Discovery!

After a thoroughly enjoyable spa manicure with Sara the other day, complete with a lavender and buckwheat-filled neck warmer, I set out to search for a neck warmer pattern on Google. Intrigued by this photo, I discovered some beautiful pictures of India at The Global Indian Biking Community website. I love how one search leads to an entirely different but delightful result.

Soleil

A sun-saturated sky filled entirely with wildfire smoke produces the eeriest colors shadows.

Earlier this week at work, I talked to a guest that had the exact same German accent as Patrick (but in a woman's voice). I haven't cried since my return but the moment after she walked away, I almost had an emotional breakdown. All of the memories came surging forward. If it wasn't for work, I wouldn't have been able to hold it together.

Summer is almost over. I can't believe it. It has been more than I could have ever asked for. There might be something developing with a guy. It's been almost two years in the making. But I'm still not sure about everything...it's all very friendly and innocent at this point.

Also, I'm to be a pirate for Halloween! As for names, I've only come up with Pirate Long Leg. Ideas?

More memoires

• The bisous or "biz" (cheek kiss) is so much more personable than a handshake or awkward hug. I wish I could continue this tradition in the states without disapproval. I heard one woman amiably talking on her cell phone, ending the conversation with "gros bisous". Cute.
• Many women, make an "up" sound when making some kind of movement or guesture. When something is outrageous or crazy, people shake their hand above their shoulder.
• And yes, there are some people with body odor. I was probably smelly from time to time because of the heat, so whatever. :)
• Personal space bubbles are a lot smaller. Surprisingly, I didn't mind. I sat next to strangers on the tram without a thought.
• Everyone must wear a swim cap in the pool and men are required to wear speedos! Such a sight the first time. After our numerous visits to "La Tranche piscine," it was the norm and I secretly miss wearing that bonnet de bain.
• The exit signs have a funny little figure running away. Danger signs show a gesticulate stick figure getting shocked.
• Ultimate joke learned from a South American exchange student: An American ship is in German waters when they hit a storm and their ships begins to sink. They call for help and say, "We're sinking, we're sinking!" The Germans reply, "Oh really? What are you sinking about?

French memoires

While in France, I complied a list of thoughts, observations and random (facts) to blog about (due to lack of computer access). I am happy to present the following memoires:

• "La joie de vivre" is ever-present. People love leisure. Whether it be at a cafe, park or bar. The city is lively but relaxed.
• Kébabs are AWESOME. Great fast-food sandwich. There was a good resto by my apartment called Batman Kebab. Supposedly the German ones are better.
• Cobbled streets and sidewalks are charming but bad for drunken walks home.
• "La religieuse" is the best, most orgasmic French pastry you'll ever have. My favorite was the small caramel puff at top and the large rich, chocolate cream puff on bottom. But every French pastry is like heaven.
• No one knows how to make baguettes and cheese like the French. My favorites ones were more "artisan". Almost every other morning, my host mom (famille d'acceuil) had a difference baguette for breakfast.
  
• Lots of walking, shopping, enjoying the sun, swimming, hiking. Since school was from 8:30-12:30, it hardly seemed like I went to school.
  
• Most French men are short.
• Even cheap French wine (must be Appellation d'origine contrôlée) is better than an affordable bottle of American wine!
• Lots of tasty beers! Considering I'm on a student budget, I found my favorite in Annecy, a German beer called Erdinger Weißbier.
• Giraffes. Everyone loves a giraffe. Filled with the French beer of choice, Kronenbourg. Formidables (large beer mug) are also very enjoying if you do not wish to have a table-top mini-keg.
  
• Loin des yeux loin du cœur. My host mom told me this common French saying on the last day driving to the train station, after I told her of my German boyfriend. Out of sight, out of mind.
• They have "auto écoles" but what they HECK do they teach? How to drive like a maniac, curb jumping 101?
• My apartment with Madeleine (host mom) was in the "centre ville," close to everything one could fancy in a city, nightlife, restaurants, etc. It was intimate yet mentropolitan. The Old Italian district/Notre Dame area had a youthful vibe.
• My French increased dramatically, as well as my confidence. Almost nightly conversations at the dinner table were best. A lot was learned from Patrick as well...a good source for what younger people say.
• One of my notes says, "want to stay longer, could live here forever."
• There is much more ethnic diversity.
• Most French men dress very clean and sophisticated. They are very suave in their behavior as well. Cat calls happen daily. Sometimes it is nice and flattering. "Just a poor French boy wanting a kiss." Others are not so welcoming...stalkers on bikes, cars, etc.
• "Best year of life," is another note.
• Grenoble was surrounded by mountains. My bedroom balcony had a view of Vercours on the left and Chartreuse on the right. Both sunsets and sunrises were insanely beautiful with this backdrop.
• I went camping for the first time at the base of Mont Ventoux in Provence for the Tour de France the next day. I've never seen such an abundance of stars before in my life.
• The tram was incredibly convenient. Just 15 minutes to school, where I was still surrounded by the beautiful mountains.
• Les banlieues de Grenoble (the suburbs) are quiet, fenced and stately but quite warm and typical European.
• European men, or at least my German, are far better lovers than American men.
• Annecy is the most charming French city. The lake is pristine and ever-so-clear. One of my favorite places in the world.
• An English transplant in Grenoble told my friend Mel and I one night, casual sex is common and not looked down upon. The man gives his best during a one night stand, doing anything to please the woman. A female is only considered a slut if she cheats on her boyfriend, not sleeps with many men.
• In some magasins (shops), they will speak English to you despite your attempt to speak French. Sometimes I believe it was a mutual trade-off to increase language skill. Other times it felt like an insult.
• The French Alps=return visit necessary to snowboard!
• Most everyone (9 others) in my program are amazing people. They turned out to be great friends. The only guy and I became good friends, he was like my brother that I never had haha. Patrick was jealous of our friendship, I think. Competition!
• Dinner is served late, around 7:30-8:30, sometimes later. I was starving and had to snack quite frequently but the pay off was great--more time to spend outside during the day and enjoy the beautiful Grenobloise weather. The French just know how to live.
• The Jardin de ville was "the" hang out for young people at night. I met so many different students from all over the world. Cabaret Frappe was held the last week or two we were there, free music all over the city. The non-gratuit concerts could still be heard while sitting in the jardin.
  
• Grenoble is famous for their walnut. And they sure are delicious. I looove nuts!

I miss being immersed in French culture.

More memoires and photos will be added as I continue remember my French life. Plus a German "sinking" joke that you're sure to love.

Mr. Who?

I was skimming my junk mail to see if there was any important emails when I read, "Tired of meeting Mr. Wong?" I thought, "Well no, actually. I've only meet a Mr. Wong once or twice in my life." Seconds later I realized it read, "Tired of meeting Mr. Wrong?" hahaha.