Off The Beaten Path

  

   Well, this week is over and now it's officially vacation time. I'm excited! I have a bit of homework to do over the break though: an essay, an oral presentation project, grammar worksheets, and some other banal things. However, those things will not rain on my parade! I don't have much to say so I'll tell you a story about something that happened this week. Ready?                                                                             

     First, let me describe the photos though. The staircase and the graffiti pictures are what I see/walk up on my way to school. I took pictures of these things because when I'm old and senile I want to remember the little things about my time in France.

   Moving on to my story now! Let me set the scene: it's a Wednesday night (so a school night) so I declined going out in order to get a good nights sleep. However, at 2:45 am I heard my housemate come home but I ignored it in my sleepy stupor and went back to sleep. Yet alas, fate had different plans for me. At approximately 3am, my door opened (and I'm a light sleeper so I woke up) and since I didn't have my glasses on, I couldn't see who it was so I assumed it was Sandra (my housemate) sanding in my doorway. I ignored it but two seconds later, a mass of about 170 lbs landed on my bed (which is a small single) managing to land on my body and almost smack me in the head. I quickly realize that this person is not Sandra. The mysterious bed-intruder revealed himself to be Matt (the American from my home university) when he breathed an alcohol infused "Good morning Leah" in my face. Dear internet, I promise I have never heard my voice go so shrill. Honestly, it was at the sonic-pitch point. After awhile, Matt finally left my bed and room. After awhile, I couldn't sleep so I decided to make sure Sandra was okay yet when I knocked on her door (expecting only her to be in her room), she opens it to say in a giggling voice "I have boys in my closet". My reaction? Something like this: "Wut". Skip to the end: the boys eventually leave yet not before Matt stole my glasses so I couldn't see and then called me a squinty-blind-as-a-bat-meanie-head while simultaneously wiping his chip-greasy hands on my clean pj's. The End. Now, dear world, isn't it ironic that I decide to stay in and not go out in order to get some sleep yet I end up being woken up and called a meanie head for wanting to sleep and not talk? I wasn't really mad at anyone, I just find it ironic and funny. A good memory for future stories. 

     Oh, the picture of coffee is here to show you what I drink in the morning to wake up. Since France gives you tiny cups of coffee, I enjoy my American-sized beverage every now and then. There's something just nice about nursing a hot cup of coffee. Alright, let me describe the remaining two photos now: that is me in my kimono for Judo and also my left arm after Judo. I thought people who know me would get a kick out of seeing me dressed up looking like a peeled potato in my kimono! Hope you guys like it!

     But to explain the bruised arm now. That is how my arms (and occasionally--more often than I would prefer-- my legs, ribs, and feet) look only hours after finishing Judo class. It's from grappling with the other people in Judo. I can't wear short sleeves any more because people keep thinking that I'm abused and I get super awkward stares. However! Someone told me I was getting good at Judo so heck yes! :D 

     Well, that's all I have for you guys. Um, oh! I went out to an American burger place last night. I was in the mood for a bit of home so I went with a group of friends and it was lovely to speak English with native speakers and eat a burger, fries, and a milkshake. That's about it. I hope I didn't make too many spelling errors in this post but it's almost 12am here so I'm a bit tired. Ha, people here say "quite tired" instead of using the word 'very'. That's just an interesting tid-bit. Alright, I hope everyone is doing well and I'm thinking of you all! I'll make sure that I take plenty of picture of my vacation in Geneva and Germany!

Singing In The Rain

      Hey y'all! Let's see, Tuesday and Wednesday are what you need to hear about. Well, those days were your typical relaxed French school days. C'est a dire que j'ai fait presque rien. Just kidding. I do some things but these past two days were relaxed to the point of ridiculous. 
     I just got back from climbing! Actually, that's a picture of me (on the top right) from climbing. It was pouring while I walked back so I plugged in my headphones, put on some tunes, sung out loud, ignored the world and the weird stares which questioned my mental stability, and had a great walk back in the rain. I have judo tomorrow which I'm psyched for (even though last weeks bruises are just starting to disappear, bring it on!).
     

     The picture of the two guys (Alex from Scotland and Matt who is from TN, as well) and me is at a Thai restaurant. This isn't just any Thai restaurant. It's an illusive magical place which serves spicy food and after two months of vain attempts to go there (due to the restaurant having stupidly insane hours) I finally ate there! Us three had just eaten some crazy hot peppers and Matt was crying from them!
      This lovely picture of soup that you see is my own creation! Don't laugh, it's actually delicious. Maybe that's because it's home made but it taste pretty good and I made a massive batch so I have dinner for a week:) 
     Well, that's about it for me. Oh! I forget to inform you of one of the most exciting things (besides my home cooking): I'm going to Switzerland and Germany! How and when you might jealously ask? Well, during my fall break which is next week and I'm going with my house mate Sandra. We're going to explore Geneva, then hit up Germany for a few days mainly up North. Now Leah, you say, that's great for you, could it get any better?, you ask. Oh yes, dear reader, it can get better. How? Let me enlighten you: I get to stay (for free!) in a castle. Mainly, let's emphasize the 'free' part. It's not a super fancy one or anything but I'm excited. Alright, I'm done bragging and I wish I could take you with me! However, (and I have my doubts on this) the Chinese haven't invented teleportation yet. Until next time, have a great night everyone.

Bruises and Plans

     Today passed like any normal Monday. The Monday blues are a universal truth. No matter where you are, going to school on a beautiful Monday stinks. But, this weekend was nice so I'll regale you with those stories instead. 
     Saturday was my via ferrata outing. It was, to say the least, amazing! The sun was shining and I was pumped to be in the great outdoors. The via ferrata was one of the coolest things I've done in awhile. It was tough and, I'm not scared of heights, but at certain points (which was when I was traversing a ravine by walking on a iron cable which had the width 1") I was nervous and had to calm my heart before it beat out of my chest. The photos posted below are of the via ferrata and obviously not in the dangerous parts because that's silly and, need I say it?, dangerous. 
     Sunday rolled around and rolling was all I could do. When my alarm went off nice and early, I attempted to sit up in bed but fell backwards to the quick realization that my torso was so sore it hurt too much to sit up so I literally rolled myself out of bed to turn off my alarm clock. After an active week of climbing, judo, and via ferrata, my body was screaming at me to stop pushing myself. Therefore, I listened and had a lazy bed day on Sunday and watched the classic When Harry Met Sally:) 
     Well, that catches you up with my life. I know, it's riveting stuff. Hope everyone is well!

Climbing and Judo

     I don't have much to update besides the day to day of my life so hopefully you'll enjoy it. Let's see, classes are going fine. I've gotten my first essay assigned to me so yikes! I'm pretty nervous about that but I'll work on it slowly and make sure it gets done early and all that jazz. But still, writing my first essay in France, eek! 
     The most exciting things I can tell you, dear internet readers, is that my entire upper body is sore and has bruises. Why you ask? Because my rock climbing and judo classes are pushing me, which is great! I really enjoy these classes and hope to continue judo back in the States and obviously keep up with climbing. Yesterday, I was going to my judo class and I went into the locker room and see bam! A 4/5 naked guy standing right in front of me. I stuttered and just turned on my heel and left the locker room. I decided I would just change in the bathroom. The course was great because I got to grapple with the girls gut also two guys which was awesome because I got my butt kicked! But, don't worry, it wasn't too bad and when I fight someone so much better it can only improve me. 
     Today I was course (the Europeans call it uni) and then I'm going to try to hit the climbing wall with some friends and just boulder. But then comes Saturday which I'm psyched for because I'm doing something called via ferrata! What is that you ask? Let me give you the trusty google definition: a  climbing route found in the Alps and certain other locations. The essence of a modern via ferrata is a steel cable which runs along the route and is periodically (every 3 to 10 metres (9.8 to 33 ft)) fixed to the rock. Using a via ferrata kit, climbers can secure themselves to the cable, limiting any fall. Eeepp! That's what I'm doing on Saturday. And then Sunday I'm going to be doing skype dates and trying to start that ridiculous French essay (but actually the essay is going to be awesome because I'm doing a comparison of Russia's and the States ideas of economics, politics, and culture and a Russian girl is collaborating with me on it).
     Alright, so that has been my week: uni, climbing, judo, essays, and (soon) via ferrata. Well! Thanks for reading and I hope everyone is enjoying the global transition into fall (because I know I am!--the trees here are starting to turn and shed leafs). 
      ps: France has NOTHING pumpkin related here. It seriously must be a U.S. thing to have pumpkin flavored things in Fall. Oh, also, a bunch of Americans here are talking about making a Thanksgiving dinner here so I'm already getting excited for that! 
     pps: Today I won the class election to be the representative! :D Also, going out for thai food with some friends for a chill night so I'm excited:)

Welcome Part

     Yesterday was super chill. The University of Chambery threw a welcome party for the foreign students. During the day, I listened to some speakers and visited some places and then during the night, we had a party, some free food, and then a band called the Dirty Doctors played for us and we all danced. The party was cool because we got to see the traditional Savoie dances and then try them out for ourselves! Also, we ate the traditional food and just had some fun. At the end of the night, we met some Spanish, Swiss, and French people and all went to a bar to hang out. It's super awesome that you can meet someone and hang out for them for the day and just talk about life and have fun!
     P.s: I'm friends with a Chinese girl named Fang Fang who eats like a guy. It's great. I think we'll have a great friendship!

La Fete d'Annecy

  
















   
Hey there y'all! So, I'll keep it as short as possible. On Saturday, I went to Annecy to be a part of the annual driving of the cattle. This is when the farmers move their cows from the mountains to the valleys because winter is coming. So, in honor of this tradition, the town throws a massive festival. It was a lovely blustery day and even though it started to rain (and it became freezing since it was 45 and rainy) it was still an exceptional day. Why? Because it was a little part of a tradition that I got to participate in. That's cool.

How cool are all these things? I think one of the things I enjoy the most are just getting to do the little things (like this festival) that most people consider a completely normal tradition. There was an elderly couple here that grew up in Annecy but moved out of France but every year they come back to Annecy just to be a part of this tradition and they've been every year for the past 72 years. People like that make traditions like this special.                                               

     Oh, another tid-bit about this festival, I got to hear one of the best military bands play. And what's even better? Although they were great in and of themselves, one of the songs they played was New York New York which made myself and the other American I was with smile and inwardly (and maybe outwardly) dance a little bit:)

Alright, so the photos are of a the crowds waiting for the festival parade to start, me drinking hot spiced wine (yuummmm), the chasing of geese and also sheep, and a traditional cow costume. I hope these photos didn't make the layout too crazy! Have a great night everyone.

Partyin' Partyin' Yeah! Fun Fun Fun Fun.

     The title of this post is misleading. I admit that but I have that Black girl's song "Friday" stuck in my head because it's Friday and I am honestly looking forward to what this weekend holds! But last night. Remember in my lost post I talked about a party I was going to? Well, I went in with low expectation but I had a blast! I actually got to meet French people and talk with them. I expected to go home around 11 pm to 12am but I ended up staying out past 3am. Now, I know for most people (and if you don't know me) that might not be a big deal. But trust me, for me? That's a huge deal. I ended up hanging out with my friend Alex the Scot and four French people we met outside some random place just talking. I talked with this French guy named (are you ready for this? no, trust me, you aren't) Rudolf. Ha! Oh, which reminds me, the French believe that Santa Clause comes from Finland. Side note to the French government: Dear France, stop lying to your citizens and please tell them the truth about Santa living in the North Pole! Anyway, I actually talked with Rudolf about politics, global hunger, taxes, health care and things like that (oh, and also football). It was a super cool experience to meet a French person my age and talk about the differences between our two nations. 
     Anyway, although it is Friday, I do have class at 13:30 h so I should probably change out of my pjs (sadly). I hope everyone has a lovely day today. Live long and prosper! 

Oh Boggart!

     It's strange I know but sometimes I'll start speaking with a slight (very very bad) British accent and I don't even notice. And then I realize it and I hope to goodness gracious that no British person overheard me and considers me to be a horribly insensitive American. I think it's because I'm hanging out with some UK peeps that I've started doing the inflection. Anywise, moving on . . . 
     The second day of class was fine. Nothing special but nothing horrible. I'm getting sick so that's a bit of a downer but so far it's just a bit of a fever and a small cold so not too shabby! Also, I would complain more but when I step outside and see mountains and the quaint city of Chambery, I realize that this is super awesome and being sick is nothing! 
     I had rock climbing class today which was enjoyable but I had to leave early because I felt a bit like poop and I didn't want to fall off the wall (even though all 5 of my health insurances would surely cover me!). After climbing, I met up with my housemates, Alex (The Scot) and Malcom (a hipster) and we went to dinner. It was nice to have a relaxing evening with friends but I got super tired and that brings me to now. As always, it is 9:30 pm and I am tired. Thus, I bid you adieu blogger world. Bonne nuit and sleep tight! 
     p.s: tomorrow night there is a party I'm going to (Don't worry, world. I'm just going to say hi to some people, not be crazy). But something that really honestly truly baffles me is why the French have parties on a Thursday. Thursday is a school night!! You should all be at home, in bed, sleeping! Silly France.  

Short 'N Sweet

     I don't have much to say today so I'll keep it brief: I had class and then afterwards I ran errands. Every Monday through Friday, I have classes for 4 hours straight. So, that's a bit of a bummer but that's okay. I picked up my kimono for Judo today and I think I can fit three of me in that thing. It's like a massive white potato sack, oh yeah, pickin' up the fellows! Haha, not at all. Anyway, that's it for tonight! I hope all is well on the homestead.

First Day Of School

     Insanity. Today was the day of my placement exam so naturally I couldn't sleep last night and was tired. So obviously I downed a bunch of coffee and became super jittery during the test. Thus is nature. The written and comprehension sections of the test went smoothly enough but then comes along the oral part. 
     What's so bad about conversational French you may ask? Well, nothing. Unless, of course, you accidentally unknowingly skipped a professors class (a class which you didn't know you were enrolled in) two weeks in a row and that same angry professor is the one giving you your oral exam. Boom. Atomic bomb on my oral section of the exam. The teacher basically took the time to berate me and I was so flustered that speaking (which is actually a strong point for me in French) became a weakness and I devolved into a stuttering nervous mess. After promising the teacher I would go to her class tonight, she took the oral test prompt out of my hand and dismissed me. Yup. So, lesson learned. Although the French are notoriously late for everything and anything they take grave offense if you miss their class even though you attempt to explain the honest mistake. But on the up and up, it's finally turning into fall weather! :D  
     Five Hours Later: I went to the class and managed to get out of it so yay! Also, during the class I got to see some friends who I haven't seen in about 2 weeks so I actually enjoyed it. Tomorrow the first day of real classes begin so wish me luck and hey! Even if I break a bone, I have so much health insurance, it'd be almost worth it! Good night everyone:) I hope y'all are doing great!

A Lifetime

     Dearest Readers,
     Nerd Alert: you know when Spock does his Vulcan mind meld and he can read your thoughts and experiences? That's what I wish I could do for you and my past few days. It's nearly impossible to attempt to explain to you all the things I've done and seen in the past eight days. But I'll attempt the impossible. First off, let me give you a list of places I've been in eight days. Ready? Bordeaux, Toulouse, Nice, Monaco, Cannes, and Eze. Yup. That's not a lie. I've been traveling like a mad person. Here's how this blog post will go. I'll post pictures and write descriptions by the pictures of the place, etc. Buckle in.
First off: Bordeaux:

This was a local book sale in the downtown square of Bordeaux. I ended up buying the a book in French by Orwell. I'm excited to read it! The first day we got there (to the hostel and Bordeaux) it was night and we met some incredible people. The next day, Sandra, Katherine, I and two guys we met at the hostel toured the city with us.





This was a public garden in Bordeaux. There was a place where the trees were surrounded by these men with the names of famous people. I believe that I could spend days by these little tree men :)

 These are two monuments that, of course, have history but all Bordeaux drips with history. But we couldn't be too serious in Bordeaux so we stopped at a playground and enjoyed the sew-saw!

 So, we saw churches, walls, ruins, and other buildings that originated as far back as the 4th century. Can you believe that? Left: an ancient church and part of it (not pictured here) has a crypt! So, first day in Bordeaux: walked around and visited the lovely sites.

Left above: The Grosse Cloche
 Right above: old Gothic church
Right below: Pont Pierre 

Above left: a church with a 4th century crypt!

   Right: a band from a gypsy festival which I went to! They were called the String Swing and were amazing. Seeing the gypsy culture alive and thriving in this type of setting was beyond cool. Their culture as a nomadic group was evident in how they lived life and didn't sweat the little things.

 Okay, I want to tell you some about the people I met at the hostel (two in particular). Chris: he was a 29-year old German traveling around Europe by hitch-hiking. We hung out the first day together and I have to say, his view point and relaxing attitude was inspiring. Next up? Thomas: a French guy who traveled around with his friend (who practically sat in the corner of any room and stared creepily at people...no lies). He was easily the biggest chain smoker I've ever met. I thought it was ridiculous but after getting to know him a bit more, he had interesting points and was a conundrum. How you ask? He was completely living for the moment right now but he wants to do humanitarian work in Africa later on. Crazy, right? I'm so thankful that we stayed at the hostel even though I forgot my towel and had to use a t-shirt to dry off after my showers. Also, the hostel had no mirrors and only one shower. Therefore, for me, it was best to 
just embrace the fact that I was going to look like poop but I wasn't going to let that not let me enjoy myself! But meeting people from around the world? Priceless.

       

This was the second day in Bordeaux: the beach! It was gorgeous. It was, by the way, also the first nude beach I've ever been, too. Also, if it is the last nude beach I will ever be to then that is fine with me!




Toulouse: On the third day in Bordeaux, the girls and I decided to hop a car and hitchhike to Toulouse. We used a thing called Blabla car in which you ride with someone who is going to the same place. It was crazy cool to just meet random people and hitch a ride to La Ville En Rose (the pink city). Toulouse is called the Pink City because of all the bricks and when the sun sets, the bricks reflect a pink glow. We went to a church, bought a candle to light and we actually saw a church service and the priest giving communion! Seeing the church in use, the organ in use, the singing, and communion was one of the coolest things I think I've seen so far in France. Also, we went to the market then and I bartered and bought a tapestry from a African guy. 

 




















Next, we took off to Nice!

 Alright! So on the fifth day of travel, we head into Nice. As you can see, Nice is quiet nice (haha, I know, bad pun). It was a rock beach which was weird but the sound the waves made on the rocks as the waves receded was relaxing. In the photos below, you see the main square which was lit up with Buddha lights. Crazy cool! Also, the picture of fruit was a market which happens on Fridays and it was fabulous! So much fresh fruit and soap. Soap sounds strangely out of place but Nice is famous for its fragrant soap and perfumes.

 The street with the prayer flags really stood out to me. I was blown away with the vibrant colors of the city and the feeling of life. The vibe was youthful yet with such an old spirit. The group photo is the ISEP group (which is all Americans). They are some fabulous people and a big shout out to them for making this trip awesome.





Eze: 
     First off, Eze is a city from Medival times. Also, it was my favorite thing from my trip to Nice. The city is mounted on a hill and as you walk, you wind up through narrow roads and imagine life hundreds upon hundreds of years ago. You imagine knights, peasants, royalty all living upon this hill top.

   











                   Most of these pictures are taken from the top of the city. The feeling I got when looking out over the town was such a mixture of emotions. I was thrilled to be seeing history and nature combined in such a gorgeous combination. Yet then I started to think about how hard life must of been back then for so many of the people. If you weren't royalty or a knight, you were poor and struggling to survive. And then, of course, my sociology major kicked in and I started to realize that life is still like that today. But I've been incredibly blessed to be born in America and furthermore into a family which could afford me an education and so much more.

Alright! Enough of the emotional stuff now, I'm sure that random people who stumble upon this blog think I'm a werido. This picture on the right is from the top of the city. Stunning, right? I know. And I was there! I wish America could preserve history in such a fashion while making use out of it! Alright folks, it's on to Monaco!










Monaco:

Alright, this is the harbor for Monaco and I have never seen so much opulence in my life. I will admit that Monaco was lovely and clean (I need to emphasize clean because it was SO refreshing to visit a clean city). However, I will now state something that, if you really know me you won't find surprising: I would not want to live in Monaco.Why? It was too rich. I saw a car that was 2 million dollars and other cars that cost (easily, at least) 1-2 million.  I got sick to my stomach that people waste (yes, waste is a strong word but it is the correct one to use) money on things like that while millions die from such simple things that could be prevented. Alright, the shaming is now done. The picture on the right is of nothing less than the Monte Carlo casino. It was luxurious out to wazoo. I felt filthy just walking on the rich carpets and with my chacos on, I could easily be spotted as the American.  Alright, on to the last stop, Cannes!



Cannes!

 Let me just say, although I'm not a big fan of beaches, this one was quiet lovely. The water was the clearest blue I've seen in such a long time. Also, for those of you (my father) who don't know, Cannes is where they hold the Cannes Film Festival. It was awesome to walk and just imagine the place full of movie stars and chill by the beach for a day! 


The photo on the left reads like: Sandra, Steven, Myself, and Guilliam. Guilliam is ISEP's trip planner. Let me tell you, I call him Smeagol because this guy is awesome and hilarious yet will pop up from no where and can sometimes weird you out.

Oh, hey there. This is the view of Cannes. Jealous yet? You know you are so don't try to fight it too hard. The city had colors galore and it made you want to just kick off your shoes and relax...which we did. 

 Alright, the last photo! This is a picture of a perfume factory in Grasse which is famous for their perfume. I got to tour the factory and smell all the scents. I learned that a perfume maker is not allowed to drink alcohol, eat spicy foods, and other such non-sense so clearly I will never be a perfume maker. Hm, oh well!





     Alright, if you've read this entire blog post then pat yourself on the bag because it was a long one! These have been my past 8 days. I promise you, as long as this post is, it is an extremely condensed version of these travels. I have met many people. I have seen many things. I have eaten and drank weird things, some good while some being not so good. I have attempted to take advantage of everything offered. So here is the one thing I feel like I have learned a bit more about: love. I know, weird. But throughout my travels, I've seen how people interact with each other and the environment. It has become abundantly clear that people need to feel loved and cared about. So, while I'm beyond thrilled to have seen history, I'm even more glad to understand a bit more about people in general because history is in the past but I can still make an impact today if I love people in the right way. Random side note: school starts on Monday!