Maman, j'ai raté l'avion

To start off with: DON'T BE AFRAID TO LEAVE COMMENTS! I'd really like to know what you think, if you have questions, if I have spelling/grammar mistakes, etc. I'm trying my best to include everything (this blog is as much for me as it is for you), but I might leave out things! Help me out!

Ok, so, here goes, just to prove that the best of us have faults, I'd like you all to know that I missed my flight this morning. I was supposed to be visiting one of my good friends in Copenhague. My Moroccan colloc woke me up this morning, and I though "oh, I'll just get a few more minutes' rest". Flash forward to 1230. My roommate comes back to find me still in bed. "Marquise, mais qu'est-ce que tu fais?!? C'est sur, tu vas être en retard. C'est impossible!" Yes, I had my moment. Hand me my sign. I called Air France and told them about the situation. I let them know that I was still planning on going to Copenhagen at some point, so they just gave a code to book another flight there at a later date (with a small fee attached, of course). The good news is my friend was not mad at me- to the contrary, she found it hilarious. I don't have classes on Friday, so I intend to leave one Thursday night and have a nice, long weekend in Copenhagen (and Paris, Madrid, Rotenburg, Rouen, Nice...).

So, what have I been doing in my spare time, you may ask. READING!!! During the semester? Yes!!! At Vandy I barely have time to pick up a book for fun. I'm always reading French literature or some philosophic text. It's nice to able to pick up a book and just read for fun. So far I've read The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. It's really cool mostly because it's from the point of view of a dog. This dog is convinced that dogs will become humans in their next life, so he tries to understand as best he can human interactions, dreams, ambitions, etc., so he doesn't have to waste time when he gets there. It's a really interesting, easy read. I've also read An Arsonist's Guide to Writer's Homes in New England by Brock Clark. It's a hilarious novel. It's so funny because the narrator has some of the most random logic. For instance (don't kill me for this- I'm trying to pique your interest), in the story his wife accuses him of cheating on her. At first he denies it. After a while, however, he just agress with his wife (though he isn't cheating on her) because he knows that she will never believe him any way. Hilarious, right? Now, I'm working on a book called A Spy's Life by Henry Porter. It's pretty good so far, but I'm only on chapter 7, so we'll see how that goes. I left my collection of Harry Potter books at home- too much weight for the suitcase-, but my parents, being the awesome people that they are, bought me all 7 on CD. When I'm particularly bored, but not quite wanting to read, I just put in my headphones and listen to Jim Dale read the stories to me. Yeah, I'm one of those people.

It's finally starting to warm up here. I'm so glad because the city's so nice, but I haven't seen too much of it because I refuse to walk around in the cold- don't forget about the constant threat that is le Mistral (see earlier post). Now that it's started to warm up some, though, I don't mind being a little more adventurous. Aix is really a nice town, and the Aixois don't have that provincial accent which is great because franchement, c'est l'horreur!!! Everyone I've met has been really nice and very helpful. I mean, I can be walking home from going out at 4 in the morning, walk up to a random stranger and ask how to get to la Rotonde, and they'll give me directions. A few have even offered to walk with me. I guess southern manners are everywhere- who knew? No offense to the Northern readers- I appreciate New England (especially CT- woot woot!!!).

While at the Muséum d'histoire naturelle, I watched as another intern gave a tour of our dinosaur exibit to a group of primary school students. I was pretty interesting and I followed along pretty well. At the end of the tour, we give the students a sheet to fill out. It has pics of the dinosaurs and asks for their names, weight, diet, etc. It also asks how they defend themselves. One of the dinosaurs we have on exibit is Anklyosaurus- the one with the spiked back and the ball of spikes on its tail. Well, spiked-back in French is simply called bouclier like "armour", but I didn't know that. So, a little guy walks up to me as says "Monsieur, c'est quoi un bouclier". To which I'm forced to reply, "Ben, je ne sais pas, moi". My French was on the same level as this little guy. Luckily for me, I possessed something he had not yet developped- critical thinking skills and how to elimate options when given multiple choices! Yes! I felt better, however, when I know the difference between un oeuf and les oeufs; un os and les os (in both cases, you pronounce the final consonant in the singular, but not in the plural). Thank you phonetics!

The least you need to know:

1. If you have a flight, set MULTIPLE alarms and know that the bed is your ENEMY!
2. If at first you don't succeed, try to fly again.
   
3. I might have to stay in France, so I can keep reading!!!
4. I might have the vocabulary of an 8 year old, but I can read the international phonetic alphabet!!!
   

Le Carnaval de Nice

This weekend I went to Nice. For those who aren't familiar with French geography, Nice is in the South of France and right on the Mediterranean. As requested, I will try to include more pics in my blogs that way you can see first-hand what I'm seeing while I'm here.

Of course, I love the beach, so when I got off the bus and saw blue water, I was sold. Aix is nice- no, correction, Aix is awesome, but Nice has the beach... It would be stiff competition for any city to compete with. But what's more is that there are also mountains. That's right, ladies and gentlemen, I could wake up and go for a morning swim (the Mediterranean waters tend to be warm), and then go for a hike, or even skiing. It's like being home in Virginia where the mountains and beach are both a few hours away!!! If you look at this pic, you'll see what I mean.

The downside would be that the beach isn't sandy. Don't let the pic fool you!!! There are cailloux (pebbles) down there. Granted, that didn't stop people from having an awesome time!!! As you can see, there were still people on the beach, running along the beach, taking pics of the beach... you get the idea.

Why was I in Nice, you may ask. Well, every year there's the Carnival of Nice. It's kind of like Mardi Gras in New Orleans. It's supposed to be a festival to get ready for Lent. The celebration that we went to is called la Bataille des Fleurs (The Battle of the Flowers). A lot of the floats had flowers on them, and they were supposed to represent a tribu (tribe) of Nice. That was pretty cool because you got to learn a little bit about the history of the city while looking at all the floats and stuff.

Another thing that was really cool- the costumes. They were really elaborate and flashy, and they made me feel really happy. This particular costume was really cool. I call it the Peacock-angle Man. As you can see, he seems to have both wings and feathers. I don't know exactly what they were going for, but it looks cool!!!


My favorite float of the day, however, had to be the dragon!!! His head moved, he had smoke coming out of his nostrils, and he was not afraid to get ridiculously close to the crowd. It was really nice!!! To think that people put all that hard work into a float that will only be used this one time... It's an amazing thought!!! That's dedication!!!


Finally, as I contemplated my trip, I thought to myself, "I could live here". And what do you know, they have a palais de justice. So now, all I have to do is find a French law school that will have me, move to France, become a lawyer (then judge), and pass my days swimming, presiding, and skiing. What luck!!!

The least you need to know:

1. Nice was nice!!! See what I did there?
2. Le Carnaval was a chance to learn a little about the city's history, and a great time to have fun.
3. I want to go back; perhaps to visit, perhaps to live. I'll keep you posted.
   

Stage, Manifestations, et les Maghrebins

This week was a good week for me. I've met a lot of people, I've tried new things, and now I'm going to write about it. For the Anglophones, the title of this article is "internship, protests, and the maghrebins (those from the Francophone region of Northern Africa). I just want to discuss these things a little bit.

I'm working at the Muséum d'Histoire naturelle (the Natural History Museum). I'll be there all this semester, and I'll be able to help them with their new exhibits. The museum has a sister institution in the United Kingdom, and they also have a lot of anglophone visitors. My job is to translate the signs beside the exhibits into English, so that English-speakers who take the tour can understand what's written. It's kind of fun. I'm learning a lot of vocab; of course, I don't know how often I'll use the word "scavenger" in French...

While at the museum, I'll be working on two exhibits. The first will be on Darwinism. We're starting with Lucy and working our way up to all the modern-day discoveries. It all seems to be really interesting. Granted, this kind of research doesn't really help me with my French or philosophy major, but oh well. The second exhibit will be a lot more interesting. It's called Métamorphose (metamorphosis). It will analyze the half-human, half-animal creatures that appear in mythology, and try to determine where these images came from- that is to say, whether or not they have any foundation in reality. I'm curious about it, although I already have my answer (or at least I think I do). This exihibit will at least help me with my philosophy major because there are tons of references to Antiquity in philosophy, and I'm a nerd and I like mythology.

Let's be honest, the French protest a lot. When we first arrived, a lot of the buses and trains were shut down because people wanted to know what the French government was going to do about the economy. They wanted to make sure that they wouldn't be fired, that there would still be jobs, and that they would not loose pay. They called for President Sarkozy to come forward and let them know, concretely, what he was planning to do. Now, a few weeks later, we have another strike. This time it's in the educational sector. The French government is trying to reform the educational systems, and a lot of students and professors do not approve. The government is trying to decrease the amount of hours a professor can work while also increasing class sizes. They also want to make acceptance to universities more selective. As it is now, if you pass you bac, you have the right to attend any public university in the country. The process is only more selective if you're going to one of the Grandes Ecoles (like Sciences Politiques in Paris, for example). The thing about the bac is that a passing grade is considered to be 10/20 or higher. It's a little bit harder in America, right? Yes. The good thing is a lot of students get to pursue a higher education. The bad thing is the government is having a hard time funding the education sector which is already where France spends most of its money. The government also want to increase the fees for attending a university. Whenever I bring up the 50k dollar cost of a Vandy education, the French look at me; mouths hanging wide. Here, even the Grandes Ecoles (the schools that will form the French elite) cost about 6k euros. Yeah, crazy. And so, they strike and protest to say that they don't agree with the present legislation, that it needs to be reviewed, and that another solution must be found.

It's definitely something that I haven't seen before in America. I don't think we strike or protest as much. We just call up our representatives and have our elected officials do that for us. It makes life a whole lot easier. Maybe we're lazier, but it makes me happy to know that political change is only a phone call away.

The last thing that I want to talk about are the Maghrebins. I don't know if that's an English would, but in any case, it's the people who live in the northern, francophone region of Africa. For one of my classes, we study the history of this region and we're also going to Tunisia this spring. For the class, our professor invited 4 men, and 5 women to come to class and talk to us about Islam, Maghreb, and just the general cultural differences. It was a really interesting conversation. These students were really into their faith, and it was the first time that I've had my beliefs confirmed- that Western thought is just different from the Middle-Eastern thought. For example, we were talking about polygamy and one of my friends asked it the women would feel ok if their husbands had to go out and find someone else to fulfill their "needs". In America, a woman would say "yes", and that kind of behavior would even be grounds for divorce. But these women said that it was not that bad, that they would approve, that a man should do that instead of suffering. What?!? Pardon? Comment? Excusez-moi?! I've always said that we all just have a different way of seeing the world, but now I've had that belief confirmed. I love being right. It makes me happy.

It was still nice to hear their reasoning. To be fair, the other side of the polygamy argument was that the husband had to ask permission from his wife, and he must do for one what he does for the other. That is to say, if he buys one wife a gift, he has to buy one for the other; if he spends the night with one wife, he has to spend the next night with the other. I guess that makes it better... The only thing I can say that made me unhappy about the process was how they refused to be critical about their religion. I'm a pretty devout Catholic, but I'll argue against Christianity just to have an interesting debate. They would never do that, and I think that's a little unfortunate. I feel the best way to ensure you really believe something is to be able to argue against it; to question it. How else can you be sure that you're convictions are justified?

In all, though, the people were really open about the entire thing. They answered our questions without reservations, and even offered to hang out with us afterward. It was really a great experience, especially since I've never hung out with Muslims and talked about religion. It was an enlightening experience. I think I'd like to continue the dialogue.

The least you need to know:

1. Darwinism and Metamorphosis- what more can a guy ask for?
2. Free time? Let's go protest!!!
3. Intellectual conversations surrounding Islam can be entertaining. And my parents always told me not to talk about religion in polite company...
4. I'm going to NICE tomorrow. Yeah, that's right.
   

"Oui, tu peux enlever ton pull"

I usually like to find themes when I'm writing this blog, but it turns out that I can't think of one. So, much like the random quotation that serves as the title, this blog will be about some random things I've noticed since I've been in France.

Random observation the first: Imagine you're walking down the street (singing doo wah didee didee dum didee doo), and you see a parent with their children. If you're in America, it's more than likely that the parent is the mother of the children, but here in France, au contraire, it's the father. I really enjoy the fact that fathers go out with their children, take them to the park, or push strollers around the city. It's really nice to see the sharing of parental responsibilities. Why is this important? Well, if you want to be really scientific about it, Freud said that it's the father's presence that helps a child develop his surmoi (super-ego). You know, that thing that helps you define proper behavior and keeps you from doing things that are socially unacceptable- stealing, killing, lying, breaking your brother's toys, etc. Of course, Freud was wrong about a lot of things, but let's be honest, how many times have you heard "wait until your father comes home"? I rest my case.

Random observation the second: Here in PACA (the region Aix is in) there's this little wind called le Mistral- literally the Master- and when it blows it goes all out! One night this week, I heard it howling all night in the streets. I could NOT sleep AT ALL because it was blowing ferociously, pushing around shutters, scaring cats, stealing first-born children (j/k... I think), etc. That's not the worse part, oh no. We should hope to only loose a couple of hours of sleep. No, during the day which can get a little chilly, the Mistral chills you to the bones. I guess it could be refreshing in the summer, but in the winter it just brings tears to my eyes- not an exaggeration.

Random observation the third: There are dogs everywhere!!! It's like Christmas!!! And they're so well-trained. There are no leash laws in France, so they kind of just walk beside their owners down the street, stopping here and there to smell a spot, and then continuing on their way. Some of the dogs can even be trusted INSIDE THE STORES!!! Could you imagine a dog in a store, or, God forbid, a restaurant in America? No, because it would not- could not happen. They don't bark or try to bite you as you walk by. It's an excellent process. But as with all great things, there comes a consequence. Walking is now an Olympic sport. You must have one eye on the ground at all times. There is crap all along the sidewalk, and no one stops to pick it up. No, no. Again, in America, this would be illegal. Normally, you'd have your little plastic baggie, you'd turn it inside out, you'd pick up the poo, and then place it in the trash can. Not in France. There are tons of trash cans, and tons of plastic bags, but no one has yet made the connection.

Random observation the fourth: The French like to learn. I can't begin to count how many times I've had intellectual conversations here in France. It's no big deal to be at a house party and to start talking about les droits de l'homme, religion, existentialism. I LOVE it. Mostly because I'm a philosophy major, I like hearing well-structured arguments, and I like debating. There are no hard feelings afterwards, in fact, there's usually just a lot more to talk and think about. How great is that? It's like Voltaire said "on a le devoir d'être intelligent". Of course, it could be that most of the Frenchies I'm friends with are college kids, but really, how many times have you been at a frat party and started talking about the Absurdity of suicide? Check and mate.

This weekend we're going to Nice for Carnaval. It should be AWESOME!!! I'm really looking forward to it. I might have to make a separate post just for the occasion. Don't hold you're breath, though, I'm pretty lazy.

On a sadder note, I had my second huge bout of homesickness yesterday. I listened to Bublé's "Home" and it got me. I'm good now, though. More good news- I got some letters today!!! Thanks to all the people back home who wrote to me!!! I'll be responding soon. I can't afford to loose my mastery over the English language. Someone has to know the rules!!!

The least you need to know:

1. French dads, deux fois bravo for spending time with the kids.
2. The Mistral is kidnapping kids- BEWARE!!!
3. Dogs are cute; their poo- not so much.
4. Take a stance and defend it!!!
5. Nice, here I come. "The day of reckoning is upon you!"
   

On sort ce soir?

Oh, France at night; is there anything more beautiful? Or at least as hilarious? I've noticed a few things about the nightlife here in France. For starters, if you like to go out and then get back in before it gets too late, just stay home!!! The bars don't really get busy until after midnight, and most of the clubs don't even open until 2 in the morning!!! These little facts turn a Saturday night into the latest night of your life. It's nothing to come back home at 4 or 5 in the morning, and then to sit up with friends and chat about life afterwards. This also means that you sleep until 1 or 2 in the afternoon on Sunday. It's pretty intense. People like me have had to step up our game!!!

The greatest part by far is the drunk Frenchies!!! They make me laugh and fill my heart with joy. Last night I went to a house party... Not really a house party because it was in a studio apartment. There were so many people and there was sooo much smoke, but it was great!!! I really had a good time. The French are so nice. I actually met a guy who has a girlfriend that goes to Yale, and he's even going for an internship where he'll only be able to speak English. Imagine me and the Frenchie speaking to one another, he to me in English, and I to him in French. It was very interesting. It was also hilarious to see the French guys and their drunk interactions. They have no qualms with kissing one another, or grinding on one another... It gets really steamy very quickly... I try not to judge.

I also like the option between going out to a bar or club or going to a friend's house to hang out. They both have different atmospheres, and different pros and cons. At a club you can DANCE. I love to DANCE- it's the best past time EVER!!! Unfortunately, you can't talk to other people (mostly because you can't hear them), and some of the other people at the club can be a little sketchy... I'm just saying... For example, one of my first nights out, I went to a club called IPN. It's supposed to be a typical college student club. It was a lot of fun, and then i met Quentin. Quentin cam up and introduced himself, so of course I introduced myself. I thought he was just being an overly-friendly, drunk French guy- it happens. But then he proceeded to hit on me the ENTIRE night. Literally. Now, I'm not a confrontational guy, and, what's more, I'm not use to being hit on (and definitely not as aggressively as Quentin was hitting on me). I mean this guy was talking to me, offering me drinks, asking to dance, etc. All my friends just laughed at me because lack of experience showed through my "calm" facade. In retrospect, he was a pretty nice guy (and hot from what the girls who were with me say), and I guess I'm pretty flattered. It's a memory.

Going to a friend's house is also very great. There's still music, but at least here you can really talk to the French students and get to know them. I've made a lot of friends here- they're all so very welcoming (that might have something to do with the amount of "liquid courage" they consume). I guess this might be my second favorite setting. I really like getting to know the others, and I love hearing them try to speak English with their little accents. It's adorable. It's also a great time to test my own French comprehension. These kids don't hold back when they speak! There's slang, they don't articulate, and they speak wicked fast (especially if they're from Paris or northern France); it's really the French of everyday people and not professors. I love it!!!

My least favorite, you might have guessed, is the bar. It's loud so you can't hear, there's no music, and people are usually really drunk, so even if you could hear, they probably wouldn't be saying anything worth listening to any way. I tolerate the bars if they're a means of getting to a club or another party. Otherwise, I'm usually outie.

So, this is a summary of the night life here in France (in Aix, at least). The least you need to know:

1. Drunk Frenchies are HILARIOUS!!!
   
2. You stay out late and sleep in- French clubbing is not for the faint of heart.
3. Clubs, house party, bars- you've gotta prioritize, people!!!
4. The French you learn in school is not the tip of the iceberg...