Sunday, November 29, 2015
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Nearing the end...
Well, it's nearing the end of my stay in France.
I have just a handful of days left to pack up my room, close my French bank account, and move out. Then I'll be on to vacation time: Wales, Turkey, back to France for a minute and on to my new home: Sénégal.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Culture Shock
Well, I think it's getting to be that time:
that time that rolls around eventually for traveler who bothers to go somewhere foreign long enough to attempt to learn the language and integrate into the culture.
Culture Shock.
The roller coaster begins with the pleasant honeymoon, dips into the depression of misunderstanding and helplessness, then rises with understanding integration.
Then once you think you're through, reverse-culture shock rolls around. But for the moment, I don't have to worry about that.
Rotary gives great tips to exchange students about crying in the shower and telling yourself that Christmas is the turn-around (making it through Christmas will mean all the success in the world!) This is my second time around the culture shock block, so while I'm still suffering a bit, I must admit I'm a little amused and also glad to know where I'm headed.
At the risk of anyone French actually reading this blog and being offended, here comes a list of 5 things I find different, difficult, annoying, and just plain amusing about France:
1. Cute Noises - "Up!" "Plip!" "Dop!" Whether putting something down, picking something up, jumping down a stair, standing up, sitting down... every action must be accompanied by a little noise. At first it's cute. Then it's annoying. Then, I guess, it's just curious.
2. Gross Noises - Mainly I'm referring to the pooting noises they make with their mouths when they don't know something. "Je ne sais pas! Pooh!" If you've ever chatted with a French, you know what I'm talking about.
3. Accent - Do the French always talk like they have frogs in their throats? I'm thinking the stereotype about them smoking so much comes partly from their accents. It's like they all have smokers voices, even the non-smokers!
4. Facial Contortions - I'm seeing that a lot of my annoyances come from verbal exchange. But seriously, the French contort their faces in the most interesting ways. Particularly, I'm talking about a sort of frown that they do to elongate their lips. It's called the moue.
You could photoshop those lips onto even the most handsome of models and he'd still look like a rather annoyed, upset, unattractive being.
When guys ask me on a date I feel like I spend half the time staring at their faces wondering how anyone could ever find them to be attractive simply because of this look. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of good looking Frenchmen, but they ruin their image as soon as they start to express their entire range of emotions with their bottom lip alone.
5. Sunday Fever - Everything everywhere is closed on Sundays.
Not to mention other days during lunch. In fact, the only time anything is ever open is when you are busy, because you're in class. If you had a job, you'd be working. I asked a Frenchman when he ever found time to go to the bank, given that it's only open when he's at work:
"Simple," he told me, "Saturdays."
that time that rolls around eventually for traveler who bothers to go somewhere foreign long enough to attempt to learn the language and integrate into the culture.
Culture Shock.
The roller coaster begins with the pleasant honeymoon, dips into the depression of misunderstanding and helplessness, then rises with understanding integration.
Then once you think you're through, reverse-culture shock rolls around. But for the moment, I don't have to worry about that.
Rotary gives great tips to exchange students about crying in the shower and telling yourself that Christmas is the turn-around (making it through Christmas will mean all the success in the world!) This is my second time around the culture shock block, so while I'm still suffering a bit, I must admit I'm a little amused and also glad to know where I'm headed.
At the risk of anyone French actually reading this blog and being offended, here comes a list of 5 things I find different, difficult, annoying, and just plain amusing about France:
1. Cute Noises - "Up!" "Plip!" "Dop!" Whether putting something down, picking something up, jumping down a stair, standing up, sitting down... every action must be accompanied by a little noise. At first it's cute. Then it's annoying. Then, I guess, it's just curious.
2. Gross Noises - Mainly I'm referring to the pooting noises they make with their mouths when they don't know something. "Je ne sais pas! Pooh!" If you've ever chatted with a French, you know what I'm talking about.
3. Accent - Do the French always talk like they have frogs in their throats? I'm thinking the stereotype about them smoking so much comes partly from their accents. It's like they all have smokers voices, even the non-smokers!
4. Facial Contortions - I'm seeing that a lot of my annoyances come from verbal exchange. But seriously, the French contort their faces in the most interesting ways. Particularly, I'm talking about a sort of frown that they do to elongate their lips. It's called the moue.
You could photoshop those lips onto even the most handsome of models and he'd still look like a rather annoyed, upset, unattractive being.
When guys ask me on a date I feel like I spend half the time staring at their faces wondering how anyone could ever find them to be attractive simply because of this look. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of good looking Frenchmen, but they ruin their image as soon as they start to express their entire range of emotions with their bottom lip alone.
5. Sunday Fever - Everything everywhere is closed on Sundays.
Not to mention other days during lunch. In fact, the only time anything is ever open is when you are busy, because you're in class. If you had a job, you'd be working. I asked a Frenchman when he ever found time to go to the bank, given that it's only open when he's at work:
"Simple," he told me, "Saturdays."
Travel: Toussaint
For the vacation of Toussaint (All Saint's Day) I traveled with two friends to Italy, Poland, and the Czech Republic.
Check out my travels and photos here! : Italy / Poland and the Czech Republic
Check out my travels and photos here! : Italy / Poland and the Czech Republic
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Weekend in Paris!
I just got back from a weekend in Paris. How cool is that? Just a quick little side-trip to Paris for the weekend, no big deal! Paris is just one hour by train (about $15 each way).
Arc de Triomph; the Louvre
The first day we roamed around seeing all the major sites of Paris. I went with two fellow Americans, Amy and Sergio, who are also taking French classes with me at the university.
Notre Dame with locks of love; Me, Amy, and Bank
The last day we had the chance to meet up with Bank, my sister's host sister from Thailand (from her Rotary Youth Exchange waaay back in 2004?) Bank has been living and studying in France for the last 4 years or so after her own successful Rotary exchange. The world is soo small!
The magnificent Tour Eiffel!
The Eiffel Tower was definitely the highlight of trip. It is truly gorgeous!! We didn't get to go to the top because it was too crowded... so that means I will have to go back! We did, however, get some free Eiffel Tower keyrings from a police officer who had confiscated them from someone selling them illegally.
Centre Pompidou
We stayed just outside of the city via couchsurfing. If you don't know what couchsurfing is and you like to travel, be sure to look it up! We basically stayed at a stranger's house for free... but the best part is, by the end of the weekend our host was no longer a stranger, but rather a good friend. And the money we saved on lodging we got to spend instead on the local areas that he introduced us to.
My fellow Americans and travel buddies: Me, Amy, and Sergio.
I can't believe I have been here for a month now! There is soo much more to see, not only in Paris but also in the rest of France. If my money will last, I plan to get in a some travel every single weekend. It's a lot- but I don't want to miss something and regret it!
Paris having been very expensive, however, I might take only a short day trip this coming weekend.
Arc de Triomph; the Louvre
The first day we roamed around seeing all the major sites of Paris. I went with two fellow Americans, Amy and Sergio, who are also taking French classes with me at the university.
Notre Dame with locks of love; Me, Amy, and Bank
The last day we had the chance to meet up with Bank, my sister's host sister from Thailand (from her Rotary Youth Exchange waaay back in 2004?) Bank has been living and studying in France for the last 4 years or so after her own successful Rotary exchange. The world is soo small!
The magnificent Tour Eiffel!
The Eiffel Tower was definitely the highlight of trip. It is truly gorgeous!! We didn't get to go to the top because it was too crowded... so that means I will have to go back! We did, however, get some free Eiffel Tower keyrings from a police officer who had confiscated them from someone selling them illegally.
Centre Pompidou
We stayed just outside of the city via couchsurfing. If you don't know what couchsurfing is and you like to travel, be sure to look it up! We basically stayed at a stranger's house for free... but the best part is, by the end of the weekend our host was no longer a stranger, but rather a good friend. And the money we saved on lodging we got to spend instead on the local areas that he introduced us to.
My fellow Americans and travel buddies: Me, Amy, and Sergio.
I can't believe I have been here for a month now! There is soo much more to see, not only in Paris but also in the rest of France. If my money will last, I plan to get in a some travel every single weekend. It's a lot- but I don't want to miss something and regret it!
Paris having been very expensive, however, I might take only a short day trip this coming weekend.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Classes!
Classes have finally started!
The campus is beautiful, even though it is often cloudy and rainy in Orléans. I even have roses growing outside of my building!
(Photos: Swans on campus and the building where I have my classes.)
I took the French exam to figure out what level of French classes I would take:
The professor who did my evaluation warned me that it might be a little difficult for me, but that she thinks I can do it. This is great news! It means I will learn so much more!
(Photos: The cathedral downtown and the city hall.)
My core classes:
(Photos: Yummy French chocolates!)
The campus is beautiful, even though it is often cloudy and rainy in Orléans. I even have roses growing outside of my building!
(Photos: Swans on campus and the building where I have my classes.)
I took the French exam to figure out what level of French classes I would take:
- Level 1: DPF (Diplôme Préparatoire de Français)
- Level 2: DEF (Diplôme Elémentaire de Français)
- Level 3: DAF (Diplôme Approfondi de Français)
- Level 4: DSF (Diplôme Supérieur de Français)
The professor who did my evaluation warned me that it might be a little difficult for me, but that she thinks I can do it. This is great news! It means I will learn so much more!
(Photos: The cathedral downtown and the city hall.)
My core classes:
- Geography, Civilization, History, Language Structure, Oral Practice, Written Practice, Oral Comprehension, Litterary Texts, and Autonomous Work (?)
- Choir, The Francophone World, and Initiation of Economic and Legal Studies
(Photos: Yummy French chocolates!)
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Les Ormes
The name of my university dorm is "Les Ormes," which means "The Elms." As far as I can tell, all the residences are named after flowers or trees, which is pretty befitting since the campus has quite a few flowers and trees.
(Photos: My dorm, Les Ormes.)
On move in day, Sept. 1, it took about 3 hours to do all the paperwork and get my keys. Then, since I only brought one big suitcase (mostly filled with clothes) it took about 30 minutes to get settled in my room.
Along with my keys, the international student office provided a few other things to help me get settled. Namely, a box full of cooking utenstils to use in the kitchen: mismatched chipped and broken (though glued) plates and bowls, a pot with a lid way too big for it, a wine glass, a tiny cappuccino mug, an odd assortment of used silverware, and a dented, but obviously important, crêpe pan. What more could an international student need?
And while a pickier person would probably throw most of the box's contents away, let's face it: I'm only here for a semester, so I'll take all the free, glued-together flowery plates I can get!
My room came with a turquoise bed frame, green blankets, a yellow wall, a blue door, and brown trim. I bought red sheets to add to the kindergarten feel, and I don't say that in a bad way-- I love colors!
The dorm has shared bathrooms, shared showers, and a shared kitchen, all of which are in less than decent condition. The kitchen is definitely the worst: only one of 4 stovetops works and the microwave looks like it hasn't been cleaned in years. Also, there is no trashcan, so people have just put their trash in bags on the counters. I think the problem is a lack of personnel to clean the public areas... because no matter how many signs you post in French, you cannot get a floor of 29 college students to clean up after themselves.
Well... I'm assuming all 29 rooms will be filled eventually. Right now, it feels like I'm one of about 5 people in the building.
It's a bit like living in a cheap hostel except that I get my own room with a locking door.
(Photos: My dorm, Les Ormes.)
On move in day, Sept. 1, it took about 3 hours to do all the paperwork and get my keys. Then, since I only brought one big suitcase (mostly filled with clothes) it took about 30 minutes to get settled in my room.
Along with my keys, the international student office provided a few other things to help me get settled. Namely, a box full of cooking utenstils to use in the kitchen: mismatched chipped and broken (though glued) plates and bowls, a pot with a lid way too big for it, a wine glass, a tiny cappuccino mug, an odd assortment of used silverware, and a dented, but obviously important, crêpe pan. What more could an international student need?
And while a pickier person would probably throw most of the box's contents away, let's face it: I'm only here for a semester, so I'll take all the free, glued-together flowery plates I can get!
My room came with a turquoise bed frame, green blankets, a yellow wall, a blue door, and brown trim. I bought red sheets to add to the kindergarten feel, and I don't say that in a bad way-- I love colors!
The dorm has shared bathrooms, shared showers, and a shared kitchen, all of which are in less than decent condition. The kitchen is definitely the worst: only one of 4 stovetops works and the microwave looks like it hasn't been cleaned in years. Also, there is no trashcan, so people have just put their trash in bags on the counters. I think the problem is a lack of personnel to clean the public areas... because no matter how many signs you post in French, you cannot get a floor of 29 college students to clean up after themselves.
Well... I'm assuming all 29 rooms will be filled eventually. Right now, it feels like I'm one of about 5 people in the building.
It's a bit like living in a cheap hostel except that I get my own room with a locking door.
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