Sorry for the radio silence! I still don't have internet, though hopefully I will have it by the end of the week. I've been relying on the free wifi at La Bousse, a local bar, and a transient signal called NETGEAR that sometimes gives me really slow internet in my own room. At the moment I'm sitting in La Bousse drinking a lemonade and typing this small message to you.
Last week the Spanish assistant, Felipe, arrived on Monday evening. He's from Costa Rica and used to work at Hewlett Packard. The German assistant Greg arrived on Tuesday afternoon and surprise of all surprises, is originally from LEDUC. Yes, Leduc, a small city about 300km north of Calgary, my hometown. He's been in Besançon for the past several months studying French at L'Université de Franche-Comté. German is one of his mother tongues, but he was born and has lived in Canada for most of his life. We were both pretty astonished to be meeting each other here, so far from home.
I spent most of the week either getting to know Morteau or wandering around a little bored, because my procès-verbal d'installation (proof of job) and attestation de logement (proof of housing) weren't ready, preventing me from getting a bank account and cell phone. Fortunately, I have them now and I've set up an appointment to get bank account on Wednesday morning. Morteau is a cute little town, population around 7000, and about 5km from the Swiss border. Therefore, a lot of French people live here but work in Switzerland, and some Swiss as well. They also do their grocery shopping here because prices are higher in Switzerland- there are four full-sized supermarkets: Casino, Intermarché, Carrefour and Netto Hard Discount. One day I'll have to talk about the differences between French and Canadian supermarkets. There are several bars, but the biggest are La Bousse and Le Terminus, and I think that these will be our bars of choice in the future. The bartender at La Bousse already knows our faces pretty well, considering we've been in at least four times in the last week! (Just to use the internet....mostly.....). There are several places to buy clothes and lots of cute little shops, as well as two cinemas. I'm sure that I won't be too bored here, as long I plan things to do on Sundays when almost everything is closed.
All of the English teachers are super nice. They ask me all the time if I'm settling in well and if I need anything. This weekend I might go for a drive around the valley with one of them. This afternoon I started observing the English classes. The first class was on reading comprehension, but the second was supposed to be presentations about new, innovative restaurants. Unfortunately most of the class claimed that they had filmed videos of their presentations, which are due on Wednesday instead of today. So I got to see two presentations on fictional gastropubs, one of which was located on platforms in a swimming pool in New York :). After the presentations, I was helping some students edit their presentation scripts, and discovered that they couldn't understand my accent. I ended up mostly speaking to them in French, which wasn't a big deal, but all the same it was a bit disturbing because I thought that I was going to be teaching them in English..... I will have to work on my speaking skills apparently. I was talking with Felipe later on, and he'd had the same problem. We both decided that we probably speak too fast and need to focus on speaking clearly when using our native languages. It's funny, because I don't really think about it normally. I know that sometimes I speak too quietly in English, but too fast or not clearly enough, not so much.
EDITED TO ADD: This situation shouldn't have been a total surprise to me, really. After all, some of these kids don't have a ton of years of experience with English, and I need to be prepared for that. I will try my best to speak in English with them, but I have to be patient, ask if they understand, rephrase, ask again, ask them to translate what I just said into French, and sometimes explain more complicated things in French. It's actually good practice for teaching in Immersion, apart from the translating and speaking in the native language part.
In any case, it's getting late. I have to wake up at 5:30 tomorrow morning in order to take the 6:50 train to Besançon for our first practical day. We're getting together with all of the language assistants in the region of Franche-Comté in order to learn more about how to do our paperwork and more about our duties. It's gonna be a long day, but I'm excited to meet all of the other assistants!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Dimanche
Today is the nationally sanctioned day of rest, and so I’ve spent it resting too. I emerged from the residence for a short walk around town, where I quickly discovered that almost everywhere is closed on Sundays, as I’d guessed. I’ll have to figure out things to do on Sundays in the future that don’t involve shopping or eating in restaurants. There was almost nobody walking on the sidewalks, but it seems that every young person in Morteau and the surrounding area owns a scooter or a motorcycle, and that Sunday is the day that they take them for a ride! The buzz of engines has been in my ears all day. In the bus parking lot down the hill from my “château”, there were about ten teenage boys sharing four motorbikes, taking turns riding them around the bus bays and filming each other for an hour or so.
I’ve also figured out that if I want to eat at the canteen, I have to get there right when it opens. I heard that lunch was served at noon, and I got caught up organising my room and didn’t get there until 12:30. Naturally, it was completely empty and all the food was put away. Fortunately, two really nice surveillants (supervisors) helped me find something to eat, so I was OK. This could be a problem, because punctuality isn’t exactly one of my strong points—but then again, food is one of my favourite things, so I think that I’ll adapt pretty quickly!
My parents left for Switzerland this morning. They really were a big help in getting me set up here. Yesterday, we went in to Besançon, a gorgeous city that I’m sure I’ll be visiting often. It’s an hour-long train ride away, and with the 12-25 SNCF discount card I can get there and back for 10 euros. The city centre is walled and full of historical buildings, and the lovely Doubs River runs right through it. We spent a bit of time in the city centre, but then left for the outskirts in order to go to Espace Valentin, a huge outdoor shopping mall where I picked up some essentials. When we got back to Morteau, they helped me rearrange my room so that all of the wardrobes are against one wall and the tables against another. I will put up some pictures once I’ve got it decorated, which I think will involve covering the walls with wrapping paper or something similarly cheap. A previous occupant also left behind some posters of Monet prints, which I will definitely make good use of. Afterwards, we had supper at L’Époque, a really nice restaurant serving local specialties. I got to try the famous Morteau sausage, which was pretty good. I’ll be going back there for sure, but not often, because it’s not exactly in my budget range!
This next week is going to be super busy. I have to get a bank account, a cell phone, occupant’s insurance, and a 12-25 SNCF card. I’m hoping that I can get all of that done by Friday, but we’ll see…
I’ve also figured out that if I want to eat at the canteen, I have to get there right when it opens. I heard that lunch was served at noon, and I got caught up organising my room and didn’t get there until 12:30. Naturally, it was completely empty and all the food was put away. Fortunately, two really nice surveillants (supervisors) helped me find something to eat, so I was OK. This could be a problem, because punctuality isn’t exactly one of my strong points—but then again, food is one of my favourite things, so I think that I’ll adapt pretty quickly!
My parents left for Switzerland this morning. They really were a big help in getting me set up here. Yesterday, we went in to Besançon, a gorgeous city that I’m sure I’ll be visiting often. It’s an hour-long train ride away, and with the 12-25 SNCF discount card I can get there and back for 10 euros. The city centre is walled and full of historical buildings, and the lovely Doubs River runs right through it. We spent a bit of time in the city centre, but then left for the outskirts in order to go to Espace Valentin, a huge outdoor shopping mall where I picked up some essentials. When we got back to Morteau, they helped me rearrange my room so that all of the wardrobes are against one wall and the tables against another. I will put up some pictures once I’ve got it decorated, which I think will involve covering the walls with wrapping paper or something similarly cheap. A previous occupant also left behind some posters of Monet prints, which I will definitely make good use of. Afterwards, we had supper at L’Époque, a really nice restaurant serving local specialties. I got to try the famous Morteau sausage, which was pretty good. I’ll be going back there for sure, but not often, because it’s not exactly in my budget range!
This next week is going to be super busy. I have to get a bank account, a cell phone, occupant’s insurance, and a 12-25 SNCF card. I’m hoping that I can get all of that done by Friday, but we’ll see…
Friday, September 23, 2011
Arrival
After a brutal plane ride of 8 and some hours, packed into our seats like sardines and unable to sleep without contorting into anatomically impossible positions, my parents and I arrived at London Gatwick Airport in time to watch the sun rise over the English hills. We had a delicious breakfast at Joe’s Coffee- I got to try bubble and squeak, a patty made of turnip, potato, onion, and something green. I’d always wondered what it was… Next, we had three hours to kill until our flight to Geneva, which I mostly spent sleeping and being generally out of it. Then we had a speedy, comfortable flight to the Swiss city, grabbed a rental car and headed to Morteau. The GPS led us on a merry ride through the “mountains” (I have trouble calling them mountains, they’re all shorter than the tree line!) and valleys, using a combination of highways and charming, shoulder-less, one-lane back roads that took us past farmer’s fields and through tiny, ancient villages.
We arrived in town at about 6pm and I met up with my teacher, who took us over to the residence and the school so I could see everything and drop off my luggage. It was a lot to take in. The building that I’m staying in is the old residence of the lycée, and it hasn’t had students living in it since about 2008. My room has three wardrobes, four tables and two beds. One of the beds has no mattress, however, so it is now leaning against the wall. Some people may be interested in the fact that I’m only using two of the wardrobes for clothes- the other one is for general storage. The kitchen was a bit of a shock, but now that I’ve been here a few days, I’ve gotten used to it. I will have to look up lots of recipes that you can make in a toaster oven. There’s also a canteen that I’m allowed to eat at; it’s used by the boarders and I think the non-boarding students also eat lunch there during the school week.
I don’t have internet yet, so I’m writing this on Word and will post it when I get the chance. The other assistants are arriving sometime this week and we’ll figure out the internet then.
We arrived in town at about 6pm and I met up with my teacher, who took us over to the residence and the school so I could see everything and drop off my luggage. It was a lot to take in. The building that I’m staying in is the old residence of the lycée, and it hasn’t had students living in it since about 2008. My room has three wardrobes, four tables and two beds. One of the beds has no mattress, however, so it is now leaning against the wall. Some people may be interested in the fact that I’m only using two of the wardrobes for clothes- the other one is for general storage. The kitchen was a bit of a shock, but now that I’ve been here a few days, I’ve gotten used to it. I will have to look up lots of recipes that you can make in a toaster oven. There’s also a canteen that I’m allowed to eat at; it’s used by the boarders and I think the non-boarding students also eat lunch there during the school week.
I don’t have internet yet, so I’m writing this on Word and will post it when I get the chance. The other assistants are arriving sometime this week and we’ll figure out the internet then.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Recipes
Tonight, I'm taking the time to write down some recipes to take with me. I don't know how easy it will be for me to access the internet while in France, and I'll have time restrictions if I need to phone the recipe-bank (aka Mum) for advice. I decided on a few dessert recipes like Puffed Wheat Squares and Nanaimo Bars, the latter of which I will do my best to talk up to my French friends-- see, Canada does have some sort of national food! There are also the unimpeachable Lentil Chili and Channa Masala, my go-to comfort dishes, as well as Butter Chicken, Lasagna, and my friend Steph's pancake recipe. As for ingredients, I'm seriously considering bringing maple syrup with me, and I'm definitely bringing peanut butter, which is hard to find in France.
A friend of mine was recently in Argentina for several months and whenever people asked her to make her some kind of Canadian food, she made pancakes. They were a big hit, but I would like to have a little more to show for myself when I get asked the big question. It's true that Canadian food is a little bit of a paradox- we're a country of immigrants, so most of the food we eat here is eaten somewhere else. However, it's all mixed together and influenced by local ingredients- for example, ginger beef, which is sold as "Chinese food", but was invented in Calgary sometime in the 70s. There's some Québécois cuisine that I don't know a lot about (tourtière, smoked meat, Montréal bagels, etc), but I will try to make sucre à la crème one day (it's a sugary fudge that tastes like rainbows and sparkles).
All in all, I just hope that it will be relatively easy for me to cook for myself and that I won't be stuck eating cafeteria food, which is a distinct possibility. Though French cafeteria food isn't in the same realm as Canadian caf food, not by a long shot, I feel that I will enjoy discovering French food a lot more if I can make some of it by myself.
What are some foods that you feel are distinctly Canadian? What are your comfort foods that you can't do without?
A friend of mine was recently in Argentina for several months and whenever people asked her to make her some kind of Canadian food, she made pancakes. They were a big hit, but I would like to have a little more to show for myself when I get asked the big question. It's true that Canadian food is a little bit of a paradox- we're a country of immigrants, so most of the food we eat here is eaten somewhere else. However, it's all mixed together and influenced by local ingredients- for example, ginger beef, which is sold as "Chinese food", but was invented in Calgary sometime in the 70s. There's some Québécois cuisine that I don't know a lot about (tourtière, smoked meat, Montréal bagels, etc), but I will try to make sucre à la crème one day (it's a sugary fudge that tastes like rainbows and sparkles).
All in all, I just hope that it will be relatively easy for me to cook for myself and that I won't be stuck eating cafeteria food, which is a distinct possibility. Though French cafeteria food isn't in the same realm as Canadian caf food, not by a long shot, I feel that I will enjoy discovering French food a lot more if I can make some of it by myself.
What are some foods that you feel are distinctly Canadian? What are your comfort foods that you can't do without?
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Literature?
Today I drove up to Chapters so that I could pick up some teen magazines to show my classes when I get to France. One of my duties as an English-language assistant is to expose my students to the teen culture and vocabulary of Canada. Unfortunately, there are no Canadian teen magazines, or at least none that I could find during my perusal of the Chapters magazine section. How am I supposed to show them the difference between Canadian and American teens if they only read the American magazines? But it seems I have spoken too soon: I just googled "Canadian teen magazine" and found Faze, "an exciting magazine published for young Canadians. Since its launch in 2000 Faze has been a refreshing break from the standard dumbed-down youth magazines that only serve up regurgitated American pop culture and prom diet tips. Faze offers its readers insightful, hopefully inspiring looks at real life issues, youth culture, music, movies, personal style, current affairs, real people, technology, travel, careers, health and fitness and much more." I guess I'll have to go and find a copy then! I also thought I should find some magazines that will interest the boys in the class. Does anyone have any suggestions?
While I was at the bookstore I also went through the travel guide section. I'm not sure if I should bother buying any travel books for my trip, since I haven't even decided on the places I'm going to visit. On the long list are Ireland, the UK, Sweden, Prague, Barcelona, Tuscany, Greece, Normandy, Nantes, Strasbourg, Paris, Provence and Belgium, but where I end up going remains to be seen. My (hopefully) many side-trips will most likely be planned only a few weeks in advance and the Internet and word-of-mouth will probably be my main resources. Suggestions, thoughts?
While I was at the bookstore I also went through the travel guide section. I'm not sure if I should bother buying any travel books for my trip, since I haven't even decided on the places I'm going to visit. On the long list are Ireland, the UK, Sweden, Prague, Barcelona, Tuscany, Greece, Normandy, Nantes, Strasbourg, Paris, Provence and Belgium, but where I end up going remains to be seen. My (hopefully) many side-trips will most likely be planned only a few weeks in advance and the Internet and word-of-mouth will probably be my main resources. Suggestions, thoughts?
Monday, August 29, 2011
Packing, part the first
Today, I started packing. I found all of the Rubbermaid totes in the house that I'd used to bring my clothes back from Edmonton, and emptied them out onto the floor of our downstairs TV room. I found a pair of red teddy bear-spattered fleece pants that I haven't worn in 2 years and likely never will again. I also realized that I have more clothes than I ever thought possible. I have nine skirts! How did that happen? I also have at least twelve variations on the sweater: cardigans, a sweater vest, a duster, hoodies, pullovers.... It's time to get picky. As I have trouble with sartorial choices, taking at least ten minutes to pick out an outfit even on the most casual of days, this is going to be a little difficult. I may need to resort to outside help!
Friday, August 26, 2011
Preparations
Wow, it's been a few months, hasn't it? Since my last post, I have worked in Edmonton for May and July, gone to Europe for five weeks, and then returned to Calgary.
This Monday I flew to Vancouver for my visa appointment on Tuesday morning. I got to stay with an old friend of the family whom I rarely see since she moved out to the Coast, go shopping and of course sample fantastic West Coast sushi. My visa appointment on Tuesday was very straightforward: I went down to the French Consulate on Pender Street and got buzzed in, and then waited for not even ten minutes before I got called up (I was there at least twenty minutes before my appointment time!). I gave them my documentation and they checked it all out, before taking my fingerprints with a cool little machine and my picture as well. Then I had to run down the street to buy an Expresspost envelope at the local Shoppers Drug Mart- I had brought an envelope with me, but they suggested Expresspost so that I could track the package. It would have my passport in it, after all! After this relatively painless experience, it was off to Granville Island for lunch, and then the airport to return home.
This afternoon I decided to track the package online, just for kicks, and found out that it had arrived at 11am this morning! While I was researching getting a visa online, people said it could take up to three weeks to receive, and so it was important to leave plenty of time in between your visa appointment and your flight out of Canada. Therefore I was very surprised that it didn't even take five days for the Consulate to process my visa. It's a relief to have it already, to be honest, and now all I have to do is get my packing done....now that's going to take a while!
This Monday I flew to Vancouver for my visa appointment on Tuesday morning. I got to stay with an old friend of the family whom I rarely see since she moved out to the Coast, go shopping and of course sample fantastic West Coast sushi. My visa appointment on Tuesday was very straightforward: I went down to the French Consulate on Pender Street and got buzzed in, and then waited for not even ten minutes before I got called up (I was there at least twenty minutes before my appointment time!). I gave them my documentation and they checked it all out, before taking my fingerprints with a cool little machine and my picture as well. Then I had to run down the street to buy an Expresspost envelope at the local Shoppers Drug Mart- I had brought an envelope with me, but they suggested Expresspost so that I could track the package. It would have my passport in it, after all! After this relatively painless experience, it was off to Granville Island for lunch, and then the airport to return home.
This afternoon I decided to track the package online, just for kicks, and found out that it had arrived at 11am this morning! While I was researching getting a visa online, people said it could take up to three weeks to receive, and so it was important to leave plenty of time in between your visa appointment and your flight out of Canada. Therefore I was very surprised that it didn't even take five days for the Consulate to process my visa. It's a relief to have it already, to be honest, and now all I have to do is get my packing done....now that's going to take a while!
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