C'est Ma Direction

Firstly, listen to the song- it’s so COOL!

 http://youtu.be/Q-RLDwF4aBA

Secondly, I chose this as the title of my last blog as I felt it was quite apt . Given that this song was one of the ‘songs’ of my Year Abroad,  and on saying goodbye one of my colleagues quoted the song by saying to me ‘It’s your direction’ which I can’t argue with. This year has truly been an incredible part of my life and my direction. Lots of pages have turned and now it is time for the final hurdle of getting my degree and deciding on my life direction.

September 1^st 2011 seems so long ago.  It’s crazy to think that 11 months ago I arrived with my mum; innocent, naïve and unaware of what France had to offer me, and trekking across Paris into the countryside not to find what I expected. And yet, the year has been  better than I ever imagined. I will never forget my first week of getting to grips with things, nightmares, coincidences and challenges. Blowing the fuses trying to make a cup of tea. Sharing a shower with a stranger. Not realising that the trains stop after 10pm. Eating greasy canteen food. Being hit on by drunken guys. The funny incident with the ‘Bank Man’ - with whom I actually ended up being with and going on holiday with…  So many stories and memories I’ll never forget and which have made me see life differently.

Working at HEC was an experience in itself. I had to adjust to working hours and a working schedule. I may not have had the most interesting/busy job but I did learn a lot of new skills and thanks to my friendly colleagues I could speak French every day and improve all the time. My fellow stagiare friends also played a big part in my stay there. Without them, I couldn’t have enjoyed my placement at all. We were a family together, looking out for each other but more importantly having FUN. Batiment J became a bit of a party block and there are some moments I will never forget, such as finding a key attached to a bra outside the building! All the pre and post POWs, film nights, pizza, corridor parties, toilet problems, fights over the microwave,watching the world go by on the balcony.. I am so grateful to have lived with these people, and I feel particularly blessed to have had such a kind, lovely, fun and like-minded co-douche  next door to me. I will miss them all very much.

As much as I complained about not being in the centre of Paris, I have still managed to get out and see a bit more of it. It is a shame that it wasn’t directly on my doorstep however, as I feel I could have experienced a less touristy Paris and discovered all the little places you wouldn’t discover otherwise. I never got that true experience of rush hour commutes or late night drinks in street cafés but I did experience being in a relationship with a French man, and also wild HEC parties and celebrations! I have seen Paris by day and by night  and have probably saved a lot of money by not living in Paris itself!  There is too much to see and do in all cities, I’ll just have to come again!

Being in France offered me lots of other opportunities too. I have managed to travel around a bit; Bruges, Loire Valley, Havre, Rennes, St Malo, Mont St Michel, Reims, Carnac, Correze… and equally a holiday in Morocco and Egypt aha! But this year I feel I have accomplished more than I would have staying in England.

 If I hadn’t have come to France, I ( probably ) would never have:

-          Experienced an open bar for as little as €5, nor experienced the infamous CUSSON dinners.

-          Discovered what a real ‘Nuit Blanche’ in Paris is.

-          Sang in a Glee club

-          Done Zumba

-          Seen Audrey Tatou turn on the Christmas Lights

-          Run a half marathon

-          Worked at the worlds ‘number 1’ business school

-          Been to a Gala near the Opera

-          Conquered my fear of rides

-          Seen Sarkozy give a speech

-          Seen Kanye West and Jay-Z in concert

-          Been to a French rap group concert

-          Discovered Speculous

-          Made so many friends and contacts

-          Learned how to hold a baby in one arm and do everything else with the other!

-          Tried surfing

-          Eaten mussels which I collected myself

-          Stayed in a castle

-          Seen an Opera

-          Eaten fois gras ( meat in general! :S )

-          And last but not least, If I hadn’t of come to France this year I would never have  (buckets ready) …Fallen in love …

Yes, this year abroad was not just beneficial for my degree, but it has played a vital part in my life and given me skills and experiences for life. Someone once said to me that a year abroad is the best year of you r life. And I wouldn’t argue with them. Equally, someone once said to me that spending a long time in a different country opens your eyes to the world and different cultures and makes you more open-minded. It’s true, I see things differently now and believe that anything is possible. I have also been told that once you get back to your home country, you notice things you never did before, and you question why nothing is as adventurous as being abroad. This I have yet to discover.

But if there is one thing I have learned from being here this year, it’s that you have to just go for it all the time. No matter what it is, don’t hesitate, don’t over analyse, just take every opportunity you get. I believe that things do happen for a reason, and so when a chance passes you by its only right you pursue it.

I am going to miss my year abroad. The daily routine, being with my colleagues, singing in Glee club, hanging out with my neighbours, chilling at my boyfriends, going into Paris, the amazing Zumba teacher, free bread with meals, French music…

I won’t miss:  trains ( lack of them, waiting for them, running for them, missing them), my green and wooden HEC room, weird men talking to me, everything being closed all the time, getting to the till at the supermarket and realising I haven’t weighed my fruit, UHT milk, Haricots, worrying how to get back, waiting till gone 9 to eat dinner, the dreaded HILL of Jouy en Josas.

Then after my internship I spent 6 weeks au-pairing, which again was another totally different experience but a great one all the same. I have experienced what French Family life is like and got to stay in very luxurious places! It definitely helped to stay that little bit longer to get my French up to this level. I can now confidently listen to conversations, watch films, read articles and understand everything, but I still have trouble getting out some sentences verbally. I just really hope that I won’t forget it all once back in England!

So now it is time to go back to being a student and graduating. Argh! But as the song quite rightly says, it’s ‘Ma Direction’ and I have no worries or doubts at all about what the future may hold for me. I have 100% enjoyed this year and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat if I could. I am sad to leave it all behind but equally I have missed Southampton and being a student, and of course, I have missed my family and friends at home!! I am going to look into doing a Masters in Interpreting once I have my degree, or perhaps coming back to France to find work! I will treasure the memories of this year forever. Thank you for being a part of it with me by reading my blog, I hope it has been interesting for you!

Finally, a little anecdote to end my last blog. After all, it wouldn’t be a Ruth blog without a ‘weird guy’ story! On the train from Brives to Paris, I was sat at the window with a young lad next to me. He starts quizzing me about where I am getting off, what I was doing in France etc and we have some small talk. He annoys me quickly, as I just wanted to get on with my reading and sleeping for the 4 hour journey! So after a few moments of conversation he passes his phone to me, on which he has written a message; ‘ tu es très belle’… arr isn’t that nice?! I don’t really know what to do or say so I just smile nervously and say ‘Merci’. But then, a few minutes later I am just looking out of the window hoping he’ll stop talking to me, he puts his hand on my knee!!!!!!! I immediately turn to look at him and say ‘what the hell do you think you’re doing?’ to which he says ‘can I?’. Obviously I say ‘No! I am not interested in you and have a boyfriend anyway’. His response, ‘ It doesn’t matter, I have a girlfriend too, who cares?’…!!  So then we spend about 5 minutes arguing over whether it is right to be touching other people when you are in a relationship, and I gave him some very disapproving looks. Thankfully, I didn’t have to spend the last 3 hours next to him as he got off a while after. But I did have to laugh. Only me, hey?

Vive La France! 1^st September 2011- 17^th August 2012. 

Au-Pairing Adventures!

Ok, I couldn't not write a blog about how my summer work , because there is just too much to tell and I have had some amazing experiences! So this will be the penultimate blog (sob).

Week one 

My first week with the family was quite a challenge. Mum, 4 kids plus a friend and I had a 5 hour drive from Versailles down to Brives-la-Gaillard where we spent the first week in the family chateau. I'm not kidding, it's in the middle of the countryside surrounded by cows and fields, with vegetable patches, a swimming pool,  tennis court, you name it. The house is very grande. Imagine banquet rooms, or like something you walk around when visiting old heritage houses. Complete with cobwebs and lumpy mattresses too! The Mum's parents were there, along with some other daughters and friends who came and went during the week. Mealtimes were always a home made and fresh and a big thing, time spend together, which is actually quite French anyway. Endless supplies of bread and cheese!! But equally, fresh vegetables and salad every day too. Unfortunately I didn't get to see much of Brives as I had a lot of responsibility over the baby. Others would pop out for the afternoon or whatever but I had to stay in a lot. One evening, I got to drive (!) to the nearby lake and had a pleasant jog around, but that was the only time I got out! Weather was up and down, sunny but not really hot enough to swim, and a few showers of rain too.

Looking after the baby wasn't actually that hard. It's the same routine each day and he is the most well behaved baby I know. He rarely cries and he sleeps all through the night. Only problem is that he pukes all the time, so my left shoulder was constantly white and sticky with regurgitated milk! The 5 year old is a but more challenging though, he doesn't want to listen to me. And the 9 year old had a friend so naturally they want to just run around having fun! The 13 yr old is nice, at least. The grandparents are quite old, and the Grandma has dementia which means every 5 minutes she asks me ' Has he had his bottle yet?'... 'Are you not cold?' which can get a bit annoying. There are only so many polite smiles and nods you can give in a day.

But honestly, what a great way to start au-pairing, I was very spoilt. It was nice seeing the countryside instead of busy Parisian suburbs.

Week two 
After a 7 hour drive up to Brittany ( it was tough ), we arrived in Baden where we stayed at the Dad's parent's holiday house. Again, just wonderful.  Big, but more modern and comfortable, with lots of rooms, a big garden which backs onto a golf course, lush pool and the best Grandma you know. A little 2 year old cousin was staying there too, so even more children to look after! She was adorable though. I had a nice room with a double bed which didn't dip in the middle!! The weather was glorious which meant lots of afternoon's in the pool and sunbathing. Hardly relaxing though when you have two 9 year old boys chasing you around the pool with water guns! I got my revenge though, always fun to push boys in the pool! The house has much more to offer for the children than back at the castle so they can keep themselves occupied a lot of the time. The Grandma is much more 'with it' and active, she's quite young actually. Always on the go, cooking, helping with the children, running errands. I have was very welcomed, and she even 'vous' me!

It was easier to get out running in Baden as the house is by the sea gulf and golf course. It's wonderful being able to get out and see boats and horses and  local fisherman bringing in their catch. The weather for our first week was gloriously hot and sunny- some days it was even too hot to eat outside!

Then for the first weekend in Brittany we went to stay with the Dad's Grandma in St Malo. Oh My Gosh, I thought the castle was impressive... this was just a whole other level! Situated on the coast of St Malo, a huge white mansion with freshly trimmed flowers surrounding it.Huge lawn, and lots of secret little paths which led down to a purpose built little house just above the sea with changing rooms and a shower. You walk out of that, and you are literally in the sea. It was beautiful, on the Sunday morning I went for a run and then straight into the sea for a refreshing dip. The Great Grandma (80 something) swims in the sea EVERY DAY between 1st may and 30th November. She says that's what keeps her alive!

As for the interior; Imagine walking onto the Titanic ship. Grande rooms with china all over the walls, silverware, glassware, old fashioned chairs ( again, like something you see in museums), guns on the wall, old sailor outfits... We stayed downstairs ( the bottom deck, if you like ) where my room opened out to the pool. I had the baby cot with me and agreed to have him for the weekend which wasn't a problem at all as he is such a good baby!!

You could tell this woman was very rich and old fashioned. Children had to eat before the adults. You had to dress for dinner. No hands under the table at dinner time. Even two Polish house maids who respond to a bell would wait on us! I felt so out of place.

We visited Dinard market and St Malo which was beautiful and so much better than the first time I went during my rainy weekend in Rennes! We just spent two nights there, then headed back to Carnac where we stayed an extra few weeks.

Week 3 and 4
Again, just back at the house in Brittany with more family members and more lovely and active Grandparents! We had lots of afternoons by the pool and trips to the beach. The mornings were easier with most of the children going off to Windsurfing or Surfing lessons. One day I even went to try my hand at Surfing myself! I had never done it, and to be honest it's because I have a little fear of waves. But I gave it a go. Well, I say surfing, I never actually braced myself enough to try standing up, so I guess you could say bodyboarding haha!

One evening we went to hear some story-telling as there was a festival in the village, and it was very interesting because the two ladies who performed also did it in sign language too. It was very funny and very well performed. I took the 5 year old and his 2 year old cousin to see the 'kids' story-telling the next morning, which was equally as pleasant and fun to listen to.

I was given one weekend off, during which I went back to Paris. It was great to have the break and I was able to watch the first weekend of the Olympics, I literally spent all weekend lying on the sofa watching TV haha! There was a big screen outside Hotel de Ville where I watched some swimming, but then it started to rain to ended up in a brasserie to watch the games. Same brasserie Saturday night and Sunday night in fact!
It has been interesting seeing the Olympics on French channels, as obviously all the focus is on their country and the games they are participating in- I couldn't really follow GB unless I looked online! There was some light banter with the family regarding medal comparisons between GB and France which was fun, but thankfully Team GB sailed ahead in the medals count! Although, hats off to France for such a good start of Golds!

During the last week in Brittany, the weather wasn't as nice as we had lots of showers of rain. But we made the most of it when we could. One morning we went 'fishing' ( scraping at the low tide with a spoon ) at a nearby coast, which actually turned out to be more fun than I expected. We turned over crabs and allsorts and we even got enough mussels to eat for tea that night! Never thought I would get that chance!

I feel honoured to have witness a traditional Breton parade which happens once a year in the little village. It consisted of people dressed up in traditional Breton costumes and doing their little dance to bagpipes ( which I thought were Scottish but hey ho), then a little rally through the streets of old fashioned cars, followed by tractors and then a little Breton band came through to finish. It was very cute and a great way to spend my last day there.

Week 5/6

Another drive back down to Brives to stay back at the castle. This time is was just me, the mother, the daughter and the baby so the trip was easier. And we spent the first 5 days without boys running around everywhere! The house was filled with lots of other relatives though, we were about 20 at the table every meal time. Coincidently, the aunt was married to a Mauritian and so the cousins were all born and have grew up in Mauritius ( I am half Mauritian too ) which was nice, they were all very friendly and we got on well. Made me realise how little I know about my origins really. 

I got to see an Opera for the first time in my life. It was held, get this, at another château which belonged to the sister of the father of the Dad's family!! A stunning setting, with the Opera held in a little barn, it was really spectacular. They were an English group, and we even bumped into them at the market one day so I had a little chat with them. It was a special performance with a little commentary in between which helped with the understanding- much needed as it was all sung in German! 

I was given half a day off on my last Saturday to explore Brives a bit. We all went to the market together in the morning which I loved, and then I stayed in the town wandering around, sight seeing, browsing, chilling in the sunshine. The last week in Correze was very hot, mid 30's each day. But I was the only one wanting to be outside in it, ' Once I'm in England , I won't ever see the sun again!' I used to argue. 

The monday was a very important day. Apparently every year there is a village 'rally' for families to participate and the winner of each rally has to organise the next one. And this year it was my family who had all the organising to do! The morning started off with breakfast at the lake for 150 people, followed by a tour around the lake with stand every few meters with games/activities/challenges for each team to do. I had to stay at home with the baby for this part unfortunately but I heard it was a success. Then, all the families came to the château for a picnic in the gardens. It was lovely seeing the place so full of happy children running about. More games and challenges for the teams to do too. The theme was The Olympics so activities were based on that. In the afternoon I got to participate with a family, going to another village church and having a quiz on the area. And to finish off the afternoon, we had a guided tour in a grotto/cave type thing. It was very interesting, with  crystals and even bats! The evening consisted of a 'soirée' in another village hall which had a beautiful view overlooking the never-ending Correze valleys. Paella and tart for 150 people, music and dancing. I was on baby duty for the first part but once he was asleep I could join in a bit more ( don't worry- I kept checking up on him!) and the party went on until 2am. It was heart warming seeing so many families all together, dancing, having fun. A lovely evening and very well organised on the family's behalf! 

The last few days were not too hard, I enjoyed it. On the last night I made them Yorkshire Puddings ( first time in my life!) which went down well, and they spoilt me even more with some little gifts to say goodbye and thank you, and hand written messages from the kids- which bought tears to my eyes! I said I would be free next summer too and the mother said I am definitely welcome to come again! 

So, has this experience put me off having children?! Well, if all 3 month old babies are like Olivier I will happily have several, as long as they stay at that age! haha. As much as little ones are hard work, being with this family has made me realise that families are so important, and I may not have 4 children but I know I will have children one day. I have learned so much in 6 weeks, and even seen a newborn baby discover his thumb, hold himself on flat feet, and have his first swimming pool dip,which are moments so just can't create yourself.

Sorry this blog has been so long,just so much to tell. Photos to come- there are just so many! 

Ruth 

June in Paris - YOLO!

Ok, so this is a VERY overdue blog. I didn't realise how much of a celebrity I was until several people said to me "You haven't updated your blog in a while?!", which is a nice compliment as it means that people actually read what I have to say and equally, want more!


I would say that the past month has been so hectic that I haven't had the time, but that would only be partly true. I HAVE been busy, but equally I have had a LOT of time on my hands, especially towards the end of my placement where I literally spend my last days in the library getting hooked on Misfits and doing a lot of facebook stalking... This blog, and the one to come, has been on my 'stopbeinglazyanddo-it' list since, well, a long time ago, and now I am forcing myself to update you with 2 - yes that's right, 2!! final blogs of my Year Abroad.


Of course, It's not 'officially' the end of my YA. Tomorrow I head off with the French family I am au-pairing with for 6 weeks. Unfortunately the bank placement has fallen through. Basically, because I am British. 
( Some cock and bull story they haven't even properly explained to me, I found out via text from my boyfriend! )  


But, since June 22nd, finished my placement at the library! It wasn't really a sad farewell. I was just so ready to leave the place, and I was heading off to Egypt the following day that I had other things taking over my emotions. I had had enough by June of sitting in the library doing nothing, having no students to amuse me, and having the odd case study to type up, and so the thought of leaving wasn't too much of a downer. I will miss my colleagues without a doubt, but i'm ready for 'la nouvelle page qui tourne'...


Anyways, June. Lots happened, it was actually quite an exciting month! It began with going to see the 'Watch the Throne' tour by Kanye West and Jay-Z at Bercy. I have three words. OH.MY.GOSH.
I have actually, NEVER been to a concert so incredible. They didn't stop performing until about midnight, but that's partly because their encore consisted of singing their famous 'Ni**as in Paris' song... 11 TIMES!!! It was literally just again, and again, and again, and they got us skanking in circles and, the whole show was amazing. They sang together and separately and did old a new stuff. Just wow!! And there's even a story about how one of my friends found the producers phone and almost got to meet the rappers themselves... but that's another story!


Then I had a fantastic visit from my uni girlfriends. We spent 4 days together exploring Paris and saying YOLO to everything ( You only live once ) ,getting kicked off the grass by the Eiffel Tower,  having a night out (till 5am!),squeezing 5 of us into a 2 seater car ( pretend you didn't read that ), drinking wine out of baby bottles whilst eating fondue in Montmartre (kid you not), playing 'Therapist' on the long train journeys, eating Falafel from the Jewish Quarter and even... missing their Eurostar!!!! I guess we were just having too much fun together. Or I accidently,somehow,bymistake, caused them to miss it because I'm rubbish. One of the two. Despite that, we had such a fun weekend together and I am so glad I got to share with them where I have been this past year!


That wasn't the end of their pretty faces though. The very next day after whisking them off to Disney Land paris to get the cheaper Eurostar back to London, I flew to see them in Southampton for the annual Graduation Ball. It was a long night, and I was personally a bit disappointed with the event, but the important thing was that I got to have a dance with a lot of people whom I haven't seen in months and who have now graduated! So it was an opportunity to say goodbye, congratulate all my clever friends for graduating, watch Pixie Lott perform, and eat at Trago Lounge the next day :p  The weekend after that, I was back in England AGAIN but this time for practical reasons. My parents and brother kindly met me at St Pancras so that I could give them a suitcase with as much stuff in as I could get rid of so that at least half of my room was emptied. Then we all had a lovely dinner and champagne in Covent Garden before saying final farewells, and I went to a friend's Birthday party that Saturday evening, which had a James Bond theme! So by Sunday, I had said all my goodbye's for the summer to my loved ones, managed to clear a bit of my room out, and only had a week left at the library to do!


The last week was actually a bit tough. With one colleague being on holiday, I had to split the early morning and the late night shifts with Christine. I did 3 8.20am starts and 2 7pm finishes. It wasn't too bad, but not as easy as a usual 9-5 shifts! Still, at least I can say I worked hard during my last 7 days. My colleagues threw me a cute little 'pot de départ' on the Thursday, with bubbly and nibbles ( and scones which I bought all the way from M&S in England), and they presented me with 2 gorgeous mugs and a Vanessa Bruno bag which I am told is 'the' bag of the summer in Paris at the moment! So I was very spoilt, and felt very touched by their generosity. I had bought them each a Jubiliee Mug with the Queen's face on it- which they all loved! I really do have a lot of love for my colleagues, they made the job what it was. I'm going to do a soppy 'here's to the end'/overview of this year on my next blog, this was just to update you with what has been going on in June!


And to finish off the month I indulged in a great 5star all inclusive holiday to Egypt. Lots of time relaxing by the pool, a bit of snorkeling where I saw turtles, sting ray, lots of fish and pretty corals, and we did a Quadbiking ride in the desert, rode a camel and then watched the sunset! Was a lot of fun. 


And THEN, during the last week of June I had a spontaneous, yet very last minute and expensive, final trip back home for a few days. Literally purchased my Eurostar tickets 2 hours in advance! But it was the best decision I made. Got to see very important and precious people whom I haven't seen in a long time and whom I wouldn't have seen for a long time either! Plus I saw Spiderman and ate Fish and Chips! mom nom. 


That's my overview of June, and of the end of HEC! Stay tuned for my next ( and possibly final ) blog, where I'll give an 'evaluation' of how this year has been for me. 

Diggin' the Dancing Queen :)

Bonjour! 

Exciting things to blog about this week! It's only a shame that I am having to write it all stuck at work when it's gloriously hot outside, and I'd rather be sunbathing than being told by students that I have to hurry up issuing their books because they have an exam to be at in 5 minutes.

When I started my year in 'Paris', I said to myself that by the end of the year I would be all fancy and cultured having seen plays, operas and ballets around Paris, and I'd know all the 'cool' places to go and know exactly how to get there without even looking at a métro map. Well, with only  4 weeks to go ( how crazy is that?!), I can officially say that I have achieved none of these things in 9 months. I have a rough idea of métro lines, and know a few nice places to eat/drink, but since I am so far from the centre of Paris I just have no idea what goes on! But recently I have seen a French rap band and the French stage version of the musical Mamma Mia at least! 

I got tickets to see the french rap group Sexion D'Assaut for my birthday, and the concert was last week. I have to say, I've seen big names like Drake and Kanye West, but this show actually outdid any rap concert I have seen. The group of 8 rappers performed non stop for over 2 and a half hours (they weren't even late coming on!), with live musicians and DJs, coreography, onstage fire, enthusiasm, energy and just utter 'coolness'. Ha, I just really enjoyed the gig and they performed all of their classics and really engaged with the audience. It got me hyped for Jay-Z and Kanye West gig this friday, I imagine that will probably overtake all concerts, mind! 

Following on from this, Saturday night was a trip to the theatre to see Mamma Mia with Gemma. Again, a lot of fun and entertainment; it was interesting seeing it in French too and hearing the song translations! The worst part being missing the first 45 mins ( long story- stupid Paris ) but the best part, being seated on the second row from the front of the stage! We could practically smell the actors ( quote by Gemma ). So it was worth it in the end, and typical musical style everyone was on their feet at the end singing along to 'Waterloo'. Classic. 

We stayed overnight in Paris at a friend's appartmment as he had a little gathering. It was a nice way to end the evening and not have to worry about getting trains back. In the morning the girls and I wandered along the river trying to find somewhere for Brunch, and enjoying the sunshine we visited Bibliothèque François Mitterand ( something else to tick off the list at least) and then sunbathed all afternoon in Bercy Park, playing a never ending game of  'who am I'.  Apparently Kate Winslet isn't blonde. 

What was nice was just not feeling guilty for lounging around in the sun. I have no marathon training, nor research project to do, and my time in Paris is coming to an end so you know, profitez-en! 

But seriously, I'm not used to not having anything to do. Those of you who know me well enough will understand that it's killing me turning up at work and having nothing to do, finishing work and having nothing to do, waking up at weekends and having no reason to get up! I know what you're thinking, just enjoy it, chill out, relax, stop being a busy bee... You'd have better luck telling the French to give up baguettes. I guess it's only four weeks left though. Only four weeks more of  'The printer doesn't work', 'Can I borrow this book?',' Where is this book?' , 'The machine has swallowed my card'...

A lot has happened this year already though, and my summer is going to be pretty hectic so yes, perhaps I should just try this 'chill' you people talk about.

This weekend will be my last proper weekend in Paris. I have to do some holiday shopping and try and do some more things on my 'list' while I can! The following week I have some lovely visitors coming, the weekend after I will be in London, and the weekend after I leave for my holiday in Egypt! Time is flying, and I do admit that I am starting to get a little sad about it all.

But hey ho, c'est la vie. I'm still learning things, still enjoying myself and still trying to make the most of opportunities which pass me by. 

Until next time, gros bisous :)

Ruth in Rennes (in the rain) - A mystery story...

Once upon a time, a girl named Ruth (Lily to those she meets in France) decided to travel and see some more of France. She had a 4 day weekend, and ended up booking to go to Rennes quite spontaneously. She had hoped to go down south, but being a bank holiday weekend and leaving it to the last minute, all trains were fully booked, so Rennes it was. 

She was anxious about travelling alone. She had reserved 2 nights in a hostel, and was a bit nervous as to whom she would be sharing a room with! Equally, she was a bit scared about wandering around in unknown places by herself, as she has a habit of getting into cars with strangers ... Anyway, as soon as she arrived at the hostel she felt very comfortable and welcomed. It was a bit of a treck from the train station to the hostel but she managed. The staff were very friendly and gave her lots of information about what to do. Ruth was in a room of 2, which meant she only had one other person to worry about! She fresehend up, and set out on her adventure. First stop, tourist office to get a map and some info about what was around. She spent the afternoon walking around, following a suggested 'tour route' , seeing the cathedral, parks, an abbey, and other monuments. So Rennes was done pretty quickly! But as it was sunny, she decided to go for a run along the river. Which was very refreshing! Following her shower, she met her room mate. A kind French lady called Peggy who was staying one night. Despite her snooring, she was a pleasant room mate, and they even shared toothpaste! That evening, Ruth went out to find something to eat. She treated herself to a traditional Brittany crèpe, with a little glass of Chardonnay on the side! She felt very proud of her sightseeing and was quite tired from walking around all day! She did feel a bit silly being alone in a restaurant, but she didn't care. Sometimes it's nice to have time alone. Coming back that night, she bumped into two guys at the hostel, an Australian and a Canadian. Both young travellers, and it was nice to chat to some people in English without them being creepy french waitors and inviting her for a drink in Rennes. 

On Saturday morning, Ruth wanted to get up early to see the market and then get an early train to St Malo. She did manage to see the market, which was splendid, but unfortunately all food stuffs which leant she couldn't really buy anything as it wouldn't keep! Then she got the train to St Malo. It wasn't that nice of a day, but it wasn't raining at least when she arrived. She had no idea where she was going, and saw someone with a map of the town. She made the mistake of asking him where he found it, and this lead to him talking to her all the way to the tourist office,interrogating her, and then suggesting they spent the afternoon exploring together, or exchanging numbers to meet up later. Despite him calling her 'adorable', she politely refused. 'Creep', she thought.

So her St Malo adventure began! A very cute place with lots of character. She walked all around the forts, took the little train ride, visited the Hotel de Ville and museum, and unfortunately got quite wet as the rain began to pour in the afternoon! Because of srupid French train times, she had to wait 2 hours for the next train back to Rennes when she arrived at the station, and so took shelter with a cup of tea in a nice warm bakery! 

On her arrival back to the hostel, she bumped into her two friends again, who invited her to have some drinks. However, after her nap, Ruth had planned on visiting the Musée de Beaux Arts as there was a special free late night opening for the public!

She felt very cultural going out to the museum and admiring the paintings, even if she didn't really know what she was looking at! It was quite late when she started walking back, and her hunger had got the better of her, so she stopped off in a little Sushi bar which was lovely, and enjoyed some maki while watching Chelsea win the champions league. When she got back to the hostel, she joined the boys in the TV room. Another Canadian was with them too who was just as friendly. They chatted and had a laugh, and then Ruth decided it was time to for bed. ‘I wonder who will be in my room this night’ she wondered. 

Luckily, no one! It was a bit lonely but at least she could have a snore-free night’s sleep! However, about 4am, Ruth woke up as she needed the toilet. As she turned on her light, she noticed an envelope next to the door marked ‘To my Ruth’. ‘That’s strange’, she thought, ‘as I’ve introduced myself as Lily to EVERYONE I have met here…’  . She was desperate for the toilet, so quickly ran to relieve herself, and she bumped into one of the Canadians on the way, who was just getting back from a night out. ‘Perhaps it is him!?’ she wondered, but again it couldn’t have been because he knows her as Lily. She rushed back to her room and eagerly ripped open the letter. A smell of mens Eau de Toilette filled the room.  It was a love note, written in quite bad English but by a French person. He said that she thought she was charming, and wants to meet for coffee before she leaves tomorrow. It was signed ‘the fan of your heart’ and he had left his number.

‘WHO ON EARTH?!!’ were Ruth’s immediate thoughts. Not only does this person know my real name, but also my room number and my date of departure… Similarly, she had no recollection of ever meeting a French boy in the hostel and introducing herself. Very strange. 

Obviously, curiosity got the better of her, she immediately texted the number to find out who this mysterious stalker was. ‘Lorenzo’ he replied. Lorenzo??????? This meant nothing to Ruth.  She asked who he was exactly, and if they had ever met before. Apparently, yes, they had met and had a conversation in French and that she spoke ‘well of aillior’ (whatever that means).  He said he wanted to meet her before she left, and that it would be a surprise when she finds out who he was.  Ruth was literally baffled. She decided to leave it and have a think over night. This really was a head scratcher. Yes, she had chatted to the hostel staff in French, but the only man she talked to spoke fluent English so he couldn’t have written the note.  The lads she made friends wih all spoke English and called her Lily. WHO is this person?! 

After breakfast and checking out of the hostel, Ruth made her way to the station to get the bus to Mont St Michel. She had always wanted to see the site, and as it was so close she figured now was the best time. Except it wasn’t. It rained, hard, ALL day. She arrived, and since the rock is in the middle of nowhere surrounded by the sea, it was obviously like walking into a storm with wind, rain, puddles and greyness everywhere.  Ruth had two options: Due to irregular bus times (France’s favorite thing) she either could do whirlwind tour and then get the next bus in 90 minutes, or  wander aimlessly in the rain killing time to get the last bus in 3 hours.  She took the first option. To be honest, an hour was enough to see the church and walk around the Abbey. When it’s pouring with rain and full of tourists, ambling is the last thing anyone wants to do. She found Mont St Michel very cute, but it was just a shame that the views were spoiled by the rain. Still, ‘I can tick it off my list now’, she thought to herself. 

Getting on the bus back to Rennes, she had a message from her mystery man.  He wanted to know if she had a boyfriend, what time her train was, and what she was doing this afternoon. Ruth answered all of these things truthfully, still completely unaware of who this dude was. She got off the bus and went straight to the cinemas. She had a lot of time to kill before her train back, and obviously everything was shut with it being Sunday. Again, it was sad that she went on her own but she liked the film and being dry!  Afterwards, she told Lorenzo that she was coming back to the hostel to collect her suitcase then go to the station, hoping he’d be there just so she could find out who he is! He wasn’t, so she decided just to leave it and go to the station. 

As she was waiting for her train, she received a message saying that he was on his way to the station to see her and say goodbye. ‘Oh my gosh!’ Ruth thought.  This was like something in a film!

But the departure of her train was fast approaching, and as much as she wanted the mystery man to be revealed, she had to board the train. Sitting in her  seat, she sent him a message to say that she was still in suspense over it all and that she’s gutted she’ll never get to find out his identity.  His response… None.

So, following a wonderful weekend in Rennes, she arrived back to yet more rain, but was content.  She still has no idea about the guy who knew her name and room number, and she will carry on living her life never ever knowing who he was. It’s a real mystery, even to her…

What France does to you

Bonjour!

Again, another overdue blog with lots to update on. I have approximately 6 weeks left of my placement, and to think that when I first arrived June felt like light years away. What a whirlwind the past 8 months have been, and my level of French is not the only thing which has changed. I myself have definitely changed since being here. There are things which I would never even consider in England, and never thought I'd do generally, yet since mon arrivée en France, I seem to have adopted their 'no care in the world' attitudue... Here's why: 

Lily, not Ruth. Self explanatory. 

McDonalds. Most of you know, that as a veggie ( and I'd like to consider myself a reasonably 'healthy' eater too) this fast food chain was never an option for me. Sure, after a big night out I might be tempted by medium fries at 2am, but otherwise in England I hardly EVER ate at McDonalds. Since being in France however, I've probably eaten more McDonalds these past 8 months than I have in the past 8 years!! While I was training I didn't feel too gulity, but now I have no excuse. It just doesn't have that same 'greasy' feeling afterwards which makes you want to cut open your stomach and flush it out like you get in England, (Just me?) and, obvisouly, it tastes so goooood. I blame the boyfriend too, it's always his way out of cooking. They need to bring back chocoglacés though, McFlurry's just don't cut it anymore!

Rides. The thought of Alton Towers or Drayton Manor with friends was always a no-go. I could never sit on a ride with loop the loops and vertical drops for fear of, well, just fear! I have always been a wimp when it comes to things like this. I couldn't even hack the tyre swing at my local park! But, again, having conquered some fears at Disney Land, my bravery developed further when I went to Parc Astérix this weekend.  Based on the stories of Asterix, this park walks over Disney anyday! I was hesitant to buy my ticket because I'm such a crybaby, but I am so thankful that I went becasue it was just amazing! There are less people than at Dinsey which means less queueing and less stress just walking around in general. Better variety of rides, big, small, wet, fast, slow... less 'cheese' and glitter, fewer children running everywhere, better ambiance in general. So, be proud of me. I did ALL the big attractions, including a 8 looper and the brand new inverted rolelrcaoster called Ozliris- 4 weeks new situated in the 'Egypt' part of the park. I adlit that the first time I saw it I completelt froze and didn't go on, but I was reassured by all my friends that I would love it and it was the best ride, so in the afternoon I plucked up the courage to go on it and it was AMAZING!! I cried 'let's do it again!!' as soon as we had finished ahah. So there we go, fear of heights and loops and speed = conquered! Yeah buddy : 

http://youtu.be/Gxi9uwNTDrc

Getting into cars with strangers. Don't worry, it's not as dangerous as it sounds! It's not something I do on a regular occasion, but I have done it two or three times more than what I would in England.Following my bank advisor taking me to the supermarket way back in September, and my hitch-hiking incident, I guess I just have more trust for French people... On Sunday, I had a bit of an adventure when going to meet the family with whom I'll be au-pairing this summer. It was a 30 minute train ride from Versailles, then about 7km by foot to their country house. Since my project has been done (onto that later) and there was nothing else to do on Sunday, I thought I'd just leisurely walk the 7km or au pire get a taxi, how hard could it be? Well, turns out not very! I arrive at Beynes and start walking with my google maps directions in my hands. Its a niceish afternoon, am in the countryside, all is fine. I don't find the first street I need though, and a young driver pulls up seeing the confused expression on my face. He asks me if I'm ok and I explain that I'm looking for a certain road, he sees that my directions are in English and pulls a face, basically he doesn't know. I tell him not to worry, I'm going to walk back to the station to call a taxi. He smiles and drives off. I'm walking back up the road, and he pulls up again beside me. He tells me where I have to go to find the way but advises me that it's fairly far. I just tell him that it's ok, I'm in no hurry so going to call a taxi, thanks for his help. He wishes me luck and drives off into the fields. Having ordered my taxi (from the most enthusiastic driver I've ever heard on the phone!) I'm sat under a tree reading my book and low and behold guess who rocks up and parks infront of me...?! I don't know how I get myself into these situation.Long story short, he offers me a lift to where I need to be and I accept. I didn't feel threatened because I was in the countryside, I would have felt more unsafe in the city I feel. He was a friendly chap, and I made sure I slipped early into the conversation that I have a boyfriend! We actually had a bit in common which kept the convo rolling, and he kindly took me to where I needed to be. Drove off without even asking for my name or number! Winner. 

Eating meat. Mum, turn away. Friends, please don't judge. Remember, what happens in France, stays in France!! I know I had that lasagne incident before christmas, but that wasn't my fault! I arived at the familiy's house on Sunday, quite a bit earlier than expected and they were just about to have Sunday lunch. The mother was very friendly and she invited me to join them for lunch which obviously I couldn't refuse! The grandparents were there too, and the 4 kids! One of which is a newborn of two weeks old, so cute and lots of black fluffy hair!! They made me feel very welcome and the family were très sympa. But yes, I ate chicken. The smallest morceau, mind! It was a lunch of beef or chicken and veg, and I couldn't refuse two out of the three! She said that they are hiring me not only to look after the children but to, and I quote, 'be a part of their family'. And to be honest, that's why I wanted to au-pair too, to gain an experience into true French family life. So if this means not causing problems and eating meat, then so be it. It's just for the summer! I am going to stay vegetarian in all other possible circumstances, (my boyfriend tried to sneak lardons into our carbonara the other day- he thinks he's so sneaky) but if they prepare meat for dinner I'll just eat it.... The afternoon was lovely, the children were fun and I almost died on the trampoline playing with them. But I am very excited to spend the summer down south with them. 

Drinking coffee and red wine. Again, both served at dinner on Sunday afternoon. But equally, I am learning just to let go and adapt to French culture. I do usually stick to tea and herbal teas when I can, but I'm getting better at 'prendre-ing un café' in necessary situations. Just add a splash of milk and some sugar and knock it back! As for the wine, well. Wine is wine!

Skiving. Ok, not really. But I am beginning to take the mic a bit with work. Arriving at 9.10 instead of 9. Taking a bit longer at lunch than I 'should'. But its just, it's getting to the end of semester and the library is quiet, so it's not like I have to rush back to attend to the line of students wanting to take out books.I'm really not needed here anymore tbh! I took a day off on Friday just so I could go to Reims! It was just a flying visit but Aurélien and I had lunch, visited a champagne 'cave' (Tattinger), visited the Fossier biscuit factory, and walked around the cathedral. It was a lovely day, but I should have been at work as I took a day which I didn't technically have left to take... 

Staying in bed. I was always up and about at uni, the thought of staying in bed was just unthinkable! There was always something I had to do.  Whereas now I just use the 'I'm working full time' card each time I hit snooze! Like I said, the marathon is finished, the bane of my Year Abroad has now been completed and submitted ( yaayyy!) and I have no guilt hanger over me now (other than the fact that I feel lazy), so chilling in bed and lolling about on the sofa when I want to is becoming rather a bad habit! :S. Still running though, don't worry I'm not some fat McDonalds burger on legs. Yet.

WHO AM I?!!! What has France done to me?! Don't worry, I still love musicals, Cadbury's and putting gliter on me eyes, RUTH is still alive! I hope you haven't judged me, but just see it as I do, part of the experience and just ' a phase'... haha. 

Finally, one more to add to the things only in France: 

Chocolate and cheese. I kid you not.

(Tastes like chocolate crème fraiche...Yes, I have tried it. Standard).

Paris, je t'aime- again!

Bonjour ! Woah it has been a long time, but I must admit things have got a lot busier all of a sudden recently!  And plus, with a 6000 word project dealine soon approaching, updating a blog really isn't a priority.. as much as I'm using it as a distraction now! But I'm just going to bash out what's been happening in Lily's life recently so I can tick this off my list and 'crack on with my project'. A sentence I've been saying since September.

Exciting things: 

A few weekends ago, I did a proper Jouy-Paris-Jouy night out, staying out pas the last train and returning  to my room at 7am! It was for Julie's birthday, so I met some of her Irish friends- who are so full of beans! I didn't even drink because the drinks were so expensive, I don't know how I survied until 6am before the trains started but I did. The music was great, that must have been what kept me going! Julie and I were the only hard core ones who lasted until sunrise, and we evern found a cute 24hour brasserie café where we got (nice, not greasy chicoland-esque) homemade chips and a cup of tea whilst looking over the awakening of Montparnasee square at 6am. This is what Paris is about! Funniest moment on the train back in the morning, a French guy came up with uncontrollable hiccups. After asking me for a bottle of water, to which I replied, 'no sorry but try holding your breath and swallowing three times', he groaned and curled up in a ball on the seat, his shoulders jiggling up and down constantly. He then got out his phone to call his friend, and from what I understood by his angry voice and what he was saying, his friends had left without waiting for him or something, so he was having a go at them, but I couldn't take him seriously because literally every other second was followed by a hiccup. 'Are you serious? hic'. 'What are you playing at? hic', 'Shut hic up!'. LOL. Julie and I were just in stitches behind him! 

I  took a day off  last Wednesday to see my lovely friend Ella before she packs up and leaves France! ( asif!) We trated ourselves to another day at Disneyland, starting this time with the Studio Park before finsihing at the main park. I liked the studio park, there were less children and in my opinion more interesting rides to go on. We saw a cool car stunt show too! I actually did  rides!! House of terror, (after which, I was so shaky that I had to sit down and was mocked at by a northerner saying 'Oha, she's all sheehyyken up!'). Space mountain, rock n rollercoaster... there is a finding nemo ride which is actually quite fast and jolty and spinny and backwards in the dark! But fun all the same. I was very brave I must say, I am overcoming my fears! I had a really great day off and it was nice seeing Ella. One of our friends, Sarah, now works there so we met her after work and had yummy nacho's burgers at planent hollywood for tea! (with ehr discount, of course :p)

Thursday night, after shaking my booty at Zumba, I went over to my colleague, Christine's, house for dinner and the airing of Desperate Housewives in French! She knows I am a big fan, and despite already having watched the latest series, I took up her offer to go and have dinner and watch the show at her house, because, you have to take these opportunities! As I know the story lines, it was good watching it in French as I understood it. I met her mum, had a lovely home cooked dinner and the evening was just lovely :)

Last weekend was really good, and I have fallen back in love with Paris. To add to my sudden burst of bravery, I took a ride on the back of Aurélien's motorbike on friday night. We cruised to Versailles along the motorway at speeds which I can only describe through my thoughts as 'Ohmygosh I am going to die'.

There was a free boat trip along the Seine on Saturday evening organised by the HEC  International Students and we basically had a ride in a cute boat along the river seeing the sights with a tour commentary. Who ever knew that each bridge across the river told a story?! There was a little meal with wine included and we watched the sunset along the river- so nice! It's not every day you get to eat smoked salmon and drink wine whilst passing the Eiffel Tower! And the Statue of Liberty...! Afterwards the girls and I went and got a crèpe from a very cute crèperie in the Marais, really hit the spot!  Later, Sylvia and I went to meet Aurélien and his friend  at a pub to watch an important football match (don't ask me what though; Lyon vs Marseille, the League Cup perhaps??) so that was fun, just chilled having a drink in a nice pub and chatting to the guys. Lyon lost though, which didn't go down too well. I feell that I am learning more about football now, so I can join in conversation and my boyfriend's friends will think I'm cool. Even if it is mostly just French insults to the 'arbitre'!We got a lift back to campus which is always a luxury  when trains stop running at 10! And in his flash new car too.

Sunday morning I went to Paris again in the morning to watch a friend do the marathon. We spent a lot of time taking métros all across Paris, but it was worth it. We managed to see her twice and she did so well! Then after I went to meet my neighbors from home who were in Pairs for the weekend for lunch near Notre Dame. We had a lovely quiche, salad and apricot tart in a cute tucked away café just behing the cathedral! 

I was told that Sarkozy was making an appearance in paris that afternoon, as was François Hollande. So in order to delay working on my project further, I went over to Concorde to see Mr President! There were lots of people, lots of flags and lots of cheering. I didn't stay long, just long enough to take a photo to say I've seen him. There were too many people to get a good spot, and I couldn't really hear what he was saying anyway as it was echoy and windy. Elections this Sunday, it's quite interesting with all the election stuff happening at the moment. Then I met Aurélien and his friend again for coffee and then a lift back (I'm not with him just for the lifts, honest). I did some 'work', skyped mum then they came back again with Pizza so we just chilled together all night! It's been ages since I have had a nice week end in Paris, it's a shame that the weather has turned windy and rainy recently , but I just keep hoping it will pass as it's only April Showers.

In other good news, I think my summer is sorted. So I finsih here end of june, go on holiday to Tunisia and then I hopefully have an aupair job with a French family for end of July until mid August.I will come back to England for 3 weddings (in the same week!) and spend some time at home, try and move my stuff into my new student house. Theeenn... I have a month's job working at BNP bank in September!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Soo exciting, can't believe my application got accepted! It will be at the same branch as my boyfriends, which could be a challenge, but it was he who encouraged me to apply and I think the fact that I speak English was a bonus. Even if the Au*pair job doesn't work out I will still be very happy with the Bank internship. I just want to make the most of being in France before Uni starts again! 

I went to see the studen'ts musical the other night. It was the show which I auditioend for but then turned down the secodn round of auditions. It was entertaining enough, nothing compared to what Southampton Performing Arts Society can throw together though! If you're going to sing the Friends theme tune, at least GET THE WORDS RIGHT!! Oh, je n'étais pas contente. 

I have a close uni friend with me this weekend. She's currently asleep in my room as I had to do my 3rd 8.20 start this morning!! Lionel has been away this week which has meant Christine and I manning the library by oursleves, but it's been quite nice actually! I'm looking forward to a weekend with Lucy, I'm off this afternoon so we'll go out exploring!

If you are still with me, well done! I'll stop here as ths has already taken me like an hour to write! As you can see I've been quite busy, and the next few weekends will be the same, with a trip back home, a trip to Astérix Park and Reims planned for May. 

Bref, je dois bosser. A la prochaine!