November, My favorite month in France

Salut :)

It's almost Friday, my last day of class in France... and my last day of class as an Undergrad. But, this blog entry isn't about that. It's about November. My favorite month in France.

I'll start telling you about our day trip to Fontaine de Vaucluse with my host family. It's a small village about 40 minutes east of Avignon. It was the first (and only) trip I had taken with just my host family! It was really nice to be sitting in the backseat with Thea and Andre, looking out the window at the countryside and singing along to the radio, as Mammy and Pappy sat in the front.

Off we go!

So, Fontaine de Vaucluse is basically a cave with a pool of water that magically comes out of the ground. (that is what I understood, haha). Legend has it there was a nymph that would lure people into the depths of the pool as well as fight off a dragon that would try to live in the cave.

Fontaine de Vaucluse

Andre, me, Thea at Fontaine de Vaucluse

As I was walking through Casino the other day (a supermarket chain in France) I came across a bottle of Aunt Jemima maple syrup and I thought ---hey I should make pancakes!!! Well I did, and a giant omelette. My family had never eaten pancakes before, so I had to tell them that you first put a little bit of butter on the pancake, and then some syrup. And that you don't eat the omelette and the pancake together. They really liked it!

Breakfast for Dinner!

This is where I wait to take the bus every morning to the Institute

Arrete (stop) Malpeigne

Happy Thanksgiving! Yes, we did celebrate Thanksgiving here at the Institute! All of the students (27) families brought a dish to share. It was really nice and the food was great. We even had 3 full turkeys, pumpkin pie, and mashed potatoes! As well as a variety of quiches, cheeses, wines, tarts, and a huge pumpkin soup made in a pumpkin.

This is the library in the Institute, decorated for Thanksgiving

As you can see, the Institute is a church that dates from the 13th century!

Yummy! Look at my delicious pumpkin soup.

My host dad makes this delicious orange wine. But in order to make it you need 50 orange peels to make     4 liters of wine....Needless to say, we've been eating lots of oranges for the past 2 months! And we finally had enough peels to make the wine.

Pappy teaching me how to make the wine

Now we have to wait 2 weeks -- I'll be having some near Christmas!

There is an association called France-USA Carpentras which seeks to create and maintain relationships with American students. Last Saturday, this organization took six students, including me, around the town of Carpentras and its beautiful surrounding villages. It was absolutely amazing. We went to a local olive mill where they turn your olives into 100% natural olive oil, to a Baron's chateau which overlooks the French countryside, and then had lunch and a country dance performance at the Town Hall!

Olive Mill in Carpentras, France

Next to the mill that presses the olives

You need 5kg of olives to make just 1 liter of olive oil!

At the Baron's Chateau in Carpentras overlooking the countryside

Super happy.

French Country Dancing Association!

We even danced the Cotton Eyed Joe

Several of us had been craving Mexican food. The "ethnic" restaurants you can find are Chinese and Kebabs. So we decided to cook a Mexican dinner for 2 of our families. Skye, Veneta, Addie and I did all of the cooking! It was a lot of work, but definitely worth it in the end. I even made Horchata!

Mexican Dinner

We had to teach everyone how to make a taco

On top of the Fort St. Andre in Villeneuve

Located on the other side of the Rhone, across from Palais des Papes

I have a few funny things to share that I've been noticing about myself:

1.)  I mistakingly place French words in English phrases:

- "You have to profit from your time here!" (Profiter is a verb used often in French, meaning you must take advantage of ___ .)

- Using filler words such as "Bennn....euuuu...."  rather than   "Ummm......hmmm"

- Replacing certain responses with sounds "Pfffff.....Beuffff..." rather than "Yea, right!....Um, I don't know"

- Standing close to people when I talk, as in definitely within their personal space. At first it made me uncomfortable when people did that, but now it just feels normal.

Ok, I have to go pack because I'm going to PARIS this weekend!!!!!!! Thank you for reading and commenting!

Gros bisous!

Jenny

Ireland + Avignon

Bonjour! Ça va? (Hi! Hows it going?)

I can't believe its been almost a month since my last post....Man, there is so much to update on!

( I wrote this blog over a few days...so its more like a long journal entry,

you'll see what I mean once you start reading)

I just finished watching Beauty and the Beast (La Belle et La Bete) in French with Thea and André. It's so much fun watching Disney films in French! We stopped half way through the film because Mammy made crêpes. Generally around 4pm everyday we have what is called a "Goûter" where you have coffee or tea with something sweet and you sit and chat. So today, our Goûter was Nutella or strawberry jam crêpes with Chocolat Chaud (hot chocolate). Yummmm!

I was really happy this morning because I woke up early (9:30am...haha its Saturday ok!) and gave Mammy a French manicure. She is going to Spain tomorrow for the day with her Senior Citizens group (they have excursions once a month). She always goes to the hair salon before an excursion, and I told her I wanted her to feel extra special and asked to give her a manicure.

After the manicure I started helping her prepare lunch. So far she has not allowed me to help her in the kitchen because I don't think she trusts me and she doesn't want me to do any work (a motherly thing here in France). But today she finally let me help her! hahaha It was a huge step for me! We made mashed pumpkin, which tastes kind of like mashed sweet potato, and a walnut salad.

Two weeks ago we had our Fall Break. I went to Ireland with my friend Veneta and we stayed at her family friend's house. The Bulgarian couple, Petya and Duychin live in Blessington, a town about 30km south of Dublin. It was perfect! I couldn't have asked for a better vacation. The location was gorgeous--right next to Blessington Lake and the Wicklow Mountains. It was exactly how I envisioned Ireland: 20 shades of green, mist, and rolling hills. Petya and Duychin were amazing. The whole week we were there they took us to so many different places: Kilkenny, Glendalough, Dun Laughaire, Waterford, Dublin, and around Blessington. They also cooked delicious Bulgarian meals --in which I learned how to make an awesome salad and I actually made it this week for lunch here in France! Shopska Salata!

Veneta and I went to the Irish Pubs just about every night in Blessington. The town is really small, and the main street has approximately 20 shops, in which 7 are pubs hahaha! Our first night, I remember thinking "oh my goodness! This pub looks exactly like an Irish pub from the movies!" We ordered a 1/2 pint of Smithwick's (we can't finish a whole pint...haha) There was a live band playing Irish music and many people in the pub were singing, I think it was someones birthday?

Last picture before we go our separate ways for Fall Break!

Yay! We arrived in Ireland!

The Wicklow Mountains and Blessington Lake - Blessington, Ireland

Stone Circle near Blessington

Notice our awesome rain boots that we bought

(essential for Ireland's rainy/misty weather!)

Kilkenny Castle

Owned by the Butler Family from 1391-1967

Kilkenny, Ireland

Glendalough - Monastic ruins - 6th century

I thought this was one of the most beautiful sites

and really enjoyed the drive through the Wicklow Mountains

Dun Laughaire

(pronounced Dun Leery --- roll the 'r')

I didn't think there was much to see here,

 except the nice view of the Irish Sea

Coming back from Ireland, I was super emotional. After having spoken English for an entire week, it was definitely harder transitioning back into French mode. This upset me very much, and made me think a lot about my experience here thus far. Everything started to irritate me, especially the other students from the Institute. We were spending way too much time with one another in school and outside of school and even though our levels of French had improved, I still felt way too connected to English. I made a few changes, such as incorporating French podcasts on my iPod, cutting out a lot of English music, turning off the internet more often at home, walking home from school and walking around the city to become more familiar with my surroundings, and sitting at cafes by myself just observing and writing a few postcards.

I think what I needed the most was just to be by myself for a while. I was able to observe people's interactions and write down my thoughts. Everyday that I walked around I noticed new things I hadn't seen before. Everything just became so beautiful. I found myself literally looking up at the buildings, noticing how different the architecture is for each one!

So that is one aspect of my reflections.

Another is just how close I have become with my family here, it almost brings me to tears starting to think about me leaving in a month. Something about being apart from Andre, Thea, Mammy and Pappy during that week of vacation made me feel so much closer to them upon my return. I keep thinking just how fortunate I am to be living in this family.

So these past two weeks have definitely been a ridiculous emotional ride. But it was very much needed.

I needed it to truly reflect on what I have learned and what I want out of this experience.

I needed it to appreciate and love my family.

I needed it to find peace.

I needed it to finally feel comfortable living in this city.

Le Place de l'Horloge

The main plaza in Avignon

(I did a lot of my thinking in a few of these cafes)

Le Palais de Papes-- What Avignon is known for!

Home of the Popes from 1309-1377

La Rue de la Republique

The main street in Avignon!

(~ similar to Chicago's Michigan Ave.)

Happy Halloween!!

Me, Skye and Veneta made Halloween cookies

with the decorations my parents mailed me!

Erik, Mammy, Marie, Pappy

Everyone absolutely ADORED them

"They are soo pretty! They are soo good!

Give me the recipe! You have make more!!!"

They were gone in 2 days!

Well, this has been a nice update for me. I gave myself a few days to finish it :)

I miss you and I hope you're all doing well!

<3, Jenny

Oui, je suis Française!

Salut J

So I have officially been here for a little bit over a month. I can’t believe it’s already mid-October! Time is flying by fast here. Although I’m getting more comfortable with the city and living here, I still feel like a tourist.

I received an awesome letter from my sister, Sandra, giving me advice to completely immerse myself as much as possible into the culture. So, I have been making it a point to sit in cafés and observe people while I read my books for my classes. Just from doing it a few times this week, I feel like I’m more connected with my surroundings, like I fit in and am not so much on the outside.

My classes are actually a lot of work! We have 1 or 2 papers due every week, a long with lots of reading, and presentations. Last week was terrible! I didn’t get very much sleep. BUT I’m grateful that it is a lot of work. For one, it forces me to pay attention because it’s in another language. It’s not like at UIUC where I can zone out for 10 minutes and get back into the discussion. No, here if I zone out for 10 minutes I’m pretty much lost for the rest of the class! Paying extra attention has therefore allowed me to retain a lot more information and have a great time discussing the issues in class. All in français!!  I could just pinch myself right now it’s so cool!

I joined a Bible study! It is with a group of student from the University of Avignon. We are a very diverse group: Italian, American, Korean, English, French, and Malagasy (from Madagascar). We meet on Tuesday nights at someone’s apartment and eat dinner together and then have a discussion of a passage. It’s been so cool! Of course we all speak in French because that is the language we have in common, and we’re reading the Bible in French too! I’ve really enjoyed it because I’m able to have time to reflect each week, as well as speak French with those that have a much higher level than me (well, they’re French!).

I joined a Pop Rock Choir! Hahahahaha

My host sister, Thea, told me about a flier she found about a choir group that sings modern French music. Her and I sing and play the guitar every once in a while, and so we thought it would be cool to check it out. Well, it is hilarious and really fun! Singing in French has actually really helped my pronunciation and its been cool being able to meet other French people from Avignon. The group ranges from those 15 to 35. And everyone has different singing abilities…hahaha so I’m actually not the worst singer!

Ok, now time for pictures:

Me and my host family! Mammy, Me, Thea, Pappy, and Andre.

We sit outside to eat when the weather is nice. This particular day Mamy made this awesome Paella outside!

The Roman Amphitheater in Arles:

This place was just amazing! I went with my Architecture class for our 2nd field trip to learn about this village and the Roman ruins.

Inside of the Amphitheater:

Can't you just picture Gladiators battling Lions? Sweeeeet!

The Theatre in Arles:

As you can see a lot of the columns have fallen down, but still great condition!

Van Gogh lived in Arles for a little over a year before he died. But during that year in Arles, he painted 200 works of art! Here is the real Asylum Garden at Arles after his famous painting!

Me as Van Gogh

On my way to the Institute, this is toward the center of the city of Avignon, lots of cute stores.

Drinking a Café Crème at one of my favorite café s by the Institute

At Pont du Gard: Roman Aqueduct: Built in the 1st Century A.D.!

This place is just breathtaking.

This picture is taken from the Aqueduct looking toward the city of Nimes. So far, the weather in the South of France basically always looks like this!

Ok, I think that's all for today:) Thanks so much for your comments and for reading my blog!

Miss you all!

<3 Jenny

2 Weeks

Hi everyone!

Man I have been here 2 weeks and it feels like 2 months. The days go by really fast and the weekends have been very busy.

My French comprehension has been improving tons. I have had to go to the train station several times already, to the bank, the post office, and cafes. I gain more confidence every time I ask the workers a question and can actually understand them when they answer back! My speaking ability still has a ways to improve, however. Many of the American students and I are becoming more comfortable with each other, in particular a great group of girls that I've become friends with. Outside of school we speak in English because it is easier to express our thoughts and just not have to think. I have to admit, it is also comforting knowing that you're far away from your family and friends, yet there are these people that speak English that make it a little bit easier.

Here are some pictures:

Stacey, Veneta, Me, Natalie, Laura on top of the Chateau d'If (a prison) in Marseille.

Chateau d'If is where Alexandre Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo takes place! One of my favorite stories.

On the very  top of the Chateau d'If looking toward Marseille

My brother and sister, Andre & Thea, on the beach in Marseille

Me touching the Mediterranean Sea for the first time in Sainte-Marie de la Mer, a cute little village where we had our first excursion.

Professor Mignon for Art/Architecture class discussing the Roman ruins in Vaison la Romaine during our first field trip.

Me and Skye at Blues Discotheque -- Skye, Veneta, Kate, Alex, Addie, and me went to this club where the workers had large fros and sequined 70's outfits and were face painting!

A few interesting findings:

- French people generally don't give hugs. Man do I MISS hugs! I just want a warm embrace. According to my Linguistics professor, hugs are very intimate and when 2 people hug, their hearts touch.

- In Avignon, we give 3 kisses when we greet. In Paris it is 4 kisses! And further South it is 2 kisses. There is a website: combiendebises.free.fr which will tell you how many kisses are appropriate for each region.

- I ate rabbit for the first time! Mmm it was tender! And crepes!

Thank you all for your wonderful comments, e-mails, and letters!! I feel closer to home :)

bisous,

Jenny

French kiss

Salut coucou! (Loving way of saying hi to those you are close to) 

I have officially finished my first full week of class! There are 27 students total and I’m taking five classes: linguistics, economics, cinema, architecture/archaeology, contemporary French literature. I think it’s going to be a lot of work but I’m looking forward to learning a lot. It’s very weird going to all of my classes in French, kind of intimidating. All of my professors are from the University of Avignon and very intelligent and kinda strict haha. In France, the students don’t hold discussions or ask questions, they just listen to the professor teach (like Engineering at UIUC right?). However, since we are American students, IAU has told them that they have to make us talk because we also want to improve our oral French.

My favorite thing about France so far is eating with my family. Our meals are sooo long, like

1 ½ to 2 hours.

1. Talk 20 minutes: Aperitif (drink before meal) = Vin d’Orange. An amazing orange wine that my host parents make here.

            2. Talk 20 minutes: Salad w/ olive oil & a piece of baguette (yum!)

            3. Talk 20 minutes: Main dish

            4. 30 minutes: Watch Plus Belle la Vie (French soap opera)           

            5. Talk 20 minutes: Dessert (usually melon or grapes)


   My house

Mammy

My brother and sister, Andre and Thea, are very entertaining! They talk about their day at school and about the other exchange students. So a lot of laughing goes on at dinner. I’m still a bit shy, but am slowly gaining confidence with everyone. “Mammy” and “Pappy” are my host parents and they are very sweet. They remind me a lot of Mamita and Papito in Colombia. I have realized that I am very fortunate to be living in this house with my family. Many of the other students, although they live in the center of the city, live with single older women with old cats. But I have a big lovely family. Mammy and Pappy’s son Erik also lives next door with his family. They are hosting Veneta, a girl that goes to the University of Denver. We are becoming close friends because we share a lot of the same interests and of course live right next door to each other. Every morning we take the bus to the Institute together.

Avignon and the Rhone

This Saturday, many of us (we are 27) are taking the train and going to Marseille for the day! I’m very excited to swim in the Mediterranean and walk around the city.

Things to mention:

-          It doesn’t look like I’ll be experiencing a real “French” kiss any time soon. The boys here are not attractive at all!!! But guys, the girls here are gorgeous!! Total hotties!

-          I have a dog, Scooby Doo; a cat, Chippy; 2 turtles with no name

-          I bought a cell phone! My number is 06 69 11 96 20

Premiere Jour!

I made it!!

Man, I can already tell that God is really looking out for me. On the 7 hour Chicago – Amsterdam flight I happened to be seated next to Domitille, a girl my age that lives in Aix-en-Provence, a village about 30 minutes away from Avignon. We immediately clicked and started talking – me in French and her in English so we could each practice the language we were trying to improve. Of course my head started to hurt after like 1 hour but it was totally worth it! She told me all about Provence: the people, the food, the slang, everything.

We kept each other company as we went through Customs in Amsterdam and were able to hang out longer since our connecting gates were right next to one another. I made my first French friend J

Once I arrived in Paris Charles de Gaulle airport, it was a mad dash to find the TGV train that went to Avignon. It was pretty nerve-wrecking because none of the signs are in English, so I finally had to force myself to think in French for survival. The whole process of getting onto the correct train, from getting my e-ticket from the non-English machines and finding the platform was very overwhelming. Especially since I was carrying two freaking large suitcases (note to self: don’t do that again when needing to board a train), there weren’t any available employees directing people where to go, and all the signs were in English. Haha, so I almost missed my train. First of all, I didn’t exactly know which car to go on and second of all, my freaking large suitcases were so hard to haul on and off the trains. Hahaha it’s funny now that I look back on it.

But I finally got on the right car after asking passengers (in my timid French). The seats are amazing. They are so huge, like nice-movie-theatre-huge. I would rather travel on these than in airplanes. Now that I’m observing the scenery on the train, so far it looks like my drive down to Champaign: Flat land (except for some hilly areas), corn fields (or some sort of wheat-looking plant), but really really blue skies and castle-looking houses and buildings – so beautiful.

I just arrived to my house and I have my own room and bathroom! It’s a very cute humble home. I have a brother, Andrey (age 16 and from Brasil) and a sister, Thea (age 16 and from Germany). They are both studying here until February and are in their 2^nd year of High School. But they seem so much older and their French is so good! My host parents are very nice and welcoming and very attentive, making sure I’m ok. I can already see that my French is improving because I have been in conversations all evening/night. Its exhausting!

Ok I’m off to bed to try to get rid of this jet lag, bon nuit!!

Things to mention:

-          Mom, thanks SO much for making me take that Panera sandwich with me on the plane. I was starving in Amsterdam waiting for my flight to Paris.

-          Christine, thanks SO much for the Dove chocolate. Totally hit the spot when I was on the train going to Avignon.

-          A woman in the train station asked me if I knew French and I said no. Hahaha, ok I’ll try not to do that anymore.

-          I haven’t spent any money yet!  €2 for a Coke, no way Jose!