French-American Collaboration

Extreme Thinness

2008-04-16T18:29:00.000-07:00

Last Blog! Extreme Thinness

(picture from cnn.com)

Read the following: http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/04/15/anorexia.france.ap/index.html?eref=edition_europe.

France is now making it illegal to incite extreme thinness. Do you agree or disagree? Do you think thinness / anorexia, etc. is prevalent in your country? What factors might contribute to it?

Relationships

2008-04-08T06:20:00.000-07:00

(half in French, half in English)

-Describe a successful relationship that you have seen (friend, family). What makes this relationship successful? How does the successful couple deal with problems? Communication difficulties? Different interests?
-What’s the difference between a casual and serious relationship for you ?
-Pour une relation qui n’a pas de succès quels en sont les problèmes typiques?
-Qu’est-ce qui est le plus important pour toi dans une relation de couple ?
-Est-ce que la romance est importante pour toi ? Pourquoi ou pourquoi pas?

La Diversité

2008-03-27T08:25:00.000-07:00

½ French, ½ English; 1 comment per topic (50 words each)

Dans une société multiculturelle, qui doit s'adapter? Les immigrés ou les habitants? et Pourquoi?

America... not a fan

2008-03-20T05:17:00.000-07:00

So after a beleageringly long flight from Paris to Atlanta, we had a four hour layover before a connecting flight to Columbia. Needless to say we were all exhausted, but we did have fun in the Atlanta airport. When I got home I couldn't find my key, so I had to break in through the back door, much like someone broke into my car over break. I had to deal with that immediately, so I was understandably stressed. Add to that two tests and a project and you will understand why I look pretty rough right now.

I really miss France already; I am annoyed to be back in America. I have been to France several times since I started college and everytime I have trouble leaving. In the future I would like to work in finance in Paris, so knowing that I can not live there for a number of years is difficult. I remember last summer sitting in Charles de Gaulle Airport after a month of studying abroad and almost two weeks of touring Paris, thinking about how depressing American life would be. After a while a stopped being so melodramatic, but I still think about Paris all of the time. Luckily, I know that I will be back next year during my study abroad in Madrid, but that is such a long time to wait. Hopefully I will get to go sooner.

Daniel

I'll Be Back...

2008-03-19T19:37:00.000-07:00

I must say, I'm glad to be back in the US. I really missed my friends and being able to talk to my family on the phone. I missed my bed and my shower and keeping my clothes in a closet rather than a suitcase. However, France hasn't seen the last of me. I'll definitely be back. I already told my parents that I want to return to Paris to study. My dad, the realist that he is, said to get a job. My mom told me that somehow, she'd make sure I got back there someday soon.

Next time I'm in France, I think I want to go with a much smaller amount of people. Don't get me wrong, I love our French class, and I really became friends with a lot of the American and French students, but I just can't handle the whole one big group thing. I walk too fast, I wander too far, I enjoy doing too many things alone to always be with a group. Plus, I'm not the best at managing time, so planned group meeting spots rarely work out for me.

Still, this trip has given me some great memories. I haven't had many chances to travel in the past, but I can definitely tell that it will (or already has) become one of my favorite things to do. I feel like I've made some true friends and that I've learned some things that really matter. One thing is for sure. France, all of Europe, any foreign land... You'll be seeing me. Someday.

Cori

Oh I love America!

2008-03-19T19:02:00.000-07:00

First off I would like to thank Tegan for sharing her cold with all of us, that was very considerate;) I enjoyed my time in France and I hope to go back some day, but I sure am glad to be home in my own bed, with a hot shower, and clean clothes! Like everyone else, I'm sure this first week back is just going to be spent trying to recover and some how force myself through the days. It's a bit strange to not be in France anymore though, I find myself still thinking in French, and everyone knows for me, that's a big deal.
I think everyone had a great time, and I'm very jealous of all the freshman and sophmores who got this experience so early in their college careers, so they'll have the chance to go back and maybe spend a whole semester or even a year there. I hope all of you do take the opportunity to study abroad, either in France or somewhere else, even if it's only for the summer, I definitely regret not doing that, although I don't know if you'll listen to me, since I didn't listen to everyone who told me the same thing when I was an underclassman. I just have one last thing to say...GOD BLESS AMERICA and thank you for bringing me home!

Kathryn

Back in America :(

2008-03-19T17:34:00.000-07:00

I wanna go back so badly!! Like ASAP!! I have to be honest, it was a little different than I thought that it would be, but great all the same. The places were cool, of course, but I loved the people we met while over there. I will always remember the frenchies!! Also I love how our class got so much closer over the course of the trip. Like before, class felt kinda cold and impersonal, but now that we know each other better it should be a lot cooler. I will miss the food, too. Well, actually, I've had my fill of croque monsieurs for now. But the patisseries...oh my god, I haven't weighed myself yet but I'm pretty sure I gained a little weight :(.

So now, I'm just trying to get through the rest of the week...it is pretty difficult considering the new cold I have and still am trying to catch up on sleep. And then the papers that are due...whatever, all the catching up is totally worth the experience I had in France. My keypal lives in Tours, so I'm thinking of going on the summer trip next year and maybe meeting up with him. And now I definiely know I'll be studying abroad there...hopefully for a whole year!! Okay, bedtime already...

Amy

France me manque!! (Caroline)

2008-03-19T17:23:00.001-07:00

Basically, I really want to go back to France...when the exchange rate improves. I'm still trying to eat like french people, having cheese with my bread/baguette or crepes with nutella (perhaps even a waffle with nutella). And today, my clothing choice was a black shirt with tan pants - I'm even dressing like the French (no color). I regret the fact that I can't wear my new scarf due to the warm and lovely weather. It's amazing how just ten days can change your perspective so much!
And of course I miss the frenchies like crazy! I love them so much! Whoever said that French people were rude and inhospitable has never actually met a french person. We had so much fun together. I only regret that we didn't spend more time together due to the fact that they had classes. And I wish I could have spent more time with my actual keypal. But I did like my host, and her adorable though entirely too playful cat, Showie (not sure of spelling)!
The only thing that I could possibly complain about was the fact that the French have a bad habit of simply standing around. They just kind of loiter in one place talking until they are already ten minutes later and then decide to go. Don't get me wrong, the talking is nice but having lived in America all my life, I have a problem with being late. Plus, after having spent an entire day on my feet, I'd kind of like to sit down.
So I love France and can't wait to go back!

C'est la vie...

2008-03-19T13:31:00.000-07:00

So... I'm back in the States. And right now, there's nothing that I'd like more than to go back to France. I'm such a wannabe Frenchy now - I'm eating Nutella and bread for breakfast, refusing to wear color, and ridiculously frustrated by the fact that it's warm and I can't wear cool jackets and scarves and such. Americans seem really loud and obnoxious to me, and I feel like our food is just disgusting. The fact that I can no longer order a glass of wine with my meal also seems strange. Alas, so goes the world.

On the plus side, having gone to France makes me think that maybe I actually was supposed to end up at USC. If I had chosen to transfer for this semester, I never would have met all the amazing people that I did, and I wouldn't have some really really good friends in France now that I know I can always go and visit if I want to. I would not have been able to experience any of the things that I did; from Passoa to Champagne to the Troyes Cathedral to clubbing in Paris to Montmartre and the Arc de Triomphe... So I'm glad that I ended up at USC after all.

And yet, I cannot wait to go back to France. I've decided that I definitely want to do the Tours program, and I'll probably end up spending an academic year somewhere in France for my study abroad. Heck, maybe I'll end up marrying a French man and raising my children there. I feel like, somehow, the US is really far behind France. Maybe it's just that all of Europe has had so much longer to get things figured out... but no matter what it is, French culture is just so much more appealing to me than whatever melange we have going on here.

But, we'll just have to see what happens. What will be, will be.

Ciao ciao! Bisous!
~Tegan

i really miss crepes. with nutella.

2008-03-18T19:54:00.000-07:00

I've been back in the U.S. for only about twenty-four hours now (eighteen of which were spent furiously Facebooking...jeez we all take a lot of pictures!), and I am definitely ready to go back to France. On Monday, I was definitely ready to come home, stop living out of a suitcase, and chill out in a room that would be bigger than a walk-in closet. But I'm already over all of that, and ready to hop on another 8-hour-plus flight back across the Atlantic, to the land of delicious bread...and cheese...and pastries...

I think that the French way of life that we got to experience in Troyes was the best - Paris, while amazing, was kind of overwhelming (people-wise) in the way that big cities are. Troyes was definitely more of an up-close look at the way that regular French people (and not just the ballers that are Parisians) live their life. And, while everyone talks about French people being snobby, everyone that I encountered in stores and restaurants was awesomely helpful (especially in restaurants, where Cori and I both got really nervous trying to talk to the waiter). I always practiced the questions I had to ask people before I asked them, because I wanted to make sure that I didn't accidentally ask the way to the nearest chicken farm instead of what time the next bus comes, or something like that.

There are some things about French culture that I prefer our version of; for example, TIME. They are never on it. We always are. Also, I am puzzled over how to interpret the bells of their cathedral in Troyes (take the first set, multiply by three, divide by the chimes of the third set, add the number of minutes between the third and fourth set...).

It was definitely an amazing trip full of crazy adventures, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

-Lydia

Listening to Renan Luce...

2008-03-18T16:14:00.000-07:00

My host gave me lots of good variété française artist suggestions and listening to the French music helps me deal with my separation from France. I'm feeling sluggish and too warm. However, now I have a vast bank of memories that I can revisit any time of the day and smile and relive the moment. Like when I fell in the mud at UTT and subsequently spent 30 minutes in the bathroom cleaning myself off (I learned the word for mud that day-la boue). I laugh when I think about how even though we were practically half-conscious during the daytime due to lack of sufficient sleep, Lara and Malia cracked jokes nonetheless while Amy perfected her "Sous le pont Mirabeau" rap.

I'm pretty glad I chose to come to USC because if I hadn't then I never would have met all the people I did in France nor would I have visited Troyes at all. The city radiates the true France that is not as apparent in Paris, and it makes me happy that the French still preserve and adore their culture despite the changing world. It seems like they live in a dream. Well, the grass is always greener on the other side. What a fantastic trip!!!!!! peace out

----Katherine Lott

i went to france and all i got was a coxsachievirus infection...

2008-03-18T13:24:00.000-07:00

So today was a pretty rough first day back- between being jet-lagged, realizing how far behind I am in classes, spending a few hours in the health center trying to get a medical explanation for my blisters/fatigue/fever, and trying to get things organized before driving home for Easter...
Even though all of us have a lot we could complain about, whether it's about how we'd rather not be in Columbia, or how annoying school is, or that all of us want to sleep all day, everyday for the rest of our lives, I am still in awe of how absolutely amazing France was and how lucky I was to have spent ten days there.
Given the chance, minus missing my friends, family, and my own bed, I would be in France right now, hands down even after having gotten some really outrageously random virus that only little kids are supposed to get (go figure eh?). I would give a lot of be walking through the Louvre right now, taking in the beauty and talent of each artist's pieces, sipping champagne with a group of friends in the country, trying to make sense of the cathedral's bell chimes in Troyes, sitting in a warm little café drinking chocolat viennois, or even being packed into the Paris metro that we all agree smells God AWFUL.
Sitting at my desk in Columbia, SC right now instead of all of those places just seems less special. Given I love the US and South Carolina for certain things (AMERRRICAAAAAA..... yeahhhh, here to save the daaaaayyyy) but the French have something going on. It's not exactly a coincidence that everyone loves France, though maybe not the French, but I have to say, on the whole, the French were pretty amazing too.
It's weird to think about missing France already, since we've been gone less then a day, but I do and I can't wait to go back there soon.

-Lara

Paris je t'aime!

2008-03-16T16:18:00.001-07:00

So... I'm a little bit slow in sriting about this one, but I've been running all over Paris trying not to think about the fact that it could be years before I see my friends again.

Friday night we went to Club Duplex with Lip, Julien, Elodie, Maelle, and a couple of Maelle's friends from Paris. We got there at about 1 in the morning, so we all had to pay the cover charge - a hefty 20 euros per person. We then spent another 4 euros per person on coat checks. Oi VAY. That's almost 50 USD.

But, in all honesty, it was totally worth it. And no, that's not because I just went and got drunk for the whole night... we got one free drink with that cover charge, and that was DEFINITELY the end of my drinking - There's no way I'm paying 15 or 20 euros for drinks. The club itself was really really nice - three different dance floors - one with hip hop (none of the french people know the dance that goes along with Crank Dat... what?!?!?), one with techno, and one that just played a bunch of random stuff (and I'm talking truly random... I'm gettin' chills, they're multiplying, and I'm losing control, for the power you're supplying, it's electrifying!!!)

Anywho. Good music, awesome company, and a night that ended with the best Coke of my life at the only resto open 24/7 on the Champs Elysées... Quick.

~Tegan

La fin est proche...

2008-03-16T13:18:00.000-07:00

I am not sure if that is correct grammar or not. I am too tired to look it up. Wow, Paris really takes it out of you; at the same time, once you go out you never want to stop and you force yourself to keep going so you can see as much as possible!! I got to go to the Musée D`Orsay today which was smaller than the Louvre but filled with Rodin sculptures as well as beautiful impressionist paintings by Degas, Monet, Manet, Cézanne, Van Gogh, and one of my favorites, Renoir. The paintings are so moving when you see them with your own eyes. Well, my trip to Paris is finished! I wish I could sum it up with some wise quote or something. Love ya France!

--Katherine Lott

last day...

2008-03-16T01:23:00.000-07:00

So it is our last day in France...tear tear. The last two days in Paris have been so much fun; I really don't want to leave. Well, I do and I don't. I wont lie, I'm pretty exhausted. Especially after that walk home this morning in the rain sans umbrella. You see, the metro station at the Champs-Elysees was supposed to run until like 2 or 3, but we went at like 115 and it was closed. So we took the night bus (literally like 3 blocks away, where Sly decided it would be good to get off). And then the walk, during which we got a little lost, etc., but then finally made it back.

It has been a lot of fun in Paris, and I think three days was a pretty good amount of time to spend here. I freaking spent forever yesterday "shopping," which wore me out. I still have to get stupid souvenirs for people...hope they're not disappointed with an Eiffel Tower keychain!! 'Cuz those are about as cheap as it gets. I just hope I have time to do this last shopping. Oh yeah, and the postcards? I'll send them out when I get home, I'm not gonna worry about that.

Amy

girl where'd you get that body from?

2008-03-15T11:55:00.000-07:00

So I do not really have the time to post a long blog because the concierge at the hotel is kind of strict about the public computer. The trip so far has been amazing and we are now partying it up in Paris. I must admit that I feel like I was just here, so I am not as excited about the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe as the others, but it feels good to be back in Paris. I feel at home here, like I was perhaps born in the wrong city. Everything essential here is to my taste: I love the style, the pace, the metro, the cafés. The city has a sense of vibrance that I don't think you can find anywhere else in the world.

Yesterday we went to Montmatre and I got lost again in the Marais district, but knew the area well enough to get back to the hotel. Today we all went on the bateau-mouche boats that tour the Seine and followed it by shopping on Boulevard Haussman and the Champs-Elysées. I am going to meet up with the UTT kids now for dinner and a drink. I believe we will be going to the Louvre tomorrow, but they have to go back, so this is the last time we will see them. I will write when I get back to the US, but for now I want to enjoy the city.

Daniel

she got it from her mama

2008-03-14T14:32:00.000-07:00

So, we have finally made it to Paris (yay!). The last couple of days in Troyes were awesome; we got to have lunch (read: champagne and hors d'oeuvres) with the governor of the region of which Troyes is the capital. Yea, we roll with the big dogs.

Today we hiked up the LARGE hill to the Sacre Coeur and looked over Paris. Even though I couldn't find the Eiffel Tower. I'm sure it's around here somewhere. Then we walked around down to the Moulin Rouge, and possibly saw Nicholas Thorel darting down into a Metro stop...We also spotted some porn shops (Supermarches d'Eroticisme), but didn't have time to go in.

The buildings here are sooooo gorgeous. I love all of the plants that people have on the balconies, and how the streets aren't cluttered with overhead stoplights, and the street signs are flat against the buildings. It's so different, and by that I mean AMAZING.

I've also discovered the French secret for staying skinny. Walk around hills all day. That should do it. Tonight - discotheque with our friends from Troyes. I'll report back after researching the French guys at the club...

<3 lydia

sights, sounds, smells

2008-03-14T13:49:00.000-07:00

I think quite a few people were surprised that I have not been taking any pictures during this trip, since it seems like everyone has taken hundreds of photos and hours of videos day, night, and all the time in between. This is mostly due to the fact I dont own a camera (or an iPod and I dont have a TV in my dorm) and to the fact that I believe that if I cant remember a sight or event without a picture, it might not have actually been all that amazing. Experiencing Troyes and Paris in this manner so far has actually made memories of past trips to Europe (Austria, Hungary, Germany many times when I was younger) even stronger, as some of the sights, sounds, and even smells have stirred up my sense memory and makes this trip even more special.
Specifically going to art museums or climbing up to Sacre Coeur today reminded me so much of being in Austria when I was younger, but instead of having to rely on my parents for language, money, and guidance I have been able to choose my own paths in Troyes and Paris, doing what I want, when I want, alone trying to blend in with the French, or with the my classmates and French friends who feel like family now.
Being in France though does mean I miss certain things about home though (Hi Mommy, cant wait to see you a week from today) but I feel like every where I turn I see, smell, or taste something that reminds me of home. I agree with Cori, being in such a beautiful city makes it feel like home, since the city slicker in me misses the pure grandeur of city life. I absolutely love exploring Paris though, since its a completely new city for me to take in, and I feel like I could stay here forever and never actually be bored. I might get homesick then, but I know there will always be something reminding me of home and the people I love in Paris, or any city I suppose, whether its looking at the city line from Sacre Coeur and remembering being at the castles in Salzburg with my mom, seeing a city park in Paris and remembering afternoons in the park with my dad in Vienna, eating chocolate mousse in a cafe and remembering a time my best friend and I failed horribly trying to make the same dessert, or finding that lots of French women wear Chanel No. 5, my grandmothers favorite perfume. All of those sights, smells, and sounds bring my heart home, though my mind is wondering somewhere in the streets of Paris.

Sorry that was so long though...

Lara

Mon dieu je suis à Paris!!!

2008-03-14T11:01:00.000-07:00

I was quite sad to leave Troyes and I hope no one caught me tearing up as we left on the train to Paris. Yet more delights are in store for us because we have arrived in the brilliant, grand city of Paris! The hotel is the perfect size and everyone had a chance to rest up before we go out tonight. This afternoon I got to visit Monmartre! We climbed the stairs and gazed out at the wonders of Paris. We then passed by the famous Moulin Rouge and a risqué boulevard!

I have already explored around the neighborhood where we are staying and I have found that there are so many more glories of France that I have yet to uncover. Hopefully tomorrow we can see the Musée D`Orsay and some picturesque gardens. I feel so lucky that I am travelling with a native French and also Daniel, who is quite familiar with this city. I`m off to find a good yet not too pricey French restaurant near Notre Dame!

Katherine

I`m in Paris!!!

2008-03-14T10:04:00.000-07:00

I must say, carrying our bags through the metro and the train station wasn`t half as bad as I thought it would be. Although that could have been due to the fact that I carried Lara`s bags and she carried mine because I could barely lift them. Oh well...
Paris is amazing! I loved Troyes so much, but the students there said it gets really boring sometimes. I don`t think I would ever get bored in Paris. Besides the fact that I don`t exactly speak or understand the language fluently, I feel like I`m right at home here. All the buildings are just gorgeous and I love big cities. And plus, today it rained just for a few minutes. I feel like even if it had rained all day, though, I still would be having the time of my life. Things like the rain and the cold and all the walking we do don`t bother me at all. I just feel so lucky to be here! I wish all my friends and family were here to see the things I get to see. Today, I visited the Sacre Coeur and the Moulin Rouge and then just walked around a while. I`m exhausted right now, but it`s totally worth it and I can`t wait for the club tonight!
Can anybody guess what I`m going to be doing all day tomorrow... SHOPPING! All day I hope.

P.S. I`m seriously considering chopping off all my hair. Well atleast up to my shoulders. Any thoughts...

What's the deal with all the BOOZE?

2008-03-12T12:04:00.001-07:00

Today was another busy, cold, and wet day here in Troyes. We went to visit the CRS, the national police of France, and it wasn't terribly interesting for me because I couldn't hear what the guide was saying most of the time, even if I could understand him. Last night we had a "BBQ" at UTT and we talked about how strange it was that they were able to have wine and beer at school, but then we went to the CRS and saw that they had a bar in the police station and quite a few police officers were drinking at 10 am! That was a bit disconcerting for me, that and the fact that they wanted to show us all the guns they have, but they kept all of them pointed at "les americains" the whole time!
After the CRS, we had a meeting with the man who is essentially the governor of the region, and surprise surprise more booze! They had champagne for us but the governor was drinking scotch, at noon, while at work. Today was the first day that we really got to eat lunch together outside of the UTT cafeteria, and I am surprised at what a good deal most meals are here. We all got a sandwich on a whole bagette, with a big dessert, and a drink for 4 euros!
Finally we went to the champagne cave, and by then everyone was already exhausted. We had a short tour of the "cave", but most people were so tired that it wasn't as interesting as we thought it'd be. The champagne was much better than the stuff they served us at noon and very reasonably priced, but most people didn't want to taste more than one or two types because we've just been around too much alcohol. I'd like to say that when we get back to the US no one will want to even smell alcohol, but I don't think that's true. I don't want my trip here to end, but I am very excited to get home, to my bed, clean clothes, hot showers, and the warm weather!

Kathryn

Another wonderful day in France (caroline)

2008-03-11T09:39:00.000-07:00

Not much to say since the last entry. We had a blast today, shopping and rock climbing - Nils was like a squirrel and the teacher hung from the wall like a bat! We also had a cool time talking to new french students. One thing that is good to know for future trips - get euros well in advance b/c they have to be mailed or become comfortable withdrawing lots of cash from an ATM. All the banks close aroung noon for about a two hour lunch and that is usually the only time you will have for changing cash to euros.
Yesterday, We went on a tour of Lacoste and it was so loud we couldn't hear the tour guide. That and I'm sad we didn't get any free gifts. :( But we had fun the rest of the day, hanging out and stuff. Ahd then ze did the presentation and it went well enough. Note - I hate this keyboard!!! Where's the stupid apostrophe?!! - anyway...looking forward to Paris but will miss everyone terribly when I go home!

Le week-end

2008-03-10T06:08:00.000-07:00

I'd just like to take this moment to say that I am ridiculously addicted to the internet. I haven't checked my facebook in like 2 days and I was freaking out.

Anyways, now that I'm done complaining... The Weekend. Saturday we went on a tour of Troyes, did a little shopping, and went to the fair, where we proceeded to spend 6 euros trying to win a stuffed bondage bear from one of those claw games. It was totally ridiculous. I also discovered a machine that dishes out hot cocoa and cappucinos - it drops down the cup and then fills it up for you. Pretty freaking sweet. Saturday night, Ali hosted a party at his house, which was really fun. We danced some techtonik (sp?) but there were some guys there that were really really good at it; I'm pretty sure they thought our style of dancing was completely ridiculous. Tant pis.

Sunday we slept in really really late, and then went to a musical performance at the cathedral. We had some chocolat viennois at a really nice local bar, and then went to Nils' friend's apartment for his birthday party. As Daniel would say; tot fab!!!

~Tegan

HEY, I AM TRYING TO POST MAN, CHILLLLL OUT

2008-03-10T05:57:00.000-07:00

so i know enough people have talked about how hard it is to use french keyboards, but seriously for someone who types as fast as i do normally, having to constantly look at the keyboard is ridiculously annoying... but anyway, i cant actually complain about anything else because france has been so much fun. i mean dont get me wrong its freezing and i can almost never find my keypals house and when i can find it i cant unlock the door... but i am having so much fun and the people here are amazing.

one of the best stories yet is last night all of us (americans and french hosts alike) went to this boys house because it was Nils's birthday and we were all speaking in french to our hosts and their friends and they would reply to us in english. we hardly ever spoke english at all but when did i noticed that all of us were speaking english with french accents which was pretty random but awesome. ALSO it took me maybe four hours to find the actual toilet in my hosts house... random, story but pretty funny.

-LARA GRANTHAM

First Weekend in France

2008-03-10T05:51:00.000-07:00

So Troyes is exactly what I thought it would be. Little cobblestone streets, little houses and buildings that are like 200 years old, little bread and chocolate shops everywhere, and little old ladies with berets walking their little dogs. You get the idea. I am absolutely in love with the city and to my delightful surprise, the shopping is not as ridiculously expensive as I thought it would be. The only things I don't like are the fact that any drink, including water, comes in a glass about the size of a shotglass, and every building is just as cold inside as the weather is outside. I have to wear tights underneath my sweatpants every night when I go to bed, but it's really not that bad because I've been too tired every night to change out of them anyways.
Everything we've done so far has been so fun. Despite the loop of techno music that never stops playing, the nights have probably been the best. I have been staying with Nils, and yesterday was his birthday, so his friend had a party at his house. Lets just say that by the end of the night, Nils had permanent marker all over himself and his shirt was nowhere to be found. But, it was definitely a lot of fun!! Everyone is so nice to us, but I feel really dumb because it's so hard for me to understand the French people. I feel like my speaking skills are really improving but not my listening skills. Oh well, Troyes is still awesome.
Cori

Lacoste Tour

2008-03-10T05:45:00.000-07:00

We went on a tour of the Lacoste factory at around 10:00 this morning. Pretty much everybody was tired from Nils' birthday party last night. Personally I was exhausted because my mom called me at 2:30 last night to work out a bank transfer. I forgot the pin number to my Charles Schwab checking account so I have been operating without any money, but fortunetely I have another with Bank of America, but I digress. The tour was interesting, but the guide was far too into pricing systems and production methods. I am an accounting major, so naturally I found it interesting, but I am pretty sure everybody else was thinking about lunch.

There is a cyclone tropical (hurricane) outside maintenant, so I guess we will be playing on Facebook until we give out presentations tonight. I am going to talk about USC sports which I think is very fitting. It should be fun.

A la prochaine,

Daniel

2008-03-10T05:39:00.000-07:00

So...yeah I hate the keyboards here!!! Its so freaking hard to write anything...ok so its been really good so far. My keypal is sometimes too nice, i think. I'll be like, "So, what do you want to do?" and he's always like "whatever you want." And Kathryn and I cooked a meal for some of them and were going to pay for everything but he tricked me and wrote a check before i could swipe the card. But I have a plan!!!!! However, there's a pretty good news... I have finally a new boyfriend ! I think my friends will be very jealous when I'll come back I'll tell them I have a french boyfriend !!!! (yeah, so he was watching me and wrote that last little bit).

So the parties here are pretty fun too, kinda hilarious actually. Like, last night it was Nils's 21st birthday and he decided he would tie his shirt up like a bikini top and try to sing and dance like Britney Spears. And Greg showed up last night as well, but surprisingly didn't flirt with every girl he saw. Actually, a little, but not too much. The Lacoste factory was actually kinda boring, I won't lie...sorta interesting, yeah but the dude was talking like 80 mph and really quietly, so whatever. We have like hours of free time now so were just facebooking and stuff. Yay for France!!! And for trying to teach them homedizzle and stuff like that...

Amy

Sans internet (caroline)

2008-03-10T05:35:00.001-07:00

Okay, I've been in withdrawal due to the lack of internet, but more than that, I lack sleep! We got off the plane the first day/night and we immediately went to a chocolate factory! I would have enjoyed it better but I was soooo tired. But there was soo much chocolate - I think my lungs were coated in chocolate. You should see the huge gift bags we got! And I ate a piece that had a cherry inside, and it turned out to be alcoholic - it was interesting and kinda strong. But I got to take a ride in a forklift thing - it was fun!
I really like my host Marion. She's really nice and she doesn't speak much french so I can practice a lot. And she has a cat named Showie! For two night though I roomed with Mael - love her too - because Marion had to got visit her father. So far, the class has gone on an iteresting tour of Troyes and eaten at a really cool resturant called L'Odessyee. We had also a boring visit to the Lacoste factory but we made up for it with a birthday party for Nils!! So basically, I love france and the french and want to stay an extra month, or more!!!

Thoughts from Kathryn

2008-03-10T05:34:00.000-07:00

We've all survived our first weekend in France, YAY! There are so many different things to get used to! Lydia commented on the tour of the chocolate factory, I think we all would have enjoyed it much more if we hadn't been so tired. I think we've all resigned ourselves to the fact that we're pretty much going to be exhausted for most of the trip, because there are so many things to do, and just staying warm is a task in itself.
The thing I've enjoyed the most so far is the comroderie, between the american students, us and our hosts, and just other french students. They all seem very interested in us, and even those of us who don't have the strongest French are able to communicate well with our hosts and other students who may speak very little english. We are all very similar despite the fact that we come from different cultures. It's hard to believe that our trip is almost half over already!

Un jour de méditation

2008-03-09T11:51:00.000-07:00

This morning I had the opportunity to visit a contemporary church service hosted by an English professor named Miss Whitechurch. It was very similar to a contemporary service in America except we sang in French! After the service Mrs. Whitechurch had some of the group over to her house for lunch and I met two Hungarian students who are studying business at the school of commerce in Troyes. Perhaps I can return and study business here! I also met two Americans from Ohio who are teaching French in Paris and Remilly-sur-Seine and an English bloke who is studying here in Troyes. You wouldn't believe what we ate for lunch!!! It was a real French Sunday lunch--apératif (I tried the wonderful cider of the region), coq au vin with mashed potatoes, steamed carrots and cabbage, bread, red wine; we then had a plate of cheeses (chèvre, camembert, comté, bleu d'Angleterre, and then a dessert of clafoutis and then coffee and chocolates.

I ate so well and even though I ate a lot of food I never had the "gross I'm so full" feeling. After our 3 hr lunch we went to the cathedral of Troyes and listened to a meditative sermon and savored an organist's performance of 3 pieces. I'm enjoying France so much and I can't believe the people really live like this--they aren't chained to their computers, they eat so well, they are active in their city, and they have pride in their country. Municipal elections were today! super cool

--Katherine Lott

Chocolat + Fatigue = ?

2008-03-07T10:52:00.000-08:00

So first of all, this is going to take a while because the keyboard is different: who knew? (it just took me like 30 seconds to find the question mark. the @ sign is tricky too; I had to enlist some assistance on that one). We are all very tired because nobody slept very much on the plane, although we did get some nice toothpaste (which Malia accidentally discarded for soap to brush her teeth with on accident this morning in the airport...yummy) and eyemasks. I spent the whole flight playing games on the individual TV's...and I am sure that the guy in front of me really appreciated the constant poking on the back of his seat while I tried to fight off alien invaders from my fishtank on the touchscreen (don't ask...the game was fun).

Today we all went to a choclate factory, which was (here come the puns, here come the puns...) "sweet" . The guy kept picking stuff off of the assembly line and handing it to us, and then eating some himself (the funny thing is, he was skinnier than me! ah, those tricky frenchies with their fat-burning genes...). We had to wear some pretty amazing outfits (in which I apparently looked like Squidward fro, Spongebob) which included lab coats; shoe covers, and straight-up cafeteria lady hairnets. Oh yeah. Afterwards, we got HUGE goody bags which I told Ali he has to help me eat. Yum. Well I have about had it with this keyboard, and I apologize if any semicolons pop up somewhere (it's in a really inconvienent place). You stay classy, San Diego.

-Lydia

We have arrived!!!

2008-03-07T02:48:00.000-08:00

I am in the computer lab at UTT right now and it is almost noon. The group has broken up to get lunch with their hosts and we will meet up again at 2PM to visit the chocolat factory!!! Fortunately the plane ride went very smoothly and we are a bit tired but full of fresh croissants! Monsieur Thorel and Monsieur Legault were so welcoming and they promptly met the group after we waited in a stifling line at customs for about an hour. UTT's cafeteria is our base right now, and the building is so modern and environmentally friendly. We have a fantastic week ahead!

Katherine Lott and Amy Betenbaugh

Let's Get Outta Here!

2008-03-05T04:01:00.001-08:00

So, there's pretty much nothing else running through my head right now except "OH MY GOD FRANCE". Which made it kind of difficult to finish my homework last night, and I'm anticipating will make it slightly harder to pack tonight.

There are so many things that I am excited to do - tour a chocolate factory (whoever came up with this idea is a genius, thank you), eat baguettes (the ones from Panera are good, but I'm expecting better in France), and try to speak French. I am a little nervous on that last one, because I feel like I am always missing that one word in a sentence that I need to say what I want to say. Oh well. Sign language (or flailing hands around to make an attempt at sign language) is international, right?

I'm so glad that we will get to see not only our keypals, but the people that visited us in January as well. We had so much fun with them, and I'm sure that they'll be able to show us the sights and sounds (and smells?!?) of Troyes.

After my classes today, I am in total, headbanging, full-steam-ahead France mode. Nothing can stop me. Except maybe having to pack my suitcase... :)

-Lydia

France in T Minus 1.5 Days

2008-03-04T12:14:00.000-08:00

So the reality that we're leaving for France in less than two days really set in for me today while talking to one of my friends from home about spring break, as she said "WAIT. You're leaving THIS Thursday?! That's like... now." Although not really grammatically correct, she has a good point; our trip to France is no longer looming on the horizon, nor is it in a few weeks, it's THIS week. That excites me, yet scares me at the same time, as I have exponentially more clothes/random stuff in my dirty laundry bag then in my actual suitecase... Not really a good reality, since I feel like I have so much to do before I go. AHHHH, I might have a meltdown...
I'm more excited for France then anything, even my looming freakout about all the stuff I need to do before I go. It struck me earlier that I have been so excited about France for a long time, but I haven't really thought about the technical aspects of the trip. Like how the flight will go and how I will do getting by in a foreign country, even though I'll have classmates and keypals to rely on. I think it boils down to the fact that I haven't been across the Atlantic since 8th grade, nor have I even been overseas without my sister (tell her I'm a little sad about this and I won't bring you back anything from France), and I've never had to rely on my own foreign language skills, since I always had my mom or dad. I guess this is a big step for me, as an 'adult' and a French student, since I will have plenty of chances to develop my own skills and enjoy myself on this trip. I just hope I get to really enjoy France, French culture, and the people I'm around as much as I'll enjoy a vacation.
-Lara Grantham

Before the Trip to France

2008-03-04T06:10:00.000-08:00

I am so excited for our trip to France! The only place outside the United States that I have ever visited was Mexico for like one day when I was on a cruise. I have always wanted to go to Europe. The first thing I am going to do when I get there: buy French fashion magazines. I read them (or at least look at the ads) in Barnes and Noble all the time, but they are almost $20 each to buy! Like Tegan, I think my imagination might be leading me wrong about Paris... The women aren't all six foot tall supermodels, are they? I won't run into Karl Lagerfeld at a cafe, will I? Even if I don't, I highly doubt I will be disappointed. I'm having a small (and by small I mean sanity threatening) case of cabin (or dorm) fever. I'm packed, I'm ready, let's get out of here!
-Cori

Seulement deux jours!

2008-03-04T06:09:00.001-08:00

Two days left and I have not started to pack yet. This week is very busy as I will soon find out whether I have been accepted to the International Business school and if I have a huge internship. Needless to say, it will either be a great week or terrible week. Hopefully the latter.

At any rate, I have France to distract me if I do receive bad news, which I am very excited about. I have not been to Paris since the summer and I must say that I miss it. After from my time in Troyes I will get to return to my favorite city, the city of lights, love, and fashion, to visit my friends Cora, Austin, and Aaron. I know that it will take me years to truly know Paris like a Parisian, so I will try to see new sights this time, perhaps the Orangerie and Pere Lachaise.

As for Troyes, I have no idea of what to expect. I have never been to the Champagne region, so my idea of what the city is like is based purely on my memories of life in Tours. From what I hear from Samantha, I will be presently surprised. I really can't wait!

A la prochaine,

Daniel

Apprehensions before the trip

2008-03-04T06:09:00.000-08:00

I am fairly apprehensive about our trip, although I'm sure it will be a good experience. Since most of us don't know our hosts, we're not quite sure what to expect in terms of how well we'll be able to communicate and how we'll get along with our hosts. Travelling in such a large group is also makes me a bit nervous, I always worry that we'll lose someone. I am looking forward to really getting immersed in the culture, and I think this will be a good opportunity for all the younger students to get their feet wet in the world of study-abroad. I wish I would have had the opportunity to spend a semester or a summer abroad, so I'm very glad to have this opportunity in my final semester.

I am all set for the trip, Mr. Buttons and I are actually quite excited, despite our apprehension. I do not think one can ever be completely prepqred for such a trip, but I am going to try to be as prepared as possible. Here's to diving in head first!

posted by Kathryn

Just two papers and one test to go...

2008-03-04T05:54:00.006-08:00

Coucou!
I can't wait to leave for France... This is going to be a fabulous trip. I plan on eating lots of cheese, baguettes, and Nutella while I'm there... and don't let me forget to stock up on that Nutella (because I'm pretty sure it's about 5 times cheaper in France than in the US!) I'm going to have to bring an extra bag in my suitcase, because I'm planning on going shopping... classy French boots are calling my name, I can hear it! (And going to the Lacoste factory? What? I don't even wear Lacoste... but that seems like an opportunity too good to miss out on!) I also have to find something absolutely amazing for my mom to make up for the fact that I'm missing her birthday for this trip. Oops!

I can't wait to see everyone again - strange how much I miss people that I was only around for ten days. I'm a little concerned that I'll be disappointed by Paris - even though I know that it's a huge modern city (and really dirty, from what I hear) I'm still hoping for (expecting?) cute little streets with cute little cafes and lots of precious French people drinking wine and wearing berets. En fait, I'm expecting it to be quaint, which is stupid. Must disabuse myself of that notion. Ah, well, either way, I'm just glad to finally be going to France... I've been waiting for this trip for, oh, 18 years :-P
Bisous,
~Tegan

avant le voyage - Caroline

2008-03-04T05:54:00.005-08:00

I'm really excited about the trip (obviously!). This will be the farthest I have ever been from home, and my first time overseas! I will be taking so many pictures and bringing back so many souvenirs (place your orders people). Not to mention the amazing food. I am especially excited to meet the French students. The ones i have already met were really cool and I can't wait to make more friends. The way the universities work will also be interesting to see since they are so very different from those in the US. And of course there's the trip to Paris! If only I could afford the clothing!
The only thing that really worries me is my ability (or lack thereof) to speak French. I'm really slow and my vocabulary is severely limited, so I'm worried I will get lost or into a tough situation and will be unable to save myself. But here's hoping all goes well! And I hope my teachers give me a break when I return - can you say jet lag?

Spring Break at Home-James

2008-03-04T05:54:00.003-08:00

Unfortunately, I'm not actually going on this trip. I wish I was, but unfortunately I'm tied down to a debate tournament. All the discussion before going has really made me depressed since I'm going to be all alone and bored out of my mind during spring break :-) To think that I have to stay home and do homework when I could be traveling in France...

That said, I am glad that everyone else is going on the trip. I'm excited for them, and I hope that they have a marvelous time learning French. Of course, when they get back their French will all be better than mine and I'll be jealous...

I look forwards to being able to plug into whatever excitement I'll get from reading the blog and looking at pictures. The thing I will miss most is going to the chocolate factory. I went to one in Switzerland three years ago, and I know without a doubt that there's nothing cooler in the world than a chocolate factory.

So good luck on the trip, have a blast and safe travels! Update the blog whenever you can, so that I'll feel at least slightly in the loop.

--James

Maybe I'll catch a glimpse of Sarkozy...

2008-03-04T05:54:00.002-08:00

I'm thrilled to be returning to France, which represents everything a country should be in my opinion. The movie Ratatouille that recently played in the USC campus theatre especially intensified my appetite for real French food and wine and especially le pain (which I could live off of). Yes, it really is that scrumptious.
Returning to Paris will be illuminating and breathtaking at the same time, and hopefully I'll be able to see the beautiful Jardins de Luxembourg and Notre Dame Cathedral once more. Maybe M. Chabra will take us to new places that will steal our hearts, like the Sacre Coeur Cathedral in Montmartre. And visiting the medieval town of Troyes shall delight me, I'm sure. Seeing how French university students operate enthralls me, and hearing and speaking French 24/7 will be heavenly.
I have a load of laundry to do and a suitcase to fill before I step aboard the plane to Atlanta then glorious Europe, and, unfortunately, I am only packing enough for a 10 day stay. Bon voyage!!!

---Katherine Lott

Avant

2008-03-04T05:54:00.001-08:00

So...it just hit me, we're leaving on Thursday. Before I was like, oooohh this'll be fun, but now reality is just setting in. I mean, France? The farthest I've traveled is to Boston. I'm a little anxious...What to expect? I have no idea...I'm really excited, anyway. I have so much more to do before we leave!! More shopping, laundry, etc. And I have this problem of never being able to pack lightly enough. But I'm working on it (and I got these really cool "Space Bags"). And only two pairs of shoes to bring...decisions, decisions. And I have to figure out who I should get souvenirs for, and what I should get, etc.

I know this trip will be amazing, no matter what happens. I just hope I don't act too touristy and take the time to enjoy what we're doing instead of obsessing over photos. Also hope that I take enough photos. I just hope I don't get lost!! If I do, I guess I'll be able to deal with it. I mean as long as I don't get kidnapped by some French mafia men or anything, it's all good. I'm most excited about Paris, of course. Shopping!!!!! Oh, and the chocolate factory in Troyes. Wish us luck!

-Amy

2007-11-24T19:53:00.000-08:00

½ French, ½ English; 1 comment per topic (50 words each)

Les Documentaires. Les documentaires ont beaucoup de succès aujourd’hui. Avez-vous vu un documentaire ? Quel était votre documentaire préféré? Avez-vous aimé le style du film ? Est-ce que vous êtes plus informé à la fin d’un documentaire? Pourquoi regardez-vous les documentaires ?

Are you a trendsetter?

2007-11-13T10:28:00.000-08:00

½ French, ½ English; 1 comment per topic (50 words each)

What is most important to you – to have the latest and most up to date gadget or to be a tested and reliable product?

Les Medias

2007-11-06T05:32:00.000-08:00

½ French, ½ English; 1 comment per topic (50 words each)

Est-ce que vous aimeriez travailler dans les medias? Quelles qualités faut-il posséder ? À votre avis, qu'est-ce qu'il faut pour être un(e) bon(ne) journaliste ou un bon reporter ?

Qu'en pensez-vous?

2007-10-18T10:26:00.001-07:00

½ French, ½ English; 1 comment per topic (50 words each)

Quels événements culturels et historiques sont les plus marquants pour vous et pourquoi?

City Life

2007-10-08T07:32:00.000-07:00

½ French, ½ English; 1 comment per topic (50 words each)

Habitez-vous en ville ou a la campagne? Que préférez-vous et pourquoi? Connaissez-vous vos voisins? Pensez-vous que c'est important de connaitre vos voisins? Dans votre ville, que pourriez-vous faire pour améliorer la vie de citoyens? Qu'aimeriez-vous changer dans votre ville et pourquoi?

Stereotypes Explored in the Media

2007-09-25T08:49:00.000-07:00

½ French, ½ English; 1 comment per topic (50 words each)

What are some Hollywood stereotypes of Frenchness?

American students: How are the French usually portrayed in American television programs and movies? What stereotypes, either positive or negative, do people associate with the French?

French: How are Americans usually portrayed in French television programs and movies? What stereotypes, either positive or negative, do people associate with the French?

He loves me, He loves me not....... (Relationships)

2007-09-14T17:37:00.000-07:00

½ French, ½ English; 1 comment per topic (50 words each) - due Sept. 20

-Describe a successful relationship that you have seen (friend, family). What makes this relationship successful? How does the successful couple deal with problems? Communication difficulties? Different interests?

-What’s the difference between a casual and serious relationship for you ?-Pour une relation qui n’a pas de succès quels en sont les problèmes typiques?-Qu’est-ce qui est le plus important pour toi dans une relation de couple ?-Est-ce que la romance est importante pour toi ? Pourquoi ou pourquoi pas ?

Introductory Blog

2007-09-03T10:03:00.000-07:00

½ French, ½ English: 1 comment per topic (50 words each)

In your opinion, what is the value of going to the university? In what ways do you expect to grow as a student or person during your time at the university? What are your expectations for yourself personally and academically this year? What do you hope to gain as a participant in the Raison d’Etre program?

Bienvenue!

2007-08-11T10:37:00.001-07:00

Welcome students of French 209 and UTT! This blog will be updated soon!

Relationships

2007-04-03T08:25:00.000-07:00

USC visits France

2007-03-22T04:35:00.000-07:00

After thoughts on the trips

2007-03-22T04:32:00.000-07:00

Please make 1 post on your thoughts about the trips (1/2 English, 1/2 French)....what was most interesting to you? What would you change next time around?

Then include 1-2 items of advice for next year's students for the trip (similiar to the handout you received).

Goodbye! Ashley

2007-03-21T21:30:00.000-07:00

Leaving Paris was so sad. I have to say that the time I spent in France was one of the best and most memorable trips that I have ever had. That can only be because of the friends I made and the great times I had with my American classmates.

After visiting Paris, I have decided that you have to stay for at least one week to see EVERYTHING! While there, I only saw Versailles and the Eiffel Tower, and I am going back to Versailles in the summer to see the gardens. I can't even put into words the feelings I had while I was there and the great time I had.

I have come to the conclusion that I love France and the people. There were so many great things to do and experience, and I can only say that I am super happy that I know exactly when I am returning. I even want to do a semester there--just not during football season.

I miss France! I can't wait to go back!

My final thought is that I think Marble Slab should make a Nutella-flavored ice-cream, but since it is my idea, they have to ask me and pay me for it.

:) Vous me manque...to all of my friends! The summer is getting closer!

Paris Weekend, take two...

2007-03-20T08:50:00.000-07:00

So, I tried to make my final post from the lobby of our hotel in Paris...and about halfway through, the internet mysteriously disappeared, and as I was trying to fix it, the man working at the font desk came over and told me to "Leave this alone now..."...so half of a blog post is now saved under a Word Document at a hotel in Paris, and who knows what will ever happen to it!

Anyway, the last weekend in Paris was awesome, and filled with my favorite things...eating, ambling about, and crepes (note the separate category for "eating" and "crepes"..."eating" involves sitting at a table -- or picnicking in a hotel room....and crepes (or gauffres) can be enjoyed anywhere at any time). We hit a museum and did some sightseeing Friday afternoon, then, exhausted, some of us headed down to the market and boulangerie on the corner for some fruit, bread, and cheese (augmented by Nutella and peanut butter) and had one of my favorite meals of the trip from the comfort of our hotel room.

Saturday started off with a walk along the Seine and the Champs Elysees to the Eiffel Tower, with stops along the way at the Notre Dame, a lovely lunch at a little (tiny) restaurant in Saint Michel, some stall-along-the-Seine browsing, a crepe in the Tuilleries, a sit under the Eiffel Tower, a tour around a residential area beside the Eiffel Tower (and a search in vain for an inexpensive cafe...), and finally a Nutella gauffre (waffle/gopher) beside a the carousel on the Seine in front of the Eiffel Tower. As the sun came out, we descended into the metro to make our way to Julien's parents' house in the suburbs....only to discover that we were about a euro and a half short in the required change to purchase RER tickets from the machine. After trying several times to negotiate change exchanges (what came eventually to feel a bit like begging...) we managed to find a kind woman who bought our tickets with her credit card in exchange for cash, and we (Haley, Andrew, Jason, and myself) miraculously ended up on the same car of the same RER train as the rest of the group, who had started out several stops away from the hotel. Dinner was a multi-regional affair, capped off by the "Andrew singing in France" tradition. The evening ended with communication/transportation issues, but also with excellent St. Patrick's Day festivities...all in all a lovely day.

Sunday began with a walk in the rain to the Notre Dame for three wonderful hours of Mass and Gregorian chanting and choir and organ. Seriously the way to do the cathedral. This was followed by some souvenir shopping and a two + hour cafe lunch/game of willpower with a waiter (which included the most expensive cup of tea i have ever ordered...). Another trip to the market, boulangerie, and one more Nutella gauffre, and it was time to head out to the hotel by the airport.

-- annie :-)

Final Comments on France

2007-03-19T20:39:00.000-07:00

Samantha:

So we left Paris today. I loved how I could never become bored with the city, but there were a lot of things I didn't like. Parts of the city were very smelly and dirty, and most of the time I felt that I had to hold onto my purse for dear life to guard it from being stolen.

On the way to Paris I noticed the lack of street signs and directions. In the US we have signs with how much longer until we arrive to the next biggest city and the like, and in France, yuo are basically on your own. Andrew and I waited at the hotel for the others to arrive and because we were so sleepy, some of us just ate some baguettes, fruit, and nutella for dinner. The next day I left the hotel with Matt at 13h for the Champs-Elysees! My first metro ride!! Some of the stations were very clean and modern, while some others were in pretty poor shape. We went up the Arc de Triomphe, and I had no idea it had so many stairs! I had to take a breather at one point :) . We also walked outside the Louvre and went into the Renault store. Even though I love driving my Yukon and SUVs in general, I now have a preference for European car companies Renault and Peugot. With almost everyone driving smaller cars, there's a lesser chance of major accidents, and they are cheaper and better for the environment. This summer I'll have to learn to drive a manual so I can try driving in France! :o)

On Sunday, I slept in and then went to the Eiffel Tower and to Montmartre. The Eiffel Tower was probably the coolest thing I've ever seen, even though I didnt go up because of all the rain. Thankfully, the weather cleared up and I took the metro to Montmartre. I walked up the stairs to Sacre Coeur just to pass time, not really expecting to like it so much. Once I got up there though, the view was amazing and the church goergous. Finally, I returned back to the hotel and left for the Airport with Ashley.

Overall, the trip was a wonderful experience. I loved Troyes and my host and all of her friends and I really loved getting to see all the others like Alison and Fabien again and I cannot wait to go back to see Paris and Troyes again, along with Bretagne and Nogent s/ Seine!

Last Day in Paris

2007-03-19T17:08:00.001-07:00

So, I was pretty excited to go to Paris after a week in Troyes, but then I got sick. So then, I was thinking that I was going to be miserable, but the people that I was with really made me forget all about being sick and flu-y. We went to Notre Dame on Sunday morning for Mass and decided to go to bothe the 10 am Gregorian Chant Mass and the 11:30 International Choral Mass. It was worth sitting in church for 3 hours to hear the great music. It was really really beautiful. Then Annie, Andrew and I had a very french day, meaning that we really didn't do anything in particular. We sat and ate lunch for 2 hours and then wandered around for a last tour of Paris. It was really a great send off before we had to leave. I know that I will miss Troyes, Paris and all the other parts of France that we visited, but I am excited to be going home. Staying in cramped apartments and hotels and traveling in groups is really a stressful way to travel and I think that we stayed for the perfect amount of time. Any longer and I would have really needed to go home. Overall it was a great visit and a great last day!

Haley

Last Day in Paris

2007-03-19T17:08:00.000-07:00

Jason's Post the Last

2007-03-18T07:21:00.000-07:00

It is Sunday now, and I am finally getting around to doing my second blog. The second half of the trip was interesting. The nuclear power plant was interesting but too long. The dinners at Vincent's house and Julien's house were delicious. The raclettes might have been my favorite meal; the melted cheese and potatoes and meat was amazing.
The fatigue hit me a couple days ago, but I think I might have recovered from it (just in time to fly back).
Apparantly, waiting until Sunday to find a Sephora to buy something for my sister was a bad plan. Nearly everything is closed in Paris on Sundays.
When I tried to find the trading card game store that I went to the last time I was in Paris, I found a restaurant instead. Next door was a hotel, so I went in and asked the receptionist if she knew where it was. Unfortunately, she said she had never heard of it. Sad and dissapointed, I walked along looking at other comic shops nearby (none of which were open on Sundays). Finally I found one that was open and went in to ask if they knew where the store was. The store was huge, so I decided to take a look around before asking; heureusement, I found some Magic cards (although expensive).
So my friend is going to be arriving at the hotel soon, so I need to stop typing this and get there.

Paris Thoughts--Amanda

2007-03-18T01:09:00.001-07:00

I have absolutely no idea what to talk about, so I will start with my tour of Paris. Yesterday I managed to walk all of the way from our Oberkompf stop to the Eiffel Tower (think opposite ends of the inner arrondisements). That was pretty fun. I stuck to the Seine at the beginning and walked the lengths of the Iles St Louis and de la Cite. It is very peaceful there until you get to the Notre Dame; everyone goes there. Along the way I managed to see the Gare d'Orsay and the Louvre walking by. Typical tour.
Michelle and I also managed to make it to a Monet museum in the16th. I had to stop and ask for directions, but they were difficult to follow. The museum was worth it though. It is very different seeing the actual works than seeing them in class on a projector. Everyone, I got gifts there for the most part, so feel loved. Then we walked to Pont Mirabeau, a subject of one of our assignments. Getting pictures was pretty amusing, especially when we had to stand in the middle of a side street. There are some nice drivers here amidst all the crazies.
It has also been very nice to experience some of the things that people our age would do in France. It has been great to have friends close to our age, teaching them things and learning from them. I already miss my friends in Troyes and I hope that I will be able to see them again one day. Perhaps when I study abroad.
Anyways, have to go enjoy the last day.

Ditzy moments

2007-03-13T02:52:00.000-07:00

Ok, I just finished doing a interview with a French interviewer for French TV. Zut alors! It was incredibly hard! I could not understand some of the questions and I felt like such an idiot. I do not really want to know what I sounded like because I probably will not be able to come back to France without dying of shame. I will just have to trust that it will not be shown when anyone is watching.
Speaking in French has become a bit easier. I still rely too much on my French friends’ willingness to help me out in English, though. Julien is my French/English dictionary! He can translate anything for me and practically all of my new vocabulary is from those discussions. But then I forget it because I have to learn everything in French eight times before it really sticks in my brain, so Julien is really the only one getting stuff out of this experience! No, I am lying, I am learning a lot. It is just that I see how much I need to improve. I can not wait until I get to the point where I don not have to rehearse every phrase before I say it. When I get caught off guard---like the real way you actually use a language!—I have trouble coming up with a phrase. I do not want to be too pessimistic, though. I am learning a lot and I am excited about learning more now that I see how useful it is.
I am so happy right now to be redeemed from another ditzy moment. First, I threw away my boarding pass for the Newark to Paris flight. Slightly important thing, I guess. I figured out that I needed it right before we boarded and a feeling of abject fear/terror swept over my face, according to Tammy. MY ONE CHANCE TO GO TO FRANCE AND I GET LEFT IN NEWARK NEW JERSEY! Thank God, the airline knows how to handle people like me and gave me a special ticket that had a --you are an idiot--signature on it. So I made it onto the plane, where I then left my travel journal with all of my homework assignments and travel information. Then I was saved by Michelle! She found my journal in her bag this morning and I am oh so thankful that she grabbed it. Now I will not be too lost in Paris (or fail the homework due right when we get back).
-Mary

My very different weekend.--Amanda

2007-03-13T02:49:00.000-07:00

Hello all. It has been quite a while, hasn’t it? I hope that all is well with everyone. Okay, on to la France! I would like to talk about my weekend with the Couly family. Christian Couly is my keypal and his family invited me to stay with them for the first weekend in France. It was an amazing experience because it was the first real one that I had with normal French life. Families may follow different customs, but they really are the same. I felt very at home with the family, even if I could barely speak their language. I met Christian’s father, mother, brother, sister, and his girlfriend. I was pretty much thrown into dinner the first evening because I arrived so late (I’ll talk about that later). Every meal was so good. We did something called raclettes for lunch on Sunday. Lots of cheese and wine too. Christian’s girlfriend, Marion, and Christian drove me to some very pretty places north of Paris, like the Chantilly chateau and to one of Christian’s old schools.

Travelling in France has been one of the most trying experiences because I am a very nervous person anyways. In order to do all of the stuff with Phil and the students and to go to Paris, I had to take a train by myself to Paris. It was okay cause Thibaut (Dad, remember the guy and the fridge?) and Michelle helped with getting a ticket at the station and saw me off. A friend of Marion’s, Camille, and two of her friends met me at Gare de l’Est. Then Christian’s dad, Christian and Marion met us in a car. Driving in Paris is crazy! I am a terrible driver anyways and driving in France would be murder. By the way, the train ride back was no problem because Christian had to come back to Troyes as well. I will find something else to talk about later. Bye!

Love, Amanda

Yay France!!

2007-03-13T02:46:00.000-07:00

Wow… Everything has been happening so fast since we left Thursday afternoon!! There’s no way I could get it all in…Luckily I’m starting to navigate myself around the French keyboard a little better…I’ve had a few cyber café stops to get me a little acquainted…at the moment, the American class and a few of the French students are in the computer lab at UTT (from where the French students cyber connect with us every week), and the local TV station is here to do a piece on the UTT/USC exchange and our visit here. (We’ve had other media attention along the way…when we visited the little medieval town of Mussy sur seine, this ancient journalist came to take our photo in the church…apparently they had rarely had so many Americans in their midst at one time.)
Anyway, there is SO much to talk about, and I suspect that my classmates have already covered much of it, that I will hit some of the high spots and my personal favourite moments thus far.
We spent Saturday in the country – in Mussy (where we were greeted with croissants and coffee – tea, for some of us – at the tourist office), Essoyes (at Renoir’s atelier and gravesite), at Gyé sur seine (I’m pretty sure that’s right) for a tour of a champagne cave and a tasting, on the side of the road by a vineyard between Mussy and Chaource for a picnic, and in Chaource for a tour and tasting at a fromagerie. It was pretty much a day full of my favourite things…throw in an open air market and maybe a bookstore and some music and I’d have been set!! We finished off the day with dinner outside at this kebab place and a football match (which was FREEZING but still lots of fun!!)
Sunday was a little more laid back…slept late, then walked around Troyes a little bit with my keypal/host Thomas. Found an internet café, then tried to hook up with some classmates at the fair in town (much like our state fair, but a bit smaller and in French…and with nougat and brightly coloured marshmallows and crepes and…just better candy in general). We actually managed to run into Michelle and Thibaut, and headed back to the middle of town where we ran into even MORE American/French student combos, and had drinks at an outdoor café on the square. We were joined by more classmates, hit a bar, and then made our way to La Tourelle for an awesome evening full of crepes, cidre, and adventures in bilingual conversation!!
Monday started off early with a tour of UTT, followed by an English class (where the Americans spoke French and the French spoke English…go figure), and a champagne reception downtown with a French senator. We got lunch and took it to a courtyard in front of one of the many churches of Troyes to eat…then I quickly hit another cyber café before joining the rest of the group for a tour of the town.
I LOVE Troyes!! Apparently it has like the largest concentration of medieval houses in the world?! (Someone correct me if this is wrong…) Seriously…there are half timbered buildings EVERYWHERE!!!! And churches. We saw the church where Henry V married Catherine of France (yay Shakespeare for helping me remember history!!!!). After the tour we split up for a bit (got a crepe avec nutella…pour emporter, my favourite way to eat a crepe!!), then headed back to UTT to give a presentation about USC, and for the “Evening Afro-French,” (yum, plantains and beignets!!).
Okay…there’s more to talk about, but I’ll save some for later!!! Au revoir for now!

love & peace,
annie :-)

Tammy Speaks Again

2007-03-13T02:40:00.001-07:00

Salut mes amis!

I'm back for another long retelling of my life in France. Let's just say that I love France and feel right at home. Last night I started writing in my personal diary and could not write in English. Since everything here happened in French, it was so difficult recounting them in English; typing in English is difficult now, sadly. My spoken English has taken on a French sentence structure, my English a light British accent. Ironic, huh? I came to improve my French and my English deteriorates. It's a wonderful feeling when you realize that you're understanding French without having to translate it in your head. Last night, Annie and I were listening to music, and I just casually mentioned that I'm understanding all the French without having to think about it. She exclaimed that she thought it was English--which totally confused me. She and I had to ask a French friend whether it really was French.

And French ducks sound like thugs in the night-- long story as Sandrine and I were going home last night. The ducks suddenly started fighting in the water. The street was dark. The loud noise--it made us scream! We were just a tad bit startled.... okay, scared us out of our wits!

Right now, I'm at a TV interview with the French TV station. Last night was an African dinner served in the French fashion. Yes, it took another 2 hours of my life. Amazing how long they take to enjoy the food. 8 hours of Sunday was spent eating; okay, so 90 minutes was at a café, but whatever.

And the politicians here are so friendly. Yesterday we had a reception with some senators of Aube ( the prefecture here). They food was wonderful--with very good champagne. I think the French drink champagne at all occasions. At least that's the gist of what I got from a conversation with a senator.

I bought 2 pairs of French shoes yesterday, 4 necklaces, a scarf, and French novels at FNAC. I got Les Miserables in French ( 2 volume set!) I love French shoes, they're pointy and chic--just like how I like my shoes to be. (There, see, I forgot how to phrase that in an English structure--and I cant't remember!) Shopping in France is so exciting. I'm going on a shopping trip zith my host, Sandrine, tomorrow because she loves to shop too. And she is so fashionable and beautiful. She is your classic beauty. I have a feeling I'll be revamping my entire zardrobe. I do that every few years, and it's about time, anyways.

Troyes has so many churches and cathedrales. It holds 50% of France's stained glass windows, and the church where Catherine of France and Henry V married is here too. If you know English history, you understand how important that moment in history is. And I was there!!!!!!!

I saw the old Gallo-Roman quarter with the old wall, the church where Joan of Arc was, and other amazing spots in Troyes.

It's only been four days and my camera is already out of memory. I'll have to do some memory transfers...such as burning them onto a CD.

It baffles me that the French want to come to America so badly because I would do anything to come to France to work and live. Just standing by the Seine is a wonderfully tranquil feeling.

Yesterday, I gave my first presentation in French to a room full of people. It was a quite fun. Thank God for my speech experience or else I don't know how I would have survived.... and amazingly, I wasn't nervous. Speaking to a room full of native French speakers in their native language... very interesting experience. Yes yes, I forgot my sister Emilie's age. After I remebered, I had completely lost my train of thought that I forgot the French for fourteen. Just a little embarassing, n'est-ce pas?

à bientôt!

france.

2007-03-13T02:39:00.001-07:00

Samatha Smith:
Hey Everyone...or just mom and dad...

France is awesome. I plan on getting a credit card and putting a round trip ticket for Paris on it for the summer...Since we've been here I have lived in my host's apartment alone with some french keys :) and a french telephone also. At first this worried me but now I love it. Everyday I have been able to hang out with my hosts and a lot of other French friends I have met because of our stay...My host 's name is Ghita, pronounced Rita. She is from Moracco and her boyfriend Chai, pronounced Shy, is from Cambodia... We have been around to the bars; the creperies, and Troyes in general. Outside of Troyes we visited other parts of the Champagne region: An older medival town, a fromagerie, and a champagne factory. Cheese is not my thing, but visiting the champagne factory and tasting the different champagnes was AWESOME. I think that has been my favorite thing so far.
The French do not fit the American stereotype. The only thing that they do more of is smoking. Everyone I have spoke to, whether in a cafe or at the local university has been very nice and accomodating.

Tonight we will go to the discotheque. This is going to be interesting because the French do not dance in couples and and far as I know they dance nothing like american teenagers and young adults.

The stay here has been very enjoyable. I have leqrned a lot about culture qnd especially politics in France. Although I love visiting the country, I do not think I could live here. The socialism and racism in France is almost overwhelming for an American who loves her capitalism very much. However, the food is extremely good and inexpensive. The French make events out of meals, which tend to last for several hours. This is hard and different for those who like to keep busy: most of the time americans eat to move on with their lives to other things; this is not the case here. The last difference is that the cars are very different from those in the US. There are car companies here like Puegot qnd Renault that usually one doesnt see in the US. Almost all cars are small and inexpensive. Also, 90% of the cars here are manual. I would've liked to drive in a french 'rue' but I'm pretty sure I'll be saving that for next time.

I think that's about it! See you in the states...

P.S. The French allow their dogs to poop in the street. I happened to step into one of these stinky piles. So I learned Rule #1. Don't ever window shop in France. Faites l'attention à la rue!

Hello all!

2007-03-13T02:35:00.000-07:00

Salut!

I'm having a great time in France! I have been doing so many interesting things here! Friday a bunch of us met up at a bar, then a few of us went back to Thibaut's for dinner. We had pizza and pasta, and it was very amusing that the three girls were sitting on the couch watching TV while the guys were cooking. It was pretty comical - they were arguing over what to do and how to do it, giving each other directions left and right. But, despite all that, it turned out great!! Saturday, We all went and visited some historic sites around Troyes, like Renoir's workshop and grave site. We went to a champagne tasting, and to a cheese tasting. Saturday evening Thibaut and I took Amanda to the train station to send here off to Paris to meet Christian and spend the night at his parents' house. Then, we met up with the rest of the group to go to a "football" match. That was a lot of fun- those players are brutal! There were at least as many injuries as during an American Football game. After the game, Thibaut and I went to a party with a group of his friends. It was a lot of fun, even though i got a little queasy at one point from all the smoke. The French smoke so much!! But then they opened a window, and it was much better. After, I went back to Thibaut's apartement with him, his roommate, and three of their friends - David, Bruno, and Florent. thibaut fell asleep on the couch, but the rest of us stayed up and talked - they were very interested in America, and the school systems, the universities, the dorms, and everything else!! They had so many questions. I was proud of myself for being able to talk in French for several hours straight, and I only had to look in my dictionary once - for the word for "application". I was having trouble explaining the selection process for the Hoonors College, and they couldn't figure out what word I was looking for.
Sunday I slept late, then went to the fair with Thibaut and Jeremie. It was so much fun - there were crazy things going on all around us. I got a crepe with nutella, and it was so good! I rode one ride - one that spins in a circle and swings side to side at the same time. It was great - better than our fair! The rides last longer, too. After the fair, we went to a cafe, then to another cafe. We spend a lot of time sitting outside cafes, but it's fun - it gives us a chance to talk and get to know everyone better. We all got together for a crepe dinner, hosted by the university. I got a crepe with smoked salmon for my main course, and one with mint chocolate ice cream and hot chocolate syrup for my desert. It was delicious!
Monday we toured UTT, then went to M. Legaut's English class. We met with the President of the Conseil General, then went to the centre of Troyes for lunch. I got a wonderful sandwich - the Gourmet Bacon Poulet. We had a little free time, so we went shopping and I bought a few French novels that I've been wanting, then we went on a tour of the city. There are so many beautiful old buildings here, and churches. After that we came back to UTT and presented our slide show to the French students, and anyone else that happened to come to the cafeteria. Phil had sent out an email to the entire school, so a lot of people showed up. Thanks a lot, Phil. We made it through okay, a few trips over our French, but nothing catastrophic. We then had an Afro-French dinner, which was fantastic. My favorite part was the chicken. When we got back to Thibaut's apartement, we and Jeremie played darts for a while. I actually got pretty good by the end of the night! I beat Jeremie once! Jeremie and Thibaut are so funny! They sing so much - they love Disney songs, and seem to know them all by heart, and they insisted on finding them in English so I could sing along too!!
That's what we've done so far, and all of it fun. I'll update again later!!

Grosses Bises,
Michelle

Riding in a boot! (Ashley Cole)

2007-03-13T02:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, our class spent the majority of the day in the cork. What is the cork? The center of Troyes is shaped like a cork…voilà.

Okay, so anyway, we went on a tour guided by Peter from the language department in Troyes; it was long but interesting. An ADC tour…ask Andy if you don’t quite understand “ADC”; I don’t want to steal his thunder.

After the tour, we went our separate ways to do a little bit of shopping. First, Haley and I had to use the bathroom—a problem because there aren’t public restrooms in France. We had to go into a bar where Julien ordered a beer so we could use the facilities.

We left the bar, feeling relieved. Annie, Haley, and I bought crepes at a to-go stand. Alas, we ran out of time and had to meet Alison so she could take Annie, Andrew, and Jason back to UTT for the presentation. When we got to her house, she told us that Fabien was going with her to UTT too, so she only had room for two American students.

But we had five students left over, and Julien could only take four (we were meeting with Mary and Tammy for the return trip.) So, of course, I am the smallest and bravely volunteered to ride in the trunk of Julien’s car.

I now know what it feels like to be kidnapped or stowed away! I fit perfectly inside, like some luggage and placed my head on the hub of the wheel. Needless to say, it was the longest ride of my life!

I can now say that I rode in a boot! A life-altering experience.

Jason's Post the First

2007-03-13T02:07:00.000-07:00

Hello. So, we have been in France--in Troyes--for a few days now. It has been very interesting and very busy. Friday we arrived here and were received by the French students; I a, staying with Jerome. He is very nice and very neat--in the sense that his appartment is clean and everything is in its proper place. At 6 pm, I went to take a nap, and Saturday morning, Jerome woke me up at 7.
Saturday was the busiest day yet--we visited many small towns along the Seine. We went to a vineyard where they produce Champagne (because Troyes is in the region of Frqnce where they make Champagne). The owner then took us to his store/cellar and we had a tasting in the cellar. Then we went to a place where they make Chaource, a cheese. Saturday night, we went to a soccer match between Estac-- the Troyen team--and Valencienne. They play in Ligue 1, the highest league in France, but both of them are near the bottom of the standings. Monday, we had a tour of UTT, a tour of Troyes, and an Afro-french dinner.

Every night, Jerome and I watch Turkish music videos, and he translates the lyrics into French for me. I have learned both new words and an aprreciation of Turkish music. In terms of food, I have enjoyed it all, but for the most part (ie except the Afro-french dinner) it isn't new for me. The people are all very nice and it is interesting to see the difference in English skills between the students here; some speak nearly perfect English and some know very little.

Today, I finally received an e-mail from Quentin, un de mes amis francais. Hopefully I can call him tonight and I will be able to meet him when we go to Paris.
I think that tonight, we are going to a discotheque. That should be interesting...

I am hoping that at some point during our trip, I will be able to watch 300, either in Troyes or in Paris.

Notes from the first weekend.....what not to do in France!

2007-03-13T01:59:00.000-07:00

My first days in France have been exciting. I have seen a lot of interesting differences and had a lot of cultural experiences here ! Ordering things can be complicated, I have found. This morning Samantha and I tried to get two pieces of chocolate bread and ended up with four, and this was after we accidentally grabbed it illegally ! When you order un cafe here you will get an espresso shot, even if you ask for it with milk. I know because I tried twice today and got two shots that I did not want for about five dollars. An expensive lessson !
The meals here Sunday were very long, even for the french Alison says ; they lasted two and a half hours. I may never be able to eat again I am so full. After all of that, I think I can say that the food here is incredible. Saturday night we went to a football match for troyes and another city in the north. The fans really are as crazy as they seem in the american media ! They had the loudest, most obnoxious chants ever. They were much more interesting than the game. At the match I met some new people and learned an shocking lesson : if you ask a guy how old he is, he will think you are checking him out in a very promiscuous manner. Yeah, it was very awkward.
I played a little game today ; I wore lavender pants and I wanted to see what the french would do. Did they pull the -I am french and therefore more chic- card ? No ! France attacked my pants ! French mud was slung on them when I cleaned some garden chairs to be used for lunch. I washed my pants, they dried, and half an hour later a little girl knocks my hand really hard and two thirds of my coffee lands squarely on my pants. So, it was back to the bathroom for another emergency cleaning, but the coffee stains were much more extensive and I spent the rest of the day with brown and purple pants. I just finished dousing them in laundry detergent, but today may have been the last day ever for shockingly lavender pants. France got them.
-Mary

The First Part of the Trip (Continued)

2007-03-12T14:00:00.000-07:00

I'm back!!!! This is Haley. As I was saying before I had to go take the tour of UTT, was that Sunday morning I, and 6 other USC students, went to church in Troyes. It was a small church that held its services in a hotel because they do not have an official location yet. It was interesting to see that there are churches like this in France like there are in America. Church was a little long and a little unorthodox, but overall it was enjoyable. What was really great was the lunch at the pastor's house afterwards. The pastor wasn't there, but his wife made us a great, huge, french meal. She was a great host and we ate so much food!!!
After lunch we went walking throughout Troyes to try and walk off that huge lunch. We walked for a while and ended up metting up with the rest of our group of French and American students unexpectedly. We got some drinks together before going to a crepe restaurant for dinner. (Laura, this is for you - the crepe that I had was a crepe with mushrooms, onions, cheese, bechemel sauce and ham. It was so good. The dessert crepe that I had was a crepe with nutella and almonds, that was also wonderful!) I love crepes, so this meal was definitely one of my favorites so far! I also had a lot of fun talking with the students at the table. I know that we are here to speak and learn french, but it can be very comforting to speak english amongst ourselves because it is exhausting to constantly struggle to communicate and comprehend. By the time all the activities on Sunday were over, I was exhausted!

Today, monday we started off the day with a tour of UTT, then we drove to Troyes and had a champagne end hors d'hourve reception with some local politicians. Then we had lunch, I had a croque monsier (Laura, thats a sandwich of cheese, bechemel and ham) and for dessert, a pain au chocolat. We have to keep buying bottled water because the tap water is disgusting!!! I feel so dehydrated because I usually drink at least 12 cups of water a day and it is hard to drink that much here. Anyway, after lunch, an English professor from UTT gave us a 3 hour walking tour of Troyes. It was interesting, but tiring. I can't believe how old all the buildings are here! There are buildings here from the 13th century, I cant even imagine how old that is!

After the tour, we returned to UTT and gave a presentation of USC and different aspects of student life to a large group of students and teachers. Finally, after that we had a dinner of African food, which was organized by the student that I am staying with. The food was great, it was fried fish balls... it sounds gross, but it was great, couscous, chicken, fried bananas and an african version of beignets. It was all great. I liked the african beignets more than French beignets but less than the beignets that I had in New Orleans last year. That was pretty much it for today, I am really tired again today, I just can't ever seen to get fully rested here. Bye, talk to ya'll soon!

Haley

The First Part of the Trip

2007-03-12T00:19:00.000-07:00

Hey ya'll (back in the US)! Sorry if this blog has lots of spelling errors, but the keyboards here are different! I think that all the students are having a hard time with that.

So far on our trip I feel like all we've done is eat! I'm not complaining though, if you know me, you know how much I like food, especially French food. Our first full day here, Saturday, was very busy! We visited a town called Mussy that was very small and SO old. It was really pretty and very interesting. We were given a tour of the town and the local church by Estelle, Phil's very friendly and gracious girlfriend. After that, we went to another small town called Essoyes where Renoir lived most of the second half of his life, where his great-granddaughter still lives in his home, and where he is buried. After that, we stopped at Jean Josselin Champagne to learn about how Champagne is made and to have a tasting. I think that this was my favorite part of the whole day!!! We got lunch after this at a park that overlooked acres and acres of vineyards. I think that it would be fun to come back here in August or September when the vineyards are full, not bare like they are now. After this, we visited a fromagerie and saw how cheese is made, specifically Chaource cheese, a regional specialty. After ALL this we went to a Turkish restaurant for dinner. The food got mixed reactions from the Americain students, but I liked it alright. The last event of the day was the soccer match between Troyes's soccer team end the team from Valenciennes. Troyes lost pretty badly and Ashley and I have decided that soccer players are all wimps and aren't half as tough as Americain football players!

The next morning, Sunday, ... oops we have to go take a tour of UTT, I'll finish this later! Au Revoir!

Haley

Ashley Attitude

2007-03-11T15:25:00.000-07:00

The trip has been wonderful so far, and I have had a great time. I didn't get any sleep on the plane; therefore, I have been trying to catch-up...here's my story:

We arrived in Troyes on Friday morning (late Thursday in the U.S.) and were greeted by our French friends. I must say that they all are so nice! Anyway, Serge wasn't there to meet me, and Eliezer wasn't there to meet Haley. We waited with Phil and Michel. When they came to get us, the four of us, Julien (a great friend) and a new friend, Landry, took my things to Serge's apartement.

Serge had class, so Julien took the rest of us to Eliezer's house so Haley could get settled-in. Bynow, we are both very tired (très fatiguée), but the guys wanted to show us around Troyes. Poor Julien, he drove us to this great store called Carrefour, which is like a Wal-Mart with a gourmet grocery section. Somehow, the guys talked Haley and me into cooking dinner. We decided to cook hamburgers after we realized that they don't have ribs for sale or pork-n-beans. Eliezer bought the ingredients, and we went back to UTT to meet Serge.

Meanwhile, it's been like 20 million hours since Haley and I slept, and the students just want to talk and have a great time with their friends. Finally, we explain that we are hungry and tired, so we bought pizzas from this place called Fast Rabbit Pizza.

Finally, after what seemed like hours, I went to bed.

WAIT!!! There is more...

On Saturday, we had a full schedule--another reason to be tired. I was falling asleep between destinations and so was Annie...bobbing her head in the back seat! That night, Serge wanted to talk and look at pictures, and we did, but I was about to die of the lack of sleep.

On Sunday, I went to church. The service was way too long...I wanted to eat and sleep. Then we did a lot of nice things, but for dinner, all of the students (American and French) had dinner at a creparie. By the time the third hour had rolled around, I had developed an attitude. I was so tired and furious that dinner could take so long! After all, what did we have left to talk about??? NOTHING!!

To make a long story short, I hinted, rather boldly, that it was time to leave. I was so ill, and I felt bad, so I later apologized to Olivier, Julien, and Serge. Julien said that he felt the same way when he was tired; he said he liked my "Ashley Attitude"!

The Countryside according to Tammy

2007-03-10T15:03:00.000-08:00

So, it seems that I am monopolizing this blog since all my friends are too busy flirting with all the cute French boys here. It's true. The boys are crazy, fun, amusing, good-looking for the most part, and very fast (if you catch my drift).

Today I spoke so much French, that I find myself naturally lapsing into it, which is a good thing. And I made a couple French language faux-pas that amused everyone quite a bit. "Produits du terroir" = product of terror.... no! And others.....

Now, about "les WC", it's true that it is an adventure in itself trying to figure out how to flush those things. They are not dirty; they are not non-existent. All the French that I have met are very clean and more modern than many Americans. They do take showers everyday. It's my friends from America who are too lazy to shower; ironically.

The countryside: just like how I imagined. The villages are so charming; life is slow; the air is fresh; the land is tranquil and rich; the landscape is all vineyards and red-roofed villages as far as the eye can see. The champagne here is very good--that cannot be overstated. (And I discovered that I'm quite the picky drinker!) I'm so glad that my first champagne tasting ( goûter de champagne) was in Champagne-Ardenne, France. How much more perfect can you get?! The cheese factory is not as good per se. Smelled and tasted weird. And the soil where we picnicked was white!!!!! Maybe that's good for champagne?

I also saw Renoir's studio and final resting place. He lived in a small village that is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and chateaus. There's a good reason for his genius. His hometown is full of artistic inspiration!

The French do eat a lot. And the food is very good. Everything is better; even the milk. Usually, I will not drink cow milk because it has a raw taste. But here.... not the case.Chocolate in the cereal. Crackers with chocolate. Everything is chocolate. All the food is rich and tasty, but not heavy. They even manage to jazz up Fanta and Schwepp's! They party a lot, but they dance in groups, not couples--which I find interesting, since France is the land of love.

The soccer game was fun. I had quite an experience buying a souvenir. I was communicating fine until the lady asked my size. I realized that I had never learned how to say "size small". My friend Annie and I kept saying "petite" "plus petite pour adultes". We all got so confused. The lady took out all the baby clothes she had. Cute, but not what I wanted. And Annie and I were totally lost about what to do. But thankfully, the ladies were nice and understanding. I love the people of Troyes! And no, Valenciennes won the soccer game, not Troyes. Oh well. I still saw a game of two of France's best teams.

I love Troyes! It is such a perfect city for French life. America is really inefficient, immobile, and so backwards compared to here. Ugly too... Even the Rockies and California don't compare. It's true: the French are right when they say that. And I am a pure-hearted American who loves America saying this. The people are wonderful--forget the stereotype. Please!

Okay that's all for now. Oh did you know that euros are so pretty!?!? Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm easily amused. :)

Tammy's First Day in France!

2007-03-09T12:36:00.000-08:00

Hey y'all! I arrived at Charles deGaulle this morning and was immediately greeted by a hot toasty croissants by my dear friend Julien. (And a couple kisses...it's the culture) Amazingly, after very little sleep I'm still wide awake!

We drove for three hours into the countryside of France northeast of Paris. The land is so vast, so green, so lush, and so beautiful! Troyes is a charming small city filled with history. I spent the day walking the cobblestone streets and chilling in a French bar. I even ordered in French! And yes, the bakeries smell delicious! The most exciting thing was sticking my debit card into a French BNP ATM and seeing the euros come spitting out! The French people are so nice and thoughtful. But pedestrian crossing can be a hazardous event. The cars just don't stop. The weather is nice and wet: just like I have always imagined my first day in France....strolling the streets. I love this place! The buildings are actually so old that they lean.....

I had my first vodka today; just a few sips but amazing stuff. The hot chocolate is infinitely tastier also. They even come with sugar cubes! Sandrine, my host, made the best chocolate mousse today. The two of us ate the entire bowl!

The French keyboard is so different; very hard for me to adjust to. And amazingly, I'm having a hard time having to think in English for this; I think French is rubbing off on me!

Avant le voyage

2007-02-26T10:27:00.000-08:00

What are your thoughts expectations for the trip to France? What are you most excited about? most intimidated by? What challenges are you facing during your preparation? What are you looking most forward to? Etc.

1/2 English, 1/2 French - due by Tuesday 3/6

Blog 11

2007-01-24T16:56:00.000-08:00

Based on your discussions with the UTT French students, make a post on any cultural differences or misunderstandings that they have encountered thus far in the their trip -- include both your and their reactions.

Directions: ½ French, ½ English; 1 comment per topic (50 words each)

Blog 10

2006-11-20T18:22:00.000-08:00

Blog 10 - Pop Culture (week of Nov. 21-28) Directions: ½ French, ½ English; 1 comment per topic (50 words each)

La musique: Trends in music – discuss some musicians and/or genres of music that are well known/appreciated in your country – include both musical legends and groups that are currently popular.

Blog 9

2006-11-09T17:45:00.000-08:00

Blog 9 - Current Events (week of Nov. 9-17) Directions: ½ French, ½ English; 1 comment per topic (50 words each)

How well do students keep up to date with news and politics in your opinion? How do you stay informed? How important it is to you to be up to date? Which current event interests you most? Pick one and discuss it.

Blog 8

2006-11-01T15:55:00.000-08:00

Blog 8 - Leisure Activities (week of Nov. 2-8) Directions: ½ French, ½ English; 1 comment per topic (50 words each)

Imagine yourself in 10 years : what will matter more for you -- a good job or
leisure activities? Discuss. Will you be a work -alcoholic or will you work for your
leisure ? what are the advantages/disadvantages of both? How might one achieve a good balance?

Blog 7

2006-10-25T12:12:00.000-07:00

Obesity and Young Children
Blog 7 (week of Oct. 25-31) Directions: ½ French, ½ English; 1 comment per topic (50 words each)

To what extent do public schools in your country encourage childhood obesity ? Justify your opinion and provide specific examples.

Blog 6

2006-10-12T18:19:00.000-07:00

Blog 6 (week of Oct. 12-23) Directions: ½ French, ½ English; 1 comment per topic (50 words each)

Quand vous êtes avec votre famille, de quoi parlez-vous pendant les repas? Pendant combien de temps êtes -vous à table ? est-ce que les repas en famille représentent un moment important pour vous ? Est-ce que le repas de dimanche est plus important pour vous? Et les repas des fêtes ?

Blog 5

2006-10-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

Blog 5 (week of Oct. 5 - Oct. 12) Directions: ½ French, ½ English; 1 comment per topic (50 words each)

The French have been known for their anti-American attitudes and Americans have had their share of French bashing (freedom fries, etc.).W hat types of things/people do they generally react against? Why?

Read/skim the following pamphlet -- 112 Gripes about the French – that was published in Paris in 1945 by the 'Information & Education Division' of the US Occupation Forces. http://pasta.e-rcps.com/gripes/

Choose a gripe that you think may be true today and one that seems to have no truth in it. Discuss them briefly.

Blog 4

2006-09-26T08:34:00.000-07:00

Blog 4 (week of Sept. 28-Oct. 4) Directions: ½ French, ½ English; 1 comment per topic (50 words each)

What are some Hollywood stereotypes of "Frenchness" or of "American-ness"?

American students: How are the French usually portrayed in American television programs and movies? Give some specific examples, if possible.

French students: How are Americans usually portrayed in French television programs and movies? Give some specific examples, if possible.

Blog 3

2006-09-18T19:26:00.000-07:00

Blog 3 (week of Sept. 21-28)
Directions: ½ French, ½ English; 1 comment per topic (50 words each)

Leaving your parents’ house: what would be the ideal time for YOU to leave your parents' home and settle in your own accommodation? at what age ? on what conditions ? What might your first accomodation be like? How does/did/might your relationship with your parents change once you no longer live with them?

Blog 2

2006-09-12T06:39:00.000-07:00

Week of Sept. 12 - 18
Directions: ½ French, ½ English; 1 comment per topic (50 words each)

Have you seen the films Tanguy (French) and Failure to Launch (American)? Using these films as a springboard for discussion, comment briefly on your opinion about young people living (longer) with their parents. Do you agree? Disagree? Why?

Blog 1

2006-07-24T17:42:00.000-07:00

Blog 1 - week of September 4-10

Directions: ½ French, ½ English; 1 comment per topic (50 words each)

Question for discussion:
In your opinion, what is the value of going to a university? Do you expect it will help you to secure the job you desire? In what ways do you expect to grow as a student or person during your time at the university? What are your expectations for yourself personally and academically this year?

Welcome - Bienvenue

2006-07-24T17:41:00.000-07:00

French 209 - USC

Univ. de Technologie de Troyes