More to come...

There is much more to come, so for those of you reading please stay tuned and know how appreciative I am that you have taken the time to keep up with my adventures over here.

Wine Tasting

After our adventurous day of getting the Petit Paume successfully we were headed to the Salon du Vin for an afternoon of wine tasting.  Two friends of mine, other English assistants, had been staying with a teacher from their school who had give them free tickets.  We walked in, handed in our tickets, were given a glass, and headed into this big room lined with wine vendors.  They were from all over france selling every different type of wine…and champagne of course.  There was a man with a dried fruit display, people selling cheese, salami, sausage, chocolate…etc.  It was incredible.  We tasted all different types of wine and tried to strike up a conversation with each person because we felt bad that we weren’t going to buy any of the bottles (although there were some pretty good deals).  Oh, did I mention there was Froie Gras too?  Delish!  

PETIT PAUME

This is the “Life Guide” to Lyon.  It is a book given out for free, only a couple times a year.  The 2010 version was released mid-October and there was a whole day of celebration and entertainment that came with it.  It took place at Place Bellecour.  Even the mayor was present.  This year’s theme is Rock and Roll so they had people dressed up as Elvis and Marilyn Monroe.  They had different stands that had cotton candy and other themed activities.  There was a countdown and everything for the actual distribution of the books.  So I met up with three friends to pick up our Petit Paume and fine out what this whole day was about.  We arrived early (the give-away was schedule for 1:30).  Of course, this being France and all, they didn’t end up started the countdown until around 2pm.  We had a pretty good spot in the crowd (we were all surrounding a type of stage where volunteers were standing in front of a HUGE pile of the books.  The countdown began, we got ready, and the frenzy began!  People were reaching up, pushing, yelling, screaming, it was insanity!  Each person was allowed max 5.  I wanted to get some for my flatmates so I squeezed my way to the front after my friend had gotten their books.  I was reaching up with my fingers spread signally FIVE as I yelled out CINQ,CINQ, CINQ!!!  All of a sudden I feel a pretty hard kick.  I thought nothing of it because there were so many people but it happened TWO MORE TIMES!  I was getting abused while trying to get five of these little books.  I went to look and see who it was and there was this creepy older man who caught my gave but turned away quickly after (I’m pretty sure it was him).  So I got my five books, pushed my way out of the crowd, and met my friends on the periphery of the crowd.  My legs was covered in sand and they were all confused as to what happened.  Between my expression and my filthy leg we all started laughing.  It turns out not 20 minutes later there were a ton of books left and now crowd around them…Totally could have waited but then we wouldn’t have gotten that rush.  What a ridiculous experience.

Life UPDATE…cause it has certainly been a while…

Good Morning!  It is November 4, 2009 today, whatsup!?!  I realized I’m on vacation, with nothing planned and know that my updates on this site haven’t really happened for a while so what I am going to do it give, or attempt to give some sort of summary of the past couple weeks.  To start with, I am a total full fledged assistant, bank account, address, flatmates, debit card, social security number (well, that’s in the works), and my first months pay!  Legit, right?  So I am currently sitting in my room at Place Jean Mace looking out onto my wonderful Marche that takes place every Wednesday and Saturday morning.  I now have my specific vegetable man I go to, and most recently he has inquired how much I charge for private English lessons…I said I would reflect on that…I’m still reflecting.  Anyway, he is a nice enough guy and I have now made a promise to myself that as long as this marche continues I will only buy my vegetables there.  Listen to this: a large crown of broccoli, a zuchini and about 8 sizeable carrots for all less than a euro.  Its magical.  So needless to say, its Wednesday and I’ll be heading overthere withing the next couple hours.  Alright so Place Jean Mace.  My hood.  It’s a great little place with the metro, bus, tram and train all around me.  Its perfect for getting around, especially when it is foul weather.  My commute to school is about 30 minutes (including the 10 minute walk from the metro stop in Vennisieux to the actual high school).  So who do I live with?  Great question.  I live with two awesome flatmates both enrolled in a business management program here.  Their names, Margaux and Jacques-Francois (I know, so French!).  They are awesome.  Also, they talk quite swiftly and sometimes laugh mid-sentence muffling their words, I’ve gotten by and they don’t mind when I ask them to repeat what they have said.  For a while (in fact, until last week) Clement, Margaux’s boyfriend was living with us while he searched for a job.  You’d think that would be weird, or maybe a bit crowded in our three bedroom apartment…but it worked out great, I was hardly working and Clement was unemployed so we really held it down during the day.  He would always joke that while I was going to work the next day, Margaux and Jacques were going to class, he would be home ‘exercising his fingers’ with the remote control for the television, also refered to as the “zapette” in our apartment.  So as it goes, our living situation is very nice, and I feel very comfortable saying so far so good.

ORIENTATION

So now I’m supposed to know what I’m doing?  Think again.  On October 9^th there was  an all day orientation for all of the English assistants teaching college and lycee (middle and high school).  It started at 9am and was scheduled to run until 5pm.  We were supposed to get a better handle on what exactly our responsibilities are, who we can contact for advice and help, and what it means to be a French citizen.  As me what, who, or how…and I couldn’t give you an answer!  It was great to meet a bunch more assistants because I had, as it turned out, only met a handful.  There was even a girl who went to Riverdale high school who knew a bunch of the same people.  We spent the morning going through topics such as social security, salary, health care, finding an apartment, paying rent, opening up a bank account…etc.  Important topics but unfortunately the questions and the explanations began to contradict themselves and the whole morning became quite confusing.  We broke for lunch around noon and it was free for us.  We ate in the canteen of the high school where we had our meeting (an experience I don’t necessarily need to do again).  It was one of those grab a tray, glass, and silverware and chose one from each section – yogurt, pasta or salad, mystery meet and fries.  During the afternoon we were split into groups specific to our job assignments and started the afternoon learning about the school system we were going to be a part of.  To my knowledge we were supposed to be learning about how to structure our classes and how to go about working with the kids however the guy who we were working with just decided to explain the system (that was actually in a book that we were given) and he spent and hr and 45 minutes doing so.  He then said that the internet is the best resource for anything that we would need and he suggested to go look anything up on google like icebreakers or games.  Humorous.  Good news is we got out quite early, bad news is that it was quite entirely pointless except for the opportunity to meet some other awesome assistants.

Trivia At The Wallace

It seems I have chosen a place in the world that appreciates the same night time activities as I do!  I have found trivia!  However, here, its refered to as ‘Pub Quiz’ or ‘Quizz.’  It first came to my attention when my friend Kirsten came back from church with a whole group of friends who frequent a Scottish pub in the old city every Thursday to play together.  It is a bar called The Wallace (and my friend Kirsten happens to be Scottish so she was quite happy to have discovered it).  The first time we went it was just for a drink and some dinner, the second time we realized how the game was played and joined a team properly called, “Whale of Fortune” some sort of inside joke that I have not yet become a part of.  It is a three part pub quiz.  The first part is photo identification, second is a series of announced questions (about 15, I think) that are asked in english AND in french…how cool is that!  And the third part is song identification.  We were playing against 31 teams and we got second place!  We didn’t win anything but it was pretty cool to have done so well our first time playing!

As for other pub quizzes there is also one every Monday at The Cavern which I do believe is owned by the same person as The Wallace, and then on Tuesdays there is a pub quiz at The Sleeping Dog (all of these are both in French and in English).  I don’t know many of the questions but it’s a good crowd and a lot of fun…that’s what a team is for right?

Credit Mutuel Bank - Turn Left at the Top of the Stairs...

In the past two weeks I have made some great progress in getting settled here in Lyon.  Since I found out where I would be working I became very motivated and have moved into my apartment, met my teachers, and since last Thursday, opened a back account.  I arrived at the bank for my appointment on Thursday at 16h (4pm).  I gave them my name and the man behind the desk gave me directions to go up the stairs and sit and wait in the seating area to the left and a representative will come and fine me.  Then he asked, “C’est bon?”  to make sure that I understood his directions in french.  I said, “Oui, merci” and headed upstairs.  When I got to the top of the stairs I saw an office to the left with a great big desk to the right when you walked in and a round table with four chairs right near the entrance.  I sat down at the table and waited for someone to come and get me.  As I waited I looked around and thought it interesting that the bank would send me to an empty office, I mean, there could be some very important documents totally unprotected!  As I am pondering the situation I hear a laugh come from the hall way and it is the bank representative who I have my meeting with.  She waves me towards her with a rushed sort of motion.  She begins to laugh as she explains to me that I was indeed sitting in the head of the bank’s office.  She pointed out the chairs that were directly at the top of the stairs that I had apparently completely missed when I got up to the second floor.  It was a good introduction and we continued to laugh as we made our way to her office.  She said that she wouldn’t say anything, and that she just couldn’t believe that I had been waiting in her boss’ office!  We sat down in her office, I presented all of my documents and within a half hour, I had a bank account!

LYCEE MARCEL SEMBAT

The high school where I will be teaching is location in Venisseux about 25-30 by metro from my apartment.  I will be working with the BTS students who have chosen to pursue a vocation such as welding, engineering (mechanical or electrical), robotics, etc…  They have an oral exam at the end of the year and it is my job this year to work this them on their speech.  I was told that I will be asking them to do oral presentations based on a photo, article, or subject.  They will be given 12 minutes to present and then I can give feedback.  I will not be working with more than 10 students at a time.  I still do not have a set schedule but hopefully this week something will work out.  I do like all of the English teachers who I have met so far.  One of them even gave me a duvet, duvet cover, vegetable steam cooker, hangers, and a mini garbage can for my apartment!  OH! And a ride home so I could get all this stuff back to my apartment in one trip and not make a fool of my self trying to carry it all on the metro.  

Settling In.

I moved into my apartment on Sunday.  When I got here it was just Jacques and Clement who were home.  I have two official flat mates, Margaux and Jacques and then Margaux’s boyfriend, Clement, lives with us right now.  He is in the process of finding a job.  It was a bit of a mystery when I first moved in.  I wasn’t sure where Clement fit in but now I understand.  I was able to put away a lot of my stuff and FINALLY discover clothes that were at the bottom of my suitcase!  I didn’t quite know what to do because Clement and Jacques were having a conversation in the common room.  So as I put stuff away I just set up some music and decided to take my time.  That night, I hadn’t bought any groceries so I met a friend up at Place Bellecour at an Italian place for dinner.  When I got home I talked with my flatmates a bit then went to bed.  Monday I went to work.

"Tu es toujours ma fille?"

I was settling into my pull-out couch in the living room and Genevieve came around the partition to say goodnight.  She asked if I wanted the blinds shut so I wouldn’t be disturbed in the morning.  I said yes and thanked her for offereing to close them.  As she was winding the wand that controlled the blinds she turned to me and said, (in French) “You are always my ‘petite fille,’ right?”

The Last of the Soap

I woke up early on Saturday morning because I was informed that a young Swedish student was coming at 9:15 to see the apartment.  I wanted to make sure my room was in order and that I had at least had my coffee before interacting with the potential new resident of Genevieve’s apartment.  It turns out they arrived around 9:45 and to my surprise the Swedish girl had already decided to take the room.  She came baggage and all!  I told her that I would pack up my stuff and sleep in the living room so she could begin getting settled.

I could tell that she was a little overwhelmed by the next step she had just taken.  I got dressed, packed up my stuff (which wasn’t hard because I had been living out of a suitcase for th past three weeks) and moving into the living room.  I started to explain the which the apartment works, the bathroom, the front door, Genevieve…  She was taking it all in.  Her English was much better than her French so I was explaining pretty much everything that Genevieve had gone over with her in French.  She was nice, a little timid, but I’m sure a couple days with Genevieve and she’ll come out of her shell.  So Saturday night I went to take my last shower in Genevieve’s apartment.  I was doing my regular routine when I went to grab the last little sliver of my soap.  This particular soap that I had been using, I took from the Hotel de Simplon the morning that I moved to Genevieve’s apartment.  It was about the size of an oreo cookie but a bit thicker.  This last shower that I was taking was the last time I would be using that soap.  It literally disintegrated in my hand as I finished.  I thought that was quite profound that it was the soap that came and left with me.

Timing…

Time waiting for the 29 bus: 25 minutes

Time on the 29 bus due to traffic: 30 minutes

Time walking from Bellecour to Academie de Lyon Rectorat: 20 minutes

Time it took to find out I was in the wrong place: 15 minutes

Time it took to sprint down the street to the actual Rectorat: 30 seconds

Time finding out there was not orientation today: 15 minutes.

It is currently 12:42 and I am home!  Although the day is in its early stages I think it is fair to say that I need a little rest.  I woke up at 6:45am to shower, get ready, make coffee, eat breakfast and wait for the bus giving myself ample time to get to the Rectorat for my ‘reunion’ this morning at 9am.  I was successful with all of the above.  I arrived at what I thought was the rectorat, spoke to the secretary who motioned me to go upstairs to find room 520-something and ask for a Ms. M-something.  I found whoever she mentioned wherever she said she would be and was told to “depechez-vous” because the ‘reunion’ was INDEED in the rectorate building down the street and it was already 9am!  I said, ‘Merci, bonnne journee’ and booked it to the Rectorat.  When I spoke to the secretary, between my heaving to catch my breath, she said I was the first assistant she had seen that day.  I showed her my contract that I was supposed to turn up on the 1^st of Octobre at 9am.  That is what I was told by the teacher at my lycee.  So she called Monseiur Guillan (with whom I had already established quite a relationship over the phone).  He said there was absolutely NOT a ‘reunion’ today but asked for me to come upstairs to his office.  This Jean-Yves Guillin is the person who finally sent me my contract confirming my job and placement in Lyon.

It was almost humorous when we met each other because my case, special that it was, caused much “disruption” between the Academie de Lyon and Academie de Rouen.  Apparently I was ‘stolen’ from Rouen.  Oh well, it all worked out right?  

Ohhh, So BCBG!

I learned a new phrase from Genevieve.  As we walked back to the car from our ‘tres chic’ lunch at McDonalds, we passed by the store BCBG.  I had no idea that it was French or that is stood for Bon chic, Bon gens.  It is also a term that is used for older men and women who fit the stereotype of preppy, chic, posh…etc.  They play golf and tennis, bring their little dogs to lunch (at an indoor restaurant), and wear very classy clothing.  I was fascinated by this concept.           

Deux Hamburgers, Deux Petits Frites, Deux Petites Bieres..

That is correct, Genevieve and I went to McDonald’s!  It was more of an experience than anything else, and it was definitely her idea!

On Monday afternoon I had plans to meet up with a friend to unlock our cell phones, respectively from America and Scotland.  Before we engaged in some shady business over the river, we decided to stop in an Orange store and inquire as to how much it would cost for a new phone, SIM card, etc…  It turns out our pit-stop was a brilliant idea because not only did Catherine’s Scottish phone work with a French SIM card but I learned of a great phone deal that was ending on Wednesday (today)!  I found out all the information and went home to explain the logistics of it to Genevieve.  It turns out I needed a bank account, with a bank card, and a slip of paper that proved I belonged to a French bank (which, even if I opened an account it would take two weeks to process).  Genevieve being the awesome woman that she is came with me Tuesday morning and helped me get a phone (with the deal).  LONG story short I have a phone!  Anyway, that little anecdote was to introduce the rest of my afternoon spent with Genevieve.  After we successfully got the phone, we walked out of the store, she grabbed my arm and goes, ‘Let’s have a chic lunch at McDonald’s!’  How could I say no to that!  I said, “Let’s go, I’m paying!”  I didn’t think I was really going to break the bank treating for this type of meal.  We went right up to the counter and ordered two hamburgers and two small fries, the woman asked if we wanted anything to drink and Genevieve turns to me and goes, beer?  …and two small beers.  We took our tray outside and sat at one of their many tables on the sidewalk. 

After lunch we walked back to the garage where we had parked the car.  We chose to walk up a different street than Rue De La Republique and stopped at a very nice clothing store that, Genevieve explained to me, was for women of her age.  It was very trendy shop where the women inside were very nice.  Right at the entrance there were coffee cups set up, a plate of cookies, and a chilled bottle of champagne.  Apparently there was some sort of promotion.  I’m not sure if it was the clothing or the coffee that caught Genevieve’s eye but we went inside and I enjoyed a nice glass of champagne and she sipped on an espresso as we browsed the store.  We each grabbed a cookie, and were then on our way, no, we didn’t buy anything!

I'm Staying!

More to come later, but I have a job here in Lyon!
That is the great news of the day!

You're Invited:

Sara Bailin – English language assistant seeks shared apartment with (preferably) native French speakers to improve language skills and to learn more about the culture.  Looking for an apartment close to a central location (AKA main metro stop, bus stop, or tram stop).  Likes music, film, and hanging out with friends.  Enjoys discussions both serious and humorous.  Likes telling jokes, but only has a select few committed to memory.  Starting work the 1^st of October but as of yet hasn’t been assigned to particular school.  Guarantees first months rent and security deposit.  Enjoys cooking (in fact, LOVES cooking), organized, keeps a clean room and doesn’t mind arranging shared areas of the apartment. 

This is who wants and needs and apartment and has, unfortunately not been entirely successful with finding one.  The search is tough here and more often than not you are up against at least 10 other people.  I have achieved success in creating friendships with those who I have visited, awkward? Maybe.  Generous? Yes.  Disappointing? A little.  I believe it was the second apartment visit that Marissa and I went on that we met Matthieu (our first friend in Lyon) and were invited to his birthday party.  Since then I have met two lovely Italian women who, although the landlord chose Marco to live in the apartment, have continued to invite me to their parties since my visit.  Then, there is Pierre-yves and Vincent.  Two guys, very chill, living in a brand new apartment.  Their decision was so challenging that I was asked back to have another visit with them.  I brought a tall bottle of cold beer and stayed at their apartment for about an hour.  Afterwards I was friended on facebook by one of them, days later I was told they chose someone else, a couple more days later I was friended on facebook by the other, and most recently I was invited to their apartment warming part on October 10^th.  Seriously?  So I could be homeless but still have friends, not a bad deal, right?  I have made a couple more appointments for the next couple days and hopefully something will come of that. 

There Are Lizards in Lyon

           Each time I walk into town from St Foy Les Lyons I notice that there are lizards, big and little, that climb up the walls that line the small winding roads of the old city. I am secretly nervous that they will lose their grip on the wall, fall into my hair, get tangled, and cause me to jump in the middle of the street flailing my arms and inevitably embarrassing myself.  That hasn’t happened quite yet so fingers crossed. 

            My short anecdote about walking into town is relevant to yesterday, today, and tomorrow because there is a transportation strike.  I am not entirely sure, actually no one is, on how long this will last, but living in a suburb it is restricting my daily plans…  It actually took me two hours to get home yesterday from the Train station (I found one bus that took me partially up the hill).  Where was I taking the train from you ask?  I went to Grenoble!  A small city surrounded by mountains (yes, right near the Alpes).  Why was I there?  I was checking out the area because there is a position that just opened in or around the area.  Genevieve, knowing everyone and their mom, called a friend’s daughter to ask if I could stay with her while I explored the city.  It was only a 24 hour trip but I was able to see most of the city.  It is considerably smaller than Lyon and transportation consists of trams (above ground) and buses.  I stayed with Emeline, a 19 year old university student who, between high school and college, studied abroad for the year in Alaska…needless to say her English was close to perfect.  She was able to tell me about and show me around the area.  I’m glad I went to visit but as of now my situation has changed once again and I’m not sure that I will indeed have to move cities.

            

Grapes

Last night Genevieve's sister Ann, Ann's husband, Marie (her daugther), and Cecile (another daughter) joined us for dinner.  We ate in the salon and had a great time.  Genevieve's apartment was just a stop on their trip through France.  We had quite a full apartment last night!  After dinner we had white and red grapes.  These grapes, however, were bigger than the ones I have been eating for the past couple days...and they tasted just like Earl Grey Tea!  Can you imagine? DELISH!

A New Day, A New Friend?

I have been in Lyon for a little over a week and I am happy to say that each day I seem to have a new acquaintance, whether on purpose or by accident.  These rendez-vous have been quite enjoyable save for the minor choking incident the other day.  I decided to post a little message on the facebook group “Assistants in Lyon 2009-2010” just to say that I was here and ask if anyone was interested in grabbing a drink.  Success!  I have now met two other assistants (one from England and one from Scotland).  On Wednesday I actually met Jack at his hostel in Vieux Lyon and we chatted for about two hours.  He did an assistantship two years ago in Mexico for 11 months!  He says his Spanish is better than his French (and here I’m thinking…I’m only on my second language…).  We have been communicating through facebook because neither of us have French cell phones yet.  It has been working well though.  Yesterday I met another assistant (a girl from Scotland) named Kirsten.  She had been in Lyon for a week (touring around with her younger sister) and has now settled into student housing in the 7eme.  In Europe (or I think maybe just in the UK), unlike America, students who pursue language studies are highly encouraged to spend a year in a country were that language is spoken.  It is a program called Erasmus.  Anyway, we met around 2:30 yesterday at Place Bellecour (a very common meeting spot) and decided to find a nice café where we could sit outside (but out of the sun).  It was nice to meet a new person and we were able to share stories, talk about finding an apartment, and discuss things we have learned about Lyon so far.  We walked to the old part of the city after our drink and found a bench, where we sat down and decided to talk some more.  They are really nice…but sometimes I feel like the crazy American when I say how beautiful the small streets are or tell funny stories…but they laugh (whether its at me or with me I’m not sure…).  We also talked about how its funny that we have been meeting random people that we have communicated with through the internet.  Jack and I started laughing because I said, there is no way I would have met a random person as a hostel in America, ever!  It is different circumstances, of course, but a funny concept to the think about.  On that note, today I’m actually meeting another assistant from Germany.  She just settled into her hotel today but she is ready to explore the city a bit. 

            I forgot to mention, on Wednesday night after I met Jack I walked into the city centre for an apartment appointment I had made with two roommates both named Valentine.  Their buzzer was broken (and I still don’t have a cell phone) so we made a plan to meet outside the building at 7:30 and she would bring me up to the apartment.  It turns out, as I was waiting I found a young woman pacing back and forth in front of the building.  I asked (in French) if she was Valentine.  She said no, but she was waiting for a friend who was visiting an apartment.  She asked where I was from and I said “Je viens d’etats-unis,” and she replied, “Oh, me too!”  It turns out she was a former assistant (originally from California) and now is an English teacher at a private school here in Lyon.  Her friend, from England, was, in fact, visiting the same apartment as me.  Valentine came down, invited both of us upstairs and we all sat at a table together.  So picture this, two young animated Italian women, me, Veronica (the other American), Imogen (a thirty-something year old woman…also an English teacher), and Petra a student from Slovakia.  We were talking about how we all didn’t know many people so the wonderful Italian women said, “Let’s-a do-a DINNER, ‘ere, SAturDAY!  Everyone-a brings somesing”  (I am trying to convey the intonation and accent).  We all agreed and we’ll be having a sort of potluck dinner tomorrow night at their apartment.  Did I mention this was the biggest apartment I have seen in Lyon yet!  WAY too expensive but I got a dinner out of it!  As I left the apartment visit I walked with Petra, the student, who is from Slovakia, she goes to University in Whales, and spent the summer working in Bourdeaux (which means she speaks Slovak, English (with a British accent), and French…WOAH!).  We were walking in the same direction towards Bellecour and as we got to the centre we decided to get a drink together and I learned more about where she was from and why she decided to come to Lyon.  At around 9 we went our separate ways and said, “See you Saturday.” 

            Last night Marie, one of Genevieve’s many nieces, came over for dinner.  As Genevieve finished watching her program on television I sat with Marie, told her about myself as she kept asking questions.  It was funny Genevieve says every time Marie comes over she always wants to know what there is to eat in the house.  We ended up having dinner altogether.  Marie and I made the salad (with cucumbers and Avocados) and she made the dressing (just like I make at home – mustard, oil, and vinegar).  Genevieve heated up some left over soup, added some parsley and then concocted some sort of egg and tomato-something.  She sliced tomatoes, put them in a pan, cracked 5 eggs and let them cook as we ate our soup.  Genevieve definitely knows the definition of ‘Everything but the kitchen sink’ (AKA she didn’t have time to go to the grocery store yesterday).  We each had a piece of the chocolate cake I made and then Genevieve offered to drive Marie home.  She doesn’t live far away but she rode her bike over.  We somehow fit the bike into Genevieve’s small car (with the trunk completely open).  We dropped Marie and her bike off and planned a potential lunch for today. 

            I organized my room a little last night and today (still haven’t unpacked anything from my suitcase) but I feel, and it looks like, I’m a bit more settled than before.  We are having fish for lunch!

As Julia Child would say, “BON APPETITE!”

Lesson Learned: Take Smaller Bites, Seriously

On Monday evening Genevieve and I dined at her friend’s house.  The head of the family, Monsieur De France is in the textile business and they live in a large and beautiful home.  They currently are hosting two young men, one from Paris and one from California.    They live in a gated area with a pass code.  Of course Genevieve and I forgot the code, and she forgot her cell phone…so we found ourselves in a pickle.  Not 10 minutes later another car pulled up and opened the gate for us.  Unfortunately this wasn’t the only gate we needed to get through.  When we arrived at their private entrance door no one was answering the bell.  Genevieve was practically pressing the button continuously as I sat in the car.  She even climbed on top of the hood of the car three times to peer over and yell COUCOU to see if anyone would answer…no one did.  We backed the car up, went back to the entrance gate and in fact found the sheet of paper where Genevieve had written down the code to the first gate (so we could get out if we needed to).  She tried to call with the intercom system, but again, no answer.  ANOTHER car pulled up and Genevieve asked to borrow the driver’s cell phone.  Meanwhile I was watching all this happen from inside her car.  She finally got hold of the De France family and we headed back up the winding path to their house.  When we arrived I met Edouard, who, at first, I thought was the American.  His accent was perfect, his hair, face, and clothing were so French…I really couldn’t believe he acclimated this accurately…I soon found out he was from Paris and was indeed born and bread to be as French as they come!  We went into the salon and that is where I met Andrew, from California- barefoot, mesh shorts, and an American accent. 
We all sat down and had a glass of wine.  There were pistachios, cut vegetables, and these delicious hot-dog balls that had mustard seeds in them…what a taste sensation (and a little off-putting at first when you initially bite down on the nurdles inside!).  Dinner was soon ready and we made our way into the dining room.  We had roast beef, seasoned potatoes, and salade.  DELISH!  The younger crowd sat at one end of the table (I was placed at the head, en face de Monsieur De France).  Edouard was very kind and asked me a bunch of questions about being in Lyon, my job, when I got here, etc…  I found out it is challenging to eat roast beef and politely answer rapid fire questions.  This is where I learned my lesson:  I had just cut a sizable piece of roast beef and began to chew it.  Edouard asked me another question and after chewing for what seemed like the proper amount of time I swallowed so I could answer his question without being rude…bad idea.  It turns out the piece of meat was too big for my poor throat and I indeed began to choke.  Mind you, this was probably over a period of 5-10 seconds but definitely felt like more!  I kept my cool trying not to make a scene, as these people were brand new acquaintances.  The thoughts running through my head were – Oh my god I’m going to choke in Lyon, at least its good roast beef, does anyone know the himleck (sp?) here?, if I can cough that means I’m not choking right?- so I tried to breath and really couldn’t, then I coughed a little bit and the meat went down!! PHEW!  Edouard was still patiently waiting for my response and I don’t even think that he realized what had just happened because I guess I kept my cool…or maybe he didn’t want to embarrass me by asking.  Moral of the story, people can always wait for the answer to their questions and in the mean time take smaller bites…

Ode to Genevieve

I am no poet nor one to write a captivating short story so this ‘Ode to Genevieve’ is simply a recount of our past couple days and a description of who this wonderful woman is.  She is to my estimate in her 70s.  She is one of 8 children and has over 20 grand-nieces and nephews (I have seen pictures of them all).  She keeps in touch with her family quite well, in fact, she calls her older brother, a jesuit priest in Taiwan, every morning using skype.  She is divorced and was not successful when it came to having children so all the students and young travelers she has hosted have become her children.  She has pictures of all of them!  I am her newest ‘petite americaine.’  On Saturday, when I first met her in my hotel she was more than happy to take me in until I figure out my situation in France.  She picked me up at noon on Sunday, I said goodbye to Marissa and we drove to her apartment.  The elevator was broken so a couple from a another floor helped us bring all Marissa’s luggage up the stairs.  Genevieve invited them in for an aperitif for their help and we all had a small glass of a melon liquer (at 12:30pm, bottoms up!).  We sat in her living room talking about the building and how all the apartments set up differently and before I knew it we were in the other couple’s apartment to see how it was different.  Needless to say it was a completely different set up.  Anyway, Genevieve like’s to visit her neighbors and perhaps it was because she had me with her…  On our way down to her apartment we stopped at her friends apartment where I met the mother of a Lyon filmmaker who will be in this years film festival in Octobre.  When we returned to her apartment, we ate lunch (pork chops and potatoes), and then rested until around 3.  After our ciesta she took me around vieux Lyon (old city) and to two different cathedrals, one very ornate and the other ‘plus sombre.’  We took the fanicula (I don’t know if I spelled that correctly) down to old city.  There are two trams that run on the same track and right in the middle they switch and go around each other (it is imperative that they leave at the same time…or else!!).  We visited the pottery market that was set up only for two days.  We walked around a bit and then sat down at a café and we had a beer together.  For dinner we made a frozen pizza, drank rose wine, and ate grapes for dessert. 

            To give you an idea of what a kind heart Genevieve has here is a little anecdote:  We stopped to look at the ancient Roman theatre in the afternoon on sunday.  She explained to me that it was the Romans who were set up in Lyon and created the first civilization.  On our way back to the car we passed a Nun.  Genevieve asked if she needed a ride, what church she was from, and if she could aid her in any way.  The nun was early for her ride and was very appreciative of her offer.  It doesn’t phase Genevieve to help others.

            She loves wine with lunch and dinner, doesn’t much enjoy vegetables, and doesn’t consider herself much of a cook but she knows how to prepare a good meal.  We now have an inside joke about broccoli because it is my favorite vegetable and her least favorite (silly, I know).  She continues to remind me that I am ‘chez moi’ here and can help myself to anything.  She taught me how to control the TV and switch to the cable.  I have my own room but feel very comfortable hanging out in the common room.  The other day I showed her a book my sister made me with a ton of pictures of the family and she thoroughly enjoyed it.  She could see that we have a lot of fun together.  I am lucky to have found her and am glad I have somewhere to stay while I wait for news from the Academie de Lyon.

A day of, "Did that just happen?"

            On Saturday Marissa and I took our time getting out of bed, made a couple of phone calls and decided to leave the hotel around noon.  Our plans of the day consisted of a rendez-vous at the hotel at 3:30pm with Madame Genevieve Kourchid, the former host-mother of my neighbor in New York, and the birthday party at 8pm.  We decided to eat locally so we could get back to the hotel in time. 

            We sat in the lobby waiting for Genvieve.  She arrived and we sat down altogether and talked about Lyon, about my situation, and about where she lives.  It turns out she was more than happy to let me stay with her for the week, and she was kind enough to store Marissa’s two big suitcases for the week while she is in Italy.  Right then and there we packed my suitcase and backpack and drove over to her apartment in a suburb of the 5eme (I have been living out of a duffle bag so all my stuff was untouched and ready for transport).  We met one of her friends in another building and continued to her apartment.  Marissa and I decided to take the bus from her apartment back to the centre (only about a 15-20 minute bus right).  We got off at Bellecour (a central part of town) and started our walk back to the hotel.  On one of the main streets, Victor Hugo, we ran into three guys who bombarded us with an electronic scale, I know…where could this story be going, right?  One was dress in a gold gown with a gold hat and the others were just really loud and obnoxious.  Marissa and I tried to keep walking but they kept stepping in front of us.  They asked to weigh us (how rude!) and as we kindly declined they became more and more insistent saying that it wouldn’t matter because (after they found out we were American) the units were kilos not pounds.  We finally got passed the majority of them…but there was one man who kept walking with us.  He apparently was captivated by the fact that we were American and kept repeating, I’ll let you go for a kiss (again, how rude!).  He kept grabbing my arm and I kept saying, do not touch me!  Apparently there was a group of girls watching that were about to step in.  We finally were freed from that situation and actually befriended a young girl (student), who had seen the whole situation.  She explained that it was a bachelor party and they meant not harm (AKA they were completely wasted and probably didn’t even realize how silly they were acting).  Anyway, I figured, although that wasn’t a good experience it was coupled with meeting a really nice stranger on the street who was able to explain the situation and reassure us that it was not an everyday thing.  Marissa and I just looked at each other after the entire fiasco and just started laughing, it was one more story that would shape our experience in Lyon.

            We rested a bit in the hotel room before we left for the birthday party.  We decided (because of what we knew of American birthday parties) that we would have dinner before then head over ‘fashionably late.’  We took the metro up to the 4eme (near Matthieu’s apartment) and chose to eat at Café des Voyageurs.  Like a true francaise I ordered a hamburger!  We had a wonderful waiter and the food was delicious.  The restaurant was packed because there was a futbol (soccer) game on.  I am quickly realizing I should start following futbol so I’m ready to participate in sports discussions.  As we finished eating we looked at our watches and it was nearly 8:30pm.  We decided to ask for the check and hustle over to the party.  I told Marissa it could go one of two ways, either there are a bunch of people there talking, drinking, and laughing and we will blend right in or everyone will be sitting down chatting and we will be the Americans who are blatantly late.  Well it wasn’t quite either situation…we were actually the first ones there.  As we walked into the common area and there was a table full of food and drinks…  Well now we know how a party is conducted here.  We had bought a card for Matthieu saying “Joyeux Anniversaire, Thank you for being our first friend in Lyon.”  It turns out he had made guacamole, a rice/tuna/olive/herb dish, quiche lorraine, and had different dips such as carrot, celery, and pea.  We sat and talked for about a half hour until the other guests arrived.  Everyone was very nice…and everyone else brought something (dried fruit, nuts, cookies, and other drinks…another thing we learned about a party in France).  It was a very international crowd (Italian, Ukrainian, French, American…).  It wasn’t quite a rager, but we had a good time.  It was definitely a sit down party with discussion and some jokes.  We discussed the difficulty of finding an apartment and also the option of squatting (not to worry I’m not about to go that route).  BUT apparently, it is not entirely illegal to squat here and between the months of November and January a landlord cannot throw you out of a building.  Later in the evening Matthieu brought his “chair” (a beer crate) over to Marissa and I to talk to his new friends.  I think the best moment of the night was when Marina (the girl from the Ukraine) asked Matthieu how we all knew each other…  As he explained that we had only met the day before her face was priceless… but I think she soon got over the strangeness of his statement.  We learned that Matthieu LOVES film.  He works in informatique now but hopes to work in film eventually.  You name the film, he knows it.  He even buys a monthly pass so he can go to the movies an unlimited number of times without buying individual tickets.  Side note: the movies, as of this Wednesday, will be 4 euros.  We discussed film for quite a bit.  We decided to head back down to our hotel around 11pm.  It was a fun party but the metro stopped soon after midnight and Marissa had her flight for Italy the next day and wanted to get everything organized.  It was definitely an interesting night, and a great opportunity to not only meet new people but listen to French.  It makes such a different when its all around you.  All in all it was a good experience but we just could not stop saying, “Did that just happen?”

A new friend!

Bonjour!
It is saturday afternoon and Lyon is still charming.  We have explored many different neighborhoods (and thankfully my legs are not hurting yet...).  Our preferences are now the 2eme, 1ere, and the 5eme.  It is very tough to find an apartment (especially not even knowing if i'm going to be here or not!).  I am certainly taking advantage of being in such an amazing place though.  In fact, last night we went to an apartment in the 4eme to "fait une visite."  It was a three bedroom and one of the 'colocs' was moving out.  I think the whole experience was pretty humorous actually.  We took the metro up there (first time on the metro, and it is very much a smaller version of the lines in Paris and not hard to navigate at all).  We knew we would get there early, find the location, have a bite to eat, then ring the bell.  Well we circled Rue Raymond about three times before we realized that it was exactly where we needed to be.  We found the address and went right across the street to have a nice dinner.  We ate 'en terrace' because the weather was so nice.  As we walked to the apartment, we shook out the pre-apartment visit jitters, and typed in the code to enter the front door.  It was an interesting entrance with stairs that were partially outside.  When we climbed to the third floor where we found ourselves facing two unmarked doors... Unfortunately we chose the wrong one initially and rang Monsieur Betrands doorbell, he was sleeping, and explained to us that it was the other door we were looking for (it definitely seemed like we were not the first ones to make this mistake).  Did I mention he answered in his quaint boxer briefs?  Anyway, we were greeted by Mathieu, 26, who works within the realm of informatique.  He showed us the apartment and then we sat down for a little question and answer session.  It is customary in France to offer your guest something to drink (something to know when hosting, right?).  After a couple minutes he asked who else we knew in the area...we responded, "just each other."  Well, somehow we got on the subject of Marissa's birthday being on monday and then fiound out that Mathieu's birthday is sunday and next thing we know we get invited to his birthday soiree tonight!  As we left the apartment we realized we had just made our first friend!  But...Marissa did not get the apartment.  Life is so unpredictable and I guess at this point we just need to roll with the punches.
There is always the option of heading to a cafe pour un cafe!
Another quick update: this afternoon around 3:30pm I will be meeting Genvieve Kourchid the former host mother of my neighbor in New York, who coincidentally lives here in Lyon.  She seems very nice and is coming to my hotel.  I am very excited to finally meet her and to have someone to contact during this next week while i'm here alone (Marissa is flying to Italy to meet up with her parents until 20 sept.).  
More updates and pictures to come.
A bientot.

What will be, will be...

It is friday morning and Lyon is wonderful!  The neighborhoods have their own character but as a whole its a great place to walk around and get a feel for some genuine french culture.  The update on my situation is... I am currently waiting to see if a spot opens up in Lyon.  If not, I think I might be moving to Toulouse instead of Eu.  Today we are going to look at some more apartments and I think later we will explore the metro.  I posted some pictures on shutterfly so please feel free to check them out: sbailinphotos.shutterfly.com.

Mon Premier Jour

It is exactly 8am and I am sitting in the lobby of the Hotel du Simplon.  I arrived 6 hours too early to check in.  I have settled in the sitting area fully equipped with some sort of table top candle chandelier decorated with fake fruit, wilting flowers, and banister posted wrapped in fake ivy.  Its pleasant and dare I say, very French.  The flight landed an hour ahead of schedule, customs was a breeze, and I successfully claimed all of my baggage.  Leaving the airport I had definite ‘bag lady’ status, however, at 6 in the morning there weren’t too many people around (so my “tourist embarrassment” was at an all time low, phew…).  There was no line for the taxis, again because it was so early in the morning, I hopped in and quickly warned the driver that my suitcase was REALLY heavy!  He called over a friend who helped him hoist it into the back of the van.  He was very nice, asked if I spoke French and I replied yes.  I realized that if you introduce your French knowledge as “un peu” you are bound to impress if you know more than “je m’appelle Sara.”  As we began our drive (which took a little less than an hour) he put on some music.  We started out with the radio and after discussing that we both liked music he put on a guitar CD.  I asked if he played but he explained he only had a passion for it.  We began to listen to the music, he asked what genre of music I like…I said I liked all different kinds of genres.  He then began to quiz me on the instrumentals, which included Bruce Springsteen, Phil Collins, Lionel Richie, The Beatles and Rod Stewart.  He had a true passion for American music and kept referring to Bruce as The Boss, rightfully so.  He kept saying, “The Boss 40 years!”  When we came closer to the city center he pointed out the venue where all the big artists come and play and told me The Boss has come to play there TWICE!  Also, U2 and Dire Straights.  He gave me his number in case I needed a cab again and he helped me lug my baggage into the hotel.  I stored my big bags until I can check in and now here I am!

            Initial stresses of the trip so far include only a couple minor details and one big shitty situation (for lack of a better term).  It looks like I will be moving to Rouen, a school district in the north of France.  This change in plans is no fault of my own, in fact, it was completely out of my hands.  I received a voicemail from the French Embassy in Washington D.C. when I landed here in France informing me that there is no position available for me here in the ‘Academie de Lyon’ (the Lyon school district).  The Academie decided to transfer my information to another school, hours north (right across the water from England, actually), and had failed to inform me of this earlier (I had an idea of this about a week ago, but have been on and off the phone trying to find out details everyday until now).  I plan on enjoying my time in Lyon and I think I will do some touristy stuff while I’m here.  I guess I’ll go up north in a week or so, maybe I’ll head to the south and go to the beach for a couple days and relax, who knows!  I was a little upset about this whole ordeal but more frustrated than anything else.  My excitement about living in Lyon has been building since April and now after finding out it is pretty much official that I have to move, is a bit disappointing.  I do whole heartedly believe that everything happens for a reason so if I do indeed head up north to the town of Eu with population 8,000 I guess I will just face whatever other challenges are thrown my way.  Side note:  If I do end up in Eu and you feel so compelled to check it out online make sure you look it up as part of Rouen or else you will be bombarded with results referring to the European Union, the city is actually looking to change its name in the coming years for this exact reason.

            Despite the glitch in my future plans I am very excited to be here with a visa and a job.  I love how everyone around me is speaking French, as silly as that sounds.  I hope to spend the later part of my morning at a café, sipping a nice big cup of coffee as I read my book (The Gold Coast by Nelson DeMille).  My friend Marissa is scheduled to land at 3pm and will hopefully arrive at the hotel around 4.  If she is up to it I think I will try and buy a French SIM card so I can set up a phone number here. 

            So, in my spare thinking time on the plane, the time waiting for my baggage, and now the time in the hotel I have realized I forgot my ipod charger, Lyon guidebook (which, If I move out of here, isn’t really a big deal), and MY TOOTHBRUSH!  I did however pack a set of 4 wisps – a phenomenal invention created by the brilliance of Colgate that has built in toothpaste and soft bristles for brushing on-the-go.  So it’s a given that I will be making a trip to the pharmacy today or tomorrow.  So, as I texted my sister this morning, I completed my first goal and that was getting to Lyon.  Now wherever life takes me has yet to be determined.  C’est la vie!

07 Septembre...last night in New York

Good evening.

Tonight I will be enjoying the last night in my room and am savoring each moment.  I am ready to depart on this new adventure wherever it may take me.

The title of this blog is a song entitled "Quelqu'un M'a Dit" by Carla Bruni.  It has been my song of summer and has gotten me ready for this much anticipated departure date.

For those who are reading this, enjoy.  I hope my misadventures will serve as entertainment and education.

From the Big apple to France's wine capital!

Bon voyage!