So today marks the second full week I've been here in Paris. Time really flies, but I'm really happy because I definetly feel like I'm adjusting well and starting to get into a bit more a routine.
Yesterday was officially Le Jour des Hommes. Pat, Chris and I first got burgers for lunch, went to the Arc du Triomphe (a very manly monument), then went to Les Invalides, the military history museum and the site of Napoleon's giant tomb. The unexpected part of the day came when we stumbled upon a concept car show in a temporary building right in front of Les Invalides. Definetly a man day. And the best part of it all was that the student card Tufts provided us with (that says we are all Art History students) gets us in almost anywhere for free. Going to the top of the Arc and Les Invalides were both free because of the card, and the car show was half off! Last night Anna had people over at her appartement because her host parents were away and told her she could have people over. It was a nice dinner party and great to hang out with most of the group for the night. Overall- awesome jour.
Today was a bit slower pace. A few of us went and checked out a few churches- Notre Dame, Saint Louis-Saint Paul and Saint Gervais. Also we got ice cream on Ile Saint Louis and coffee in the Marais. Overall a really good weekend, and a needed one as well. Saturday was the first full free day I've had here, so it was nice to get to enjoy and explore the city on my own time, with friends and not with the TIP staff or in a scheduled amount of time.
Time to go eat or something. Also I really hope to finish 24 season 6 tonight. Only 2 more episodes!
A bientôt!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
WOW
My French host brother just referenced Gibbons vs. Ogden in a conversation we were having on American law and Federal vs. State power in the U.S. Unreal.
"Don't worry, it's not like anyone is going to die"
So TIP courses started today. The first one on the EU and France seems really good- the professor is very nice and started the course like one would in the US, with people introducing themselves and whatnot. The second course, the language course, seems a bit more difficult. The workload seems pretty steep, and you know it's going to be an interesting course when the professor ends the course by saying, "No one worry, it's not like anyone is going to die".
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Week 2
So it's really hard to believe that I've been here over a week! Lots has happened since the last time I posted, so I will try to distill it into a fairly short post.
The end of last week began the process of researching and registering for courses, a process that is stressful enough in the US, where information is actually posted online and made available. In France, nothing is really posted, and where the information is available, it is not well organized. However, I have now been to a couple courses, and am pretty set on my two courses in the French University system to go along with my two TIP courses. I went to a History of Photography course at UP1 today, in which the focus is on 1960s photojournalism. Definetly a different course, but it cuts across a bunch of different things I'm interested in (art, history, journalism, etc.). The second course I want to take is at L'Institute Catholique, and it's about political ideology of the 20th century, but that doesn't start until next week. Hopefully both of these courses go well, otherwise I'm not sure what I will do.
In the realm of fun/touristy things, TIP took the group to the Loire Valley to visit the Chateaux of the Royalty and French nobility built during the early French Renaissance this past weekend. It was amazing to finally get to see something I've studied every year in French class since 6th grade. Our itinerary included Blois, Chambord, and Cheverny. All three of them were incredible, but I think Chambord was my favorite. However, the best part of the trip was getting to know the other students and administrators of the program. Both days included meals with the program (including a 3 hour dinner sitting at a table with Laurent, the program director) and we also had lots of free time to get to know one another. Bar/discotheque Le Loch Ness will never be the same, after being invaded by the entire TIP program for several hours on Saturday night. Also, all the guys in the program have adopted French names (Louis-me, Claude, Pascal, Gustave, and Le Duc). Overall the trip was really interesting and a lot of fun.
Tomorrow is the beginning of actual TIP classes (French language and History of the EU). While orientation was fun, it will be good to get into more of a normal academic routine. Hopefully I'll have the time to report on how those go tomorrow afternoon.
Anyways, off to go eat dinner. No one is home because my host parents went to their second home in Normandy today (they only told me about it this morning- WHAT WHAT??) and everyone else is out for the evening. Maybe I'll post some photos of my house later!
The end of last week began the process of researching and registering for courses, a process that is stressful enough in the US, where information is actually posted online and made available. In France, nothing is really posted, and where the information is available, it is not well organized. However, I have now been to a couple courses, and am pretty set on my two courses in the French University system to go along with my two TIP courses. I went to a History of Photography course at UP1 today, in which the focus is on 1960s photojournalism. Definetly a different course, but it cuts across a bunch of different things I'm interested in (art, history, journalism, etc.). The second course I want to take is at L'Institute Catholique, and it's about political ideology of the 20th century, but that doesn't start until next week. Hopefully both of these courses go well, otherwise I'm not sure what I will do.
In the realm of fun/touristy things, TIP took the group to the Loire Valley to visit the Chateaux of the Royalty and French nobility built during the early French Renaissance this past weekend. It was amazing to finally get to see something I've studied every year in French class since 6th grade. Our itinerary included Blois, Chambord, and Cheverny. All three of them were incredible, but I think Chambord was my favorite. However, the best part of the trip was getting to know the other students and administrators of the program. Both days included meals with the program (including a 3 hour dinner sitting at a table with Laurent, the program director) and we also had lots of free time to get to know one another. Bar/discotheque Le Loch Ness will never be the same, after being invaded by the entire TIP program for several hours on Saturday night. Also, all the guys in the program have adopted French names (Louis-me, Claude, Pascal, Gustave, and Le Duc). Overall the trip was really interesting and a lot of fun.
Tomorrow is the beginning of actual TIP classes (French language and History of the EU). While orientation was fun, it will be good to get into more of a normal academic routine. Hopefully I'll have the time to report on how those go tomorrow afternoon.
Anyways, off to go eat dinner. No one is home because my host parents went to their second home in Normandy today (they only told me about it this morning- WHAT WHAT??) and everyone else is out for the evening. Maybe I'll post some photos of my house later!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Dog Poop
After living in Paris for almost 5 full days now, I've observed one aspect of Parisian streets that is unpleasant and unexpected. For some reason, Parisians do not pick up after there dogs. There's TONS of poop in the streets! It's disgusting! So far I've avoided it, but it's unpleasant to see, and I'm bound to hit a landmine some day.
A few things I forgot to mention in the previous post
Everyone in the group is super nice and friendly! No one is cliquey. Also, the director of the program, Laurent, is really cool. He's really into talking about cross-cultural differences- kind of reminds me of a certain dean of students at my high school. Also, the housing coordinator, Aurelie, and the cultural coordinator, Anne-So, are both really helpful and funny.
So the worst part of my day yesterday was on my way home, line 9 was closed for an electrical problem. The only metro line that gets close to my house is 9, so I had to take a taxi, which was a huge pain because everyone else had the same idea. I had to wait 15 minutes for a cab, plus had to pay 15 Euro for the cab. The only cool part was that the cab passed Roland Garros, the tennis center where they play the French Open. It's very close to my house, and already people in the group are discussing trying to get tickets and have them reimbursed by Tufts (we get reimbursed for cultural activities up to 150 euros). It's in May, so we will still be here when it happens!
So the worst part of my day yesterday was on my way home, line 9 was closed for an electrical problem. The only metro line that gets close to my house is 9, so I had to take a taxi, which was a huge pain because everyone else had the same idea. I had to wait 15 minutes for a cab, plus had to pay 15 Euro for the cab. The only cool part was that the cab passed Roland Garros, the tennis center where they play the French Open. It's very close to my house, and already people in the group are discussing trying to get tickets and have them reimbursed by Tufts (we get reimbursed for cultural activities up to 150 euros). It's in May, so we will still be here when it happens!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Arrival, first impressions, and impromptu mass
So I have now been in Paris for 4 days, and it's been an amazing time so far. It feels unreal to take the Metro and pass the Eiffel Tower every day on my way to the Tufts-in-Paris office. The sights, the smells, the food- all are so different from home, but so interesting! When people claim that Europe is similar to the US, they are really wrong. Some things cannot be globalized.
So the most interesting aspect of the Tufts program is the homestay portion. Every student is required to live with a family, rather than in a dorm or an appartement. I was very skeptical at first about whether I would like the homestay, but it definetly adds an interesting dynamic to the program and my time in Paris. Also, it's by far the best time for practicing and learning French.
What I knew about my family coming in was that they are very large (9 children, 8 grandchildren already. Only the youngest 3 children still live at home, plus a former au pair and a godson) and that the father does art restoration and painting, and the mother does sculptures with shells. I arrived at the house after being picked up by the family and having an awkward car ride back to Boulogne (the nice suburb that I live in) and find that the house is basically a museum. Nearly every bit of wall space possible is covered! However, I notice very quickly that nearly all the art is religious in nature, and am later told that it's all 14th through 19th century European religious works. Not exactly what I was expecting before, but it's all incredibly beautiful, if not slightly overwhelming in the sheer volume of works. If I can, I'll take a picture of the living room and post it.
Then I was shown to my room, which is across and inner courtyard from the main house, which means I get more privacy, but have to walk outside if I ever need to use the bathroom. However, the room is nice, and has a lot of storage space, plus a sink in the corner for brushing my teeth, etc. Overall I am very happy with the living arrangement.
Also, the family is very sweet. Anne-Olivia, my host mother, is very accommodating and patient, and has been very helpful in my getting oriented to Paris. Gabriel, my host father, is very funny, understated, but quite nice. The boys are a mixed bag- Max (22) is very nice and friendly, Matthias (19) is a bit moody (something having to do with the fact that he does not have a job or many classes and the parents won't give him money), and Francois Joseph (16) is funny and nice, but a little fresh sometimes. He really likes saying things in french, and then repeating them in English for me, even though I understand perfectly well what he is saying. Also, the Lithuanian Art Student Anika is very sweet, and Eduoard, the Godson, is friendly and goofy. It's also helpful to have him around because he speaks English pretty well.
So the one really awkward moment here was when I returned to my house from orientation on Monday. I walk in the front door into the living room, and no fewer than 20 young (10-20) year old French boys are staring at me. I was confused, so I just said "bonjour" and walked to my room. Anne-Olivia then calls to me, sayingJon, we are having a mass and there are lots of young people here you should meet. You really should come down and join us!" Not wanting to be awkward or impolite, I decide to walk down and see what was going on. They converted one end of the living room into a makeshift altar, a priest is lighting candles! It turns out it was a youth mass for this youth group (young firefighters) that the boys are or at one point were in, but I was so confused! I then was required to sit through an almost hour and a half long mass, the most awkward moment being at the beginning, when they asked me if I take Communion. I said no, and so then they started asking questions, and now know that I am not Catholic, which I'm sure took me down a couple notches in their book. However, the dinner afterwards was delicious, and the conversation was pleasant. There have not been any similar moments since, however I'll have to be on the lookout now on Monday nights, in case of another impromptu mass in the living room.
Sleep now. A bientot!
So the most interesting aspect of the Tufts program is the homestay portion. Every student is required to live with a family, rather than in a dorm or an appartement. I was very skeptical at first about whether I would like the homestay, but it definetly adds an interesting dynamic to the program and my time in Paris. Also, it's by far the best time for practicing and learning French.
What I knew about my family coming in was that they are very large (9 children, 8 grandchildren already. Only the youngest 3 children still live at home, plus a former au pair and a godson) and that the father does art restoration and painting, and the mother does sculptures with shells. I arrived at the house after being picked up by the family and having an awkward car ride back to Boulogne (the nice suburb that I live in) and find that the house is basically a museum. Nearly every bit of wall space possible is covered! However, I notice very quickly that nearly all the art is religious in nature, and am later told that it's all 14th through 19th century European religious works. Not exactly what I was expecting before, but it's all incredibly beautiful, if not slightly overwhelming in the sheer volume of works. If I can, I'll take a picture of the living room and post it.
Then I was shown to my room, which is across and inner courtyard from the main house, which means I get more privacy, but have to walk outside if I ever need to use the bathroom. However, the room is nice, and has a lot of storage space, plus a sink in the corner for brushing my teeth, etc. Overall I am very happy with the living arrangement.
Also, the family is very sweet. Anne-Olivia, my host mother, is very accommodating and patient, and has been very helpful in my getting oriented to Paris. Gabriel, my host father, is very funny, understated, but quite nice. The boys are a mixed bag- Max (22) is very nice and friendly, Matthias (19) is a bit moody (something having to do with the fact that he does not have a job or many classes and the parents won't give him money), and Francois Joseph (16) is funny and nice, but a little fresh sometimes. He really likes saying things in french, and then repeating them in English for me, even though I understand perfectly well what he is saying. Also, the Lithuanian Art Student Anika is very sweet, and Eduoard, the Godson, is friendly and goofy. It's also helpful to have him around because he speaks English pretty well.
So the one really awkward moment here was when I returned to my house from orientation on Monday. I walk in the front door into the living room, and no fewer than 20 young (10-20) year old French boys are staring at me. I was confused, so I just said "bonjour" and walked to my room. Anne-Olivia then calls to me, sayingJon, we are having a mass and there are lots of young people here you should meet. You really should come down and join us!" Not wanting to be awkward or impolite, I decide to walk down and see what was going on. They converted one end of the living room into a makeshift altar, a priest is lighting candles! It turns out it was a youth mass for this youth group (young firefighters) that the boys are or at one point were in, but I was so confused! I then was required to sit through an almost hour and a half long mass, the most awkward moment being at the beginning, when they asked me if I take Communion. I said no, and so then they started asking questions, and now know that I am not Catholic, which I'm sure took me down a couple notches in their book. However, the dinner afterwards was delicious, and the conversation was pleasant. There have not been any similar moments since, however I'll have to be on the lookout now on Monday nights, in case of another impromptu mass in the living room.
Sleep now. A bientot!
Friday, January 14, 2011
T-20 Hours
At 7:10PM tomorrow, Saturday, January 15th, I will be on a plane heading for Paris to begin an almost five month study abroad program. It still hasn't really sunk in yet that I will be leaving for that long! The longest I have ever been away from the Northeast before is three weeks!
I'm looking forward to both the opportunity to immerse myself in the culture and language of France, as well as the ability to travel and explore Europe. I plan on updating this blog regularly, both with the small day-to-day observations of living in France, as well as my latest travels and explorations of France- pictures included. I'll try to post as soon as possible from the other side of the Atlantic.
I'm looking forward to both the opportunity to immerse myself in the culture and language of France, as well as the ability to travel and explore Europe. I plan on updating this blog regularly, both with the small day-to-day observations of living in France, as well as my latest travels and explorations of France- pictures included. I'll try to post as soon as possible from the other side of the Atlantic.
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