I'm losing a bit of motivation to blog, I don't really want to come back to reality by leaving Chambery.. Then again I do want to pop back to Conegliano and later go back to Busselton!
Yesterday we had the monthly test to divide all students, old and new, into groups. We have been hit by a MASSIVE hit of Japonese and Chinese students, it's crazy.
Melanie and I have completely opposite timetables these last 4 days, not very fun! They must have done it on purpose. But anyway we will go out one last time on Thursday night, and my host has even invited her for a pizza with us one night!
This morning Madame Andre dropped me off to a large shopping centre about 3 km from home... forgetting to mention that the only way to walk back was on the freeway! Scary experience. I bought her a rape alarm, a little plastic box with a string attached to it which if pulled makes a really loud noise. Melanie had one and when I told her about it she seemed to think it was a great idea.. plus she largely travels on her own so you can never be too careful :)
Watching 'La Vie En Rose' tonight at the school, everyone says it's a good film. A bientot!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Lovely Sunday
Almost-perfect weather blessed Chambery again on Sunday.
In the morning I went with Madame Andre to quickly visit the church she attends, it's l'Eglise de St Lemenc and underground it treasures an 8-century-old crypt, I may have mentioned trying to visit it last week, but it had been closed. Madame Andre with her contacts and persuasive manners let me see it, it was quite plain apart from a circular hole where baptism ceremonies used to be carried out, and a larger-than-reality marble monument of a dead Jesus and his disciples, pretty well preserved!
Today all around the centre there were massive markets. Like, HUGE, MASSIVELY POPULATED markets which happen in Chambery once a year, attracting people from all over the Savoy and commerciants from other regions. Most of the stock was ridiculously cheap, food was sold as well as clothes and accessories. I met Mel there and we dreaded spending the little money we have left, but I controlled myself quite well :) Lunch today was Churros, little fried Spanish sticks covered in sugar.
After a couple of hours of exploring, Mel and I went to sit at the park to enjoy the sun and de-stress due to the number of people around. There was this hint of idea about us doing some study for Monday's test, but we survived chatting instead. It was really relaxing after two high speed days to just sit and enjoy the sun.
Around 5pm we went to the Cafe du Theatre for a beer and ice cream (probaly the only decent in town, and I'm not just saying that cos I love the place ;). I was just noting to my English buddy that it had been a shame that we hadn't met many French people to practice our French on... sure enough, two guys soon joined our table and we did just that. Unfortunately the conversation was quite limited as they only had the one topic of conversation most guys would, so we left after not long. Funny anyway.
I'm going to miss it here, I'm just realising how much I've improved after 3-4 weeks of the school, I think I'm at a third of where I'd like to be with the language and 2 more months here would do me sooo good. Mamma di sicuro devi continuare a parlarmi in francese, per favore, almeno proveremo ok :) But I will surely consider coming back, if not for school maybe to visit Madame Andre!
I also am aggravated by how expensive university is in Australia compared to France and Spain (that I've heard of). It would be worth to do my studies here, pick up another language, and save some cash.. then again accommodation might be expensive? Who knows. Its a bit late now anyway...
In the morning I went with Madame Andre to quickly visit the church she attends, it's l'Eglise de St Lemenc and underground it treasures an 8-century-old crypt, I may have mentioned trying to visit it last week, but it had been closed. Madame Andre with her contacts and persuasive manners let me see it, it was quite plain apart from a circular hole where baptism ceremonies used to be carried out, and a larger-than-reality marble monument of a dead Jesus and his disciples, pretty well preserved!
Today all around the centre there were massive markets. Like, HUGE, MASSIVELY POPULATED markets which happen in Chambery once a year, attracting people from all over the Savoy and commerciants from other regions. Most of the stock was ridiculously cheap, food was sold as well as clothes and accessories. I met Mel there and we dreaded spending the little money we have left, but I controlled myself quite well :) Lunch today was Churros, little fried Spanish sticks covered in sugar.
After a couple of hours of exploring, Mel and I went to sit at the park to enjoy the sun and de-stress due to the number of people around. There was this hint of idea about us doing some study for Monday's test, but we survived chatting instead. It was really relaxing after two high speed days to just sit and enjoy the sun.
Around 5pm we went to the Cafe du Theatre for a beer and ice cream (probaly the only decent in town, and I'm not just saying that cos I love the place ;). I was just noting to my English buddy that it had been a shame that we hadn't met many French people to practice our French on... sure enough, two guys soon joined our table and we did just that. Unfortunately the conversation was quite limited as they only had the one topic of conversation most guys would, so we left after not long. Funny anyway.
I'm going to miss it here, I'm just realising how much I've improved after 3-4 weeks of the school, I think I'm at a third of where I'd like to be with the language and 2 more months here would do me sooo good. Mamma di sicuro devi continuare a parlarmi in francese, per favore, almeno proveremo ok :) But I will surely consider coming back, if not for school maybe to visit Madame Andre!
I also am aggravated by how expensive university is in Australia compared to France and Spain (that I've heard of). It would be worth to do my studies here, pick up another language, and save some cash.. then again accommodation might be expensive? Who knows. Its a bit late now anyway...
Saturday - Lyon
I was excited for this trip to Lyon but had no idea how much I´d enjoy it! I completely fell in love with the city from the minute I stepped off the metro.
The day actually started at 5am, me not being able to sleep. A couple of hours later I was having a coffee at the Cafe du Theatre, waiting for the departure. We took the train this time and there I met a French guy my age, who kindly told me a few things about Lyon, and allowed me to practice my French. Arrived at the train station in Lyon we took the metro to the 'old city', boooooooy was it gorgeous! I'm not an over-excited sort of person but the views took my breath away and I couldn't help but whisper 'wow'.
Just 50m from the metro exit was the Cathedral of Notre Dame... the most impressive church institution I think I've seen so far, it was bloody huge. I ventured off into little alleys lined by old high buildings, one of the things I saw was the Museum of Film Miniture, with numerous little film sets, built in miniture but with perfect detail! Amusing.
I soon walked up a hill to view up close the Basilique which over looks the city. That was magnificent too. Must have done precisely 143,000 steps to get there... but it was worth it ;) With a breath-taking view of the city, I had a quick lunch.
For the next few hours, I kept walking around the city, admiring the architecture of something as simple as a post office. The Parliament building, overlooking the river, was being restaured but still looked amazing. In the afernoon we found our way back to the train station, but still had some left over time to visit the shopping centre just next to it- which was HUGE! 4 storeys with as many people as ants in an ants nest. It seemed like being in New York but indoors, after a while it became frustrating because you could hardly get walking space!
I decided that trains are my favourite place to think. Or even, not think. But then if you're like me you start thinking of not thinking. But it's just so nice to sit and stare at the scenery flying past.
On Saturday night I was looking forward to going to the Theatre du Casino in Aix-les-Bains, not too far from here, because Madame Andre seemed like she really wanted to do something together, so we found out that some classical music was being performed there. Unfortunately when she'd rung in the day there were no seats left so we stayed home, postponing our date out :) might very well be a pizza one of the next few nights.
The day actually started at 5am, me not being able to sleep. A couple of hours later I was having a coffee at the Cafe du Theatre, waiting for the departure. We took the train this time and there I met a French guy my age, who kindly told me a few things about Lyon, and allowed me to practice my French. Arrived at the train station in Lyon we took the metro to the 'old city', boooooooy was it gorgeous! I'm not an over-excited sort of person but the views took my breath away and I couldn't help but whisper 'wow'.
Just 50m from the metro exit was the Cathedral of Notre Dame... the most impressive church institution I think I've seen so far, it was bloody huge. I ventured off into little alleys lined by old high buildings, one of the things I saw was the Museum of Film Miniture, with numerous little film sets, built in miniture but with perfect detail! Amusing.
I soon walked up a hill to view up close the Basilique which over looks the city. That was magnificent too. Must have done precisely 143,000 steps to get there... but it was worth it ;) With a breath-taking view of the city, I had a quick lunch.
For the next few hours, I kept walking around the city, admiring the architecture of something as simple as a post office. The Parliament building, overlooking the river, was being restaured but still looked amazing. In the afernoon we found our way back to the train station, but still had some left over time to visit the shopping centre just next to it- which was HUGE! 4 storeys with as many people as ants in an ants nest. It seemed like being in New York but indoors, after a while it became frustrating because you could hardly get walking space!
I decided that trains are my favourite place to think. Or even, not think. But then if you're like me you start thinking of not thinking. But it's just so nice to sit and stare at the scenery flying past.
On Saturday night I was looking forward to going to the Theatre du Casino in Aix-les-Bains, not too far from here, because Madame Andre seemed like she really wanted to do something together, so we found out that some classical music was being performed there. Unfortunately when she'd rung in the day there were no seats left so we stayed home, postponing our date out :) might very well be a pizza one of the next few nights.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Friday - Grenoble
University city of about 170,000, about 40 mins from Chambery by train.
After school on Friday I raced to the train station, also home of the rented-bicycle station, to return my bike, as I'd rented it for 4 weeks only and was in need of my E150 bond back! Unfortunately some idiot must have punched my front light some time when the bike had been parked, so I had to pay E7 for it.
Anyway, getting better with trains, I got to Grenoble at about 2.30 and found my way to the old centre. I'd kind of planned my trip because I only had about 4 hours. The city centre was quite pretty. A lot of the buildings however were grey and dirty because of their age, but this was made up by numerous green and flowery gardens everywhere :) also a lot of large piazzaq, I really like the way cafes have lots of tables outside here (meaning Europe).
I visited a few old churches, the Cathedral of Notre Dame (bit disappointing), and had some time for the museum of Grenoble, where apart from the Beaux Arts I saw Roman, Greek and Egyptian remains. Ancient Egypt always fascinated me a bit so I was in awe at the sarcofages and little sphynge statues! (nope not sure how that was spelt!)
I met a strange lesbian couple, pretty nice really, although both covered by an interesting combination of tatoos and piercings; one of the girls was Italian so we had a nice chat.
There was a great number of one-way roads in Grenoble. To my disbelief, I insisted in looking both ways when crossing every single one of them! Ah, can never be too careful I suppose... hmmmmm...
Oh yeah. On the way back, I decided I felt like visiting the Montmelian trains station! Montemelian is about 15 mins away from Chambery and... well.. ok, I didn't INTENTIONALLY wish to stop there! I felt so ridiculous, you hear of people getting off trains one stop late, but who EVER gets off early??? I'll admit that it was dark and I was tired, but comparing the two train stations is like comparing the Bunbury and Perth bus stations (Perth being Chambery)! But no problem, got the next train half an hour later... Madame Andre was starting to get worried but we had a nice laugh about my stupidity later!
- More tomorrow, once back at school :)
Thursday, September 25, 2008
j'aime faire du tourism!
Left early this morning again, I wanted to go to mass in the Cathedral to hear the amazing organ. Turns out it was only a small ceremony because it's the middle of the week, I had a small chat to a nice old lady next to me, felt weird being the only person outside the third generation, but it was still nice.
I then rode to a small church on a hill, because I wanted to see its underground crypt. The bloody thing was closed and my efforts were wasted (I mean, I had a good workout!). But Madame Andre sings in a choir there and I'm thinking of asking her if I can go with her next week, as the pictures of the crypt looked really magical.
After two more disappointingly closed churches and a closed castle, I headed to the supermarket to buy some groceries, because tonight I offered to cook dinner :) on the menu is.. little sausages and cheese and bread as appitisers, spaghetti with tuna & onion, a warm salad and dessert still to be purchased. Looking forward to it. I was thinking of buying a candle as well but I think that might be a little over the top!
So I still had about 3 hours till my class started, I sat at my cafe for some French study and a chat to Rob on the phone. Hojos, the guy is in a play right now at the Weld Theatre, it's Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, showing till Sunday. If you have some spare time :)
I then rode to a small church on a hill, because I wanted to see its underground crypt. The bloody thing was closed and my efforts were wasted (I mean, I had a good workout!). But Madame Andre sings in a choir there and I'm thinking of asking her if I can go with her next week, as the pictures of the crypt looked really magical.
After two more disappointingly closed churches and a closed castle, I headed to the supermarket to buy some groceries, because tonight I offered to cook dinner :) on the menu is.. little sausages and cheese and bread as appitisers, spaghetti with tuna & onion, a warm salad and dessert still to be purchased. Looking forward to it. I was thinking of buying a candle as well but I think that might be a little over the top!
So I still had about 3 hours till my class started, I sat at my cafe for some French study and a chat to Rob on the phone. Hojos, the guy is in a play right now at the Weld Theatre, it's Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, showing till Sunday. If you have some spare time :)
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
random bits
Gosh it's true, by exposition I've been meaning EXHIbition!! My English is already fuzzying away??? Aaaah. Hm just a quick note as I'm about to go to class, not much happened yesterday except I bought a little pair of black boots.. :) Melanie got back from Spain, we might take a ride to a shopping centre this afternoon. I bought a train ticket for Friday to go to Grenoble, a large city with numerous shops and student-orientated places. I tried recharging my mobile but the damn thing hasn't worked, so I'll attempt living for a week or two without texting Rob. The weather here is a bit chilly, not raining but cold.. will get sunny and warmer for the weekend. I think I will go to mass in the Cathedral one day this week, the organ must sound amazing.
Ho pensato con tristezza 'sta mattina alla mia partenza dall'Italia.. la giornata sara' un po' piu' grigia :(
Ho pensato con tristezza 'sta mattina alla mia partenza dall'Italia.. la giornata sara' un po' piu' grigia :(
Monday, September 22, 2008
Cultural Sunday!
What a big day!
Because it was National Day of Treasures, Chambery like most cities had organised numerous expositions, tours and free visits to cultural places. I had so much to see that I was happy to take my bike out and go on my own, moving on following my very organised schedule ;)
I started at 10 at a protestand church, which had a semi-interesting exposition regarding the persecution of the religious practices and struggles to tolerance and acceptance. Because it was too early to be crowded, a nice friendly lady spoke me through the posters exposed.
I was very eager to get to the Chateau, the beautiful castle quite in the centre of town, areound which the buildings are all in their original state. The church inside it was quite impressive, in mixed neogothic and reinassance styles. Awesome glass paintings. In another seperate building I saw a few photos and read a few facts about Chambery through the ages, the city has changed significantly. Soon I entered the main castle and a tour guide took us around a number of rooms. Part of the castle also houses the regional Parliament (Chambery is the capital of the Savoy), so I saw the main conference room. I climbed the top tower and took some lovely pictures of the town from above.
After the castle I popped into the Museum of Beaux Arts, in the city centre, as there was an exposition by the painter Arcabar (I think?), whose style was quite simple and like Picasso's.
Having heard that the Museum of Charmettes was about 2kms from town, but never been there myself, I followed signs towards its direction. Unfortunately I had not been told that it was situated up a hill so high that I was forcing my bike breaks all the way down! You can imagine how fun it was pushing my bike to the place! Anyway the place, which was in fact the old house of Jean-Jaques Rousseau, a writer, was nothing too special, a wooden house with a few nicely decorated rooms, and a nice garden and vineyard. Voila'.
After a nice hot kebab, which I digested spending a little while watching three guys doing acrobatic circus in a showground, I headed to the Cathedral.
It was beautiful :) surrounded by little chapels and with the compolsory glass paintings, the magnitude of the Cathedral took your breath away. But the most unique thing was the gigantic organ at the back. I was shown how it works a little bit, but most of it now is actually electric. Walking behind the altar stand, I was shocked to see the huge sound systems the place had! Two tall cabinets full of buttons and switches and speakers worth of Southbound! That was when the magic ended :p
At 3.30 I wanted to catch a tour of the Palace of Justice, if that is its English translation. Unfortunately after walking in, I realised that the place was empty. Empty as an eggshell (without the egg in). Apart from a few other visitors who were also wondering what was going on. Dommage!
My bike then took me to the Foire of Savoy, even though she took the wrong turns several times getting there, it was a bit out of town see. The fiera was... I think more a family show than for teenagers, there were stalls of all sorts of things from spas to lawn mowers to food and colthes... I was satisfied with a crepe but left after little more than half an hour. Maybe I should stop writing about all the times that I eat crepes. It makes me feel like a little pig.
Hmmmm! So after the cre- foire.... I went to an exposition regarind natural weather and mountains, and one about Mammoths. I think Tommaso would have enjoyed that one :) that was pretty much the end of my excursional day, as most things were closing down.
Coming home I considered that once in Australia I will think back of Madame Andre with a melanchonic smile, if not miss her. She's become somewhere between a grandma and a friend to me, with her shigh speed way of life and her non intrusive methods of making sure Im having a good time. yesterday she gave me a present which she's bough at a paint exposition on Saturday. It's a poster of a self portrait of the famous French painter (so famous I shan't mention his name..), who died in 1879. So I thought that since she's qutie religious, I'd grab a few prayer fliers from the Cathedral for her.
Last night she was busy with her borther fixing one of the kitchen cabinets which wouldn't remain closed (maybe that's why she doesn't bother closing any of them), she still stuffed me with soup, pasta and steak, plus cheesebreadandwine obviously. I was later watching some tv and she came with a blanket :) Actually, before going to bed last night I was watching the same Zorro tv episodes I used to watch years ago in italian, at my grandma's house. They must be at least 30 years old.
Because it was National Day of Treasures, Chambery like most cities had organised numerous expositions, tours and free visits to cultural places. I had so much to see that I was happy to take my bike out and go on my own, moving on following my very organised schedule ;)
I started at 10 at a protestand church, which had a semi-interesting exposition regarding the persecution of the religious practices and struggles to tolerance and acceptance. Because it was too early to be crowded, a nice friendly lady spoke me through the posters exposed.
I was very eager to get to the Chateau, the beautiful castle quite in the centre of town, areound which the buildings are all in their original state. The church inside it was quite impressive, in mixed neogothic and reinassance styles. Awesome glass paintings. In another seperate building I saw a few photos and read a few facts about Chambery through the ages, the city has changed significantly. Soon I entered the main castle and a tour guide took us around a number of rooms. Part of the castle also houses the regional Parliament (Chambery is the capital of the Savoy), so I saw the main conference room. I climbed the top tower and took some lovely pictures of the town from above.
After the castle I popped into the Museum of Beaux Arts, in the city centre, as there was an exposition by the painter Arcabar (I think?), whose style was quite simple and like Picasso's.
Having heard that the Museum of Charmettes was about 2kms from town, but never been there myself, I followed signs towards its direction. Unfortunately I had not been told that it was situated up a hill so high that I was forcing my bike breaks all the way down! You can imagine how fun it was pushing my bike to the place! Anyway the place, which was in fact the old house of Jean-Jaques Rousseau, a writer, was nothing too special, a wooden house with a few nicely decorated rooms, and a nice garden and vineyard. Voila'.
After a nice hot kebab, which I digested spending a little while watching three guys doing acrobatic circus in a showground, I headed to the Cathedral.
It was beautiful :) surrounded by little chapels and with the compolsory glass paintings, the magnitude of the Cathedral took your breath away. But the most unique thing was the gigantic organ at the back. I was shown how it works a little bit, but most of it now is actually electric. Walking behind the altar stand, I was shocked to see the huge sound systems the place had! Two tall cabinets full of buttons and switches and speakers worth of Southbound! That was when the magic ended :p
At 3.30 I wanted to catch a tour of the Palace of Justice, if that is its English translation. Unfortunately after walking in, I realised that the place was empty. Empty as an eggshell (without the egg in). Apart from a few other visitors who were also wondering what was going on. Dommage!
My bike then took me to the Foire of Savoy, even though she took the wrong turns several times getting there, it was a bit out of town see. The fiera was... I think more a family show than for teenagers, there were stalls of all sorts of things from spas to lawn mowers to food and colthes... I was satisfied with a crepe but left after little more than half an hour. Maybe I should stop writing about all the times that I eat crepes. It makes me feel like a little pig.
Hmmmm! So after the cre- foire.... I went to an exposition regarind natural weather and mountains, and one about Mammoths. I think Tommaso would have enjoyed that one :) that was pretty much the end of my excursional day, as most things were closing down.
Coming home I considered that once in Australia I will think back of Madame Andre with a melanchonic smile, if not miss her. She's become somewhere between a grandma and a friend to me, with her shigh speed way of life and her non intrusive methods of making sure Im having a good time. yesterday she gave me a present which she's bough at a paint exposition on Saturday. It's a poster of a self portrait of the famous French painter (so famous I shan't mention his name..), who died in 1879. So I thought that since she's qutie religious, I'd grab a few prayer fliers from the Cathedral for her.
Last night she was busy with her borther fixing one of the kitchen cabinets which wouldn't remain closed (maybe that's why she doesn't bother closing any of them), she still stuffed me with soup, pasta and steak, plus cheesebreadandwine obviously. I was later watching some tv and she came with a blanket :) Actually, before going to bed last night I was watching the same Zorro tv episodes I used to watch years ago in italian, at my grandma's house. They must be at least 30 years old.
Chammonix
After school on Friday I headed off to the Cafe du Theatre for a crepe for lunch, stopping a bit longer to do some verb studies. For some reason this guy funnily dressed was walking a dog around the centre of town, followed by a group of about 15 ducks, all walking tightly together, wobbly bums, following the dog. It was a funny sight.
For the first time really I did some shopping therapy, not buying much but it raised my mood :) I didn´t get home late but Mme Andre had already left as she was spending the night at her family´s in Grenoble. I rang some family in Italy and after dinner headed out to one of the student flats, as it was one guy´s last night in Chambery.
Met a strange black guy at the bus stop who was excited about telling us how wonderful his home country was, but couldnt answer my question of why he was living in France. Funniest thing is that I saw him again at the Cathedral two days later!
So on Saturday I left for a school excursion to Chammonix, a lovely ski town facing Mount Blanc, near the Italian and Swiss borders. Even though my second alarm oclock had failed (that was my auntie promising me to call at 7am!), I got up in time and at 11ish we were in the mountains. The scenery of the Alps was breath-taking, Mount Blanc looked gorgeous, soaring so high.
I spent most of the day with Browlin, the Australian girl, Teo the Spanish and a Hungarian guy. We took the telepherique up to Flegere and walked up the mountain for about an hour. Feeling good about our workout, we had lunch and a little siesta, discussions about love and marriage, before returning to the telepherique, where we indulged in some chocolate.
I figured loosing weight is impossible if you try. I mean, like we did, you begin a huge workout and at the end of it you think, wow, I really worked my butt off, now I can have some chocolate. And maybe some chips... I´ll work them off later. But if you dont try? Look at me, I have no idea how Ive managed it, but since leaving Australia I lost 2 kilos. (non dirlo alla nonna zio!) Eating cheese, chocolate bread and pastries. ???????
Back to the story telling, we returned to Chammonix and there we looked around a few shops and got a couple of souvenirs... tried in vain to get Teo to understand romanticism.. and ignoring the dozens of pizza and crepe shops! We got home 12 hrs from our depart, too tired to go out.
For the first time really I did some shopping therapy, not buying much but it raised my mood :) I didn´t get home late but Mme Andre had already left as she was spending the night at her family´s in Grenoble. I rang some family in Italy and after dinner headed out to one of the student flats, as it was one guy´s last night in Chambery.
Met a strange black guy at the bus stop who was excited about telling us how wonderful his home country was, but couldnt answer my question of why he was living in France. Funniest thing is that I saw him again at the Cathedral two days later!
So on Saturday I left for a school excursion to Chammonix, a lovely ski town facing Mount Blanc, near the Italian and Swiss borders. Even though my second alarm oclock had failed (that was my auntie promising me to call at 7am!), I got up in time and at 11ish we were in the mountains. The scenery of the Alps was breath-taking, Mount Blanc looked gorgeous, soaring so high.
I spent most of the day with Browlin, the Australian girl, Teo the Spanish and a Hungarian guy. We took the telepherique up to Flegere and walked up the mountain for about an hour. Feeling good about our workout, we had lunch and a little siesta, discussions about love and marriage, before returning to the telepherique, where we indulged in some chocolate.
I figured loosing weight is impossible if you try. I mean, like we did, you begin a huge workout and at the end of it you think, wow, I really worked my butt off, now I can have some chocolate. And maybe some chips... I´ll work them off later. But if you dont try? Look at me, I have no idea how Ive managed it, but since leaving Australia I lost 2 kilos. (non dirlo alla nonna zio!) Eating cheese, chocolate bread and pastries. ???????
Back to the story telling, we returned to Chammonix and there we looked around a few shops and got a couple of souvenirs... tried in vain to get Teo to understand romanticism.. and ignoring the dozens of pizza and crepe shops! We got home 12 hrs from our depart, too tired to go out.
Friday, September 19, 2008
2 weeks to go!
Ieri sera era la prima volta che mi sono sentita triste qui. Zii ho provato a chiamarvi verso le 8 ma per qualche motivo non funzionava?? Uffi. Riprovo piu' tardi.. Zia ti penso tanto :)
They took my Jude Law off the advertising posts a couple of days ago. Replaced him with some half-good looking man.. pfft.Oh I was cast in the annual Panto! I'm happy, the play is Aladdin which I'm not very familiar with, I am the Princess Balroubadour, the 'fiesty and rebellious daughter of the emperor' according to the director Steve, who Aladdin falls in love with. Should be lots of fun!
Quiet weekend ahead I think, apart from a leaving party for one of the guys, will be enjoying lots of cultural experiences around the city, probably will also go see a play at the theatre :)
Bon weekend / have a good weekend / buon fine settima!
They took my Jude Law off the advertising posts a couple of days ago. Replaced him with some half-good looking man.. pfft.Oh I was cast in the annual Panto! I'm happy, the play is Aladdin which I'm not very familiar with, I am the Princess Balroubadour, the 'fiesty and rebellious daughter of the emperor' according to the director Steve, who Aladdin falls in love with. Should be lots of fun!
Quiet weekend ahead I think, apart from a leaving party for one of the guys, will be enjoying lots of cultural experiences around the city, probably will also go see a play at the theatre :)
Bon weekend / have a good weekend / buon fine settima!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
i've finally found 'my' cafe!
Very content right now. The Cafe Du Theatre, very popular amongst young people, has been able to provide me with the perfect crepe. Last night at 11.30. Having a look at their menu, composed not only of affordable crepes but also inviting drinks and ice cream cups, I decided I'll definitely be visiting it again :) it's also situated in the middle of the 'old city', too, so it's a nice atmosphere.
Yesterday, quite a sunny day, I went for a bike ride with Mel and Teo (Spanish guy) to a lake about 40mins from here. Very pleasant! My poor host got home at 8.40pm last night, after having left the house at 7.30am! She is a very busy lady lol. I went to Melanie's for a drink and walk around town as she is leaving today for Spain, going to a wedding and will be back on Monday.
This weekend in Chambery there are a number of expositions and things to do at the Cathedral, castle, museums etc. Should be nice and cruisy. On Saturday I'm going on the famous exursion to Chammonix & Mount Blanc, provided my alarm oclock isn't looking to be smashed.. I think I'll also take advantage of next Saturday's excursion, to Lyon :)
I'm feeling ok about my studies, doing a bit of revision whenever I have free time. The Australian girl I've met studied French at UWA for 3 years, starting from beginners level, and she is quite fluent (in the highest class anyway). So I'm feeling optimistic (ahah I was just reminded of Ian telling me not to be such a pessimist!) about the fact that if I begin studying it at the intermediate level, I will have a sound knowledge at the end of the course :)
Aaaand, following that, I'm told by Teo that in 3 months in Spain I could get a very strong grip of his language. So that could be a plan post-uni! Very funny moments last night as he was trying to teach Mel the 'essentials' of the language, the night before she's leaving for Spain. So she can now count to 19 (20 was a bit tricky) and ask for rum and coke.
So although I'm having a great time here, comfortable with what I'm doing and happy to be opening my eyes, I'm missing a special someone, feeling slightly guilty for doing this to us :s
as much as I'll love coming home I'm dreading the hecticness of the (working) summer life!
Yesterday, quite a sunny day, I went for a bike ride with Mel and Teo (Spanish guy) to a lake about 40mins from here. Very pleasant! My poor host got home at 8.40pm last night, after having left the house at 7.30am! She is a very busy lady lol. I went to Melanie's for a drink and walk around town as she is leaving today for Spain, going to a wedding and will be back on Monday.
This weekend in Chambery there are a number of expositions and things to do at the Cathedral, castle, museums etc. Should be nice and cruisy. On Saturday I'm going on the famous exursion to Chammonix & Mount Blanc, provided my alarm oclock isn't looking to be smashed.. I think I'll also take advantage of next Saturday's excursion, to Lyon :)
I'm feeling ok about my studies, doing a bit of revision whenever I have free time. The Australian girl I've met studied French at UWA for 3 years, starting from beginners level, and she is quite fluent (in the highest class anyway). So I'm feeling optimistic (ahah I was just reminded of Ian telling me not to be such a pessimist!) about the fact that if I begin studying it at the intermediate level, I will have a sound knowledge at the end of the course :)
Aaaand, following that, I'm told by Teo that in 3 months in Spain I could get a very strong grip of his language. So that could be a plan post-uni! Very funny moments last night as he was trying to teach Mel the 'essentials' of the language, the night before she's leaving for Spain. So she can now count to 19 (20 was a bit tricky) and ask for rum and coke.
So although I'm having a great time here, comfortable with what I'm doing and happy to be opening my eyes, I'm missing a special someone, feeling slightly guilty for doing this to us :s
as much as I'll love coming home I'm dreading the hecticness of the (working) summer life!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
bad pasta
Ciao Conegliano! (oppure ciao australiaaaaaaaaaaaaa...!!)
Mi sono appena ricordata che i miei mi hanno lasciato una carta per chiamare in europa dalla francia, quindi vi chiamero' io la prosima volta! Non esitate a spedirmi un sms se volete chiacchierare che ho diversi minuti da usufruire :)
Com'e' andato il rientro alla scuola Tommy?? E il campo d'inglese alla fine e' stato carino? Quando torno facciamo una chiacchierata anche con il papa' in inglese eh.
Secondo voi e' meglio la cioccolata dolce o amara??
Vi dico che ieri sera e' stata la prima volta che la cucina della signora m'ha fatto ridere.. a provato a fare 'pasta'. Che poi credo lei pensasse fossero spaghetti, ma erano tagliatelle. Cmq. Prima ha messo olio dentro la pentola d'acqua, prima che bollisse. Poi ha letto con attenzione il pacchetto degli 'spaghetti' e c'era scritto di farli cuocere 6 minuti. Allora li ha buttati dentro, messo il timer per 6 minuti, e dopo 6 minuti esatti, senza assaggiare, ha spento il gas e li ha serviti, solo con olio e un po' di formaggio (non grana!). Erano mezzi attaccati perche' non li aveva mai mescolati, e un po' troppo 'al dente'! eeeeeeeeeeh comunque... oggi a pranzo mi mangio cio' che e' avanzato, pero' le ho chiesto per favore un po' di salsa al pomodoro. Un po' meglio. Anche se e' dolce...
Ci sentiamo!
abbracci.
Mi sono appena ricordata che i miei mi hanno lasciato una carta per chiamare in europa dalla francia, quindi vi chiamero' io la prosima volta! Non esitate a spedirmi un sms se volete chiacchierare che ho diversi minuti da usufruire :)
Com'e' andato il rientro alla scuola Tommy?? E il campo d'inglese alla fine e' stato carino? Quando torno facciamo una chiacchierata anche con il papa' in inglese eh.
Secondo voi e' meglio la cioccolata dolce o amara??
Vi dico che ieri sera e' stata la prima volta che la cucina della signora m'ha fatto ridere.. a provato a fare 'pasta'. Che poi credo lei pensasse fossero spaghetti, ma erano tagliatelle. Cmq. Prima ha messo olio dentro la pentola d'acqua, prima che bollisse. Poi ha letto con attenzione il pacchetto degli 'spaghetti' e c'era scritto di farli cuocere 6 minuti. Allora li ha buttati dentro, messo il timer per 6 minuti, e dopo 6 minuti esatti, senza assaggiare, ha spento il gas e li ha serviti, solo con olio e un po' di formaggio (non grana!). Erano mezzi attaccati perche' non li aveva mai mescolati, e un po' troppo 'al dente'! eeeeeeeeeeh comunque... oggi a pranzo mi mangio cio' che e' avanzato, pero' le ho chiesto per favore un po' di salsa al pomodoro. Un po' meglio. Anche se e' dolce...
Ci sentiamo!
abbracci.
Monday, September 15, 2008
i will quit on chocolate when i get back.
So first of all, a note for the ladies:
have you come across the new Dior Mens Cologne ads?? It's called 'sport'. Characterised by Jude Law in the advertisements. If you haven't seen it, google it. Either the posters or tv ads. I ride past them at least 4 times a day, the man is gorgeous!!
hm hm..... now about the weekend.
On FRIDAY after dinner I spent some time with Mel & Jess, just cruising. Manged to superglue my ring to my finger, it was a really fast drying superglue!
On SATURDAY I got quite grumpy because my alarm did NOT go off, I woke up at 8 just as I was supposed to meet for the excursion to Ginevra! Very upset about not visiting the United Nations and basically not being able to say 'Ive been to Switzerland' for a few more years.
The day was very rainy anyway, I went around a shopping centre and found for the first time really rude customer service. Met Mel and we visited a museum of Beaux Arts, with a heavy Italian influence as this region has only been French for about 150 years.
In the evening we watched some more horrible American tv, had some warm lasagne for dinner, before heading out to last week's disco, carrying our ver loud rape alarm. I stayed again at her apartment and swore to myself to never live in such conditions.. shared by five students, the place is a mess. Mel cleaned the kitchen floor on Friday night and it was filthy on Saturday morning. Figure that out :s
We were very disappointed on SUNDAY morning to find the creperies we'd looked for CLOSED. Ridiculous, who wouldn't want to eat a crepe on a Sunday morning. Settled for chocolate bread instead. A couple of phone calls home, then I went to the cinema to see 'the First Day of the Rest of your Life', a really worthwhile French film! It made good listening practice as well and only cost Eu3.50.
In the evening, Madame Andre got a quick ad easy dinner readym consisting of the following: soup, ham, bread, three cheeses, grapes and chocolate. Honestly didn't mind!
This morning (MONDAY) we had a new teacher start in our class, it was for the first time honestly challenging and new ground. We learnt some grammar rules which obviously had exeptions, and some words that made complete different senses by changing one letter. I'm fed up with the masters of the French Tongue, if they intended for French to be the international language, why on earth did they make it so bloody hard to learn!
Ok I feel better now :p
Oh another thing, I emailed the director of this year's Busselton Pantomime and expressed interest. I've worked with him before so he may find a part for me, unless he's satisfied at the auditions today. He's soo much fun to work with and really knows what he's talking about, having had decades of acting experience. I've hesitated over a week on this however because this summer (like any, I suppose) is looking very very busy. The panto is a huge committment and I'll be working every day. But, since it might be my last in Busselton... I will enjoy it.
Going to the movies again tonight, the weather's a bit better. Salut!
have you come across the new Dior Mens Cologne ads?? It's called 'sport'. Characterised by Jude Law in the advertisements. If you haven't seen it, google it. Either the posters or tv ads. I ride past them at least 4 times a day, the man is gorgeous!!
hm hm..... now about the weekend.
On FRIDAY after dinner I spent some time with Mel & Jess, just cruising. Manged to superglue my ring to my finger, it was a really fast drying superglue!
On SATURDAY I got quite grumpy because my alarm did NOT go off, I woke up at 8 just as I was supposed to meet for the excursion to Ginevra! Very upset about not visiting the United Nations and basically not being able to say 'Ive been to Switzerland' for a few more years.
The day was very rainy anyway, I went around a shopping centre and found for the first time really rude customer service. Met Mel and we visited a museum of Beaux Arts, with a heavy Italian influence as this region has only been French for about 150 years.
In the evening we watched some more horrible American tv, had some warm lasagne for dinner, before heading out to last week's disco, carrying our ver loud rape alarm. I stayed again at her apartment and swore to myself to never live in such conditions.. shared by five students, the place is a mess. Mel cleaned the kitchen floor on Friday night and it was filthy on Saturday morning. Figure that out :s
We were very disappointed on SUNDAY morning to find the creperies we'd looked for CLOSED. Ridiculous, who wouldn't want to eat a crepe on a Sunday morning. Settled for chocolate bread instead. A couple of phone calls home, then I went to the cinema to see 'the First Day of the Rest of your Life', a really worthwhile French film! It made good listening practice as well and only cost Eu3.50.
In the evening, Madame Andre got a quick ad easy dinner readym consisting of the following: soup, ham, bread, three cheeses, grapes and chocolate. Honestly didn't mind!
This morning (MONDAY) we had a new teacher start in our class, it was for the first time honestly challenging and new ground. We learnt some grammar rules which obviously had exeptions, and some words that made complete different senses by changing one letter. I'm fed up with the masters of the French Tongue, if they intended for French to be the international language, why on earth did they make it so bloody hard to learn!
Ok I feel better now :p
Oh another thing, I emailed the director of this year's Busselton Pantomime and expressed interest. I've worked with him before so he may find a part for me, unless he's satisfied at the auditions today. He's soo much fun to work with and really knows what he's talking about, having had decades of acting experience. I've hesitated over a week on this however because this summer (like any, I suppose) is looking very very busy. The panto is a huge committment and I'll be working every day. But, since it might be my last in Busselton... I will enjoy it.
Going to the movies again tonight, the weather's a bit better. Salut!
Friday, September 12, 2008
this morning I got drenched.
The end of the week has come, accompanied unfortunately by some rain!
Last night Madame Andre had gone out for the evening with her sons, she's incredibly available and gives me free use of her kitchen and food, so I helped myself to some camemberg, a chocolatey dessert, some quiche... the good life. It's nice to be alone every now and then, apart from my blogging times it doesn't happen. I received a nice phonecall from my family in Italy and went to bed early :)
This morning in school we learnt about the old french colonies, aka les Pays Francophonies. Learnt of the project Medicines Sans Frontier, where people (with experience or ability in medicine) spend a period of time in a third world country to help with local issues. You get paid peanuts, but it would be an awesome experience I could reconsider after finishing University. The people accepted are aged between 25 and 35 so it would be perfect. Six months to a year for a start? Speaking french would also be handy if it is in one of the old colonies in North-Centre Africa.
ps. asking around I found a Creperie in Chambery! I have 'booked' it for Sunday breakfast :D
Last night Madame Andre had gone out for the evening with her sons, she's incredibly available and gives me free use of her kitchen and food, so I helped myself to some camemberg, a chocolatey dessert, some quiche... the good life. It's nice to be alone every now and then, apart from my blogging times it doesn't happen. I received a nice phonecall from my family in Italy and went to bed early :)
This morning in school we learnt about the old french colonies, aka les Pays Francophonies. Learnt of the project Medicines Sans Frontier, where people (with experience or ability in medicine) spend a period of time in a third world country to help with local issues. You get paid peanuts, but it would be an awesome experience I could reconsider after finishing University. The people accepted are aged between 25 and 35 so it would be perfect. Six months to a year for a start? Speaking french would also be handy if it is in one of the old colonies in North-Centre Africa.
ps. asking around I found a Creperie in Chambery! I have 'booked' it for Sunday breakfast :D
Thursday, September 11, 2008
per gli zii e nonni
Heyla come va a conegliano?
Mi mancate un po', Tommaso sta per ricominciare la scuola? Zii con il lavoro tutto bene?
E con i nonni come va? La nonna pensa di farcela ad organizzarmi un lettino per quando torno? Se no.. posso sempre stare sul divano, o al limite da una mia amica, magari vengo anche a trovarvi :p
se vi dovesse servire, la mia email e' its_only_el@hotmail.com.
A presto!
Mi mancate un po', Tommaso sta per ricominciare la scuola? Zii con il lavoro tutto bene?
E con i nonni come va? La nonna pensa di farcela ad organizzarmi un lettino per quando torno? Se no.. posso sempre stare sul divano, o al limite da una mia amica, magari vengo anche a trovarvi :p
se vi dovesse servire, la mia email e' its_only_el@hotmail.com.
A presto!
salsannecy (glass + crepes!)
Wednesday was a fairly tiring day, beginning with french lessons at 8.30. Finally the school internet had been fixed, so we stayed back a bit like nerds. At 2pm Mel and I took the train to Annecy. What a lovely city! Although Chambery lacks nothing, Annecy is its more touristy neighbour. There is a lovely lake surrounded by beautiful gardens and mountains, as well as a castle (obviously) dating to the XII Century. We spent a fair bit of time visiting this one, as it was well used for a coupole of expositions. One was an inside look into the world of comic making and animated pictures, another of Beaux Arts, and the most bizzare, a small aquarium with old methods of fishing shown!
We walked through the old city with lovely arches and narrow buildings everywhere, obviously a top tourist walk as we could tell by the number of ice cream places. In the end we couldn't resist and got one which wasn't too bad. This was after we walked past a Creperie. Now Mel and I have been looking for crepes everywhere in Chambery, I even asked my host but it seems there just isn't such a cafe! So we told ourselves, that since weèd be dancing salsa later, we could afford to have the crepe too, just in a while.
So We visited a pretty church and saw the 'French Venice', indeed a few houses in the middle of a river, very picturestic. After walking on the park in front of the lake a bit, we decided to stop for those mouth watering crepes on our way to the train station. Mouthwatering they were!! They were made fresh in the housband-and-wife business and the simple butter and sugar one I chose was amazing. Damn the Chamberians! Then perhaps it's best that I dont have them at my doorstep.. I could risk not only fattening up (my grandma could be happy :p) but not appreciating them as much.
After a light dinner, I met Mel again at the Corsaire, an upstairs bar with white and blue lights everywhere, very modern. Salsa music was blowing all around and it was good fun!
Must go, today there is a Rendez-vous des Etudiants, going to check it out.
We walked through the old city with lovely arches and narrow buildings everywhere, obviously a top tourist walk as we could tell by the number of ice cream places. In the end we couldn't resist and got one which wasn't too bad. This was after we walked past a Creperie. Now Mel and I have been looking for crepes everywhere in Chambery, I even asked my host but it seems there just isn't such a cafe! So we told ourselves, that since weèd be dancing salsa later, we could afford to have the crepe too, just in a while.
So We visited a pretty church and saw the 'French Venice', indeed a few houses in the middle of a river, very picturestic. After walking on the park in front of the lake a bit, we decided to stop for those mouth watering crepes on our way to the train station. Mouthwatering they were!! They were made fresh in the housband-and-wife business and the simple butter and sugar one I chose was amazing. Damn the Chamberians! Then perhaps it's best that I dont have them at my doorstep.. I could risk not only fattening up (my grandma could be happy :p) but not appreciating them as much.
After a light dinner, I met Mel again at the Corsaire, an upstairs bar with white and blue lights everywhere, very modern. Salsa music was blowing all around and it was good fun!
Must go, today there is a Rendez-vous des Etudiants, going to check it out.
Monday, September 8, 2008
today is hot again!
im at an internet cafe right now; the school internets not zorking unfortunately. excuse the spelling mistakes. i actually wrote most of the following txt in french as practice, but i guess i can translate it in english... :p
On FRIDAY we found out that our excursion to Chammonix had been cancelled, due to horrible weather. So after our french lesson, Mel and I went to the train station and decided wed go to Annecy Saturday afternoon, thats a city about one hour from here, with a very pretty lake. We also stopped to buy a little book of conjugations of french verbes, very handy for correct speaking.
Im a bit sad because I know that if i zas to ask an average english person who has never studied a foreign language, 'conjugate an auxiliary verb', hed have no clue what im talking about.. there should be more grammar taught at schools. My friend Mel here studied English Literature in Brighton and even she knows very little!
Anyway, friday night I met a dozen people at the Cathedral bar, it was really nice because we were a random group with all nationalities, fro, english to spanish to hollandaise and dutch, canadians.. and random italo-australians! I spoke to Nadia, a spanish woman in italian, and she answered in her language.
SATURDAY began with rain and didnt stop. i caught up with some friends in the morning to look at the local markets, but wesnt much impressed as 90% of the stalls were only about food, any type you can imagine! Nonna torno volentieri a Conegliano per quello! we went for a coffe (surrounded by english, i was the only one not to have TEA) and then divided. in the afternoon Mel and I were supposed to catch the train for Annecy, but it was still pouring down and cold; so we thought going would be a waste of time in that grey weather. Instead, we decided to buy chocolate, cookies and red wine to have a much warmer and more pleasant time in her apartment. We relaxed, going back to the supermarket 3 times, watching horrible tv and talking about the failure of today's marriage institution.
Theo, Mels spanish roommate (also a student), joined us for dinner and told us about the strange animals he'd eaten.. virtually everything except half-alive monkeys.. mostly in China. Later we went dancing and the place was pleasantly busy. i slept at Mel's that night, as id told my host, it had been a good night.
On SUNDAY I almost fainted, probably due to the drop in te,perature and my low blood pressure. So before meeting Jess and Mel I made a nice omelette. We went to see the impressive museum of the Savoir in town, very interesting. We then moved on to watch a movie at Mel's on a laptop with chocolate, wine and pizza.
Today started school Browlyn, a girl here from Perth! shes just finished studying at the University of WA, which ill also be attending. It was nice to hear the aussie accent again!
The coming week seems exciting, on Wednesday ill be going to Annecy, and at 10pm attending salsa classes at a pub :) Saturday sees an excursion to Genevra to visit the United Nations centre, maybe something fun in the evening.
Must get going now, greetings to all!
x
On FRIDAY we found out that our excursion to Chammonix had been cancelled, due to horrible weather. So after our french lesson, Mel and I went to the train station and decided wed go to Annecy Saturday afternoon, thats a city about one hour from here, with a very pretty lake. We also stopped to buy a little book of conjugations of french verbes, very handy for correct speaking.
Im a bit sad because I know that if i zas to ask an average english person who has never studied a foreign language, 'conjugate an auxiliary verb', hed have no clue what im talking about.. there should be more grammar taught at schools. My friend Mel here studied English Literature in Brighton and even she knows very little!
Anyway, friday night I met a dozen people at the Cathedral bar, it was really nice because we were a random group with all nationalities, fro, english to spanish to hollandaise and dutch, canadians.. and random italo-australians! I spoke to Nadia, a spanish woman in italian, and she answered in her language.
SATURDAY began with rain and didnt stop. i caught up with some friends in the morning to look at the local markets, but wesnt much impressed as 90% of the stalls were only about food, any type you can imagine! Nonna torno volentieri a Conegliano per quello! we went for a coffe (surrounded by english, i was the only one not to have TEA) and then divided. in the afternoon Mel and I were supposed to catch the train for Annecy, but it was still pouring down and cold; so we thought going would be a waste of time in that grey weather. Instead, we decided to buy chocolate, cookies and red wine to have a much warmer and more pleasant time in her apartment. We relaxed, going back to the supermarket 3 times, watching horrible tv and talking about the failure of today's marriage institution.
Theo, Mels spanish roommate (also a student), joined us for dinner and told us about the strange animals he'd eaten.. virtually everything except half-alive monkeys.. mostly in China. Later we went dancing and the place was pleasantly busy. i slept at Mel's that night, as id told my host, it had been a good night.
On SUNDAY I almost fainted, probably due to the drop in te,perature and my low blood pressure. So before meeting Jess and Mel I made a nice omelette. We went to see the impressive museum of the Savoir in town, very interesting. We then moved on to watch a movie at Mel's on a laptop with chocolate, wine and pizza.
Today started school Browlyn, a girl here from Perth! shes just finished studying at the University of WA, which ill also be attending. It was nice to hear the aussie accent again!
The coming week seems exciting, on Wednesday ill be going to Annecy, and at 10pm attending salsa classes at a pub :) Saturday sees an excursion to Genevra to visit the United Nations centre, maybe something fun in the evening.
Must get going now, greetings to all!
x
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
i just realised
Ive posted a lot of photos on a) castles and b) food!
Today has been a pleasant day so far, except perhaps for the 7.30 getup for the lesson starting at 8.30. Thats the earliest I have. Had lunch at the lovely town park with a few students and then Melanie and I (thats an English student in my class, 24) did our homework :p we do get some, which is good, but only about 20 minutes' worth, if that.
I have forgot to mention a key thing about
MADAME ANDRE -
she is very forgetful!
i must have told her that yes, women do work in Australia, three times now. Shes been a crazy worker all her life, still is, which explains her interest. Maybe she has too much on her mind though, she does ask me questions Ive already answered numerous times! I pretend like nothing's unusual like a good girl :)
Last night she bought Crois Frois for dinner, it was lovely! She said the French usually have it on special occations so it was nice. Had a lot of that, and cheese. hmmmm...
Today has been a pleasant day so far, except perhaps for the 7.30 getup for the lesson starting at 8.30. Thats the earliest I have. Had lunch at the lovely town park with a few students and then Melanie and I (thats an English student in my class, 24) did our homework :p we do get some, which is good, but only about 20 minutes' worth, if that.
I have forgot to mention a key thing about
MADAME ANDRE -
she is very forgetful!
i must have told her that yes, women do work in Australia, three times now. Shes been a crazy worker all her life, still is, which explains her interest. Maybe she has too much on her mind though, she does ask me questions Ive already answered numerous times! I pretend like nothing's unusual like a good girl :)
Last night she bought Crois Frois for dinner, it was lovely! She said the French usually have it on special occations so it was nice. Had a lot of that, and cheese. hmmmm...
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
back to (primary!) school..
Monday was the first day I attended the french school. I dont think I would say i was nervous, nervous like you get the first time at school you're asked to read in front of the class, but I was curiously anxious. We were sat in a room and did a written and later oral test to figure out at what level we were. All the students were divided in 5 classes according to levels, I am in group 3. Happy with that.
On Tuesday i sat through the first lesson, which was 4 hrs long and started at 1.30pm, after Jessica and I walked for 2 hrs finding the local university, which was on top of a hill! We stopped there for lunch after a walk around shops. So I didnt get my siesta, AND I was tired :p only 16 students in the class, we did a number of excercises regarding the past and future tense of verbs. Oh the title mentions 'primary school'. That's simply because the teacher we had today was one of those over-excited ones with amazingly childish facial expressions, making us feel like little kids. Funny though.
So Jessica is 21 and from England, she sat next to me on the first morning and I was relieved to find someone who'd speak English. later i found out basically EVERYONE does anyway, so outside the classroom there isnt a great amount of french spoken really. Mum can I please stop you from nagging me about that. Cioe', tranquilla che il francese lo parlo e imparo lo stesso :)
On Monday we did a bit of walking around town, after a 'reception' in the afternoon we stopped at the Cafe du Theatre for a tequila beer, which was not too impressive! When I got home Madame Andre had made a lovely quiche for dinner, the day ended without a worry :)
I'm excited for Saturday because the school is taking us to Chammonix, apparently a beautiful place. We reach Mount Blanc at 4807m, 'living the ambiance of the global capital of alpinism'! Just going to register my interest now. Jess is waiting for me, I think she's had enough time to have that compolsory after-lesson smoke now.
Bye bye american pie!
On Tuesday i sat through the first lesson, which was 4 hrs long and started at 1.30pm, after Jessica and I walked for 2 hrs finding the local university, which was on top of a hill! We stopped there for lunch after a walk around shops. So I didnt get my siesta, AND I was tired :p only 16 students in the class, we did a number of excercises regarding the past and future tense of verbs. Oh the title mentions 'primary school'. That's simply because the teacher we had today was one of those over-excited ones with amazingly childish facial expressions, making us feel like little kids. Funny though.
So Jessica is 21 and from England, she sat next to me on the first morning and I was relieved to find someone who'd speak English. later i found out basically EVERYONE does anyway, so outside the classroom there isnt a great amount of french spoken really. Mum can I please stop you from nagging me about that. Cioe', tranquilla che il francese lo parlo e imparo lo stesso :)
On Monday we did a bit of walking around town, after a 'reception' in the afternoon we stopped at the Cafe du Theatre for a tequila beer, which was not too impressive! When I got home Madame Andre had made a lovely quiche for dinner, the day ended without a worry :)
I'm excited for Saturday because the school is taking us to Chammonix, apparently a beautiful place. We reach Mount Blanc at 4807m, 'living the ambiance of the global capital of alpinism'! Just going to register my interest now. Jess is waiting for me, I think she's had enough time to have that compolsory after-lesson smoke now.
Bye bye american pie!
relaxing weekend + french encounters
On Saturday and Sunday I went with Madame Andre to her second house, with a nice backyard and just 3 km away from the noise of la centre ville. I met her 3 grandchildren and sons/daughters in law. I found it sweet that this hosue is kind of a drop in centre for her family on weekends, its very relaxing. Furthermore, 3 of the neighbouring houses are inhabited by two of her brothers and her sister!
On Sunday night I spent a few hours playing bocce with her... well Im not sure what part of the family they were from, but about a dozen people in their late twenties, who attempted their best English with me :p all good!
Oh, a small note about..
'THE FRENCH'
Ive been pleasantly surprised to meet many nice French people. Everyone Id spoken to about my travels warned me about the snobbyness of the general population, but so far I've found everyone to be really nice. Except a grumpy public servant. Two incidents in particular: we were once needing to make a call, so we walked to a public phone, which was being cleaned by a window cleaner. Found out instead of coins, we had to go to a TABAC to buy a card to use it, which would have been a bother. The cleaner (typical french blonde guy, long scruffy hair, untucked shirt and a smoker) just told us (total strangers) to use his phone. He would not accept money for it, but told us it was 'jesus'.
Again when we asked directions to go to a town, a lady actually got in her car and drove in front of us a fair way to indicate the road!
Even the teachers at IFALPS, my french school, are very available and hmmm.. unracist.
Maybe I had been thinking too much about the French's supposed 'hatred' for the opposition... the Italians lol.
voila, c'est tout.
On Sunday night I spent a few hours playing bocce with her... well Im not sure what part of the family they were from, but about a dozen people in their late twenties, who attempted their best English with me :p all good!
Oh, a small note about..
'THE FRENCH'
Ive been pleasantly surprised to meet many nice French people. Everyone Id spoken to about my travels warned me about the snobbyness of the general population, but so far I've found everyone to be really nice. Except a grumpy public servant. Two incidents in particular: we were once needing to make a call, so we walked to a public phone, which was being cleaned by a window cleaner. Found out instead of coins, we had to go to a TABAC to buy a card to use it, which would have been a bother. The cleaner (typical french blonde guy, long scruffy hair, untucked shirt and a smoker) just told us (total strangers) to use his phone. He would not accept money for it, but told us it was 'jesus'.
Again when we asked directions to go to a town, a lady actually got in her car and drove in front of us a fair way to indicate the road!
Even the teachers at IFALPS, my french school, are very available and hmmm.. unracist.
Maybe I had been thinking too much about the French's supposed 'hatred' for the opposition... the Italians lol.
voila, c'est tout.
Madame Andre'
She is not a neat freak, though she's obsessed with closing doors and leaving the kitchen cabinets open. She loves cooking adn so far the food's been awesome. She insists on feeding me first and second course, plus CHEESE, at every meal, my own grandma would be jealous! She drinks wine with every meal too, though she lives on her own. She tells me the French are all about three things: bread, wine and cheese! Madame calls me 'ma petite', cooks my viande rare, and drives in a way of which most Australians would be scared of!
Although I can't speak as well as Id like to (and boy is it frustrating), we understand each other well enough. She is interested in Australia and tells me she loves Venice.
Its funny (or perhaps sad) that after lunch I'm the one having a siesta, while she keeps going!
Although I can't speak as well as Id like to (and boy is it frustrating), we understand each other well enough. She is interested in Australia and tells me she loves Venice.
Its funny (or perhaps sad) that after lunch I'm the one having a siesta, while she keeps going!
Monday, September 1, 2008
everybody hates tourists.. but its fun being one!
Yesss so, we did visit Grenoble, firstly an old military fort which is now used as a tourist attraction and impressive lookout. The centre of the city seemed to be characterised by piazza after parc, parc after piazza, all contoured by cafes. Quite laid back.
In the evening we felt like trying some Savoyard dishes tipical to our area. Dad ordered a classic 3cheese fondu, I had a Tartiflette (warm dish with lots of melted cheese, potato chips, onions and bacon pieces) in order to try something new, and Mum tried the exotic 'bird' dish from the menu. Not being blown off her face by the taste of this, she asked the waitress what bird she had eaten. 'Chiken, madame', was the answer! Small world after all..
Firday 29th
Aujourd'hui we visited Axe le Bains, only about 20 mins from here. There are thermes from the Roman times in this city, but I think none of us were old and crimply enough to need their services. After a walk around the centre ville, we had lunch at a pretty lake, then headed home as it was time to meet Mme Andre'!
- - to be continued - - how is elena's host?? - - find out tomorrow night on - -
ELENAS TRAVEL ADVENTURES!
:p
In the evening we felt like trying some Savoyard dishes tipical to our area. Dad ordered a classic 3cheese fondu, I had a Tartiflette (warm dish with lots of melted cheese, potato chips, onions and bacon pieces) in order to try something new, and Mum tried the exotic 'bird' dish from the menu. Not being blown off her face by the taste of this, she asked the waitress what bird she had eaten. 'Chiken, madame', was the answer! Small world after all..
Firday 29th
Aujourd'hui we visited Axe le Bains, only about 20 mins from here. There are thermes from the Roman times in this city, but I think none of us were old and crimply enough to need their services. After a walk around the centre ville, we had lunch at a pretty lake, then headed home as it was time to meet Mme Andre'!
- - to be continued - - how is elena's host?? - - find out tomorrow night on - -
ELENAS TRAVEL ADVENTURES!
:p
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