thanksgiving & england!

Thanksgiving was fantastic! All of the food we each brought turned out perfect (or in the case of M’s stuffing – even better than expected), we had plenty to go around, & everyone was in high spirits. Some funny moments of the evening:

· My homemade pie crusts failed – they both just slouched down during the baking…no clue why…so we had skinny pumpkin pie.

· We reviewed the history of the holiday, it was funny hearing how other assistants explained it to the kids.

· We all sang “Star-Spangled Banner” to a digital image of an American flag on the computer. The Brits looked on in great amusement.

We did go around the table to say what we are each thankful for, and of course, I shed a tear or two. The resounding sentiment was how thankful we all are to be able to celebrate this holiday with the people we view as our family here. & KO thank you for your package! I used the flowers as nametags :) 

I went home a bit earlier than most people since I had to get up early for the train to Beziers the next morning. Finished packing, slept, and then started the journey! Being paranoid about missing trains or flights, I booked my trains obscenely early. Won’t do that again…definitely had too much time to just hang out & wait in Beziers, which resulted in me purchasing 2 new books for my Kindle.

ENGLAND!!! BATH!!!

· I consumed: beans&toast&eggs&English bacon, cider, caramel nibblers, Cadbury chocolate, mince pies, hot spiced cider, toasted nuts, yummy veggies in pasta/over rice, yogurt, & HOBNOBS! Only one of my favorite parts of English food.

· Went to the Christmas Market, which was as gorgeous, crowded, and Christmas-y as ever.

· Went out in Bristol & Bath with the English friends I stayed with.

· Spoke ENGLISH! Though some in England would call it – American. Lots of banter over language differences, haha.

· Admired the beautiful Bath Stone & the architecture all over the city.

· Went on a walk to the top of a huge hill & was rewarded with an incredible view of the city.

· Had tea with Prof. B, who organizes the intern places & heads a lot of the day trips. We chatted about education, differences between the French & English systems, how I liked France, & some of the things I gained from my semester in England.

· Walked around all the places I used to frequent – ASE house, the Royal Crescent, my walk to classes, the train station, the Abbey…it was very strange being back. It felt the same, yet I felt different.

ASE

The Huntsman (redesigned inside!)

in front of the Crescent

It was cold though! And that my body was not prepared for, so unfortunately I’m sick as a dog right now. I called in sick off work yesterday & am hoping tomorrow morning goes well otherwise I may take part of tomorrow off too. Sore throat, fever, pounding headache…yuck. Haven’t left my room in nearly 48 hours! Thank goodness for Mimi’s amazing care package, Dad’s nice letter & phone conversation, S’s willingness to run out & get me OJ, and M getting me some lemon tea!

Oh, and a HAPPY BIRTHDAY to one of my best friends – Lauren Waters! Love you soo much & can’t wait for your visit!! 

happy thanksgiving!

to everyone at home - i miss you!


but, with tradition i will say what i am thankful for this thanksgiving (which is a lot)


~ getting the chance to live in france, as i've dreamed of since i was in middle school
~ the wonderful friends i've made in nîmes, who have helped this new city to become home
~ my parents - who have supported my travels, even though it takes me away from my family
~ my younger sibling - who i hope learn to love traveling as i have & are never afraid to venture outside of their comfort zone & try new things
~ my absolutely amazing friends in the states - i would not have gotten through this beginning-of-post-grad without you. seriously, i am so enriched just by having you in my life
~ travel! 
~ good health (yay gym!)
~ the people in nîmes that i've met & have welcomed me into their lives
~ Teaching!
~ & so much more...




lovelovelove to my Americans & Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving week

Thanksgiving!! Favorite holiday of the year - and found out today that only one child out of my 7 classes had some semblance of an idea of what it was. I quickly remedied that.

Even though I can’t be with my family in Chicago this Thanksgiving, I feel very thankful to have made such good friends here & to be having not one, but two Thanksgivings! Wednesday night I will be in Montpellier celebrating with Asia & other Montpellier assistants, while Thursday I will be in Nîmes cooking & eating with great friends here. Somehow, I’ll be making the pies for both days! Apple for Wednesday & pumpkin (my fav) for Thursday. I did my lessons on Thanksgiving today, and with some classes it went very well but there were quite a few roudy classes today. The French don’t have a good translation of “I am thankful for…”, and cranberries don’t exist here. Also, pumpkin pie – nope not a thing, and turkey is more of a Christmas deal. I do have Thursday off though! They had no problem when I told them it was a public holiday in the US & nearly as big as Christmas. SO I’m looking forward to a day of cooking, friends, talking to my family, and preparing for a weekend in England – my other abroad home :)

In other news, yesterday A & I joined a gym in Nîmes! It’s only  30 a month, which is great for France. It’s a small gym, especially compared to L.A. Fitness, where I was this summer. But it’s got tons of classes we’re excited to try out, it’s on the way back from my afternoon school, and it’s got everything you could need. Looking forward to that being our new social hour instead of coffee or going for a drink regularly! We worked out yesterday & I felt sooo good afterwards. 

On Friday morning I will catch the train in Nîmes to go to Beziers – about an hours ride – where I will then go to the airport for my plane to Bristol, England! My plans for England – some good beer, cider, friends, afternoon tea with my old Education professor, nights out in both Bristol and Bath, toast/beans/eggs and plenty of gorgeous English accents! 

bisous (or xx for les anglais)

pictures are up!

First of all, it feels so good to be writing about today! and yesterday! not two weeks ago! 


Here are some of my favorite pictures from the photoshoot - be sure to check out AcroPhotography for the rest!


http://www.facebook.com/pages/Acro-Photography/105287422895146

Yesterday was yet another great day, beginning to think my luck must run out somewhere! Had a relaxing afternoon coffee with the crew outside of the Maison Carré. Was planning on doing moules frites with the crew for dinner, but ended up going out for a couple drinks & dinner with some new French friends! They are all studying at Instut Vatel, specializing in the Hotel Industry (not sure of the specifics). All had very good English, so we spoke about half and half since they wanted to practice as well. Talked about France, food here, America, & differences between out two education systems. Went to a creperie for a late dinner! Excited about new friends :) Today I did some much-needed grocery shopping at les halles (the big market in Nîmes). Lots of veggies for a soup I'm planning to make tomorrow. Lunch with some of the gals, had hummus for the first time in MONTHS & am now re-obsessed with it. Then spent the afternoon in the library! Yes, I realize that sounds very boring but it was so reminiscent of Denison that I literally just enjoyed sitting in a place that felt like home. Also, I had real internet the whole time & was able to catch up with Lauren, Kate & a few other home friends without my home internet going out unexpectedly. Getting more excited every day about Lauren's upcoming visit for New Years! She sent me some quotes to cheer me up earlier this week after a rough morning - here's one:

"Most people don't know there are angels whose only job is to make sure you don't get too comfortable & fall asleep & miss your life."

Don't miss out your life!

bisous

loving life here & sneak peek of the photoshoot!

Last Wednesday was pretty chill - had some quality assistant bonding time with S, A & M while lesson planning, watching a Scottish cooking show, & then a delicious quiche for dinner! Thursday I taught again – reviewed colors & started on English-speaking countries for the older kids. Printed out a blank map of the world for the kids, worked on English translations of countries (i.e. Etats-Unis = United States), & located the countries on a map. The crew went out Thursday, student night, as usual! Lots of dancing & one of the best nights yet! Friday I was up bright & early to get Katie F from the train station! YAY! It was SO nice to get a visit from someone from home, and we did a lot! Friday we wandered les jardins & basically explored Nîmes. Saturday – trip to Arles – a town about an hour bus ride southeast of Nîmes. There was a huge market & we ended up spending the day with 2 other assistants, J & B. It was really nice, I’ll post some pics later since they’re still on my camera. Definitely happy I live in Nîmes though :)

That night we went to M’s housewarming party – delicious food, met some new people, great conversations, followed by a night full of dancing (hmm…theme to our nightlife). Sunday we did a tour of the arena, still here from Roman times. There was so much more information & guidance here than when I toured the Coliseum in Rome! Learned about all the different types of gladiators, what kinds of events happened in the arena, & even how there was a village IN it during the middle ages! Crazy. We then went to rugby with the crew, Nîmes v. Marseille. Happy to say that Nîmes pretty much smashed Marseille – 30something – 3! Will definitely be returning to watch more games, the fans are great & it feels good to be around sports again. Still haven’t found people to play soccer with, but I’ve learned that it’s a guys sport here. All the French guys I’ve talked to are really surprised, and kind of taken aback, when they can talk “football” with me. Snaps to Title IX!

This week! Monday morning Katie left to return to Barcelona, and I chilled out in my room a bit before heading to S’s for some lesson planning & Scottish comedy! Learned a lot of Scottish vocab & jokes that’ll come in handy over Christmas :) Tuesday, after a rough morning, got much better as I continued the lesson on English-speaking countries & the kids colored & labeled flags of Australia, New Zealand, the US, UK, and Canada! The second half of my day was teaching perfection & then the crew went to see Drive in a theatre that shows movies in their original language.

Wednesday. Out of a dream, thanks to Asia, Alston & S. So, background – Asia is a photographer, just started getting more serious this year (I believe, Asia correct me if I’m wrong), & since we became Facebook friends this summer I’ve kept an eye on her amazing pictures. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Acro-Photography/105287422895146

I did a few fun, casual photoshoots with high school friends but we didn’t know what we were doing. So when Asia asked if I would model for her for a shoot, it was an automatic YES. I love photography, being outside, doing something new…the amazing resulting pictures are just a bonus. Honestly, if there were no pictures from the day I wouldn’t be crushed. It was that much fun! We went to les jardins (told you I’d return at least once a week) & S also modeled. Gorgeous day in Nîmes, 60s & sunny, clear skies. Outside for 4 hours taking pictures!

AcroPhotography

AcroPhotography

More to come! 

bisous

back in Nîmes!

It’s been awhile since I told you all about life in Nîmes! We returned from the road trip on Halloween, so I made it back to celebrate with the assistant crew. S even set up a bucket so we could bob for apples! That week I taught colors, which was an interesting experience with CP. I ended up doing 2 lessons on colors with them, because they still hadn’t gotten it after the first lesson. I think it’s just another thing I have to review on a regular basis for them to really get. We did dinner on Friday night and of course S & I went to CKF for some dancing. Saturday I slept in, then went to M’s for an amazing dinner! She made moules frites (mussels with French fries) with a simple white sauce, I made roasted carrots and mushrooms, and we had bread & wine as well. New cooking goal – learn how to make moules frites with various sauces! & try a few recipes from Julia Child’s cookbook. May as well while I’m in France! I stayed at M’s that night, and went to brunch at H’s the next morning with the crew. Fruit salad, lochs, breakfast burritos…beginning to believe my friendships revolve around food here. But, when in France...

Monday M & I went for a run to les jardins, my first time actually exploring the entirety of the gardens! & ohmygoodness what a gem. I’ve returned several times since then & will certainly make it at least a weekly jaunt. Tuesday I went to Montpellier for my OFII doctor’s appointment – the final step to get our visa completely approved. I got there a bit early to have lunch with Asia & her bf who’s in from Australia & C. The appointment went smoothly, and was a lot easier/faster than I expected. I also met up with Z, another girl working in Nîmes who I almost got to live with. We had a lovely glass of wine in La Place de Concorde (not positive that’s the name..ha) after our successful approval. People-watching was fabulous, lots of characters, as was the conversation. I am reminded every day how lucky I am that there are such wonderful assistants here with me in Nîmes & nearby in Montpellier.

*Must run, will finish updating soon – promise!! bisous

The LifeCycle Film

something my friend A shared with me, wanted to pass it on :)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=QDmt_t6umoY

some info:


http://www.blog.holstee.com/lifecyclefilm-debut

trip reflections

& that, my friends, is a wrap :)


Overall, the trip was fabulous. I got to see a side of Europe that I hadn't before, became close friends with two amazing women, connected with people from entirely different backgrounds, heard new languages....the list goes on & on. Even with the bumps, I am so happy that Asia & I made this trip happen. A trip that was only an idea, a wish 3 months ago. I can hardly believe that ten years ago I hoped to live in France one day...I'm making things happen - fulfilling my dreams. It's exciting! I'll leave with a couple of my favorite Brian Andreas quotes:

"Everything changed the day she figured out there was exactly enough time for the important things in her life."

"I asked her what she planned to do with her life & she said she was way beyond that point already. I'm just happy I remember to be there when it happens, she said."

bisous

chocolate, fromage, mountains...la suisse

Day 9


I had been looking forward to this day since we planned the trip - driving through Switzerland. The Alps, countryside, 3 cities & a village...you hear about Switzerland's raw, natural beauty & I could not wait to see it for myself. We woke up early in Zurich, walked around the center a bit & grabbed breakfast & coffee before heading out for our big day. Destination - Lyon, France.

Zurich :)

Bern was next, only an hour from Zurich! Walked around, I honestly wasn't very impressed...the buildings tended to be a grey color. But first impressions aren't always the best to go on so yes, I'd return to Bern for a longer stay :)

Church in Bern (M & I)

Church entry detail

Gruyère - home of the cheese & the most beautiful little town we stopped in. Went up to the village, which is perched on a hilltop, and got a few souvenirs. Next, the cheese factory! We got to taste 3 different pieces & learned a lot about what goes into production of cheese (gruyere of course). Last but not least, chocolate tasting! As amazing as it sounds. 

hellooo switzerland

cows, all with huge cowbells!

kkg <3 (hotel de la fleur de lis in the background)

gruyeres

le fromage

chocolate house!

the castle of all castles

DAY 8

Left Munich around 11, next stop – Neuschwanstein!!! After that we headed to Zurich & were greeted with a raclette dinner, a Swiss specialty, in addition to Swiss wine & great conversation with our hosts. Anyways, I’ve wanted to see this castle ever since I was little & obsessed with Disney & princesses :)  We parked the car at the bottom of the hill/mountain & then took a bus halfway up. Part of the castle was under reconstruction, but I knew that ahead of time. The walk up was gorgeous - the trees reflected the change of seasons, the sky was a clear blue, and you could hear all sorts of languages around you. 

Basically - a dream.  

Driving through Bavaria, Germany

stunning lake & park just off the road

the lake & mountains

View from an overlook on the way up to the castle

incredible

moi, at the overlook

at the castle!

beautiful day, beautiful castle, beautiful country

munich

DAY 7

Full day in Munich! We slept in, still being tired from dealing with car stuff in Prague. Then Asia, M & I went out for some quiet girl time, which was absolutely lovely. We walked around the center of the city, sat & had coffee in Marienplatz, admired the Englischer Gardens & then took the tram to M’s friends house for tea & dinner. 

Marienplatz - a few cafés to sit & people watch (one of my favorite parts of Europe)

Asia & I - Marienplatz

mmmm hot candied nuts

Melissa & Asia in the Englischer Gardens. We were there in the eve so I don't have many pictures

The couple has a baby girl, just over 1 years old, who is super cute! I loved hanging out with the girls, drinking tea, and playing with a baby. It definitely made me miss H! 

H - the beautiful girl i babysat this past summer :)