I’m writing right now from the train out of Marseilles – my last stop in France, aside from a night in Strasbourg for transiting. It’s been brilliant, different than I expected, and utterly relaxing in a way I haven’t felt in a long time. Part of the reason for that was loads of computer-free time – rather than worrying about updating or emailing I’ve just enjoyed it, and am collecting my memories and thoughts here, on this page.
As mentioned in the blog, I don’t speak any German – originally, I was planning to attend language courses offered through the RISE program, but there were no spaces left. Being a bit worried about my rapidly declining French speaking skills in the face of German immersion this summer, I took the three weeks before my internship started to travel through France and practice as much as possible before diving into German immersion in daily life.
The first week and a half was split between different types of family – in Paris with my uncle, aunt, and cousins who I was happy to see again; and with one of the lovely girls from Eigenhouse (despite repeated calls for a different moniker, this remains my home’s nickname) who is currently in Rouen. In Paris I spent much of my time with family – bonding over music, Doctor Who, and having the most amazing asparagus dish ever – and spent some time with dinosaurs at the Palais de la Decouverte (like a French Ontario Science Centre), an art museum, and Montmartre. In Rouen, I adjusted to the time zone difference, learned about the city’s historic clock, visited museums, and got caught up with what Kirsten had been up to. We also took a daytrip to Etretat, where Monet painted the white cliffs, and had a proper day at the beach like six-year-olds who had escaped their parents – after our decadent picnic lunch of baguette and lots of camembert, we proceeded to polish off ice cream, cotton candy, and a giant jug of juice throughout the rest of the afternoon. It was awesome.
Then it was off to the south, where I was lucky enough with the timing to be able to stay with my friend Loic whom I met in Ireland last summer! We spent a lot of time talking, getting caught up, and exploring the city. Toulouse was wonderful, with elegant bridges, beautiful gardens, tiny winding pedestrian roads, and museums of art and natural history in old religious buildings. There are also sightseeing binoculars installed throughout the city that you don’t need to pay for. It’s a personal quirk, but they make me really, really happy.
And finally, Marseille – and on my own for a week. I made friends with the girls in my hostel dorm, and it actually felt quite like first year in residence again! I intentionally stayed for a longer time there so that I could collect myself before beginning the internship – repack, send off registration emails to RISE, etc. But between paper-pushing and setting up the blog I still managed to find myself some adventure:
- watching a full-out march for striking French workers (postal service, teachers, train service, grocery shop workers...), which was pretty impressive compared to the relatively calm Canadian ones. There were distress flares being waved and streets filled with smoke.
- having seagulls divebomb me because the hiking path (which was marked) was too close to their nesting grounds
- having seagulls divebomb me because the hiking path (which was marked) was too close to their nesting grounds
- tasting the salty waters of the Mediterranean sea…the best seat on the boat ride to view les calanques (fjords) also turned out to be the wettest!
- meeting (apparently) the private jet flight crew for Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony and their children who were in France for the Cannes Film Festival
- drinking an apperatif of pastis straight…I thought it was a bit strong but tasty, wandered off to climb the steep stairs to the cathedral, and only later found out that the Marseillais drink is 45% proof aniseed liquor (for the record, I managed the stairs just fine, thank you)! Uncle Michael, you failed to mention that I was supposed to add water.
In between, I’ve been chatting up in French anyone who’ll let me – including fishmongers, the missionaries who wanted to know my opinions on the origins of the Bible, islanders at a bar/ice cream shop, and striking labourers. It’s sometimes awkward, but it’s reassured me that all that study is still tucked up in my head – it just needs a bit of practice to get it going again (although I think subjonctif is buried quite far under).
But for all that, I’m looking forward to settling in Paderborn for the next three months. It will be good to have someplace I’m based out of, and to not live out of suitcases! Come to that, it’ll be good not to have to lug them around. And – at least from what I’ve seen in photos – my apartment looks really cute. I’m looking forward to moving in.
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