Well, I made it to Bordeaux. It wasn't exactly a breeze; it feels great to finally be here and be able to relax (even if just for a day). Everything is beautiful here: the people, the streets, the clothes, the weather, the food ... it's exactly what I envisioned France would be.
One thing I've discovered is that ma frqnçais est trés mal. Absolutely horrible. Another discovery is that barely anyone speaks English here, and those that do don't speak it very well. Needless to say, it's a bit of an adventure. Unfortunately, my directional skills are nearly as bad as my French, leaving me wandering in circles wondering that if I asked for help, whether I'd be able to understand the answer.
I also arrived too late to schedule a guided tour of the local wineries. I think I'll spend today wandering aimlessly and soaking up the atmosphere. Last night, I overcame my fear of dining alone and enjoyed a long dinner and wonderful wine outside a charming Italian place. I participated in the French art of people-watching and basked in the setting sun. It was a perfect end to an otherwise hectic day.
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My last day in London was perfect. Alex and I had originally planned to go to Carnival, but he had just returned from Russia the day before and I was getting over a cold, so we opted for a less strenuous day. We joined some of his friends and fellow New Zealand journalists at Hampstead Heath and laid in the sun all afternoon, talking, enjoying a light picnic lunch, and taking in the expansive view of London. Everyone said that it was the most beautiful weather they had seen in a long time, and the park was proof: the grass was full of Londoners sunbathing, playing sports, picnicking, playing and listening to music, and generally enjoying the day.
Later on, Alex's friend Chris, who also went to Russia, joined us for a drink at a nearby pub. We got along well, and depite the fact that everyone I met was much older than me, I think I held my own. Chris left, and Alex and I had dinner at a small Thai place on the patio overlooking Hampstead Heath. Finally, we had a "quiet drink" at his favorite pub.
I really enjoy hanging out with Alex, and can't believe that we're friends. For so long, I admired him so much--from afar--as a journalist ... this seems like a dream.
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So today marks one week and I've already seen and experienced so much. I feel so lucky and totally unworthy, but I'll do everything I can to ensure I make the most of this.
31 August 2005
28 August 2005
Update
Frustrating. I just typed a long post, and the computer froze once I hit send.
So, you'll get an update at least. I'm in an internet cafe, and have an hour left, so I'll write as much as I can.
Alright, what's new: Kerry left this morning, which was really sad. We had such a good time together. I haven't been that goofy or laughed that much in quite some time. We did a lot in just a few days -- we visited Dickens' house, and Platform 9 3/4 (of Harry Potter fame); spent two nights in Norwich with Kerry's friend Kristen and her lovely British husband, Neil; traveled to Nottingham, toured Nottingham University and met with the head of the Theology Department; visited the British Museum, Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the Tower Bridge; ate in Chinatown; and spent a lot of time in Oxford Circus.
Last night was loads of fun. We went to Soho in hopes of barhopping and celebrating our last night together. We were overwhelmed by the number of men in the first pub and marveled at our prospects until we realized that it was a gay bar. After finishing our drinks, we gave in and paid the cover fee at O'Neill's. It was well worth it: we danced, laughed at ourselves trying to pick up British men, and eventually met some really nice Europeans. I talked to two different Parisians, who said that my Americanized French was "very sexy." They seemed to think I'd do okay in France, which boosted my confidence and made me much more excited.
I'm spending today getting various errands done. Apparently there was major miscommunication with the cell phone company, and I may not be able to get service over here until mid-November. That means, until then, I'll be shelling out 90 cents a minute. Tomorrow, I'll meet with Alex, which I'm very excited/anxious about, and the next day I'll head off for my great two-weeks' adventure. Wish me luck.
So, you'll get an update at least. I'm in an internet cafe, and have an hour left, so I'll write as much as I can.
Alright, what's new: Kerry left this morning, which was really sad. We had such a good time together. I haven't been that goofy or laughed that much in quite some time. We did a lot in just a few days -- we visited Dickens' house, and Platform 9 3/4 (of Harry Potter fame); spent two nights in Norwich with Kerry's friend Kristen and her lovely British husband, Neil; traveled to Nottingham, toured Nottingham University and met with the head of the Theology Department; visited the British Museum, Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the Tower Bridge; ate in Chinatown; and spent a lot of time in Oxford Circus.
Last night was loads of fun. We went to Soho in hopes of barhopping and celebrating our last night together. We were overwhelmed by the number of men in the first pub and marveled at our prospects until we realized that it was a gay bar. After finishing our drinks, we gave in and paid the cover fee at O'Neill's. It was well worth it: we danced, laughed at ourselves trying to pick up British men, and eventually met some really nice Europeans. I talked to two different Parisians, who said that my Americanized French was "very sexy." They seemed to think I'd do okay in France, which boosted my confidence and made me much more excited.
I'm spending today getting various errands done. Apparently there was major miscommunication with the cell phone company, and I may not be able to get service over here until mid-November. That means, until then, I'll be shelling out 90 cents a minute. Tomorrow, I'll meet with Alex, which I'm very excited/anxious about, and the next day I'll head off for my great two-weeks' adventure. Wish me luck.
23 August 2005
Random Thoughts
Written during my flight from Atlanta.
It just occurred to me that deciding to take this trip is probably the most selfish thing I've ever done. Even with financial aid and my personal money, my parents are paying an exorbitant amount for this experience. Furthermore, my motive in going overseas is to broaden my horizons and to enjoy a truly unforgettable experience. The selfishness of going abroad occurred to me while I was daydreaming, thinking bigger, entertaining the possibility of living overseas for an extended period of time. To do such a thing, there would have to be a bigger purpose than my personal enjoyment for me to truly be happy and satisfied. I've always enjoyed serving others and have always envisioned myself doing something for the greater good later in life.
Last night, my mother noted that "to affect the world in a positive way, you need to see the world first," (or something to that affect). This trip will undoubtedly be an opportunity for me to gain a wider understanding of the world and will hopefully be an entree to some inspiration on how to effectively and positively use that understanding.
So here's to inspiration and the future. I may not impact the world, but maybe I'll figure out how to affect my little corner for the better. Cheers.
It just occurred to me that deciding to take this trip is probably the most selfish thing I've ever done. Even with financial aid and my personal money, my parents are paying an exorbitant amount for this experience. Furthermore, my motive in going overseas is to broaden my horizons and to enjoy a truly unforgettable experience. The selfishness of going abroad occurred to me while I was daydreaming, thinking bigger, entertaining the possibility of living overseas for an extended period of time. To do such a thing, there would have to be a bigger purpose than my personal enjoyment for me to truly be happy and satisfied. I've always enjoyed serving others and have always envisioned myself doing something for the greater good later in life.
Last night, my mother noted that "to affect the world in a positive way, you need to see the world first," (or something to that affect). This trip will undoubtedly be an opportunity for me to gain a wider understanding of the world and will hopefully be an entree to some inspiration on how to effectively and positively use that understanding.
So here's to inspiration and the future. I may not impact the world, but maybe I'll figure out how to affect my little corner for the better. Cheers.
19 August 2005
Goodbyes
This past week has essentially been one long goodbye. Some have been harder than others because I don't know what to expect when I come back. I know that four months will fly by, and that too much won't have changed (hopefully) by the time I get back. Regardless, goodbyes are always hard.
The best "goodbye" was the Eurotrash party, graciously hosted by the coolest kids in East Atlanta. It was a welcome back party for many a guest returning from Europe, and somewhat of a goodbye party for me. It wasn't sad in the least, except afterwards, when I realized how much I would miss everyone.
Many of the night's pictures turned out great. Here are a few of my favorites:
The best "goodbye" was the Eurotrash party, graciously hosted by the coolest kids in East Atlanta. It was a welcome back party for many a guest returning from Europe, and somewhat of a goodbye party for me. It wasn't sad in the least, except afterwards, when I realized how much I would miss everyone.
Many of the night's pictures turned out great. Here are a few of my favorites:
After tonight, the only goodbyes that I'll have awaiting me will be my family, and those at the airport. This weekend will be devoted to packing -- a daunting task indeed.
I'm getting increasingly excited, but it hasn't fully hit me yet that I'm about to embark on a life-changing trip. Nomrally, describing something as "life-changing" may be a bit exaggerated, but I think this is deserving.
09 August 2005
Two weeks
I figured I'd create a blog specifically for my overseas travels. This will be the most convenient way for me to update friends on my adventures as well as post some of the many, many pictures I plan to take.
Today marks exactly two weeks until my August 23 departure. Friday is my last day of work at The Carter Center, and the following week will be spent frantically trying to pack five months' worth of clothing and necessities into a reasonably-sized suitcase or two.
I spent the entire summer anticipating a semester abroad, and now that it's practically here I feel like I'm not yet ready to leave. Initially, a semester didn't seem like long at all; however, right now, nearly half a year seems like a very long time to be away from home. The other thing I'll be doing next week is saying goodbye to friends and family -- something I hardly look forward to.
For those of you who don't know, I'm spending a month overseas before school actually starts. My plans for the next few weeks are as follows:
Today marks exactly two weeks until my August 23 departure. Friday is my last day of work at The Carter Center, and the following week will be spent frantically trying to pack five months' worth of clothing and necessities into a reasonably-sized suitcase or two.
I spent the entire summer anticipating a semester abroad, and now that it's practically here I feel like I'm not yet ready to leave. Initially, a semester didn't seem like long at all; however, right now, nearly half a year seems like a very long time to be away from home. The other thing I'll be doing next week is saying goodbye to friends and family -- something I hardly look forward to.
For those of you who don't know, I'm spending a month overseas before school actually starts. My plans for the next few weeks are as follows:
- August 23 - 28: spend a week in London with Kerry, my second-cousin who has previously studied in London and hopes to get a graduate degree from Oxford one day
- August 29: visit with Alex, an expatriate of New Zealand, current resident of London, and the man responsible for opening my eyes to what the world holds for me; get prepared for traveling solo
- August 30 - September 10: travel around southern France and Spain via the Eurail system; I still haven't any concrete plans, nobody traveling but me -- this is the portion of my travels that should be mighty interesting
- September 11 - 14: take the train to Paris to meet my parents and Rory for a whirlwind visit; we'll be staying in a hostel in Montmartre, and I'll be undoubtedly happy for the time together
- September 15: return to London and move into the Middlesex dorms
- September 26: classes begin
My planned destinations -- London, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Barcelona, Seville, Madrid, Paris
I'll try to update whenever possible, but I have no idea what to expect. Just writing about the next month gives me a rush of exhilaration. I can't wait for what lies ahead.
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