First, I must apologize for not updating this blog! It's been so stressful trying to find a place to stay, worry about rent, worry about cultural barriers, the language, finding classes, finding the school, and trying to jumble that with a social life. So after finishing that small apologetic note, let me tell you that I'll post once -if not twice- a week. Toussaint, the french holiday celebrating and honoring the lives of dead relatives and the Catholic saints, is starting next week -officially for us students Oct. 21st- and I plan on going out with a bang, in the country of fashion, delicious food, art and museums, rich history, and a large population of Italians...that's right the country is Italy! I'll be going on a solo adventure -my first ever in Europe- to Milan and Rome, meeting with old friends from my home university (Santa Cruz) and new ones-maybe a random italian street vendor? I'll post pictures as well as videos for those interested in seeing my excursion. My only fear in going is that I dont speak Italian, the most I can say is "Inglese?" and you can only get so far with hand gestures -though the Italians love those. No, my hope is to meet Snooky and the gang of pseudo Italian-Americans from Jersey Shore, gain notoriety, fame, and hopefully free chocolates by appearing in a new episode where the cast thinks they're in Florence, but really it's Milan.
Back to france, because that's where I am currently.
At times, it's extremely difficult to find a niche here. I dont mean to generalize this -for those going to france one day, this doesn't mean you'll have the same experience, I'm just talking about myself...which is why I have a blog!! For those who know me, Sacramentoans, Santa Cruzeans, anyone I've met in real life -or as I like to say "non-facebook life", I'm rather hyper, outgoing, vivacious -some would say curvaceous...haha jk!- open-minded, etc, yet once the language changes from english to french, my personality also changes. I become timid, shy, easily scared, intimidated, etc. I suppose that just comes from not pushing yourself to the full potential? For me, it's easier to speak with strangers in french rather than friends, which might be because with friends you might say something stupid, and that might haunt you forever...or worst, your friends might find it cute, not tease you, and continue to let your language learning skills grow! However, with speaking with strangers, you could say something like "where are the carrots at 4 pm, under the bridge Mr. Ophelia Winters" and just walk away -or if you want to have fun with them- spring/skip into the distance...and whatever, you dont have to see them again and if you do, they'll eventually get off the metro that you're also taking. It's not just that though, it's also the culture, the french tend to be more reserved in comparison to Americans -this is a generalization, I'm sure everyone knows that kid in social studies just sat in the corner of the room, playing with the buttons on his jacket during recess- but that characteristic makes it a bit hard to meet french people -not that they're not around, this is France, but rather it can be a bit daunting to approach them if they seem robotic. However, for those interested in studying, living, or just visiting France, reserved does not mean cold. It might come off as "get the hell away from me" but really, I like to think they're just shy and if you can somehow overcome the language barrier, make them laugh, then they're pretty much like a sidekick and will defend you with their life...well, maybe...
With a con, comes a pro!
The french people in my city, which is Lyon, are incredibly nice. There's been numerous times where I've asked directions in pigeon french -no I didn't say something like "where is le restaurant?!" and people have went out of their route to walk me there, or if I have a suitcase in hand, they'll often carry it for me. Also, for some reason the french love to talk about america...well, a little bit less than their love of talking about politics and about americans loving Mcdonalds, but their vision and dream of america is interesting, particularly California. If you're not from L.A or San Francisco though, they wont know why your city is important...which is okay, because if someone asked me about Talouse, I'd be like 'I have nothing talouse...' haha =/ horrible joke sorry.
One last thing before I leave...
I have two assignments that I find interesting..which maybe you will too? The first is making a psychological profile....okay, really it's all about making observations, but how cool does it sound if I say psychological profile?! I've decided to use the time in Italy and really by use time, I mean like 10 minutes stalking restaurant terraces, and record observations. Not sure how to get passed the fact that I don't speak Italian, but maybe it could be like a cool silent film where I focus on body language?
second project: For my Anglais des medias class, I've decided to write about the profiling -love that word!- of mafiosos, mainly women in the mafia. Not sure how that'll seem to a class filled with french people learning english.... but she said to choose something you're passionate about..and if I can't choose history of crime, then what else is there in life!
okay, that's it! Thank you so much for reading. In case you were wondering, tomorrow I plan on exploring the city, eating some bomb cheerios which are slightly different than the ones in the US, going to a bar to meet some Frenchies :), and then going to a house warming party!!!
Check back next week for pictures of Annecy, a city in france I went to last weekend, and a secret surprise!!!
If you're interesting in knowing the history and tradition of toussaint, check out the link below!
-kendra <3
They visit special church services and place flowers on family graves. Ine
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