Yes, Raw Pork (that was just killed) is a delicacy. I tried one little bite with lots of bread and that was enough for me. Being a former veggie, I couldn't get over the idea of what I was eating. But, I'm glad I at least tried it.
Reggio-Emilia is a region in Northern Italy that is totally beautiful countryside, hills, vineyards and villages. I flew into Bologna and my dear friend pick me up with her husband. I must say, it was soooooo nice to be in the company of people my own age. I forgot what it was like to have conversations with people who KNOW me and have been where I've been.
anyway, I went to Venice for a day, by myself and found a very willing young gentleman who acted as my tour guide. He took me on a boat ride and to this small island where there was a beach! Lido Island http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lido
So, Venice is totally beautiful but a bit too touristy for me. It was a lot of fun to see that I could meander around a country where I REALLY don't speak the language...I made myself a little proud and it made me really appreciate the French that I DO know.
New things I tried:
Grappa http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grappa
Some crazy strong Italian alcohol, puts a little hair on your chest!
these yummy larger than U.S. green onions dipped in Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar, try it! My breath was cuttin' but it was good!
Really rare red meat, that I felt guilty for liking..
the BEST Gelato EVER
and Limoncello http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limoncello
super lemony and yummy and also very strong in the alcohol department.
I was pretty sick with a sinus infection for the duration of my stay but I worked through it, my friends were patient and soooo hospitable.
Oh, I had a traditional Italian Sunday Dinner with their entire family. It was sooo fun! My friend's father-in-law enjoyed watching me get tipsy on all the alcohol he was making me try!
We ate Italian BBQ that was just amazing, there was so much food, smiles, lots of words I didn't understand, but definately understood the smiles and laughing..
Overall, LOVED Italy, can't wait to go back to see more of it and to spend some more time with my friends!
C'est tout
Cìao!
-R
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
ITALIA 2009
Venice, Italy
This guy HAD to be waiting for me to photograph him
A very eccentric Italian who works for Roberto Cavalli owns this car, I held on for dear life while he drove me and others to a 70's style pizzaria called La Grotta (the cave)
ITALIA 2009
le calanchie ( I don't know if I spelled that right, I don't speak Italian)
an old Castle - Bedogna
I sunbathed one day here..ahh
Paris Weekend Avril 2009
Jardin du Luxembourg (This head reminds me of an old boyfriend...heehee)
Musée d'arte moderne
Breakfast
Friday, April 24, 2009
c'est la vie
well, hello and greeting from Italy. I'm in an adorable village in Reggio Emilia with one of my dear friends whom i havent seen in 7 years! I have lots of video and photos from my weekend in Paris and of course, have beautiful photos of Italy. Unfortnately, I've been quite ill for the past week so my holidays have been clouded with me trying to fight sickness while enjoying new views.
after seeing my friend here in italy and have many good conversations with her, i have reafffirmed my reasons for wanting to move and stay\study in France. It's scary but i cannot allow fears to hold me back from dreams.
i will be going to Lille in the next week or two to visit the university and meet with some coordinators there. It will be sooooo much work for me, but this is my life and I only get one...I really want to become fluent in French and live in France...So, it's kind of like, let's wait and see how much I can truly accomplish in the next 4 to 5 months. Very overwhelming and exciting all at once.
I'm taking the train to Venice tomorrow and Sunday we will visit a market in Verona!
Pray that I feel better. I'm battling a sinus infection that came along with exhaustion and nausea to boot! Joy Joy!
But the countryside is so relaxing, and just what i needed to get away and clear my mind of the things that have been distracting me and clouding my decisions and visions.
good health to you.
prayer for guidance.
R
after seeing my friend here in italy and have many good conversations with her, i have reafffirmed my reasons for wanting to move and stay\study in France. It's scary but i cannot allow fears to hold me back from dreams.
i will be going to Lille in the next week or two to visit the university and meet with some coordinators there. It will be sooooo much work for me, but this is my life and I only get one...I really want to become fluent in French and live in France...So, it's kind of like, let's wait and see how much I can truly accomplish in the next 4 to 5 months. Very overwhelming and exciting all at once.
I'm taking the train to Venice tomorrow and Sunday we will visit a market in Verona!
Pray that I feel better. I'm battling a sinus infection that came along with exhaustion and nausea to boot! Joy Joy!
But the countryside is so relaxing, and just what i needed to get away and clear my mind of the things that have been distracting me and clouding my decisions and visions.
good health to you.
prayer for guidance.
R
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Check it!
I just wanted my check and this is what I came across. Just so you know...These types of demonstrations are happening all over the city and all over France. Enjoy.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Honestly
For the past few days I've felt ready to come home.
Perhaps it's because I have no classes and will probably have no more classes until the day I return and start classes at UNO. The main reason I left the States was to get an education here in France and although daily living gives me large amounts of insight into the culture, it's not making me book smart.
I've thought of studying here for another year and am still continuing with the application process but I miss home so much and the life that I have there that maybe I'll change my mind?
It's weird to share this "out loud" since I've had such a passion for being here but it's hard when there's not a lot to do. No classes, no working....Lot's of time for reflection, relaxation, and meandering around...
Hmmm...
Just thoughts.
Happy Easter
-R
Perhaps it's because I have no classes and will probably have no more classes until the day I return and start classes at UNO. The main reason I left the States was to get an education here in France and although daily living gives me large amounts of insight into the culture, it's not making me book smart.
I've thought of studying here for another year and am still continuing with the application process but I miss home so much and the life that I have there that maybe I'll change my mind?
It's weird to share this "out loud" since I've had such a passion for being here but it's hard when there's not a lot to do. No classes, no working....Lot's of time for reflection, relaxation, and meandering around...
Hmmm...
Just thoughts.
Happy Easter
-R
Thursday, April 9, 2009
How is it already Thursday???
Wow, this week has flown by.
I've been biking a lot more, studying a lot more and speaking French a lot more this week. All good things.
Yesterday was big fun! I am going to tutor 3 young French children for the next couple months and the youngest had her birthday party yesterday. I was invited so I biked on over for 4 1/2 hours of total immersion, French language only! And I needed that! Over the last few days I've finally really had to rely on the French that I know and am learning new words/phrases as well.
Learning a new language is definately a process and you HAVE to be patient with yourself. I came here thinking I would just pick it right up with all of the previous studying I had done and also just because of my general love for the language. I failed to take into consideration the amount of words I knew vs. the amount I didn't! I also didn't realize how intimidating it can be and difficult when you have a group of people, some speaking French, some speaking English and some speaking a combination..It's too confusing that way.
I'm an either/or kinda girl, ya know?
Been busy getting things together for my possible study abroad in Lille...I can't believe it could be happening again! WOW!
Homesickness has subsided for the time being. I think the more busy I can keep myself the better.
Also, just realizing that I don't really relate to a lot to the other students here. I'm getting along with them just fine for the most part, but there is a definate gap somewhere...That's okay, I suppose. I have a few people I hang with and talk to and that's fine by me..I won't lie, I do get lonely sometimes but that's life, right?
Still takin' it easy, trying to go easy on my wallet until that sitch changes.
Hung with Morrocan the night before last.
Allowing yourself to trust people is hard. At least for me. There have been a lot of catty girls here, a lot of crap talking, a lot of weird/bad vibes...I'm tryin' to stay out of it now. I'll admit, I participated and it made me feel like crap when I did...I'm done with that bull-oney.
-We all have our things that make us beautiful and unique and funny and annoying and intolerable...So just remember not to judge!
Bisous,
Rene
I've been biking a lot more, studying a lot more and speaking French a lot more this week. All good things.
Yesterday was big fun! I am going to tutor 3 young French children for the next couple months and the youngest had her birthday party yesterday. I was invited so I biked on over for 4 1/2 hours of total immersion, French language only! And I needed that! Over the last few days I've finally really had to rely on the French that I know and am learning new words/phrases as well.
Learning a new language is definately a process and you HAVE to be patient with yourself. I came here thinking I would just pick it right up with all of the previous studying I had done and also just because of my general love for the language. I failed to take into consideration the amount of words I knew vs. the amount I didn't! I also didn't realize how intimidating it can be and difficult when you have a group of people, some speaking French, some speaking English and some speaking a combination..It's too confusing that way.
I'm an either/or kinda girl, ya know?
Been busy getting things together for my possible study abroad in Lille...I can't believe it could be happening again! WOW!
Homesickness has subsided for the time being. I think the more busy I can keep myself the better.
Also, just realizing that I don't really relate to a lot to the other students here. I'm getting along with them just fine for the most part, but there is a definate gap somewhere...That's okay, I suppose. I have a few people I hang with and talk to and that's fine by me..I won't lie, I do get lonely sometimes but that's life, right?
Still takin' it easy, trying to go easy on my wallet until that sitch changes.
Hung with Morrocan the night before last.
Allowing yourself to trust people is hard. At least for me. There have been a lot of catty girls here, a lot of crap talking, a lot of weird/bad vibes...I'm tryin' to stay out of it now. I'll admit, I participated and it made me feel like crap when I did...I'm done with that bull-oney.
-We all have our things that make us beautiful and unique and funny and annoying and intolerable...So just remember not to judge!
Bisous,
Rene
Monday, April 6, 2009
Last Night and Today
Last night I dreamt of my Choko. She was making me laugh so hard I actually laughed out loud in my sleep. I needed that.
Today is somewhat sunny and I have a feeling it's gonna be warm. Going to bike to class and then a study group after.
My goal is to study French for at least 2 hours a day. Yesterday, I learned how to say "Qu'est-ce qu'il dégoise?" (What's he rattling on about?) and "Il n'arrête jamais de dégoiser!" ( He never shuts up!)
I spent some time last night working on some new songs. I'm thankful my bandmate and friend, Tom is sending me music to work on. I've definately been in a writing/singing mood so it's perfect!
Have to run to the market and figure out how to make 20 Euros last me one week..Wish me luck!
-R
Today is somewhat sunny and I have a feeling it's gonna be warm. Going to bike to class and then a study group after.
My goal is to study French for at least 2 hours a day. Yesterday, I learned how to say "Qu'est-ce qu'il dégoise?" (What's he rattling on about?) and "Il n'arrête jamais de dégoiser!" ( He never shuts up!)
I spent some time last night working on some new songs. I'm thankful my bandmate and friend, Tom is sending me music to work on. I've definately been in a writing/singing mood so it's perfect!
Have to run to the market and figure out how to make 20 Euros last me one week..Wish me luck!
-R
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Sunday Amiens
I'm awake. Gonna study French.
Didn't go to Paris yesterday. I wasn't feeling super great so I enjoyed some more quiet time to myself.
I guess I'm kinda homesick still. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE it here...I just miss my friends and family and my baby Choky.
I'll pull through. Just need some good news.
C'est tout
-R
Didn't go to Paris yesterday. I wasn't feeling super great so I enjoyed some more quiet time to myself.
I guess I'm kinda homesick still. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE it here...I just miss my friends and family and my baby Choky.
I'll pull through. Just need some good news.
C'est tout
-R
Friday, April 3, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
displacement
I look at the photos of myself and realize that, that person is not me. Who is she? She looks happy and content and okay with the world. That's not how I feel on the real. So am I a fake person too? Who am I ? I'm 32 and still figuring this business out. and it's ok. sometimes i have a straight line and sometimes a cloud to swim through and sometimes, nothingnesss... I dont know how to get by with what I have to offer. who wants it? Maybe my trip to Paris will be good.
C'est tous,
No jealousy
C'est tous,
No jealousy
Sometimes I'm random and maybe you prefer that
I'm back in my dorm. It's 2:30 in the morning. I think of all I have (which is so much) and all I want (which is so much) one might say that a Morrocan is involved. but one might also say that pure desire is involved. I've always been such a good giver and taker at the same time, I think that's a blessing of being an only child. In French they say uniquement enfant.. I like that.
and yes, I have only child syndrome which is probably why you love me and you dont even know it...because some where deep down, you know I love and crave attention,...Who doesn't?
C'est tout
Bonne nuit
-Moi
and yes, I have only child syndrome which is probably why you love me and you dont even know it...because some where deep down, you know I love and crave attention,...Who doesn't?
C'est tout
Bonne nuit
-Moi
A day in the Life of a girl in France
Bike Ride Photos
So, My University is STILL blocked. No classes (at least not conventional classes) for a long long time.
So what has yours truly been up to?
Well, Monday I went on a fantastic bike ride with a friend. We rode to a couple little towns just outside of Amiens, did a little hiking, pet some horses and saw a beautiful sunset. (Yes I will provide photos.)
After our bike ride, we came back to a crepe party!! Our dear Belgium friend, Steven is a pro and made us so many crepes there was no room for dinner!
I spent Tuesday doing some work and planning and then made a yummy dinner of mashed potatoes, cabbage and chicken with a good group of friends (including Morrocan). And here we are to today...woke up, Bike ride down to a friends flat for a class (we take 'em where we can get em') and now gonna register for my summer classes in Omaha and do some homework.
And then an all-girls soirée tonite!!
I have more photos so stay tuned!!
Bisous!
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