Well the greves have really hit talence and pessac really hard. I started lectures at 8 (well I arrived at 8:15) yesterday. At 10:15 I took the tram into town after 4 hours or so I read on the tram announcements that the line B (my line) was CANCELLED and so I wouldn't be able to get home. By even all lines were off and certainly no buses were running either. We ended up walking home which only took an hour and a half at a brisk pace. Certainly not a typical friday night out!!!!!
Today I did the same only walked both directions (estimated 12mile round trip). At least we know it's possible!
Earlier this month we had a "christmas day" at the flat, I cooked us a roast, Jo made some crackers, Nico baked a yule log, friends came and we did the feast as the french say.
The build up to christmas here is a little.... modest so it doesn't really feel like yuletide. My christmas shopping is reminding that time of year is approaching and the lights in town are a good reminder too!
Missing home only in terms of knowing I am returning soon. Still very happy to be here.
Saturday 15 December 2007
Thursday 15 November 2007
That was then is now
Strikes.
As I arrived at my afternoon lecture on tuesday I found half the tables of the classroom had been used to barricade one of the main entrances to the building. None of my contemporaries had arrived, as I returned to the exit people were attempting to get in and others were restraining them. A girl shouted - please can all of those not 'blocking' please leave the building- I was aware that strikes were expected but I had no idea it would happen so instaniously.
Another entrance was being chained up at the same time.
So I am sat here twiddling my thumbs waiting for my erasmus grant to arrive so I can go and enjoy myself without fearing being overdrawn again. There is little I can do if I get into dept in my British account when I am abroad.
Right, I am off to make use of this day, perhaps some rollerblading.
Bye for now.
As I arrived at my afternoon lecture on tuesday I found half the tables of the classroom had been used to barricade one of the main entrances to the building. None of my contemporaries had arrived, as I returned to the exit people were attempting to get in and others were restraining them. A girl shouted - please can all of those not 'blocking' please leave the building- I was aware that strikes were expected but I had no idea it would happen so instaniously.
Another entrance was being chained up at the same time.
So I am sat here twiddling my thumbs waiting for my erasmus grant to arrive so I can go and enjoy myself without fearing being overdrawn again. There is little I can do if I get into dept in my British account when I am abroad.
Right, I am off to make use of this day, perhaps some rollerblading.
Bye for now.
Tuesday 13 November 2007
Stepping into another dimension
In the second week of my Erasmus year, I managed to break a bone, the first of my life. I decided to take a friends newly bought bike for a spin, I misjudged a pavement and landed on my hand. After watching 'Sicko' at the cinema (being grateful to be in Europe) and night of discomfort, I finally accepted that I should get my hand checked out.
It was at the Hospital that I ran into a Doctor, M. Sananes who was keen to have somebody to speak to his children in English, I was interested and left him my mobile number. After two weeks I had'nt heard anything so I left him a note at his work, he responded the next day and I made a house call a few days later.
After 30 mintues walk on the other side of the city centre I arrived at a bourgeois town house. The door bell was exceptionally high for a family with young children. In the hall a white marble staircase lead to the front door, at the top of it, at my eyelevel- a small doll like creature with beautiful ringletted hair and clothed in a white victorian nightgown style cotton dress; their youngest child of two and a half. M. Sananes, on the phone, shook my hand and welcomed me into his mansionesque house.
I was soon ushered into the drawing room containing a long sofa of a floral cream upholstering and twin armchairs to match (Louis xiii, or so Mme Sananes claimed). A marble fireplace stood opposite a sideboard topped with marble also.
When it came to discussing what they wanted from me as a teacher I felt obliging. However things seemed to prove more and more unbelievable. They firstly wanted to know what sort of payment I expected, when I timidly admittted I had no idea they suggested a meer 6euros(4pounds or so) an hour, but I was keen to occupy myself, so politely smiled.
However what followed left me feeling hard done by; the parents wanted me to; show the children visual aids, to talk to the three of them whilst they ate their dinner and to teach the children english needed whilst visiting a city or vocabulary for household items. Baring in mind the oldest was but 7 years old and could only say his name in English, I had my work cut out.
There were so many things that made this whole experience seem out of this world;
-The suggestion of going with the family for weekends away.
-The Romanian piano teacher with inch thick make-up, fluffy white hair, a pink almost angora wollen cardigan and gold glitter glasses.
-The senile grandparents pushed into the playroom.
-The portugese Nanny
-The boys' en suite bathroom between their fancy bedrooms
-The cupboards covering the study/piano room walls in an eggshell blue.
-Friday evenings at 5pm were the proposed session times, usually before the parents would get home from their Medical and Psychiatry workplaces.
On leaving this dream, I realised that I wouldn't be able to enjoy this job; the parents seemed cold and distant, the children sweet but spoilt and I had a fear that I'd break the antique furniture in some way or another. It felt like a false reality and a return was dreaded.
I would gladly work for a family I felt I had something in common with; without pay. It was a shame that I went to so much trouble to get the job, but I couldn't justify 12euros as the only perk.
It was at the Hospital that I ran into a Doctor, M. Sananes who was keen to have somebody to speak to his children in English, I was interested and left him my mobile number. After two weeks I had'nt heard anything so I left him a note at his work, he responded the next day and I made a house call a few days later.
After 30 mintues walk on the other side of the city centre I arrived at a bourgeois town house. The door bell was exceptionally high for a family with young children. In the hall a white marble staircase lead to the front door, at the top of it, at my eyelevel- a small doll like creature with beautiful ringletted hair and clothed in a white victorian nightgown style cotton dress; their youngest child of two and a half. M. Sananes, on the phone, shook my hand and welcomed me into his mansionesque house.
I was soon ushered into the drawing room containing a long sofa of a floral cream upholstering and twin armchairs to match (Louis xiii, or so Mme Sananes claimed). A marble fireplace stood opposite a sideboard topped with marble also.
When it came to discussing what they wanted from me as a teacher I felt obliging. However things seemed to prove more and more unbelievable. They firstly wanted to know what sort of payment I expected, when I timidly admittted I had no idea they suggested a meer 6euros(4pounds or so) an hour, but I was keen to occupy myself, so politely smiled.
However what followed left me feeling hard done by; the parents wanted me to; show the children visual aids, to talk to the three of them whilst they ate their dinner and to teach the children english needed whilst visiting a city or vocabulary for household items. Baring in mind the oldest was but 7 years old and could only say his name in English, I had my work cut out.
There were so many things that made this whole experience seem out of this world;
-The suggestion of going with the family for weekends away.
-The Romanian piano teacher with inch thick make-up, fluffy white hair, a pink almost angora wollen cardigan and gold glitter glasses.
-The senile grandparents pushed into the playroom.
-The portugese Nanny
-The boys' en suite bathroom between their fancy bedrooms
-The cupboards covering the study/piano room walls in an eggshell blue.
-Friday evenings at 5pm were the proposed session times, usually before the parents would get home from their Medical and Psychiatry workplaces.
On leaving this dream, I realised that I wouldn't be able to enjoy this job; the parents seemed cold and distant, the children sweet but spoilt and I had a fear that I'd break the antique furniture in some way or another. It felt like a false reality and a return was dreaded.
I would gladly work for a family I felt I had something in common with; without pay. It was a shame that I went to so much trouble to get the job, but I couldn't justify 12euros as the only perk.
Sunday 23 September 2007
Going loco down in Acapulco
I now have an address. contact me should you need it.
I can now say I live in an HLM!!!!
The flat is good as it our flat mate- Nico. So far getting on really well.
It was never going to be easy especially when drinking too much and not sleeping enough.
Jo and I are often in fits of laughter but occasionally nagging each other too.
We will need to get used to living out of the city but I reckon I'm just the girl to cope with it.
My compter is playing up again which is making me upset but I hope it shall sort itself.
We've come across this commune in the centre of town which is really exciting, they have such an amazing house, beautiful balconies, gigantic rooms. I hope to go back as the tennants are so laid back and down to earth. It reminded me of Norfolk sitting in the courtyard drinking tea and chatting.
I am missing people but not getting upset about it. I think this is a good mentallity.
bonne nuit alors.
I can now say I live in an HLM!!!!
The flat is good as it our flat mate- Nico. So far getting on really well.
It was never going to be easy especially when drinking too much and not sleeping enough.
Jo and I are often in fits of laughter but occasionally nagging each other too.
We will need to get used to living out of the city but I reckon I'm just the girl to cope with it.
My compter is playing up again which is making me upset but I hope it shall sort itself.
We've come across this commune in the centre of town which is really exciting, they have such an amazing house, beautiful balconies, gigantic rooms. I hope to go back as the tennants are so laid back and down to earth. It reminded me of Norfolk sitting in the courtyard drinking tea and chatting.
I am missing people but not getting upset about it. I think this is a good mentallity.
bonne nuit alors.
Wednesday 19 September 2007
Nous sommes arrivées mais sans abris.
Well home hunting was not the dream we had anticipated.... no list of free accomodation provided at the youth hostel.
This country is sooooo bureaucratic; forms for everything, addresses needed to even find a home, you get nothing for just turning up- even this session i should have signed up for. It's so stressful and I cannot help feeling we hadn't been told enough, information had passed us by before we arrived.
Ahhhh I must go or i'll be fined a ridiculous sum.
I'm feeling fine though the emotional rollercoaster has not brought me to tears yet.....yet.
meyleesa
This country is sooooo bureaucratic; forms for everything, addresses needed to even find a home, you get nothing for just turning up- even this session i should have signed up for. It's so stressful and I cannot help feeling we hadn't been told enough, information had passed us by before we arrived.
Ahhhh I must go or i'll be fined a ridiculous sum.
I'm feeling fine though the emotional rollercoaster has not brought me to tears yet.....yet.
meyleesa
Thursday 6 September 2007
Last week in Britain
Well, after a summer in Britain, I don't feel too prepared to return to brie land. I have nearly a week in Italy beforehand which should be good fun. I look forward to spending a little time with my father. However it only gives me a day to pack for Bordeaux. The packing concerns me little next to the rollercoaster of a week I have in store, as I attempt to find somewhere to live with little time to do it in. This is a task I vowed to not set myself again, but here I am. Perhaps I just love the adrenalin rush of facing homelessness.... Having Jo there will be excellent, I really cannot wait, we shall get each other through it. I am sure. So now all I can do is pshyque myself up for another race against time. It's just about the unknown rather than a fear of immigration and homesickness.
Friday 18 May 2007
Named and shamed!
At the journée de l'europe I read my poem and translated it for the benefit of those around me.
A journalist approached me and this is the result of our conversation!
http://chester.facebook.com/album.php?aid=6043&l=8fe99&id=285200936
There is a translation beneath i hope you can access it.
Weather is still dull, very dull, it was a little sunnier this morning but again the clouds have covered that part of the sky!
Plan to attend a gay pride march tomorrow, not much else to say so shall sign off, over and out.
A journalist approached me and this is the result of our conversation!
http://chester.facebook.com/album.php?aid=6043&l=8fe99&id=285200936
There is a translation beneath i hope you can access it.
Weather is still dull, very dull, it was a little sunnier this morning but again the clouds have covered that part of the sky!
Plan to attend a gay pride march tomorrow, not much else to say so shall sign off, over and out.
Monday 7 May 2007
A week-end in Nantes
I left Tours on Friday evening to spend my week-end in Nantes, I stayed with my old exchange partner, Alexia, ever beautiful and even more kind than before, I met her boyfriend and it's great to see her happily enjoying Uni life, even if she's not studying at the moment.
We went to see spiderman 3 and i met her American friend, Melissa so you can imagine, i had a very french week-end!
I was sorry to find out the results of the presidential elections left Sarkozy with the prize, so was she. I can't believe I may well be facing a year in a country more capitalist than my own.
Apart from this tragic turn of events, I had a good week-end and I hope I wasn't too much of a hinderance to Alexia.
I am nearly half way through now, the end of week four has swung into no. five. I should be helping out in art classes this week but not before yet another bank holiday of boredom, nevermind i'm sure my Harry Potter revision and presentation preparations shall be plenty to keep me busy after I 'faire des cours' (food shopping) and washing etc, I know it's all too fun to mention. Ohhhhhhh I shall be taking part in a SLAM session on Wednesday at the 'hotel de Ville', I don't think i am fully aware of what i have got myself in for.
We went to see spiderman 3 and i met her American friend, Melissa so you can imagine, i had a very french week-end!
I was sorry to find out the results of the presidential elections left Sarkozy with the prize, so was she. I can't believe I may well be facing a year in a country more capitalist than my own.
Apart from this tragic turn of events, I had a good week-end and I hope I wasn't too much of a hinderance to Alexia.
I am nearly half way through now, the end of week four has swung into no. five. I should be helping out in art classes this week but not before yet another bank holiday of boredom, nevermind i'm sure my Harry Potter revision and presentation preparations shall be plenty to keep me busy after I 'faire des cours' (food shopping) and washing etc, I know it's all too fun to mention. Ohhhhhhh I shall be taking part in a SLAM session on Wednesday at the 'hotel de Ville', I don't think i am fully aware of what i have got myself in for.
A big thank you to Katie for all your support, it's great to have someone who knows exactly what it's like, and well done in the "race for life" I am sure Mum would be very proud of you, just as we are, YOU DID SO WELL!
Friday 4 May 2007
Missing the bus, bus strikes and buses that just don't turn up
Well, after missing one bus and another not turning up at all i decided to take a bus that would at least get me closer to school. Only I got off too early and gave myself another 10 minute walk! This would ordinarily be fine so long as no body saw me, but i encountered a student that recognised me, (unfortunately i didn't recognise her) she said "bonjour Melissa" so i knew then that as i am not a nationwide celebrity, she must be a pupil. She reassured me it wasn't too far because I had no idea where i was going
What's more a few of my collegues saw me too, whilst passing in their cars, rather embarrassing but i arrived eventually.
I am trying to write a poem for a slam session next week, i fear it is going to be terrible but hey it's ok i am reading it in English, so they won't understand it anyway! (of course with a traduction so the french can get the gist and also to be submitted in my portfolio).
I am going to Alexia's tonight until Monday so I hope we get on, it's nearly two years since we last met! Theres a lot to say in my case, it's been the biggest two years of my life.
So I am sure there will be lots to say about that later.
à bientột!
What's more a few of my collegues saw me too, whilst passing in their cars, rather embarrassing but i arrived eventually.
I am trying to write a poem for a slam session next week, i fear it is going to be terrible but hey it's ok i am reading it in English, so they won't understand it anyway! (of course with a traduction so the french can get the gist and also to be submitted in my portfolio).
I am going to Alexia's tonight until Monday so I hope we get on, it's nearly two years since we last met! Theres a lot to say in my case, it's been the biggest two years of my life.
So I am sure there will be lots to say about that later.
à bientột!
Tuesday 1 May 2007
Chateaux de Chenenceau et d'Amboise
Wow great day to end a boring week, I lost my usb pen twice and good and proper the second time so bye bye jhan!
I shall upload my pics if i can later, pushed for time, again!
Thanks for all your messages, sorry about my mobile it appears i've been missing messages for two weeks or so, I shall pop into a shop tomorrow if there's time.
Two and a half weeks since I've been at school, I miss it, i miss everything in fact, music, poor radio music here and they play all the same songs, friends, i have few here and many at home that are very special to me, I have to go abroad to realise how much you mean to me.
The castles are beautiful around here, a friend from work, Béné, a surveillante who loves to speak spanish well and loves to try in English, shes been very kind to me over the last few days.
I have so much more to say but shall try to remember them for next time i'm online.
Much love to all good luck to everyone going to Uganda.
xxx
I shall upload my pics if i can later, pushed for time, again!
Thanks for all your messages, sorry about my mobile it appears i've been missing messages for two weeks or so, I shall pop into a shop tomorrow if there's time.
Two and a half weeks since I've been at school, I miss it, i miss everything in fact, music, poor radio music here and they play all the same songs, friends, i have few here and many at home that are very special to me, I have to go abroad to realise how much you mean to me.
The castles are beautiful around here, a friend from work, Béné, a surveillante who loves to speak spanish well and loves to try in English, shes been very kind to me over the last few days.
I have so much more to say but shall try to remember them for next time i'm online.
Much love to all good luck to everyone going to Uganda.
xxx
Tuesday 24 April 2007
le café des langues
Last night, by chance, i went to le café des langues, au palais à Jean Jaurès.
I say by chance as i had heard about it from the local information centre but did not know it would be on yesterday.
I met several french people, 1 german, 1 brit, 1 american and several french who only spoke in sign, (french sign language, but i dont speak the english version anyway so it doesn't really matter either way). It's great to see such a wide range of people communicating in so many different ways.
I shall go back next week of course.
The brit invited me for lunch today, we met up and discussed ways in which to meet others when one is rather isolated, lovely guy, loves to talk about everything possibly more candid than I, rather random but very friendly.
My first alliegance outside school although a collegue took me out on friday, quite spontaneous but we ended up at his partners bar, few women are allowed in but i was invited in and shock him with my experience of cointreau!!!!
People have been good to me this week, anyway, must dash or i'll be chucked out.
xx
I say by chance as i had heard about it from the local information centre but did not know it would be on yesterday.
I met several french people, 1 german, 1 brit, 1 american and several french who only spoke in sign, (french sign language, but i dont speak the english version anyway so it doesn't really matter either way). It's great to see such a wide range of people communicating in so many different ways.
I shall go back next week of course.
The brit invited me for lunch today, we met up and discussed ways in which to meet others when one is rather isolated, lovely guy, loves to talk about everything possibly more candid than I, rather random but very friendly.
My first alliegance outside school although a collegue took me out on friday, quite spontaneous but we ended up at his partners bar, few women are allowed in but i was invited in and shock him with my experience of cointreau!!!!
People have been good to me this week, anyway, must dash or i'll be chucked out.
xx
Thursday 19 April 2007
Abeille à Bordeaux
On the friday before I left for Bordeaux I went to a spanish bar ( a charismatic place which cannot play music since "racist" neibours complained about the culture.) I discovered a cherry beer i quite enjoy and plan to go back; despite a lack of music!
On the Saturday I went to a Hip hop concert in my local area! not my thing really but i met some cleeky ados and understood a lot of the word on the street. A brisk walk home from les HLMs for a lonesome fille.
On sunday the 15th I went south to Bordeaux and stayed with Grace for 3 nights. On the first night, the whole crew, (Grace, Ellie, Nicola, Emma, Bobby, Martin and Ryan) took me to an English bar in the centre of Bordeaux and we partook in a pub quiz- Maggie girls be proud. We didn't do very well but I enjoyed it all the same.
On the second day, Grace took me to les mirroirs des quais and i ate a croque madame for lunch in a small restaurant, (a croque monsieur with an egg on top!).
The halls in Bordeaux need a strong stomache; well done to those that live there, except those that are responsible for their poor state.
On tuesday we climbed the Pey Berland, Grace got all gooey over the children in town.
I loved the architecture of Bordeaux; the beautifully positioned 4/5 story balconies on buildings of amazingly irregular dimensions, to the sleek 21st century tramway and public areas. I think these two aspects work well however different they may be.
On wednesday I began my journey back to Tours. We rushed to catch the train and i was off to Angouleme to meet Gemma; I spent a lovely afternoon down memory lane as i relived what little i remembered of my exchange there.
Unfortunately I shaln't be going to Nantes for another 2 weeks so bring on the hard studying and assignment preparation.
I am writing letters in French so if you can read French let me know.
Everyone on their way to Africa, I am thinking of you.
I am looking forward to school for the 1st time in my life! much love to all
On the Saturday I went to a Hip hop concert in my local area! not my thing really but i met some cleeky ados and understood a lot of the word on the street. A brisk walk home from les HLMs for a lonesome fille.
On sunday the 15th I went south to Bordeaux and stayed with Grace for 3 nights. On the first night, the whole crew, (Grace, Ellie, Nicola, Emma, Bobby, Martin and Ryan) took me to an English bar in the centre of Bordeaux and we partook in a pub quiz- Maggie girls be proud. We didn't do very well but I enjoyed it all the same.
On the second day, Grace took me to les mirroirs des quais and i ate a croque madame for lunch in a small restaurant, (a croque monsieur with an egg on top!).
The halls in Bordeaux need a strong stomache; well done to those that live there, except those that are responsible for their poor state.
On tuesday we climbed the Pey Berland, Grace got all gooey over the children in town.
I loved the architecture of Bordeaux; the beautifully positioned 4/5 story balconies on buildings of amazingly irregular dimensions, to the sleek 21st century tramway and public areas. I think these two aspects work well however different they may be.
On wednesday I began my journey back to Tours. We rushed to catch the train and i was off to Angouleme to meet Gemma; I spent a lovely afternoon down memory lane as i relived what little i remembered of my exchange there.
Unfortunately I shaln't be going to Nantes for another 2 weeks so bring on the hard studying and assignment preparation.
I am writing letters in French so if you can read French let me know.
Everyone on their way to Africa, I am thinking of you.
I am looking forward to school for the 1st time in my life! much love to all
Tuesday 10 April 2007
I have a petite studio
I moved into a little studio tonight so no worrys about les SDF! €250 a month
I am a little emotional but hey i will be fine.
Started work today, the teachers are lovely and very welcoming. I started crying today so the guy i met on the first night who said girls cannot be alone because they cry is actually right- no i joke, i just cant stop crying.
I plan to leave Tours for a week this friday/sat
I am missing everyone more than i have before. But hey you know, i ll have new friends so i ll forget you all soon. ;)
I suppose visitors are still always welcome, theres room!
Oh miss Arren, jai dit aujourdui "moi non plus" it means me neither-dur but i explained why i said it and the english teachers said the bridgette was joking!
Day off tomorrow so lets check out the shops!
xxmellyxx
I am a little emotional but hey i will be fine.
Started work today, the teachers are lovely and very welcoming. I started crying today so the guy i met on the first night who said girls cannot be alone because they cry is actually right- no i joke, i just cant stop crying.
I plan to leave Tours for a week this friday/sat
I am missing everyone more than i have before. But hey you know, i ll have new friends so i ll forget you all soon. ;)
I suppose visitors are still always welcome, theres room!
Oh miss Arren, jai dit aujourdui "moi non plus" it means me neither-dur but i explained why i said it and the english teachers said the bridgette was joking!
Day off tomorrow so lets check out the shops!
xxmellyxx
Sunday 8 April 2007
I have finally arrived!
My trip commences and my first night in Tours has arrived, I had a bearable journey, the youth hostel is bearable but i found the receptionist a real pain, not very friendly at all! But i shouldn't complain it is cheap
My Lap top is at home as i discovered it was faulty, this added to the drama last night.
As for the city by night i am very impressed, very historic and rather cultural.
My Lap top is at home as i discovered it was faulty, this added to the drama last night.
As for the city by night i am very impressed, very historic and rather cultural.
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