July 26th
Today was the final day of classes, which meant I had class for 4hrs today. History was from 9h-11h, and I could not tell you what happened in class. As soon as I sat down, I am became exhausted and could not pay attention to save my life. The professor asked each of us how we felt about going home, and of course I was the last person. I just said it was whatever because I did not want to get into it. The professor does not deserve to know my real thoughts because of his behavior to me. Other than that I believe the class wrapped up a few loose ends, and touched on the exam a tiny bit.
Architecture was from 11h-13h, and once again I did not pay attention. It mostly consisted of people asking questions and the professor answering the question. I think there were maybe six questions over the two hours. Honestly it was a waste of my time, so I proceeded to organize my suitcase in my head. I am so ready for my Emory professors that it is not funny.
Once I was done with classes for the day, I went to my favorite Kabob place to get a last meal. It was so good, if you ever end up in Avignon go to Istanbul Kabobs, multiple choices and their white sauce is amazing! From there I updated this thing, so you kids could know what I was up to during my final days here. When Brittany was done, we caught the bus home and headed to the local super market to buy Kinder Beuno!! I am bringing a six pack with me and it will be really tough not to eat them on the plane. Gotta love Kinder!
Soon enough it was dinner time, but no Plus Belle La Vie because a stupid sports championship is taking place. Go figure one of my last days here and no Plus Belle La Vie, which is not returning until next Monday. After dinner the packing process began because Grandma cleaned the rest of clothes, but this time she could not get her iron on them! I do not believe I ever mentioned this, but Grandma ironed every article of clothing I own including underwear. I have to say I packed my big suitcase, but not my carry-on. There are still some logistics to figure out. Overall, a slightly sad Monday in Avignon.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Day Thirty Nine
July 25th
Today was my first non lazy Sunday, which is a major accomplishment for me considering all the others, minus Paris, were super lazy. I managed to wake up around 9h15 to prepare for my day. I had a very small breakfast because I was going to meet Dawn for lunch and a play. As I was telling Grandma and Grandpa my plans, I told them I was going to walk to the Centre Ville to Place Pie and meet Dawn at noon. Grandpa said that he would drive me to Place Pie because they did not want me to walk, and I found it to be really nice considering they were gearing up for a lunch party for Grand-daughter. It was going to be a Paella party, because Grandpa was setting up Grandma's outdoor cooking area.
So, I get dropped off in Place Pie and wait a tiny bit for Dawn to appear, and from Place Pie we wandered around to find someplace to eat. My main part of my lunch was okay, but the desert total more than made up for it. It was kinda like a mini version of a molten chocolate cake. After lunch, we made our way towards the theater to pick up our tickets.
We were bummed that the theater did not have a student price, so we payed 17 euro, but it was totally worth it. The show we saw was titled Les Loupiotes de La Ville, which only had two guys in the same outfit, and two chairs on stage. It was sooo funny, and at first it was hard to tell if they were actually speaking French or some other crazy nonsense language. It was totally a nonsense language the majority of the time, unless it was a scene where they spoke heavily accented English. I want to see this show over and over again because it was fantastic. It had the same amount of excitement and fun as Les Cousins, but this was more Vaudeville based.
After the play, we ended up in a French candy store and bought a few items before retiring to the park by the Palais de Papes. We just chatted and enjoyed the glorious weather we were having, and actually ran into Amanda. Amanda then joined us for our chat before we all decided to head home around 5h30 (17h30). I just popped in Leslie and had a very nice walk home, where I relaxed before dinner with Grandma and Grandpa. It was totally worth it to be active on my last Sunday in Avignon.
Today was my first non lazy Sunday, which is a major accomplishment for me considering all the others, minus Paris, were super lazy. I managed to wake up around 9h15 to prepare for my day. I had a very small breakfast because I was going to meet Dawn for lunch and a play. As I was telling Grandma and Grandpa my plans, I told them I was going to walk to the Centre Ville to Place Pie and meet Dawn at noon. Grandpa said that he would drive me to Place Pie because they did not want me to walk, and I found it to be really nice considering they were gearing up for a lunch party for Grand-daughter. It was going to be a Paella party, because Grandpa was setting up Grandma's outdoor cooking area.
So, I get dropped off in Place Pie and wait a tiny bit for Dawn to appear, and from Place Pie we wandered around to find someplace to eat. My main part of my lunch was okay, but the desert total more than made up for it. It was kinda like a mini version of a molten chocolate cake. After lunch, we made our way towards the theater to pick up our tickets.
We were bummed that the theater did not have a student price, so we payed 17 euro, but it was totally worth it. The show we saw was titled Les Loupiotes de La Ville, which only had two guys in the same outfit, and two chairs on stage. It was sooo funny, and at first it was hard to tell if they were actually speaking French or some other crazy nonsense language. It was totally a nonsense language the majority of the time, unless it was a scene where they spoke heavily accented English. I want to see this show over and over again because it was fantastic. It had the same amount of excitement and fun as Les Cousins, but this was more Vaudeville based.
After the play, we ended up in a French candy store and bought a few items before retiring to the park by the Palais de Papes. We just chatted and enjoyed the glorious weather we were having, and actually ran into Amanda. Amanda then joined us for our chat before we all decided to head home around 5h30 (17h30). I just popped in Leslie and had a very nice walk home, where I relaxed before dinner with Grandma and Grandpa. It was totally worth it to be active on my last Sunday in Avignon.
Les Loupiotes, Extrait 3/3 - Ma-Tvideo France2
Des artistes aussi doués en mime que mauvais en pêche. © 2009 - PVO Audiovisuel Multimédia - Réalisateur : Christophe FRANCK - Décor : Yves VALENTE - Création lumière : Sébastien DEBANT - Ingénieur : Pierre BUISSON - Régisseur son : Philippe BLANCHETEAU - Interprètes : Kamel ISKER, Antoine GUIRAUD - Auteurs : Kamel ISKER, Antoine GUIRAUD - Musique : "Roméo et Juliette - Danse des chevaliers" de Serguei PROKOFIEV © 2001 Decca Music Group Limited ; "Clair de lune" de Claude DEBUSSY - Interprétée par Alain PLANÈS © 2006 Harmonia Mundi.
Des artistes aussi doués en mime que mauvais en pêche. © 2009 - PVO Audiovisuel Multimédia - Réalisateur : Christophe FRANCK - Décor : Yves VALENTE - Création lumière : Sébastien DEBANT - Ingénieur : Pierre BUISSON - Régisseur son : Philippe BLANCHETEAU - Interprètes : Kamel ISKER, Antoine GUIRAUD - Auteurs : Kamel ISKER, Antoine GUIRAUD - Musique : "Roméo et Juliette - Danse des chevaliers" de Serguei PROKOFIEV © 2001 Decca Music Group Limited ; "Clair de lune" de Claude DEBUSSY - Interprétée par Alain PLANÈS © 2006 Harmonia Mundi.
Day Thirty Eight
July 24th
I was a total cool kid and decided not to go to Nice because let's face it, 135 euros for a day and a half is not worth it. Earlier in the week I found out about a place called Vallon Pont D'Arc, and you could take a train to the city nearby. The train tickets were 9.50euro each direction for a TGV train, which is uber cheap, and then a less then 3euro bus ride.
So we leave Avignon at 7h55 and get to Montelimar at 8h25, and we look at the bus schedule and determine when the next bus is for Vallon Pont D'Arc. From there we cross a park and stumble upon their Saturday morning market, where we proceed to buy food for lunch. By the way, Chase and Amanda accompanied me on this trip. Then we head back to the train station, and ask a ticket guy from the train station when the next bus is and the price. He tells us all of this and then we proceed to wait. The bus arrives we try to get on, and we are told by the bus driver we need to buy our ticket at the train station. There is no way to buy a ticket at this point, and the next train is not until 5h (17h).
(Montelimar)
It is then decided we will just hang out in Montelimar until our train back to Avignon arrives. We had a pretty epic pic nic in the park, which lasted 3 hours, but it was so much fun. Each of us shared our fruit, bread, and whatever else we bought, and talked about so many things. I am truly jealous of Chase and Amanda because both of them will continue to be in France until December. If I was not going into my senior year, I would totally be staying in France until then, sadly I hopped upon the study abroad train a little late in the game.
(Kiwi skiing)
Eventually, we managed to make it to the Office of Tourism, and had a lovely conversation with the person who worked there. We also got to try Nougat, which Montelimar is famous for/ it is the European capital of Nougat. From the office of tourism, it was off to a Chateaux, which the worker said had panoramic views of the area. It was soooo pretty up there, and Le Mistrale was amazing as always. There was also an art exhibit in one of the buildings, which was also cool within itself. It seems to me the French are huge fans of installation art, and this guy mixed the concepts of nature and industry together.
(Tiny part of a larger strcuture)
Our final stop in Montelimar was a nougat shop/factory. I have never had this stuff before, and it has all of my favorite things in it: sugar, pistachios, almonds, and other stuff. Since we walked around the different areas of Montelimar, we saw some really random statues. My favorite was a Kiwi Bird that looked like he was skiing, and I really wanted to take it home with me. Another odd one, which we determined was either Lord Voldemort or a Dementor, was just randomly near a fountain. Eventually, we ended up back in the park for public nap time and relaxtion before catching the train back to Avignon.
(Nougat Rocks!!)
(Our train)
I was a total cool kid and decided not to go to Nice because let's face it, 135 euros for a day and a half is not worth it. Earlier in the week I found out about a place called Vallon Pont D'Arc, and you could take a train to the city nearby. The train tickets were 9.50euro each direction for a TGV train, which is uber cheap, and then a less then 3euro bus ride.
So we leave Avignon at 7h55 and get to Montelimar at 8h25, and we look at the bus schedule and determine when the next bus is for Vallon Pont D'Arc. From there we cross a park and stumble upon their Saturday morning market, where we proceed to buy food for lunch. By the way, Chase and Amanda accompanied me on this trip. Then we head back to the train station, and ask a ticket guy from the train station when the next bus is and the price. He tells us all of this and then we proceed to wait. The bus arrives we try to get on, and we are told by the bus driver we need to buy our ticket at the train station. There is no way to buy a ticket at this point, and the next train is not until 5h (17h).
(Montelimar)
It is then decided we will just hang out in Montelimar until our train back to Avignon arrives. We had a pretty epic pic nic in the park, which lasted 3 hours, but it was so much fun. Each of us shared our fruit, bread, and whatever else we bought, and talked about so many things. I am truly jealous of Chase and Amanda because both of them will continue to be in France until December. If I was not going into my senior year, I would totally be staying in France until then, sadly I hopped upon the study abroad train a little late in the game.
(Kiwi skiing)
Eventually, we managed to make it to the Office of Tourism, and had a lovely conversation with the person who worked there. We also got to try Nougat, which Montelimar is famous for/ it is the European capital of Nougat. From the office of tourism, it was off to a Chateaux, which the worker said had panoramic views of the area. It was soooo pretty up there, and Le Mistrale was amazing as always. There was also an art exhibit in one of the buildings, which was also cool within itself. It seems to me the French are huge fans of installation art, and this guy mixed the concepts of nature and industry together.
(Tiny part of a larger strcuture)
Our final stop in Montelimar was a nougat shop/factory. I have never had this stuff before, and it has all of my favorite things in it: sugar, pistachios, almonds, and other stuff. Since we walked around the different areas of Montelimar, we saw some really random statues. My favorite was a Kiwi Bird that looked like he was skiing, and I really wanted to take it home with me. Another odd one, which we determined was either Lord Voldemort or a Dementor, was just randomly near a fountain. Eventually, we ended up back in the park for public nap time and relaxtion before catching the train back to Avignon.
(Nougat Rocks!!)
(Our train)
Day Thirty Seven
July 23rd
Today was a long day of local field trips. The first stop was Palais de Papes at around 9h, and it was a struggle to pay attention to my professor. Once we were actually in the Palais de Papes, it was really cool to see all the different rooms and areas. The combination of defense and detail was pretty neat, and I loved taking all kinds of photos. The Chapel had an art exhbit, which held some pretty interesting pieces, and the largest piece actually sits outside of the Palais de Papes. Unfortunately, we did not get to climb on the ramparts and have a bird's eye view of the area.
(The inner courtyard)
At 1h30 (13h30), it was time to catch a bus to Villenuve to visit Fort St. Andre. When I was last in Villenuve we just hiked up to one of the walls, but this time I got to go explore the inside for free. It amazes me what people throughout history have been able to build over the years. It was also a lot of funny walking on the ramparts and feeling like an old school soldier person. I loved being up there, and with the Le Mistrale being back the weather has been amazing.
(The Walls)
Once I was back in Avignon, I went to a few stores before heading home to take a massively long nap. I cannot handle the staying out late and getting up at 7 thing, it is just too difficult for me. It was then time for dinner, and finally more sleep. Fun filled day, yet very tiring.
(Chilling on the ramparts)
Today was a long day of local field trips. The first stop was Palais de Papes at around 9h, and it was a struggle to pay attention to my professor. Once we were actually in the Palais de Papes, it was really cool to see all the different rooms and areas. The combination of defense and detail was pretty neat, and I loved taking all kinds of photos. The Chapel had an art exhbit, which held some pretty interesting pieces, and the largest piece actually sits outside of the Palais de Papes. Unfortunately, we did not get to climb on the ramparts and have a bird's eye view of the area.
(The inner courtyard)
At 1h30 (13h30), it was time to catch a bus to Villenuve to visit Fort St. Andre. When I was last in Villenuve we just hiked up to one of the walls, but this time I got to go explore the inside for free. It amazes me what people throughout history have been able to build over the years. It was also a lot of funny walking on the ramparts and feeling like an old school soldier person. I loved being up there, and with the Le Mistrale being back the weather has been amazing.
(The Walls)
Once I was back in Avignon, I went to a few stores before heading home to take a massively long nap. I cannot handle the staying out late and getting up at 7 thing, it is just too difficult for me. It was then time for dinner, and finally more sleep. Fun filled day, yet very tiring.
(Chilling on the ramparts)
Day Thirty Six
July 22nd
One thing I can say is that I was definitely more prepared for the day, than yesterday. History was the same ole random videos and pictures combination. Architecture was the lecture on defense architecture, found on a number of churches and fortresses in southern France. I could not wait for tomorrow since we would be visiting two sites with said architecture.
I chilled for a bit in the upstairs library before deciding to try and catch a bus. Another opportunity to be by myself for awhile because there is only so much I can handle of a person whining about money and how fat they are. When I walked through the gate and up the drive, Grandpa and Grandma were nowhere to be seen. I found it to be a little refreshing, and took the opportunity to take pictures. I also was able to take pictures of 2/3 of the animals that live at my house. After that I pretty much relaxed until it was dinner time, I kinda took a tiny nap.
Dinner arrived and it was an odd bean and sausage dish, which I could not stomach. I was so glad when it was nectarine time, and soon after I had to get ready for the last Juicy Thursday in Avignon. Meet up with Emily, Kong, Maggie, Natalie, and Amanda at the Institute and made our way to Ile de Barthelasse, where Chase and Roman met us after they had dinner. It was time to pop the champagne bottles and celebrate the amazing times we have had on our trip so far. It was a lot of fun just hanging out in the grass, talking and laughing. The only downside was being out so late, but it was still a lot of fun.
The other form of excitement today was that it rained in the afternoon. I had not seen rain since I was in Paris, and it was absolutely wonderful! I even took pictures because I could not believe that it was raining!
One thing I can say is that I was definitely more prepared for the day, than yesterday. History was the same ole random videos and pictures combination. Architecture was the lecture on defense architecture, found on a number of churches and fortresses in southern France. I could not wait for tomorrow since we would be visiting two sites with said architecture.
I chilled for a bit in the upstairs library before deciding to try and catch a bus. Another opportunity to be by myself for awhile because there is only so much I can handle of a person whining about money and how fat they are. When I walked through the gate and up the drive, Grandpa and Grandma were nowhere to be seen. I found it to be a little refreshing, and took the opportunity to take pictures. I also was able to take pictures of 2/3 of the animals that live at my house. After that I pretty much relaxed until it was dinner time, I kinda took a tiny nap.
(The Turtle)
Dinner arrived and it was an odd bean and sausage dish, which I could not stomach. I was so glad when it was nectarine time, and soon after I had to get ready for the last Juicy Thursday in Avignon. Meet up with Emily, Kong, Maggie, Natalie, and Amanda at the Institute and made our way to Ile de Barthelasse, where Chase and Roman met us after they had dinner. It was time to pop the champagne bottles and celebrate the amazing times we have had on our trip so far. It was a lot of fun just hanging out in the grass, talking and laughing. The only downside was being out so late, but it was still a lot of fun.
The other form of excitement today was that it rained in the afternoon. I had not seen rain since I was in Paris, and it was absolutely wonderful! I even took pictures because I could not believe that it was raining!
(RAIN!!!!)
Day Thirty Five
July 21st (5 weeks)
Only two classes today, and I am thankful the history professor could not add another section just for fun. History consisted of people finishing the presentations, which were the last two groups. Neither of the presentations were spectacular, but it is whatever. After the presentations were finished, he asked us to describe France in one word. He wanted our word to be based off of our studies in his class, and our experience in the country. Of course I end up being the last person and I say I do not have a word, the professor then says the negative comment will not bother him. Thanks for that professor, you do not know anything about me. So ready for this class to be over!
Architecture consisted of a lot of note taking and day dreaming at the same time. So hard to concentrate for a 2hour lecture. The professor just talked about the gothique aspects of churches, and the major differences between them and roman style churches. It was pretty neat, yet at the same time I just wanted to eat some food.
It was very tough making it through both of my classes because of when I had gotten in last night. I goofed around at the institute for a little while after class, but went home by myself around 4 (16:00) which was fairly nice. I did not have to wait very long for a bus to arrive, and there was hardly anyone on the bus. I literally crawled into be when I reached home, and napped until it was time to set the table. I pretty much went back to sleep after dinner and it was amazing to catch up on sleep.
It is still hard to believe that I have been in Avignon for five weeks, and that I will be back in the states a week from now. On one hand I want to be back home and on the other I just want to stay here. I could definitely live the French lifestyle, it has treated me pretty well.
Only two classes today, and I am thankful the history professor could not add another section just for fun. History consisted of people finishing the presentations, which were the last two groups. Neither of the presentations were spectacular, but it is whatever. After the presentations were finished, he asked us to describe France in one word. He wanted our word to be based off of our studies in his class, and our experience in the country. Of course I end up being the last person and I say I do not have a word, the professor then says the negative comment will not bother him. Thanks for that professor, you do not know anything about me. So ready for this class to be over!
Architecture consisted of a lot of note taking and day dreaming at the same time. So hard to concentrate for a 2hour lecture. The professor just talked about the gothique aspects of churches, and the major differences between them and roman style churches. It was pretty neat, yet at the same time I just wanted to eat some food.
It was very tough making it through both of my classes because of when I had gotten in last night. I goofed around at the institute for a little while after class, but went home by myself around 4 (16:00) which was fairly nice. I did not have to wait very long for a bus to arrive, and there was hardly anyone on the bus. I literally crawled into be when I reached home, and napped until it was time to set the table. I pretty much went back to sleep after dinner and it was amazing to catch up on sleep.
It is still hard to believe that I have been in Avignon for five weeks, and that I will be back in the states a week from now. On one hand I want to be back home and on the other I just want to stay here. I could definitely live the French lifestyle, it has treated me pretty well.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Day Thirty Four
July 20th
Ugh another double dose of history, 9 and 4(16:00). Honestly, I am over this class because it has drastically changed from the very beginning. The morning class was a lecture/video watching class period. The second class of the day was the first groups presentation and my presentation on the EU. When we chose these topics, I picked the lucky theme which meant I did not have to work with anyone. Earlier in the afternoon, I put together a quick little PowerPoint and rocked my presentation. I even gave people simple answers, when the answers were actually complicated. It felt to have already studied the EU, and that my independent study focuses on it next semester. I better get a good grade or I will be pissed.
So in between my two classes of history, I did a little bit of shopping. I was supposed to go see a play with Dawn, but when we got to the theater we could not get tickets without a reservation. We ended up making reservations for the show on Sunday, and I cannot wait to see it. Instead, shopping commenced to buy a few stable shirts and tanks. I also proceeded to buy two sets of the pens I have been using since I have been here, and an awesome planner. The planner starts on August 20th and goes until early August next year, and it has a lot of space to make sure I am super organized for my senior year. It will also make pledge week planning easier as well.
Finally, I made it home after a long wait for the 1 bus and had dinner before going out with the group. We meet up by the carousel, watched some street performers before getting some treats. Some of us went to the Italian Gelato place, and the others went to our crepe place. So yummy! Finally, we ended up at Les Celestines to get a few drinks and to see Benoit.
Benoit has been our server since our first Thursday out five weeks ago, and earlier today Maggie did a Google search on Benoit. One of the things he first told us, when we met him, is that he was an ice dancing and placed in the Juniors World. He was also on the French Olympic Team, but right before the Olympics he messed up his knee. Anyways, Maggie did a search, found articles and videos of our server. We finally know his last name, and are even friends with him on facebook. He is probably are only french friend, minus Chase's host brother Roman. An interesting Tuesday to say the least.
Ugh another double dose of history, 9 and 4(16:00). Honestly, I am over this class because it has drastically changed from the very beginning. The morning class was a lecture/video watching class period. The second class of the day was the first groups presentation and my presentation on the EU. When we chose these topics, I picked the lucky theme which meant I did not have to work with anyone. Earlier in the afternoon, I put together a quick little PowerPoint and rocked my presentation. I even gave people simple answers, when the answers were actually complicated. It felt to have already studied the EU, and that my independent study focuses on it next semester. I better get a good grade or I will be pissed.
So in between my two classes of history, I did a little bit of shopping. I was supposed to go see a play with Dawn, but when we got to the theater we could not get tickets without a reservation. We ended up making reservations for the show on Sunday, and I cannot wait to see it. Instead, shopping commenced to buy a few stable shirts and tanks. I also proceeded to buy two sets of the pens I have been using since I have been here, and an awesome planner. The planner starts on August 20th and goes until early August next year, and it has a lot of space to make sure I am super organized for my senior year. It will also make pledge week planning easier as well.
Finally, I made it home after a long wait for the 1 bus and had dinner before going out with the group. We meet up by the carousel, watched some street performers before getting some treats. Some of us went to the Italian Gelato place, and the others went to our crepe place. So yummy! Finally, we ended up at Les Celestines to get a few drinks and to see Benoit.
Benoit has been our server since our first Thursday out five weeks ago, and earlier today Maggie did a Google search on Benoit. One of the things he first told us, when we met him, is that he was an ice dancing and placed in the Juniors World. He was also on the French Olympic Team, but right before the Olympics he messed up his knee. Anyways, Maggie did a search, found articles and videos of our server. We finally know his last name, and are even friends with him on facebook. He is probably are only french friend, minus Chase's host brother Roman. An interesting Tuesday to say the least.
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