with people as I would like. Sitting with Amy on the sea, I felt true to myself and true to my surroundings, but I wasn't zoning Amy out, or needing to zone out. Rather, I was truly enjoying her company. After a bit we decided we were hungry and ate the best sandwiches I have ever had. It's not even an exagerration. There was sausage and chicken and "salade" and... I don't know. I don't know what it was made of, but if I could only have one sandwich for the rest of my life, I think it might be this one... If I had to make it every time, then it'd be PB&J, but if this woman made it... I just wish I remembered the name. We wondered a bit, saw a lot of oysters and watched the tide come in.
When we arrived home Elizabeth and Michel were at a friend's home and had made a huge, delicious stack of crepes for us. Did I mention how awesome these people were? Amy and I ate until I could hardly move. Then we took the dogs for a short walk and returned for more conversation. We planned the rest of our life. We're making a band. We comprised the guest list for the first concert, made mostly of runners or ex-runners, but with a few exceptions. The funny thing about listing people with someone who actually knows the people is that sometimes you're actually left missing them less. It's as if because you're with someone else you're able to conjure up more of them than when you're by yourself... or maybe I'm just crazy. Either way, we like Hope people :)
The next morning Michel and Elizabeth went to Michel's mom's and Amy and I went for a run. We went to the grocery store and I bought delicious French chocolate that didn't even make it through Monday. Amy took me to the train station and I returned to Paris.
While in Paris I visited the Sacre Coeur and nearly cried. I watched the people outside and felt wonderfully calm. I walked through France's red light district and took a picture of The Moulin Rouge, which had a long line of well-dressed people in front of it. I returned to the hostel, checked some emails, wrote a bit and then went to bed. The next morning I woke up earlier than I should've and made my way to the airport....
The entire time, I kept 2 seashells in my coat pocket. I think they'll stay there for a bit.
Efficiency and Travel don't share a lot of letters
Written while waiting for my plane to return to London.
"The confusion which managed to upset me the most was complicated when talking in English. I find this amusing. It wasn't really a big deal. I just thought I needed to find a new line (which didn't exist) to check-in after waiting 25 minutes. I was prone to being confused. I'd already misread my plane schedule and got to the aeroport way, way early (which I suppose is better than way, way late) and thus was tired of being in aeroports. After I talked to another woman and she told me to return to my original line I just began to cry (and maybe mutter a few things to myself about being tired and wanting to just get to London) and the people around me looked extremely worried. I think it was because I was crying and I didn't have anyone with me. I think there was this concern that they were supposed to do something since there was no one else, but it's just harder in the city... plus, a lot of them didn't speak English and that was the language I was muttering in. Either way, the guy who had originally sent me away left his little booth and found me and brought me to the front of the line. He retried to explain- he just did check-in luggage, but the line divided. He had neglected the mention that the first time he sent me away. All was well in the end.
There is something about waiting in airports (the overhead announcements, crying children, lines, beeping security gates, the inability to sleep...) that makes a large percent of people unhappy. I should minimize my time in them. Train stations are-- well, *usually- better.
*Usually
There was some confusion with my train ticket and I had to order another.
Also I've discovered that on many trains, assigned seats don't really mean assigned to the regulars, but more like-- recommended.
A little advice: If you are in a train, looking for your seat and someone seems to be in your seat, just ask, he/she probably is. I wasted a lot of time checking my ticket, the car, the train, the seat. Then, if they ask if they can trade you seats to sit next to his/her loved one, of course- say yes, but if the car is 8+ cars down and it's almost time for the train to depart, don't exit the train, running down to the car, sprinting as your over stuffed backpack bounces and your bag leaves red marks on your neck, and you just pray the train doesn't leave. Rather, figure out how those doors work. Press the top of the handle to the side and calmly walk car-to-car, like the rest of the intelligent world.
You'll be less sweaty.
"The confusion which managed to upset me the most was complicated when talking in English. I find this amusing. It wasn't really a big deal. I just thought I needed to find a new line (which didn't exist) to check-in after waiting 25 minutes. I was prone to being confused. I'd already misread my plane schedule and got to the aeroport way, way early (which I suppose is better than way, way late) and thus was tired of being in aeroports. After I talked to another woman and she told me to return to my original line I just began to cry (and maybe mutter a few things to myself about being tired and wanting to just get to London) and the people around me looked extremely worried. I think it was because I was crying and I didn't have anyone with me. I think there was this concern that they were supposed to do something since there was no one else, but it's just harder in the city... plus, a lot of them didn't speak English and that was the language I was muttering in. Either way, the guy who had originally sent me away left his little booth and found me and brought me to the front of the line. He retried to explain- he just did check-in luggage, but the line divided. He had neglected the mention that the first time he sent me away. All was well in the end.
There is something about waiting in airports (the overhead announcements, crying children, lines, beeping security gates, the inability to sleep...) that makes a large percent of people unhappy. I should minimize my time in them. Train stations are-- well, *usually- better.
*Usually
There was some confusion with my train ticket and I had to order another.
Also I've discovered that on many trains, assigned seats don't really mean assigned to the regulars, but more like-- recommended.
A little advice: If you are in a train, looking for your seat and someone seems to be in your seat, just ask, he/she probably is. I wasted a lot of time checking my ticket, the car, the train, the seat. Then, if they ask if they can trade you seats to sit next to his/her loved one, of course- say yes, but if the car is 8+ cars down and it's almost time for the train to depart, don't exit the train, running down to the car, sprinting as your over stuffed backpack bounces and your bag leaves red marks on your neck, and you just pray the train doesn't leave. Rather, figure out how those doors work. Press the top of the handle to the side and calmly walk car-to-car, like the rest of the intelligent world.
You'll be less sweaty.
Like one of those ancient greek myths...
Written on my way to Rennes from Paris after a few too many grumpy people on M5.
"I hate that in the city I have to avoid eye contact with people because otherwise (or sometimes despite) they will either ask for money, take something, try to sell me something, or worse...
As a result people don't look at each other s often- or at all. If someone things we are looking at them they shoot us evil glares. After spending time in the city you have to take care that your evil glances are only shot at deserving recipients. Sometimes you aren't even looking at the person and they just scowl. Or perhaps what I would- and perhaps should say is "Yes, woman on the subway, I was looking at you. I was admiring the contours of your jacket- perfect for your body type. Most of us can't find them or wouldn't know them if they were on the rack directly in front of us". Or "No, sir, I was not looking at you. There is a subway map to your left I was counting my stops"... "Yes, ma'am, I was looking at you- and even though you couldn't tell- I was laughing inside... and you would've laughed too if you could see how silly you look- the puffy part of your brown jacket that you have wrapped around you, is right above your mouth and so it looks like you have a giant mustache. Hilarious."
Here's the deal, 2/5 of you scowl at me, 2/5 of you continue to not acknowledge that anyone exists and the other 1/5 acknowledge the world, be kind to it and possibly even hold a conversation... and I'll keep trying to fit into that last fifth.... and hope the others in the fifth aren't just "out to get me/you/us"
If I ever have a surplus of money I will buy up property in a major city and open up a park. The park will have signs at every entrance that read (in many languages)
"I hate that in the city I have to avoid eye contact with people because otherwise (or sometimes despite) they will either ask for money, take something, try to sell me something, or worse...
As a result people don't look at each other s often- or at all. If someone things we are looking at them they shoot us evil glares. After spending time in the city you have to take care that your evil glances are only shot at deserving recipients. Sometimes you aren't even looking at the person and they just scowl. Or perhaps what I would- and perhaps should say is "Yes, woman on the subway, I was looking at you. I was admiring the contours of your jacket- perfect for your body type. Most of us can't find them or wouldn't know them if they were on the rack directly in front of us". Or "No, sir, I was not looking at you. There is a subway map to your left I was counting my stops"... "Yes, ma'am, I was looking at you- and even though you couldn't tell- I was laughing inside... and you would've laughed too if you could see how silly you look- the puffy part of your brown jacket that you have wrapped around you, is right above your mouth and so it looks like you have a giant mustache. Hilarious."
Here's the deal, 2/5 of you scowl at me, 2/5 of you continue to not acknowledge that anyone exists and the other 1/5 acknowledge the world, be kind to it and possibly even hold a conversation... and I'll keep trying to fit into that last fifth.... and hope the others in the fifth aren't just "out to get me/you/us"
If I ever have a surplus of money I will buy up property in a major city and open up a park. The park will have signs at every entrance that read (in many languages)
People watching allowed- even encouraged.
And then
Schedule of Events While In Paris:
Day 1. Monday
2A Leave Residence Hall
2:30 Take Bus N11
3A Coach Departs
4A Arrive at airport. Sleep on and off and buy gross expensive juice that looked like it'd be delicious
6:15 Check in for Flight
7:45 Start conversation with man next to me about theatre in London hoping to get material for my report
8:00 Realize plane is delayed
8:30 Board flight. Fly to France. Be Overwhelmed. Find Grocery Store. Buy Pain Au Chocolate. Find Hostel
2:00 Move Into Room in Hostel
2:30 Go to Louvre
Leave Overwhelmed by the Art and the building and the general experience
Explore random streets of Paris for awhile
7:30 Eat a Croque-Poulet for Dinner, pay too much, but enjoy the deliciousness
9:00 Continue Exploring Paris... eventually enough to have to get out map to try and find Eiffel Tower. Meet Jacques. Decline Jacque's offer for a ride on his motorcycle to the Arc de Triomphe. Follow his directions. Wave as he honks as he passes you on the street. Find the Arc. Find the Tower. Call Mom. Go up in the tower. Try your best to get your 12 euros worth.
Climb down
Watch the tower light up
Explore a few more places on the map.
Take the Metra back to the hostel.
Try to organize semi-quietly
Fall asleep.
Day 2. Tuesday
Wake up at some unknown time to girls in the hostel
Leisurely eat a delicious free breakfast in the hostel: cereal, orange juice, off-brand nutella, bread... lots of bread
Lose 30 euros sometime during this day because you put it in your pocket. dumb.
Get on Metro to go to tour. Miss stop because you are having a conversation with the woman next to you about political parties, Obama and everything else... in French. Have her write things down when you're not sure what she's saying.
Go on free (well, 5E, it was by donation) 2.5 hour walking tour of Paris. Learn lots of interesting stuff and take more pictures- including some repeats of yesterday.
Go to the Musee D'Orsay. Be overwhelmed again... and slightly disappointed... too much art- not enough energy in one's self to truly appreciate it all.
Explore.
Constantly avoid people trying to sell things or begging or whatever..
Eat pizza and some other deliciousness for dinner.
6:00 Consider waiting an hour to try and buy 5E rush tickets for a 7:30 french theatre show you've never read, but is probably good.. Realize you are too tired and get on the Metro.
7:00 Fall asleep at the hostel. When you need a nap, you need a nap. Paris can wait.
10:00 Wake up. Try to plan tomorrow's Paris time before leaving for Rennes. Realize you can't fit everything in and throw up hands, oh well. You saw a lot.
10:30 Write a bit. Go to the basement, try to make friends. Fail.
Realize that if you're ever going to get back to bed, you're going to need to burn some energy.
Realize it's dark outside and change your mind. Buy some wine. Write some more. Sit downstairs with all the people, but make no friends. Use your free internet minutes to check your email. Realize "SARK" commented on your blog and be super excited. Write more (on paper, your internet time is up). Go downstairs again. Drink wine. Finally stop writing and someone comes over to talk. Make friends.
1:00 A. Talking with new friends, one Canadian decides he's hungry and wants to find food. One of the Aussies agrees to go with him despite the discouragement of the group. Tag-a-long since they're fun and you finally have an opportunity to explore with people. Find a random little place down the street. Order a croque-monsieur, "impress" the guys working there by your slight ability to communicate in French... so much so the one cooking stops paying attention and burns your sandwich. Eat it anyways. It's still delicious.
On full tummy, realize you're sleepy and go to bed.
Day 3. Wednesday
7:30A Wake up way too early to girls pseudo-quietly (you know, where they think they're whispering, but it's more of a stage whisper) getting ready. Sit in bed for awhile trying to fall asleep. Get up. Eat breakfast.
9A Go to Rodin's Garden. Get there at 940 and realize you have little to no time there, but go in anyways. Realize it's probably the most peaceful place in Paris and the best Euro you will probably ever spend. Relax. Breathe deep.
10:20 Return to hostel. Pick up belongings. Rush to the train station which is much further than originally believed. Have ticket issues. Have to charge another to your credit card. Finally get on train, only to discover that there is someone already sitting in your seat. Eventually gather up the confidence to decide you're right and that is your seat. Discover that your original seat partner was her mother and she'd like to trade you seats. Say okay and rush 8 cars and 40 seats further down... and of course, do so on the outside of the train because you weren't sure how to work the handles. Sit down, exhausted and sweaty, relieved that at least the train didn't leave. Have the woman next to you offer the window seat since apparently that was the seat the girl was supposed to have. Nicely decline. All that matters is that you're on the train.
Nap.
Be amused by a good mother with two kids including a wiggly daughter and a wonderfully talkative son who wants a "banane".
Double check that the Rennes stop is the Rennes stop (french is easier to understand if you can see someone's mouth moving and their facial expression).
Get a sandwich and begin walking to the "sortie" where Amy said she'd meet you.
See Amy and feel a giant burden off your shoulders. You're in Rennes and with a true friend.
Day 1. Monday
2A Leave Residence Hall
2:30 Take Bus N11
3A Coach Departs
4A Arrive at airport. Sleep on and off and buy gross expensive juice that looked like it'd be delicious
6:15 Check in for Flight
7:45 Start conversation with man next to me about theatre in London hoping to get material for my report
8:00 Realize plane is delayed
8:30 Board flight. Fly to France. Be Overwhelmed. Find Grocery Store. Buy Pain Au Chocolate. Find Hostel
2:00 Move Into Room in Hostel
2:30 Go to Louvre
Leave Overwhelmed by the Art and the building and the general experience
Explore random streets of Paris for awhile
7:30 Eat a Croque-Poulet for Dinner, pay too much, but enjoy the deliciousness
9:00 Continue Exploring Paris... eventually enough to have to get out map to try and find Eiffel Tower. Meet Jacques. Decline Jacque's offer for a ride on his motorcycle to the Arc de Triomphe. Follow his directions. Wave as he honks as he passes you on the street. Find the Arc. Find the Tower. Call Mom. Go up in the tower. Try your best to get your 12 euros worth.
Climb down
Watch the tower light up
Explore a few more places on the map.
Take the Metra back to the hostel.
Try to organize semi-quietly
Fall asleep.
Day 2. Tuesday
Wake up at some unknown time to girls in the hostel
Leisurely eat a delicious free breakfast in the hostel: cereal, orange juice, off-brand nutella, bread... lots of bread
Lose 30 euros sometime during this day because you put it in your pocket. dumb.
Get on Metro to go to tour. Miss stop because you are having a conversation with the woman next to you about political parties, Obama and everything else... in French. Have her write things down when you're not sure what she's saying.
Go on free (well, 5E, it was by donation) 2.5 hour walking tour of Paris. Learn lots of interesting stuff and take more pictures- including some repeats of yesterday.
Go to the Musee D'Orsay. Be overwhelmed again... and slightly disappointed... too much art- not enough energy in one's self to truly appreciate it all.
Explore.
Constantly avoid people trying to sell things or begging or whatever..
Eat pizza and some other deliciousness for dinner.
6:00 Consider waiting an hour to try and buy 5E rush tickets for a 7:30 french theatre show you've never read, but is probably good.. Realize you are too tired and get on the Metro.
7:00 Fall asleep at the hostel. When you need a nap, you need a nap. Paris can wait.
10:00 Wake up. Try to plan tomorrow's Paris time before leaving for Rennes. Realize you can't fit everything in and throw up hands, oh well. You saw a lot.
10:30 Write a bit. Go to the basement, try to make friends. Fail.
Realize that if you're ever going to get back to bed, you're going to need to burn some energy.
Realize it's dark outside and change your mind. Buy some wine. Write some more. Sit downstairs with all the people, but make no friends. Use your free internet minutes to check your email. Realize "SARK" commented on your blog and be super excited. Write more (on paper, your internet time is up). Go downstairs again. Drink wine. Finally stop writing and someone comes over to talk. Make friends.
1:00 A. Talking with new friends, one Canadian decides he's hungry and wants to find food. One of the Aussies agrees to go with him despite the discouragement of the group. Tag-a-long since they're fun and you finally have an opportunity to explore with people. Find a random little place down the street. Order a croque-monsieur, "impress" the guys working there by your slight ability to communicate in French... so much so the one cooking stops paying attention and burns your sandwich. Eat it anyways. It's still delicious.
On full tummy, realize you're sleepy and go to bed.
Day 3. Wednesday
7:30A Wake up way too early to girls pseudo-quietly (you know, where they think they're whispering, but it's more of a stage whisper) getting ready. Sit in bed for awhile trying to fall asleep. Get up. Eat breakfast.
9A Go to Rodin's Garden. Get there at 940 and realize you have little to no time there, but go in anyways. Realize it's probably the most peaceful place in Paris and the best Euro you will probably ever spend. Relax. Breathe deep.
10:20 Return to hostel. Pick up belongings. Rush to the train station which is much further than originally believed. Have ticket issues. Have to charge another to your credit card. Finally get on train, only to discover that there is someone already sitting in your seat. Eventually gather up the confidence to decide you're right and that is your seat. Discover that your original seat partner was her mother and she'd like to trade you seats. Say okay and rush 8 cars and 40 seats further down... and of course, do so on the outside of the train because you weren't sure how to work the handles. Sit down, exhausted and sweaty, relieved that at least the train didn't leave. Have the woman next to you offer the window seat since apparently that was the seat the girl was supposed to have. Nicely decline. All that matters is that you're on the train.
Nap.
Be amused by a good mother with two kids including a wiggly daughter and a wonderfully talkative son who wants a "banane".
Double check that the Rennes stop is the Rennes stop (french is easier to understand if you can see someone's mouth moving and their facial expression).
Get a sandwich and begin walking to the "sortie" where Amy said she'd meet you.
See Amy and feel a giant burden off your shoulders. You're in Rennes and with a true friend.
Paris: All By Myself
Traveling Alone...
Cons
Note: I did have some times when I really wished someone was with me, but I think going to Paris (and going before Rennes) by myself was a really good choice. And when I wanted someone to share the Eiffel Tower with me, I just ignored the reality of how much the phone call cost and called my parents. I had been quietly excited all day, but my Mom, thrilled by my phone call, once she realized it was me, vocalized the wonderfullness of my trip. Thank God for Moms.
Misc. Conclusions while in Paris on a Tuesday Night
Cons
- You don't have anyone at the airport to watch your bags if you have to pee
- If you neglect to plan you have no one to encourage you to plan
- If you did want to drink, there's no one to do so safely with. This may limit (or completely take away) your exposure to the city's night life
- If your phone is your alarm and you don't have an England/Main Europe converter you run the risk of oversleeping if your phone dies
- You have no one to bounce excitement or frustrations off of
- You can decide where you want to go and when
- You are the only one discouraged by your lack of planning
- You don't have to accommodate anyone else's drinking, eating, sleeping or bathroom needs
- You can get lost and no one else stresses
- People are more likely to talk to you (I did have three conversations with Parisians)
- If you are in a foreign country and you speak "un peu" of their language, you will get more into the speaking mode and I can't guarentee it, but I think I got more out of the experience
- No one, as long as you smell okay, will notice how many times you've worn an outfit
Note: I did have some times when I really wished someone was with me, but I think going to Paris (and going before Rennes) by myself was a really good choice. And when I wanted someone to share the Eiffel Tower with me, I just ignored the reality of how much the phone call cost and called my parents. I had been quietly excited all day, but my Mom, thrilled by my phone call, once she realized it was me, vocalized the wonderfullness of my trip. Thank God for Moms.
Misc. Conclusions while in Paris on a Tuesday Night
- Everyone in the world is the same
- Wine really is better in Paris. The stuff is often about the same price, or cheaper than water. If I was spending real time here, I'd probably become a wine-o
- Laid back American girls can be terribly difficult to find. The reputation American girls have for beings stupid around accents is totally justified. This conclusion was brought on by the girls in the hostel basement the second night. The girl closest to being laidback was engaged. It probably had something to do with it.
France: On My Way
There is so much to tell you about my trip to France. I wrote bits of things down as I went so I will post those and intermix them with other thoughts of mine from the trip which I remember, have now or make up.
I didn't have midterm exams (just test) so I left for France on Monday and returned on Sunday. I finished my midterm Sunday night and gave it to my good friend Bristol to turn in for me. My flight was supposed to depart at 8:15A on Monday morning, meaning I needed to be there at 6:15A. If buses went at the right time I would have left around 5 or 4:30 to be safe. Buses and coaches, especially around 4A never leave when I want them to... and if one leaves not too, too early, it will be full so I will have to take the earlier bus.
It's in quotes because I wrote it then
"Day 1- "Monday" 0200
I go out to the bus station and I am convinced I forgot my phone. I return to the bus station, my phone was just in a different pocket. I wait for about 20 minutes because London's transport system website isn't always correct. While waiting I read 2 pages of "Empty Space" and realize I am too tired to read.
Two older gentlemen nod to me and wish me a good morning. It's 0220 now. I say thank you and return the greeting... wondering what time zone they are in. They ask me if I live here, I say yes. They ask "why are there so many women shops.... two for over hundreds of shops for women..." The conversation continues to the need for sugar daddies. They leisurely stroll down the sidewalk. I'm not sure what world these two men lived in, but I have a theory it isn't too far from "The Big Rock Candy Mountains"
Monday 0255
So I get off the N11 Bus at the Victoria Coach Station stop and begin to follow the two boys in front of me who have suitcases, only to realize they are disagreeing on whether to go straight or to continue following the man in front of them. I cross the walkway and realize this part of the stations has a large gate over it. I turn around and hear, "Sara! Sara!". On N11 I met an Italian, Stefano (think Tempest) and an Irishman named Tim. I had been sitting quietly, playing a bit of the I-dont'speak-English game when Stefano ask me something. I'm not sure, but I don't think it was english so I must have been playing the game well. I was reluctant to talk because the three guys in the back either had fags or opened alcohol. Neither of these things are allowed on the bus and usually signal trouble. All the same I ended up talking just a bit, but the ride was short. So as it turned out, they had gotten off the bus to smoke and they attempted to show me where to go, but they didn't knwo exactly where I was supposed to be either. After asking two workers I departed from Tim, and Irishmen who identified with the english and Stefano, the friendliest guy from Naples. I found my bus with about five minutes to spare and that's where I am now.
Oh-- and Tim offerred me this amazing Strawberry Shortcake umbrella he found on the bus, but I declined it since I didn't want to more luggage. I should've taken him up on it. It'll probably rain in Paris now-- the whole time.
Note: There are only about 8 other people on the coach to the airport with me and they are all by themselves. I find this strange, but oddly nice.
Monday 0640
I fell asleep pretty quickly on the bus and awoke once to find I had no feeling in my leg. This has become fairly common lately and I am wondering the cause.... It's obnoxious and ocassionally painful to wake up to tingling. Sometimes I don't realize until I go to get out of bed and I either can't move the leg because it's heavy or I roll out of bed and fall over when I try to stand"
I ended up sleeping on and off while in the airport, but I was very nervous that somehow, beneath all my layers, my passport would get stolen so I didn't sleep very deeply. My plane was delayed, but luckily only about 20 minutes, much less than what they thought it would be. I slept on the plane and when I arrive in the Charles De Gaul Paris Aeroport I was amazed. Here I am, in France. It was a bit overwhelming, but the good kind. I had a lot of emotions in my insides and felt stingy behind my eyes like I might cry. I didn't though. I didn't do anything. I just kept walking... I bought a little magazine recommended by my mom's guidebook, which I never used. However, it was a good first experience because I had difficulty finding it and the transaction was all in French- just a reminder of where I was.
My hostel gave great directions and I followed all the right signs. My hostel was a bit out of the city, but it was still very nice. After getting off my metro station I found a grocery store and bought a bag of pain au chocolate. They were delicious and a true foreshadowing of the rest of my trip.
I didn't have midterm exams (just test) so I left for France on Monday and returned on Sunday. I finished my midterm Sunday night and gave it to my good friend Bristol to turn in for me. My flight was supposed to depart at 8:15A on Monday morning, meaning I needed to be there at 6:15A. If buses went at the right time I would have left around 5 or 4:30 to be safe. Buses and coaches, especially around 4A never leave when I want them to... and if one leaves not too, too early, it will be full so I will have to take the earlier bus.
It's in quotes because I wrote it then
"Day 1- "Monday" 0200
I go out to the bus station and I am convinced I forgot my phone. I return to the bus station, my phone was just in a different pocket. I wait for about 20 minutes because London's transport system website isn't always correct. While waiting I read 2 pages of "Empty Space" and realize I am too tired to read.
Two older gentlemen nod to me and wish me a good morning. It's 0220 now. I say thank you and return the greeting... wondering what time zone they are in. They ask me if I live here, I say yes. They ask "why are there so many women shops.... two for over hundreds of shops for women..." The conversation continues to the need for sugar daddies. They leisurely stroll down the sidewalk. I'm not sure what world these two men lived in, but I have a theory it isn't too far from "The Big Rock Candy Mountains"
Monday 0255
So I get off the N11 Bus at the Victoria Coach Station stop and begin to follow the two boys in front of me who have suitcases, only to realize they are disagreeing on whether to go straight or to continue following the man in front of them. I cross the walkway and realize this part of the stations has a large gate over it. I turn around and hear, "Sara! Sara!". On N11 I met an Italian, Stefano (think Tempest) and an Irishman named Tim. I had been sitting quietly, playing a bit of the I-dont'speak-English game when Stefano ask me something. I'm not sure, but I don't think it was english so I must have been playing the game well. I was reluctant to talk because the three guys in the back either had fags or opened alcohol. Neither of these things are allowed on the bus and usually signal trouble. All the same I ended up talking just a bit, but the ride was short. So as it turned out, they had gotten off the bus to smoke and they attempted to show me where to go, but they didn't knwo exactly where I was supposed to be either. After asking two workers I departed from Tim, and Irishmen who identified with the english and Stefano, the friendliest guy from Naples. I found my bus with about five minutes to spare and that's where I am now.
Oh-- and Tim offerred me this amazing Strawberry Shortcake umbrella he found on the bus, but I declined it since I didn't want to more luggage. I should've taken him up on it. It'll probably rain in Paris now-- the whole time.
Note: There are only about 8 other people on the coach to the airport with me and they are all by themselves. I find this strange, but oddly nice.
Monday 0640
I fell asleep pretty quickly on the bus and awoke once to find I had no feeling in my leg. This has become fairly common lately and I am wondering the cause.... It's obnoxious and ocassionally painful to wake up to tingling. Sometimes I don't realize until I go to get out of bed and I either can't move the leg because it's heavy or I roll out of bed and fall over when I try to stand"
I ended up sleeping on and off while in the airport, but I was very nervous that somehow, beneath all my layers, my passport would get stolen so I didn't sleep very deeply. My plane was delayed, but luckily only about 20 minutes, much less than what they thought it would be. I slept on the plane and when I arrive in the Charles De Gaul Paris Aeroport I was amazed. Here I am, in France. It was a bit overwhelming, but the good kind. I had a lot of emotions in my insides and felt stingy behind my eyes like I might cry. I didn't though. I didn't do anything. I just kept walking... I bought a little magazine recommended by my mom's guidebook, which I never used. However, it was a good first experience because I had difficulty finding it and the transaction was all in French- just a reminder of where I was.
My hostel gave great directions and I followed all the right signs. My hostel was a bit out of the city, but it was still very nice. After getting off my metro station I found a grocery store and bought a bag of pain au chocolate. They were delicious and a true foreshadowing of the rest of my trip.
(Taken directly outside my hostel on Day 1)
Sunday, March 1, 2009
The Smell of the Ocean
I don't want to wash my jeans because they smell like the air by the Sea.
After spending 6 days switching between chaos and peacefulness, I must return to the world of academics. But I don't want to break from my computer with both of the last two entries being about food. Rather, I will tell you one of the many things I realized from my 6-day adventure.
I miss the earth.
I enjoy the city. I know I will probably spend more and more time in cities, especially given that is where the majority of theatre work is. However, for the past couple of years I have felt further from God. It's not a constant distance, but there is a struggle.
On Friday Amy took me to a sea-side town and we sat by the ocean and looked at shells and stones and beach glass. During my time in Rennes we talked about little things and big things and sacred things.... and after leaving St. Malo, I realized what I had said on the beach was true: I could've sat there all day admiring the shells... That day- and the next.
I need to simplify.
I also need to do more.
It's a paradox. I'm a hypocrite. I am confused.
I am going to try and keep this need for the Earth in mind when I am deciding what to do after London. Perhaps my whole summer won't be able to revolve around this particular need, but at least part of it will for sure.
I wish you the best and I hope you are able to find the calmness I felt on that shore during some point of your day, every day.
After spending 6 days switching between chaos and peacefulness, I must return to the world of academics. But I don't want to break from my computer with both of the last two entries being about food. Rather, I will tell you one of the many things I realized from my 6-day adventure.
I miss the earth.
I enjoy the city. I know I will probably spend more and more time in cities, especially given that is where the majority of theatre work is. However, for the past couple of years I have felt further from God. It's not a constant distance, but there is a struggle.
On Friday Amy took me to a sea-side town and we sat by the ocean and looked at shells and stones and beach glass. During my time in Rennes we talked about little things and big things and sacred things.... and after leaving St. Malo, I realized what I had said on the beach was true: I could've sat there all day admiring the shells... That day- and the next.
I need to simplify.
I also need to do more.
It's a paradox. I'm a hypocrite. I am confused.
I am going to try and keep this need for the Earth in mind when I am deciding what to do after London. Perhaps my whole summer won't be able to revolve around this particular need, but at least part of it will for sure.
I wish you the best and I hope you are able to find the calmness I felt on that shore during some point of your day, every day.
Eating.
In Rennes I ate some of the best food ever. Whoever said French know how to do food right... was correct. In Paris the food was super expensive, so I ate a lot of pastries. Amy's host parents had a girl live with them once who tried a different cake every day and gained about 20 pounds in a semester. Last night I met a girl in my hostel, studying in Madrid who gained 20 pounds eating in Paris. France has the best chocolate I have ever tasted. I am living in London. I am not going to gain 20 pounds without the excuse of the best chocolate ever. Today I decided to eat right... well post-breakfast... Altogether I had:
2 apples
2 chocolate/bread twist-things
An egg and bacon sandwich
A chicken ceasar sandwich
The rest of the French chocolate :)
2 cookies
Kous-kous
Corn
2 pieces of chicken
All of the chocolate things were in France, hahaha.
More exciting bits on France soon... possibly in the next few minutes :)
2 apples
2 chocolate/bread twist-things
An egg and bacon sandwich
A chicken ceasar sandwich
The rest of the French chocolate :)
2 cookies
Kous-kous
Corn
2 pieces of chicken
All of the chocolate things were in France, hahaha.
More exciting bits on France soon... possibly in the next few minutes :)
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