A few noteworthy things happened this week.
1) I have made my final class selection. My timetable is as follows:
Monday:
French Language.................... 10-12
Intro to International Relations... 2-4
Tuesday:
French Political Institutions...... 2-4
Wednesday:
International Organizations........ 10-12
Geopolitics of South-east Asia .... 2-4
French Civilisation................ 4:30-6
Thursday and Friday I have off :)
Unlike at Simon Fraser, where each class has about 3 to 4 hours a week of class, each class here only has 2, so that's why I have to take more classes than I would at home.
2) On Friday some friends and I hiked the Sainte-Victoire, a mountain just outside of Aix. We found the hike pretty challenging (even though we opted for the "easy" route, it still wasn't easy!) but the view at the top was totally worth it. There is actually an old church up there! We commented on how it would make a lovely spot for a wedding... then realized you'd have no way of getting up there, unless you hiked up in your wedding dress! Once at the top, we walked ACROSS the mountain (I felt like a member for the Van Trapp family escaping the Nazis) and then found a trail back down on the opposite side we had hiked up. We started hiking at about 9 and didn't get down til 3 so (although we took breaks) it was a LONG hike! It was hot out too but definitely worth it.
3) On Saturday I went to Saint Tropez. We went with a group, as the trip was organized by this man named George who organizes trips around the area for students at decent prices. We got to stroll around the town of Saint Tropez for a bit (huge yachts and pricey stores - although there was a pretty cool flea market going on!) and then we were off to the beach (not sure of the name) which was LOVELY. The sand was white and the water was so blue (and not very cold!) It felt great to be laying on a beach (near the end of September!) after having hiked the day before.
Today = laundry. Haven't done any since I've been here so that neeeeeeds to happen!
Sep 27, 2009
Sep 20, 2009
And the travelling begins!
The last few days have been very eventful for me. On Thursday, I celebrated my 20th birthday in Aix. I didn't do too much during the day since I didn't have class - I took the opportunity to walk around Aix some more and take some photos. That night I had some friends over in my room beforehand and then we were off to the Sunset Cafe for some drinks and dancing. I even received some lovely gifts from my new friends! Although it was a fun day I must admit I felt a bit homesick as it was a different kind of birthday. I have never NOT had a family birthday dinner! Still, it was a relaxing day and I enjoyed myself.
Friday was relatively uneventful. I did some errands during the day, and watched 'Roman Holiday' with some friends in the evening. We wanted to have an early night as we were planning to visit Arles the next day.
The next morning we got to the bus station nice and early to catch the 10AM bus. 10:30 rolls around and still no bus... so we decided to double check the time. Turns out we missed the little "D+F" notice, which stands for Dimanche et fériés (Sundays and holidays). Since it was a Saturday, there was never a 10 o'clock bus coming! So, since we had each purchased the "Cartreize" (a card available for anyone under 25 that enables you to travel anywhere within the Provence/Bouches-du-Rhône area for just one euro) we decided to just hop on another bus and travel somewhere else in the area. We decided on a bus going to Pertruis. Once there, we went to the Tourism Office and decided on taking another bus to the Lourmarin. There, we visited a beautiful Chateau and strolled around the town. It was so beautiful and so calm - we saw more cats than people! It was exactly what I pictured the south of France to be like. It turned out to be a really great day considering we completely winged it!
On Sunday we caught the bus to Arles we meant to catch the day before. Once we arrived we made a stop at the Tourism Office to get some suggestions on what to see, since we had just under 5 hours until the last bus to Aix. We decided it would be best to start at the Roman ruins. First we went to the Theatre, where they preformed plays, which promoted language and culture - even propaganda. Then we went to the Amphitheatre, which hosted gladiators and CONTINUES to host bullfights. It was HUGE - it's capable of holding 20,000 people. We then went to an old hospital where Van Gogh checked himself in as a patient once upon a time. We were even able to visit the garden where he spent a lot of time painting! After that we just strolled around a bit and then headed back to the bus stop to head home to Aix.
All in all, GREAT WEEKEND! Excited to have started to do a bit of travelling, and loving how inexpensive it is. The most expensive part of my day in Arles was the sandwhich I bought for 5 euro! We have already booked a trip to Saint-Tropez (BEACH!) next weekend and a trip to Barcelona the weekend of October 16. Can't wait to do more traveling!
Friday was relatively uneventful. I did some errands during the day, and watched 'Roman Holiday' with some friends in the evening. We wanted to have an early night as we were planning to visit Arles the next day.
The next morning we got to the bus station nice and early to catch the 10AM bus. 10:30 rolls around and still no bus... so we decided to double check the time. Turns out we missed the little "D+F" notice, which stands for Dimanche et fériés (Sundays and holidays). Since it was a Saturday, there was never a 10 o'clock bus coming! So, since we had each purchased the "Cartreize" (a card available for anyone under 25 that enables you to travel anywhere within the Provence/Bouches-du-Rhône area for just one euro) we decided to just hop on another bus and travel somewhere else in the area. We decided on a bus going to Pertruis. Once there, we went to the Tourism Office and decided on taking another bus to the Lourmarin. There, we visited a beautiful Chateau and strolled around the town. It was so beautiful and so calm - we saw more cats than people! It was exactly what I pictured the south of France to be like. It turned out to be a really great day considering we completely winged it!
On Sunday we caught the bus to Arles we meant to catch the day before. Once we arrived we made a stop at the Tourism Office to get some suggestions on what to see, since we had just under 5 hours until the last bus to Aix. We decided it would be best to start at the Roman ruins. First we went to the Theatre, where they preformed plays, which promoted language and culture - even propaganda. Then we went to the Amphitheatre, which hosted gladiators and CONTINUES to host bullfights. It was HUGE - it's capable of holding 20,000 people. We then went to an old hospital where Van Gogh checked himself in as a patient once upon a time. We were even able to visit the garden where he spent a lot of time painting! After that we just strolled around a bit and then headed back to the bus stop to head home to Aix.
All in all, GREAT WEEKEND! Excited to have started to do a bit of travelling, and loving how inexpensive it is. The most expensive part of my day in Arles was the sandwhich I bought for 5 euro! We have already booked a trip to Saint-Tropez (BEACH!) next weekend and a trip to Barcelona the weekend of October 16. Can't wait to do more traveling!
Sep 16, 2009
Ohhh right I'm here to go to school...
After a fun first weekend here (which included a party at some Irish guys' apartment on Friday, another night at the Sunset Cafe on Saturday and a picnic with all the international students on Sunday) I was faced with a hard reality on Monday: I'm not in Aix-en-Vacance ('Vacance' being the French word for vacation), I'm in Aix-en-Provence and I'm here to go to school!
On Monday I had French and Introduction to International Relations. The profs for both classes seem really nice; I especially think I'm going to like the International Relations. On Tuesday I had Comparing Political Institutions. The content of the class seems like it'll be interesting and pertinent to what I'm studying but the prof doesn't use any visual aid, ie. a PowerPoint, in class - he just talks, which can make the lecture kind of hard to follow. Even the French girl sitting next to me she was having a bit of a hard time following along. I'm sure I'll manage though! On Wednesdays, I'm normally going to have French Civilization but it doesn't start until next week. Thursday and Friday... no class!
Other than starting school, we've been going to the movies a lot because movies only cost 4 euros this week. We have seen Inglorious Basterds, My Sister's Keeper, and today we're going to see 500 days of Summer. They play them all in French, so at least it's good practice for me! I've also organized a little birthday gathering tomorrow night at the Sunset Cafe which should be fun! It'll be weird not having a family dinner or anything - but I guess celebrating in France is an acceptable alternative :)
On Monday I had French and Introduction to International Relations. The profs for both classes seem really nice; I especially think I'm going to like the International Relations. On Tuesday I had Comparing Political Institutions. The content of the class seems like it'll be interesting and pertinent to what I'm studying but the prof doesn't use any visual aid, ie. a PowerPoint, in class - he just talks, which can make the lecture kind of hard to follow. Even the French girl sitting next to me she was having a bit of a hard time following along. I'm sure I'll manage though! On Wednesdays, I'm normally going to have French Civilization but it doesn't start until next week. Thursday and Friday... no class!
Other than starting school, we've been going to the movies a lot because movies only cost 4 euros this week. We have seen Inglorious Basterds, My Sister's Keeper, and today we're going to see 500 days of Summer. They play them all in French, so at least it's good practice for me! I've also organized a little birthday gathering tomorrow night at the Sunset Cafe which should be fun! It'll be weird not having a family dinner or anything - but I guess celebrating in France is an acceptable alternative :)
Sep 11, 2009
The first week
So I have been in Aix almost a week now, and I'm starting to get a taste of what it's like to be living here as an international student.
As far as orientation goes, we have been doing a 2 hour session everyday called "Bienvenue en France". We have just been going over all things pertinent to living in France, ie. grammar, a bit of French history, the proper French way to greet people (by kissing them on each cheek - this is called "la bise"). It's actually been kind of fun, the guy teaching it is super nice (he is a prof at the school).
In terms of going out, on Monday the "Association Internationale" organized a pub night at the Manoir. Most of the international students were there and it was a really good time! Tuesday we went to the "Wohoo" (yes, that's the name of the bar) another charming little place, complete with stone walls. I met some more people, including a guy from California! He had even heard of my hometown, which is an hour outside of downtown Los Angeles, that not many people know of. Wednesday night I was pretty tired so I just took it easy. Last night a guy on my floor had a little drinks/appetizers gathering in his room (met some people from France so it was a good opportunity to speak French - most people I have met speak English!) then I was off to the Sunset Café (more awesome ancient-looking stone walls...) for some Indie music.
In between the "Bienvenue en France" classes and the pub outings, I have been walking all over Aix trying to take care of "business" stuff. So far I have managed to get a cell phone, set up a bank account and rent a fridge from the school (easier said than done!). I also made my first trip to Marseille to drop off some documents that I need to get my "carte de long sejour", which will enable me to study here for the year. So I've definitely been keeping busy, waiting in lines and trying to figure stuff out. The upside of all this is that I think my French is already starting to improve! I also finally went to to buy groceries, and today we're going to 'FLY', which is apparently just like IKEA since there are no IKEAS in Aix, to get some pots, pans, plates, etc. Then I can start cooking for myself (by that I mean making pasta and soup).
I'm having fun but missing the loved ones at home! Thinking of you guys.
As far as orientation goes, we have been doing a 2 hour session everyday called "Bienvenue en France". We have just been going over all things pertinent to living in France, ie. grammar, a bit of French history, the proper French way to greet people (by kissing them on each cheek - this is called "la bise"). It's actually been kind of fun, the guy teaching it is super nice (he is a prof at the school).
In terms of going out, on Monday the "Association Internationale" organized a pub night at the Manoir. Most of the international students were there and it was a really good time! Tuesday we went to the "Wohoo" (yes, that's the name of the bar) another charming little place, complete with stone walls. I met some more people, including a guy from California! He had even heard of my hometown, which is an hour outside of downtown Los Angeles, that not many people know of. Wednesday night I was pretty tired so I just took it easy. Last night a guy on my floor had a little drinks/appetizers gathering in his room (met some people from France so it was a good opportunity to speak French - most people I have met speak English!) then I was off to the Sunset Café (more awesome ancient-looking stone walls...) for some Indie music.
In between the "Bienvenue en France" classes and the pub outings, I have been walking all over Aix trying to take care of "business" stuff. So far I have managed to get a cell phone, set up a bank account and rent a fridge from the school (easier said than done!). I also made my first trip to Marseille to drop off some documents that I need to get my "carte de long sejour", which will enable me to study here for the year. So I've definitely been keeping busy, waiting in lines and trying to figure stuff out. The upside of all this is that I think my French is already starting to improve! I also finally went to to buy groceries, and today we're going to 'FLY', which is apparently just like IKEA since there are no IKEAS in Aix, to get some pots, pans, plates, etc. Then I can start cooking for myself (by that I mean making pasta and soup).
I'm having fun but missing the loved ones at home! Thinking of you guys.
I HAVE ARRIVED
Well, after a ton of planning and much anticipation, I HAVE FINALLY ARRIVED IN AIX!
I was greeted at the Marseille Airport on Saturday morning by a student from CROUS, an organization that helps students with residences, jobs, etc. I was at first very taken aback by the "kiss on each cheek" greeting, but she was really nice. We took the bus to my dorm, situated in the Cité Universitaire. I am in "Gazelle" residence, in Pavillon 3 (there are 7 Pavillons). My room is kinda old and not the cleanest place I have ever seen but it's definitely spacious. After unpacking a few things I sent out to find the "ED", which the student who picked me up from the airport informed me is the cheapest supermarket, so I could pick up some cleaning supplies. I had to ask a few people and it took me a while but eventually I found it! It was a good way to see a bit of the town.
Saturday night was a little rough; I was jetlagged and couldn't sleep, and since I had just arrived that day I hadn't met anyone yet, so I was severely homesick and had a hard time sleeping. Sunday I wanted to keep busy, so I took my laptop to a caf é with free WiFi (I didn't have internet in my room yet) and had lunch. Then I walked around Aix and tried to get my bearings. I was trying to find the school, since I had to be there at 9 this morning, and I met a really nice Romanian guy who offered to walk me there, and he pointed out some other cool sights along the way (ie. a British tea company, a good place to have coffee, etc.) Then I went to the Parc Jourdan, a park right by my residence and very popular with students, especially on Sundays, and read for a few hours. I didn't even have time to be homesick!
Today we had an orientation session at the school. I walked there with a girl I met on my floor from Morocco. We were served a light breakfast (the croissants were AMAZING) and had some time to meet all the other international students. I met people from Australia, Austria, England, Germany, Turkey and the States. There is even a girl from BC! After an information session, we had to take a French test to see what level we were at. I had lunch at one of the caféterias, which are located all around town and sell meals to students for 2.90€ (you can't beat a price like that in Aix, which is the second most expensive town in France, after Paris!). Later we were lead around town by some French students who run the "Assoication Internationale", an association for international students. Tonight the Association is holding a soirée at the "Manoir", one of the pubs. Good chance to meet some more people!
I still have a lot to do to get settled - need to open a bank account, get a cell phone, buy a fridge (they said they would be provided but they're not!) and some other stuff, but I finally have internet in my room, so that's something.
I really like Aix so far. It is a beautiful town - I love all the cafés with the little tables outside, and the architecture is amazing. My school is also gorgeous, and it is right across from the "Grand Cathédral". The streets all look very similar though and I'm still trying to get my bearings but I'm looking forward to getting to know it better!
I was greeted at the Marseille Airport on Saturday morning by a student from CROUS, an organization that helps students with residences, jobs, etc. I was at first very taken aback by the "kiss on each cheek" greeting, but she was really nice. We took the bus to my dorm, situated in the Cité Universitaire. I am in "Gazelle" residence, in Pavillon 3 (there are 7 Pavillons). My room is kinda old and not the cleanest place I have ever seen but it's definitely spacious. After unpacking a few things I sent out to find the "ED", which the student who picked me up from the airport informed me is the cheapest supermarket, so I could pick up some cleaning supplies. I had to ask a few people and it took me a while but eventually I found it! It was a good way to see a bit of the town.
Saturday night was a little rough; I was jetlagged and couldn't sleep, and since I had just arrived that day I hadn't met anyone yet, so I was severely homesick and had a hard time sleeping. Sunday I wanted to keep busy, so I took my laptop to a caf é with free WiFi (I didn't have internet in my room yet) and had lunch. Then I walked around Aix and tried to get my bearings. I was trying to find the school, since I had to be there at 9 this morning, and I met a really nice Romanian guy who offered to walk me there, and he pointed out some other cool sights along the way (ie. a British tea company, a good place to have coffee, etc.) Then I went to the Parc Jourdan, a park right by my residence and very popular with students, especially on Sundays, and read for a few hours. I didn't even have time to be homesick!
Today we had an orientation session at the school. I walked there with a girl I met on my floor from Morocco. We were served a light breakfast (the croissants were AMAZING) and had some time to meet all the other international students. I met people from Australia, Austria, England, Germany, Turkey and the States. There is even a girl from BC! After an information session, we had to take a French test to see what level we were at. I had lunch at one of the caféterias, which are located all around town and sell meals to students for 2.90€ (you can't beat a price like that in Aix, which is the second most expensive town in France, after Paris!). Later we were lead around town by some French students who run the "Assoication Internationale", an association for international students. Tonight the Association is holding a soirée at the "Manoir", one of the pubs. Good chance to meet some more people!
I still have a lot to do to get settled - need to open a bank account, get a cell phone, buy a fridge (they said they would be provided but they're not!) and some other stuff, but I finally have internet in my room, so that's something.
I really like Aix so far. It is a beautiful town - I love all the cafés with the little tables outside, and the architecture is amazing. My school is also gorgeous, and it is right across from the "Grand Cathédral". The streets all look very similar though and I'm still trying to get my bearings but I'm looking forward to getting to know it better!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)