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.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
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.
.
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.
.
Monday, February 14, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, February 7, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
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.
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.
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