Places I have loved this year: Lyon. Midsomer Norton. London. Ontario, Canada. Glastonbury festival. Yes, yes, I know, who could love Midsomer Norton! Life has been a little strange recently, there's been a lot of readjusting, a lot of flitting around, but now I have to settle down for the long summer ahead, and I'm determined to enjoy myself.
From September, it is what I am affectionately naming 'Scary Year', the final year of my degree, when all I've ever done until this time of my life is judged, graded and spat back out. I'm not going to lie, it TERRIFIES me. But fear is good, right? What's more, lots of my friends have already graduated, and revel in telling me how awful it's going to be, and how they're so glad it's over. By the sounds of it, I'll be happy just to be alive at the end of it. I've already decided, I'm going to throw myself into it like a drunk dad dancing at a wedding. I'm anxious to get going, but I have months to wait.
So, I've decided to do something entirely selfless (although if anyone's seen that episode of Friends, we know such a thing doesn't exist), I'm going to become a volunteer. Yes, I'm going to go and work in a charity shop, going through all the things that no-one else wants and helping make some money for a worthy cause. Hell, if I'm lucky, I might even be allowed to go and help out at a Day Centre, talking to the elderly and hopefully learning a thing or two, as if there are people who can teach you the useful things in life, it's the people who have lived.
I want this summer to mean something, for it to be something I'll look back on and have a teeny bit of pride about and go back to Southampton ready for Scary Year. I know the very end of my summer will be a highlight, as I get to be bridesmaid for my eldest sister, which I'm thoroughly looking forward to. It's just so far away!
Wish me luck preparing for my final year of life as I know it, I hope to update you on how I'm getting on. That's if I'm not too busy sorting through someone's old clothes.
xxx
Monday, 19 July 2010
Sunday, 11 April 2010
Sunshine!!
The sun has got his hat on, hip hip hooray...if only he'd tell the wind to bugger off! Lyon, like England, is starting to remember what the sun is like after a seemingly endless winter. Having just come back from England, the difference between us and the French when the sun comes out is actually quite striking.
Firstly, the French know that once the sun starts, it probably won't stop much until about October, so now that it's starting to feel more like spring, they're getting ready for a long summer. Whereas in England, we're never even sure if there's going to BE a summer! So, once again, the old French 'bof' accompanied with the gallic shrug is out. You can tell that they're happy that it's not raining, but they're not really content until the sun is blaring on their backs and they can sit and eat their baguettes in full knowledge that no clouds will come to bother them. And even then they won't look like it's mid-summer...
There's a strange thing about us English. Slightest hint of sun and we're off having barbeques, wearing shorts and strappy tops and parading round as if it's August and we're in the Mediterranean. The weather here is the same as England at the moment, about 16-17 degrees, and sunny (there may be a touch more wind here), but over here, people are still in coats, scarves and I even saw someone in a winter hat! Before I left for France on Thursday I saw a man walking round without a T-Shirt on and girls in hot pants and little vest tops! That's quite a difference! I think the mentality in England is all about enjoying the sun whilst it's there, making the most of it and praying that it will stick around a couple of days longer. Here, they know that they'll probably have a pretty good summer, and if not they'll just travel to Provence for a couple of days and find one, so they don't need to strip off at the first sign of sun.
It is odd though, how our weather affects our behaviour. The only real difference in attitude compared to winter amongst the French that I can fathom is that all those things they couldn't do on a Sunday afternoon with the family they can suddenly do again (like going to the park), but there's no real hype around the weather, no-one really cares, they're just getting on with life. I'm not sure which I prefer, going crazy over it, or being indifferent to it. Whichever way, I'm going to make the most of the yummy ice cream parlours they have, and the fact that I can once again go for a walk in the sunshine. I'm a bit gutted I'm not here for the summer, so I have to make the most of what I'm doing now!
Firstly, the French know that once the sun starts, it probably won't stop much until about October, so now that it's starting to feel more like spring, they're getting ready for a long summer. Whereas in England, we're never even sure if there's going to BE a summer! So, once again, the old French 'bof' accompanied with the gallic shrug is out. You can tell that they're happy that it's not raining, but they're not really content until the sun is blaring on their backs and they can sit and eat their baguettes in full knowledge that no clouds will come to bother them. And even then they won't look like it's mid-summer...
There's a strange thing about us English. Slightest hint of sun and we're off having barbeques, wearing shorts and strappy tops and parading round as if it's August and we're in the Mediterranean. The weather here is the same as England at the moment, about 16-17 degrees, and sunny (there may be a touch more wind here), but over here, people are still in coats, scarves and I even saw someone in a winter hat! Before I left for France on Thursday I saw a man walking round without a T-Shirt on and girls in hot pants and little vest tops! That's quite a difference! I think the mentality in England is all about enjoying the sun whilst it's there, making the most of it and praying that it will stick around a couple of days longer. Here, they know that they'll probably have a pretty good summer, and if not they'll just travel to Provence for a couple of days and find one, so they don't need to strip off at the first sign of sun.
It is odd though, how our weather affects our behaviour. The only real difference in attitude compared to winter amongst the French that I can fathom is that all those things they couldn't do on a Sunday afternoon with the family they can suddenly do again (like going to the park), but there's no real hype around the weather, no-one really cares, they're just getting on with life. I'm not sure which I prefer, going crazy over it, or being indifferent to it. Whichever way, I'm going to make the most of the yummy ice cream parlours they have, and the fact that I can once again go for a walk in the sunshine. I'm a bit gutted I'm not here for the summer, so I have to make the most of what I'm doing now!
Thursday, 11 March 2010
Missing England
One of the major themes/thoughts/problems with this whole year abroad living in France is missing the home country and comforts! Being so far away really brings out the child in me, and all I want is to go back home, sit in front of the TV with my Mum and Dad, have the wonderful homecooked food come fresh out of the oven (I don't have one, and when you don't have one, you want everything you can't have!) and to just chill out. Hell, why not throw a cat on the sofa into the mix and right now, that seems pretty perfect! I'm not sure what brings out these feelings of missing home. I'm content here, I know what I'm doing and I generally enjoy myself so I don't really have any huge reason to be missing England so much.
There are some silly little things that make England make much more sense to me than here! This may seem pedantic and weird, but even the supermarkets are messed up! I went looking for raisins, so I went straight to the baking section of the supermarket, where you'd usually find dried fruit in England, but they weren't there. After walking around for a good 10 minutes, I found them all next to the fresh fruit. Now, this isn't particularly weird in itself, but the fact that for those 10 minutes I was thinking 'I'm pretty sure the French do eat raisins....I wonder where they are...Maybe they're specialist over here...'. This just messed me up. Even supermarket logic is silly over here!
Missing England isn't constant! I don't want to worry people that I'm insanely unhappy here, because believe me I'm not! I actually quite like it here, and the missing England often seems purely irrational, but I just can't help it. I think it's when I'm stressed anyway, and when I'm in the middle of a long term away from family it gets harder because I know that my Mum's amazing pizza is weeks away and that so much can happen in the time when I'm here. My sister organising her wedding makes it harder too, as I can't go and see her try on any dresses because I'm in France. I plan to make the most of it over the summer though, and help/hinder her with anything possible.
Missing home is odd. I spent so long itching to get away, and now I'm here, all I want to do some of the time is get back! Goodness knows where the logic is there. It's the little things you miss, I could die for a crumpet, a bag of salt and vinegar crisps and the NHS (I had a headache for 3 days, and the French medical care is nowhere near as good as home, you have to pay the doctor at each visit and get it 70% reimbursed, so it's not free, despite the taxes!). And my cats, and my Mum and Dad, and all my lovely friends and the rest of my family. You don't realise what you have until it's hundreds of miles away! So all you people, appreciate it, next year, I'm going to be annoying everyone to make up for lost time!
I'm sure next year, there'll be a similar post entitled 'Missing France' as there are things about this place that I wish we could have at home! I guess it's a case of the grass being greener on the other side, and I guess living in a country for 21 years and then leaving it does mess your mind up a bit as you have to take everything on...alone! I'm sure in a day or two I'll be fine, but for now, I'm going to raid my Cadbury Dairy Milk and English Tea supply and enjoy a baguette for lunch. Perfect marriage of the two at lunch time I think!
A+
xxx
There are some silly little things that make England make much more sense to me than here! This may seem pedantic and weird, but even the supermarkets are messed up! I went looking for raisins, so I went straight to the baking section of the supermarket, where you'd usually find dried fruit in England, but they weren't there. After walking around for a good 10 minutes, I found them all next to the fresh fruit. Now, this isn't particularly weird in itself, but the fact that for those 10 minutes I was thinking 'I'm pretty sure the French do eat raisins....I wonder where they are...Maybe they're specialist over here...'. This just messed me up. Even supermarket logic is silly over here!
Missing England isn't constant! I don't want to worry people that I'm insanely unhappy here, because believe me I'm not! I actually quite like it here, and the missing England often seems purely irrational, but I just can't help it. I think it's when I'm stressed anyway, and when I'm in the middle of a long term away from family it gets harder because I know that my Mum's amazing pizza is weeks away and that so much can happen in the time when I'm here. My sister organising her wedding makes it harder too, as I can't go and see her try on any dresses because I'm in France. I plan to make the most of it over the summer though, and help/hinder her with anything possible.
Missing home is odd. I spent so long itching to get away, and now I'm here, all I want to do some of the time is get back! Goodness knows where the logic is there. It's the little things you miss, I could die for a crumpet, a bag of salt and vinegar crisps and the NHS (I had a headache for 3 days, and the French medical care is nowhere near as good as home, you have to pay the doctor at each visit and get it 70% reimbursed, so it's not free, despite the taxes!). And my cats, and my Mum and Dad, and all my lovely friends and the rest of my family. You don't realise what you have until it's hundreds of miles away! So all you people, appreciate it, next year, I'm going to be annoying everyone to make up for lost time!
I'm sure next year, there'll be a similar post entitled 'Missing France' as there are things about this place that I wish we could have at home! I guess it's a case of the grass being greener on the other side, and I guess living in a country for 21 years and then leaving it does mess your mind up a bit as you have to take everything on...alone! I'm sure in a day or two I'll be fine, but for now, I'm going to raid my Cadbury Dairy Milk and English Tea supply and enjoy a baguette for lunch. Perfect marriage of the two at lunch time I think!
A+
xxx
Thursday, 4 March 2010
Public Displays of Affection
Here is a little note about the French and their relatonship habits, which, in short, is that wherever you are, it's always time to stand on a street corner staring lovingly into your partners eyes, and get in the way! I understand that it's perhaps not as intense as some other countries like Spain and Portugal, but it's definitely something I've noticed since being here!
Perhaps I'm just full of English reserve, the lack of queuing here annoys me sometimes too, but that I can deal with. Seeing 15 year olds snogging on the street corner you need to get round is something I'm a little less able to handle! It seems that here, it is acceptable to just proclaim your love for someone by not leaving them alone. In England we're more of the 'get a room' view, but apparently here it's more 'go out into the middle of the street and show everyone how much we love each other'!
Now, I don't want to sound bitter and twisted because I am single and out here, as believe me, I'm really not, it is, however, something that has struck me. I remember being on the metro in rush hour during the first few weeks of being here, and a couple who had clearly just come from school went about 5 stops, and from the moment they got on until the moment the girl had to, sadly, leave, their lips were locked together. The rest of the carriage was pretty much silent, and all anyone could hear was this teenage couple making out. The strangest thing about this whole situation, was that all the other French people on the metro were not even phased by it. It was normal. There were none of the looks you'd get in England between other passengers which make a 'tut' without having to say it! I felt mean for wanting them to leave each other alone and talk about common interests instead!
I'm not sure how the national mentalities of France and England have come about that this kind of thing is acceptable in one country, and slightly grotesque in another. Yes, I've vaguely got used to it, but each time I see another couple sharing an intimate moment (the other day in front of a leopard cage at a zoo, with families milling around) there is still something in my head that says, 'get a room'. I'm sure it's not just me, I have spoken to others about how forward people are here, but it's still something I find very uncomfortable, even though the French really dont care! Crazy Frenchies!
A+
xxx
Perhaps I'm just full of English reserve, the lack of queuing here annoys me sometimes too, but that I can deal with. Seeing 15 year olds snogging on the street corner you need to get round is something I'm a little less able to handle! It seems that here, it is acceptable to just proclaim your love for someone by not leaving them alone. In England we're more of the 'get a room' view, but apparently here it's more 'go out into the middle of the street and show everyone how much we love each other'!
Now, I don't want to sound bitter and twisted because I am single and out here, as believe me, I'm really not, it is, however, something that has struck me. I remember being on the metro in rush hour during the first few weeks of being here, and a couple who had clearly just come from school went about 5 stops, and from the moment they got on until the moment the girl had to, sadly, leave, their lips were locked together. The rest of the carriage was pretty much silent, and all anyone could hear was this teenage couple making out. The strangest thing about this whole situation, was that all the other French people on the metro were not even phased by it. It was normal. There were none of the looks you'd get in England between other passengers which make a 'tut' without having to say it! I felt mean for wanting them to leave each other alone and talk about common interests instead!
I'm not sure how the national mentalities of France and England have come about that this kind of thing is acceptable in one country, and slightly grotesque in another. Yes, I've vaguely got used to it, but each time I see another couple sharing an intimate moment (the other day in front of a leopard cage at a zoo, with families milling around) there is still something in my head that says, 'get a room'. I'm sure it's not just me, I have spoken to others about how forward people are here, but it's still something I find very uncomfortable, even though the French really dont care! Crazy Frenchies!
A+
xxx
Monday, 1 March 2010
Letting out my philosophical side!
You guys are going to have to humour me for the next, maybe, 5 minutes. As I get further into this whole experience, my poor little brain is raising questions of a philosophical nature, as would any change like this I guess. The main thing on my mind at the moment is fate and luck, what they are and whether we can really control them. As a bit of background on this, I was/am (I have yet to decide) someone that believes that you create your own luck, a positive outlook and perseverance means that you get to where you want to be. In terms of fate, I'm indecisive, like everyone, I like to think I make my own decisions, but something tells me that all is not as it seems. So, I compromised and decided that for each decision you make, there is a predestined result, at the end of which, you take another decision. You make the decision and thus in a strange way, decide your fate.
Since being in France, I'm not sure which I am more inclined to. There have been times this year when I have been fed up, ready to go home and just about at the end of my tether, it's what living hundreds of miles from everyone does to you! But then I've managed to convince myself that this is all in my best interests. After all, I had been wanting to have this experience for nearly 4 years before eventually coming here. I don't know whether it is fate, or luck that made me change my mind and realise that this whole thing is really positive. I'd like to think that it was my own strength of character, but I'm not sure I believe that!
There's also the 'problem' of working out whether the people you meet is all by coincidence, or whether there's something more behind it. I count myself very lucky to have been able to share this experience with other people from Southampton I genuinely get on with. Aisling, and now Andy are there to help me out, and we really do get on. There are plenty of other people that could have been here, and I'm sure I would have argued with some of them, and stayed away from others. These two, however, seem to help me along! I've not had any real arguments with either of them, and particularly at the start, I was so glad to have someone here reading from the same page, and who I actually wanted to spend time with. God only knows how my year would have been without that. Now, is that fate, or is it luck, or is it just coincidence? It seems too 'lucky' to be coincidence, but then I don't like to think that it was just by chance that it happened. But then surely fate isn't that controlling, if it exists at all?
The people you meet has two levels. There are those, like Ash and Andy, who I knew were going to be here, and others that I meet along the way. I'm starting to believe that a certain amount of this year is luck as to who you meet. By being just 30 seconds quicker into a meeting or lecture, you can meet someone who you get on with, 30 seconds later and no doubt they'll be talking to someone else. I'm not trying to fob off my life here onto chance and fate, but it is something to be considered, and at the moment, it comes as a comfort that sometimes I haven't done anything wrong!
I've also been very lucky with those from home who have continued to care about me. It could have been so different, as moving to a different country isn't like moving to uni. I have experienced things that some people won't understand, yet I'm so grateful to all who have let me whinge at them about the 'stupid frenchies' and their stupid ways of doing things. I'm lucky to have the people around me that I do, that just listen, or even ignore my ranting!
At the moment, I'm not sure what to believe. I wish I was in control of everything, but as I know I am not (no-one can control the world), I do have questions about just how much is in my control. No-one can predict the future, so there's no way of controlling it, but I would like to know just how much is down to me! Anyone wanting to help me out of this little quandry, please do so!
A+
xxx
Since being in France, I'm not sure which I am more inclined to. There have been times this year when I have been fed up, ready to go home and just about at the end of my tether, it's what living hundreds of miles from everyone does to you! But then I've managed to convince myself that this is all in my best interests. After all, I had been wanting to have this experience for nearly 4 years before eventually coming here. I don't know whether it is fate, or luck that made me change my mind and realise that this whole thing is really positive. I'd like to think that it was my own strength of character, but I'm not sure I believe that!
There's also the 'problem' of working out whether the people you meet is all by coincidence, or whether there's something more behind it. I count myself very lucky to have been able to share this experience with other people from Southampton I genuinely get on with. Aisling, and now Andy are there to help me out, and we really do get on. There are plenty of other people that could have been here, and I'm sure I would have argued with some of them, and stayed away from others. These two, however, seem to help me along! I've not had any real arguments with either of them, and particularly at the start, I was so glad to have someone here reading from the same page, and who I actually wanted to spend time with. God only knows how my year would have been without that. Now, is that fate, or is it luck, or is it just coincidence? It seems too 'lucky' to be coincidence, but then I don't like to think that it was just by chance that it happened. But then surely fate isn't that controlling, if it exists at all?
The people you meet has two levels. There are those, like Ash and Andy, who I knew were going to be here, and others that I meet along the way. I'm starting to believe that a certain amount of this year is luck as to who you meet. By being just 30 seconds quicker into a meeting or lecture, you can meet someone who you get on with, 30 seconds later and no doubt they'll be talking to someone else. I'm not trying to fob off my life here onto chance and fate, but it is something to be considered, and at the moment, it comes as a comfort that sometimes I haven't done anything wrong!
I've also been very lucky with those from home who have continued to care about me. It could have been so different, as moving to a different country isn't like moving to uni. I have experienced things that some people won't understand, yet I'm so grateful to all who have let me whinge at them about the 'stupid frenchies' and their stupid ways of doing things. I'm lucky to have the people around me that I do, that just listen, or even ignore my ranting!
At the moment, I'm not sure what to believe. I wish I was in control of everything, but as I know I am not (no-one can control the world), I do have questions about just how much is in my control. No-one can predict the future, so there's no way of controlling it, but I would like to know just how much is down to me! Anyone wanting to help me out of this little quandry, please do so!
A+
xxx
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
La Fete des Lumières
Right, I'm going to keep on top of this whole blogging business from now until about...ooh, next week I expect! There are a few things that have happened that I feel I should share with the world, as I'm only going to get to see/do them for the first time once! The first of these being the Fete des Lumieres, which happens from the 5th to the 8th of December every year, and is unique to Lyon. Basically, the whole city is illuminated, and as far as my experience tells me, it's pretty much the start of the Christmas festivities for the city.
Now, excuse me for a minute whilst I talk history, for anyone that cares! Basically, Lyon was struck by the plague, well, a long time ago, and as the French at the time were a Catholic lot (none of this liberty, equality, fraternity stuff going on) so naturally, they prayed to the Virgin Mary to save the city from everyone dying of the plague. So, when the city was actually saved from the plague, they decided to make a festival for it, hence the light festival that takes place in December. History lesson over!
So, I didn't really know what to expect, after all, how amazing can a light festival be?! Well, in fact it was really fantastic. They had put up a big ferris wheel (kind of like the London Eye, but smaller and more ferris wheel than 'pods'), which went in one of the main places in the city, Place Bellecour. Voici, un photo!
As you can imagine, this festival is pretty important for the city, and particularly for the tourists! I have never seen the city so busy! It was really good to add to the atmosphere, though for those of us living there, it was quite frustrating trying to make your way round places that are normally fairly calm! So, the first night was opening night, and not really knowing what to expect, I went out with some fellow English people and wanted to see what all the fuss was about. The opening 'ceremony' started, and there were a few fireworks, a tightrope walker and other 'circus' gymnasts. To be honest, we didn't have the best view, but it looked pretty impressive, if a bit random for a light festival! We were all eager to fit as much in as we could, as it could well be our only time here, so making the most of it was essential. After watching that, we decided to head up to Place des Terreaux, which we heard was a must for the festival, and there seemed to be a lot of people heading that way. We got to see all the Christmas lights en route, and they too were pretty special as Christmas lights go.
At Terreaux we couldn't believe our eyes. When some pensioners asked me what the crowd we were in was heading towards, all I could say was 'I don't know!' Well, here was a show! Basically, there was a light and sound show going on all around us, round the Hotel de Ville (town hall type thing), and Palais St Pierre (containing a huge art museum). The show was based on the fact that 'temps' in French means both time and weather, so there was a big metronome going throughout the whole thing, but the moving images were more weather related. It really was a sight, and I don't quite know how to describe it without it sounding a bit weird! So here's another photo instead!
The second day we decided to do things we hadn't done before, so started at Fourvière, a basilica on top of a hill which has rather become an emblem of the city itself. On top of the hill (probably the most religious focussed part of the city), they had written 'Merci Marie' in lights, as a particular thank you to the Virgin Mary. They's also put light onto the white of the building itself, which made it look really pretty. After that we headed down for the fireworks that were due to happen. We were fairly cold at this point, but were determined to see it through. They were some impressive fireworks! Must have cost a lot of money, but they were amazing!
On the final day, it was just me and Aisling, and we decided to go to Vieux Lyon, the old part of the city. On the last day, many residents put candles in their windows as a special thank you, and people walk up the (big) hill from the Cathedral to Fourvière. After watching another amazing light show on the Cathedral, which was about the building of it, we saw people lighting candles and making their way up the hill. I was almost tempted to join them, but didn't feel like it, and wasn't sure it was really my place to, as I'm not lyonnaise, so don't have a lot to thank Mary for!
It really was a magical festival. I've probably bored you all to death with it all, but hey, I didn't ask you to read it! The festival really kick started my whole Christmas, and the fact that my computer had just stopped working when it was on almost didn't matter, even if I did whinge about it the whole time. Sorry guys!
A+
xxx
Now, excuse me for a minute whilst I talk history, for anyone that cares! Basically, Lyon was struck by the plague, well, a long time ago, and as the French at the time were a Catholic lot (none of this liberty, equality, fraternity stuff going on) so naturally, they prayed to the Virgin Mary to save the city from everyone dying of the plague. So, when the city was actually saved from the plague, they decided to make a festival for it, hence the light festival that takes place in December. History lesson over!
So, I didn't really know what to expect, after all, how amazing can a light festival be?! Well, in fact it was really fantastic. They had put up a big ferris wheel (kind of like the London Eye, but smaller and more ferris wheel than 'pods'), which went in one of the main places in the city, Place Bellecour. Voici, un photo!
As you can imagine, this festival is pretty important for the city, and particularly for the tourists! I have never seen the city so busy! It was really good to add to the atmosphere, though for those of us living there, it was quite frustrating trying to make your way round places that are normally fairly calm! So, the first night was opening night, and not really knowing what to expect, I went out with some fellow English people and wanted to see what all the fuss was about. The opening 'ceremony' started, and there were a few fireworks, a tightrope walker and other 'circus' gymnasts. To be honest, we didn't have the best view, but it looked pretty impressive, if a bit random for a light festival! We were all eager to fit as much in as we could, as it could well be our only time here, so making the most of it was essential. After watching that, we decided to head up to Place des Terreaux, which we heard was a must for the festival, and there seemed to be a lot of people heading that way. We got to see all the Christmas lights en route, and they too were pretty special as Christmas lights go.
At Terreaux we couldn't believe our eyes. When some pensioners asked me what the crowd we were in was heading towards, all I could say was 'I don't know!' Well, here was a show! Basically, there was a light and sound show going on all around us, round the Hotel de Ville (town hall type thing), and Palais St Pierre (containing a huge art museum). The show was based on the fact that 'temps' in French means both time and weather, so there was a big metronome going throughout the whole thing, but the moving images were more weather related. It really was a sight, and I don't quite know how to describe it without it sounding a bit weird! So here's another photo instead!
The second day we decided to do things we hadn't done before, so started at Fourvière, a basilica on top of a hill which has rather become an emblem of the city itself. On top of the hill (probably the most religious focussed part of the city), they had written 'Merci Marie' in lights, as a particular thank you to the Virgin Mary. They's also put light onto the white of the building itself, which made it look really pretty. After that we headed down for the fireworks that were due to happen. We were fairly cold at this point, but were determined to see it through. They were some impressive fireworks! Must have cost a lot of money, but they were amazing!
On the final day, it was just me and Aisling, and we decided to go to Vieux Lyon, the old part of the city. On the last day, many residents put candles in their windows as a special thank you, and people walk up the (big) hill from the Cathedral to Fourvière. After watching another amazing light show on the Cathedral, which was about the building of it, we saw people lighting candles and making their way up the hill. I was almost tempted to join them, but didn't feel like it, and wasn't sure it was really my place to, as I'm not lyonnaise, so don't have a lot to thank Mary for!
It really was a magical festival. I've probably bored you all to death with it all, but hey, I didn't ask you to read it! The festival really kick started my whole Christmas, and the fact that my computer had just stopped working when it was on almost didn't matter, even if I did whinge about it the whole time. Sorry guys!
A+
xxx
Monday, 1 February 2010
A fresh start?
Once again, I need a swift kick up the backside, as it has been faaar too long since I wrote on this blog. I apologise. Since I last wrote, I have had my birthday to tell you about, my computer breaking and leaving me stranded, Christmas, the return back and whatever has happened since.
In short, for my birthday, me and my friend Aisling, spent the day around Lyon, generally enjoying ourselves, followed by a bottle of wine, pizza and a film. Sounds a bit tame, but was just what I needed as the next day my friend Rachel B decided to arrive after spontaneously deciding to a week before. I showed her all the sights and, of course, a few french bars. It was lovely, and I am eternally grateful for her coming to visit, it really made my 21st birthday. In December the main, and most annoying news, was that after having sent off a piece of work, my computer charger broke, leaving me laptopless, bored, and I even had to resort to buying a radio. I recovered from it, I now have a charger, and feel much better knowing that there is life beyond Facebook! At Christmas, I went home, and had a lovely family Christmas, it was so good to be back in England! I had an unbirthday celebration with all the bestest friends I could ever ask for, as we went out for a meal and then a few drinks. Once again, thank you soooo much to Rachel B for that. She's so good to me! New years was awesome too. All of us, at the legendary Wunderbar, with many a cider and a general good feeling. I appreciated this evening so much, as I truly felt at home. I also went to Southampton to see all my lovely friends there, and to wish my friend Dave a very happy 21st birthday. We went to Laserquest, which was a laugh, and had a few drinks. It was genuinely awesome, and once again, I felt like I'd never left. This made coming back that much harder, because I had no reason to leave home when I felt so comfortable with all the people there. However, I am no quitter, and came back all the same! Another Sotonian student has arrived this semester, and has moved into my building, which is really good. I no longer feel so alone here. Thanks Andy! Since then, Lyon has been pretty much the same as always. I have had to say goodbye to some dear friends I met in an Erasmus class last semester though. They were here only a semester, so they have, unfortunately, had to leave. All of them seem keen on improving their English though, so I have told them that they all have to come to England!!!
Since then, I have had somewhat of an epiphany. I am in France. There are lots of places in France. I should endeavour to see more of them!
Yes, I love Lyon, and it is a truly great city, but now that I only have lectures on a Wednesday, the rest of the week becomes somewhat dull. It's great that I don't have much to do, but it does mean that I also have to motivate myself to do things, which is a struggle. I do have a project to do, but 6 days a week is a bit much for that, and I do find the weeks, especially weekends, to drag a little, and living alone isn't helping this. So, the task I have assigned to myself is to try and see as much as I can of this beautiful country, as I am hardly making the most of it sitting in a room in Lyon trying to think of something witty to say about the very little I have done this week. I have done so many touristy things here, and I think it's about time I became a tourist. Last semester was about settling in, and I have decided that this semester is about enjoying myself! So, I am starting with a trip to see a good friend from Southampton, Katharine, who is in Carcassonne (south of Lyon, not far from Toulouse if that means anything to anyone). I am going there this weekend, and I am really looking forward to it. There are other places in the pipeline, and at the moment, I'm not even bothered if I have to go on my own, but obviously, if anyone wants to join me then they are absolutely welcome to! I can't wait to get out and see some of this place. It will be great.
My sister, Anna, also got engaged recently, congratulations for the millionth time! She is planning her wedding for September and has asked me to be a bridesmaid! Yay! So, coupled with the need for structure, and the fact that I have to get into a pretty dress in about 8 months time, I have decided to try a bit of an eat healthy/actually be active drive. Who knows how long it will last, but hopefully writing it here for all to see will provide some motivation!
So, I think that's it for the update at the moment. There are a few things left to tell you all, but I don't wish to bombard you now!
A+
xxxxx
In short, for my birthday, me and my friend Aisling, spent the day around Lyon, generally enjoying ourselves, followed by a bottle of wine, pizza and a film. Sounds a bit tame, but was just what I needed as the next day my friend Rachel B decided to arrive after spontaneously deciding to a week before. I showed her all the sights and, of course, a few french bars. It was lovely, and I am eternally grateful for her coming to visit, it really made my 21st birthday. In December the main, and most annoying news, was that after having sent off a piece of work, my computer charger broke, leaving me laptopless, bored, and I even had to resort to buying a radio. I recovered from it, I now have a charger, and feel much better knowing that there is life beyond Facebook! At Christmas, I went home, and had a lovely family Christmas, it was so good to be back in England! I had an unbirthday celebration with all the bestest friends I could ever ask for, as we went out for a meal and then a few drinks. Once again, thank you soooo much to Rachel B for that. She's so good to me! New years was awesome too. All of us, at the legendary Wunderbar, with many a cider and a general good feeling. I appreciated this evening so much, as I truly felt at home. I also went to Southampton to see all my lovely friends there, and to wish my friend Dave a very happy 21st birthday. We went to Laserquest, which was a laugh, and had a few drinks. It was genuinely awesome, and once again, I felt like I'd never left. This made coming back that much harder, because I had no reason to leave home when I felt so comfortable with all the people there. However, I am no quitter, and came back all the same! Another Sotonian student has arrived this semester, and has moved into my building, which is really good. I no longer feel so alone here. Thanks Andy! Since then, Lyon has been pretty much the same as always. I have had to say goodbye to some dear friends I met in an Erasmus class last semester though. They were here only a semester, so they have, unfortunately, had to leave. All of them seem keen on improving their English though, so I have told them that they all have to come to England!!!
Since then, I have had somewhat of an epiphany. I am in France. There are lots of places in France. I should endeavour to see more of them!
Yes, I love Lyon, and it is a truly great city, but now that I only have lectures on a Wednesday, the rest of the week becomes somewhat dull. It's great that I don't have much to do, but it does mean that I also have to motivate myself to do things, which is a struggle. I do have a project to do, but 6 days a week is a bit much for that, and I do find the weeks, especially weekends, to drag a little, and living alone isn't helping this. So, the task I have assigned to myself is to try and see as much as I can of this beautiful country, as I am hardly making the most of it sitting in a room in Lyon trying to think of something witty to say about the very little I have done this week. I have done so many touristy things here, and I think it's about time I became a tourist. Last semester was about settling in, and I have decided that this semester is about enjoying myself! So, I am starting with a trip to see a good friend from Southampton, Katharine, who is in Carcassonne (south of Lyon, not far from Toulouse if that means anything to anyone). I am going there this weekend, and I am really looking forward to it. There are other places in the pipeline, and at the moment, I'm not even bothered if I have to go on my own, but obviously, if anyone wants to join me then they are absolutely welcome to! I can't wait to get out and see some of this place. It will be great.
My sister, Anna, also got engaged recently, congratulations for the millionth time! She is planning her wedding for September and has asked me to be a bridesmaid! Yay! So, coupled with the need for structure, and the fact that I have to get into a pretty dress in about 8 months time, I have decided to try a bit of an eat healthy/actually be active drive. Who knows how long it will last, but hopefully writing it here for all to see will provide some motivation!
So, I think that's it for the update at the moment. There are a few things left to tell you all, but I don't wish to bombard you now!
A+
xxxxx
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