I have exciting news! I will be interning at a middle school teaching French and theatre! I couldn't be more pleased with this as it hits my major and both minors! But also all my interests as well! I am very excited and my first day is Tuesday! I feel really good about this as I have drifted out of my honeymoon phase of Paris. I have been a little desensitized by the fact that it's a real city. There are rude people, it is dirty and fast paced and stressful. It rains on and off all day almost everyday. But after talking to the principal and learning about the great opportunity I have, I fell in love with the city again. I was walking around after my interview and it was actually sunny and not too cold. I stopped at a cafe for un coca et une croque Madame while reading a French newspaper. I realize how cliche that image is but it really made me realize that I am in the city I want to be in. I have never lived in a big city so I am definitely facing new challenges but I know this experience will be so beneficial to my French and my own growth. I am so happy how things have turned out so far!
Bon weekend!
Michelle
Friday, September 28, 2012
Friday, September 21, 2012
La vie d'une etudiante
Well I finished my week long intensive French class. While I'm still feeling a bit insecure about my speaking and writing, it really has helped me get back into the swing of things. It is hard to believe our real classes start on Monday. It has still been summer mode because my friends and I have been exploring different parts of Paris a lot and eating dinner out frequently. But we have also spent time just making dinner in our small kitchenettes and spending time just hanging out in the apartments. As I have said many times before, I have met so many great people here which is really helping make the experience great. I am excited for my classes because I think they will be very interesting. I have a theatre class, a literature/cinema/arts class, my French grammar and language class and a sociology class about Paris. I think I have friends in all my classes which is very nice. I will also hopefully be getting an internship at a middle school a few blocks away from my school center. I will be working with small groups of students helping them with English. That will be on Fridays since we don't have class then. It is so crazy that we are already starting classes. I know that this next three months will go by so fast so I am trying to enjoy everything as much as possible. Take a look at my pictures on Facebook if possible. My favorite part of Paris so far is Montmartre, the bohemian artists area. It actually did used to be a village separate from the city and still feels that way. I would love to live there someday if I could! Tonight my program has a dinner cruise on the Seine so I am excited for that!
Au revoir for now!
Au revoir for now!
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Apres une semaine
Hello everyone! I am sorry I haven't been keeping you posted but I have been so busy! We had two days of orientation which to be honest got a bit old with lots of talks about paperwork and rules. Then we went to Normandy. We went to two memorial museums and Omaha beach. It was really amazing to be at the site of such an important historical event. After we returned from Normandy, my friends and I in the apartments have been out to different parts of the city. It has been very fun just deciding where to go and taking the metro to different places. Yesterday we went to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, which had amazing views of all of Paris. We also walked along the Champs Elysees and went to a beautiful chapel called Saint Chapelle. Today we went to Centre Pompidou, a very cool modern art museum. We walked around a bit after getting some gelato and bought very cool vintage posters for our bare walled apartments. Overall, I am having such an amazing time with really great people. I start a week long intensive language class tomorrow which I am a bit nervous for. It will be a little rough getting back into school mode after such an amazing week but I know we will take every opportunity we can to explore Paris. I still cannot believe I live here and am so grateful for this opportunity! I will post pictures soon!
Au revoir for now!
Au revoir for now!
Monday, September 10, 2012
It Begins!
I cannot believe that I am sitting in my apartment in Paris! I have met everyone in my program staying in the apartment and everyone seems so great! I think I definitely made the right housing choice. Though it is a little freshman year getting to know new people and forgetting names, I think it will be a lot of fun taking classes, hanging out and traveling with students from other schools. I actually met a gril from Santa Clara I didn't know before! The apartments are very nice but hot! It is raining now so hopefully it starts getting to be cooler weather.
I am so glad and so fortunate to be here! This is going to be a great three months! I know there will be challenges but I am trying to be a lot more flexible and open to different people and experiences. Tomorrow we start orientation with a lot of formal stuff but hopefully I will get to meet some more great people!
Au revoir for now!
I am so glad and so fortunate to be here! This is going to be a great three months! I know there will be challenges but I am trying to be a lot more flexible and open to different people and experiences. Tomorrow we start orientation with a lot of formal stuff but hopefully I will get to meet some more great people!
Au revoir for now!
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Baguettes and Scooters
Bonjour again!
We have had a great ast few days in Paris! We saw the Eiffel Tower, took a boat ride along the Seine, saw Notre Dame and went to Musee D'Orsay. Of course we have had delicious meals as well. The area around my apartment is packed with families with young children (who especially like to ride scooters while holding baguettes). We took the metro there yesterday and it is a great area. We walked by again today and there was a Farmer's Market equivalent a couple blocks away from my apartment. Not only was there food and flowers but nearly anything you could think of to buy. Very cool! We also took the metro to the IES (that's my study abroad program organization) Center. It is about a 20 minute walk from my place or a couple metro stops. It is also in a very nice area and today there was a small jazz concert on the street nearby. Tres Parisien! I am having such a great time here and cannot wait to move into my apartment tomorrow morning! I will post pictures of my apartment as soon as I'm all settled in!
Au revoir for now!
We have had a great ast few days in Paris! We saw the Eiffel Tower, took a boat ride along the Seine, saw Notre Dame and went to Musee D'Orsay. Of course we have had delicious meals as well. The area around my apartment is packed with families with young children (who especially like to ride scooters while holding baguettes). We took the metro there yesterday and it is a great area. We walked by again today and there was a Farmer's Market equivalent a couple blocks away from my apartment. Not only was there food and flowers but nearly anything you could think of to buy. Very cool! We also took the metro to the IES (that's my study abroad program organization) Center. It is about a 20 minute walk from my place or a couple metro stops. It is also in a very nice area and today there was a small jazz concert on the street nearby. Tres Parisien! I am having such a great time here and cannot wait to move into my apartment tomorrow morning! I will post pictures of my apartment as soon as I'm all settled in!
Au revoir for now!
Friday, September 7, 2012
Bonjour!
Bonjour a tous!
I have finally arrived in Paris with my parents and our 5 suitcases and three backpacks (remember, not all of them are mine, just three). We our in our lovely hotel in the Left Bank and so far already had to stop at the electronics store to get an adaptor that fits my three-pronged Mac charger. But everything else is going ok.
We spent last night in Amboise, in the Loire Valley, we visited the chateau there and had a lovely dinner and walk around the small but beautiful town. We then took the train back here to Paris and are getting settled in our hotel.
I move into my apartment on Monday the 10th and my abroad program officially starts with orientation Tuesday the 11th. I really cannot believe this is all happening. I am very nervous but am hoping things will calm down once I am with other students in my same situation. I am trying to remember how lucky I am to be here, especially since this is something I have wanted to do for so long. Hopefully I can remember this whenever I am stressed or frustrated. I also will keep in mind that this is a learning experience that will certainly be chalk full of mistakes and cultural differences, but that it all part of the experience.
So after some deep breaths, I can calm down and appreciate the opportunity I have to live in Paris for the next three months!
I will post pictures soon! Au revoir for now!
I have finally arrived in Paris with my parents and our 5 suitcases and three backpacks (remember, not all of them are mine, just three). We our in our lovely hotel in the Left Bank and so far already had to stop at the electronics store to get an adaptor that fits my three-pronged Mac charger. But everything else is going ok.
We spent last night in Amboise, in the Loire Valley, we visited the chateau there and had a lovely dinner and walk around the small but beautiful town. We then took the train back here to Paris and are getting settled in our hotel.
I move into my apartment on Monday the 10th and my abroad program officially starts with orientation Tuesday the 11th. I really cannot believe this is all happening. I am very nervous but am hoping things will calm down once I am with other students in my same situation. I am trying to remember how lucky I am to be here, especially since this is something I have wanted to do for so long. Hopefully I can remember this whenever I am stressed or frustrated. I also will keep in mind that this is a learning experience that will certainly be chalk full of mistakes and cultural differences, but that it all part of the experience.
So after some deep breaths, I can calm down and appreciate the opportunity I have to live in Paris for the next three months!
I will post pictures soon! Au revoir for now!
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Last Day in London
Had a great last day in London! We went to Kensington Palace which was honestly a bit hoakey. They just redid it to be a museum and it was not what I expected it to be. The literally made the walls talk and had mobiles and weird cutouts all around. They had one room dedicated to Princess Diana but it made her seem like a fashion model rather than w woman who was a beloved mother and philanthropist. I was very disappointed, but the palace itself is beautiful.
Next, we went to Harrod's which was massive and honestly a bit overwhelming, but still cool to visit. I then went to Topshop to get some shoes with better soles and we took the tube to Buckingham Palace, which was beautiful.
Finally, we ended our visit in London with the London Eye which was amazing. You could see all of London from all angles. We did it right at sunset which made for incredible views! I will post pictures as soon as I can.
Despite a few travel challenges, I had a great time in London. Now I have to get ready for our 5:45 am cab to take us to our 7:00 am train to the Loire Valley of France.
I'll update again soon!
Next, we went to Harrod's which was massive and honestly a bit overwhelming, but still cool to visit. I then went to Topshop to get some shoes with better soles and we took the tube to Buckingham Palace, which was beautiful.
Finally, we ended our visit in London with the London Eye which was amazing. You could see all of London from all angles. We did it right at sunset which made for incredible views! I will post pictures as soon as I can.
Despite a few travel challenges, I had a great time in London. Now I have to get ready for our 5:45 am cab to take us to our 7:00 am train to the Loire Valley of France.
I'll update again soon!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Just Keep Walking
Whew! I am exhausted after a long day of walking! We woke up early to have breakfast, then we took the tube to the Tower of London. This was very cool as we got to see the Crown Jewels (which Mom and I wanted for ourselves, we think we deserve crowns...Dad may disagree), the execution site of Ann Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey and Katherine Howard. We also saw a tower where there were inscriptions from I believe over 70 prisoners and another tower with replicas of torture devices. Certainly not the happiest place on Earth, but an amazing location that shows so much of London's history. Also, the Yeoman warders are NOT actors, but highly ranked military personnel who receive the privilege of living in the tower and serving as a Yeoman at age 40 to I think age 55.
Afterwards, we had lunch and took the tube to St. Paul's Cathedral. Though I had seen the cathedral before, I had never been inside. We took an audio tour of the interior and got to see the amazing architecture and learn about the history and significance of "the nation's church". We also visited the crypt downstairs to see the many memorials they have for those who have served in the military in wars and conflicts from throughout history.
After we finished at St. Paul's, we took a walk across the Millennium Bridge to see the Globe Theatre. It was very cool to see how Shakespeare is still remembered as the Globe hosts many productions of his plays today.
We headed back to the hotel for a rest and now I am still here after a long nap while Mom and Dad went to dinner and to do some more walking around. I realize today how much walking there is and how I may need to make adjustments to ensure my feet are more comfortable for the rest of my time in Europe.
Not sure the plan tomorrow but will keep you posted!
Afterwards, we had lunch and took the tube to St. Paul's Cathedral. Though I had seen the cathedral before, I had never been inside. We took an audio tour of the interior and got to see the amazing architecture and learn about the history and significance of "the nation's church". We also visited the crypt downstairs to see the many memorials they have for those who have served in the military in wars and conflicts from throughout history.
After we finished at St. Paul's, we took a walk across the Millennium Bridge to see the Globe Theatre. It was very cool to see how Shakespeare is still remembered as the Globe hosts many productions of his plays today.
We headed back to the hotel for a rest and now I am still here after a long nap while Mom and Dad went to dinner and to do some more walking around. I realize today how much walking there is and how I may need to make adjustments to ensure my feet are more comfortable for the rest of my time in Europe.
Not sure the plan tomorrow but will keep you posted!
Monday, September 3, 2012
Mind The Gap
Hello again!
Another full and busy day in London. Since we were all very tired from the flight, we slept in this morning until about ten. We then took the tube to the British Museum. The tube was very cool, cleaner than the subway in New York I'd say and the actual trains are smaller. At the British Museum we saw a Shakespeare exhibit. It was very cool and gave the historical context of London to some of Shakespeare's most famous works. We alos saw some Greek and Roman sculptures, an Egyptian exhibit, and the Rosetta Stone.
Next, we took the tube again and walked to Convent Gardens, an old marketplace with very nice shopping. I bought some tea add we had lunch at a Jamie Oliver restaurant. After that we walked to TopShop, a famous clothing store that is like a bit of an upscale H&M with not too ridiculous prices.
We went back to the hotel for a bit to change for Sweeney Todd, which we saw this evening. It was an amazing performance with an incredible set and spectacular performances from Mrs. Lovett and Sweeney. Though this show is dark, I was extremely impressed and entertained as it is a very compelling story with an amazing score (it is a Sondheim after all). This was the highlight of the trip for me so far!
We plan to try the Tower of London tomorrow so hopefully that works out! All the walking is making my feet and knees a bit sore, but I am still having a great time in London!
Another full and busy day in London. Since we were all very tired from the flight, we slept in this morning until about ten. We then took the tube to the British Museum. The tube was very cool, cleaner than the subway in New York I'd say and the actual trains are smaller. At the British Museum we saw a Shakespeare exhibit. It was very cool and gave the historical context of London to some of Shakespeare's most famous works. We alos saw some Greek and Roman sculptures, an Egyptian exhibit, and the Rosetta Stone.
Next, we took the tube again and walked to Convent Gardens, an old marketplace with very nice shopping. I bought some tea add we had lunch at a Jamie Oliver restaurant. After that we walked to TopShop, a famous clothing store that is like a bit of an upscale H&M with not too ridiculous prices.
We went back to the hotel for a bit to change for Sweeney Todd, which we saw this evening. It was an amazing performance with an incredible set and spectacular performances from Mrs. Lovett and Sweeney. Though this show is dark, I was extremely impressed and entertained as it is a very compelling story with an amazing score (it is a Sondheim after all). This was the highlight of the trip for me so far!
We plan to try the Tower of London tomorrow so hopefully that works out! All the walking is making my feet and knees a bit sore, but I am still having a great time in London!
Sunday, September 2, 2012
London
Hello all!
I am writing to you from London. The flight was fine but I unfortunately did not get much sleep. I am resting in the hotel with a cup of tea while Mom and Dad are walking around the city for a bit. We got a shuttle (more like a small euro van like you'd see in the movies) to take us from Heathrow to our lovely hotel. Though we got to drive by a lot of the sights, the ride was longer than I had expected.
Our hotel is very nice and very close to the London Eye. Once I get a bit more awake, I'm sure I will join my parents in walking around our area of the city. I will definitely join them for dinner, because I am hungry!
I am sure that after a good sleep tonight, I will be fully ready to explore. I am very excited to see Sweeney Todd tomorrow evening (sorry Ryan, I know you're extremely jealous). I am also excited for my Mom to get to see everything as it is her first time in Europe.
Though travel is difficult, especially with time change and transport, I am so glad to be here. London is such an amazing city. Who knows, maybe I will spend some time living here one day.
I am off to have another cup of tea and watch some football (aka soccer, you are welcome Alex).
Will update more soon!
I am writing to you from London. The flight was fine but I unfortunately did not get much sleep. I am resting in the hotel with a cup of tea while Mom and Dad are walking around the city for a bit. We got a shuttle (more like a small euro van like you'd see in the movies) to take us from Heathrow to our lovely hotel. Though we got to drive by a lot of the sights, the ride was longer than I had expected.
Our hotel is very nice and very close to the London Eye. Once I get a bit more awake, I'm sure I will join my parents in walking around our area of the city. I will definitely join them for dinner, because I am hungry!
I am sure that after a good sleep tonight, I will be fully ready to explore. I am very excited to see Sweeney Todd tomorrow evening (sorry Ryan, I know you're extremely jealous). I am also excited for my Mom to get to see everything as it is her first time in Europe.
Though travel is difficult, especially with time change and transport, I am so glad to be here. London is such an amazing city. Who knows, maybe I will spend some time living here one day.
I am off to have another cup of tea and watch some football (aka soccer, you are welcome Alex).
Will update more soon!
Saturday, September 1, 2012
No Day But Today
Today is the day...
I cannot really believe I'm here at the airport waiting to board my flight to London. It is definitely not easy traveling with three people, each with a backpack, one duffle and a carryon (as well as Mom and Dad's bags)...but we've completed phase one. Only one hiccup at security when Mom and Dad had forgotten a wine bottle opener with a blade was in my carryon...whoops. But it got taken and we got through smoothly. I am however a tad disappointed that their mistake is now a black mark on my otherwise flawless travel record. They are clearly not at the same level of travel expertise as I am.
Now we wait for the flight to board and depart. Then there is the eight hour flight. I have three books, my ipod, and the September issue of Vogue which I think is nine hundred pages. Hopefully, I will be set and hopefully all three of us will be able to get some sleep.
It is still unreal to me. I am nervous and excited. I think the nervousness comes in waves so sometimes I am a bit unpleasant to the parents. But I am trying to remember that I will not be completely alone for this process and there will be other people in the same boat as me. I am also trying not to have too many expectations because I don't want to have an ideal trip I'm trying to live up to. My mantra is from one of my favorite films Dan In Real Life, "plan to be surprised". Overall, I am trying to stay calm and remember that despite the bumps along the road, I get to do something I have wanted to do since sixth grade. I want to thank my parents for all their help and for providing me the opportunity to study abroad. I also want to thank all my friends and family for being so supportive.
Well, this is my last post in America. I will try to keep you all updated as often as I can. Next stop, London!
I cannot really believe I'm here at the airport waiting to board my flight to London. It is definitely not easy traveling with three people, each with a backpack, one duffle and a carryon (as well as Mom and Dad's bags)...but we've completed phase one. Only one hiccup at security when Mom and Dad had forgotten a wine bottle opener with a blade was in my carryon...whoops. But it got taken and we got through smoothly. I am however a tad disappointed that their mistake is now a black mark on my otherwise flawless travel record. They are clearly not at the same level of travel expertise as I am.
Now we wait for the flight to board and depart. Then there is the eight hour flight. I have three books, my ipod, and the September issue of Vogue which I think is nine hundred pages. Hopefully, I will be set and hopefully all three of us will be able to get some sleep.
It is still unreal to me. I am nervous and excited. I think the nervousness comes in waves so sometimes I am a bit unpleasant to the parents. But I am trying to remember that I will not be completely alone for this process and there will be other people in the same boat as me. I am also trying not to have too many expectations because I don't want to have an ideal trip I'm trying to live up to. My mantra is from one of my favorite films Dan In Real Life, "plan to be surprised". Overall, I am trying to stay calm and remember that despite the bumps along the road, I get to do something I have wanted to do since sixth grade. I want to thank my parents for all their help and for providing me the opportunity to study abroad. I also want to thank all my friends and family for being so supportive.
Well, this is my last post in America. I will try to keep you all updated as often as I can. Next stop, London!
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