European Footprints...

Final Day, Final Thoughts

2006-06-02T15:09:00.000-07:00

I'd like to say something profound. To recount a last day doing something grand and extraordinary. However, to be either profound or extraordinary would not be true to myself and my way of celebrating. I have changed, but the joy and beauty I relish remains in the simple everyday mundane activities of my life here in Perpignan.

I spent a lovely day with Yann, Marie and Katelyn...savouring the waves crashing into the beach. Chasing after the waves, jumping over the waves and running away from the waves in the hopes of preventing getting soaked (I was unsuccessful). Anyone watching us in that moment would never have believed I am 22 years old; moreover, anyone watching us generally would have thought us insane to be on the beach in the rather cool and windy weather this morning. Nevertheless, we braved these conditions, bringing my trip full circle - my first adventure here was to Coilloure and the beach house in Canet and seeing the Mediterranian, my last adventure out, was to Canet to see the Mediterranian. The south, a place where the sea is central.

This afternoon, I watched "Auberge Espagnol" and then later tonight I watched "P & P". Again, nothing spectacular but so much laughter and joy shared through the mocking, the teasing, the discussing and the eating of ice cream.

C'était la vraie convivalité! It was a last day spent at my home, that is my French home. C'était simple et génial.

A pardoxial, but charming ending to an experience that was anything but simple and small, but I like how these opposites all come together in the unfolding of my dream. And although I am leaving Europe now, it has forever left its footprints upon me and mine upon it - gotta love those European footprints!

2 days until the closing of this adventure...

2006-06-01T08:44:00.000-07:00

So, as this little European getaway comes to an end I think it is time to do a little tally of all the things that have happened...a summary to look at the good, the bad, and the down right bizzare.

Visited many cities and countries including: London, Glasgow, Sterling, Edinburgh, Loire Valley, Paris, Prague, Budapest, Venice, Rome, Capri, Positano, Barcelona.
Little towns too: Coilloure, Font-Romeau, Villefranche

McDonalds meals: too many times to count...we have definitely increased the value of the stocks held by the shareholders in this enterprises.

Chocolate: again way too many times consumed to remember

Rides in cars with people I normally would never take a ride with: 2

Weeks of classes: an all time high of 11

Number of classes missed: 3

Number of exams written: 6

Encounters with guys that I never want to repeat: 4

Guys seen in kilts: if i remember correctly, about 10

Care packages received: 3

Letters/cards received: 5

Shopping: too many times, too much money spent...but I love everything I bought so its ok!

Crepes: too many to count

Glasses of milk: 0

Nutella gone through: probably 10

Pictures taken: I would estimate over 1000

Stairs climbed up: probably a good 2000

Arguments (more like vivid and lively discussions) with my host family's friends: 4

And that is about it that I can think of for now...one more post to come. Farewell fiesta tonight!!

New news!

2006-05-18T10:26:00.000-07:00

Ok, well to be honest this entry's title is rather misleading because it makes you think the new news will be exciting when in truth it really isn't. I read a book (procrastination mixed with an inability to sleep), I had a movie night with our neighbours who I fall more and more in love with each time we go over (plus they ordered an excellent pizza last night, I would write an ode to that pizza and sing it except for the fact that I can't sing or write music), and I have been working diligently all day today on my 15 page dossier for civilisation class on chocolate. I tell you though, the eating part I definitely get and am a fan of, but the whole writing part is boring as all heck: so dull. I am probably on page 10 right now. 5 pages left, thank goodness. I am going to try and finish it tonight so I can get the neighbours to correct the minor mistakes before handing it in.

Yesterday I had my oral exam. My topic that I drew was on cigarettes and smoking...I sincerely hope my teacher is a non-smoker because I basically told him I hate the habit because it is horrible and disgusting. I was blunt Mel yesterday. (A)

Lastly, just a couple of comments:
1) The movie I saw last night was a Truffaut film (he is a big French producer of past) called "Les deux anglaises". I have never watched a movie where after it was done a sentiment of complete saddness and lack of hope came over me. It is seriously a complex movie and I would have to watch it again to actually get everything that happened in it. But so good.

2) My book "Citizen Girl" is by the authors of "The Nanny Diaries". Good book and rather disturbing; it is written in a feminist approach but underneath that it is amazing to see just how the economy and business works...so complicated. The politics of this world are ruthless. I think though my favourite part was when the authors explicitly showed how crazy the fashion and beauty industries are now.

Hahahaha, ok well that was the procrastination and extending of my break...gotta get back to attacking this crazy assignment. Hope you are all enjoying your summer vacations!

That past few days!

2006-05-16T01:44:00.000-07:00

Friday saw the end of our term, and yesterday was the beginning of exam period. I had two yesterday and they both went well...and for some reason I was very brief in all my answers and out of there in no time. Also, not stressful at all...so little questions so much time to answer. It was nice for a change because you could actually take your time to carefully craft well-thought out answers...at least make my B.S. appear like that. :)

On Saturday, however, we had a big BBQ that was supposed to be in celebration of mine and Katelyn's birthdays but it wasn't birthday like at all. It was delicious food - lots of meat - but no cake. And we all know a birthday isn't a birthday without a yummy cake, especially if it is chocolate or rainbow bits. I doubt they even have rainbow bit cake in France. Still it was festive because our neighbours came up and I always enjoy seeing them because they are super nice. Katelyn and I love them; they are just always so kind and fun.

On Sunday we returned to church and David was there awkward as always to talk to him. Really nice guy, but honestly, conversation comes to a halt after every sentence. So us, being the famous travellers, had to share our stories and they shared their stories. The pastor's wife just had there second child, a girl, but she was premature by a month so she is still in the hospital. Later that day, we went to the neighbours for a crepe night....yummy yummy because where there is crepes there is nutella. And it is always such a jovial atmosphere in their apartment. We showed pics from our trip and talked about our exams because Yann knows sooo much about cinema. And Marie kept giving us hints of how to make us sound really smart on the exam. It actually helped.

Anways, I have to go and study and be a good student...oral exam tomorrow afternoon....!!!

The BIG 22 birthday!

2006-05-12T08:42:00.000-07:00

So, I celebrated my birthday on Wednesday and although it wasn't a celebration like in Canada (no cake) it was still special. And my best surprise was receiving a beautiful bouquet of flowers from my family and grandparents. I love flowers and it was such a perfect gift that makes me smile still each time I walk into my room and see it. So the givers can see what it looks like, I am putting up a pic on my blog!

And thanks also to everyone who sent emails and little messages here and there...all made my day!

My Spring Break in Pics

2006-05-12T08:21:00.000-07:00

Here is me, very Annie Oakley, in Positano walking the Path of Gods. We walked for about seven hours almost making it to the next city; probably only 30 minutes away.
The Blue Grotto, although expensive, is totally worth the experience because just look at that water...is that not gorgeous?
A view from the top of St. Peter's Basillica. We walked up 581 stairs to get to the top of the cupola and see this. Totally worth it.
Venitian masks are amazing works of art. I took a picture of one of the more elaborate shops because well, I couldn't afford one, but I could take a picture of one for the memories.
A Prague marketplace where you can find lots of food, lots of handicrafts and lots of characters that create a very warm atmosphere.
Me goofing off in the Medici Gardens in Rome. Like my new body????

RECAP...I tried to be succint, I promise...it just didn't work

2006-05-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

I AM BACK!!! Prague, Budapest, Venice, Rome, Capri, Positano, and Pompeii – all our now checked off on my list to see. I come back tired, true, but satisfied, accomplished and entirely content. Each city was amazing, filled with treasures to uncover both anticipated and unexpected and each with a fill of colourful and unforgettable characters. So, I will do this in a cliché type way…a top 10 list because there is way to much to divulge and I figure the highlights are the best way to go about this.

10. Finally making it to Eastern Europe. Western Europe is an adventure, absolutely, but it is safe because it is very similar to Canada and the languages where I have visited are semi-comprehensible when written down. Eastern Europe is stepping way out of that comfort zone, but the reward is huge. Traditional roots still have a strong hold – the handicrafts are must-haves. Architecture is different and ever so beautiful. The communist history can be seen in the progress of certain technologies and whatnot.

9. Riding on every single possible mode of transportation in one trip except for the Vespa (this is unfortunate, but not enough to ruin the trip). From planes, trains, cars, boats, cable cars, we did it all. And lets just say some were less than stellar (Budapest train), some were rip-offs (taxis), and others were just plain awesome (boat tour around Capri).

8. Making the acquaintance of Keaven from Quebec in the Prague airport. An unexpected twist of fate but it was truly touching to see someone from home, even if a different province, because he brought news from there. I learned that the playoffs had finally started. We got to talk about the French language, Quebec politics in the larger Canadian picture and much more. Home (Canada) was brought to us for one night and it was refreshing!

7. Our traveling diets. As students we budget. As myself, I budget even more being by nature cheap. McDonalds 17 times out of 18 days. Eating pizza probably a good 10 days. Eating pasta 3 nights in a row. Gelato pretty much every day while in Italy. I must admit though, I splurged and tried traditionally cooked ham in Prague and Hungarian style chicken and goulash. Lastly, to through in the mix, 4 days in a row, tuna salad sandwiches. Oh and incredible amounts of water.

6. Boys, boys and more boys. We slept with boys. Well, we tried to sleep with boys but because they were so big and the train compartments where your seat is are sooo small, we end up with very limited space to find a comfortable position and by consequence don’t really sleep. We watch the boys sleep. Katelyn got kissed by a random boy in the Italian metro in Rome. I randomly had my picture taken by a boy on the street coming out of a church in Rome. I got the pizza boy’s phone number in Positano and somehow, Katelyn and I ended up on a weird evening out with him and Bulgarian boy. In less than 45 minutes in Capri, I was known by the gelato boy and each time I passed he yelled at me that he was still waiting for me to come and buy some. We were very happy to leave Italy behind…it was starting to get to be a bit too much.

5. Wandering around the streets of Venice getting lost and finding our way again and just taking in the dilapidated paradise this city is. Without the water it would hold no beauty because the buildings are in a degraded state, but combined with the water and the sophisticated transportation system by boat…it all combines magically into what seems like a movie set. It is truly surreal.

4. Revisiting and rediscovering the eternal city of Rome. Returning to the seat of my favourite spot, the Trevi Fountain to realizing that I had missed an entire section of Palatine Hill last year, reminded me of how great this civilization must have been. I fell in love with it all over again. It is amazing that no matter where you walk there is something excavated to discover or a pretty spot that you just want to sit down and people watch.

3. Seeing how well preserved the remnants of the city of Pompeii. As you walk through this city you can truly see how the Romans must have lived and can picture the grandeur of this place. It is hard to believe that it isn’t 20 years old but 2000 years old. I had to continually remind myself of this as I came across original frescos, homes, baths and the remains of the people that perished in the volcano still in tact.

2. Walking along the Path of Gods in Positano was truly impressive. An Annie Oakley moment for sure, but it is more than that. To think that this path was once used by pilgrims it is quite sophisticated and complicated. You see amazing views of the city you leave, the sea and the city you approach. The mountains, flowers and general nature engulf you. The trickling of brooks and waterfalls not far away are refreshing sounds to the ears and the breeze on your face is a pleasant contrast to the powerful heat of the sun.

1. Sitting and just watching the waves of the Mediterranian sea crash into the shore. The crystal blue and green water where the bottom of the ocean is there for you to see is gorgeous. The blue grotto, however, is the epitome of this marvel; it is almost unbelievable because it is sooo blue. And swimming in it is just so much fun.

OK, well sorry so long…but it is the best I can do because I am covering almost 3 weeks of activities.

Venice and Rome

2006-05-01T10:55:00.000-07:00

Ok, the internet place is about to close, so a brief little mentions

Venice: so picturesque...it is like you are walking around a movie set. Not much to see unless into art, but a dilapitated paradise to walk around. Just taking in the atmosphere is a delight, especially while eating gelato.

Rome: it truly is the eternal city. Its greatest of times past is evident in all the ruins you see. With a little imagination you can somewhat picture it in your head.

That is it for now...will write more at my next internet stop, when there is more time.

Easter Vacation beginnings...

2006-04-25T09:49:00.000-07:00

So, I find myself sitting here in Budapest at an internet cafe and it is sooo surreal. It is remarkable that it hasn't really hit me that I am here and actually doing it. I have dreamed so long, that it seems that my trip, even the whole European experience is a dream. Perhaps Lewis Carroll had it right when he wrote: "Perhaps life is all but a dream" (or something like that :P, I have the quote back home in Perpignan).

I will backtrack a bit and give you the scoop on the interesting tidbits of each city I have visited so far:

PRAGUE
1) It truly is an architectural paradise. All of the different styles combine together in a rather ecclectic way creating a dynamic atmosphere that you can only be swept away by. Getting lost among the cobbled roads and checking out all of the artisan soaps of traditional Czech specialities are fantastic. The bonus is the fact that you can haggle a bit and prices aren't as expensive as in Western Europe. But don't believe it when other people say that it is way way less cheap, cause it really isn't. It is reasonable.

2) Eating ham the Old Fashioned Czech way was delicious (I have missed ham) and extremely filling. They gave me a huge piece. And what they do, is roast a big pig (not the head or legs or anything like that) on a pole over a grill. It is yummy yummy!

3) The funny lady in the synagogue who I swear appeared out of nowhere and swept us on a tour. It was very difficult to understand...lets say the word robot was inclueded and the name Gollum. Who knew LOTR was a part of the Jewish tradition?

4) Meeting up with a Quebecois guy, Keaven, who we hung out with one night. It was neat to see someone who had just been in Canada. We asked him lots of questions about Quebecois French in comparison to the French we were learning in French. Neither of the two are similar. It is quite interesting and funny in fact. I also learned that the playoffs had started and my Sens are playing Tampa Bay. But I think the biggest thrill was that he brought home to us even if only for a few hours!!!

BUDAPEST
1) Arriving to a hostel and seeing that it is decent (the Prague hostel was nasty). However, the train to Budapest was really really sketchy and gross and I have to say my appreciation for clean toilets keeps growing the more and more I travel in Europe.

2) We toured around Pest yesterday. It is the newer part of Budapest and in truth, it reminds me a lot of Toronto. In my opinion, it is only the language factor that really reminds me that I am not back home. We saw a beautiful park, architecture, Heroes' Square and Andassy ut (the grand boulevard) among other things. We did a lot of walking!!!

3) The weather here is EXCELLENT. It is really really warm and sunny and I actually am naturally tanning just by walking around outside. I wonder if I will have raccoon eyes by the time this vacation is over. :P

4) We visited Buda today and it was super cool. The palace was gorgeous from the outside (inside is just museums so we didn't go inside) and we wandered around the castle district. We saw Mattias (or Our Lady of the Peace) Church and it was spectacular. After seeing so many churches it was neat to walk into one where it was sculptures palstered with gold that made it stunning but rather paint only on the walls. It was just as awe-inspiring as say St. Pauls or St. Peters or Notre Dame, but in its own right. I think for that reason, it stands among one of the most memorable churches and perhaps a favourite. We also did this labyrinth thingy under the castle grounds and it was both freaky and cool at the same time. I throughly enjoyed it.

5) Goulash soup and Hungarian styled chicken is YUMMY!!!

And that is it for now. Tonight we are taking a boat cruise along the Danube and then touring around the island in the middle for an hour before coming back to land. It should prove to be a beautiful night...from the postcards, Budapest looks very pretty when all alight. Tomorrow we are visiting the second largest synagogue in Europe before heading to the airport to take a plane to Venice.
We will visit Venice, Rome, Pompeii, Capri (the Blue Grotto), and Positano (where we will do a 4 km hike from Bomerano to Positano, called the Path of Gods). I am looking forward to the Italian portion of the trip as well, especially for the gelato ;)

A petit coucou...

2006-04-16T07:34:00.000-07:00

HAPPY EASTER!!! Just a little note to let you all know that I am thinking of you all on this special holiday as you down a traditional Canadian Easter dinner while I experience the French way. There is both the good and the bad. Pie was good, and so was the chocolate. Bad was choking on the wine during the communion at the Church service because they actually serve wine and not grape juice.

So to those who celebrate enjoy your holiday, to my other friends who do not, have a wonderful long weekend. But to all of you...EAT TONS OF CHOCOLATE!!!!! :)

A petit coucou...

2006-04-16T07:29:00.000-07:00

Super-stopper (albeit unintentionally) show girls!

2006-04-10T03:56:00.000-07:00

Guiness would be proud.

Katelyn and I have seen a record breaking high in the admirers of our beauty and our participation in that accepted, standard French greeting called “les bises”. Lets just say its been a barrel of laughs and if I didn’t have a sense of humour, this weekend would have left me permanently scarred.

It seems that standing and simply breathing makes you a poster image to be honked at, and if you add a little walk to the recipe, whistling is the form of acknowledgement. And if you pull out the big guns, the catching of eyes (or in truth, our standard look of confusion, or where-is-that-coming-from face) lands the poor lads with their faces plastered against their car windows waving ridiculously at us. Bewitched, and yet no words have passed between us. I must say, we are powerful – just need to find a pair of shoes (for a reasonable price) to contain this ability.

Have I suddenly changed in looks? Have I gained weight and what I thought were looser fitting jeans suddenly more clingy in all the “right/wrong” (whatever perspective you would like to take, insert either word please) places? Or are the boys over here just weirder and way more erotically charged? Or possibly, is it that spring has arrived in full bloom and with it, the birds and the bees too take root?

Whatever the reason I am a babe and so is Katelyn.

Perhaps this is why all sorts of French people flock to us in order to greet us cheek to cheek…or quite often, their lips to my cheek, and my cheek to their cheek. At least I find myself bending in awkward ways just to make sure that I only touch their cheek (because heaven forbid that I – well I can’t even think about that) and that I don’t toople over into their lap or arms. They may kiss strangers but I certainly don’t! And whatever happened to the air kisses of yesteryear?
Personal Anecdote: Entering church yesterday, we walk into a group of youth. David (a.k.a. freaky, scary boy that is awkward to talk to) is approaching me and the only escape would be to put on a magic cape and pull a disappearing act. RRRRRRRRUUUUUUUUUUNNNNNNNNNN I think to myself! Too late, he comes up and bisous, bisous’ me, because after all we are “brother and sister in Christ” (I fail to mention I don’t even kiss my biological brother).
The worst part is, that bises moment, set the tone for the rest of the day. Two minutes later again by the Pastor. At the end of service, by the friendly lady’s husband whom I have never talked to. At my apartment by a man wearing too much cologne. By a man that wants to take me to a nudist beach for my birthday (I am not kidding about this last one). And look at the pattern…all men!

And despite this constant flow personal space invasion and attention from these admirateurs, the neighbours still think that we need to find a French guy. Apparently it would be a travesty for us to leave Perpignan without having had a ‘real’ gentleman caller because of our (and I quote) “intelligence and beauty”. My question is, however, are there even gentlemen in France? Perhaps I will meet this aforementioned guy at the birthday party they are throwing for Katelyn and me with the boy-toys invited not only as our honoured guests, but presents.

Megs, I think you’re right about that ring…

Castles, City of Light, Completely pooped...

2006-04-07T02:13:00.000-07:00

So, as you all know, this past weekend I went to the Loire Valley and Paris with Vai and her Strasbourg friends, Tina and Brett. It was a wonderful weekend, albeit exhausting. They are insane!!! They just go from early morning to late at night, and poor ol'granny me was able to keep up but after three days found herself rather knackered (that's an expression from Wales for exhausted ;P).

The Loire...breathtaking. We saw seven castles in all, each unique in their own right. I was very much striken with the special personality of each castle, which made me warm up to some more than others. But what I always appreciate most about trips is the things that happen that you didn't anticipate, the surprises that each destination seems to hold for one. Like magic. In Ambroise, I found a chocolatier that used pure cacao butter in chocolate so I went in and did an impromtu interview with the lady and she gave me pamphlets and I bought some specialities of the region for my dossier. Who said pleasure couldn't be mixed with business? ;) Another was at Chambord, I ACTUALLY pet a horse and fed him too!!! They were beautiful, all brown and big. And, LOL, I even gave directions to Brett as he drove us to each castles..."onstar" became my title for the day. Too bad it didn't come with a cape!

Paris, or the city of lights: it turned out to be much better the second time around. Paris still does not inspire the same awe within me as Rome or London does, nevertheless I feel that this city reveals its beauty at night when the city is alight. Hence its name. Yet it is true. Walking up the Champs-Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower are spectacular sights and views. Here I visited the Latin Quarter, the Luxembourg Gardens, the Catacombs (creepy and cool simultaneously) as well.

But after getting back early Monday morning I was whipped. And I have been all week. The results: Monday I did laundry and stayed in, Tuesday I watched movies, sent out mail, watched Gilmore Girls, Wednesday slept way in, watched Gilmore Girls, did homework out on the terrace in the sun, went for a walk in the sun, came back and watched more Gilmore Girls and did more homework.

HAHAHA, and finally today I am being productive...HIP HIP HOORAY!!!

Just call me Miss Flexible!

2006-03-30T02:25:00.000-08:00

So my travelling plans for the semaine de rattrapage have taken an entirely different turn as planned. I know have quite a bit of class to make up and I don't think it is smart to miss it, especially since I enjoy the classes I have to make up. So, I have decided to just go for a weekend trip with Vai, Brett and Tina to the Loire Valley and the to Paris. Although disappointed, Vai and I at least get to spend some time travelling together and I also get to make good on a promise to Kim, my boss at Bayer - take a picture with me in front of the Petit Zinc restaurant. So all in all I think it shall be good. And look at that, I am actually adapting to situations rather than pouting or getting upset...hehehe, just call me Miss Flexible from now on!!

Long time, no post

2006-03-29T03:11:00.000-08:00

My typical schedule has been thrown out of wack by the manifestations, the cancelled classes and the still-closed fac (la faculté, which is what the French call the university). Hence the reason for less posts and mass emails; they too become late and less frequent.
Not that I am annoyed by the change or anything, it is more confusing than anything. I have walked more to school these past few weeks to only learn I have no class than anytime before in my life. If only there could be better communication – another prof, a messenger, a smoke signal, a notice – so we weren’t standing waiting for a teacher to show up for a half and hour until we finally figure there is no class.

I have never seen such political engagement as I have seen here. These French students have grit and perseverance; that is undeniable. Nevertheless, so does the government. If only both sides were a little flexible; stubbornness, pride and politics get in the way of a solution that satisfies both parties at least partially. On the other hand, it is a good demonstration and experience of French culture – for that reason I find it interesting. I just hope it doesn’t last too long, because although most of my courses are still running (the regular students don’t have class) my cinema class has been cancelled the past two weeks. It’s the make up that I am concerned about – I don’t want to have the semester extended, cause I want to have time to travel a bit before leaving in celebration of making it! Fingers crossed!!

I have travel plans for the next week, the semaine de rattrapage; however, these might change. Here is what I have planned out if all goes as originally intended:

March 30: take an overnight train to Tours
March 31: arrive at Tours, visit the Loire Valley
April 1: arrive in Paris after taking an overnight train and visit the capital of France
April 2: Paris encore, overnight train to Strasbourg
April 3: Strasbourg
April 4: Heidelberg, Germany
April 5: Luxembourg
April 6: Geneva, take an overnight train back to Perpignan

However, I think I will have to make up my literature class during the week of the semaine de rattrapage, so I will probably cut out the Heidelberg and Luxembourg daytrip and go to Geneva on the 4th, before taking an overnight train to arrive early in the morning to Perpignan. I will drop my stuff off at home and then head to school for my class. Let’s see what the future has in store…

Matchmaker, Matchmaker??? :S

2006-03-20T02:21:00.000-08:00

Alright, I'm being set up on a whole new level. Seriously, I wouldn't be surprised if arranged marriage or marriage in general was the way my time here ended - and I am talking MY marriage. That is if I let these French people have there way with me; however, in the words of Alain, I am very independent and have my own ideas about things, so perhaps maybe not. :)

But lets backtrack for a second here: it seems in France, having a boyfriend is very important. When explaining that no, in fact we don't have boyfriends, never have, we are rewarded with looks of astonishment, surprise and just plain good ol'shock. Also laughter. And then they start planning...and oh, the plans:

1) Mme Teixido plans for us to go to a discotheque before we leave here. She keeps dropping names of different ones to us, and how her friend owns them and that we should go and find a nice French boy because it is a good way to learn the language. The funny thing is though, most of these discotheques cater to an age range that is not ours, but older. I'm not into a whole Celine Dion type affair, whether she is Canadian or not.

2) Our neighbours below us - they are wonderfully nice - but they have ideas. They think we need to be nicer to boys, instead of scaring them off. Not sure how we scare them off. Secondly, their friend was over yesterday and he knows a lot of young people, so they are going to invite over a bunch of young guys (some girls hopefully too) and have us come down and "meet" them. I feel like I'm being put on display, like meat or really nice pair of shoes. It should be interesting if it actually happens. The lady also said that she would take us on a tour of the town and show us where the good discotheques and pubs are...so we can go and talk to people and learn the "real" French.

And lastly, as an aside note on the genius of "Mel", while at the crepe night at my neighbours house, they offered us what they called "le cidre" which to me, meant cider. It might have been cider but it was alcoholic and I had accepted some. So I accidently drank alcohol, it was the most disgusting thing ever...when I went to drink the first sip, I smelt it...but I had to wash down the nutella stuck to the roof of my mouth from the crepe, so I had to drink it. I just thought you'd enjoy that bit....needless to say, I was unable to finish it!!

A new development: A Kissing Complex :S

2006-03-15T01:27:00.000-08:00

I have no idea where the invention the whole double kiss greeting came from. I am considering asking my profs. It is a source of great perplexity that is constantly increasing. Perhaps it is a product of my conservative tendencies and cultural upbringing – the form of greeting is a hand shake generally. And the handshake is a beautiful thing showing both acknowledging in a friendly manner someone and at the same time, maintaining one’s personal space. Nevertheless, here in France, all of this wonderful reason is thrown out the window. Personal space invaded, strangers are more friendly with each other than I have been with some of my closest friends. The result: the double kiss as form of greeting with all – strangers, friends, families.

I have now kissed more people in the past 2 months than I have ever before in my entire life. I thought at first it was only something they did upon initially meeting someone…I was wrong. And now, I am forced to become a kissing machine. And worst of all, you have to kiss people that are creepy or make you uncomfortable, and in truth, would just like to run from in the opposite direction.
Case #1: Christophe. He lives in our apartment building and he is friendly but creepy (actually the textbook definition). The things he says sometimes makes my stomach quiver and gives me goosebumps all over. Nevertheless, he never ceases to do the double kiss everytime he arrives and leaves. YUCK! The worse part is, he used to live in the States so he knows this is not part of our culture and yet, he continues. Now, I’m sure you guys are wondering if he is hitting on us; I can say for sure that he is not, because he is gay. Katelyn and I hide from him because that way we avoid talking to him and doing the “bises”.
Case #2: Strangers – big and small. Who kisses someone upon first meeting them? Enough said there.

As a result of this experience, I will not only come home with better French (fingers crossed [A]), enriched with culture and experience, and a complex – I will probably never want to embrace another person again in any form or manner except my family. :S

Completely enamoured with Coilloure

2006-03-13T05:03:00.000-08:00

This is a place, not a guy...just thought I'd say that straight up so that I didn't get some of you people excited for gossip. But Coilloure is still a wonderful place, and if you remember, I went to it back when I had first arrived in France (it was where the sea was and the military people). Anyways, there was an excursion this past weekend organized by the faculty and I went again...cause I love it that much. And I was stunned at the beauty all over again.

I don't exactly know how to explain it but something just resonates well with me there. There is something to be said about the rhythm of the waves and the sound they make as they crash upon each other or the rocks; it just kinda sets something astir within me and I feel wonderful and sad all at the same time. But if you watch them, you see that big waves are the key to a clear view of the tresures the sea beholds, you just have to catch it at the right moment, when it is building itself up before colliding with other waves or shore. And there is the spray in your face and the wind tickles my hair and whips it about my face. The rocks, albeit cold, are comfortable enough to sit on and stare out into the horizon. Finally, the sunlight drifts in and out with the movement of the clouds, but when it's rays shine down, it is a moment of complete warmth and the natural splendour around me is illuminated. It is breathtaking...

My reputation, My love...

2006-03-10T04:19:00.000-08:00

Alright, as we all know, I love chocolate...ardently. It is a part of my daily living, kinda like clothes and brushing my teeth. Nevertheless, here, my infatuation for this rich substance of deliciousness is somewhat extraordinary and confusing to my fellow classmates. My reputation is that of the girl who consumes chocolate copiously. And to top it all off, I am doing my dossier for my French civilisation class on "Le chocolat".

I get questions of why chocolate, or where did this love and need come from. Is it a Canadian thing, b/c all three of us Canadian girls eat it; nevertheless, it is them that eat it because they around me, otherwise they can live without it. They see me as this sort of weirdo with the power to convert anyone into a choco-holic, or something along those lines I think. HAHAHA!!! Maybe this is my crowning moment and I can finally get a super cape and a tiara! I don't mind though, it gives me opportunity to use my French as I explain the "Melness" that is behind this trait. Furthermore, it also provides me with free bits of chocolate here and there when my classmates bring chocolate to class and offer it to me, because they know I will appreciate it.

And why this diatribe on chocolate...well let me tell you, I started my research today and I have never read more fascinating information before. Chocolate is healthy in fact, and the darker it is the better for you. It also has a very interesting and complicated history and a diverse economic market on a whole bunch of levels. It is truly mind-boggling how this little treasure of delectableness is in fact part of a process much more complex.

But in order to not bore you any longer, here are a couple of quotes that I enjoyed when researching:

1) Each day, I eat the three nutritious elements indispensable to one's health: milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate and cacao. - Debra Tracy

2) Do not believe that chocolate is the substitue for love...Love is the substitute for chocolate. - Miranda Ingram.

Now, go eat some chocolate...Bon appetit!!!

Literary Genius, ha; more like, Literary Obsessed

2006-03-08T02:31:00.000-08:00

Well, after my big trip, I had to come back and read Dom Juan, a play by Moliere for my literature class this morning. It was a very quick, easy and unpainful read (I suppose that is the only good thing that came about reading Proust...everything else in comparison is enjoyable b/c it is not PROUST!)

Anyways, so today we arrive at class and Katelyn and I along with three other students were the only ones that actually read the play. As the prof is talking about everything, the difference between tragedy and comedy, theatre of the 17th century, preciosite and a whole bunch of other stuff during the period Moliere wrote in, us three Canadian girls are just sitting there, like we know this stuff, we want to discuss and ask our questions. So at the end of class I ask mine: Why was there fantastic elements in this play because according to the three unities and the rules of the time, you shouldn't have miracles being played out on stage? I learned that in my French lit class and I learned that in my Shakespeare class - apparently in comedy you can get away with it because it was considered a lower genre (the high genre being tragedy). Then, my prof is like: It seems that you guys know a lot of literature from your studies in Canada (cause we are always nodding or smiling about stuff in a we-know-this way). And all three of us at once right out a resounding "OUI!". I add for good mesure that we also study English literature too.

We may look like geniuses, but in truth we are just obsessed with reading and the ficitonal world in general!!!

Snaps of Scotland

2006-03-06T01:50:00.000-08:00

Here is my first glimpse of the University of Glasgow; we went there because of the Tim Horton's commercial. It was nice from this view, but when you got closer not so much, cause all the architecture has been blackened by industry so it has sort of a melancholic feel to it.

And below, there is a picture of a Scottish dude wearing a kilt, he was the first one I saw. And then there was a group of them...I was impressed!!!

Here is a picture of me posing from atop the cemetary in Stirling; the landscape was beautiful I really really liked it. And look, no hat necessary that day!!!

And next, is the picture of me and Katelyn sitting on the royal thrones at Stirling Castle in the great hall - I don't exactly look regal, but that's because I was lugging around my huge backpack all day (it was something like 8 kg)!!! I'm going to come back with muscles :)

The next two are me on the volcano in Edinburgh during the snowstorm. It was wonderful though, I loved every moment.

London in pics...

2006-03-06T01:26:00.000-08:00

Here is Vaithegi and me in a tree at the University Parks in Oxford. There were some guys behind us playing ultimate frisbee which was cool to watch, and in the spirit of picture taking, we decided to pose in the tree because it was pretty!
This is the "Tree of Life" at the British Museum and is a creation made by artists in Mozambique out of guns. In order to bring peace to their country, the government started the practice of giving tools to its citizens in exchange for their guns. They would get one tool per a gun. The government then took the guns and chopped them up into pieces so they could no longer be used. Using those bits and pieces, the artists built a tree and some animal figurines as a symbol of the peace this motion brought about for the nation. It is quite the creation to behold and in my opinion, one of the best uses of a gun that I’ve ever seen.
Here is me at Notting Hill posing with my wonderful hat head (hahahaha...a permanent do throughout this trip b/c it was cold). Katelyn and I tried to look for Hugh Grant's house in the movie, but no luck and no Hugh or Julia either! ;)
The British Library: here is a picture of one of the old manuscripts that I took before getting yelled at for taking pics...we weren't supposed to, but I didn't realize that until the guard very angrily told me. :S I apologized and then just looked and looked to my hearts content. As for the picture, it is a Coran from the Middle Ages.
And lastly, here is me in one of my many famous weird poses! I stripped off my coat and layers in order to take my picture wearing my "The best girls are Canadian shirt" in front of the Canadian Gate by Buckingham Palace and St. James part. Hahaha, I love how my patriotism just sort of kicked in against all reason!

London/Scotland: a brief resume

2006-03-06T01:17:00.000-08:00

It feels long since I have been able to actually post something of significance...bascially, the past 10 days have been a hectic adventure of fun, fatigue and freaky happenings as all good voyages do. So, here is a list of all the places I visited and things that I did in order to keep it brief:

London:
British Museum, British Library (soooo cool), Picadilly Circus, Oxford Street, Covent Gardens, Notting Hill, Portobello Road (bought a necklace there), Buckingham Palace (not as splendid of Versailles), St. James Park (LOL, we people watched there, and lets just say Bimbo McPhee was rather entertaining), Parliament, Big Ben, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, London Bridge, Globe Theatre, daytrip to Oxford where I saw the University, town and markets...and soo much more.

Glasgow: not much to see here, but there was this cool necropolis which I definitely enjoyed; morbid yes, but seriously, one of the coolest and biggest graveyards I've ever been to.

Stirling: castle and another graveyard and the town...such a picturesque Scottish town, definitely enjoyed that place.

Edinburgh: climbed the big volcano in Hollyrood Park (the best part of that city), the castle, the Royal Museum, the Museum of Scotland, the Royal Mile, Parliament, the park...

And the best part...I saw my real Scottish person wearing a kilt...in both Glasgow and Edinburgh...I was sooooooo excited!!!! That's one thing ticked off my list....

Cheers from the UK!

2006-02-28T12:39:00.000-08:00

London called...

and I answered, and boy, was it the best decision I made for my first vacation in Europe!!! I have enjoyed every moment of it...the good moments, the lost moments, and the less cheerful (hahaha tired and grumpy) moments. My feet have stopped speaking to me, but it is good to have disagreements once and a while...

Highlights include the British Museum, the British Library, meeting Vai's family, Nutella again, seeing a protest in Oxford, sneeking onto the Oxford campus and more...

That is all for now, I will give more details, just wanted to let you know I am still alive and thoroughly enjoying my time here...

Food, glorious, Food...RANT!!

2006-02-20T02:02:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I am in the land of haute cuisine and the cordon-bleu chefs...and yet, I have to say, there is some very delicious tastes to savour, but there is also some tastes that don't even make it to my mouth because they are so repulsive.

Salad...normally a very normal dish, served with lots of lettuce and then some vegetables. Not here. We got a salad with a sparse amount of lettuce, apple chucks, cheese chunks and KIWI...because here KIWI is a fruit that you set next to a statue of Mary, a glass of wine and a piece of bread - it is so full of vitamins, no one should miss out. To top it off, nasty salad dressing put on it. MY SOLUTION: add the Catalina salad dressing that my fabulous mom sent me to drown out their nasty vinigrette. Nevertheless, this prompted a discussion on how Catalina is the ketchuup of salad...and when explained that it is nothing like ketchup, the French laugh confusedly thinking we are the ones messed up in the head; b/c if it is red sauce it is ketchup. LOL, and then to our confusion, last night when eating wedged potatoes, my host sister brings out the Catalina. I ask her why, and she said, "For your potatoes, you know to dip in, Ketchup". I laugh and say: "BUT IT'S NOT KETCHUP!" and grab the true ketchup.

Next, we will discuss seafood. Now, my family is well aware that Katelyn and I do not eat seafood, and that I only eat fish (Katelyn doesn't even it that). Nevertheless, this is an abomination since we live in Canada and there is lots of fishing and seafood from both of the coasts. When we try to explain that we don't live on the coasts, that many Canadians do like seafood, just happens to not be one of our personal preferences they shake their heads at us silly girls who don't take advantage of their country's natural ressources. It goes back to the whole enchilada whereby, the discovery that we don't know plants and wild flora is astounding since when Marthe was in Canada she saw lots of berries, mushrooms and whatnot around. Urban centres like Toronto are apparently not well translated in my French...perhaps I should find visuals to explain that there isn't natural mountain ranges where I live, like there is here. Ok, out of my digression now, and back to the seafood. On Saturday night, their friends brought over seafood for dinner...seafood that is still ALIVE and RAW, which they proceeded to eat. Needless to say, I did not partake in this little event...instead I opted to make a meal out of the potato dish and a baguette. Furthermore, they found it astounding that since I have a Japanese heritage, I do not eat raw seafood...the fact that it is a very long-distanced heritage with Japan doesn't seem to phase them, they still think it sinful that I do not appreciate such fine delicacies.

Soup - normally a dish that I am totally up for, you can't usually go wrong with soup now and then. Here though soup is as much a staple as bread. They have vegetable soup, potato soup, pumpkin soup, and then yesterday they ate PIG INTESTINE soup. Thank goodness that this was over at a friend's house and we did not go...that Marthe made us something and then went out with everyone. Katelyn and I were never so happy to not be included in something; after there departure, we left the appartment in search of real, greasy food, which we found at Quick's, which is becoming our temple of that delicacy called American fast-food - it has become way more appreciated abroad than ever when at home.

Nevertheless, it is not all bad...I did stumble across a chocolatier in the downtown streets of Perpignan while out searching for a book. Katelyn and I decided to indulge ourselves by buying the expensive delicacies it housed within and let me just say to you, chocolate over here is downright a delicious ritual. It was sooooooooooo amazing, a little taste of heaven!!!

Now, if only we had chocolate for a meal...(A)!!!

A quickie...

2006-02-17T06:01:00.000-08:00

So I watched the men's long program last night...wow, was it an ever intense moment, I could barely sit still. Unfortunately, my poor Brian Joubert didn't skate very well, but my wonderful CANADIAN Jeff Buttle won bronze. YIPEE! (I wore my Canadian shirt to bring him luck yesterday). Sandhu sucked, and I actually felt bad for him, so I guess I have a heart; Plushenko won...and watching Lambiel cry over his silver medal was touching. It was definitely a night to remember!

As for my break next week, Katelyn and I have decided to forego Italy for the moment and head north to London, England and then off to Glasgow and Edinburg in Scotland. In London we plan to see as much as possible and also to take a little trip to Oxford and check out that little nook. We have booked our flights and have learned that the earlier you book the cheaper the flight, so not the best deal but let's just say we are booking way in advance for the rest of our trips. Nonetheless, we went the cheapest way and it is sooo worth it because I am PUMPED! More info to come when I finally get a chance to sit down and right more...

Figure Skating at the J.O.'s

2006-02-15T04:56:00.000-08:00

So, Figure Skating…à la français

As all of you are well aware, the Olympics started last week and being the crazy fan I am, I have been following as much of it as possible, skating particularly. I love the sport, but I find myself even more amused by the commentators than the skaters themselves. There is this old man with curly grey hair commentating alongside former French skater Philippe Candeloro and they crack me up. For instance, last night when the French Champion Brian Joubert went out to skate, they talked to him as he went along with encouragement (of course, only we the television spectators could hear what they said). So, at the beginning they say to him…Go Brian, this is your chance, take it! And, here comes the quad…oh la la, that was fantastique! :P Or, during the pair competition when the Chinese lady Zhang fell down, stopping their program in the middle to recover and then go back out after walking the injury off, they skated flawlessly…at the end, they were yelling…What strength, what humanity, what wonder we have seen on this ice tonight.. They are so passionate and get right into it. But the best part is, I now no longer can be called weird because they talk the exact same way I do when watching skating…lol, too bad I don’t get paid for it or get to wear the cool earphones or get to interview the skaters (more just so I can meet them all (a) than to really interview them). HAHAHA, maybe I should become a figure skating newscaster….:S

But alas, the results…my poor Canadian men had a rough start but hopefully they will come back strong even if they don’t get a medal I would like to see them have a good long program – well I don’t really care about Sandhu, its more Buttle…but still to be patriotic, I will cheer for them both. And I can’t wait to see Brian Joubert’s performance because it is Riverdance and he worked on it with Shae-Lynn Bourne!! YIPEE! And the Swiss, Stephen Lambiel is in 3rd (he’s cool), the American Johnny Weir in 2nd (he’s ok), and the Russian Evgeny Plushenko is in 1st (he is an annoying baby, but will probably win, short of some major disaster on his part…oh well, hopefully he will retire after so I don’t have to watch him anymore once these Olympics are over)

Half-catalan girls, half-baked boys

2006-02-13T06:03:00.000-08:00

Again, this weekend found me braving the mountains – this time both Saturday and Sunday. We stayed overnight at Alain’s (a friend of my host family) apartment. Saturday is my point of interest for this post; Sunday is my point of interest for pictures (will be posted later this week).

So Saturday…we arrived in the mountains and Katelyn, Manon and myself decided that we would go skating together at the arena because it was possible to rent skates. This of course was a high for me, because as most people know skating is a passion of mine – and it all started off particularly well. The downhill spiral of bizarre events began with three French boys who were also skating and happened to decide that they should inform Katelyn and I that they found us to be “très belle”. Out of curiousity because of the whole Pascal and François thing for me and Katelyn respectively, we asked their names. Coincidently, the guy that liked Katelyn’s name was Floriant, while my suitor was named Peter or Pierre…therefore, close but not close enough, first initial only. We politely declined explaining that we were Canadian, and sure enough, their response was that it didn’t matter because Floriant was Italian (I don’t think that was true). So, to try from a different angle, we asked them how old they were – 17 years old only – and then explained we were too old for them. They didn’t believe that we were 20 and 21. And finally, it got downright pathetic, desperate, and just plain weird when they decided to make snowballs with snow they made from the ice and then to smoosh those snowballs in our hair, our face, our necks and random ones thrown at us. And no, I am not making this up…they seriously came up to us and smooshed snowballs in our face – Can you say score? ;) These boys were half-baked.

Later though, it was wonderful when Alain, Marthe, Manon, Katelyn and I went out for dinner in Spain because the mountains are right on the boarder of the two countries. I love Spain in the evening because it is so alive, everyone is out walking around. We went to a little restaurant which was cute except for the fact that it was so smoky and we all left smelling like bleeding ashtrays. But, because I am here to try different things, Katelyn and I decided to be half-catalan girls; we ordered this catalan potato thing and pasta thing as our first course, but settled on sticking with plain old chicken instead of this catalan specialty involving blood for the second course. The catalan potato thing was amazing…it was like mashed/pureed potatoes with cabbage, spices and meat all mixed together. Perhaps appearance wise it wasn’t top notch, but it’s all the same once its in the stomach. The pasta entrée was not as good, but not disgusting. It was noodles, tuna, mayonnaise and onions all together. The chicken was delicious and the meal was followed up with a wonderful ice cream dessert with chocolate. Needless to say, the dessert was an absolute success…the half-catalan thing definitely worked for me especially at 9 euros. Bon profite! (that’s bon appetit in Catalan)…

My new friend Nutella...

2006-02-08T02:29:00.000-08:00

I have discovered Nutella! Now, I realize that I didn't have to come all the way to France to discover this. It just so happens that France was the setting for this discovery, and I must say it has been a culinary success. I am totally in love with this spread, it beats peanut butter, jam, cream cheese - yes chocolate has something to do with it, but even more the hazelnut flavour just makes it even more. A bit decadent but the perfect remedy for all things bad.

PROOF:
Case #1: Yucky french pastry...added nutella and it masked the weird cheese stuff in the pastry and voila, you have some delicious and edible again.

Case #2: Everyone was telling me it is bad not to eat breakfast because it is the most important meal of the day. Because of Nutella, I now eat breakfast. :)

Case #3: Manon adds Nutella to plain yogurt (which I have yet to even attept to eat because the thought of plain yogurt makes me want to hurl) and she says that it taste way better - I am taking her word for it, call it my character witness as proof to this testimony.

CONCLUSION:
Eat more Nutella, and when I come back to Canada invest in a jar for my cupboard at home. LOL, so maybe it is possible to find love in France...well at least with food!

P.S. Sarah, if you read this and you have not had Nutella, I seriously recommend it because you are my fellow chocoholic...Demetres should invest too ;) I actually had it on a crepe...

From Annie Oakley to Old Arthritic Lady :P

2006-02-06T01:33:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning, we got up early to go to the mountains for the day. I was super excited because the mountains here a beautiful when you see them and the prospect of being around snow (even if it was small amounts) provided me with the much needed energy to climb a mountain - on foot that is.

So, we decided we would go and see a monastry hidden in the secret terrain of Canigou (the name of the mountain), the monastry being St. Martin de Canigou, who was a person who killed a dragon according to the legend. Don't worry, I won't recount all the history I learned on this trip. But, I will just post some pictures because I hardly have the words to describe the serenity and unbelieveable beauty I witnessed yesterday. There is some calming and wonderfully comforting about that type of environment and I would seriously love to see it again. In fact, we are going to a house in the mountains this weekend to a zoo and hanging out there.

But, back to the journey up and down the mountain. Going up was relatively easy, in fact everyone kept commenting on how fast I walked. But seriously, I was not in shape, I just walk briskly...but it was such good exercise. And the thing that hit me most is that if I were in Canada I would not have the time to do something so rewarding and refreshing on a weekend. Once to the top we took many pictures and admired the landscape and then we walked in an area that visitors aren't suppose to enter. We ate lunch there - a picnic in February LOL - and it was delicious. Mind you, I didn't sit on the edge like the rest of the group because my fear of heights prevented it, nevertheless my view was still as incredible...I just didn't have to worry about possibility leaning back to far into an abyss. :)

Going down was another story, it was very difficult on the knees and worked so many muscles that I didn't know existed in my body. By last night I was starting to feel it, and this morning when I woke up I couldn't walk normally. Climbing a mountain like Annie Oakley was definitely cool - they called me superwoman b/c of my fast pace - but waking up like a grandma for an 8 a.m. class seriously lacked in the cool department!!!

I will stop blabbing now, and without further ado, however, here are the pics...ENJOY! ;)

Natalia, Katelyn, Manon, Marthe basking in the sunlight where we ate lunch (it was an incredibly gorgeous view)
Here is the monastry St. Martin de Canigou...it was built in the 11th century and recently restored. Amazing to think that something so old withstood the test of time and continues to be preserved and is inhabitated by monks and nuns!
And the 3 Canadians pose for a shot on the steps of the monastry in front of an entrance not for visitors.
A view of the landscapes...such diverse vegetation, but simply breathtaking...
A cross obviously, but it was so cool because we were bad and went into an area not permitted for visitors to enter and there was this path towards this outdoor sanctuary with this cross, an altar and benches. Very serene and simplistic but I think those 2 qualities made it all the more beautiful!

Making up for lost time...

2006-02-06T01:06:00.000-08:00

And the fireworks can be let loose because I know have internet access free at my school so pics are about to be posted so you can see the home I've created in my new little corner of the world, in a city called Perpignan :)

So here, to the left, I have a picture from my trip to the beach house in a little hub called Canet on the outskirts of Perpignan. A landscape and then the pretty wave crashing!!! It was a gorgeous day by the Mediterranian :P

LOL, and here is our cool, creative pose...I think from left to right it goes: Marthe (my host mom), Manon (my host sister), me, Katelyn and then Natalia. I could be wrong, nevertheless I like the pic and therefore chose to put it up.

Here is one of the appearing and disappearing donkeys in the magical field by my old house in Canohes. It was so preplexing that I wouldn't be surprised if Shrek and Princess Sophia were hiding in the bush somewhere...

And here is another picture of me with Manon. We braved the rocks and the waves crashing for the pic opportunity, but ended up with soakers despite all the possible precautions...I'd do it again! ;)

Babes apparent :S

2006-02-01T04:50:00.000-08:00

So yesterday, us Canadian girls did not have class until 4 pm so Katelyn and I spent a very relaxing morning at home with a leisurely breakfast and then some G.G. episodes. It wasn't the nicest weather when we first woke up, but after the G.G. episodes, we walked to the windows and discovered that it was gorgeous weather and that the sun had at last returned to Perpignan.

In the spirit of European culture and in celebration of good weather in January we decided to walk to school for something to do. Map in hand, we were able to scope out the quickest route to school (thanks to the help of our host mom) and get to school in a record time of 25 minutes. In the past, it has taken Katelyn 50 minutes to walk to school. LOL!!! Anyways, on our way we place a square known as Place de Rigaud and there we were hooted at by these guys at the fruit store. Being our savy selves we just ignore them and continue walking...only to get a little farther down the route and have some guys approach us. However, thank goodness they were just needing directions and we were actually able to tell them the possible ways. But, then they started asking us where we were from and we were like Canada but we pass the FNAC going this way or this way etc to give them encouragement that yes we know what we are saying. There is the possiblity that they didn't need directions at all and just wanted to talk to us, but Katelyn and I decided it would be much more flattering to think they supposed us to be natives of Perpignan and seeked us out for a wise advice ;)

Now, on the way home we are again asked directions by a guy and again the thrill of being thought of as natives left us flabbergasted because we have a map in hand and clearly if one takes a glance at our shoes they would know that we are not European...we wear running shoes, which I think is a faux pas over here as no girls seem to wear them. I, however, refuse to give up the comfort of a good pair of runners when walking. But to continue, we are again hooted and hollered at by the same fruit guys going home and again we ignore them. Today, we didn't see them and that was good.

BUT, what I think is worse, as we were getting a ride home today from our host mom in the car, we past by these guys working construction and they tried to charm us by yelling through the windows as we slowly passed.

MY CONCLUSION...we are apparently babes OR these French guys at the fruit stand and the construction zone need to get some hobbies to focus their energies elsewhere...

MY COMMENTARY (A)...I am not quite sure how this is complimentary or charming and therefore, put to question the allure that French guys hold for so many girls...I will see what research and observation will behold ~ :)

Short and sweet...

2006-01-30T04:40:00.000-08:00

Well, since I have just finished sending off massive amounts of emails to as many people as possible, I will keep this short so as not to be redundant.

As for the whole moving thing...I have moved! I now live in the city right by the main dowtown area beside a huge cathedral. I can't wait to go and sit there when the nice weather arrives and I won't freeze my royal Canadian nanees off when sitting on the cement. So, my new host family is the same as another girl from Brock; however, because the family doesn't speak any English, we still speak French and feel that our experience will not be hindered by living together. Also, we made a pact that we would speak in French to each other and we are going to stick with it...except when either of us has to ask what an English word is in French.

School has finally started for me and ironically I am all the more pleased for it. Aimlessly roaming about for days on end gives me too much time to focus on homesickness and being in a foreign country whereas school gives an added purpose. I mean exploring the city of Perpignan is definitely interesting but when it is raining cats and dogs you can go anywhere so school is a good substitute. The profs seem nice, well the ones I have met so far during my placement test and the one I had this morning for French Press and Media was definitely awesome. Brock should definitely invest in such teachers in their department...

Last, pics will be posted just as soon as I get free internet access at school and can ditch the internet cafe and French keyboard...(A)

Good times, and difficult times

2006-01-27T03:21:00.000-08:00

So, the adventure has continued with many high points but with each high some lows as well.

Lets start off with the bad so I can still end the post on a happy note :)
So, at the beginning of the week I decided that I would try and switch host families because I find that living in Canohes is rather isolating especially on weekends from the stuff I like to do - explore and discover Perpignan. However, it has turned into a big hoopla and I still have no decision to report or permission granted so hopefully I can give you my permanent address come Monday next week so anyone who wishes can send me letters. And please feel free because hearing from home is better than gelato!!!! - even chocolate!!! :O

Also, I have found out that the school here is not exactly user friendly to us students and I am having many frustrations trying to get access to their wireless network so I can use the internet with more ease and not have to deal with the dumb French keyboard. But, before I can enjoy such a luxury it seems I have to jump through hoops and run a mile sprint...

Now, the good:

Natalia, Katelyn and I all spent Wednesday and Thursday in Canet and another spot exploring because Katelyn's host mom let us stay at her beach house along the Mediterranian. It was so beautiful. We visited a church and there was this big military base so we saw all of these army dudes having to do exercises in the freezing cold water. I know it was cold because I put my feet in to see and because there was a cool picture opportunity. Except we were standing on some slippery rock and the waves were crashing and all I could hear was this French guy yell to the other people of his boat: Those girls are crazy!!! I don't know why because it was perfectly safe once you passed the slippery part along the edge. But it was also weird because the entire place of Canet is empty except for some retirees because it closes down entirely in the 'winter' months because it is a spring and summer months. So we looked weird when we passed things and making remarks in English because it isn't tourist season. The other weird thing was that across from the beach house we were staying at, was this pink house...ALL PINK!! It was like the Barbie Dreamhouse come to life!! It was funny. Oh and the other weird thing, was the beach house's toilet had no seat on it! :O Apparently this is common and we are weird for not knowing this. (P.S. Megs, I took a pic of it and will post it as soon as I work out all the problems with the wireless access as promised)

That is all for now...

A New Beginning....

2006-01-23T02:47:00.000-08:00

Well, I must say that my first few days here in Perpignan have been rather tumultuous, many highs and lows. Living in a foreign country definitely begins as an emotional roller coaster ride.

I have now settled into my home with my host family and it is not like my true home; however as a substitute it definitely works. I miss much about Canadian culture, particularly the things we do not often think about and take for granted...like shower curtains and fabric softner. But, there are some cool things about Europe that I definitely say we lack in North America. For instance, meals are always at the kitchen table with the family - breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is a great time for the family to just talk about everything going on, mind you at the moment I am finding it difficult to always follow along because they talk fast and switch in and out of French to Spanish and Catalan. My family is quite the multilingual bunch.

Some oddities I have noticed:
1) All cars here are tiny and standard, something I know my brother would be a fan of.
2) The streets are filled with lots of people all the time.
3) There is a rooster somewhere in the vicinity of my house and it cock-a-doodle doos
4) There is a weird animal, that might be a donkey i am not sure, up the street from my house. It is brown and kinda freaks me out because I don't know what it is exactly or what it is doing there.

Also, a Mel anecdote to share, yes one already:
On Friday I was driven to the university by Sandra's boyfriend because he was driving her to school. Coming home started off well but turned bad and then ugly. Not particularly the best moment of my life, nor my proudest and definitely something I never plan on repeating. I got lost. At my transfer stop, I didn't realize I was not on the right side to catch my bus, even though all the people I asked said I was. Finally I just ask the bus driver because it was getting late and I only had time to catch the last bus home to Canohes or I'd be stranded in Perpignan. I got to the right side and caught my bus. On the way home though I couldn't figure out where I was supposed to get off, nothing looked famliar. I ended up at the end of the line and nowhere near my house and no more bus to try again. I also had no cell or phone number to call my family (stupid move on my part). I asked a girl on the bus if she knew how to get to my street bc she was waiting for her mom to pick her up. She said no but offered me a ride. I declined and decided to call my parents in Canada to get the number and go from there. The phone was not working, but the girl and her mom had waited to see if something had worked out for me. I told thm it hadn't and they told me they would help me home by having me point to familiar places. Thanks to them I got home, but the idea of being in a strangers car was definitely not exactly the best of ideas so don't ever follow my example. However, my consolation in the moment was if they were going to kidnap me they would have done it by the time they had offered me a ride.

More to come later...

Musings...

2006-01-15T12:45:00.000-08:00

Last night my family went out for dinner at Mandarin for a bon voyage "party" along with my grandparents and my Uncle Bob. The food was good and the company better because it is going to be the last time I get to be with them altogether for another 4 1/2 months...
The funny part was though, was my fortune from the fortune cookie I picked. It read: "You'll be travelling and coming into a fortune". I can't get over how appropriate the first part of that fortune is; but, I hope that I will come into a fortune of experiences, many of them like how I've always dreamed and imagined.

Some things that I hope to do/see while in Europe:
1) Eat gelato again! (it makes me hungry just thinking about it)
2) Meet up with Vai at a Parisien cafe and eat our long talked about French bread
3) In Scotland: see a true Scottish person wear a kilt :)
4) Send one postcard from each place I visit to my family; and one postcard to everyone else throughout my sejour en France! (email is great, but there is just something about snail mail that makes the letter all the more specialer...it's like finding chocolate in a cupboard when you thought there wasn't any in the house)
5) Eat a lot of French pastries!
6) Do two big trips on my breaks: one to Eastern Europe (Prague, Bratislava, Budapest, Vienna) and one to Italy, maybe Greece at the same time, if there is enough time to fit it in and still take in the place we visit
7) Go swimming in the Mediterranean Sea (I've already put my feet in, but now it has to be the real thing!)
8) Take a ride in a gondola :)
9) Go salsa dancing; I figure there will be ample opportunity because I'm right close to the French/Spanish border...now just to find some dancing shoes :P
10) Find Jean-Luc for Sarah W. ;) LOL, and make sure to avoid any Pascal I may meet :P

Visa Butterflies (a)

2006-01-13T10:46:00.000-08:00

I got my visa today, so I guess there is no turning back now! I'm super excited, it seems all the more real to me; therefore, along with the excitement, butterflies too take root in my spirit. Nevertheless, Europe is calling...

But let's backtrack a bit...So this morning, I woke up extremely nervous about this audience with the French Consulate because my fellow travellers suffered their share of difficulties would these bureaucrats. Mais, j'ai eu de la chance! I had a friendly guy process my visa and we spoke good ol' franglais. And with only one misunderstanding which I was able to explain (thank goodness) I watched him print off my visa slip. He wished me luck in my studies and my time in France. As soon as I was out of the door I did a hop, skip and a jump and then breathed a sigh of relief.

Paperwork is finished :) 5 sleeps only left......

Bits and Pieces...

2006-01-11T13:47:00.000-08:00

Random bits and pieces about Perpignan and the neverending departure preparations:

1) I leave on January 18th for La France...less than a week!
2) I am living with a host family in the suburbs of Perpignan, called Canohes. It is la famille Gala and there are 2 daughters living there. Sandra (20 yrs) also attends the same university studying Spanish; she has a younger sister. I am looking forward to meeting them, and even more because the girl who went to Perpignan from Brock last year stayed with the same family coincidently and had a fabulous time. It is comforting to have that sort of connection - like my tigger blanket! ;)
3) Visa application is underway, I plan to finish it tomorrow because my appointment is Friday morning.
4) I went shopping today for stuff and was very productive. All that is left is to hit Wal-mart...hahaha, I promise (to Megs) it won't be three hours at that place :P
5) I am learning how to work my iPod so that I will have music with me for the trip and I am slowly making decisions about the many books I plan on bringing.
6) I have to make a list of everything I need to bring so that I don't forget everything.
7) I am trying to figure out eurorail passes and I will have to get an ISIC card. The Eurorail pass is a pain in the butt, it is taking forever for me to decide what is the best course of action to take.

And last but not least,
8) I have to spend time with the family before I leave them for 4 1/2 months...fun, fun, fun! :)

In the beginning...

2006-01-09T19:40:00.000-08:00

Il etait une fois...
two girls (or smart kids ;) to some) would sit up on third floor by the windows, near the English department of their high school and discuss their future travels of Europe. Now these were not going to be typical travels...nope, they were going to do Europe through the backdoors. And they would sit and talk and talk as they endlessly made plans all the while dreaming of the wonders and mysteries they were going to uncover.

The dream is finally becoming a reality. Perhaps it is not exactly as they originally imagined (it was supposed to be after university), but the two girls - best friends actually - are satisfied with how everything is shaping up. The reality is sure to be better than the daydream. With one girl already in Europe (Strasbourg, France), her fellow traveller will also make France her home for four months in Perpignan. Look out Europe...

Now, the only problem left for these two young gals is to figure out how exactly they are going to be able to carry the big backpacks in the picture...

Stay tuned to find out how they manage as they search for a spare set of muscles...