Hey! So I might be procrastinating homework....
And I'm a little hopped up on French coffee so forgive me. There was the most adorable Shitzu puppy at the coffee shop with this guy and I wanted to pet it really badly and I kept watching it. But people don't ask to pet other people's pets here and I didn't want to be awkward, so I kept watching it.
So what you've missed: I went to Versailles, it was lovely. I got to see the whole chateau, gardens, and then Marie Antoinette's hamlet. I don't know how much my faithful readers know about Marie Antoinette, so I'll tell you the story behind the Hamlet because it makes the visit cooler.
So Marie Antoinette was a Polish princess, and like most royal marriages it was arranged to expand the influence of both families. She was killed in the revolution (famous last words: let them eat cake) and is very famous for it. Marie was a bit crazy and built her own idealistic Peasant village complete with a pond, (fake lighthouse included), colored sheep, peasant actors, acres of sunflowers, and roaming peacocks. She never wore the same dress twice.
So it was really cool to see the little world she created for herself. She was the only queen who didn't live in Versailles while the French government was established there.
I also got to see the mansions built for the mistresses to the kings, one of which is now used for the most important diplomatic visitors (you guessed it, Barack Obama stayed there). It was beautiful, with perfect gardens in the back, and pink marble. There were at least 4 couples getting their wedding pictures done there while we were visiting.
The gardens were also beautiful. We were lucky and got to see most of the fountains running. It is impossible to run all of the fountains at once. When the king lived at Versailles, servants would turn on the fountains as he came near them. Okay, so no more history lessons, I promise.
I also started classes. I have classes all day tuesdays and thursdays, and none on MWF, which is a long day. Hopefully I will be able to make a good schedule where I can finish my homework on those off days. All my classes seem really tough, but I think I will be able to manage.
Miss you all!
XOXO
Allison
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Friday, September 4, 2009
Bonjour!
It was a rainy and cold day today in Paris!
I had my first class with my professor Emmanuel. She is really nice and I think I will learn a lot in her class. But now I have to do homework! (Actually I finished mine already. :) )
Then, I had lunch with my friends at a cafe called Le Weekend. Le Weekend is a little cafe near the school that is not very expensive so we have been there a couple times. I had a jambon de Pays: country ham sandwich. The bread here is delicious so it doesn't take much else. In Paris, they really like to eat ham and eggs. I don't know why.
Then, I signed up for this photography session where we could learn to take great pictures. Seeing as my younger sibling was given all the artistic vision genes, this was necessary. It was interesting and it meant I got to walk around Paris taking more pictures which is never bad! One picture someone took of me during this expedition is up top!
Well, I am going to start getting ready for bed; I have to leave early tomorrow to go to Versailles!!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Whew! I've been busy!
Hey!
It's been a busy last few days. Yesterday, we had a taste testing session. I was trying to be good and take a bite of everything. I have to say, no matter where I am, icky cheese is not my thing. Nevertheless, I took a bite, and put the rest on my plate. I did enjoy the dessert section.
They also let us try a bunch of wines, that were great. They kept bringing around more and more, I thought it wouldn't end. I wanted to try all the wines as well, so I would be really drinking my last wine before the new one came.
After the food session, we were sent in groups of 3 to discover a neighborhood. We were given directions and questions to answer. 2 people and I were assigned to the Jardins des Plantes, a garden in the 5th Arrondisement (Paris is separated into sections called Arrondisements) The gardens were cute, but what was really fun was the neighborhood next to the Gardens. It was so cute, with a small cobblestone street and chic stores along the sides. It was perfect. My friends and I passed and interesting bar, and were peering inside. We wanted to see the inside so we tried to open the door but no luck.
Out comes the bartender, who lets us in. He asks us where we're from and we say America and he proceeds to pour us shots..... as in for free. They were mint malt with vodka. Being a responsible spender, and a college student I would never say no to a free shot. So we're having a good time and taking pictures. Then he says "another!" and we were like ehhhh no we couldn't do that. Well he pours it anyways, and we drink that one as well, and head out the door to finish our school project. It was awesome, although the end of our project is questionable.
Today we all saw a French movie called "Paris" and it was very good. Then we all went to a creperie for dinner and it was delicious of course.
Now I'm exhausted so I'm off to bed.
XOXO!
It's been a busy last few days. Yesterday, we had a taste testing session. I was trying to be good and take a bite of everything. I have to say, no matter where I am, icky cheese is not my thing. Nevertheless, I took a bite, and put the rest on my plate. I did enjoy the dessert section.
They also let us try a bunch of wines, that were great. They kept bringing around more and more, I thought it wouldn't end. I wanted to try all the wines as well, so I would be really drinking my last wine before the new one came.
After the food session, we were sent in groups of 3 to discover a neighborhood. We were given directions and questions to answer. 2 people and I were assigned to the Jardins des Plantes, a garden in the 5th Arrondisement (Paris is separated into sections called Arrondisements) The gardens were cute, but what was really fun was the neighborhood next to the Gardens. It was so cute, with a small cobblestone street and chic stores along the sides. It was perfect. My friends and I passed and interesting bar, and were peering inside. We wanted to see the inside so we tried to open the door but no luck.
Out comes the bartender, who lets us in. He asks us where we're from and we say America and he proceeds to pour us shots..... as in for free. They were mint malt with vodka. Being a responsible spender, and a college student I would never say no to a free shot. So we're having a good time and taking pictures. Then he says "another!" and we were like ehhhh no we couldn't do that. Well he pours it anyways, and we drink that one as well, and head out the door to finish our school project. It was awesome, although the end of our project is questionable.
Today we all saw a French movie called "Paris" and it was very good. Then we all went to a creperie for dinner and it was delicious of course.
Now I'm exhausted so I'm off to bed.
XOXO!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Orientation!
Today was my first day of orientation. After discussing the logistics of our stay in France we had a picnic down the street at the Champ de Mars - AKA the park next to the Eiffel Tower. It was amazing and very busy! BU's location is great. It's fairly large, renovated, and clean. The classrooms are nice too, and there are coffee vending machines. Yes.
Then, we had a boat tour ride on the Seine, the river that flows through Paris. We got to see many of the monuments including many scantily clad male sun bathers. It was great seeing the city from the river. When we finished we all went and got prepaid cell phones. I got some of my new friends' numbers so we'll be able to meet up later. :)
My picture is one view from the boat ride.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
First day!
I arrived in France today! Here's everything you missed:
The plane ride was long and my tv broke halfway through. By the end my eyes were bulging like a gecko because I was so tired. Somehow, they found me safe enough to be allowed into Paris (despite the eye thing). There was a HUGE crowd around the baggage area. After 15 minutes of hoping the crowd would filter out I realized you had to look through peoples legs then make a run for it when you saw your bag. I think I hit about 15 people in this process. Finally I got on a taxi. My taxi driver kind of looked like Kim Jong Il. Luckily I was distracted because we were driving through downtown France.
This was the moment of truth. It was really awesome because we were right by all these famous monuments and it seemed like they would never end.
Finally, I arrived on campus where I learned about my homestay. My family has 2 apartments on top of each other. The lower one is where the mother, father, and 2 younger kids stay. The upper apartment has a 20 year old daughter, an Italian exchange student, and me. It's nice because we have our own space. It's just scary because I'm the only one in the program at this location and it's kind of far from my campus.
The apartment building is really nice and the people around here are nice as well. It's an old, but very pretty building. When I got to the complex, I spent about 10 minutes struggling with the door until 2 people yelled outside their windows to save me. The elevator is all glass and super teeny. I will probably lose a limb on it at some point. All it will fit is me and one piece of luggage! The apartment is very small. The kitchen doesn't even have room for a full stove and oven; they have a makeshift 2 eye stove top. My room is also small with just enough room for a wardrobe, desk, and twin bed. I do have a window I can open however. :) I also have lots of shelving so I fit all my stuff with room to spare.
My host family wanted to take me to the grocery. This was terrifying. I knew I had to get things for the next few days but didn't know what I wanted! I ended up getting cereal, babybel cheese, turkey sandwich makings, and salad with a mystery salad dressing. I figured that was the best I could do under the pressure and having not slept in forever.
Finally, my home family ate dinner with me and that was really nice and they were really nice. They have a very big family, 6 kids!
Anyways, it's 9:13 now, so I'm going to pass out! XOXO
The plane ride was long and my tv broke halfway through. By the end my eyes were bulging like a gecko because I was so tired. Somehow, they found me safe enough to be allowed into Paris (despite the eye thing). There was a HUGE crowd around the baggage area. After 15 minutes of hoping the crowd would filter out I realized you had to look through peoples legs then make a run for it when you saw your bag. I think I hit about 15 people in this process. Finally I got on a taxi. My taxi driver kind of looked like Kim Jong Il. Luckily I was distracted because we were driving through downtown France.
This was the moment of truth. It was really awesome because we were right by all these famous monuments and it seemed like they would never end.
Finally, I arrived on campus where I learned about my homestay. My family has 2 apartments on top of each other. The lower one is where the mother, father, and 2 younger kids stay. The upper apartment has a 20 year old daughter, an Italian exchange student, and me. It's nice because we have our own space. It's just scary because I'm the only one in the program at this location and it's kind of far from my campus.
The apartment building is really nice and the people around here are nice as well. It's an old, but very pretty building. When I got to the complex, I spent about 10 minutes struggling with the door until 2 people yelled outside their windows to save me. The elevator is all glass and super teeny. I will probably lose a limb on it at some point. All it will fit is me and one piece of luggage! The apartment is very small. The kitchen doesn't even have room for a full stove and oven; they have a makeshift 2 eye stove top. My room is also small with just enough room for a wardrobe, desk, and twin bed. I do have a window I can open however. :) I also have lots of shelving so I fit all my stuff with room to spare.
My host family wanted to take me to the grocery. This was terrifying. I knew I had to get things for the next few days but didn't know what I wanted! I ended up getting cereal, babybel cheese, turkey sandwich makings, and salad with a mystery salad dressing. I figured that was the best I could do under the pressure and having not slept in forever.
Finally, my home family ate dinner with me and that was really nice and they were really nice. They have a very big family, 6 kids!
Anyways, it's 9:13 now, so I'm going to pass out! XOXO
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Fact: Youkilis is part rhino.
Hey!
I heard there have been problems trying to comment on this blog. I'll try to sort them out. Until then you can e-mail me whatever (okay, please no spam) at allisong@bu.edu.
The Sox game last night was all fun and games until Youkilis stormed the pitchers mound. He thought pitcher Porcello intentionally hit him with the ball. When Mike and I go to games, we seem to bring fights with us. When we went to a Bruins hockey game earlier this year, the goalie charged a player of the opposite team in a full on brawl. There are a lot of fights in hockey games, but usually the goalie isn't a part of them. Not when Mike and I go, however.
Either way, the second half of the game had an hour long rain delay. Wet and cold we finished watching the game and the Sox won 7-5. Go sox!
Boston is a little chilly today, which makes me miss Alabama. I know as soon as I'm in Alabama I'll miss Boston. That's just the way it is.
All I have left for the day is a date with the boy, then laundry so I can prepare for my journies. :) Yay!
I heard there have been problems trying to comment on this blog. I'll try to sort them out. Until then you can e-mail me whatever (okay, please no spam) at allisong@bu.edu.
The Sox game last night was all fun and games until Youkilis stormed the pitchers mound. He thought pitcher Porcello intentionally hit him with the ball. When Mike and I go to games, we seem to bring fights with us. When we went to a Bruins hockey game earlier this year, the goalie charged a player of the opposite team in a full on brawl. There are a lot of fights in hockey games, but usually the goalie isn't a part of them. Not when Mike and I go, however.
Either way, the second half of the game had an hour long rain delay. Wet and cold we finished watching the game and the Sox won 7-5. Go sox!
Boston is a little chilly today, which makes me miss Alabama. I know as soon as I'm in Alabama I'll miss Boston. That's just the way it is.
All I have left for the day is a date with the boy, then laundry so I can prepare for my journies. :) Yay!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Still in Boston
I'm about to start the trip of my life - a semester in Paris!
After a bit of a scare with my visa appointment, I'm all set! Currently, I'm still in Boston where I've been working all summer. Here I am a front desk attendant for the dormitories, which means when groups stay at the university dorms I give them their keys. I've been trying to get in a lot of fun Boston activities before I leave. Today, I'm going to see the Red Sox-Tigers game, Go Sox!
On Sunday, I leave for Birmingham, Alabama (hometown!) for a couple of weeks, and then the 29th it's off to Paris!
My program is with Boston University. The first half I take three classes (French politics, French literature, and Intensive French). No, they will not serve French fries, French bread, or French toast in any of my classes, but on some Fridays I have cooking classes I can take! All of my classes are in French. Yes, I'm terrified.
The second half of my trip is an internship. I don't know what mine will be yet, but I already had my interview. For my top three internship choices I selected: International Non-Government Organization, French politics, and Journalism. Last summer I interned on Capitol Hill so I hope that gives me a leg up. I will keep you posted.
Luckily, I have friends abroad in London and Rome as well, so maybe visits will happen there.
Questions? Compliments? Feel free to comment.
After a bit of a scare with my visa appointment, I'm all set! Currently, I'm still in Boston where I've been working all summer. Here I am a front desk attendant for the dormitories, which means when groups stay at the university dorms I give them their keys. I've been trying to get in a lot of fun Boston activities before I leave. Today, I'm going to see the Red Sox-Tigers game, Go Sox!
On Sunday, I leave for Birmingham, Alabama (hometown!) for a couple of weeks, and then the 29th it's off to Paris!
My program is with Boston University. The first half I take three classes (French politics, French literature, and Intensive French). No, they will not serve French fries, French bread, or French toast in any of my classes, but on some Fridays I have cooking classes I can take! All of my classes are in French. Yes, I'm terrified.
The second half of my trip is an internship. I don't know what mine will be yet, but I already had my interview. For my top three internship choices I selected: International Non-Government Organization, French politics, and Journalism. Last summer I interned on Capitol Hill so I hope that gives me a leg up. I will keep you posted.
Luckily, I have friends abroad in London and Rome as well, so maybe visits will happen there.
Questions? Compliments? Feel free to comment.
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