Lazy Sunday afternoon.

27.9.09- Sunday
A bit more time has gone by, and I’ve been using it to take the train to Tonneins, gather more touristy-like information to find stuff to keep me busy when I won’t be teaching, and meeting other colleagues. I had dinner last night with one of the English profs, Marie-Josée, and her family. It was really nice, and their house (in Damazan) was beautiful! They have one daughter, Benedicte, who dances at Salle St. Côme (where I intend to take lessons). It’s a little bit out of town, but once I get the bike fixed it won’t be a bad commute. Or, if the lessons are during the day, I could easily take the 45-minute walk to the studio. Benedicte studies at the lycée but doesn’t have any English classes with her mother (understandably).
Today I went to my first mass in French- it was hard at parts to follow but the priest spoke slowly for the most part. Dad will be happy to know the church next to me isn’t Protestant after all, but Catholic. I think I confused it with the Protestant church on the other side of town.

Arrival in Aiguillon/making acquaintances!

Same day, 20:24- Aiguillon
Well, I’ve just arrived!
Unfortunately, it’s pretty dark outside- the train I took was 48 minutes en retard- I felt pretty bad for Stéphane, who was probably at home in Agen before I arrived 2 hours after the school closed. But- I blame the train system! Anyway, he seems pretty laid back, so I’m lucky to not have someone more prone to freaking out.
The town isn’t as small as I thought, but it isn’t Besançon, either. I only got a speedy driving tour through the city, but from what I can tell it’s a pretty cute city. I feel weird calling it a city when it’s really more of a town- Stéphane told me it’s the 4th or 5th biggest in the Lot-et-Garonne region. The school is the part that amazes me- it’s an older building (18th century older) that used to be a castle. And I live in an apartment right off to the side of it! I wonder what the classrooms look like...
There will be another assistant (niveau primaire) in my apartment who I believe might be British. I hope she’s nice!
(side note- I just ate a whole thin crust pizza. I didn’t have lunch and I think they’re meant to be for one person anyway. I probably could’ve ordered dessert, too...)


21-1-09, Tues. night
Well, a few days have gone by and I’m acquainting myself well with this little town. Today I opened up my bank account, took care of some other formalities in order to get my carte de séjour (which turned out to be necessary) and went up the large hill with Clare (the previous assistant) in Nicole (a nearby small village). We saw everything from up there- all the little villages were even smaller from up there. There is a crucifix one can see from the road that marks the top of the “peak”. The climb wasn’t easy (we were breathing heavily by the end of our climb) and the descent was even more unpleasant, but in a different sense. There was a man who drove back up the hill as we were ascending (he’d already passed us going down) who immediately gave Clare & me the creeps. He smoked his cigarette at the top of the hill, and as we descended he followed us back down. He was mumbling things (in French) to Clare about giving us a tour, and she declined as we kept on walking. He persisted to bug us as we pressed on, and after maybe three rejections he reached out and fondled Clare and tried to pull her tank top down. We started yelling and he slowly drove away. I asked Clare if she wanted me to call the police, but she said no- I should have done it anyway. She went home after we had a few beers and she told her boyfriend Jean-Pierre about it, and he reassured her that we should’ve reported it. We’re going to the gendarmerie tomorrow to do just that (although unfortunately we didn’t get his license plate number, so I don’t know what they’d really be able to do). Anyway, we both remember small details so hopefully it will help the police find the pervert and put him away. The situation just served as a (strong) reminder to always be alert and have my pepper spray on me. I didn’t have it then, and I regret it. Thank God we weren’t hurt.
Joanna’s story of being followed in Paris is another thing that set off an alarm in my mind. Just one more reason why I must make friends fast and never be alone at night. It’s ironic that absolutely nothing happened the entire time Clare was here, but the night before she leaves of course something happens. You can never be too careful.
Other than that sour note, my colleagues all seem to be very nice. One of the english teachers who has a place in Bordeaux invited me over to her place or to ride out with her when she drives out! I’ve met the theatre teacher too, who seemed very willing to get me involved in her productions in one way or another. Her students are doing a piece my Molière in March, so I’m planning on going to that to see them perform. I’m thinking of seeing how much it’ll cost me to get/rent a car to get around while I’m here in Aiguillon. I can only take the train to so many places, and the return times aren’t very late at all (before 8 to get back from Agen, for example). I’m thinking of talking to Stéphane about it, but I don’t know how much info he’d be able to give me as he’s probably lived in France all of his life (or in the European Union, at least). There is an auto-école in the city that I will stop by to see how I can go about maybe getting a car.
(same day, later that night)
Now I know what people are talking about when they say the French are so depressing- I’m trying to find something uplifting and fun to watch, but the happiest thing I can find is a film on the Holocaust. Go figure.

Train down to Aiguillon

18.9.09- 13:23 (Gare Montparnasse, Paris)
So I’m here at the train station a bit early- I’ve got about 45 minutes before my train is due to arrive. It seemed like my bags were a bit heavier this time around (maybe because my muscles are still weak from arriving, or it could be the bottle of white wine I bought that’s weighing them down. Maybe it’s the apples and grapes I bought from the marché. Who knows!
Today I went to the Jardin des Plantes, visited the Sorbonne (didn’t go inside though) and saw the Panthéon. It was right around then that I decided I’d better find the closest metro so I could check out of Luna Park. I didn’t expect it to take so long to find one!
Paris has officially rubbed in my face the fact that I am really out of shape. Even when I’m not lugging my bags around everywhere, I’m still sweating bullets. This is solid proof that I need to get back into my running habit, and fast!


Same day- 14:07
Now that I’m on the train, I can write without worry. I’m pretty excited to finally be heading to the Aquitaine region. Don’t get me wrong- I loved Paris, but until I find a job there my trips will always be short term.
(side note- I think I forgot to pack my other new pair of jeans. Oh, well- they were a little big on my anyway.)
16:12
So I never went into detail about Sacré Coeur and everything else I did yesterday. I absolutely adored the church- it was beautifully constructed inside and out with a magnificent painting/etching sort of business going on in the front. I would’ve stayed a great deal longer had it not been for Mr. Sleaze-bag who followed me around as I was touring the church and had the gall to interrupt me as I was having a very peaceful moment in the pews. I left almost immediately after that. I just can’t enjoy myself when there are horny men following me around everywhere.
Aside from that, the trek up to the church was tough in and of itself. The church is conveniently placed on top of a steep hill that will really test your stamina once you decide to head to the top. I was panting & sweating near the end but you could plainly tell who was either an athlete or just French by seeing if they were stuggling & sweating as much as I was.
The one other annoyance one has to watch out for are the men who stand in your way as you try to climb the hill that leads up to the church. They try to tie a “bracelet” to your finger, and when you can’t get it off, they ask (demand) for payment. It’s really pretty obnoxious. Even if you just try to ignore them, they’ll push you away and swear at you. If there’s one way to attract better business, that’s most definitely not it.
The cobblestone road leading up to Sacré Coeur is as crowded as it is adorable. The rue was lined heavily with all kinds of tourist shops/typical French cafés & crêperies to lure in hungry travelers. I only stopped to buy a couple of cheap postcards for friends and family as they were 20 centimes a piece, as opposed to 1 euro apiece (the cards I bought by my metro stop near the hotel). Being in Montmartre reminded me of the movie Amélie, but I got to actually experience its sleaziness firsthand this time instead of waching it happen in a movie.
As it usually always is, the noisiest family is sitting directly behind me. My friend Kirk would get a good laugh if he were here right now. He’s been around when we’ve gone to lectures at the University and the chattiest people always sit in my general area.
We’ve just passed through Poitiers, so it appears we’re about halfway to Bordeaux from Paris (or more). Then it’ll be a short trip from Bordeaux proper to Aiguillon. I don’t know exactly how much of the city I’ll get to see today due to my legs being en panne and the things that I need to do (bank account, laundry, groceries, etc) but I’ve got 7 months to tour the p’tite ville de 4,500 people. It’s going to be quite the change from the 2-million some people in Paris. But who knows- I’ve never lived in a town this small before, it could be something I really enjoy. I just hope I can still get the keys to my apartment today (even though I’ll be arriving about 2 hours later than my contact expects me). Whatever, it’s France. If he has a problem, I’ll just give him a big, drawn-out French shrug and a “meh”. If the keys don’t come today, I’ll be crossing my fingers for a cheap hotel or hostel. Anywhere is cheaper than Paris! I’m really very happy for the change in atmosphere from the States. Although I’d love to have my family here, I am beginning to enjoy this whole “being independent” thing, and will enjoy it 1,000 times more when I get my 1st paycheck. Which reminds me, I need to fill out the paperwork for my cash advance. I don’t know how long my weak American money can last in Europe...

Running around Paris

18.9.09- 00:43 (Paris)
Well, yesterday was quite the accomplished day! I visited Sacré Coeur, Père Lachaise Cemetery, Hotel de Ville; set up my cell phone (and I’m pretty sure I got duped in doing so) met up with Hugues and Samuel, and got TONS of walking in. I also ran into Saint-Chapelle and went inside, and stopped by the memorial de la déportation that was built to remember the victims of the Holocaust. It was a wonderful day- but unfortunately I have to leave Paris a day early to get the keys to my apartment. The other option was to stay until Monday and take the train down then, but I couldn’t’ve afforded the two extra days here. Also, some things ended up being more expensive than I’d predicted (ticket to Aiguillon, for example) which ended up being 67 euro instead of 39 (the first price I researched). Boo!
I’m going to try to wake up at 8 a.m. tomorrow, so I’d best call it a night. More later!

Arrival in France!

Well, I’ve just arrived in Paris! I’m here for 7 months this time. I’ll be teaching English as an assistant in a small town called Aiguillon (pop. 4,500). I’m looking forward to starting a new chapter in my life, but most importantly from here on out I will be self-sufficient. This is a big turning point in my life, and I’m both excited and a bit scared. I’m currently a bit worn out from getting over a cold/lugging my bags all over Paris trying to find my hotel. I wasn’t expecting it to be this chilly- I should’ve worn a sweater!
A few other things on my to-do list today include visiting Sacré-Coeur, Musées Rodin and Picasso, and other such touristy ventures. I just read an e-mail from my contact (Stéphane) who tells me my apartment won’t be ready until Monday the 21st- which means I’ll need to crash somewhere for another two nights! I could either stay at the same hotel (which is about 39 euro/night, if they even have space) or Charlan B & B (run by two Brits in Aiguillon) for 50 euro/night, or stay in a youth hostel. I really don’t like the idea of a Parisian hostel, as it is probably dirty/sleazy. Bedbugs are also something to look out for.

Same day- 17:10
I feel much better after a good nap to shoo away the jetlag and a quick shower (although very cramped!) I’m now at a café I’ve been to before in the 11th arrondissement (a familiar part of Paris, by my hotel). I’m trying unsuccessfully to connect to the internet, but without much luck.

Same day- 21:27
Here’s my update since I last wrote: I found the internet at McDonald’s (go figure) so I quickly sent a few e-mails and then went to buy a new phone. I wasn’t planning on having to get a whole new phone, just maybe a new battery- but they told me it was kaput. So I bought a Nokia for 39 euro (which already seems a bit better than my old phone I got for 20 euro) but I can only use it to keep time for now until I get a new SIM card (yeah, apparently I need a new one of those, too- so much for bringing my old one with me! :-/) Anyway, hopefully this one will last a bit longer. I bought a Paris Visite card for the next 2 days so I can squeeze in as much as I want with the time I have left. I’m going to buy my ticket to Aiguillon tomorrow @ Gare du Nord, whether or not Stéphane says the apartment is clean! I just don’t have the money to stay another two nights in Paris. Which reminds me...I have to tell the innkeeper that I don’t need those two nights after all. Hopefully he didn’t already charge me! :D
::nervous laugh::

Preparation: Less than one week to go.

It is 9/9/09 and I have six days before I leave. I'm content that I have all my paperwork necessary but haven't yet started packing. I will probably get that going today when I stop by mom's house (all my luggage is there). I'm getting so close I can taste it!

Last day of work today. Pretty geeked about that. Just about to run some errands before that happens:

Deposit paycheck
Notify bank of going abroad
Visit sis/mom/doggie
Practice mon francais
Revise lesson plans

We'll see how much of that actually gets done. I'm intent on getting the first three accomplished, and if I have time the latter two.

I've been watching a lot of Rick Steves' travel videos (if you're a traveler and haven't seen any of his stuff, I highly urge you to get on the bandwagon). He's an enthusiastic world traveler and documents his stays with passion and a smile, and his unique personality has kept me renting his videos for years. He has some stuff on YouTube too, but most of those vids are just short clips. If you want to see the real stuff, go to the library and chances are you'll find a few of his DVDs just waiting to be checked out.
Anyway, watching the videos has made me even more excited to be in France again. Especially the prospect of seeing my old host family (Samuel, Juliette, Yohan, Arlette & Laurent) and friends (Alban, Alexandros, Adrien). And of course, meeting my students at Aiguillon and the townsfolk around there. And yes, town fits the bill quite nicely as there are only about 4,500 people who currently reside there!

I haven't planned any trips yet to Bordeaux proper, but I feel it is necessary as I will be so close. I'll be equally distant from Toulouse, so i'm sure a stop there will happen in the future as well. Those are just the first few places I want to visit- I plan on doing many weekend trips throughout France so I can experience it completely this time. When I studied abroad, I stayed mostly in/around Besancon, which was nice but I was eager to see more. I didn't have an income as I was only there as a student on a scholarship/financial aid, so this time around it'll be pretty different.

I'm going to be posting a bit more frequently now as the date approaches. This blog will help me organize my thoughts as well as provide a means for me to vent when I may need it.

A bientot!