Now Normandy! Day 1

Before I start with Normandy, let me tell you about my postal experiences. I recently received all my mail on one day. It was weird. I received a letter from my mom from almost 2 months ago! Nonetheless, I was still happy to receive it. I also got a piece of paper saying I need to go pick up a package at the Post Office. I went to get it and saw that it was from Aunt Lisa and Uncle Joe. When I opened it, I laughed so hard because it was full of toilet paper. And the strangest thing was, the toilet paper looks weird to me. I am so used to the small, pink, roles that the French use here. I almost forgot what color toilet paper we use in the States. And the roles are so huge! I don't know, it just threw me off. They also sent me Tylenol PM (yay!) and Mac and Cheese, which I will make tomorrow for lunch. I think I will also make some for my French friends because I described it to them and they looked like they were going to vomit after I mentioned the powdered cheese. Hopefully it will taste the same with the strange milk they have here.

Ok Normandy. I left Thursday morning (May 21) with Rachel, Jenny (The grad student), and Catherine. It was a nice group of just us girls. We first took a train to Paris, and then from there we took a train to Bayeux, but not before stopping at Starbucks in Paris. Catherine, Rachel and Jenny are caffine-aholics. The train ride there went smooth (just wait until I tell you about the ride home!)

When we arrived in Bayeux, I was terribly surprised to see how much cleaner the North is! Avignon, granted I live in the inner city, is very dirty at times. We went to our cute inn/hostel, Le Maupassant, which sits on top of a bar, and then headed out to see the tapestry of Bayeux. That sucker was long! It was amazing that it was all stitched by hand. I mean, who sits down and says, I am going to make the longest tapestry ever of the Battle of Hastings (I think that was it)?

After that we visited a very pretty Notre Dame. Of course it wouldn't be a city without a Notre Dame! But actually, this one was very pretty and I liked it a lot. 

It had a crypt in it, too. And the stained glass was magnificent. And as you can see from the photo, it was gorgeous against the blue skies.

After the church, we decided to have some tea. Being that Normandy is so close to England (just right across the Channel), there were many English speakers. In fact, many French people who speak English have a British accent because they are taught that type of English. Anyway, Anna's Tea Room started our eating binge in Normandy. It was a fun, different thing to do. The French love to sit and chat for hours on end, and I am starting to like it, too. The waiters never give you the check unless you ask for it. You can sit there for hours in a restaurant just drinking coffee and it's normal. 

After the tea room we went to this French specialty shop of foods from around France. I saw the alcohol that one of the student's host dad makes in Provence. It is a liquor with a pear inside the bottle. I guess the pear grows inside the bottle. It was cool. I texted Lance to let him know that this shop had one bottle of it in Normandy. At this store, I bought onion jam. Ok, I know that sounds gross, but I am super excited to try it. I have not opened it because I am going to save it for home.

Next we went to dinner. Oh my God, dinner was delicious. I had some pizza, with eggplant. It was sooooo good. We had the table wine, too, which is a cheap wine (you can drink cheap wine here without looking, well, cheap), but even France's cheap wine is better than the USA's good wine. It was 11 euro and we eat got three full glasses out of it. And of course, we had dessert. I had this caramel, vanilla, delicious ice cream dish. In the photo you can see how big it is. And it was only 5 euro. Jenny got this crepe with apples and caramel and ice cream and sugar. That was good, too. We all wanted to vomit when we had finished. It was a delicious dinner. Going out to dinner here is always magnificent. When I think of Applebees, I want to cry. American dining is so sad. Oh well. 

We went to bed after that, very tired and stuffed to the brim...

Lot's of stuff. Let's start with La Fountaine de Vaucluse.

I have not blogged in awhile. So this might be long. 

To start. Let's talk about the Fountaine de Vaucluse. Vaucluse is the providence that I live in in France. La Fountaine de Vaucluse is this spring that has no bottom. Well, at least divers have not been able to find the bottom. Yes, it is very deep. It is also terribly cold. The water was so pure though that I didn't noticed I had stepped into it.

 Luckily Brad yelled "Shawna! You're standing in the water!" and I could jump out before I completely soaked my brand new Converse. The seem to be impermeable to water though. I walked away unscathed. 

After visiting the town, we visited the village. It carries the same name as the fountain. It was a little town and it was a bit touristy. There was also this huge hill to climb to a chateau. It was very hot but Brad, Kelby and I decided to climb it. It was completely gorgeous up there. And terribly high! I was scared. In the picture with my one leg up, I was standing on a steep ledge and I was scared to death. 

Luckily there was no Mistral that day or I would have blown right off! Kelby continued on up the mountain (he's the adventurous, hiking, rock climbing type) and Brad and I decided to head back down because it was so hot. I actually sported some shorts on this hike (it's very taboo for girls to wear shorts here without pantyhose underneath. Yeah I know, don't ask). Brad and a group of our friends hung out by the cold river the rest of the day. You could literally drink the water it was so clear. 

We were initially in the city because there is another Resistance Museum there. The students in the Resistance class (I didn't take it because I was not at that level and it requires a LOT of work) had a meeting with a group of senior citizens who participated in the movement. I could have met them, but I had a feeling I wouldn't understand their accents. And I was right. I met up with them at the museum later. They were nice, but I had trouble understanding them.

Overall the day was wonderful. I got some more ice cream, of course and then we headed back. I wish I could post more photos of the fountain, but I can only upload 5 photos per post.

Busy Busy Busy

OK, so I just got home from Normandy yesterday and I have a busy week ahead of me. I will blog about my fabulous trip in a few days!! See you in 2 1/2 weeks...

This is where I live. And carpet. And milk.

Ok. This might sound terribly strange, but I miss the warmth of carpet beneath my feet as I wake up in the morning. Followed by a nice bowl of cereal smothered in milk. Oh well, I've got the rest of my life for that!

So this is where I live. Avignon.

 Never thought it was much until I started walking around. We are famous for the Palais de Papes that I told you about a long time ago. And also le Pont d'Avignon. The bridge that broke. Now you can see a little bit of my town. I run along that river when I'm not being a lazy ass and Rachel wants to come with me. It's dangerous to go out by yourself. As you can see, I walk under a terribly scary bridge at least

 twice a day. 

And also you can see the Snack Kebab. They make deliciously sketchy food, but they can be intimidating at times, especially the one by my house. The men who hang around the place are super creepy.

Basically, Avignon has a good side and a bad side. Sadly, I live on the bad side. But that makes me wanna get out and see the good. Talk to ya after NORMANDY! Be jealous! We just finalized all our plans and I am super excited!!!

Uzes and Pont du Gard

Yesterday was my favorite excursion yet. It was a beautiful sunny day, probably in the mid 70s, not a cloud in the sky. 

First the group visited a town called Uzes. There was a big Saturday market there. The markets are a lot of fun here. They are so different than back home. After Uzes we sailed under the Pont du Gard, an ancient roman aqueduct. It was so much fun. We canoed under it! It was so pretty. And of course I took about 50 million photos. 

I don't really have much else to write. I'm still loving life in France. I am sad that I only have a few more weeks. Hopefully I'll get some more photos up soon. I just realized this week that you guys don't know what MY town looks like. You've never seen the monuments in Avignon. I went around and took some photos the other night so hopefully I'll post them on photobucket soon. 

Have a good week! Next week is Normandy for me!!!

My Random Weekend

This weekend was yet another 3-day weekend. I decided to stay here however, because my French buds offered to take me to the beach, and it was free, so I was up for it.

Let's start with Thursday night...

Rachel and I decided to run to the convenient store before dinner. We were tired and did not feel like putting on a real outfit. I went outside in a workout t-shirt, basket ball shorts, flipflops and a pony tail. We jokingly talked about how we were look like freaks. People actually stopped to look and laugh at us in our American outfits. It was hilarious.

Later that night our French buds took us to a "soiree" (party) at this high end club.

 Oh my God, it looked like a club from a movie. I felt like I was in a movie. It was fun. We just chatted and drank free alcohol. I like going out with my French buds because I learn a lot. They are cool.

On Friday we were going to go to Aix-en-Provence but did not feel like spending 30 euro to get there and back. We opted for Orange. It is known for its super old Roman theatre built in 1 AD. It was cool and I liked the garden there. However there was not much to do there. Though I did find some good postcards.

Friday night we went to Apt, where a few of our French friends live. It is so far away. By car it is about an hour. I don't know how they make the drive so much. Plus there are so many round-abouts and curving streets. They drive like lunatics. If I die in a car crash here, at least I'll die instantly. (But don't worry Mommy, I won't die) So we stayed in Apt for the night because 

the beach was kinda far away. 

Our French friends never like to tell us anything about where we are going and what we are doing. It gets kind of annoying. Friday night I found myself at a dinner party for our friend

 Thomas. He is super nice and he family was so welcoming. They just kept giving me food (I had already eaten a full meal) and cheese (which was so good) and wine and pies and alcohol. Oh, it was amazing. I have been gaining so much weight! The French kids always make fun of me because I never stop eating here. I like 

to think of it as taking full advantage of the culture. I have all summer to work it off. So basically I left this dinner party trashed. Thomas's dad danced on the table without his shirt, letting his huge belly hang out, then he mooned everyone. Boy do the French know how to have a good time.

Next morning we woke up and went to the beach...but not before walking through the

 Saturday morning market in Apt. It is supposedly the best outdoor market in Provence. It was nice but we didn't really stop to buy anything. See, the problem here is with the cars and driving us all around. The cars are smaller so we're always having to drive everywhere twice and I never know what is happening. That is basically my life here: confusion. 

So we headed to the beach called La Caitot.

 It is by Marseilles on the Mediterranean. 

Boy was it beautiful. The car right there was nauseating, but it was worth it. Lots of topless sun bathers lined the beaches. It was a little cold, but that didn't stop me from swimming in the water. I kinda wish I hadn't gained so much weight, but Oh Well! You only live once and you only study in Europe once.

After the beach we watched a handball game. Oh, I forgot to tell you. Me and Rachel are friends with the majority of the Apt Handball team. They are all so good looking. I'm talking 6-pack abs. They took us to the beach because they had a match in La Caitot that evening. It was interesting and I did not mind watching the hot boys run around one bit. I especially liked the end when they won and took off their shirts. I am telling you, they are GOOD LOOKING. It was something fun and interesting to do. I don't know why these boys like to hang out with us, but I'm not complaining. They're fun to be around and I can practice my French and experience how the French live more than the other students here. I feel bad for the students who don't know any French people.

After that we took a different route home. Thomas, the super nice boy with a super nice family and a super hot body, took us through Marseilles. It was gorgeous. I wanted to stop and get out and take pictures. The group will be going there in a few weeks for an over night stay. I am very excited.

We ended our trip at McDonald's, however I have not been hungry today. And now here I sit. Planning more of my Normandy trip. Next weekend I will be canoeing under le Pont du Guarde. Then the weekend after that is a 4-day weekend where I will be visiting Normandy. We will see the Bayeux tapestry, the D-Day beaches, and Mont St. Michel. I am super excited! I can't believe I have been here for almost 7 weeks. I do not want to leave! The longer I stay here, the more attached I become. France is so beautiful and so laid back. I could definitely get used to this. If only I could understand and speak more...

Oh and my oral exam went well. Christophe said that I am improving and that I speak well and participate enough in class.

Have a good week in the USA!

Lyon and Insomnia

This past weekend I visited Lyon with my roomie, Rachel, and Marie and Elisse. It was so much fun and it was a good break from Avignon!

Weleft on Friday afternoon because we did not have school as a result of the French Labor Day. Everything is seriously closed on this day except for restaurants and trains, but it was OK because we spent our time traveling. 

After freaking out and thinking that we did not have a room at the youth hostel because the lady was spelling Marie's name incorrectly, we saw our sweet duplex! It was so cute! I'm pretty sure I have stayed in crappier hotels. That night we walked around the city. It 

was so pretty. Lyon is the third largest city in France, but it manages to keep its charm and character. I loved walking along the Rhone here, and it was pretty close to our h

ostel.

The next day we woke up early to see all we could. We got these things called a city pass for only 15 euro to see all the sites of the city, a boat tour, and free metro/buses/trams. We visited churches (of course!), a miniature museum that was super cool, a silk museum that wasn't cool, and took a boat tour. The miniature museum had a bunch of doll houses. I think my mom would have really liked it. The museum featured the miniature replicas that are made for movies. I saw how the Overlook Hotel from the movie "The Shining" was made and also the replica of the Titanic breaking in half. 

We visited some shops along the streets including this colorful one that had these crazy toasters, graters, spoons, picture frames and nic-naks. I was going to buy Noel this cool grater for maybe her new apartment or wherever she might live someday because it looked like something she might like. But it was kinda expensive. However, I learned today that this store is also in Avignon and therefore I might still get it. I guess you had to be there 

and see how cute this store was.

After that I thought it would be a good idea to see the silk museum because Lyon is famous for its silk. Boy was I wrong! After walking 30 minutes up a huge hill, we were disappointed. It wasn't even a museum! We walked in and pretty much walked out. However, I guess I didn't have enough fun the first time, because I returned after I forgot my sweater there.

We ate some lunch on a statue in a park and then headed to the river for the boat tour. We missed the tour that we wanted to go on and signed up for the next one. In the meantime we visited the Resistance museum which was pretty sad and depressing. 

By the time the boat tour of the Rhone and the Seone (they rhyme!) came around, I was pooped. I think I fell asleep on the to

ur actually. But hey, I got to sit! That night we took naps and then headed out for a night on the town.

We started our evening in Old Lyon, it was one of my favorite sections of the city. We left the first restaurant because I'm pretty sure they knew we were Americans and therefore, felt no rush to serve us. It's OK, I did not want to eat a calf's head anyway! We decided to eat at a Mexican restaurant and boy, was it tasty! French Mexican is excellent. And for dessert, I ate the best chocolate pie ever. After one bite, I could have stopped it was so rich. After dinner we chilled along the Rhone and then headed to a bar for a few drinks. We called it an early night so that we could wake up early and ride bikes along the river.

HOWEVER, that did not happen. Because the bike renting machine did not like our credit cards=( I was very sad and it kinda ruined the plans of the day. We

 bought another transportation pass for the day and headed to the main attraction of the city, Notre-Dame de Fornievre (or something like that). You take this strange metro up this huge hill, they were called fourniculars I think. It was like a roller coaster, but very slow. The site from the hill was amazing. And of course the church was beautiful, but I've seen a bunch here. They sort of all look the same now. They were having mass, too. I couldn't imagine being able to go to some of these beautiful churches for mass. If we had churches like that in the US, I think more people would go to church.

After that we headed to the park, which we wanted to do on bikes, but no, we took the metro. It was a shame too because by the time we found the place, we only have 10 minutes to see it. It is called le parc de la tete d'or (the gold head park). It is huge and it had tons of bikers and runners. It would have been amazing to see on bike. Oh well. Perhaps someday I could return to Lyon and ride my bike along the river to the park.

From there we checked out of the hostel and headed home. Since then I have continued to battle with my lack of sleep. I have started to tremble and shake now because I do not sleep. I will go to bed at midnight and wake up at 12:30. It is horrible. When I DO sleep, I am terribly confused and dream that I am lost somewhere in Europe. When I wake up I have no idea where I am. I bought some new sleeping pills today, and I pray that they work. I can only take them for 10 days though. I wish I had some Tylenol PM and could take it when I need it. Oh well, once again. If worse comes to worse, I will visit the doctor. It is only 22 euro to visit the doctor here. How crazy is that?!?!?

Have a great week! I'm gonna be sittin' pretty here in Avignon in the 80 degree sun and Saturday I will be chillin' along side the Mediterranean. Try not to be too jealous. Though I DO have an oral exam on Wednesday! Yikes!

Au revoir! Bious!