So, I have a fabulous Cousin in California who was able to figure out the DVr to Internet thing and, guess what... The video from my House Hunter's International experience is now online!!
Now all those in Europe without access to HGTV can see who I am exactly.
A warning, the video portrays me as a bit "catty"; in fact at times I seem like an outright Princess- they decided to cut it in that way and take out the parts where I seemed nice... at least that's what I tell myself.
Any ways, in watching myself and feedback... I've considered starting a video blog from the beginning of February (my move to Paris). Internet is such a fabulous thing, I feel like I can give advice better via a visual process.
Enjoy! (The video takes a few minutes to load)
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/kmGlwRnh7IR7NN2FaWu
About Me
- Sasha S.
- Forks, Portland, Lyon - France, Paris - France, Portland and ending up in Bellingham.... the adventures of my life!
Showing posts with label Loving Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Loving Life. Show all posts
Friday, January 6, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Inspiration from Julia Child
As I was re-watching yet another episode of “The French Chef”, I couldn’t help but realize that I was literally following in the same footsteps of “The Chef” herself. See, according to her book, “My Life in Paris”, (which I’ve only read, let’s say 5 or 6 times… until it got destroyed by a toilet flood. I was willing to save it, but the wilted cover and the reeking pages told me not too.) Julia Child has to follow her love Paul around the world for his government attaché position.
Granted Julia had about 25 years on me, a gigantesque apartment overlooking the waterfront on “Roo de Loo”, and a much larger disposable income for all of the beautiful copper pots and pans Paul was willing to indulge, I find myself coming to the end of a séjour in my own little Paris. In less than 3.5 weeks I will find myself kitchenless, gadgetless and about 200 sq ft less in the actual city of Paris.. for what other reason than to follow my Government workin’ Bri… and of course to discover new opportunities of my own… I could never be “one of those American housewives that sit around the house WONDERING what to do!” Like Julia I must be kept busy, find my passion.
What’s fabulous however is now I get to discover the “Real Paris”. My fear, however, is that the Paris painted in such a romantic way by Julia’s interpreter (she was older when she got around to talking about her life) will only leave me exasperated and gulping for air. All of the culinary delights that I would have wanted to discover have only been publicized and commercialized. I looked at potentially going to that famous Cordon Bleu, but unlike Julia Child, when faced with the price I couldn’t just say, “Le prix est peu important!” I quickly clicked the x button on that window.
Bri keeps telling me that I have a talent, that it’s more than just “You cook because we have to eat, it’s like you cook because you love to cook!”, It’s true that I have always had a passion for cooking. I remember being a toddler and crawling into my mother’s spice cupboard to stick my little nose in the spice rack. I’d close my eyes, take a deep smell and remember the name… of course there were times it was a bad idea (like the big whiff of Cayenne Pepper). So maybe this change will spark even more of the passion in my soul, perhaps I will shout from the Parisien rooftops “Bon APPETIT!”
So as the countdown continues and my days in Lyon are numbered I am trying to look through the eyes of Julia Child… I mean Julia would never have been Julia without her perseverance, intelligence, ability to adapt to any situation, optimism… and of course Paul Child.
Who knows, maybe I can become the next generation of Julia… of course it would only transpire the passion and never be capable of meeting the same level… there are just too many wanna-be gastronomes… although I would love to be the founder of the next Gourmandes, except this time for the young gourmands.
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Tuesday, January 3, 2012
House Hunter's International Tryout Video
Today (10:30pm Central time) HGTV aired our show we filmed in September 2011.
For those who don't have cable, here was our video we sent in to get selected:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5Yqxub5aHA&feature=youtu.be
Vive la France!!
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For those who don't have cable, here was our video we sent in to get selected:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5Yqxub5aHA&feature=youtu.be
Vive la France!!
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Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Noël in France: Typical Christmas Meal
It's that time of year again, I almost can't believe it myself.. as I look back through photos it will officially be my 4th Christmas in Europe. First was in a tiny town in the Eastern side of Germany, then the consecutive three were here in Lyon with Bri's family.
I realized, however, I never actually detailed a typical Christmas meal! So here goes from decadent 'apéritif' to the intense dessert.
First Course: Champagne + Petit Fours
Often a high quality champagne, well chilled, served in Crystal flutes. A typical french meal offers heated up appetizers, often snack sized bits, hot dogs rolled in some puff pastry. Some snails stuffed into puff shells and baked until tender. Christmas time marks a very 'fishy' time, while there is often some puff pastry snacks, there is also a fish egg tapenade spread over toasts.
I am personally not a super fan of the egg-tapenade, but it starts a great meal... plus the champagne (in a true French family) is usually a good quality.
Now at this point we are starting to get hungry, so the best part comes next-
Second Course: Huitres and Champagne
To cleanse the taste buds and to prepare for the evening, we usually have a basket of raw oysters after apéro. Another bottle of champagne is usually popped open at this point, and *SLURP* goes the oysters.
Raw, we slurp them down with a 'shallot, red wine vinegar sauce' or simply a squeeze of fresh lemon. I never loved oysters until accompagnied with a chilled champagne, and now I couldn't live without my shooters.
Of course... at this point we get a bit full, but allez! we continue.
Third Course: Sauternes, Foie Gras and Saumon Fumé
So about 3 cups into bubbly, stomach's getting tight, but next is the best. Some toasted brioche toasts, butter smeared and melted with foie gras.
Now, for some in the States, foie gras is horrible. Yes it's true that the poor birds are force-fed.. but it's equally true that Foie Gras is one of the most amazing things that I have ever tasted.
For those who avoid 'cruelty' we have some saumon fumé or smoked salmon, a little lemon zested and some buttered toast... simplicity!
Fourth Course: Main Dish
From this point we take a small break, usually a 15 minute digestion break before the main dish is presented. Normally this is a roasted turkey, a game animal... My favorite Christmas dinner was a slow roasted wild pig in a red wine reduction. Normally served with some time of a purée, it's difficult to get through the 4th course.. only to get to..
Fifth Course: Fruits, Cheese and Nuts
To help with digestion, usually a bowl of fruits and nuts (fresh) are accompagnied with the cheese platter. A typical French Christmas cheese is the Mont d'Or, as well as the Petit Basque.
Usually we continue from our switch to red wine, and the cups of wine are in the 10s.
We try to eat a little bit of all the cheese... of course some just give up at this point.
Sixth Course: La Bûche de Noël
Finally, after shoving our mouths full of deliciousness, we get to the typical 'Bûche de Noël', the log-shaped cake covered in chocolate ganache. I usually can only handle a small piece at this point. It's very rich and often comes in different flavors.
Seventh and FINAL Course: Digestif and Papilottes
In France, during Christmas, all the grocery stores stock up on these chocolates called, papilottes, very rich chocolates individually wrapped with inspirational messages. Around 12am we finish stuffing our face, and then out pops the chocolate and strong alcohol to help digest. A verre of Whiskey, Mar or any alcohol will do.. and then..
Well..
You can imagine. Here is me after dinner last year, no joke, I literally sprawled on the couch and couldn't move.
I realized, however, I never actually detailed a typical Christmas meal! So here goes from decadent 'apéritif' to the intense dessert.
First Course: Champagne + Petit Fours
Often a high quality champagne, well chilled, served in Crystal flutes. A typical french meal offers heated up appetizers, often snack sized bits, hot dogs rolled in some puff pastry. Some snails stuffed into puff shells and baked until tender. Christmas time marks a very 'fishy' time, while there is often some puff pastry snacks, there is also a fish egg tapenade spread over toasts.
I am personally not a super fan of the egg-tapenade, but it starts a great meal... plus the champagne (in a true French family) is usually a good quality.
Now at this point we are starting to get hungry, so the best part comes next-
Second Course: Huitres and Champagne
To cleanse the taste buds and to prepare for the evening, we usually have a basket of raw oysters after apéro. Another bottle of champagne is usually popped open at this point, and *SLURP* goes the oysters.
Raw, we slurp them down with a 'shallot, red wine vinegar sauce' or simply a squeeze of fresh lemon. I never loved oysters until accompagnied with a chilled champagne, and now I couldn't live without my shooters.
Of course... at this point we get a bit full, but allez! we continue.
Third Course: Sauternes, Foie Gras and Saumon Fumé
So about 3 cups into bubbly, stomach's getting tight, but next is the best. Some toasted brioche toasts, butter smeared and melted with foie gras.
Now, for some in the States, foie gras is horrible. Yes it's true that the poor birds are force-fed.. but it's equally true that Foie Gras is one of the most amazing things that I have ever tasted.
For those who avoid 'cruelty' we have some saumon fumé or smoked salmon, a little lemon zested and some buttered toast... simplicity!
Fourth Course: Main Dish
From this point we take a small break, usually a 15 minute digestion break before the main dish is presented. Normally this is a roasted turkey, a game animal... My favorite Christmas dinner was a slow roasted wild pig in a red wine reduction. Normally served with some time of a purée, it's difficult to get through the 4th course.. only to get to..
Fifth Course: Fruits, Cheese and Nuts
To help with digestion, usually a bowl of fruits and nuts (fresh) are accompagnied with the cheese platter. A typical French Christmas cheese is the Mont d'Or, as well as the Petit Basque.
Usually we continue from our switch to red wine, and the cups of wine are in the 10s.
We try to eat a little bit of all the cheese... of course some just give up at this point.
Sixth Course: La Bûche de Noël
Finally, after shoving our mouths full of deliciousness, we get to the typical 'Bûche de Noël', the log-shaped cake covered in chocolate ganache. I usually can only handle a small piece at this point. It's very rich and often comes in different flavors.
Seventh and FINAL Course: Digestif and Papilottes
In France, during Christmas, all the grocery stores stock up on these chocolates called, papilottes, very rich chocolates individually wrapped with inspirational messages. Around 12am we finish stuffing our face, and then out pops the chocolate and strong alcohol to help digest. A verre of Whiskey, Mar or any alcohol will do.. and then..
Well..
You can imagine. Here is me after dinner last year, no joke, I literally sprawled on the couch and couldn't move.
Then, wake up, open gifts and at 1PM the next day dig in for LUNCH. That's right, we repeat all of this the next day.
Then one week later.
That's why the average French person gains between 2-4 pounds in a week between the 25th of December and the 1st of January.
Bon Appetit!
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Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Mime Land: Bri-Ism #1
Bri tells me:
There is an area in Paris called mime land in a banlieu where all the Mimes live.
He tells me that the bread must be bought daily but- it's imaginary bread. I asked, "it's not a scam paying for nothing?" he says, no that's the thing you mime that you are paying.
Bri says that's the reason mimes are so thin- they mime eating. That's also why the lifespan of a mime is limited to a few weeks. Once a mime decides to become a mime they have a few weeks.
He says: don't come across a mime before they die because they tend to smell terrible and look emaciated since: they mime showering, all personal hygiene, and eating.
There is an area in Paris called mime land in a banlieu where all the Mimes live.
He tells me that the bread must be bought daily but- it's imaginary bread. I asked, "it's not a scam paying for nothing?" he says, no that's the thing you mime that you are paying.
Bri says that's the reason mimes are so thin- they mime eating. That's also why the lifespan of a mime is limited to a few weeks. Once a mime decides to become a mime they have a few weeks.
He says: don't come across a mime before they die because they tend to smell terrible and look emaciated since: they mime showering, all personal hygiene, and eating.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
World Different part 2: The Real Gastronomy Capital
I didn't believe the waiter when he told us the list of food that was available on the menu, and moreso the fact that it was only 15€ for the appetizer, main dish and dessert as well as wine (unlimited), entrance salad and toast combo with fresh charcuterie.
I remember coming home last Friday and dreading the reading on the scale. The 128.5 flashed and burned into my brain and I thought, where did I gain 3 lbs from in 2 weeks? Looking back at this restaurant the answer became depressingly clear.
He listed off the names of the items in rolling Spanish, myself only listening for the things I really wanted to order. Rrsshh blaah blaahhh, rlshshh, blah, Gazpacho, sshhh.
"Gazpacho por favor".
Now onto main dish,
Psshh, rrrssiii, possifh, bacalao con all i oli...
"Bacalao para mi".
Rosado.
One thinks that because a menu is a mere 15€, the quality would be moderate. The gazpacho arrived, a giant bowl, placed at my fingers. I took one bite and was in heaven. How could this little local spot have such amazing food for so cheap? Well, it wasn't on the sea, it was mostly a spot for locals of Alcossebre and they reflected the prices that local people could pay.
With every course I ate, every fresh seafood product, each paella I chowed down and tapas that I exploded in my belly... I decided that Spain, especially the Catalunyan Region, should be the gastronomic capital of the world. How could it not?
There are pork legs dried and strung everywhere in every corner of the streets, the paella has this soft subtly and a hint of saffron.
Seafood is captured fresh each day by local fisherman and delivered, hand delivered to the local restaurants.
There are scams, don't get me wrong, there were restaurants we visited where we were disgusted at the price... but when the delights were found it was 10x better than my favorite Lyonnaise restaurants.
The tapas.. how can something as simple as a grilled piece of toast with some smeared on tomatoes and garlic taste as fabulous as it did?
They don't do cheese well, but the one cheese they have mastered is by far the best- Queso Manchego. Creamy in texture, deep in flavor, it melts in the mouth and offers a beautiful taste of a local product.
I remember that although the Paella Marisco was to die for, I was perfectly happy eating toasts with local charcuterie, queso manchego and chilled rosado wines.
This sparkly bubbly wine was a treat at the Con Paixano, pictured left, where we gorged on sandwiches, bubbly and queso manchego. I think that was 1 lb there.
How is it all so amazing and yet so un 'haute cuisine' like in France? Simply put, the products. Spain has the most incredible products, you can't drink the water from the faucet, granted, but those tomatoes made me drool. They had chips that were fried in Olive Oil giving them this taste that I'd never had before- so much I smuggled a bag in my backpack to France.
I think next time I'll shoot to gain 5 lbs. We only live once- right?
I remember coming home last Friday and dreading the reading on the scale. The 128.5 flashed and burned into my brain and I thought, where did I gain 3 lbs from in 2 weeks? Looking back at this restaurant the answer became depressingly clear.
He listed off the names of the items in rolling Spanish, myself only listening for the things I really wanted to order. Rrsshh blaah blaahhh, rlshshh, blah, Gazpacho, sshhh.
"Gazpacho por favor".
Now onto main dish,
Psshh, rrrssiii, possifh, bacalao con all i oli...
"Bacalao para mi".
Rosado.
One thinks that because a menu is a mere 15€, the quality would be moderate. The gazpacho arrived, a giant bowl, placed at my fingers. I took one bite and was in heaven. How could this little local spot have such amazing food for so cheap? Well, it wasn't on the sea, it was mostly a spot for locals of Alcossebre and they reflected the prices that local people could pay.
With every course I ate, every fresh seafood product, each paella I chowed down and tapas that I exploded in my belly... I decided that Spain, especially the Catalunyan Region, should be the gastronomic capital of the world. How could it not?
There are pork legs dried and strung everywhere in every corner of the streets, the paella has this soft subtly and a hint of saffron.
Seafood is captured fresh each day by local fisherman and delivered, hand delivered to the local restaurants.
There are scams, don't get me wrong, there were restaurants we visited where we were disgusted at the price... but when the delights were found it was 10x better than my favorite Lyonnaise restaurants.
The tapas.. how can something as simple as a grilled piece of toast with some smeared on tomatoes and garlic taste as fabulous as it did?
They don't do cheese well, but the one cheese they have mastered is by far the best- Queso Manchego. Creamy in texture, deep in flavor, it melts in the mouth and offers a beautiful taste of a local product.
I remember that although the Paella Marisco was to die for, I was perfectly happy eating toasts with local charcuterie, queso manchego and chilled rosado wines.
This sparkly bubbly wine was a treat at the Con Paixano, pictured left, where we gorged on sandwiches, bubbly and queso manchego. I think that was 1 lb there.
How is it all so amazing and yet so un 'haute cuisine' like in France? Simply put, the products. Spain has the most incredible products, you can't drink the water from the faucet, granted, but those tomatoes made me drool. They had chips that were fried in Olive Oil giving them this taste that I'd never had before- so much I smuggled a bag in my backpack to France.
I think next time I'll shoot to gain 5 lbs. We only live once- right?
Friday, August 19, 2011
Back from Barcelona
Nothing makes you appreciate home more than being away for two weeks in a foreign land. Of course, that foreign land made it easier with a fountain of mojitos, a sunny sea side apartment and mountains of Paella.
Tomorrow: A full wrap up of the adventure.
Suffice to say I am sure I'm 3 shades darker, 5 lbs heavier and relaxed beyond belief.
Now I come back to the buzz, it's la rentrée and in one week life will be pounding with life in Lyon.
Tomorrow I will detail, for now I must refill my empty fridge, air out my stuffy apartment and digest 2 weeks of vacation.
A demain!
Tomorrow: A full wrap up of the adventure.
Suffice to say I am sure I'm 3 shades darker, 5 lbs heavier and relaxed beyond belief.
Now I come back to the buzz, it's la rentrée and in one week life will be pounding with life in Lyon.
Tomorrow I will detail, for now I must refill my empty fridge, air out my stuffy apartment and digest 2 weeks of vacation.
A demain!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Things to Do: Picnic in the Park
As promised from my 'bread' post I want to share the secrets to a perfect picnic in Lyon. Nothing is as uncomplicated but yet so enjoyable as a fabulous picnic between friends. Here's what you'll need:
- Friends: You can picnic alone, of course, but a group of 3+ tends to be more convivial
- Food: Ah, here's where the joy comes in.. either go for fancy be creating some dishes such as:
- Quiche
- Taboulé Salad
- Tomato/Basil/Red Onion Salad
- BLT (Bacon Lettuce Tomato) Sandwiches
- Fruit salad
- Baguette
- OR simplify:
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Packs of Salami/saucisson
- Chips
- Brie/gooey fromage
- Baguette
- OR spend some cash:
- Go to Brind'Soupe on 70 rue masséna
- For 9 bucks get entrée/plat/dessert packed up and ready to go
- OR go to Pizza Hut on Rue Massena and get their 5 buck pizza deal
- Booze: Not obligatory, but tends to be much more fun and interesting with a chilled bottle of rosé wine in tow.
- Necessaries:
- Bottled water
- Napkins
- Trash bag
- Forks
- One knife
- Bottle opener
Now the spot. There are three spots I like to visit in rotating occasions:
1/ The Parc de la Tête d'Or: Everyone knows this place and it's usually a great place with a group of people. As a warning, avoid large crowded areas in the park or you could get hit in the head with a soccer ball. We usually cycle up to the main entrance, take a right into the large park and find an area with a tree nearby.
2/ Place Antonin Poncet: Suprisingly unknown to many, the little area that has a below level parking garage, located to la Rue des Marronniers, also has a fairly clean grassy area with a lovely fountain next door. Need an address? Just head for le Sud and then picnic in the grass.
3/ Sur le Quai: Of course, typical evening spot on the waterfront.. side of the Rhone. Fabulous area, and can always wander to a boat bar after for a digestive.
Here's some of my favorite picnics:
 |
| Quick - like the French version of McDonalds |
 |
| Park among French friends (parc de la tête d'or) 2011 |
 |
| Best Picnic Ever (or close), rosé wine, cheese, chicken salad, baguette, chips. |
What's your favorite picnic?
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Tuesday, July 12, 2011
The French Paradox
There's this thought that goes around called the "French Paradox"... it's this concept that although the French eat higher amounts of cheese, wine, bread and whole fat milk products- they are much healthier than those in the States. Now, I've been living in Lyon for over a year now.. and can I honestly admit this paradox? Yes. Yes I can.
When I first moved to Lyon I was about 64 kgs, or 141 lbs. This was a steady weight gain from first meeting Bri, to visiting Lyon in the winter time.. to not really focusing on getting in shape. The tipping point was a trip to Spain.. I ended up gaining another kilo (2 lbs) and I was frustrated.. but I didn't change much of how I ate (just no croissants every morning of course). I was a size 8-10, and I felt unhappy... so I decided to live French and hope for the best!
The biggest changes happened in regards to movement. In the States I would constantly drive everywhere, to the gym, to the store... I would never walk. In September 2010 I moved into my new apartment, on the 4ème étage 'sans ascensor'. Meaning every day I climb down, I have to climb back up 102 stairs. Often I go out maybe 2-3x a day, that's like 306 stairs!
Going grocery shopping meant walking 1/2 mile to the store, buying what's needed, hauling it back 1/2 mile and then up the stairs.
The French Paradox relies on several factors:
Now. Proof of the paradox?
I see the difference, definitely. I'm now 56 kg, or about 124 lbs and a size 4-6. I lost more than 15 lbs in a year, but with no starving myself and no intensive workouts- just simply a change of eating in the French Paradox way. The largest change I saw was in my waist- I went from 29 inches to 25.5 inches. I never lost to that point in the states- crazy!
My official goal is 54 kg, or 120lbs. I find for my height, that weight is appropriate- but I know now it will come off as it wants to.
So. Now Americans should try out the paradox...
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When I first moved to Lyon I was about 64 kgs, or 141 lbs. This was a steady weight gain from first meeting Bri, to visiting Lyon in the winter time.. to not really focusing on getting in shape. The tipping point was a trip to Spain.. I ended up gaining another kilo (2 lbs) and I was frustrated.. but I didn't change much of how I ate (just no croissants every morning of course). I was a size 8-10, and I felt unhappy... so I decided to live French and hope for the best!
 |
| Bri + Me in Spain, August 2010 |
Going grocery shopping meant walking 1/2 mile to the store, buying what's needed, hauling it back 1/2 mile and then up the stairs.
The French Paradox relies on several factors:
- We walk everywhere, and elevators are rarely used.
- We have a Velo'V system that allows us to bike all over the city, for example I use this to go to work and back every day.. 1.5 miles each way.. so I bike 3 miles a day
- The food we eat enables us to purchase more fruits/vegetables, which we eat, regularly
- Our bread is usually whole grain and made fresh with no preservatives
- Most our food is non-preservative laden
- We eat only whole fat, non sugar added dairy products
- Products rarely have corn syrup
- We don't eat with salad dressing, only vinaigrette so we get our whole fats in our food as well as a daily dosage of vinegar
- Often we drink one glass of wine a day
- Our meals are often a few courses of smaller plates that aides in digestion
Now. Proof of the paradox?
 | ||||
| Me testing my Spain bikini (July 2011) |
My official goal is 54 kg, or 120lbs. I find for my height, that weight is appropriate- but I know now it will come off as it wants to.
So. Now Americans should try out the paradox...
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Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Story Time: Trip to the Salon
It took me one year and two months to build up the courage to go to a hair salon in France. I had envisioned total destruction to my hair, as I had read a multitude of angry bloggers discussing their Bad Hair Experiences. I was almost ready in May when I took a stroll with a good friend of mine from Sweden. Her hair was tied up, and she mentioned she had recently got it cut. When she took it down it was horrific. The layers were mismatched, areas in the back were chunky and short... I put off the cutting until I saw a recent photo of myself and my blah hair:
I had went to a barbeque of a good friend, and after the photos came out I was a bit shocked. My hair had become shaggy, worse the ends were torn up and abimés. It was officially time to get a hair cut.
The next logical step was to find a salon. I knew I couldn't rely on them speaking English so I reviewed a blog post I had written a few months prior. It discussed the typical words we use in the salon. Alongside this I printed up some color photos to show what I wanted and prepared over a week for the cut.
I ended up calling a salon in the 6ème called, Lounge Cut. Recommended by the Petit Paumé I was fully aware of the positive reviews of this place. I called to take a reservation, and got in less than a week.
I was even more excited when I got there, and saw it was a nice little salon, with only 3 chairs for cutting, no giant hair factory.
I showed my photos and hashed through my French. When I mentioned it had been over a year from my last cut; the coiffeuse was shocked. She took about 3 inches of hair and said, "On doit les couper, si tu voudrais, car ils sont tellement abimés" I understood that one. We should cut this much because I failed to respect my hair and I had split ends up the HIZZY.
I agreed.
The best part of Lounge Cut, is they cut it dry, like in many salons in the states. She washed after, massaged my head, and then spent another 40 minutes styling. I think next time I'll skip the 'brushing', but it did make my hair feel super soft. She used scissors, not razors, unlike many French stylists.
Lei Wei, my stylist, also told me that there are a lot of English clients, and that Mark, another stylist can speak English. So. Any one looking to get their hair cut by an English speaker, check out Lounge Cut and see Mark. Lei Wei can also speak English, but she is better at understanding.
I felt great. I promised to come back every 3 months, or 6 months maxi as she told me.
And the results, of my first cut in France?
I am happy. It's definitely much more comfy for summer, I was smothering in my hair.
I had went to a barbeque of a good friend, and after the photos came out I was a bit shocked. My hair had become shaggy, worse the ends were torn up and abimés. It was officially time to get a hair cut.
The next logical step was to find a salon. I knew I couldn't rely on them speaking English so I reviewed a blog post I had written a few months prior. It discussed the typical words we use in the salon. Alongside this I printed up some color photos to show what I wanted and prepared over a week for the cut.
I ended up calling a salon in the 6ème called, Lounge Cut. Recommended by the Petit Paumé I was fully aware of the positive reviews of this place. I called to take a reservation, and got in less than a week.
I was even more excited when I got there, and saw it was a nice little salon, with only 3 chairs for cutting, no giant hair factory.
I showed my photos and hashed through my French. When I mentioned it had been over a year from my last cut; the coiffeuse was shocked. She took about 3 inches of hair and said, "On doit les couper, si tu voudrais, car ils sont tellement abimés" I understood that one. We should cut this much because I failed to respect my hair and I had split ends up the HIZZY.
I agreed.
The best part of Lounge Cut, is they cut it dry, like in many salons in the states. She washed after, massaged my head, and then spent another 40 minutes styling. I think next time I'll skip the 'brushing', but it did make my hair feel super soft. She used scissors, not razors, unlike many French stylists.
Lei Wei, my stylist, also told me that there are a lot of English clients, and that Mark, another stylist can speak English. So. Any one looking to get their hair cut by an English speaker, check out Lounge Cut and see Mark. Lei Wei can also speak English, but she is better at understanding.
I felt great. I promised to come back every 3 months, or 6 months maxi as she told me.
And the results, of my first cut in France?
Friday, April 15, 2011
Long Time No Write?
What can I say- I have gotten extremely busy... and I obviously have so much to 'recount'.. I'll start with the beginning of the month:
In the beginning of the month I was working for Baby-Speaking and trying to balance out my social life, my love life and all the multitude of tests I was taking. What tests- you might ask? First off the mid-terms for my CIEF classes, which typically counts for a whopping 50% of my grade. Secondly, the IAE-SIM test, or the entrance exam so I can 'postuler' for a Masters at Lyon 3.
The IAE-SIM score test is a requirement for any person that wants to continue into Lyon 3 (Master's 1 or Master's 2 level). I had signed up back in March, and knew it would be absolutely dreadful... and was it. French testing is so much more in depth and complicated than American testing- the test itself was held in an Amphitheatre for 300; everyone evenly spaced in uncomfortable folding seats. Bring nothing. Put your bag in the corner. Pencil is handed out.
The questions were even worse- there are four sections: Culture Générale, Compréhension Français, Logique/Mathmatique, Compréhension Anglais. Awful... the general culture tests asked questions such as:
-What is the height of a tennis net in meters?
-What region in France became recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 2008?
-Who sang Purple Rain?
And yeah, the questions were multiple choice- but when the choices are almost exactly identical.. it sort of casse la tête to find the answer.
The French comprehension- surprisingly- was a strength. I managed to get higher on that section than my French counterparts- explain that logic.
The math was my weakest point... I'm almost ashamed to even say my score (15/100). Yes folks, I am mathematically and logically retarded... but whatever it's never been my strength.
The English, of course, was easy- but somehow I still missed 2 questions. I say it's based on the fact that it was British English and the language in the States differs in quite a few ways. (Although I adore saying 'lovely' now).
So you can see why I wasn't available for the first half of the month- but what about the second half?
The second half of the month I was busy working and preparing for my SECOND exam I needed to get into Lyon 3.. the DELF B2.
The DELF B2 was suprisingly easy, even though I stressed about it.. unfortunately I won't receive the results until mid-May which means I have to wet myself in anticipation!!
Last week, however, I went on a business trip!! Baby-Speaking sent me to Paris to meet with the team, get to know how it's done Paris-style and basically have discussions about good business practices. I left on a Wednesday, returned on a Friday, which left almost no time for fun and games... plus I had to work a complete day on Thursday.
Paris is an incredible place- way to big for my taste... but still am amazing city to visit when wanting to experience a city that always is on the go.
I arrived Wednesday afternoon, and I quickly scoured through two different magazines (Management/Entreprise) to gouge for some business information. I was able to lift a bunch of vocabulary in order to have some 'knowhow' during my visit. Once I arrived I had to hustle around the city, figure out the Metro system and get to the office.
As soon as I got to the office I was on the go, chatting it up with some entrepreneurs, charming my co-workers, having small talk with whomever waltzed through the door. I missed Bri, of course, but I had my 'small talk business face' on and I was perfectly fine.
The night continued on after our little wine/cheese soirée, and I got dragged out to a club about 1 km away. I need to mention that I was wearing boots, that were not flat, and carrying to huge bags of my crap for the stay. My feet were killing me, but we arrived unharmed. The bar was a little hidden and to my surprise was a specialty club for R+B. Needless to say I felt pretty white that night but I totally got into the groove and swayed around Jamaican style.
The funniest moment of the night was one of the entrepreneurs that shares the office.. he came with us to the club. The guy was kind of the geeky type, business suit, leather briefcase and glasses, kind of looked like the guy in Kick-Ass. As soon as we got into the club he was waving around, bobbing his head and shouting, "I MET THIS ARTIST THAT'S PLAYING WHEN I WAS IN THE CARIBBEAN". I stared at him and responded, "ARE YOU A BLACK MAN IN A WHITE MAN DISGUISE?" He just smiled and responded, "TOUS MES AMIS ME DISENT QUE JSUIS NOIR COINCÉ DANS LE CORPS D'UN BLANC". I laughed. After about a good 30-45 minutes of swaying around I decided it was time for me to head home on the M8 to see my good friend Thévi.
30 minutes in Metro later....
Thévi had a lovely spot ready for me, we had a bit of water, talked and I totally crashed.
The next day, I had to be at work by 10h30, so I popped up, took a shower, put on my cute dress (that I had originally worn to go SIGHT SEEING) and got to work. Luckily, Aurélie, the Development intern in Paris, was like my identical twin in regards to work ethic; we slammed through our plans and determined a new method of development for myself in Lyon.
A nice business lunch, the rest of the day spent in the office- I was finally free to wander around. I decided to avoid the monuments (I really didn't feel like roughing it through tourists) and made my way to Les Halles for a nice beer.
That night, I had my first sushi since I left Portland, and I almost died with happiness- it was so amazingly good. I remembered how much I missed my foreign foods and how much I live in the French diet now.. and the rest of the night was fabulous.
It ended as soon as it started and I was happy to be back to my simple small city of Lyon; I felt a euphoria coming off the train as I looked around and felt at ease. Lyon has officially become a second home for me and I was elated as I waltzed around the Metro to get home and smiled at everyone I ran in to.
Since the trip I've been busy going to classes, working, tutoring, breathing and having some time to enjoy my life with Bri. The weather has been incessantly fabulous and although the temperature has dropped a bit over the week- we see that it will only get better and warmer as the month goes on. So lovely.
Right. I'm off to clean and prepare for our little 'soirée' for tonight- tomorrow I'll be posting about Paul Bocuse, and I promise- I won't fall off the face of the Earth again.. this was, as we say in French, exceptionel.
a+
In the beginning of the month I was working for Baby-Speaking and trying to balance out my social life, my love life and all the multitude of tests I was taking. What tests- you might ask? First off the mid-terms for my CIEF classes, which typically counts for a whopping 50% of my grade. Secondly, the IAE-SIM test, or the entrance exam so I can 'postuler' for a Masters at Lyon 3.
The IAE-SIM score test is a requirement for any person that wants to continue into Lyon 3 (Master's 1 or Master's 2 level). I had signed up back in March, and knew it would be absolutely dreadful... and was it. French testing is so much more in depth and complicated than American testing- the test itself was held in an Amphitheatre for 300; everyone evenly spaced in uncomfortable folding seats. Bring nothing. Put your bag in the corner. Pencil is handed out.
The questions were even worse- there are four sections: Culture Générale, Compréhension Français, Logique/Mathmatique, Compréhension Anglais. Awful... the general culture tests asked questions such as:
-What is the height of a tennis net in meters?
-What region in France became recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 2008?
-Who sang Purple Rain?
And yeah, the questions were multiple choice- but when the choices are almost exactly identical.. it sort of casse la tête to find the answer.
The French comprehension- surprisingly- was a strength. I managed to get higher on that section than my French counterparts- explain that logic.
The math was my weakest point... I'm almost ashamed to even say my score (15/100). Yes folks, I am mathematically and logically retarded... but whatever it's never been my strength.
The English, of course, was easy- but somehow I still missed 2 questions. I say it's based on the fact that it was British English and the language in the States differs in quite a few ways. (Although I adore saying 'lovely' now).
So you can see why I wasn't available for the first half of the month- but what about the second half?
The second half of the month I was busy working and preparing for my SECOND exam I needed to get into Lyon 3.. the DELF B2.
The DELF B2 was suprisingly easy, even though I stressed about it.. unfortunately I won't receive the results until mid-May which means I have to wet myself in anticipation!!
Last week, however, I went on a business trip!! Baby-Speaking sent me to Paris to meet with the team, get to know how it's done Paris-style and basically have discussions about good business practices. I left on a Wednesday, returned on a Friday, which left almost no time for fun and games... plus I had to work a complete day on Thursday.
Paris is an incredible place- way to big for my taste... but still am amazing city to visit when wanting to experience a city that always is on the go.
I arrived Wednesday afternoon, and I quickly scoured through two different magazines (Management/Entreprise) to gouge for some business information. I was able to lift a bunch of vocabulary in order to have some 'knowhow' during my visit. Once I arrived I had to hustle around the city, figure out the Metro system and get to the office.
As soon as I got to the office I was on the go, chatting it up with some entrepreneurs, charming my co-workers, having small talk with whomever waltzed through the door. I missed Bri, of course, but I had my 'small talk business face' on and I was perfectly fine.
The night continued on after our little wine/cheese soirée, and I got dragged out to a club about 1 km away. I need to mention that I was wearing boots, that were not flat, and carrying to huge bags of my crap for the stay. My feet were killing me, but we arrived unharmed. The bar was a little hidden and to my surprise was a specialty club for R+B. Needless to say I felt pretty white that night but I totally got into the groove and swayed around Jamaican style.
The funniest moment of the night was one of the entrepreneurs that shares the office.. he came with us to the club. The guy was kind of the geeky type, business suit, leather briefcase and glasses, kind of looked like the guy in Kick-Ass. As soon as we got into the club he was waving around, bobbing his head and shouting, "I MET THIS ARTIST THAT'S PLAYING WHEN I WAS IN THE CARIBBEAN". I stared at him and responded, "ARE YOU A BLACK MAN IN A WHITE MAN DISGUISE?" He just smiled and responded, "TOUS MES AMIS ME DISENT QUE JSUIS NOIR COINCÉ DANS LE CORPS D'UN BLANC". I laughed. After about a good 30-45 minutes of swaying around I decided it was time for me to head home on the M8 to see my good friend Thévi.
30 minutes in Metro later....
Thévi had a lovely spot ready for me, we had a bit of water, talked and I totally crashed.
The next day, I had to be at work by 10h30, so I popped up, took a shower, put on my cute dress (that I had originally worn to go SIGHT SEEING) and got to work. Luckily, Aurélie, the Development intern in Paris, was like my identical twin in regards to work ethic; we slammed through our plans and determined a new method of development for myself in Lyon.
A nice business lunch, the rest of the day spent in the office- I was finally free to wander around. I decided to avoid the monuments (I really didn't feel like roughing it through tourists) and made my way to Les Halles for a nice beer.
That night, I had my first sushi since I left Portland, and I almost died with happiness- it was so amazingly good. I remembered how much I missed my foreign foods and how much I live in the French diet now.. and the rest of the night was fabulous.
It ended as soon as it started and I was happy to be back to my simple small city of Lyon; I felt a euphoria coming off the train as I looked around and felt at ease. Lyon has officially become a second home for me and I was elated as I waltzed around the Metro to get home and smiled at everyone I ran in to.
Since the trip I've been busy going to classes, working, tutoring, breathing and having some time to enjoy my life with Bri. The weather has been incessantly fabulous and although the temperature has dropped a bit over the week- we see that it will only get better and warmer as the month goes on. So lovely.
Right. I'm off to clean and prepare for our little 'soirée' for tonight- tomorrow I'll be posting about Paul Bocuse, and I promise- I won't fall off the face of the Earth again.. this was, as we say in French, exceptionel.
a+
Sunday, March 27, 2011
What-What: Holy Roasted Chicken
I was in high spirits yesterday morning after a great tutoring session and a beautiful sunny day. I decided to use my getting fluent French and glide through the marché in a Julia Childesque fashion. I pulled out my big ol' plastic bag and began slowly marching through the vendors, eyeballing the goods and smiling at the sellers. The first thing I purchased was one of the most beautiful things I'd ever seen;
Le poulet rôti; or the roasted chicken.
In the marchés in France there are often 2 or so vendors with large portable roasting machines and about 50 chickens spinning at snail pace speed gettting a crispy skin and perfecting the art of the roast chicken. Nothing added to the flavors, a little rub of some salt to start and the chickens get based throughout the roasting (of about 3-4 hours) and the smell is so enticing.
I couldn't resist when the marché man, who looks as if he'd been roasting chicken for years shouted: "Poulet rôti, poulet rôti! Seulement sept-euro et cinquante centimes! Chaud!" I stopped right in my tracks and ordered one on the spot.
"Venez avec moi, nous le choisisserons ensembles" he smiled back, I followed him to a pile of roasted chickens and pointed to the darkest most crispiest skinned one. "Celui-là" I pointed.
He wrapped it into a liquid proof bag, "Voulez-vous du jus, madamoiselle?" I nodded, "Mais oui! Bien sûr!" he deflt dipped the spoon into the pile of grease and piled into the bag.
A quick little tie, a smile, exchange of cash and I was off.
"Bonne journée et bonne weekend!" I said after taking my bag of meat.
The magic happened when I got home and decided to test a little piece- just to see what the fuss was all about. I took the chicken out of his shelter and pulled a little on the leg, *POP* the meat fell right off the bone, I took a little nibble... holy roasted chicken... it was the best thing I had ever eaten... it was the true taste of a chicken without the fancy rubbings. Better than the set it and forget it my parents used, this was not only a well roasted chicken but a happy chicken.
I ate a leg and I was in heaven... I was so pleased to know that tonight I will be having leftovers.
My recommendation- go to the marché on the quai St. Antoine on a Saturday and find the chicken dude who's in the center of the place... best chicken dude EVER.
Le poulet rôti; or the roasted chicken.
I couldn't resist when the marché man, who looks as if he'd been roasting chicken for years shouted: "Poulet rôti, poulet rôti! Seulement sept-euro et cinquante centimes! Chaud!" I stopped right in my tracks and ordered one on the spot.
"Venez avec moi, nous le choisisserons ensembles" he smiled back, I followed him to a pile of roasted chickens and pointed to the darkest most crispiest skinned one. "Celui-là" I pointed.
He wrapped it into a liquid proof bag, "Voulez-vous du jus, madamoiselle?" I nodded, "Mais oui! Bien sûr!" he deflt dipped the spoon into the pile of grease and piled into the bag.
A quick little tie, a smile, exchange of cash and I was off.
"Bonne journée et bonne weekend!" I said after taking my bag of meat.
The magic happened when I got home and decided to test a little piece- just to see what the fuss was all about. I took the chicken out of his shelter and pulled a little on the leg, *POP* the meat fell right off the bone, I took a little nibble... holy roasted chicken... it was the best thing I had ever eaten... it was the true taste of a chicken without the fancy rubbings. Better than the set it and forget it my parents used, this was not only a well roasted chicken but a happy chicken.
I ate a leg and I was in heaven... I was so pleased to know that tonight I will be having leftovers.
My recommendation- go to the marché on the quai St. Antoine on a Saturday and find the chicken dude who's in the center of the place... best chicken dude EVER.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
What-What: Je m'en fou, je triche
I am a super fan of board games, from Monopoly to Scrabble, from Clue to Times Up- I adore arranging the board, playing the dice and moving the pieces. The challenge of guessing from clues, figuring out and strategizing; it's almost like an addicition!
That's when my friend Sophie called me yesterday (she's French) to inform me that she and a few other people were going to finally go to le bar à jeux de société in the Croix-Russe. I immediately said, oui, and we all met out in front of the statue on Place Terraux to walk there together.
First off, the name of the society is: je m'en fou, je triche, or for those who are long-time members, la triche. This non profit society rents out a little hidden room on la rue Réné Leynaud and has about 200+ games available. Here's the process to join la triche:
We ended up playing a game called Objets Trouvés which basically is a game of creativity and 'thinking outside the box'. With the 6 of us it was definitely a joy, and for my French as a second language it was a bit of a challenge, but definitely do-able.
The challenge is to use 13 objects (see in the center) to describe a sentence on the card; there are 6 sentences and at random you must describe one of them.
Beer makes the game even more fun, and as everyone is arguing and laughing in French it makes life feel much less complicated-
If you are the kind of person who adores strategy or war-games, this place is the ticket; labelled by the time they take to play there are many many games in this category; just as there are simplier games for children- all is allowed at the 'salle de jeux'.
Basically, it's something to do, something to try and a great way to entertain some friends without having to host chez vous.
a+
That's when my friend Sophie called me yesterday (she's French) to inform me that she and a few other people were going to finally go to le bar à jeux de société in the Croix-Russe. I immediately said, oui, and we all met out in front of the statue on Place Terraux to walk there together.
First off, the name of the society is: je m'en fou, je triche, or for those who are long-time members, la triche. This non profit society rents out a little hidden room on la rue Réné Leynaud and has about 200+ games available. Here's the process to join la triche:
- Go to the bar/salle and introduce yourself, ask if you can joindre la société.
- At the computer, type in your information, pay the 'adhesion fee' of 6e (free games for a year, no obligation to drink)
- Buy yourself a beer, if desired (only 8.50e a pitcher)
- Pick out one of the games from the hundreds and enjoy!
The challenge is to use 13 objects (see in the center) to describe a sentence on the card; there are 6 sentences and at random you must describe one of them.
Beer makes the game even more fun, and as everyone is arguing and laughing in French it makes life feel much less complicated-
If you are the kind of person who adores strategy or war-games, this place is the ticket; labelled by the time they take to play there are many many games in this category; just as there are simplier games for children- all is allowed at the 'salle de jeux'.
Basically, it's something to do, something to try and a great way to entertain some friends without having to host chez vous.
a+
Friday, February 4, 2011
What-What: La Renaissance
No, this is not a break down on the historical aspects of the renaissance era. It's not an explication of anything historical really, just a discovery I made in the last few days.
I haven't written in a few days because I have been completely swamped doing Baby Speaking development for Lyon. I was lucky enough to meet Caroline, a completely charming gal that's about my age and French. She's been handling their development in Paris and wanted to come to Lyon to meet with me and to work together to try and do some community outreach. It was refreshing and the first experience I'd had working with a true French person side-by-side. I find that my business background from the States contrasts and compliments her structured business Master from France. Tomorrow I'll be discussing some more differences between the University Systems in America and France- but for now suffice to say we have our strengths in both structures.
As we traversé the city we discovered a mutli-cultural underlining to Lyon I never thought existed. Schools with trilingal bases, international high schools, American clubs and a multitude of exchange programs. I felt so natural explaining the company and giving presentations to potential students, I realized how I truly made the good decision to move to France and go into International Business. From friends to school to work, the ethnocentrism I brought with my in July is slowly melting off to accept and love the French Culture.
La Renaissance. To warm up from the -2°C weather, we stepped into a café called La Renaissance down the street from Lyon Lumière II. From the minute I walked into the café I felt a sort of closeness, the kind you see in television series.. the happy guy behind the bar, smiling and joking. Every person that walked in he seemed to know by name, and them equally felt natural smiling and asking comment çava?? I was attached when I went to order some tea:
Me: Bonjour, je voudrais bien du thé s'il vous plaît.
BarGuy: D'accord; du théééé (pronounced long and with a smile)
Me: Vous avez quels types du thés? (i didn't know how to say flavors)
BarGuy: (laughing) Aahhh, vous voulez dire 'des parfums' du thé. Bien sûr, ici c'est la boîte du thé pleins des PARFUMS. (big smile; not condescending)
I ordered an orange cinnamon tea and within minutes it arrived. I felt comfortable in this little café near my University and realized, even if I miss many friends and places at my other home, this little café felt warm. Owned by a couple and ran by their friends, it's a warm space with warm people. I could speak my over exaggerated French and try to have a normal conversation with a French girl and it didn't feel weird. I guess the French do smile and in this case made me smile.
In case you want to go to my little treasure:
La Renaissance (Café)
29 Rue Chevreul, 69007 Lyon
a+
I haven't written in a few days because I have been completely swamped doing Baby Speaking development for Lyon. I was lucky enough to meet Caroline, a completely charming gal that's about my age and French. She's been handling their development in Paris and wanted to come to Lyon to meet with me and to work together to try and do some community outreach. It was refreshing and the first experience I'd had working with a true French person side-by-side. I find that my business background from the States contrasts and compliments her structured business Master from France. Tomorrow I'll be discussing some more differences between the University Systems in America and France- but for now suffice to say we have our strengths in both structures.
As we traversé the city we discovered a mutli-cultural underlining to Lyon I never thought existed. Schools with trilingal bases, international high schools, American clubs and a multitude of exchange programs. I felt so natural explaining the company and giving presentations to potential students, I realized how I truly made the good decision to move to France and go into International Business. From friends to school to work, the ethnocentrism I brought with my in July is slowly melting off to accept and love the French Culture.
La Renaissance. To warm up from the -2°C weather, we stepped into a café called La Renaissance down the street from Lyon Lumière II. From the minute I walked into the café I felt a sort of closeness, the kind you see in television series.. the happy guy behind the bar, smiling and joking. Every person that walked in he seemed to know by name, and them equally felt natural smiling and asking comment çava?? I was attached when I went to order some tea:
Me: Bonjour, je voudrais bien du thé s'il vous plaît.
BarGuy: D'accord; du théééé (pronounced long and with a smile)
Me: Vous avez quels types du thés? (i didn't know how to say flavors)
BarGuy: (laughing) Aahhh, vous voulez dire 'des parfums' du thé. Bien sûr, ici c'est la boîte du thé pleins des PARFUMS. (big smile; not condescending)
I ordered an orange cinnamon tea and within minutes it arrived. I felt comfortable in this little café near my University and realized, even if I miss many friends and places at my other home, this little café felt warm. Owned by a couple and ran by their friends, it's a warm space with warm people. I could speak my over exaggerated French and try to have a normal conversation with a French girl and it didn't feel weird. I guess the French do smile and in this case made me smile.
In case you want to go to my little treasure:
La Renaissance (Café)
29 Rue Chevreul, 69007 Lyon
a+
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Story Time: Why Lyon?
I was out surfing, desperately looking for compatriots who also update their blogs; I'd love to see some funny stories or real life examples of what I experience here in Lyon. In Lyon. Ironically most Americans don't even know where Lyon is; there's no eiffel tower and no fashion capital. Why did I even choose to live in Lyon? Why not Paris.. the dream of every American girl?
In the hearts of every Francophile lies the need to explore this country.. sadly when talking about France the first thing that pops into mind is Paris. La jolie ville de Paris (the beautiful city of Paris). I personally don't really like Paris.. I went in the summer of 2009 with Bri. It was a beautiful time, sunny and warm.. I loved the museums, I loved the gastronomy.. but I truly was not a fan of the hundreds of thousands of tourists swarming around. Every place I went there were groups of tourists.. along with those tourists were groups of people selling 'des souvenirs'. Mini glowing eiffel towers (tacky!), necklaces, fake purses, more mini glowing eiffel towers. Crêpes were costly, food was expensive.. It was just too much.
Then there was Lyon..
Bri is from Lyon, his family raised him in a little area just East of Lyon and he did his Masters in the city. Lyon , to me, is like what Paris was like in the 1950's.. non pretentious, no swarms of photo clicking foreigners and the gastronomy is to cry over. The best part for me is when I take a stroll down streets and not one menu is translated into English.. here the whole 'translating everything' fad has not caught on. Better yet, the laziness of the city. No rush to work or get through the day in a Westernized way.. in Lyon we have 'la vie tranquille' and we enjoy every minute of it.
I sort of am hesitant to glorify the city so much, the last thing I want is tourists catching the train and high tailing to me city.. but for living in France Lyon is so much better..
Sigh. I am going to stroll to a bouchon, hike to Fourvière and enjoy.
a+
In the hearts of every Francophile lies the need to explore this country.. sadly when talking about France the first thing that pops into mind is Paris. La jolie ville de Paris (the beautiful city of Paris). I personally don't really like Paris.. I went in the summer of 2009 with Bri. It was a beautiful time, sunny and warm.. I loved the museums, I loved the gastronomy.. but I truly was not a fan of the hundreds of thousands of tourists swarming around. Every place I went there were groups of tourists.. along with those tourists were groups of people selling 'des souvenirs'. Mini glowing eiffel towers (tacky!), necklaces, fake purses, more mini glowing eiffel towers. Crêpes were costly, food was expensive.. It was just too much.
Then there was Lyon..
Bri is from Lyon, his family raised him in a little area just East of Lyon and he did his Masters in the city. Lyon , to me, is like what Paris was like in the 1950's.. non pretentious, no swarms of photo clicking foreigners and the gastronomy is to cry over. The best part for me is when I take a stroll down streets and not one menu is translated into English.. here the whole 'translating everything' fad has not caught on. Better yet, the laziness of the city. No rush to work or get through the day in a Westernized way.. in Lyon we have 'la vie tranquille' and we enjoy every minute of it.
I sort of am hesitant to glorify the city so much, the last thing I want is tourists catching the train and high tailing to me city.. but for living in France Lyon is so much better..
Sigh. I am going to stroll to a bouchon, hike to Fourvière and enjoy.
a+
Saturday, January 1, 2011
First Post in 2011
Last night I was feeling sentimental about all the things that have happened to me in the last 6 months; how time goes quickly, how happy I am, obviously I'm over the culture shock. 2011 is going to be a good year because finally, my degree is completed, I'll be continuing into a Master's program, getting my Visa renewed (hope) and I have a huge list of things to accomplish.
Bro goes home in about 5 days; less than a week. His stay was mostly good, sometimes not so good- he got into an interesting habit of staying up all night and sleeping all day; presumably in preparation for the States... it'll reduce jetlag, I guess.
This year of posts I'd like to try and offer all of you the opportunity to learn more about being an expatriate in France. Review and post more marche information, test new foods and describe their tastes, share more on my own personal daily life.
For those of you who have a dream to come to France, it's possible. School in France is much cheaper than in America and it's just a matter of doing the hard work of getting the paperwork in. You don't have to spend 20,000 dollars a year getting here on an exchange... I finished my degree and came here on a student visa through the CIEF, but will stay through a Master's degree visa.
Today is a day like any other, except now every time I write the date I'll have to remember the '2011'. It's a year that I expect will be full of challenges, let downs, surprises and happy memories.
Happy 2011, and here's to lookin' at the rest of the year. *chine*
a+
Bro goes home in about 5 days; less than a week. His stay was mostly good, sometimes not so good- he got into an interesting habit of staying up all night and sleeping all day; presumably in preparation for the States... it'll reduce jetlag, I guess.
This year of posts I'd like to try and offer all of you the opportunity to learn more about being an expatriate in France. Review and post more marche information, test new foods and describe their tastes, share more on my own personal daily life.
For those of you who have a dream to come to France, it's possible. School in France is much cheaper than in America and it's just a matter of doing the hard work of getting the paperwork in. You don't have to spend 20,000 dollars a year getting here on an exchange... I finished my degree and came here on a student visa through the CIEF, but will stay through a Master's degree visa.
Today is a day like any other, except now every time I write the date I'll have to remember the '2011'. It's a year that I expect will be full of challenges, let downs, surprises and happy memories.
Happy 2011, and here's to lookin' at the rest of the year. *chine*
a+
Friday, December 31, 2010
Last Post in 2010
It's been a long year in 2010. Well, I would say that except things have passed by so fast I haven't even seen the year past. Just one year ago I was with Brian and his family enjoying the end of 2010.. glasses of champagne were raised, we ate an amazing meal and then.. in a sad way.. we separated in January to do a long distance relationship for 6 more months.
During the first half of 2010 I was constantly wrapped up in my studies, getting A's and putting in the back of the mind the fact I would be leaving in June to live in France.
Time flew, tears flew, another airport trip and the horrible 12 hour flight and I was in the arms of France herself. Summertime was a mess of apartment hunting and minor discoveries; a trip to Spain with the family left me about 10 pounds heavier and happy as ever.
School started and I realized French was a force to reckon with, I fell on the Velo'v and totally busted up my knee. The knee was destroyed during my birthday, I turned 23 years old, I had a dinner party, I had another party, Brian turned 23.
My French family invited me for a Thanksgiving celebration, I decided not to make pumpkin pie because when I described it in French the resulted look was disgust. I welcomed my baby brother to France; had a beautiful Christmas, had a crazy experience in Amsterdam; received my first Le Creuset.. and french parfum.
It was a beautiful year and I welcome 2011 in France, my new life, my new city. I love it here and I'll always consider both Portland and Lyon my homes.
I have great expectations for the new year.. and I am excited. Here are some of my favorite memories/posts in 2010:
4 Days in France
My First Marche Experiences
Suddenly Two Months Passed
Amazing Discovery of French Food Prices
23.. Messed up Knee
Got involved in a Riot
Baby Speaking Adventures
Christmas in France
My Resolutions
It was a beautiful year. I look forward to another wonderful year in France in 2011.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
See you in 2011!
a+
During the first half of 2010 I was constantly wrapped up in my studies, getting A's and putting in the back of the mind the fact I would be leaving in June to live in France.
Time flew, tears flew, another airport trip and the horrible 12 hour flight and I was in the arms of France herself. Summertime was a mess of apartment hunting and minor discoveries; a trip to Spain with the family left me about 10 pounds heavier and happy as ever.
School started and I realized French was a force to reckon with, I fell on the Velo'v and totally busted up my knee. The knee was destroyed during my birthday, I turned 23 years old, I had a dinner party, I had another party, Brian turned 23.
My French family invited me for a Thanksgiving celebration, I decided not to make pumpkin pie because when I described it in French the resulted look was disgust. I welcomed my baby brother to France; had a beautiful Christmas, had a crazy experience in Amsterdam; received my first Le Creuset.. and french parfum.
It was a beautiful year and I welcome 2011 in France, my new life, my new city. I love it here and I'll always consider both Portland and Lyon my homes.
I have great expectations for the new year.. and I am excited. Here are some of my favorite memories/posts in 2010:
4 Days in France
My First Marche Experiences
Suddenly Two Months Passed
Amazing Discovery of French Food Prices
23.. Messed up Knee
Got involved in a Riot
Baby Speaking Adventures
Christmas in France
My Resolutions
It was a beautiful year. I look forward to another wonderful year in France in 2011.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
See you in 2011!
a+
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Obligatory Julia Child Post
Any expatriate living in France has had a moment of happiness with Julia Child, people who love to cook even more, people who love people- the most. I spent my day in bed yesterday and I got around to watching old episodes of "the French Chef" and realized how amazing she truly was.
More than just the woman who brought French cooking to America, she also was one of the pioneers in documenting the true France before it began getting overrun with other cultures. She witnessed the changes in marchés to supermarchés, she detailed her love affair with the sole meunière. Ironically I was first introduced to Mrs. Julia Child when I was 18 and had no care for cooking- but was an avid addict to the Food Network. I received the book Julia & Julia and ravished it; it took be about 2 days to finish and although I loved the funny humor surrounding the giant Mastering the Art of French Cooking I found that Julie Powell left little for those who have a deep seeded love for France and cooking.
Hungry, I found copies of the French Chef, Child's series from the younger years. I watched her flipping and messing up potatoes, squirting garlic juice everywhere, making giant messes, losing her train of thought- but always turning out delicious plates of food.
I read through her biography and felt a certain coven within her words; but even moreso when I moved to France 7 months ago. I recently picked up the book from it's shrine (I don't really have a shrine.. ..) and started reading through it once again. Her mishaps in the market, the language barriers, her beautiful relationship with Paul, her love for French food and the French market; I realized that Julia Child is the expatriate's dream... she can relate and yet humor the differences.
Kinship. She describes in a simple phrase that she found herself floating more away from the American culture into the French culture, as if she, herself, were meant to be French. Her friendships with the French women, the fact that although French people seem cold, they are in fact the warmest group. Every word is true. I'm sure that if Julia Child had an expatriate blog, hers would surpass mine in quality and essence. Her trips to the marché reminded me of my fiasco with the peach vendor in the summertime, her evenings with friends to the 'American Gut' that can't handle French food (as she says, it's not so much the French food but the fact that dinner is multiple courses, all rich and drowning in different wines)/
Mastering the Art of French cooking is a sort of cooking bible, especially for the American girl trying to feed the French guy. There have been many times I needed her recipe for the Quiche Lorraine or Salade Niçoise. French people are particular about their meals, moreso now that they have official gastronomic status in UNESCO standards. From types of potatoes (there are many) to what kind of lentil to use, French cooking is an art, one that is a necessity for an expatriate to master.
So, in this obligatory Julia Child post, I want to send my love to the woman and thank her for making my transition to life that much more easier; giving me the balls to discuss the products with the veggie market vendor and know that I should never apologize just move forward. Besides, what happens in the kitchen when you are alone, is no one's business... except maybe Ms. Child's.
a+
More than just the woman who brought French cooking to America, she also was one of the pioneers in documenting the true France before it began getting overrun with other cultures. She witnessed the changes in marchés to supermarchés, she detailed her love affair with the sole meunière. Ironically I was first introduced to Mrs. Julia Child when I was 18 and had no care for cooking- but was an avid addict to the Food Network. I received the book Julia & Julia and ravished it; it took be about 2 days to finish and although I loved the funny humor surrounding the giant Mastering the Art of French Cooking I found that Julie Powell left little for those who have a deep seeded love for France and cooking.
Hungry, I found copies of the French Chef, Child's series from the younger years. I watched her flipping and messing up potatoes, squirting garlic juice everywhere, making giant messes, losing her train of thought- but always turning out delicious plates of food.
I read through her biography and felt a certain coven within her words; but even moreso when I moved to France 7 months ago. I recently picked up the book from it's shrine (I don't really have a shrine.. ..) and started reading through it once again. Her mishaps in the market, the language barriers, her beautiful relationship with Paul, her love for French food and the French market; I realized that Julia Child is the expatriate's dream... she can relate and yet humor the differences.
Kinship. She describes in a simple phrase that she found herself floating more away from the American culture into the French culture, as if she, herself, were meant to be French. Her friendships with the French women, the fact that although French people seem cold, they are in fact the warmest group. Every word is true. I'm sure that if Julia Child had an expatriate blog, hers would surpass mine in quality and essence. Her trips to the marché reminded me of my fiasco with the peach vendor in the summertime, her evenings with friends to the 'American Gut' that can't handle French food (as she says, it's not so much the French food but the fact that dinner is multiple courses, all rich and drowning in different wines)/
Mastering the Art of French cooking is a sort of cooking bible, especially for the American girl trying to feed the French guy. There have been many times I needed her recipe for the Quiche Lorraine or Salade Niçoise. French people are particular about their meals, moreso now that they have official gastronomic status in UNESCO standards. From types of potatoes (there are many) to what kind of lentil to use, French cooking is an art, one that is a necessity for an expatriate to master.
So, in this obligatory Julia Child post, I want to send my love to the woman and thank her for making my transition to life that much more easier; giving me the balls to discuss the products with the veggie market vendor and know that I should never apologize just move forward. Besides, what happens in the kitchen when you are alone, is no one's business... except maybe Ms. Child's.
a+
Monday, December 27, 2010
Beautiful Christmas
This weekend was a beautiful Christmas; it was one of those events that you can't forget and will always be a happy memory. Everyone went to bed on Christmas Eve around 3:30am, following in extensive French dinner. Unbeknown to me, my Bro detests seafood- and by chance the entire meal was of a seafood theme. Starting with small toasts spread with eggs and 'crustacean butter', following with a decadent supply of oysters, smoked salmon, a seafood main dish composed of 'Coquilles st Jacques'. The end of the meal marked the end of seafood for my bro for a LONG time.. but for those of us less picky the meal was a success and was quite delicious.
The spirit of Christmas carries over even when you are in your 20's... at 9am exactly, even if we didn't sleep very well the night before, our eyes popped open. Bri was in charge of getting everyone else up and I was in charge of keeping the bed warm. By 10am we were eating a light breakfast and 10:30am gifts were being opened.
Everyone got beautiful gifts, Bri got an electric razor, a new shirt and a Kinect, Bro got his complete French outfit; Brice got a selection of nice clothes, his girlfriend got some perfume and other lovely gifts- everyone got something and it was about a 2 hour opening session.
Bri got me something so amazing, knowing that I am not the typical jewelry and makeup type girl; he searched his heart to buy a gift he knew I would love and have for a long time.
My very own 'Le Creuset'.
He was beautiful, the deep enameled surface that guaranteed the lifetime of the product- the bright red color and the beautiful wooden handle. It was perfect.
It didn't stop there, not only did I get my first 'Le Creuset' but I got by first French parfum. I always see the pubs on the television describing the perfect smell and perfume- it's a part of the French culture. Never once did I actually buy the perfum; but his parents decided it was time. I had lived in France for about 7 months now, Bri and I had been together for almost 2 years and it was time...
of course they know, as well as Bri, that I am not just for the superficial and for a safe measure tossed in a set of cocottes and a cookbook... just in case.
Christmas presents lasted for about two hours, and in the end we were all exhausted and not very hungry. We ended up eating another huge 'Christmas Lunch' at 4:00pm, as tradition enables, and that was another incredible meal; this time with a beautiful Christmas turkey, cardons and more Yule Logs.
I was amazed while discussing with my French family the fact that so many French people think that life in America is so grand. They asked me if I thought it was better there than here, if I wanted to go back, what opportunities were different. I came to the conclusion that the United States is a great country if you have a lot of money; if not, as a poor student or family, France is much more idealistic and offers many more opportunities to live a normal life. A person can live a French life in America if they have enough money, there are replacement grocery stores like Zupan's, and it's possible to have that $3 baguette every day- if your budget is big enough.
All in all it was a successful Christmas; one full of smiles and happiness and one where I got some very nice gifts to take home- I cannot WAIT to try my Creuset!
a+
The spirit of Christmas carries over even when you are in your 20's... at 9am exactly, even if we didn't sleep very well the night before, our eyes popped open. Bri was in charge of getting everyone else up and I was in charge of keeping the bed warm. By 10am we were eating a light breakfast and 10:30am gifts were being opened.
Everyone got beautiful gifts, Bri got an electric razor, a new shirt and a Kinect, Bro got his complete French outfit; Brice got a selection of nice clothes, his girlfriend got some perfume and other lovely gifts- everyone got something and it was about a 2 hour opening session.
Bri got me something so amazing, knowing that I am not the typical jewelry and makeup type girl; he searched his heart to buy a gift he knew I would love and have for a long time.
My very own 'Le Creuset'.
He was beautiful, the deep enameled surface that guaranteed the lifetime of the product- the bright red color and the beautiful wooden handle. It was perfect.
It didn't stop there, not only did I get my first 'Le Creuset' but I got by first French parfum. I always see the pubs on the television describing the perfect smell and perfume- it's a part of the French culture. Never once did I actually buy the perfum; but his parents decided it was time. I had lived in France for about 7 months now, Bri and I had been together for almost 2 years and it was time...
of course they know, as well as Bri, that I am not just for the superficial and for a safe measure tossed in a set of cocottes and a cookbook... just in case.
Christmas presents lasted for about two hours, and in the end we were all exhausted and not very hungry. We ended up eating another huge 'Christmas Lunch' at 4:00pm, as tradition enables, and that was another incredible meal; this time with a beautiful Christmas turkey, cardons and more Yule Logs.
I was amazed while discussing with my French family the fact that so many French people think that life in America is so grand. They asked me if I thought it was better there than here, if I wanted to go back, what opportunities were different. I came to the conclusion that the United States is a great country if you have a lot of money; if not, as a poor student or family, France is much more idealistic and offers many more opportunities to live a normal life. A person can live a French life in America if they have enough money, there are replacement grocery stores like Zupan's, and it's possible to have that $3 baguette every day- if your budget is big enough.
All in all it was a successful Christmas; one full of smiles and happiness and one where I got some very nice gifts to take home- I cannot WAIT to try my Creuset!
 |
| The Three Boys (Brian, Brice, Jason) on Christmas Eve |
Friday, December 24, 2010
What-What: Christmas in France
It seems as I get older the year seems to slip through my fingers- and now I find myself, once again, in France on Christmas Eve.
Christmas has many connotations for many people; if you are religious, then you know the whole nativity story; you may also know the story of King Harod and his whole fit to kill all the babies- those stories are not so much my cup of tea.. so I tend to see Christmas as a gathering time; a time where we all can get together and eat until we explode, drink until we can't see straight and wake up to pillage whatever is under the tree.
In France, there is so much more; traditions of course are around- the typical sapin de Noël and the Christmas buche. However, I find, here we tend to enjoy just a little more.
Tonight will start with an enormous supper...
Course 1: Oysters and champagne
Course 2: Smoked salmon, buttered toast and Foie Gras (if you're a vegetarian.. you are missing out) w/ a nice sweet white wine.
Course 3: Some main dish of meat/a side of vegetables
Course 4: Fruits
Course 5: Assortment of delicious cheeses
Course 6: Bûche de Noël, or a 'yule log' a rolled up cake... with buttercream frosting.
Course 7: Digestif and Papillotte
At the end we will all roll around the house and digest while plotting when we will deliver our gifts downstairs. The goal is to not be seen by anyone, a sort of pseudo-Santa.
To describe what it's like to experience a Christmas in France would be like trying to describe the delicacies in a Foie Gras; it's 10x better than any Christmas in America because it incorporates this sentiment with food. Eating is always an integral piece to our culture here, but Christmas ups the ante and makes it a holiday where you can't leave your seat because you are so full. Yes, the moral apprehensions with Foie Gras remain- but it's simply a part of a culture. If you're going to drink the Champagne from France, you have to try the Foie Gras.
Tomorrow I'll be getting pictures up, so the enticement of the meal will be before your eyes. I hope anyone out in the States will be eating heartily as well, and if not, I 'chine' to you and will eat a piece of Foie Gras and some oysters on your behalf!
Merry Christmas and Joyeaux Noël!
a+
Christmas has many connotations for many people; if you are religious, then you know the whole nativity story; you may also know the story of King Harod and his whole fit to kill all the babies- those stories are not so much my cup of tea.. so I tend to see Christmas as a gathering time; a time where we all can get together and eat until we explode, drink until we can't see straight and wake up to pillage whatever is under the tree.
In France, there is so much more; traditions of course are around- the typical sapin de Noël and the Christmas buche. However, I find, here we tend to enjoy just a little more.
Tonight will start with an enormous supper...
Course 1: Oysters and champagne
Course 2: Smoked salmon, buttered toast and Foie Gras (if you're a vegetarian.. you are missing out) w/ a nice sweet white wine.
Course 3: Some main dish of meat/a side of vegetables
Course 4: Fruits
Course 5: Assortment of delicious cheeses
Course 6: Bûche de Noël, or a 'yule log' a rolled up cake... with buttercream frosting.
Course 7: Digestif and Papillotte
At the end we will all roll around the house and digest while plotting when we will deliver our gifts downstairs. The goal is to not be seen by anyone, a sort of pseudo-Santa.
To describe what it's like to experience a Christmas in France would be like trying to describe the delicacies in a Foie Gras; it's 10x better than any Christmas in America because it incorporates this sentiment with food. Eating is always an integral piece to our culture here, but Christmas ups the ante and makes it a holiday where you can't leave your seat because you are so full. Yes, the moral apprehensions with Foie Gras remain- but it's simply a part of a culture. If you're going to drink the Champagne from France, you have to try the Foie Gras.
Tomorrow I'll be getting pictures up, so the enticement of the meal will be before your eyes. I hope anyone out in the States will be eating heartily as well, and if not, I 'chine' to you and will eat a piece of Foie Gras and some oysters on your behalf!
Merry Christmas and Joyeaux Noël!
a+
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