Rouge et Noir

mais pas de victoire.

Three years ago, Rennes struggled to score goals and win cames whenever I went to the Stade. This year it is more of the same. Even if they have gone 15 some odd games without losing in Ligue 1. The three games that I have watched the entirety of have yet to bear witness to a goal marked by my favorite Breton club. Tonight, against Nantes it was a 0-0 tie.

Maybe someday I will be a good luck charm for this team...

À plus

Collissimo?

It snowed for in Paris, and I was finally around to appreciate it. I took the metro home during my three hour break between classes to make a little lunch and watch some American political news parodies. It was freezing this morning when I left for school so I was already wearing my black winter coat for the first time. When I got off the train and climbed the stairs for the exit I saw a man who also had a black coat entering the metro. His black coat had small little white flakes on it and my heart lit up. He didn't have bad dandruff, but rather was porting snow on his shoulders.

(I don't think that porting is an English verb, but I'll use it comme même.)

I've also started to play around with the international keyboard. It makes typing en français plus facile.

Since I was unable to Leafpeep New England this fall, I've been making up for it by Lightpeeping here in Paris and Boulogne-Billancourt. I still haven't gone out to Les Champs d'Élysées, but one night soon. I've also made good on my word to venture to as many Marchés de Noël as possible, but there are still three or four which have yet to be graced it my presents. Too soon for puns?

Big trip to the post office tomorrow and the rest of my holiday shopping should be finished by Thursday.

I hope that there is room in my suitcase for clothes.

À plus

Coupe

I just got back from my first haircut experience in Paris.

Last night I went and saw Der Baader-Mienhof Komplex. Great film, great tiny theatre MK2 Parnasse. Then I walked around to see the lights of Paris. Found a Christmas Market, but it was closed.

Meeting some French people tonight in a cultural exchange. Maybe we can become friends. And then tomorrow night is an adventure planned between some CUPA kids and their French friends.

Unfortunately, these lovely distractions are distracting me from my five page paper on FJ Turner and his thoughts on the American Frontier.

Oh, well.

À plus

curry

There is nothing that makes me feel better than cooking. After Thursday night's Thanksgiving feast I felt guilty that I didn't put my cooking skills to use, so tonight, after spending the day reading and listening to music and napping, I ventured to Monoprix to conquer the kitchen. Cutting fresh ginger smells great. And creating a homemade veggie and rice curry dish made me very happy. Tomorrow's plan includes some spinach, mascarpone, creme fraiche, and pasta...we'll see how that turns out.

A plus

bon, bonne, et bonn

I just finished a great week 'n a half here in Europe. Ma soeur viens de me rendre visite pendant la semaine de mon anniversaire. And even if we don't get along 100% of the time it is always great to see her. I can't wait for my upcoming trip to Finland in three weeks. All that stands between me and Noel is a paper on San Fran at the turn of the century, a partial concerning France, Germany, and Europe, and some other langauge devoirs yet to be determined. I can't wait. I had a blast showing my sister around town. We went to museums, ate at our favorite creperie, went to a soccer game, and I showed her my school(s). We even made chili for my host familly, which they loved. My host mom demanded comment ca se fait?

Then I spent roughly 36 hours in between Bonn and Koln for the weekend hanging out with my sister and her friends. I was a nice break from Paris, and I think that I have realised that Paris is a bit too big for me. A european city of 300,000 sounds much better. My favorite part of Bonn was the Christmas market and the food. Ok, so that might be two favorite parts. I'm going to see if I can find some currywurst over here, even though I know it won't be as good.

Other great things included the Haribo store, the weirdish colors of the metro compared to the bathroom tile style of the Parisien system, the gluwien, cigarette vending machines, and being able to be sarcastic. Maybe even a little too much.

Paris also has some marches de Noel qui vont ouvrir dans les qui viennent. So I'm planning to go Christmas Market hopping all next month. There is even a Bio Market the weekend of the 12th.

We're throwing a mini Thanksgiving dinner chez mon ami Nat ce soir, so I should probably get ready for that...

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

A plus

oui, nous pouvons

now it is time to make the most of the next four years. this is only the beginning...

la question turque

So besides the obvious question concerning the relations of Turkey and the E.U., there is apparently another Turkish question coming to my attention. I might have the opportunity to study in Turkey for the summer with the State Department. The application is due in less than two weeks and I've got to get by butt in gear if this is going to happen. Luckily I'm presented with a three day vacation starting on Wednesday. Donc, il faut que je fasse mon devoir concernant Mister Dej of Romania et de plus, answer some questions concerning why I want to study Turkish, a langauge dont j'ai aucunne experience...

Carrefour mon amour

Is it wrong to love Carrefour? I guess that best way to describe it would be to call it the Wal-Mart of France, but it is so much better than that. I went to the one nearest my house cet apres-midi. At first, I was very confused. I saw a sign for Carrefour, but all that was there was a grassy nole. This supershoppingcenter was sous terre. Crazy. I went in looking for a cd by either Renan Luce or Julien Dore. These are the two French artists that I'm really diggin' at the moment. I only came away with the Dore CD, but it is pretty cool. I recomend looking for the multiple YouTube clips of "Les Limites." I promise you'll learn some good dance moves from Julien and his friends. Another great song on the CD is Figures Imposees. I may or may not have been singing to these two songs since I opened the case. Have jewel cases always been so difficult to open or is it just me?
So the supermarche part of Carrefour is imense. Two isles devoted to yaourt. Two or three to cheese. A seafood section that smells so fresh. Boulangerie bien sur. More wine than the NH state liquor store. Okay, that one might be a stretch. I could wander around that place for ever. I ended up buying some shampooing, (kid you not, that's the word for shampoo in French) and a chocolate yogart drink for the walk home.

We set our clocks back this weekend here in France so it was 5:30 when I was walking home, but the sun was already setting; threw me for a loop. I'll have to get use to that. I'll also have to get use to homework and exams. I had my first exam on the IVeme Republique and the role it played in the construction of the Europe. No biggie.

A plus

le shop

I've seen better daytime clubs. It was a bit lackluster and way too expensive with not nearly enough cool graphic t-shirts. But if I ever want to spend 60 euros on a belt, I know where to go.

suis-je un "vrai americain?"

Je viens de regarder The Daily Show de 20 octobre. Olalala. Je ne suis pas vraiment un des gens qui peuvent bien s'exprimer quand le sujet s'agit des politiques. Chai pas. But what in the world does it mean to be a real american? Am I allowed to talk about this being an American living abroad during the most important election of our times? Do I love America as much as the next Broccali Rob even though I'm over hear chillin' with the Frogs eating baguettes for breakfast? Why are we even talking about "real America" and "real Virginia?" Those quotations by Sarah Palin and Nancy Pfotenhauer as presented by The Daily Show have really got me going tonight, so instead of writing my homework paper, which, I kid you not, has the subject of being an expatriot, I've decided to do a little venting here. Je m'excuse.

Is Lewiston, Maine a "real American" town? When do you no longer live in a small town? What qualifies a city? Does this have anything to do with red and blue areas of states? So the "real Virginia" is outside the beltway, what about the "real Maine?" How far away from Portland do you have to be? Why am I asking so many questions?

I'm proud to be an American. I'm also proud that when you write in French, and use words like francias et americain as adjectives you don't have to capitalize them. That shift button can get a little annoying. This may or may not be the second time that I have spent extended time living outside les Etats-Unis, but I think it has allowed me to grow as a person. And I would also like to that my family for the sacrifices they have made to give me these opportunities. Having the ability to compare Paris 1 and Bates College has given me a greater appreciation for the life I get to live back home than I ever thought possible.

Par example, today I tried to sign up for a library card at La Sorbonne, but did you know that you have to bring your own passport sized photo, your carte d'etudiant, you certificate scolarite, proof of residence, and 8 euros?!? Needless to say, but I'll say it anyway, I didn't get to go to the library today. Maybe next week. Yesterday I tried to sign up for a basketball team. The hours are limited, there are no more places for the teams that compete in interuniversite games, and I won't be able to play until mid-November because I won't have my french doctors permission form, cela veut dire ma carte de sejours, until the 21st of next month. Gosh I miss the Lord Ephin' Cule Mamels. Or an open gym for that matter...Paris is so spread out that I would say that it is not the idle location to faire etudes superieur.

In other news, I bought two books today for my la France, l'Allemande, et l'Europe class today. It made me happy to explore a bookstore. I also bought a map of France so I can learn all of the departements, regions, and hopefully prefectures. We'll see how that goes. I also picked up a fifth class. L'Amerique du Nord. We'll talk about a little European colonization, westward expansion, so fun-filled Canadian facts, and much more. I haven't taken American history course since that time I wanted to throw The American Pagent out the window, but I'm sure that this will be fine.

Thursday's planned adventure is taking me to a store in the 3eme called Le Shop. The Lonely Planet describes it as "a daytime club." They say "it's packed with different streetear labels and hip-hop gear. Pick up flyers and info on nightclubs and get your party outfit while you're at it."

I want a party outfit.

France-Tunisie

I went to my first soccer game of the year this past Tuesday. No big deal. 75,000 people watching a testy match between France and Tunisia. There were most definitely some colonization issues still being expressed. I did, however, manage to make some Tunisian friends in the metro on the way to the match. Tunisia scored the first goal and the crowd went crazy. Flags, dancing, flares, its was a party and it even seemed like I was in Tunis. But the French ended up winning the match. Titi (Thierry Henry) scored two goals. One before halftime, upper 90, to equal the score. He and my baby (Gourcouff) had a great give and go just outside of the box. Benzema and Henry both scored in the second half which was dominated by "les Bleus." Two Stade Rennais players participated in the game. Fanni, who started, and Jimmy Briand (my other baby) entered towards the end of the game. The final game of the year takes place on November 19th against Uruguay. Might have to go to that.

I had to add a fifth class to meet the Middlebury standards for how many hours I have during the week. I hope the prof doesn't mind that I have missed the first two classes, but its a class about the history of North America, so I should be able to catch up just fine. Its on Monday mornings from 8-11, so I will still have my Thursdays free for adventures.

Today I walked from my house through the 15e, 14e, 6e, and 5e all the way to Rue Moufftard, where a certain M. Breautoteau lives. I also discovered Rue du Maine along this trip and a Bretagne gift shop where I purchased my favorite soda, Breizh Cola, in a fancy glass bottle to save forever, and add to my colection.

Entre ici et la

I love Thursdays. I don't have any classes, and hopefully never will, on this day. And since it was so beautiful I decided to adventure across the city. Now, some will say that Paris is a really big city. I would like to disagree. This past week I have run into my friend Clara from Bates twice without planning on meeting up. The first time was Tuesday morning at the Sorbonne. This is understandable, we both take classes there and the building is only the size of one block. This morning was more of a surprise. I had just traversed the 16eme and was crossing a street when someone called out my name at a crosswalk. I turned around and saw Clara at the cafe on the corner. We hung out until she had to leave for class.

After this adventure I walked around Paris for about five more hours. My adventures to me to Montmatre where I attempted to retraced the movie of Amelie. Not all the sights were discovered, I got lost on the way there and ended up at an Ibis in the 17eme thanks to taking a wrong turn, wandering through a park, and discovering the Midwest of Paris. When I got the base of Sacre Coeur, Yann Tiersen music was playing from the merry-go-round. If it wasn't such a touristy spot I would have stayed longer. I climbed to the top, watched some street performers, and ventured on to le canal st martin. I walked along the canal just until La Place de la Republique where I decided that since I was close enough to the Jewish quartier, I would try and find an afternoon snack. Unfortunatly, Sacha Finkelszrajn was closed. So was "the best falafal in the world." So I found a grocery store and bought a drinkable yaourt. Not nearly as satisfied.

I got home around 7. And now I'm exhausted.

Normandie (et Breizh)

So for the last two days I have managed to escape the ever hectic life of Paris and go on a weekend excursion to Normandie. As a group, both Juniors and Middlebury Grad students we visited Bayaux, The American Cemetery, Omaha Beach, Mont St. Michel, and a chateau at Carrouges. Pas mal comme voyage. This may or may not have been my fourth visit to Mont St. Michel which lies on the border between Normandie and Bretagne. I've always been a fan of Bretange ever since living in Rennes three years ago, so to celebrate the occasion I bought a sticker of a Gwen ha du, and wore my Stade Rennais jersey all day today. They even upset Lyon 3-0 this afternoon. Hat trick de Pagis. Kinda wish I had seen it, but spending time in small town France is always enjoyable. Even if it was a rainy day it was still beautiful. On the bus ride home we watched a movie called "Tanguy." An interesting French film about a 28 year old man who still lives with his parents. Not sure if I would recomend it, but if your up for an adventure...

A plus.

presque parfait

so this past weekend has been a blast. even and thursday was alright. friday kicked off with a great commentaire de texte on de gaulle in 1958. then i took a cafe with some friends before wandering the city until dinner. i went into decathlon, a sports store not too far from the middlebury building. wandered around there for awhile and tried on some european shoes. a little weird looking, a little cool, quite comfortable, but not needed. then i found dinner and ate in a park. i'm still infatuated with european supermarkets. i've still only been to small corner markets, but soon i'll venture to a hyperchampion ou carrefour.
friday night didn't end until 6:30 in the morning. there was a wine and cheese party on the roof of one of my friends foyers. met some new friends. spoke french for most of the night. and had a wonderful view of the city. every hour the eiffel tower lights up like a stobe light. at about 11:30 wew left for the slightly over americanized bar where the first debat was being shown. no room to sit down until just before 3am. for the most part people were respectful. not before the debate, but during.
took the metro home when it opened only to wake up two hours later to go to versailles. versailles is to big to visit just once. i'll have to go back sometime. still haven't seen all of the fountains or all the rooms in the palace. not to mention all of the art work.

first real class tomorrow, france and europe over some time period that i don't remember.

il faut que

je ne peux pas dormier ce soir. aujourd'hui j'ai visite le senat de la republique francaise qui est dans le palais de luxoumbourg. quel batiment! i haven't visited d.c. in a while but i don't remember our government buildings being so beautiful on the inside. maybe we, as a nation, should have built some palais in the 1600's or something...oh wait. that may or may not have been impossible. this weekend my new friends from this program and i will be watching the first presidential debate live at 3 in the morning in some bar somewhere. (i should probably find out where exactly) we also will be paying a visit to one of those other famous palais, versailles, or something like that, on saturday. should be another fun weekend here in paris.

paris, je t'aime

remember that time that i was complaining about not having any classes? well i've decided that classes can wait. i want to explore this city. the last few days have been perfect fall days. crisp, clean, clear, slightly chilly sunny days. and my walks around this city have led me to some interesting places. other than discover "my spot" in Belleville, i've meandered through the jardins de luxumbourg, i've walked along the seine and the grands boulevards. i've even explored the marches couverts in the heart of paris. real classes don't start for another week...so i have time to explore other regions on paris that i haven't yet seen, like the 17eme.

chevre

i may or may not have eaten too much chevre since my sejour began about two weeks ago. its just so good. there is nothing better than a sandwhich that consists of chevre and bacon and a baguette...walking around paris, sitting in parks, people watching, none of it is complete ith out a sandwhich to chomp on. speaking of chompin', my host mom makes the best ratatouille. we just had it for dinner. spectacular.

Belleville

Went to Belleville in the 19eme/20eme and there is a park there where you can see all of Paris. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera with me. It just means that I'll have to go back someday. Already have a French dissertation to plan out for lundi. I find that its a bit of a challenge to talk to the other people on the program here. Maybe its because we all have friends at home, but there seems to be a lack of outgoingness going on. Part of it is that we all live partout, its not like the campus life style we're all used to. Maybe I should be the one who is more outgoing, its just that I've always had this problem and hesitation to invite myself to things. On va voir.

Still can't wait for those classes to start. Only two more weeks.

Allez les Bleus

Watched a match de foot ce soir with my host familly. France was playing Serbia and really needed to win, since they lost to lowly Austria this past weekend. It saved the job of the manager for the time being and most everyone will be happy tomorrow morning in the metro. Classes don't start until the 29th of September for my language class and my French history class au Centre Middlebury. Paris 1 doesn't begin until the 6th of October. So I have a lot of time on my hands. Friday a small groups of us etudiants are going to explore the area of Belleville, should be a fun adventure. Host family is better than great. If only I could have more meals with them. I had to cook for myself tonight. Not that I'm a bad cook or anything, but its weird when all of us are here and I eat at a different time qu'eux.

a plus

Bon bah je suis la

So for those of you who don't know already I'm spending the year studying abroad in Paris. Je viens d'arriver le 3 mercredi and so far so great. Paris, je l'aime, meme si j'habite en Boulogne, c'est juste a cote. Monday I have my first meeting with the Middlebury program and classes start the week after that. Today, after buying a french cell phone and some school supplies I decieded to find the Sorbonne 1; where I will be taking half of my classes. It may or may not be right next to the Pantheon. After this excursion by metro I decided to walk around Paris. If you have a map of the city handy take a look because I walked from the Sorbonne, to Notre Dame, then to the Bastille, puis le Centre Pompidou, then Les Halles, walked along Le Louvre to Place de la Concorde and finally hopped back on the metro to go home. Some pictures were taken a sandwich was consumed and that was pretty much my day. Tonight my host sisters at a soiree d'une amie et ma mere d'acceuil et avec ses amis, donc j'ai regarde un match de foot (La France a perdu 3-1)
Miss all of you, some more than others, and i hope your having fun in your part of the world.