It's just so beautiful

and this was kinda random but I found it very intriguing and I wanted to find out exactly what it was cause people call me "métisse" here all the time.

Supper

Paris at Dusk

Le Notre Dame

Paris March 2009

Le Notre Dame de Paris

Paris

Paris

Remember Amélie?

Ahhh...Love and Bliss

so much so much!

ok, so our school is still on strike.
no classes monday but they will be meeting to have another vote. In the meantime, I continue to have studies on my own (thanks about.com)

I'm looking into a program in Lille for the following school year which would mean that I will come home for the summer and then back to France...I'm workin' on it..baby steps. But I love being here.

I've got lots of photos and hopefully video to share, just give me a few to get it posted!
It's rainy here in Amiens after a week of sunshine, it decided to rain on my birthday. that's okay though..I'm in France.

I'm thankful for all the birthday wishes and cards and packages..Thank you thank you!
ttfn
R

I can't help it.. I'm sensitive

I can't help but get emotional right now. It's 10:38pm, I'm 32 years old today and I'm living my dream in France.

As my good friend said, "You may not be married, own your own home, have a family or a career, but you're living your dream and how many people can honestly say they are doing that with their lives? So many are in unhappy marriages/relationships, resent their children for 'taking' their freedom, are in dead end jobs and have mortgages and car payments they can't afford."
that's not me...Praise GOD, for all He has given me. I'm sitting in my dorm staring outside of my window with 2 bouquets of flowers from friends and a box of chocolates in my periphery, the lighted city lights of Amiens glowing in the night sky and beautiful music playing on my itunes...

I'm 32 and living my dream....in France.
Praise God.

Mon anniversaire

Today is just another day. When I said this to myself, I realized just how much I've grown. My birthday used to be the BIGGEST deal in the world. Maybe I feel differently because I'm celebrating with my dearest and oldest friends like usual. It's so weird. I really don't feel as old as I am (not that I'm old).

I spent the first part of my morning just chatting on-line.
Then my dear friend Pauline made me a wonderful lunch of french toast and salad and dessert.

Back home in the dorm to get ready for dinner at a yummy spot in Saint Lieu...

Listening to some great French music..Amélie Les Crayons
C'est tout.
R

Life throws you curveballs, you catch them and throw them back

Destiny is here and gone.

She arrived in Paris on Thursday where we went to the Eiffel Tour, Notre Dame, Le Sacre Coeur, La Seine, ate escargot, drank wine and had an amazing time in one day!

She came back with me to Amiens for an evening and is now off for Paris and then Liverpool...Lots of ground to cover in 6 days. I wished her safe travels and many blessings.

Me. Today I'm going to the Open Air Market with some friends, a bike ride, and relaxation. It's been a weird 48 hours for me..

Life. Life. Life.
Does anyone have a manual on Love?
Be well. God is gracious.
R

Bruges and such

Finally! A new blog.
It feels like forever.

I've tried all nite to post video (that I filmed right side up instead of sideways) but it was taking way to long to load a 1 minute 10 second video so enjoy the photos!

Bruges was great. It was about a 2.5 hour bus ride from Amiens. We immediately got off the bus and went on a 30minute boat ride on the canal. Very kool. Then we had about 3 hours to meander around the city. I ate fries and a veggie burger and of course, had a waffle with chocolate and a coffee...tres superb!

I was good to my wallet and didn't do a lick of shopping. Which I unfortunately made up for today with the purchase of a super cute dress, top, necklace and ring.. I can admit when I have a problem.

Anyways, after meandering we went on a tour of a Brewery and we got LOTS of free beer and a glass too!
Overall, Bruges was a cute little city but TOTALLY touristy. I don't think anyone there spoke Flemish! It was mostly Frenchies, U.K.'s and Americans...but it was still a grand time and you can't argue with a free trip either!

Le Grève is still going on and guess what? No class today. I think I've been to my Tuesday class once since classes started.

Thursday, one of my friends is coming to visit! She flys in to Paris in the morning...That's the good news! The bad news? Well because of Le Grève, the transportation system is not going to be running as scheduled and my train to Paris may be delayed or not running at all....(Sheesh, what to do?) Well, my plan is to leave first thing (7am) in the morning for the station, btw-I've already purchased my train tickets, and hope I can get on an a.m. train..A girl can hope.

I got my thin mints and I'm preparing for what feels like a big birthday...Inching towards 32 is kind of a strange feeling. 30 was kool, 31 was eh but 32 is just weird.

Update on morrocan...All good. we went to this amazing concert last night that was on campus. Once I get my CD back I can tell the musician's name..Morrocan bought me the cd as an early b-day present..Sweet, right?

well, c'est tout.
I hope you are well and happy..! More soon!
Biz,
R

Fake worker in the Brewery...Kinda scary.

I was really fascinated with the word/name Dikkele (LOL)

A Brewery in Bruges Canal Shot

These lovely ladies are made of chocolate!

Boat ride on the Canal in Bruges

It seemed like a good idea

wild moments in hair

totally ready for bed but i feel like something is missing.

a lonely day can leave a girl lookin somethin like this.

well, going to belgium tomorrow and the bus leaves bright and early and for those of you who know me, well you know it's hard to get me outta bed.

But i'm going!

We have to meet in a parking lot at 7am. I promised myself to be in bed by midnite...it's a little after but I think I'll make it close.

Just wanted a beer to wind down the day...not that I had anything really strressfull,

Just looked at my bank statements and wished I hadnt, althought that was probably the smart thing to do..after Italy I'm definately gonna be tapped out...Will hopefully have enough money to get my ticket home! ha! what a concept.

Its not like I dont plan for these things but serriously right when you get here you drop 1 grand right away, just getting set up...ah life...if money weren't involved, we could do so many frickin amazing things with out time,

But alas, basic necessities must be met.

I'm still waiting for my girls scout cookies, hopefully no frenchy tried to claim them. I feel pretty spoiled when i get [packageds I'm n ot gonna lie. especially when I get them from people who know me and what I really want'...wowo I'm blabbibng, just for you on purpose.i'll even take aphoto to go along with my current state of being. because i no longer feel i am makeing sense to myself and sometimes thats ok.

Finalement

I woke up in a good mood.
I got to chat with my BFF last nite and also with the pastor of my church for a bit. Much needed.
It's Friday here in Amiens.

Today, I'm doing laundry, studying and relaxing.
Tomorrow, I visit Belgium! I'm going to Bruge with some other students from my University. It's a free trip, so why not!

I'm super excited for next week as well. I've got some peeps from my home town coming to Paris and one of them is visiting me for a week! She is determined to get me to go to Disneyland Paris for my birthday but I just don't know about all that!

I've been considering a longer stay here. Perhaps to study and teach at the same time.
I have friends willing to help me but it would be a big move and lots of planning.

I guess I'm going back and forth. I really want to graduate in May 2010 and at the same time, I'm ready to start living the life I have dreamt of here in France.

Oh la la...Life gives one so many options, so many roads, so many journies...
-R

Oh la la, I do Love France!

I have had a headache for the past 3 days now. Yes, I've been drinking plenty of water and getting sleep.

not much to update on. Still in kind of a blah mood. Trying to stay smily and positive.
This too shall pass.
R

Signs

This was above my head in my Glasgow bunk. Not the best way to start a good nite's sleep.

I just liked this one.

We are Now approaching 32...

As the days come closer I become even more introspective. I love that I've finally gotten to that point in my life where I truly realize that I, in fact, don't know everything and I have SO MUCH more to learn. It's exciting and overwhelming because I also realize that time on this Earth is short, too short for me to have the opportunity to learn everything I want to know, see everything I want to see, read every book I want and so on.

So what do I do?
I read as much as I can, see as much as I can, Love as much as I can, feel as much as I can and so on...

I've had a fear now for a while that perhaps I won't find my true love, my man, "the one."
But I also have huge trust issues and I mean HUGE...
I mean, if your father left your mother the day she tells him she's pregnant and disappears completely, I think you would have issues too. (But I'm trying)
I was recently told by someone 10 years younger than me that -if I don't decide to trust any man, then I probably won't be with any man.

Such wisdom...I mean, why didn't I think of that? It's not that I don't want to trust. I have actually trusted and had that trust completely destroyed...So what? What now then? Keep going, keep trusting, keep hoping, keep loving....

One day I'll get it. One day it will all make sense.
Until then I'll enjoy France and keep going.
-R

Le 9e Mars

The first day of the week...

My weekend was pretty chill. I went to a friend's for dinner and stayed up late with some ISEP students on Friday. The rest of my weekend was spent watching movies, doing homework and resting...ah the life.

It's weird not having a job. I like it. I've been plotting and scheming ways to get myself back here as soon as possible. Lots of details but when you know where home is, don't you wanna stay?

I've been a little moody lately but it comes with the territory. I've now been living in France for 2 months. I've got the routine down and am much more comfortable.

My birthday is exactly 2 weeks from today so if you want to send something, send it now!

I got a card from my mother which by the way, is the first correspondance I've received from her. She has a hard time figuring out the phone number and for awhile, was intimidated by my address...God bless her soul.

This week seems pretty tame. Gonna book some flights, plan for my friends arrival in Paris, do some homework, do some yoga, kick it with Moroccan and hopefully with my lovely French friend, Cyril!!

A little shopping may be necessary too, even though I'm broke.
C'est tout.
Biz,
R

Feeding the Seals in Howth, Ireland

This is also the voice I use to talk to Choko. Enjoy.

Glasgow Necropolis #1

Urrghh

I've been trying to post this "movie" I made all day and it's not working. Maybe it's too big? It's only 10 minutes and its got me all over Scotland, i thought it would be easier than posting little 5 or 6 one minute videos..

Also, I ate this yummy bulgar recipe but now my stomach feels terrible. It's so good and that grain is so good for you but I don't think my stomach likes to digest it.

Classes were cancelled today due to the strike so I went and saw "Milk" with some friends of mine.

Just kicking in it in my dorm and am watching another movie, "Doubt"

Looked into bike rentals. I would have to put down a 100 Euro deposit and then it's only 10 Euros for one month. Kind of expensive for the deposit but biking makes me so happy and the bikes here are so cute, green with metal baskets on the front.

That's all for now.
Oh, getting ready for a day trip to Brussels and also planning my trip to Italy for spring break...Exciting!
Biz,
R

La Grève

Okay. So you have to have heard about the strikes going on in France by now.

I went to my class on Monday only to find that, in protest, the students had removed tables and chairs from the classrooms and put them in the hallways or made interesting art pieces out of the classroom furniture.

The photo with my classmates is interesting because for the first 10 minutes of class, only the American students had shown up for class...on time.

Below are some photos for your viewing pleasure.
-R

La Grève

La Grève

What I really meant was this...

...I am going to share with you a journal entry from my travels in the U.K. It's a bit more authentic to how I was feeling before the exhaustion set in.

Here you go.

20e Fév. 2009
Arrived in Scotland yesterday. The people here are not beautiful. In Glasgow, my breath was not taken upon entering this country. In fact, I'm not sure I really like Scotland at all. Maybe it's the company. Maybe it's my P.M.S....

Today, I'm exploring Glasgow with some friends. We're staying in a really nice hostel. 60 euros for 4 nites. The scenary is beautifu- gothic buildings, misty mornings, overcast days, it's something straight out of a good vampire novel.

21e Fév. 2009
Wrote a song about my Moroccan.
You'll probably hear it in a few months.

23e Fév. 2009
Leaving Glasgow - on way to airport to head to Dublin.

Yesterday we visited Edinburgh. Saw castles, the seaside and beauty everywhere. (I will post photos)
This trip is exhausting with all the travel.
Buses, trains, planes, walikng, walking everywhere.
I've enjoyed this trip although I didn't have a strong desire to visit Scotland and really don't feel a connect with the country, it treated me well and the people are super friendly.

25e Fév. 2009
Last day in Dublin. It's my last day of being outside of France probably until Spring Break and I'm so happy to be back in Amiens tomorrow.

There aren't enough brown people in this city and it makes me very uncomfortable. I was shopping with Denae yesterday and we were followed around the store- we both realized it and would have said something had it not stoppped.

The city of Dublin is cute but definately not as kool as I thought it would be.
I'm in Starbucks now chilling out while my friends go to the Guiness Factory. I decided that I have absolutely NO desire to go and I also just really crave my alone time.

Been missing my pup a lot lately. My Choky.
I miss my Moroccan too. The way he talks, the expression on his face when I laugh very loudly, the concern in his voice when he worries about me...

Yesterday, I spent the day walking around Dublin with Sonia and Denae. We saw the Oscar Wilde monument and went to this amazing Irish Pub. There was live Irish music and I ordered the guiness/beef casserole (like stew). Yeah, I don't eat beef but when in Rome...(Or in this case, Dublin). It was darn good!

I suppose it's been nice to get away from Amiens. It just makes me appreciate the city and France all the more.

C'est tout. J'ai fini.
Bon Soirée
-R

Le 1e Mars

I have 22 days left before I turn 32. And, I'm in France.

I'm going to spend the next 3 weeks saving money and behaving so I can really let loose in Italy during Spring Break Holidays.

So, stories from the U.K.

Life in France is wonderful. I absolutely love it here with every fiber of my being. Here in France they don't look at your skin color, judge by skin color...I have never been treated more equally in my whole life. It's taken some getting used to because in the States we are so conditioned to be reminded of our skin color by those around us who "think" they are better than us...Not here.

There are so many Africans and Blacks as well as white Frenchies and I love it...The mix of cultures is a breath of fresh air.

The U.K. on the other-hand...Not my favorite spot. During my vacation in Ireland and Scotland I saw many beautiful things, but the people (physically) were not. We had many friendly people help us with directions and were also just generally very accomodating.

My friend and I were followed in a store while shopping (becuz we Black) and she got spit at by some nasty dude in Dublin while we were walking down the street....Again, it was so nice to return to France.

Overall, I'm glad I went to the U.K. My mother is half Irish so it was somewhat important to me to check out the country of part of my heritage. I plan a visit to Germany since my mother is also half German.

The U.K. has some truly beautiful and breathtaking sites to see and I feel more cultured having experienced them and speaking with the people and almost gettting hit about 100 times because the traffic is opposite everywhere else!

I have more photos and videos to share too, I just have to get them from my friend's computer.

There is another Morrocan trying to holla and he's very attractive but I'm still really just into Morrocan #1....
I guess time will tell.

It's Sunday. I listened to a sermon, napped, and am now gonna do some laundry and homework. Classes tomorrow!

Be well and feel free to comment. Comments are encouraging.
Bisous,
R