Found in Translation

Home

2009-01-16T03:51:00.005+01:00

Cliff Walk, Newport, RI

Photo by Moi

Found in translation

2009-01-11T04:39:00.003+01:00

I have been home for a few weeks now and I can't help but observe how much I've changed. The way I perceive the world, the way I conduct myself in conversations, and even the way I handle stress. Many aspects of my personality have changed (for what I believe) for the better. I finally feel as though I am coming into my own. Without leaving for those four short months, I would have never had the opportunity to expand my horizons and begin the journey to find my true bliss.

I am beginning to realize that I have a very restless heart. The world is so vast and beautiful, I need to find a way that will permit my exploration.

I will forever be found in translation.

2009-01-11T04:36:00.003+01:00

“The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love
and be loved in return.”

- Moulin Rouge

Merci Beaucoup.

2008-12-27T06:14:00.004+01:00

Thank you Paris.
Thank you for opening my eyes and heart to the world.
Thank you for introducing me to some of the most amazing people,
and for creating the most unforgettable of memories.
Thank you for making me appreciate my home,
and for making me crave the sights, tastes, scents, and textures of the rest of the world.
Thank you for helping me find myself,
I was never going to find her if I had always stayed in Rhode Island.
Thank you for your magic,
I will always love you.

It's official...

2008-12-24T15:52:00.005+01:00

I have jumped the pond and for some reason they have let me back into the mother land.
After a grueling day of traveling, I was welcomed to the most heart-warming of hellos a girl could ask for. In the way my sister and I know best, we successfully made the biggest scene in the arrivals section of the airport. That was exactly what I needed- a great explosion of love.

Je t'aime

2008-12-21T11:03:00.004+01:00

Prague has the Lennon wall.

Paris has the Love wall.
Found in Montmartre, behind the metro stop Abbesses (line 12):
Over 300 phrases
translated from hundreds of the world's languages-
all playing with the imagery of love.

Chocolate Covered Ants.

2008-12-18T17:05:00.004+01:00

Next time you want to feel unique and cultured, I don't advise trying chocolate covered ants.

Step 1: Purchase said product at the grand Bon Marché

Step 2: Sit in the Sevres-Babylone Metro Stop

Step 3: Place said delicacy in ta bouche

Step 4: Enjoy the crunchy, protein filled treat.
Note: Make sure to carry floss with you.

Although they are a great party prank.

2008-12-18T17:03:00.002+01:00

"In Paris they simply stared when I spoke to them in French; I never did succeed in making those idiots understand their language."

-Mark Twain

2008-12-16T22:21:00.000+01:00

Praha, CZ

2008-12-14T20:33:00.014+01:00

I'm off to Prague, CZ (Praha) with the lovely Lee and Laura. This city is unarguably one of my favorite cities in the world. (I went on a school trip prior.) Filled with an amazing history, kind people, and incredible sites I am glowing with excitement to return.

The safety instructions on Sky Europe were slightly disturbing.
In case of an emergency, please place baby in floatable coffin.

They had to ask the flight attended how it worked, of course.

If you appreciate beer, head to Prague. You won't find anything like this in the states.

Holiday season in Prague.
The Old Town Square

During the holiday season, Prague's Old Town Square is booming with traditions of all sorts.

Christmas ham for 100 Kč/gm (about $.06/gm) anyone?
Check out the stud in the background.

Adam and Eve

Astronomical Clock

aka Prague Orloj

This clock is very cool.
The Astronomical Dial represents the positions of the sun and moon.

Hourly, "The Walk of the Apostles" performs.

As well as a calendar dial with medallions representing the months.

My boyfriends.

The friend I made at our hostel.

You might want to wear a helmet when riding down the escalator to the metro. I have never seen on this steep!

The Charles Bridge

The main connection between the old town and the rest of the city.

Hopping to the other side, you'll find the beautiful Prague castle as well as many other great discoveries.

Walk down from the Prague Castle.

Franz Kafka Museum

The John Lennon Wall:
a.k.a one of the most beautiful things in the world

Velkopřevorské náměstí118 00

Praha, Praha, Czech Republic

Created by liberal-minded "Lennonism" students in 1988

who were protesting against the communistic regulations of their government.

Celebrating my 21st birthday... The Czech way

I'll let you use your imagination.

Wenceslas Square

In memory of the 1969 student protests
Jan Palach and Jan Zajic

Dear Sorbonne,

2008-12-09T09:15:00.005+01:00

I took a 10 credit course with you

Hoping to help my French
I sat through you each day
In a room
That smelled of
body odor

Ms. Shwan
you gave me as a professor
A woman who purchased her clothing
at museum shops
Found great amusement
in destroying my desires
to speak French

You gave me one exam
that would determine if
I would pass your course
One exam lasting three hours
of my life
50% survive

Dear Sorbonne,
I believe I proved Ms. Shawn wrong!

With great happiness,
M.

Come on Eileen.

2008-12-03T18:46:00.004+01:00

For all of you vintage-shop lovers, hold onto your slightly used yet totally Indie hats, and let me share this amazing little secret that the beautiful Nina kindly bestowed upon myself.
Found tucked on a small side-street nearing the Bastille; Come On Eileen is one of Paris's best kept shopping secrets.
Within its 2.5 floors, Come On Eileen has everything from sunglasses, to purses, to jeans, to wedding dresses, to vintage t-shirts, to designer ensembles, to old fur coats.... the list could go on and on.
I highly suggest the trip, even if its only for the experience.

Come On Eileen |
16/18 rue des Taillandiers | Marais/Bastille (area map) | +33143381211
Mon - Fri 11:00 - 20:30, Sunday 14:00 - 20:00

Happy Holidays.

2008-11-30T11:20:00.001+01:00

Magic.

2008-11-30T02:10:00.003+01:00

It snowed in Paris tonight.
Life was magical for those few moments.
I was home.

Happy Turkey Day!

2008-11-27T17:54:00.007+01:00

Celebrating Thanksgiving in Paris is certainly not the same. First of all, when ordering a turkey at the corner butcher, you must request for the bird to be dead. If not, they will hand you a live turkey. No thanks! Secondly, its near impossible to find the ingredients and treats that we take for granted back home. Thankfully off of Rue St. Paul, there is a wonderful petite epicery which imports our delightful American delicatessens.

On a more grateful note:
I am so thankful for the amazing people in my life, the year I have had, and the future that awaits me.
I miss you all so much. Eat lots of extra helping of desserts for me.
I am celebrating my day of thanks with Ali's family. Hopefully my dessert doesn't poison anyone. Good thing I'm bringing a bag of cookies as a surrogate.

Love love
-M

I love and miss you all!

Only in Paris.

2008-11-25T18:48:00.002+01:00

Where else in the world would I take university courses in the same court yard Alexander McQueen designs his art?

Thank you Mother Nature.

2008-11-23T13:26:00.002+01:00

When Rhody comes to play.

2008-11-21T23:31:00.009+01:00

It is always a wonderful treat to have friends from home come visit.
It almost legitimatized Paris as my home.
My lovely ladies from URI came for a visit.
La belle Allison attempting to fit in.

I think she could potentially pass as a Frenchie.

The Eiffel Tower

I brought the girls the the Eiffel Tower for thier first introduction.

Slightly magical on many levels.

I think she cried a little.

L' Arc de Triomphe

Daily outdoor market

Allison getting a french haircut.
She had me explain to them what she wanted (in French).

I guess I did pretty well.

Taught Me.

2008-11-21T22:00:00.011+01:00

The other night, Kiersten's friends from home stopped by for a quick second in Paris (I understand how ironic that sounds). They were on a European tour with their band, Taught Me, and we were lucky enough to hear them play in a cozy little bar in the 20th Arrodissement of Paris.
I, for one, was super excited. Her friends couldn't have come at a better time. I was beginning to become super homesick for nights like these.
The music was grand. The band, Taught Me, had a beautiful sound. True musicians in my book.
The bar was called La Mer à Boire- Café Animé -- great atmosphere and not too expensive for Paris standards.

Some of their other projects:

One + Plus

Uzi & Ari
Zero Friends Creative Clothing

Note to Self: Always carry camera around.

2008-11-21T21:48:00.001+01:00

Because you never know what or who you might bump into.

Join the Impact.

2008-11-13T22:02:00.004+01:00

On November 15th, there will be a national outcry against Prop 8 at the city halls of each state. The goal of this protest is to gain equality for ALL American citizens. No one deserves to be treated as second class, especially if it is solely based on whom you love. If you find yourself sitting on your couch with nothing to do, please join this fight. Doesn't everyone deserve the right to love?

To find your November 15th location, please click here.

Imagine how beautiful the world could be if discrimination ceased to exist?

Videos from November 15th in Boston, MA:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRhf1X1mTiU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXWD6CPOJNc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnKDW3l13vo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UbhrHW5J90
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bly29brdfgg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6w9CmEevhSw

Pigeon Mail.

2008-11-13T20:53:00.004+01:00

One of my favorite things to do is find unique postcards and mail them home. Like everything else in Paris, many of their postcards are works of art as well.

Barcelona, Spain

2008-11-13T11:29:00.014+01:00

Spain via air.

View from our hostel.

La Sagrada Familia

Las Ramblas

Globalization at its best.

One of my many yachts.

The cheapest = tastiest cappuccino I've found in Europe.

Park Güell

Balearic Sea

This was the only thing I wanted to see.

Skateboarding in front of the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Parc Floral de Paris.

2008-11-08T23:39:00.005+01:00

I have found that not planning every detail, leads to wonderful surprises. Today, Laura and I decided to have a picnic and explore (a.k.a. play on the play-ground) Parc Floral. One of the great things about Paris, is that you can turn a corner and run into something centuries old. Before making it to Parc Floral, we literally ran into Chateau de Vincennes. Here, we sat on some stone steps, ate our cheese and baguette sandwhiches, and attempted to appear french. Maybe my intense laughter or our nerdy photo-session gave it away that we weren't. But we had as much fun as the little kids that we competed for the swings with.

When moving to Paris wasn't a big enough of a change...

2008-11-07T14:12:00.006+01:00

Sometimes, leaving the environment we are most comfortable in, allows us to take risks and attempt find ourselves in ways we were never allowed to at home. The hair is just a symbolism of the"new and improved Meggie".

... and yes, I am a goober.

Making history.

2008-11-05T12:42:00.004+01:00

Last night, I took part in an historic event. The 2009 presidential elections was that of historic proportions. Pulling an all-niter, I excitedly watched the election on a projection screen streaming live-feed from cnn.com in an international dorm. Most of us were pulling for Obama while a few proudly supported McCain.
We eagerly watched the polls teater-totter, offered our own versions of Americana through games and food, discussed political and religious views, and bonded as a family through our differences and similarities.
America as we now know it will be different forever. The objection of race and gender in an executive political position shall never be viewed as a variable, and for the first time in over eight-years my fellow peers and I now attain an ever-glowing sense of pride to be an American.
Although our country has a long road to rebuild, one can only hope that the sense of our new president will inspire my generation to finally take a stand in our future. Apathy will only take us so far. The future is in all of our hands, we need to take a stand.

French passions.

2008-11-04T09:53:00.006+01:00

Paris is known as the "city of love", the Parisians live with this idea throughout their soul. There is something in the manner of how french lovers embrace, as if their eyes are breathing passion for one another. The passion these couples endow is that of a sappy romance story, except it is their reality. In their fervent ways,I have never seen a man intensely gaze at woman before, and secretly acknowledge that she is his world; or chase after her as if it was their final goodbye, when in reality, they had saw each other only moments before.

My sole reason for studying abroad in Paris, was not to live the same location as the Eiffel Tour and the Degas' Ballerina statue, but it was to understand another culture from my own. To embrace my life and learn how to change it for the better. I have always been a passionate person, however understanding the ways one shows passion may lead to much more meaningful life-experiences.

Street Art.

2008-11-02T16:46:00.003+01:00

The French-twist on graffiti.

Our nation.

2008-11-01T01:51:00.001+01:00

This is a beautiful documentary about our nation created by Vanguard Journalism// Current TV. If you find that you have some free time (about 45 minutes), please take the chance to watch this before you vote on Tuesday. If not, please do not forget to vote!

The beloved crêpes.

2008-10-30T09:18:00.003+01:00

You can not come to Paris without eating or attempting to make one of France's national dishes. My attempt at the beloved "crêpe" didn't come out too bad. I have proudly created my own recipie for these magical little meals or treats (whichever you prefer).

Ingredients:

1 cup half whole wheat/half white flour
1/2 cup of water
1 cup of milk
2 eggs
pinch of salt

Directions:
1. The dry and wet ingredients separately.
2. Carefully add the wet to the dry, making sure no clumps form.
3. Heat your skillet, make sure non-stick surface!
4. Pour a thin layer of batter onto skillet.
5. Pour rest of batter that doesn't stick to skillet, back into pan.
6. Cook each side until golden brown.
7. Add yummy crêpe fillings
8. Fold crêpe over.
9. Let your senses take over!

** If you are adding fruit or veggies, best to heat them in a separate skillet before placing them into crêpe to ensure full satisfaction.

Crêpe Concotions we have attempted...
- Apple, Cheese, Cinnamon
- Banana, Cheese, Cinnamon
- Veggies
- Veggies and Cheese
- Cheese and poached egg
- Cheese
- Peanut butter and banana
- Nutella
- Jam
- Sugar and lemon
- Anything you can think of!

I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I've been compared to the vendors on the streets of Paris. Friends and family at home, get ready to be impressed by my skills.

Sounds of the Metro.

2008-10-27T23:17:00.003+01:00

My apartment.

2008-10-26T09:24:00.007+01:00

Before leaving for Paris, I was offered the options to live in a dorm, a homestay or an apartment. All containing a massive list of pros and cons, I knew that whatever I would decide and ultimately be given could significantly affect my stay in Paris.

All in all, I was given a beautiful apartment with three great roommates. I can see the top of the Eiffel Tower from my bedroom window, I can have my friends over for dinner, but I also have time alone when I want it. I just have to remember not to laugh to loud and not to shower after 10 PM or my neighbors get really mad. Those crazy French love their silence.

The Avant-garde mailboxes you see when first walking into my apartment building.

Squint closely and you'll see the Eiffel Tower.

Kitchen.

Ali, cooking, and myself as sous-chef.

The sleeping quarters.

The fetal position at its best.

Living room.

Mom and Dad jumped the pond.

2008-10-25T23:04:00.007+02:00

Before leaving for Paris, I was little apprehensive with having my parents visit during a time in my life purposely designed for self discovery and exploration.

"If I was home-sick, would it make it worse? Do I want to use this time to grow and learn in as many ways as I possibly can, and would having my parents come alter this?" These thoughts were going through my mind before they purchased their tickets for this past week. But, boy, am I happy they came.

Studying abroad has made me realize how lucky I am to have the life I have and the people I have in it at home. Skyping and e-mailing is not always sufficient in fulfilling one's need for a hug from their mom and dad.

They finally got to meet some of the amazing people I call my friends and sip on a million cafe au laits. I had the opportunity to show them how much my French has improved and they were able to see the side of Paris that a tour book doesn't direct you to.

Thanks for jumping the pond Momma and Papa.

Me, very happy that they were here.

Good News.

2008-10-23T09:15:00.004+02:00

I thought that I would share some exciting news...

http://fr.finance.yahoo.com/convertisseur

THE EXCHANGE RATE IS ONLY $1.28 TODAY!

Loire Valley.

2008-10-19T23:45:00.018+02:00

This weekend I went to the north of France to a region called Loire Valley- chateaus and wine vineyards galore. I never thought that there could be so many castles in one place! France proudly did me wrong. We saw the grand Châteaux d'Amboise, Château de Chambord, Château de Villandry and Chenonceau.

Where Leonardo Da Vinci is buried.

Make-up does wonders.

Where one dreams of becoming a prince or princess.

Chateau Amboise

Château de Villandry

I come with a plethora of talents.

City Biking.

2008-10-19T22:38:00.005+02:00

Friday, I attempted the ever life-threatening task of city biking. Who knew how heart-stopping frightening that is! I have watched my fair-share of city bikers, gracefully gliding from car to car- street to street. Well my friends, if you can compare them to ice skaters, just call me Nancy Kerrigan (post- Tonya Harding). I will spare details on the sake of my mothers heart, (I'M ALIVE MOM!) But I might stick to bike paths and stationary bikes, at least while I am in Paris.

When all is said in done, however, it was so much fun!

Realization.

2008-10-15T21:16:00.001+02:00

Studying abroad has changed my perception of the world in so many ways. Before leaving, I was an ignorant teenager who hated pretty much everything about America. When in reality, I truly know nothing about the country I am privileged to be born in. During my time in Paris, I have met so many amazing people from all over the world, all carrying a special quirk and pride along with them.

I am beginning to realize that each state in the US isn't just a state, but a little nation, each proudly containing their own special identities.

I'm beginning to open my eyes a little wider; I believe.

My 5 year old heart...

2008-10-12T18:54:00.003+02:00

On Rue de la Paixe (Road of Peace) there is a dance shop called Repetto. This is where the professional ballerinas purchase their tu-tus and point shoes. My inner child has never been happier.

Fontainebleau.

2008-10-11T18:50:00.005+02:00

Today we went hiking.

Six week slump.

2008-10-10T13:51:00.004+02:00

Studying abroad.
I never expected to experience such a roller coaster of emotions. I had heard of "home-sickness" and "reverse-homesickness", but I never thought I could experience such a smorgasbord of the two.
A month an a half ago, I was glowing. I had never been that happy in my entire life. My dream of finally stepping off the plane at the Charles de Gaulle airport had finally came true! I wasn't afraid to speak French, I was ready for anything.

However, its official, I've hit the "six week slump". If I could go home tomorrow, I would. How horrible is this!? I don't want to leave the amazing people that I've met. I selfishly want them to come home with me. I could just use a quick Rhody-recharge, and then send me back on my way.

Just like everything, the novelty wore off.

-- I'm sorry for Negative Nancy. Tomorrow is a new day.

The perfect autumn day.

2008-10-09T23:18:00.002+02:00

"I don't get scared, I pose." - M.S.

2008-10-08T23:35:00.005+02:00

Yesterday, Lee, Alanna, Matt, and I had the brilliant idea of exploring the Catacombs. Although extremely interesting and historic; after seeing the first five minutes of skulls and other bones in carefully placed designs, we had had enough. "After you see one skull, you've seen 'em all," complained a little girl to her mother, who was slowly treading besides us.

However, Detective Alanna did find a skull that had a bullet hole in it.

Can you just imagine being the poor guy who had to place all of those bones into intricately structured walls? I'll pass on that job thanks.

What I've learned about myself and of Paris thus far...

2008-10-05T13:18:00.007+02:00

1. At times, Paris seems like a completely different planet from the east coast.
2. Other moments, I have never felt more home.
3. Loud noises after 10 pm is extremely prohibited- I've been yelled at by neighbors for the intensity of my laughter
4. I can make better crêpes than the man down the street.
5. When grocery shopping, don't forget to weigh your produce before checking-out.
6. Always bring a reusable shopping bag when food shopping.
7. Its an extremely small world.
8. I have a lot more pride for being an American than I realized.
9. I want to see so much more of the world.
10. Nothing is opened on Sundays.
11. Paris has some of the most beautiful flower shops in the world.
12. I have never discussed more religion and politics throughout my entire life and with the most eclectic of minds.
13. I miss my dogs.
14. I hate birds.
15. If you need something done, expect to wait.
16. Racism is thrown in your face.
17. People aren't afraid to be themselves- I adore that.
18. Wine is cheaper than juice.
19. I don't know how I have survived thus far without some of these people in my life.
20. French children are chicer than I will ever be.
21. Every time I walk down a street I find something new.
22. Learning a second language is ridiculously hard.
23. I love pretending "to look French"; however, my smile usually gives it away.
24. Parisian open-markets are magnificent.
25. Never go shopping at Les Halles on the weekend. It reminds me of the mall's holiday season at home multiplied by 20.
26. I enjoy skipping the stairs in the metro-- great butt work out.
27. Men literally "meow" at women when walking-by, instead of whistling. They take "cat calling" to new dimensions. I personally do not appreciate it. I might start "barking" back.
28. Skype is such an amazing invention.
29. The espresso here is like no other.
30. But I really miss the ice coffee from my local coffee shop at home.
31. When visiting Paris, you must purchase a sandwich from one of the thousands of boulangeries. No matter where you go, I promise it will be the best sandwich of your life.
32. I still have so much more to learn and to explore...

Crêpes!

2008-10-03T10:28:00.013+02:00

You can not come to Paris without eating or attempting to make one of France's national dishes. "The crêpe" I proudly have created my own recipie for these magical little meals or treats (whichever you prefer).

Ingredients
1 cup half whole wheat/half white flour
1/2 cup of water
1 cup of milk
2 eggs
pinch of salt

Crêpe Concotions we have attempted...
- Apple, Cheese, Cinnamon
- Banana, Cheese, Cinnamon
- Veggies
- Veggies and Cheese
- Cheese and poached egg
- Cheese
- Peanut butter and banana
- Nutella
- Jam
- Sugar and lemon
- Anything you can think of!

I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I've been compared to the vendors on the streets of Paris. Friends and family at home, get ready to be impressed by my skills.

Family time.

2008-09-30T10:49:00.010+02:00

In order to save a couple of euros, appreciate a healthy meal, and embrace each others' company; my friends and I will cram into my tiny Parisian kitchen to enjoy our "family dinners". The majority of these meals consist of poulet (chicken), a few baguettes, a beautifully presented salad (with my roommate always throwing on some capers, while joking about the heart-burn they cause), and some bottles of cheap wine. Many times there are so many of us, that we are sharing plates and forks, and sitting on one anothers' lap. It has become a wonderful go-to place for laughter, discussion of philosophy, religion, and politics, and to simply enjoy our time in Paris.

This has quickly become one of my favorite things about this city.

Sacré Coeur

2008-09-26T11:53:00.004+02:00

A man was singing the Beatles. At that moment, the world felt at peace.

Dear Skype,

2008-09-23T00:20:00.003+02:00

Thanks for making the world feel a little bit smaller.

Kind regards,

Meggie

Reims, France

2008-09-22T01:30:00.010+02:00

My wonderful French friend, Mickaël, invited Alanna and I to stay with his family in Reims, France this weekend. What a wonderful opportunity to embrace French culture! Reims is located in the champagne region of France. Extremely picturesque and full of history, we were welcomed to sip on the sweet sensations that the region has to offer.
Embraced into his family as if we were their own; Alanna and I were encouraged to join the (French speaking) conversation as much as possible. With my brain on over-translation mode, I mostly stuck to my "oui's" and "merci's", however, occasionally throwing-in an attempted-grammatically-correct French sentence. All I could be of is proud if I picked-up a word here and there.
One of the most culture-shocking experiences this weekend was my consumption of les cuisses de grenouilles (or frog's legs). It was an experience, a bit salty, looked exactly like the animal of what I was eating, but over-all not too bad!
Merci beaucoup Mickaël!

Notre Dame de Reims

My hero: Jeanne d'Arc

Champagne tasting with some modern art.

Mickaël's home.

The French start them young...

2008-09-22T00:00:00.002+02:00

Run Forest, Run.

2008-09-19T10:07:00.007+02:00

Conundrum. Do the French work out? Sure they have their sporadically placed "Club Meds" and dainty floraled parks. But even in those, I haven't seen all too many Parisians breaking a sweat. Many a times, I bet they are tourists. I'm a New Englander, I need to get in a good run outside, several times a week, or my mental and physical health will become very unstable. I thought the amount of walking that I was doing would be sufficient, and skipping stairs in the metro would pump enough endorphins. However, on accounts of my spastic mental health the past few days, my hypothesis equated negative results.

I finally bit the bullet. Weird looks and all. I decided to be the solo-runner in my arrondissement of Paris. If I hadn't, I would have never found the open-air market that I saw a few Sundays ago! It turns out that it is just a street down from my metro stop.

See, everything happens for a reason.

Good citizen.

2008-09-15T19:24:00.005+02:00

I registered to vote today.

Be proud.

-- If you are abroad and you still want to vote here is the website to register:
www.votefromabroad.org

Your vote counts too!

My French Professor.

2008-09-14T22:36:00.000+02:00

What I learned from Amsterdam...

2008-09-14T21:28:00.012+02:00

1. That I have the most amazing friends in the entire world.
2. People in Amsterdam don't believe in monogamy.
3. That Americans are extremely naive when it comes to sex.
4. Old people can party harder than I can.
5. Dutch is grammatically reversed from English and French. "Good is you?" vs "How are you?"
6. I call Paris "home".
7. You can smoke weed inside bars, and cigarettes outside of the bars.
8. I like my goat cheese warmed.
9. Cafes have coffee, Coffee Shops have blunts.
10. A bottle of wine is good at any meal, especially breakfast.
11. The Dutch are extremely nice.
12. The night bus sucks.
13. I have a stronger desire to become fluent in another language, only knowing English doesn't always cut it.
14. Hostels are scary.
15. Don't expect to shower.
16. Hookers only give handys- lesson taught by the sex museum.
17. Ali favorite smell is Fall.
18. Bicycles are the means to travel.
19. Comfortable shoes are a must.
20. Just about anyone will help you with directions... or drugs.
21. Amsterdam is a very international city.
22. Everyone speaks more than one language, mostly Dutch and English.
23. Its freezing in September.
24. Beware of unicycles- they take two lives per year.
25. If you need lots of cheese, go to "Lots of Cheese".

When birds attack...

2008-09-12T11:40:00.003+02:00

Picture this... You are starving, you have just purchased a delicious fromage baguette for 4€ by a charming street vendor, you and your friends decide to enjoy your delectable meals in the sun and amongst the flowers in the Luxembourg Garden. You take a bite out of your sandwich, before you faint from hunger. You look away from you meal for one second and... oh that's right, a bird decides that it would like some too! So in a panic, you toss your freshly purchased, freshly harassed sandwich at the friend who poorly chooses the seat to your side.

The birds in Paris are aggressive-they scare the day-lights out of me. I have been mocked by several people for this absurd fear that I have, but if I have to fight over my food with an animal that could peck my eyes out- don't expect me to be handing out my goods for free.

Je voudrais un café au lait, S'il vous plaît

2008-09-07T22:19:00.002+02:00

Creative Idea and Photography by E.P.

Wind-up Doll

2008-09-06T09:32:00.004+02:00

Whelp, le jour deux of my Sorbonne classes. The word "intense" would definitely be an understatement. Luckly I was placed into the level I was hoping for, Beginner Intermediate. Even more luck came my way on my weary Thursday morning when I discovered that the lovely Laura will become my unofficial French survival partner for these coming months! I was uber excited. Sorbonne is located all over Paris. With the little sense of direction we both attain, we rode the line four metro to Raspail, found our beautifully ornate building, and climbed five very steep,treacherous, levels of steps to reach Salle 18. All twenty of us -- mostly American female and relatively close to my age -- staring at the door in fright to see what our fate will lead. The clock turns 17:00 and we meekly pile into the classroom. Nos professor is an extremely energetic Asian women who speaks as those she is a wind-up doll -- in French, with an Asian accent.

The first day of classes went by in a breeze. I was hopped up on espresso -- we were not told class began that day until moments before, so I was slightly upset with myself for not being mentally prepared-- and she threw another exam, a dictation, and an essay at us. All I can say is that I crawled-out of that class shaking.
The second day wasn't nearly as bad, but an certainly experience. We learned that our additional phonetics class will commence on Monday at 15:30 and conclude on the 3rd of October (Dad's birthday!).

The classes are intense. I just need to remind myself I will leave Paris feeling so much more confident that I have ever imagined.

Musee D'Orsay

2008-09-02T20:19:00.006+02:00

Its official. I can now live in a box for the rest of my life and be content. Well, not really, but I have seen, face-to-face, the piece of art that had inspired my childhood: Degas's Ballerina. Musée D'Orsay is so beautiful and ornate; each exhibit guiding you through another style, era, or artist. There is noway this museum could be fully appreciated within one day. Here's a couple of artworks I was lucky enough to see while exploring...

Centre Pompidou

2008-09-02T09:59:00.012+02:00

Yesterday, we saw an exhibit in the Centre Pompidou after class. Lucky enough, Paris opens majority of her exhibits to the student population. With as many museums as there are cafes and lovers, I will always have something to see and explore!

These pictures were taken on the way up to the exhibit. We were shown a whole new side to the city!

Tour de la Paris

2008-09-02T09:39:00.008+02:00

Good People

2008-09-01T08:33:00.003+02:00

I've been told you make some of the best friends your life while studying abroad. You are taken out of your element and forced to reach out and discover your true self. I have only been in Paris for a week and I can already promise you that I have met some of the most amazing people in my entire life. Although we barely know each other as of late, I feel as though I have known them my entire life. We have quickly become each other's pseudo-family. How lucky am I to be blessed to meet such amazing people?

Sorbonne Placement Exam

2008-09-01T08:21:00.008+02:00

I knew there would come times when my confidence to practice my French would be at their all time highs and their all time lows. But my goodness did I get the rug swept under me. Friday, I had to take my Sorbonne placement test. I felt the little confidence that I attained quickly flutter out the window the second I walked-up to its beautifully ornate doors. I thought that my oral went more smoothly than the written, but I wont find out my results until Thursday (le jeudi). I would like to be in at least beginner intermediate. Not debutant (beginner). At least I wasn't the only examiner who had a minor heart-attack while filling out their name and personal information on the freshly pressed forms. Everyone left joking that the French government was going to send us all back home due to our ignorance in their language. We quickly left suggesting a drink after such a demeaning experience. So what do we do? Hit up "Happy Hour" in two fabulous gay-bars in the Latin Quarter.

C'est la vie!

Changing

2008-08-28T23:33:00.006+02:00

I knew while studying abroad I would change in some way. But how? That of course would be left to how much I allow myself to breath in ways I may not be quiet used to. Having only living in Paris for three days now and with the encompassement of amazing people, remarkable gastronomy and a culture I am so eager to learn about- I feel as though I am living on cloud nine. I am quickly beginning to feel more like myself that I have ever in my entire life. A few days down, so many wonderful more to go!

Bienvenue à Paris

2008-08-26T00:19:00.006+02:00

My feet have not officially been on the soils of Paris for twelve hours and I have already fallen more deeper in love than I have ever imagined. From meeting amazingly nice and interesting people, to making my French neighbors believe that I was returning from a long vacation, to eating and drinking gastronomies only found in France, as well as finding myself lost, all the while not being lost at all.

This is only the beginning of an amazing adventure. I can't wait to find out what happens next...