Crazy history project has taken over my life. Hopefully I will post sometime later tonight or tomorrow. Avignon is currently crazy with the sales, and the festival reeking havoc on the streets. <3
Monday, July 12, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
Day Eighteen
July 4th
Nothing really happened today, very normal occurrence on Sundays for me. Woke up to a lunch party, and left the lunch party early to do my history readings. Failed at the readings, because my allergies were awful and it was super hot. Ate dinner and pretty much went to bed. That is my Sunday, oh and listened to Wimbly on my computer.
Nothing really happened today, very normal occurrence on Sundays for me. Woke up to a lunch party, and left the lunch party early to do my history readings. Failed at the readings, because my allergies were awful and it was super hot. Ate dinner and pretty much went to bed. That is my Sunday, oh and listened to Wimbly on my computer.
Day Seventeen
July 3rd
The day to celebrate Independence day, while in France. I was excited about sleeping in because the only outing planed would not commence until 2:30(14:30). Around 10:30, Brittany and I headed to the supermarket around the corner to buy things for the Independence day celebration. After going to the market, I went home and wrote out some of the post cards I bought earlier in the week.
At one point, Grandma asked if I was going to eat lunch and I said no. A few minutes later Brittany comes over and says that Grandpa said I did not understand when they asked me eating. In all honesty I was not even thinking about food or what time it was. I told them I was not even thinking because I was so wrapped up in my writing. They understood, but it bothers me they took my not thinking as not understanding. Sorry, I am a bit of a space cadet when I focus on something.
When 1:45 (13:45) hit, Brittany and I hopped on the bus to head to our meeting spot. When we arrived at the bus station, no-one from the center could be seen. Eventually, Kong meet us outside and we walked in together. I thought someone from the Institute would be coming with us, but I was wrong. We hop on the bus with our treats and eventually make it to Carpentras. As soon as we get there, a guy named Steve greets us and tells us we are going on a tour of the city, and we can swim in the pool later. What!? Two days before we found out we had to bring something, and no one told us about swimming or the city tour.
(An Old Church in Town)
The tour of the city was not too bad, but I was still irritated that no one thought to mention this to us. There were a couple of different art shows going on in Carpentras, one of which was just hanging throughout the city. One art show was paintings done by an American housed in the back of a book/comic book store. I found the comic books a bit more interesting than the art exhibit. From there we ended up at another exhibit, this one of photographs done throughout the region. Some photos were done after certain photos taken in the 1900's. I really loved that exhibit, and even got a free book of some of the photos. Finally it was time to hop in cars and head outside the center of town (aka outside the walls).
(Cool Carousel)
End up at Steve's house, there is a mixture of American and French flags and a bunch of really random people. There was only one other American, who was staying in a town nearby working in a Bed and Breakfast. She was only in high school, and not very interesting at all. It was an interesting experience, and one I would rather not repeat. I did sit next to a very awesome French man, who completely understood me and knew about Norfolk. We ended the night singing songs and things along those lines. The various peoples ended up driving us home, which was an experience in it of itself.
(Part of the Painting Exhibit)
I would say it was an odd way to celebrate the 4th a day early.
The day to celebrate Independence day, while in France. I was excited about sleeping in because the only outing planed would not commence until 2:30(14:30). Around 10:30, Brittany and I headed to the supermarket around the corner to buy things for the Independence day celebration. After going to the market, I went home and wrote out some of the post cards I bought earlier in the week.
At one point, Grandma asked if I was going to eat lunch and I said no. A few minutes later Brittany comes over and says that Grandpa said I did not understand when they asked me eating. In all honesty I was not even thinking about food or what time it was. I told them I was not even thinking because I was so wrapped up in my writing. They understood, but it bothers me they took my not thinking as not understanding. Sorry, I am a bit of a space cadet when I focus on something.
When 1:45 (13:45) hit, Brittany and I hopped on the bus to head to our meeting spot. When we arrived at the bus station, no-one from the center could be seen. Eventually, Kong meet us outside and we walked in together. I thought someone from the Institute would be coming with us, but I was wrong. We hop on the bus with our treats and eventually make it to Carpentras. As soon as we get there, a guy named Steve greets us and tells us we are going on a tour of the city, and we can swim in the pool later. What!? Two days before we found out we had to bring something, and no one told us about swimming or the city tour.
(An Old Church in Town)
(Cool Carousel)
End up at Steve's house, there is a mixture of American and French flags and a bunch of really random people. There was only one other American, who was staying in a town nearby working in a Bed and Breakfast. She was only in high school, and not very interesting at all. It was an interesting experience, and one I would rather not repeat. I did sit next to a very awesome French man, who completely understood me and knew about Norfolk. We ended the night singing songs and things along those lines. The various peoples ended up driving us home, which was an experience in it of itself.
(Part of the Painting Exhibit)
I would say it was an odd way to celebrate the 4th a day early.
Day Sixteen
July 2nd
Field trip to Pont de Gard!! It is one of the remaining sections of the aqueduct of Nimes that is still in really good condition. It sucked having to get up really early, but it was well worth it. It was not even an hour outside of Avignon, but I still found it to be pretty neat. It was a fairly short trip compared to the other field trips, yet still enjoyable.
(A Portion of the 2nd tier, and 3rd tier)
Brittany and I went home, had a tiny conversation with our hosts families. We decided to tan/swim for a tiny bit of the afternoon. It was nice just to lay in the sun and not worry about anything. Around 6(18:00), I went back to my house to chill out/nap until dinner. Dinner was a normal affair, accompanied by Plus Belle La Vie at 8h10m (20h10m). After dinner I got ready to head to Les Celestines with Brittany and the others.
It was a very chill night at Les Celestines, where I got a tiny teapot of tea for only 2 euros. Normally I would order a beer that would cost 2E30 and not get even half as much as the tea. It was very relaxing, and we had all different kinds of conversations. Our server, Benoire, kept teasing us and making jokes. Finally ended up back home to sleep.
Field trip to Pont de Gard!! It is one of the remaining sections of the aqueduct of Nimes that is still in really good condition. It sucked having to get up really early, but it was well worth it. It was not even an hour outside of Avignon, but I still found it to be pretty neat. It was a fairly short trip compared to the other field trips, yet still enjoyable.
(Everyone walking towards Pont de Gard)
Our first stop of Pont de Gard itself, where standing on the banks of the river two girls gave presentations: Pont de Gard, and Aquecduct de Nimes. It is amazing that the Romans were able to construct such grand pieces using limestone and other materials. We walked beneath Pont de Gard and we walked to the top of it. After the lectures, we visited the museum at the site. It was a very modern museum, and had sections that were lighted by black light. So odd. After the museum it was time to go swimming in the river. The cold water was so refreshing after walking in the bright sun all morning. The only down side was all of the rocks that made up the bed of the river. My feet were killing me, but I guess it was worth it.
(Pont de Gard in it's entirety (what I could get on my camera))
Soon, it was back on the bus to Avignon. Once we got to town, the whole group went to a Tartine place. I had never had a Tartine before, and let me say the one I got was super yummy. I got a chicken Tartine, which was like chicken salad minus the mayo, with cucumbers, tomatoes, corn, and red peppers. All of this is on a toasted slice of bread, which is what makes it a Tartine. Tartines can come with either cold things on top or hot depending on which one a person orders. After lunch everyone parted ways because we were all drained from the sun.
(A Portion of the 2nd tier, and 3rd tier)
Brittany and I went home, had a tiny conversation with our hosts families. We decided to tan/swim for a tiny bit of the afternoon. It was nice just to lay in the sun and not worry about anything. Around 6(18:00), I went back to my house to chill out/nap until dinner. Dinner was a normal affair, accompanied by Plus Belle La Vie at 8h10m (20h10m). After dinner I got ready to head to Les Celestines with Brittany and the others.
It was a very chill night at Les Celestines, where I got a tiny teapot of tea for only 2 euros. Normally I would order a beer that would cost 2E30 and not get even half as much as the tea. It was very relaxing, and we had all different kinds of conversations. Our server, Benoire, kept teasing us and making jokes. Finally ended up back home to sleep.
Day Fifteen
July 1st
Another long morning of classes, where I proceed to struggle to pay attention. In history we looked at the presidential photos of each president, and analyzed them. It was ooohhh soooo much fun. In archeology we finished with Arles and began to talk about Orange, and the upcoming presentations.
I did a little bit of shopping after class. I ended up buying post cards, which I need more of, and some pjs. The ones I brought are too heavy for this ridiculously hot weather. Never have I missed AC so much in my life, my tiny fan is just not cutting it. I leave my shutters open, my windows open and my fan on, and there is no relief from the heat day or night.
After shopping and running errands, I had a video chat with Jameson. His mom came into his room and said,"She's up already?". It was totally 2:16 (14:16) and it made my day. I am glad I am not the only person who cannot figure time changes. It was fantastic! (ha ha ha)
Finally I was home and was super excited for 8 (20:00) to roll around. There were going to be 4 (5?) episodes of Plus Bella La Vie on the tv. I was super excited and it ended up being really crazy. A little background information on Plus Belle La Vie, it is a Soap Opera based in Marseilles in a neighborhood called Le Mestrial. There are a billion different story lines, as is typical in any soap opera, and I look forward to the show every week night. I have almost the entire storyline down, only after watching it for two weeks. The episodes were super crazy, and the main storyline was a bank hold up that had multiple story lines within it. Best Thursday so far!
Another long morning of classes, where I proceed to struggle to pay attention. In history we looked at the presidential photos of each president, and analyzed them. It was ooohhh soooo much fun. In archeology we finished with Arles and began to talk about Orange, and the upcoming presentations.
I did a little bit of shopping after class. I ended up buying post cards, which I need more of, and some pjs. The ones I brought are too heavy for this ridiculously hot weather. Never have I missed AC so much in my life, my tiny fan is just not cutting it. I leave my shutters open, my windows open and my fan on, and there is no relief from the heat day or night.
After shopping and running errands, I had a video chat with Jameson. His mom came into his room and said,"She's up already?". It was totally 2:16 (14:16) and it made my day. I am glad I am not the only person who cannot figure time changes. It was fantastic! (ha ha ha)
Finally I was home and was super excited for 8 (20:00) to roll around. There were going to be 4 (5?) episodes of Plus Bella La Vie on the tv. I was super excited and it ended up being really crazy. A little background information on Plus Belle La Vie, it is a Soap Opera based in Marseilles in a neighborhood called Le Mestrial. There are a billion different story lines, as is typical in any soap opera, and I look forward to the show every week night. I have almost the entire storyline down, only after watching it for two weeks. The episodes were super crazy, and the main storyline was a bank hold up that had multiple story lines within it. Best Thursday so far!
Day Fourteen
June 30th
Officially two weeks since I have been in Avignon! I feel like I have been here forever, but I have in terms of the country as a whole. Today was a long day of classes, 1hr30m for history and 2hr for archeology. We talked about the different presidents in history class, and which political party they were associated with. Archeology was dedicated to Arles, and the three key pieces in any Roman city: the Forum, the Theater, the Walls surrounding the city.
After I was done with classes for the day, I just hung out at the Institute. Eventually, a few of us went to a pastry shop and I got a creme doughnut. I have not had a doughnut since I have been here, and it was sooooo good. Though I do wish the creme was more like Pittman Creme Doughnuts, but I am in France and not everything can be the same. Soon afterward, I went home by myself again, and this time the bus was not super crowded.
Once home I hung out with Grandma/Grandpa and their Son/Daughter in Law. We talked about my day and why Brittany did not come home. I told them she had to talk to a professor and that she was also going to the doctor. Brittany's host family ended up asking me a lot of questions about my family, Emory, and life back home. It was a nice affair, minus Eric (the son) pronouncing things very oddly, and I could not understand him yet I could understand everyone else. Eric is a very frustrating/irritating man.
Soon it was time for dinner and Plus Belle La Vie. After dinner was over, I went to sleep because the heat/sun + my allergies being crazy = a very tired me. I also fit in a video chat with Jameson at some point, but I do not know if it was before or after dinner.
Officially two weeks since I have been in Avignon! I feel like I have been here forever, but I have in terms of the country as a whole. Today was a long day of classes, 1hr30m for history and 2hr for archeology. We talked about the different presidents in history class, and which political party they were associated with. Archeology was dedicated to Arles, and the three key pieces in any Roman city: the Forum, the Theater, the Walls surrounding the city.
After I was done with classes for the day, I just hung out at the Institute. Eventually, a few of us went to a pastry shop and I got a creme doughnut. I have not had a doughnut since I have been here, and it was sooooo good. Though I do wish the creme was more like Pittman Creme Doughnuts, but I am in France and not everything can be the same. Soon afterward, I went home by myself again, and this time the bus was not super crowded.
Once home I hung out with Grandma/Grandpa and their Son/Daughter in Law. We talked about my day and why Brittany did not come home. I told them she had to talk to a professor and that she was also going to the doctor. Brittany's host family ended up asking me a lot of questions about my family, Emory, and life back home. It was a nice affair, minus Eric (the son) pronouncing things very oddly, and I could not understand him yet I could understand everyone else. Eric is a very frustrating/irritating man.
Soon it was time for dinner and Plus Belle La Vie. After dinner was over, I went to sleep because the heat/sun + my allergies being crazy = a very tired me. I also fit in a video chat with Jameson at some point, but I do not know if it was before or after dinner.
Day Thirteen
June 29th
I did not have class until 4(16:00) and ended up being very productive. I finished my history paper and homework before 2:30(14:30). I was honestly quite surprised that I got all of my work done, but people were in class so it was not too hard to accomplish. I was also able to update this thing, but alas my updates have stalled again.
Class finished at 6(18:00) and I made the slow trek home. The bus was very late, it was over 95 degrees, and I had a heavy bag. Once the bus did arrive, there was only standing room which slowly got worse as we made our way out of the city. This was also my first time going home by myself, which was not horrible. Brittany went on a run with Emily along the bank of the Rhone.
Eventually I made it home, which was a very nice. I hung out with Grandma and Grandpa, telling them about my day and all that jazz. Also told Grandpa the internet stopped working, so we re-set it and it worked again. After all of the normal routines, I went to my room and caught up on all the Wimbly action. I was really sad to find out my girl Kim Clijsters lost. :(
Dinner time came and so did Plus Belle La Vie. I still find it odd to watch the tv while eating dinner, but I guess it's very common here in France. While eating dessert, Brittany came running over because her computer officially died. She asked to use mine in order to finish her history paper. I was quite sad later that night because I could not video chat with people, but shit happens.
Just a semi-normal day in Avignon
I did not have class until 4(16:00) and ended up being very productive. I finished my history paper and homework before 2:30(14:30). I was honestly quite surprised that I got all of my work done, but people were in class so it was not too hard to accomplish. I was also able to update this thing, but alas my updates have stalled again.
Class finished at 6(18:00) and I made the slow trek home. The bus was very late, it was over 95 degrees, and I had a heavy bag. Once the bus did arrive, there was only standing room which slowly got worse as we made our way out of the city. This was also my first time going home by myself, which was not horrible. Brittany went on a run with Emily along the bank of the Rhone.
Eventually I made it home, which was a very nice. I hung out with Grandma and Grandpa, telling them about my day and all that jazz. Also told Grandpa the internet stopped working, so we re-set it and it worked again. After all of the normal routines, I went to my room and caught up on all the Wimbly action. I was really sad to find out my girl Kim Clijsters lost. :(
Dinner time came and so did Plus Belle La Vie. I still find it odd to watch the tv while eating dinner, but I guess it's very common here in France. While eating dessert, Brittany came running over because her computer officially died. She asked to use mine in order to finish her history paper. I was quite sad later that night because I could not video chat with people, but shit happens.
Just a semi-normal day in Avignon
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