If you weren’t aware, there is hardly anything open on Sundays in France. This day is dedicated to family, and so a good “balade” is usually in order. There are some very beautiful hiking trails on the outskirts of Dijon, and when I went this past Sunday, I really got a taste of this weekend mentality. I saw families of all sizes and ages…a young couple with 2 boys, a group of old couples out for a stroll, teenagers with their parents, and the list goes on. I love the fact that the French still have the idea of family togetherness, and Sundays here have such a comfortable feel. Of course, it would be nice to actually have my family HERE, but I’m dealing with it by going out and mooching off the joy of other families :0) The fresh air was so lovely on Sunday, although brisk. I also saw two horses (well, being ridden by people) and that was awesome. I am absolutely in love with nature, and while I like living in Dijon, it still is a city with a lot of stone. I would rather live in a farmhouse surrounded by trees, and on the weekend after a long week at school and listening to cars, I can escape, like these families, and recharge my batteries.
balader = to hike
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Swimming with the French
So this past weekend I went swimming, for the second time, in a community pool. I love swimming (well, once and awhile…I couldn’t imagine doing it for a professional sport though. I am done going back and forth after about an hour :0) Anyways, doing things like this really lets me see into the French way of life. Some things that I have noticed:
- French women are not afraid of wearing lipstick in the pool
- Men are not aware of the concept of swimming trunks. However, they do know about Speedos.
- On average, French people are much skinnier than Americans
- Pools, like everything else in france, run on extremely odd schedules. Usually it has to do with meal times. For example, things will usually close around noon and open up again at around 2 – and this might seem like a good idea until you are the person that needs to go to a store to get something done and it’s not open. That is one of the reasons why it takes so long to get anything done here.
- French kids are absolutely adorable. I have not found one that contradicts this conclusion.
The first time I went it was actually a bit of a nightmare because not only do the French not really understand how lanes work, it was as though all of Dijon was in the pool. So, the workout wasn't exactly about the strokes, it was about avoiding people!!
- French women are not afraid of wearing lipstick in the pool
- Men are not aware of the concept of swimming trunks. However, they do know about Speedos.
- On average, French people are much skinnier than Americans
- Pools, like everything else in france, run on extremely odd schedules. Usually it has to do with meal times. For example, things will usually close around noon and open up again at around 2 – and this might seem like a good idea until you are the person that needs to go to a store to get something done and it’s not open. That is one of the reasons why it takes so long to get anything done here.
- French kids are absolutely adorable. I have not found one that contradicts this conclusion.
The first time I went it was actually a bit of a nightmare because not only do the French not really understand how lanes work, it was as though all of Dijon was in the pool. So, the workout wasn't exactly about the strokes, it was about avoiding people!!
Where I Am vs. Where Am I
Is it weird that sometimes I still stop and find it strange that I’m in France? How did I get here? How did my life lead me to this place? To this country, this city, this French home? I am 21 years old, no longer in high school, coming home from field hockey practice, about to eat spaghetti with my mom and Caroline. I am no longer on a sports team, no longer in a town where I know half the population, no longer a little girl. I am on my own in a country that speaks a language that is not my native tongue. Yes, I am still in college, but it won’t be the same when I return, I know that. Every minute here in France has an influence on me – everyone that I meet changes my perceptions – every step I take opens up new paths for me in the future.
Sometimes it feels as though time passes so slowly. And then other times, it seems like there’s no way of slowing down its rapid pace. Sometimes I miss my family so much it hurts. And then other days I go for days without thinking about it.
What I do always think about is how I will live my life now. What do I want? Do I want to live in Europe again after this year? Do I want to become a French professor or take the psychology route? Only time will tell, and yet, I’m not very patient – thus it’s a good thing I guess that I stop and realize what situation I’m in. I need to remember that this year, and years to come, are not dictated by anyone else but me. I am planning my trips around Europe. I get to decide what job to take, where to live, who to marry, etc. Ah, quarter life crises. :0)
I wish everyone a thoughtful night like mine tonight,
Love, Katelyn
Sometimes it feels as though time passes so slowly. And then other times, it seems like there’s no way of slowing down its rapid pace. Sometimes I miss my family so much it hurts. And then other days I go for days without thinking about it.
What I do always think about is how I will live my life now. What do I want? Do I want to live in Europe again after this year? Do I want to become a French professor or take the psychology route? Only time will tell, and yet, I’m not very patient – thus it’s a good thing I guess that I stop and realize what situation I’m in. I need to remember that this year, and years to come, are not dictated by anyone else but me. I am planning my trips around Europe. I get to decide what job to take, where to live, who to marry, etc. Ah, quarter life crises. :0)
I wish everyone a thoughtful night like mine tonight,
Love, Katelyn
Friday night out
So second semester began Monday! I was very much looking forward to starting with new classes. I’ve decided against taking Italian again, b/c, well, it was just too difficult to keep Italian in my head as the French was taking over. :0) But I’m continuing with my French culture class because the professor is bonkers – all she does (besides canceling class half the time) is tell us stories of her life – and I’m continuing with French translation which I adore. Social psych begins on thursday, along with an education course (the difference between girls and boys in the classroom...mom, you would like this one!)
Last Friday I went to see Charlie Wilson’s War (La Guerre Selon Charlie Wilson) with Amadou. It was great, except that it was difficult to understand a bit what was going on, but it would have been difficult to understand if it was English too. I knew nothing of Afghanistan’s past, or its relationship with Russia. However, Amadou enlightened me a bit. After we went to Flannerys (a good Irish pub in town), and what did we talk about, but politics. He told me who he thought would win the election in November, and I did the same. It’s really awesome to hear from non-Americans what they think about us, and how the actions of our country effect more than just the American citizens. For example, when the election for the new French president was going on, no Americans were paying attention. I know hardly any other presidents around the world…but everyone is watching the American race – and everyone has an opinion too :0) America is one powerful country…and that’s what I’m learning more and more every day…as I’ve said before, I have learned more about the United States from not living there!
Last Friday I went to see Charlie Wilson’s War (La Guerre Selon Charlie Wilson) with Amadou. It was great, except that it was difficult to understand a bit what was going on, but it would have been difficult to understand if it was English too. I knew nothing of Afghanistan’s past, or its relationship with Russia. However, Amadou enlightened me a bit. After we went to Flannerys (a good Irish pub in town), and what did we talk about, but politics. He told me who he thought would win the election in November, and I did the same. It’s really awesome to hear from non-Americans what they think about us, and how the actions of our country effect more than just the American citizens. For example, when the election for the new French president was going on, no Americans were paying attention. I know hardly any other presidents around the world…but everyone is watching the American race – and everyone has an opinion too :0) America is one powerful country…and that’s what I’m learning more and more every day…as I’ve said before, I have learned more about the United States from not living there!
Monday, January 21, 2008
Africa in France
I have made such a nice friend. His name is Amadou and he is from Guinea, Africa. He too is here for the year studying, and I am going to help him with his English. Today I took him for a walk around Lake Kir (there are some pictures on my flickr account) because hadn’t been there yet. We only speak in French, because his English classes don’t start until this upcoming semester (he is fluent in French and his dialect Poular) and I’m proud to say that we talk like any two friends would talk – I can’t believe I’m at that level! He’s a great talker and listener…we’ll talk about his country and what his home life is like in Guinea, I’ll talk to him about Massachusetts and about the Cape, we’ll discuss what’s going on in Kenya with the political problems, and how we both find French people rather cold. Today we got even more deep in conversation by talking religion (he’s Muslim) and how strange life is. I was telling him that it is sometimes hard for me, because even though it’s my dream to be in France, it’s not always easy. I also told him that I can’t live without challenging myself. His response was, “There are always problems…the rich have problems as well as the poor, the ‘happy’ have problems, as well as the depressed, but the way to look at it is that all problems have solutions. I live my life that way…finding solutions.” It was really great to talk to him after being home alone for a few days without classes. I have had too much time to think, too much time to wonder what I’m doing with my life, too much time to miss my family and friends back in the states. But he reassured me to look at things that upset me in a different light. Also, I asked him what he thought about challenging oneself. He told me that the way to happiness is overcoming these challenges and obstacles, and that’s why people need them in their lives. I reflected on this and realized that perhaps I run because it’s a challenge, and yet when I finish I’m happy because I have succeeded. Perhaps I’m going abroad because it’s really difficult, yet I know that I’ll be getting so much more out of it than what I put in. Also talking to Amadou made me realize how easy it is for me, an American, to get a passport, to travel, to work wherever, to be safe, to have food…yet happiness comes not from that, but from learning HOW to live. Amadou told me that even poor people in the streets of Africa are singing and laughing – what strength!
Study Period
The time has arrived to take final exams. Remember how I told you how all of my classes were conducted in French? Well, so are the tests. Woo! I took my psychology and Italian exams on Tuesday, and then my theme/version (French to English and then English to French translation) exams on Thursday. I have one left for next week. To say the least, I’m pretty proud of myself. I was able to do them! The grading system is different here - the grades are actually out of 20. To pass, you need to get a 10 or above. It’s a strange system (to this American girl here) but the Holy Cross students just need to pass…which translates into I don’t have to worry. Our GPA’s are actually frozen this year, therefore the grade here doesn't matter. Next semester I’ll be taking Social Psychology, an education class, and I’ll continue with my translation classes, methodology (learning how to write well in French), the French culture course, and my tutoring course.
Because I don't have classes this week because it's study period, the Holy Crossers had a dinner party last night! We made crepes (I'm a pro at flipping them :0) and filled them with nutella, bananas, hunny, peanut butter (which is very hard to find in France and if you do it's VERY expensive...so this was a treat!) and melted chocolate. These were sucré, but you also have the option of the salé ones, which can be filled with cheese, ham, veggies, etc. To top off the night, we watched the Parent Trap. With wine in our glasses and the movie in front of us, I couldn't be happier to be among Americans for the night.
sucré - sweet crepes
Because I don't have classes this week because it's study period, the Holy Crossers had a dinner party last night! We made crepes (I'm a pro at flipping them :0) and filled them with nutella, bananas, hunny, peanut butter (which is very hard to find in France and if you do it's VERY expensive...so this was a treat!) and melted chocolate. These were sucré, but you also have the option of the salé ones, which can be filled with cheese, ham, veggies, etc. To top off the night, we watched the Parent Trap. With wine in our glasses and the movie in front of us, I couldn't be happier to be among Americans for the night.
sucré - sweet crepes
Mot du Jour: Pétanque
I often pass a group of men playing pétanque on my run to the park. Pétanque is a game that my family knows as bocce, a game that constantly brings back memories of playing in the Leone’s backyard or on the cape with my family. Here, as I pass the adorable old men playing, I get some “Allez Allez Allez!”s as I run past. I just smile and wave, happy to be brought back for a few moments to my childhood.
Allez – Let’s go! Keep it up!
Allez – Let’s go! Keep it up!
TV time with Josie
I’m sitting with Josette in front of the television, and we’re watching Cold Case...honestly, the French love their police shows…and it’s funny that they’re usually American shows dubbed into french. This is just one example of how prevalent American culture is in France, and other countries! So Josie and I have our time in front of the TV most nights; we'll watch the news together while drinking our tea, and after awhile she brings out the chocolates for us to share. While on the outside she isn’t the mother figure that I hoped to find, her caring side has been shining through. 18 boulevard Carnot is finally beginning to feel like home. I arrived in Dijon on Saturday night after staying the day in Paris, and it felt SO good. After a tiring, overwhelming day in a big city, Dijon seems so tiny and so, well, comfortable.
Right now she’s looking at my fingers and asking me how I came to type so fast! She’s 66 and thinking of getting a laptop, which I tell her, is a great thing. We are also getting internet soon, if we can figure out how to make the WIFI accessible to the third floor (b/c her house is so big!) A+ !
Katelyn
A+ = Short for à plus, meaning talk to you soon
Right now she’s looking at my fingers and asking me how I came to type so fast! She’s 66 and thinking of getting a laptop, which I tell her, is a great thing. We are also getting internet soon, if we can figure out how to make the WIFI accessible to the third floor (b/c her house is so big!) A+ !
Katelyn
A+ = Short for à plus, meaning talk to you soon
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Back in Mustard Country
Alors, je suis arrivée en France!! I’m having a little trouble with the time changes (aka not being able to fall asleep until 5 in the morning) but all is well. I had such a great time over break in the States, and seeing family was just what I needed to recharge my batteries.
I already feel like this semester has a different feel to it, and I think it’s because although it’s only January, I can see the end of the year. I look at this year abroad in two parts…the part BEFORE the Christmas break in the U.S. and the part AFTER the break. I am now into the after part, which is exciting. Also, I have some nice trips planned for this semester (Switzerland, Berlin, Prague, Barcelona, Salzbourg, Vienna, and Sweden) and I’ll be seeing more of France (Provence, Normandy, Grenoble, Strasbourg) which break it up. Also, what is exciting is that I’m getting along so much better with Josette. However, after living with her for four months, I still don’t understand her completely. She has had an interesting life, bien sûr, but because it’s been hard for her, I think she’s shut down a bit emotionally. Yet she still has her heart in the right place, and always wants to help people. She gives me plein de conseilles because “she is 66 and knows the ways of the world.” She is also quite obstiné and very blunt. I have learned what sets her off (ie. When I don’t pick up, when I have too much laundry, when I don’t wear enough outside…) and have learned to avoid those things completely. Mais après tous, even though she’s a little loopy, I can totally see myself keeping in touch with her after I leave!
Miss you all,
Kate
PS. I found a station on Josie’s TV with some American TV shows, IN ENGLISH! Of course it took me until 2nd semester to do so…
PPS. I haven’t forgotten my French!
Alors, je suis arrivée en France!! - So I have arrived in France!
Bien sûr - Evidently/of course
Plein de conseilles - Lots of advice
Obstiné - Opinionated
Mais après tous - But when all is said and done
I already feel like this semester has a different feel to it, and I think it’s because although it’s only January, I can see the end of the year. I look at this year abroad in two parts…the part BEFORE the Christmas break in the U.S. and the part AFTER the break. I am now into the after part, which is exciting. Also, I have some nice trips planned for this semester (Switzerland, Berlin, Prague, Barcelona, Salzbourg, Vienna, and Sweden) and I’ll be seeing more of France (Provence, Normandy, Grenoble, Strasbourg) which break it up. Also, what is exciting is that I’m getting along so much better with Josette. However, after living with her for four months, I still don’t understand her completely. She has had an interesting life, bien sûr, but because it’s been hard for her, I think she’s shut down a bit emotionally. Yet she still has her heart in the right place, and always wants to help people. She gives me plein de conseilles because “she is 66 and knows the ways of the world.” She is also quite obstiné and very blunt. I have learned what sets her off (ie. When I don’t pick up, when I have too much laundry, when I don’t wear enough outside…) and have learned to avoid those things completely. Mais après tous, even though she’s a little loopy, I can totally see myself keeping in touch with her after I leave!
Miss you all,
Kate
PS. I found a station on Josie’s TV with some American TV shows, IN ENGLISH! Of course it took me until 2nd semester to do so…
PPS. I haven’t forgotten my French!
Alors, je suis arrivée en France!! - So I have arrived in France!
Bien sûr - Evidently/of course
Plein de conseilles - Lots of advice
Obstiné - Opinionated
Mais après tous - But when all is said and done
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