Category: Travel

Testing My Confidence

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Fabien returned to the States on the 1st of January. Sad face. This means I had two solid days to prepare for my placement test at the University d’Orleans. So, like a good little student I reviewed by vocabulary, verbs, listened to a few ‘Coffee Break French’ podcasts and made a solid attempt to speak in french more. I wasn’t all that stressed because I was quite comfortable with what I knew and understood.

The other challenge of the day is that this would be my first time driving the manual car and finding the University on my own. Now, I admit that I got lost but eventually found my way to the Insitut d’Francais building. When I arrived I said “Je suis la pour la (and not ‘le’) test.” (I am here for the test). Mistake aside, I was understood and instructed to follow the professor to the testing room. When I took my seat, I noticed the other students had the same terrified look on their faces. The test was distributed and after my first review, I  thought,  am I in the french class?

I understood almost nothing in the grammar and listening section, but struggled and reasoned my way though. Next, I had to write 250 words (no, that is not a typo) on the things to do in my country. Thank God I live in the United States and not Liechtenstein. I put my best foot forward, but I’m sure the essay was riddled with mistakes. And finally, the oral test – a 15 minute dialogue with a professor.

She asked me questions about myself including where I had taken french and for how long. I answered, “Une annee a l’Alliance Francais a Detroit.” (1 year at the Alliance Francais in Detroit). She replied “1 annee ou 1 mois?” (One year or one month?) Did I stutter? Well, probably, but I clarified 1 year. Surely this was because she thought my french was so awful. The second part of the oral exam was all on my own. Fortunately, the day before I had just listened to a podcast on the very subject I was being quizzed on…what I do everyday. (In french) I explained what time I get up, what I eat for breakfast, the processing to getting ready, when I leave the house, what I do at work, what I do when I return home and when I go to bed. Again, I know I made a million mistakes and had a billion “um’s” and “uh’s”, but I’m pretty sure I got my point across. I left after 3 hours, totally exhausted and slightly demoralized.

I felt like I had failed big time and was certain that when I returned for the results on Friday, they would tell me I did not make the cut. So, for the next few days, I did nothing but worry and prepared myself to take the rejection like a big girl.

When D-day came, I arrived at school early so the instructors could tell me I would not be admitted while the other students were not there. The Prof advised me I was early and to have a seat in the class room. Well, this is just cruel, I thought. The least he could do was put me out of my misery now. I even sat next to the door so I could make a quick exit once I was asked to leave. After the other students arrived, my name was the first they called. The teacher handed me a letter that said “Accepted – Level 2”. Surely this was a mistake.

The building where all my classes are held at the Universite d’Orleans

So, I played along with their sick joke and after a couple hours of them explaining class structure (all in french) and understanding 1% of what they were saying, I was told “Bon week end” and “A lundi”. (Have a good weekend. See you Monday).

The Worst Tourist in Paris

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First things first – this post is going to disappoint you. Fabien & I went to Paris last week for a few days and I may have been the worst tourist in the city. We went to see the Eiffel Tower the first night but it was so foggy, you could only see to the 1st level. We never went back. I’m a loser. Do as I say and not as I do – Paris is not a city to say, “been there, done that.”

The perfectly decorated Galeries Lafayette - 2011

But, honestly, after visiting the city a 2nd time, under different circumstances than before (ie. our luggage getting jacked from the car on the first day), I fell in love with Paris. Thank God Fabien is in Tennessee otherwise, it might be really difficult to return to Smyrna after being in this city. There’s just something so beautiful about this place. Just like Owen Wilson in the film Midnight in Paris, I love the way the city looks, at night, after it has rained.  It’s little stone streets. It’s Haussmann buildings. The way everything is so perfectly decorated for the holidays. How the cafés are littered with Parisians sitting outside because they would rather smoke than be warm. I don’t even mind the gritty metro which has a certain smell all its own. I love how things are done for beauty and not because someone wants to build something as cheap as possible. I see why it’s called the City of Lights and known as the worlds most romantic town. However, this visit was not about running around the city like a manic making sure I see every amazing and beautiful site. It was about visiting friends and spending quality time with my husband who would be leaving me soon to return to the States.

Sacré Coeur from Buttes Chaumont

We did manage to pass by a few of my favorites – Montmartre, Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysees.  Also, I added a few new favorites to the list. Visiting the Galeries Lafayette (see above) and Printemps to see their amazing Christmas displays. Canal Saint Martin where I can invision Amelie throwing stones.  And the best new discovery, the park, Butte Chaumont. I am no expert on Paris, but I am telling you, if you want a beautiful view, go to this park. From the highest point, on a clear day, the view of Sacré Coeur is so stunning it looks as though it’s not even real. In another spot you can see the Eiffel Tower. So, if you only follow one piece of advice I ever give you – go to this park. Don’t waste your time and money going up the Eiffel Tower. I mean, you can’t see the Tower from the Tower.

The China Crew

Our goal was met though. We caught up with old friends from US and China who were gracious enough to let us stay in their adorable, little Parisian apartments.

The Detroit Crew

Aside from seeing our friends, spending time with Fabien and discovering some new favorites in the city, the highlight of my trip was the last night when I got to ride in the driver cabin of the Metro. One of our friends manages a line and asked the driver if he wouldn’t mind giving us a lift. I felt totally special and thought it was super cool to see the veins of one of the oldest subway tunnels (established in 1900) in the world with a panoramic view.

I didn’t even take many pictures. So, not to totally disappoint, I included photos from this year and the last time I visited the city. View them here.

Belgium – More Than Beer & Chocolate

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Our original plan was to go to Strasbourg to see the world-famous Christmas Markets, but after we realized the journey was nearly 8 hours one way, it was time to implement “Plan B”elgium. Fabien has never been and I can’t say the country was on my list of places to see before I die, but no doubt there would be some fun things to do and see.

The Roadster

Therefore, the Thursday before Christmas we hopped in our little European roadster, “Papi Rene’s Clio” and headed north. After a quick stop in Lille to spend the afternoon, we were greeted in Brussels with Parisian style traffic. It took us 2 hours to go 3 miles. In typical European fashion, all of the metro, bus and tramway workers were on strike just in time to cause enough holiday chaos and have their demands met the next day. Our GPS joined them in the strike leaving us totally lost in the city. Fortunately, we were going so slow, there was enough time to stop and ask several people if we were headed in the right direction. A great test of my french speaking and listening skills!

Eventually, we found the apartment we rented through Airbnb. This was the first time we had used the service, but if you’re not familiar, you should definitely check it out. Basically, you rent a room or apartment from a person. It can be anything from pull out couch, a private room or your own apartment. This is a great way to travel in Europe as it helps keep costs low and gives you a chance to live like a local. In Brussels, a crappy downtown hotel room would have cost us at least $125 a night, but instead, we got our own, nice downtown apartment for $60. Not to mention, the host gave great recommendations on places to see and eat. All around, a win-win.

Saint Michael Cathedral

Our host alerted us that Brussels is more beautiful at night so we were eager to head out and visit immediately. We walked a few blocks and around every corner were surprised to find something more visually stunning than the previous block. The Belgians have the most architecturally beautiful cathedrals and know how to make a grand display of them with lights, music and sparkles. In Liz Broad’s, Travelogged website, she declares Brussels to have one of the most spectacular Christmas decoration displays in the world and so far it is the most mesmerizing I have ever seen. Here is a video of the show at La Grand Place. Honestly, I think it will go in one of my top 5 favorite travel moments.

After leisurely walking around La Grand Place and seeing other street spectacles, we popped into the restaurant our host recommended for a typical Belgian cuisine – mussels, fries and beer. I can’t say I’m in love with the combination, but “when in Rome…”

Post dinner we stumbled on an amazing Christmas Market. It was the biggest and best I have seen to date. The rhythm was gift shop, gift shop, bar, gift shop, gift shop, bar. Works for me.

Famous (and tiny) Manneken Pis. Translation – Pissing Man Statue

The next day, we woke up early and visited the city’s shopping street, the Manneken Pis and the spectacular Palace. From there we hopped in the car and drove an hour north to the picturesque city of Bruges. Famous for their canals, bridges and chocolate, being in the city is a tourists dream. All the buildings, streets and shops were perfectly cute and we spent the afternoon walking around with no destination or agenda. Before heading back to Brussels, we made another quick stop in Gents for a view of the square and their beautifully lit churches. I hate to say this, but the Belgians churches blow Frances out of the water. Sorry guys.

Bruges

 

 

All and all, my first impression of Belgium was fantastic. While I’m no expert on Europe, I view it as a laid back and underrated country. Also, a tad easier on the pocketbook than France, but what is saved will just end up spent on chocolate and beer.