Amsterdam Day 2

The second day of our stay, my friend and I decided to rent bikes to see the city. I think it was the best idea we had the whole trip. It honestly only took 20 minutes to bike from one end to the other and we could stop, lock our bikes and walk where ever we wanted. However, the bikes only came in one size. At this point I have come to terms with my height literally being a handicap, because having to jump up to sit on a bike is just not normal.

The first place we went was the Anne Frank house. It was really amazing, we saw where the family lived and the area they hid behind the bookshelf. It was so amazing to see real history in front of us We saw the room that she slept in and how she decorated the walls with pictures of celebrities she liked like Ginger Rogers. We also saw her real diary on display. I wish I could have taken pictures but it was not prohibited. However, throughout  the rooms they were playing videos about her life and I found this one that her father had made and I thought it was really profound and I want to share it with you.

We also saw about 50 copies of her Diary written in different languages. Its pretty amazing how this one girl has impacted so many people in so many different cultures through her thoughts and experiences.

Then for the rest of the day we biked around and took lots of pictures of the scenery. Its funny how bikes are really the mode of transportation in Amsterdam. Instead of parking garages, we saw bike garages. There were hundreds, they were all over the street and most didn't have bike locks. I guess people are pretty trusting there. Also I thought it was interesting that all the bikes seemed to be rusted (like all of them). Whereas if bikes were a big thing in the US, I think we would find a way to coerce Mercedes Bendz or BMW to start making bikes for us. Maybe they don't care as much about status and luxury as much as we do. I did not even see a lot of high fashion luxury brands like Chanel, Dior, or Gucci, which is typical in a city in the US.

 Amsterdam was honestly really beautiful because there were canals that went through the entire city. I think I can imagine why people are so happy here, they bike everywhere and they get to have Amsterdam as their scenery.

It was actually really cute, when people wanted to pass us they would ring their little bike bell. I wish cars were made with bike bells, maybe rush hour traffic on Fridays would be a little more pleasant for everyone if we had bike bells instead of car horns.

Even the police were on bikes. My friend and I were laughing because in all honesty what is a policeman going to do on a bike if someone robs a store or something. Does he have higher gear speed to go catch them? and then how do you arrest someone? or what happens if someone is biking and texting? In the US if you drive and text you get your license taken away, but they can't take away a license so would they take away your bike? I would hate to be that kid showing up to school with no bike. That's got shame written all over it.

Well all in all it was a really enjoyable trip, and I am so glad I got the opportunity to go.

Amsterdam

So last weekend I took a trip to Amsterdam. It was a 7 hour bus ride from Paris to Amsterdam, I know that sounds pretty bad but It was actually really relaxing. I was able to see part of the French Country side, and our bus also stopped in Brussels and Antwerp. It was nice that we were able to walk around a little, and although we did not see much of the cities, it was still nice to have some exposure.

When we got to the Station we had to take a short train ride to our Hostel. Well, I know this is going to sound ridiculous, but I completely forgot that they speak Dutch in Holland. I was all ready to start speaking French to ask directions and advice at the information center, probably because I have had to do that for the last 2 months in Paris. It was really interesting to be in a place where I was a little dumbfounded. I could not understand the language at all, and reading the signs was just as complicated. Luckily, Amsterdam is one of those cities where pretty much everyone speaks English and everyone was very friendly and willing to help lost tourists.

So after getting settled into our hostel, my friend and I decided we wanted to explore the city a little and we found our way to the Red light district. I must say it wasn't easy. We laughed the entire way just trying to find the right streets  and struggling with pronouncing the names. Streets like Recht Broomssloot and Jodenbreestraat, kept us pretty entertained for the night. It was really beautiful though, there were a lot of house boats in the area we were living in, they were legitimately log cabins floating on water. Then when we got to the Red light district it was definitely nothing like I expected. There were sex shops on every corner, coffee shops to buy and smoke marijuana, and prostitutes were on display in the windows. Definitely a different culture than I was used to.

I thought it was really interesting that although in the US we see  marijuana, prostitution, and drinking, as being very controversial it was nothing special for locals in Amsterdam. Even casinos and gambling is pretty controversial in Massachusetts because people are afraid that it is going to attract the "wrong type of attention". However, in Amsterdam for the few days I was there I did not see one homeless person, and no one said I had to watch out for pickpockets or scams. In fact, everyone was extremely nice and welcoming, the minute my friend and I pulled out our maps someone would stop and ask if we needed help. It really makes me wonder why in the US we fear these things like marijuana and prostitution (I am not advocating anything, just making observations).

We expect them to bring corruption to society, when maybe what we should really be worrying about is why we have homeless people living on the streets in the first place and why there is nothing being done to change that. How can a society that fosters all of this "corruption", be the city that is the cleanest, friendliest, and clearly the happiest I have ever seen? Clearly the people in Amsterdam are doing something right. I don't know enough about their political or economic system to justify any of this, but it was definitely interesting to see the contrast.

Birthday

Well, it was my 21st birthday the other weekend and it was definitely a memorable one. It was really more like a birthday week, and Im thinking about extending it for the month, but we'll see.

I received flowers from my parents and plenty of really sweet birthday cards from family and friends. Then for my birthday weekend about 18 of my friends, French and American ended up meeting at my apartment to go out for the night. I am going to tell you right now, my apartment was not made to have 18 people, but we made it work, sort of.

Then we ended up at a bar and had a great night. Then Monday on my actually birthday a few of us went to a Fondu restaurant. It was so much fun, they gave us baby bottles full of wine and my friends got the waiters to give me a special desert at the end and the whole restaurant ended up singing to me. A guy from South Carolina even ended up inviting all of us to his wedding which was going to happen the next day at the Eiffel Tower, I guess thats just your typical southern hospitality.

This next week coming up is going to be pretty exciting, Its one of my best friends birthdays and were going to celebrate for the whole week, because we can!

Back Again!

I am sorry it has been a while since I have blogged, I got a little caught up in life. However, I have a lot to share with all of you. First off a few weeks ago I went to the Musee D'Orsay and the Louvre, two of the most famous museums in Paris. I like the Louvre, but its so big its actually very overwhelming. I saw the infamous Mona Lisa , but in all honesty you can't really appreciate it as a viewer. There is a glass box covering the painting, then a perminent gate around it, then a second temporary gate, and two guards (the french are serious about their art). The closest you could get was about 10 feet away from the actual painting. Of course being short has its advantages. I was able to squeeze through and get to the front of the crowd. I'm sure its not hard to picture me up at the front taking pictures of the Mona Lisa fighting with the 10 year old on my right and the 8 year old on my left for the best shot.

However, I was able to see the Venus de Milo, the Egyptian statue of Ramesses II, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace (which happens to be my favorite). My roommate an I were only able to see one full wing of the Louvre in 2 hours, hopefully that can put the size in perspective for you.

Then I also went to the Musee D'orsay with my french class and then again that week with a friend. I think its my favorite museum in Paris. There were paintings by Descartes, Degas, Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Seurat, Manet, and Gauguin. The museum consisted of all of the paintings I have seen growing up, or in art classes. It was overwhelming but only because the art was so impressive. I wish I could have taken pictures to show everyone, but it was not allowed. I actually got yelled at by the staff for taking a picture of the information card next to a painting by Renoir. If you really know me, you wouldn't be surprised by this at all.

Then later on I also went to a Mask party that was organized by my school, which was really fun, but pretty difficult to find people. Then I also went to a French dinner that was organized by my french teacher. She had the American students meet with the French students. It was really funny actually, I met these two french girls and they kept bragging to all of their friends that I spoke french really well. Well, I don't know about really well, but compared to the rest of the group that consisted of French beginners, I guess I looked like an expert. They also wanted to continue our conversation outside and asked if I smoked but when I said I didn't they were pretty bummed. They didn't understand why none of the Americans smoke, but in France Smoking really is a social experience.

I also spent the day with a friend walking around St. Paul, which is a really cool shopping area. We went into about 5 vintage stores and saw everything from vintage Chanel bags to Hermes scarves. I was afraid to touch anything considering the bags were around 500 Euro, but it was still a really cool area.

Then over the weekend I went to a huge dinner party in the suburbs with a bunch of friends from school where we ate Raclette. Basically you heat up cheese until its melted and you can cook different cold cuts on the hot plate and you put it all over a cooked potato. I know it sounds weird, but it was SO DELICIOUS. Then our dinner party turned into a dance party, and by the end of the night I was dancing Salsa. Then it ended up being about 15 of us staying over and waking up at 6am to take the train back to our apartments. Definitely an eventful week!

Friends

I hosted my first dinner party the other night. I must say I have to give my mom credit for Christmas Eve dinner, because we made the simplest dishes you could think of and it was work.Trying to time the veggies with the pasta and the chicken will limited resources is a perfected skill. Its funny you would think I would know my way around the kitchen after two years of having my own kitchen in my apartments at school, but thinking back on it I really never had the time. After going to classes, a job, clubs, meetings, and if I am lucky squeezing in the gym, I always have to reach for the fastest thing to make. Ask any college student and I guarantee they will say the same thing. My downtime is my shower, and watching a Jersey Shore or a Chelsea Handler episode (quality TV). We really don't know how to relax in the US, and this isn't the last time your going to hear it.

Back to the dinner- I was lucky this time my friend who went with me to London came over and we shopped and made everything together before everyone showed up. It was really fun to have everyone together, there were friends from school, from classes, friends of friends, and a friend from the suburbs of Paris, I think it was about 8 of us in total.  It was so much fun, everyone got a long really well, especially after the 4 bottles of wine.

I wish I had a big enough dining room for more people. I love celebrating and having great company, sometimes its a problem, just ask my parents on the summer of 2009. I say I am inviting 5 people over it turns to 10, and 10 easily to 20 (Im sorry I just like everyone to have a good time, thats all). However, its just safer for everyone if I go to other peoples houses, which I will be doing tomorrow for another dinner party. I am meeting some really cool people that I am going to have a lot of fun with.

London Town Part 2

Ok then for the next few days we did a little more touring. We saw Hyde park, Buckingham palace, the Aquarium, Big Ben, and of course had to take pictures in the red phone booths.

Then we went to Harrods. I don't think I know the right words on how to describe this store. It was the most luxurious department store I have ever seen in my life. When we first walked in there were chandeliers  everywhere, it was more like being in a five star hotel than a store. I didn't take too many pictures because people started staring at me, and I figured my inner tourist had to take a break for a bit. Then every room had its own theme. There were tea bars, chocolate bars, sundae bars, sushi bars, a whole butchers market, a room filled with every candy you could dream of, there were two story restaurants, and thats just the food. Then there were rooms for sporting goods, children's cloths, men's, and the women's section was amazing. It was like shopping in a museum, dresses were actually in cases. It was really amazing. I hope this is what heaven looks like.

The next day we went to this huge outdoor flee market. It was really cool because it was mostly handmade crafts. I saw a dress that was made out of neck ties (maybe not my style, but it was creative). There were hand stitched leather bags, jewelry, paintings, and all different types of ethnic food. We were there for about 3 hours and lost each other frequently.

Then we went to a traditional English afternoon tea. It was in the Rose Tea Room and its name definitely described the atmosphere. The whole room was pink, with pink couches, and rose decorations, it even smelled like roses. The first course was rose champagne, then we each ordered tea, and they gave us all our own pot. Then the three tiers of cucumber sandwiches, scones, and assortments of jellies arrived. I felt so accomplished when I got through half my pot of tea, I think I can honestly say I had about a gallon worth of tea in my stomach after 2 1/2 hours. It was so delicious, my friend ordered rose tea and it actually had rose blossoms in it.

It was a really great trip, and even though in London they speak English, its really cool to see cultural differences. I wish I could spend 5 months in each country instead of a weekend.
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London town Part 1

This past weekend I traveled to London for 4 days with two friends from school, we covered so much in so little time I think London deserves a few entrees.

We stayed with one of their friends who is studying in London for a year. Anyway the first place she took us was the TATE its the modern art museum in London. I have never been a huge fan of modern art (I guess I always just think of Picasso, who has a man's ear growing out of his forehead, so you just never know),  however It was not so much 21st century modern art as it was art that was considered revolutionary for a particular time period. We saw a few Andy Warhol paintings, from far away they look like a cartoon, but up close you can see that he only used dots of colors to create the painting, its called pointillism. We also saw Georges Braque who was a cubist painter. Then of course we saw Picasso and even Monet's water lilies. I was really surprised Monet's painting was displayed, but then again at one point impressionism was a completely modern genre of art for the time period it was introduced. Anyway long story short I really enjoyed the museum I wish we had more time to spend there, but we had a whole city to see in a few days.

After the Museum we walked all over London taking pictures of the London eye, the Millenium bridge (it was in Harry Potter), saw a few old cathedrals, and of course got distracted by the sales. London reminds me so much of Boston, it was a little like being home.

I have to say it was also really refreshing to hear English and to know that there would not be any communication boundaries. Even if I can understand directions, descriptions, and casual conversation in French there is always a degree of uncertainty when people speak really fast or use more sophisticated vocabulary. However, it was a bit of a let down that night when we went to a club, and every girl I met was from America. We actually knew people at each others schools, this is an unbelievably small world.

Our friend told us that right after English people get out of work they head straight to the Pubs, we stopped at one around 4:30, it was absolutely packed, with English people of all ages. It seams like everyone knows how to relax in Europe.

I am beginning to realize Paris is pretty dangerous, there is a pastry shop located on just about every corner. I passed 3 today just walking from the metro station. The worst part about it, is everything looks and tastes amazing, you know you can't make a bad choice. Whereas in the US its pretty easy to pass the hohos, and twinkies, because they taste like cardboard and processed sugar. However, now it literally takes all my energy to just keep walking past the pastry shops in the morning to school; the aroma is much more than a tease.

I thought it was pretty funny the other day, my mom asked me if there was a Dunkin Doughnuts, yeah I wish. The french do NOT take their coffees to go, you sit down and enjoy a coffee for a minimum of 15 minutes. I have not seen one Parisian walking with a coffee, even at Starbucks everyone treats it like a cafe rather than a pick-me-up. Im not sure I really understand that yet, considering in Philly I down a black coffee the first 5 minutes I wake up, take another with me to class, and start on my third for the 4:00 slump. Im beginning to realize the French enjoy their time a little more, and the take time to relax. On Sundays just about every store is closed, even the grocery store, it is literally the day of rest. Whereas the restaurant I worked in at home did not even close for a snow storm.

Even though I still have classes and homework, I really feel like I am on vacation. Its funny how in the US we multi-task like crazy, probably so we can have more time later, which we never seem to get, or we multi-task because we are under the impression that "time is money".

Well, anyway, this weekend was pretty great. I went Ice Skating at the Eiffel Tower with a good friend, no big deal. I think this entitles me to bragging rights though. It was a really cool view of Paris, and it was a lot fun, even though my ice skating skills are just as impressive as my biking skills. Then Saturday it was my friend's birthday Party and it was themed and I had to dress up as a person in history. So naturally I was a 1920s flapper. It was really nice seeing old friends and hearing about what everyone was doing for school. Everyone at the party was french, so for the most part I spoke in french, but some wanted to speak to me in English, and I'm not complaining.

Then Sunday was the Super Bowl. A bunch of us from school went to a bar to watch the game, which started at 12 because of the time difference. Biggest let down of the night - NO commercials. As a girl and a marketing major the Super Bowl commercials are kind of a big deal, and the only commercials I saw were for ESPN America. However, if you think about it, it makes sense considering France is a completely different market. Most of the car commercials would not have even been relevant because of either the brand, message, or context. Plus the Super Bowl is not very big in Europe so why spend millions on a commercial that only 1% of the country is going to see.

 It was funny, during the halftime show all the Americans were going crazy, singing and dancing to the Black Eyed Peas and Usher. I don't think It would have been like that if we were at a sports bar in the US, everyone would be keeping their cool. However, when your in a foreign country you really appreciate your home country a lot more, and it was clear everyone was proud that these were our American performers.

Classes

Ok I am going to be a little bit of a nerd right now and talk about my classes. In all honesty, I absolutely love them. Yes I. love. school. I am finally admitting it, you all have been saying it for years.

Friday nights: "Kari go back to the library", yeah yeah, well I really do like my classes at the American Business School.

The staff is completely international from all over the world. My french teacher is actually from France, which is ironically the first French French teacher I have ever had. Shes really enthusiastic which helps at 8:30 in the morning for a 3 hour lesson. I was a little worried because it is an advanced french class, but surprisingly I understood just about everything. Then I had my Post-Impressionism art class. After one class I already look at art so differently. The teacher was addressing the symbolism of the colors, juxtapositions within the painting, body language, placement, and the relevancy of the time period to really dissect the message of the painter. Its funny how you can go to museums all your life and not really understand anything about the concept besides that your staring at some really old paintings.

I also had International Marketing however I switched into that later so I actually missed that class, but I was briefed by the teacher and I have her for my Public Relations class as well. I really enjoyed that class too, its clear my teachers are masters in their fields and they are passionate about what they are teaching. For Public Relations we are going to pick a scandal in the news, for political, sports team, celebrity, charity, or corporate scandals and compose a PR strategy and plan to counteract that negative publicity.

The only class that was slow was, business to business marketing. We talked about supply chains for 3 hours. However, its day 1 so I am not too worried.

It looks like its going to be a really interesting semester.

"Its ok I speak English"

Tonight I went out to dinner with my roommate in the Latin Quarter. We got lost on the way there but getting lost in Paris kind of beats Philly (sorry guys). It  was really nice, the streets are all cobblestone and there are restaurants everywhere, all different kinds like Greek, Chinese, Italian, and French of course. Most of them had outdoor seating even though its about 20 degrees right now, they put a tarp over the dining area and have heaters all over. Its actually really cool because people really do sit out there.

My roommate was so adorable tonight. She tried speaking to the waiter in french and he said, "its ok I speak English" and offered to give her a menu in English, but she said no I really want to learn. I was so proud of her, so we both helped her through the menu. It was a really nice night, especially after going to class and then shopping for the rest of they day (clearly, I am having a really hard time adjusting to this lifestyle).

I must say though, I really miss having a car, I have to walk EVERYWHERE. Even though the pharmacy is down the block, I miss being able to get in my warm car and just go through the drive through. However, its probably a lot safer for everyone that I am not driving on the road. We did a Bike tour around Paris the other day and the only thing I could think about was "this is how I am going to die". We were weaving in and out of cars and even riding through crowds of people. How can I concentrate on the scenery when I am about to kill a pigeon?

Anyway, I think my favorite place so far is this bridge I saw Friday night. It goes over La Seine and my friend from France brought me there and told me people who are lovers put a lock on the bridge and write their initials and the date they got together on the lock. There were hundreds of little locks hanging off the bridge. It was really incredible.I still need to figure out how to post pictures, but I will very soon!

Week 1

Ok, so from the moment I arrived I havn't had a real chance to relax. My schedule is so jam-packed I feel like I could use a vacation.

The first day  my roommates and I sat through a 3 hour orientation with our program coordinator...this was after the 7 hour plane ride, 2 hour layover and 30 minute car ride from the airport. Then every day after that we have been at the American Business School of Paris every morning at 9 sitting through hours of orientation.Then at night we have gone out to dinner or stayed out late going to a club. However, what I really liked about orientation was that the Dean talked a lot about respecting cultural differences.

There is a world of a difference between exposure and understanding. In all honesty, even though I have studied french since middle school, participated in an Immersion program in Nova Scotia, and traveled to France several times its really only exposure. Its going to take a lot of time to really understand the various attributes of french culture, which can be completely contrary to the American ideology. 

My first challenge was food shopping which was surprisingly difficult. I didn't realize there really are not a whole lot of American brands, Its like trying to buy groceries in Chinatown. Every label is in french and they have a lot of food I have never seen before.  So I bought soup thinking it would be the easiest meal to make in a hurry. It turned out that even though it had a picture of what looked like chicken noodle soup, it was actually broth, my bad.

Anyway, from what I have seen so far there are no words to describe this city. This is my 4th trip to Paris and it feels like the first time all over again. It really makes you appreciate history, and I feel so unbelievable lucky to be here.

Paris Today!!!!!!

Well today is finally the day, I leave for the airport in about an hour. I am so excited I can't control myself, I feel like a little kid excited for their first trip to Disney World. You know kids - how they cant stop jumping up and down or running around the house. Don't worry Ive already done that part.

I am still trying to run around the house and make sure that I have everything I need, but I know I am going to forget something, I always do. Ive made about 3 different packing list and now I can only find one, well at least I had the right idea right?

Well I will keep you all updated when I get into Paris.

Bisous

9 days...

There are only 9 days left until I board my flight to Paris. I have been attempting to pack for 2 weeks now, but its close to impossible to decide how to pack for 5 months in another country. I thought packing my life into my parents SUV freshman year of college was difficult, now I have to eliminate 80% of that. Truthfully I can only bring what I can carry, which is going to be pretty entertaining for everyone at the airport watching me, 5'1 with the upper body strength of 13 year old boy lug two 50 pound suitcases. Then there is the problem about being able to bring things home with me. Im a sucker for leather boots, jewelry, and art. I really want to buy a piece of artwork from the artists outside the Sacre Coeur. Its fairly famous for their street artists because the Sacre Coeur is located at the very top of Montmatre. Its kind of the Bohemian section of Paris which overlooks the entire city. Anyway I want to own a piece of art that I absolutely love and can always remind me of these 5 months I am going to spend in Paris.

I am starting to get really excited, but at the same time it hasn't hit me yet that I am not going to see my friends for 5 months and my friends at St Joes  for 8 months. Its great my parents and my aunts are visiting me in April, and we might take a trip over to Oslo, Norway (the homeland). I am hoping my dad will show me my grandfathers house.

Well I also just got my schedule the other day and I have classes Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.  No joke everyone, 3 days of classes. I have more days off than I do class, but then again each class is 3 hours, so we will see how 3 hours of advanced french goes.

Well goodnight for now
Bisous