Bleh I'm sick:(

Welp, it's official, I have a cold. I woke up this morning and felt like my throat was the size of a watermelon. But thankfully, the tylenol cold medicine I packed is working its magic... and I can only hope I'll be better by this weekend! (There's an English assistant picnic on Saturday at a big park in Lyon). It would be even cooler if I was magically better by tomorrow, my first real day of work (more meetings... so not really real work, but closer).

I did manage to make my way to a SNCF ticket booth to buy myself a carte 12-25, a youth pass costing 50 euros, but cutting all train ticket prices in half, woohoo! I started looking online today for my train ticket to Paris. I'm picking Maggie and company up from the airport there at the end of October (I have a week vacation right after I work 3 full weeks, nice!). Instead of it costing me 120 euros, it will only cost me 60 euros:)

I asked the woman at the SNCF site if she could "recharge" my monthly Lyon metro pass (or put money on my card)... which she could not. So I had to go a different station, for a different ticket booth for metro tickets. Of course, as it is the day before October 1st, I was not the only one getting in line to put money on my telecity pass. Fortunately, there was a patisserie in the station, so before I got in line, I got myself a little snack, something new- a chausson citron (or a lemon bootee... aka a lemon turnover). It was delish. And it made me smile on the inside because I envisioned putting it on a little baby foot. A good way to kill 5 minutes of the 45 I waited in line...

Of course, the one day I didn't bring an umbrella (it wasn't supposed to rain), it started raining on my way back to the tram to go home. I decided to get off the tram and stop at the mall to buy myself a jacket with a hood. I found a store with tons of discounts (kiabi). France mandates sales twice a year in July and January, so there aren't always clothing stores with a sale rack. But this whole store was like a sale rack! I found a cute little hooded jacket (Victor says I look like Madeline with it on), a new sweater and a turtle neck. Can you tell I've been cold?

Currently, I'm waiting on my oven that was supposed to show today. I waaas supposed to call and confirm a meeting time, but the phone number I was given didn't work... so I waited all afternoon just in case. Not very exciting, but I probably should be laying low anyway with my cold. Going to go watch a movie and drink something warm!

Hope you're all doing well! Reste Cool:)

ps I will eventually get around to finding a post office, so if you want a postcard, give me your address!

Feeling pretty fortunate!

Today was my first job-related orientation. It was a réunion (meeting) for all the primary language assistants in the Rhone region (about 30 in all, mostly English assistants, but 2 German). Laurence met me and Alexa, the other primary assistant in Saint-Priest for lunch before the orientation. We went to a little brasserie (cafe/bar) for a nice, typical French meal (haha). On the menu, there was steak haché et frites, which I knew to be a hamburger patty and fries. When Laurence was going through the menu to explain what each item was, she specifically said that this dish was very French. I sorta laughed on the inside thinking... it's also very American... but I'll get it anyway because I don't really feel good and according to you it's the most French thing on the menu. It was very good, I think they add a few different spices to the burger patty (no bun or anything) and the fries just tasted like regular fries. About the most French thing on my plate was the salad dressing on the little side of greens...

But anyway, lunch was nice because I finally got to meet Alexa. She's from Vancouver, Canada, but has lived in France off and on for the last 3 years... so she's a very fluent francophone, she has a wealth of knowledge about the French paperwork system (there is a lot, for everything!) and Lyon, so I'm very glad to know her!

After lunch, which Laurence kindly paid for, we headed to the Rectorat (Board of Education). There, we sat in a large meeting room with little microphones on the tables... kind of like how you see on TV at UN meetings or something. We went around the room, clicking our little microphones on and off to introduce ourselves, and then they went into the many particulars of the French system of doing things (what to do to make up days when you get sick, how to attain social security for health coverage, how to get paid, etc.). I also learned that I'm not really making the lessons so much as providing the teacher with oral language and cultural support. I'm sure it will depend on the teacher and how much they trust the assistants to do in their classroom, so on va voir (we shall see)! Laurence also told us that we may be able to work in the before/after school programs or cafeteria for more pay. Cool!

By the time the meeting was over... I was starting to feel more sick than at the beginning (sore throat :( ugh). I guess it was bound to happen... what with the sudden change of temperature and the adjustment to a new sleeping pattern... so instead of touring Lyon with Alexa, I lamely went home (I don't think I have real health insurance until November... so I guess being lame is better than getting more sick!). We did say hello to a few other assistants before I skipped out... and I began to feel very fortunate about my living situation. Many assistants are sleeping on couches of friends of friends and are desperately trying to find a permanent place to

stay. There are different options available, it's just a long process to go through... which is

something I would not want to be doing while I'm getting situated into a new job.

My apartment isn't right in the hussle and bussle of Lyon, but it is very close to where I work, and it will have heat come mid-October when it is turned on for the whole building. The outside of the apartment isn't very chic or pretty, but the inside is perfectly suitable for someone living here 7 months (and I'm practically living here for free, rent is very reasonable). They are supposed to be coming tomorrow with a new oven. And a huge plus, I have room to spare for visitors! So all-in-all, not doing too bad. Laurence and her family have been a huge help with getting me situated... they not only fed me last night, but loaned me some movies to watch!

I keep trying to upload the video I took of my apartment, but the internet connection is too weak or something... so I took some more pictures to show you! It's starting to look pretty cute with the sprucing up I've done!

On the schedule for tomorrow- buying a carte 12-25 (a discount travel card for buying train tickets), putting money on my Lyon transit card, and waiting for the oven to arrive.

Miss everyone! Reste cool:)

How do you say.... uhhh...

Over the past few days... I've begun to realize just how much French I've lost in the last year doing my Master's in Education. My first 4 years of college were centered around my degree in French, with a few education classes on the side. My last year was only and intensely centered around Education... making it difficult for me to keep up with my French. I tried my best... read the newspaper in French, did a project on the French Education system, but that's not really the same as taking at least one French class, if not two, or three.

So... as I'm trying to get directions or get a library card or hold a dinner conversation in French... there are times when I feel so stuck. I can't find a word or think of how to conjugate a verb. If I have time to think about what I want to say and go around a word I can't remember I do just fine. But when I'm in the middle of dinner with Laurence's family going back and forth in slang or just plain fast French, I'm at a loss. I know I'm only going to get better and I will gain back the confidence I've lost... but I feel frustrated. I can't believe I have a degree in French and all I have to show for it is the ability to write mostly grammatically correct emails, to understand 3/4 of what's going on at dinner (or less depending on how many hand gestures or facial expressions accompany the talking), and respond to questions directed at me with difficulty and lots of pausing.

Although I said I wasn't going to do anything today, I did actually clean the apartment and go to the mediatheque (library with dvds, cds, and books). I looked around to see if they had free internet usage, but no... however they do have a million movies I can rent and of course plenty of books. I actually sat in the children's section for a while looking at a "My First English Words"

book so that I could make sure I at least knew those vocabulary words in French. Sad, I know. Besides not using my French for over a year, I also just never needed to know or remember certain words for my advanced courses in French literature... like the word for blocks (les cubes) or the word for kitchen sink (l'evier). But, talking with Laurence tonight made me realize that the little kids aren't going to know much English at all, so I'm going to learn French as I continue to immerse myself into the culture.

Anyway, dinner with Laruence's family was entertaining as always. She made couscous. I thought couscous was just the little grains plus some veggies or whatever else you put in it. Tonight, we had plain couscous grains with a sort of beef stew on top. When I asked what I was eating she called the whole dish couscous. So... who knows? Maybe I just don't know what couscous is? During dinner, I listened to the usual family discussion about how Laura (the middle daughter) doesn't have a job or plan for school, how Margot (the youngest daughter) doesn't eat vegetables, or much at all, and Jeremy (the son) forgot to tell his mom he needs a quiche for tomorrow (yes, this is the 21 year old son who's going to engineering school... however I shouldn't complain too much, I did get some quiche to take home). I also met Jeremy's girlfriend who is a real English teacher at a primary school. But unfortunately, she does not have any assistants to help her teach...

It's so funny talking with them though... we tell each other the stereotypes we have for each others' cultures (pepe le pew, baguettes, han han han, sacre bleu, and wine for the French; Clint Eastwood, Stallone, fat Americans, and fast food for us). Pretty much every reference they have for America or English-speaking cultures comes from films or books. Most of the major American/English films are shown in movie theaters here and many major novels are translated into French (Twilight, Harry Potter, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, etc.) Laurence thinks it's great fun to try to speak in English, but she never studied English...and most of her knowledge comes from a tiny phrase book she bought to visit Laura in Scotland. So she'll say something in "English," Laura will correct her accent and look to me, and then I correct her accent. Some things are

hilarious... they can't say the "th" in "three" and instead say "tree" or "free." Laurence tried to say "tired," but can't really get out the "r" sound, so she says "tuyerd" or something very strange sounding. Of course when we have our little English lessons, I feel sufficient at something, so it's fun... but I kind of wish we could have little French lessons for me... although I guess it's all just one big French lesson isn't it?

I sneaked some pictures of Laurence and Laura. I'll try to get the whole family sometime.

Tomorrow, I'm meeting Laurence and Alexa (the other primary school English assistant in Saint-Priest) before we have our first orientation meeting at 13h30 (1:30pm). I'm excited to finally hear more specifics about what I'll be doing. I see and hear these adorable little French kids and get more and more excited about working with them. Laurence and I did talk a little about what my schedule might look like... work Monday, Tuesday, and half day Thursday or something like that... So sounds like I definitely don't work on Saturday which I was a little concerned about, and I will have plenty of free time for traveling.... And when I'm not traveling... I guess I'll just be planning awesome lessons or giving private English lessons? Je sais pas (I don't know).

More later. Miss you all! Reste cool!

I’m a winner!

I know you’re all waiting to hear how the so called “battle” between France and I went… well, let’s just say I’m a winner!!!! For now anyway. After checking online to make sure my bank location was open, I found out that, oh it is not open on Mondays… that figures. (As a reminder to you, I needed to go to the bank to acquire a RIB form, or a little piece of paper with my account numbers on it to be able to finally get internet and telephone for my apartment.) Although my bank location was closed, I checked to see if there were any others open. Thankfully, there was one open in my region and I copied down the map from the internet to go straight there this morning.

Then it got tricky. This bank was located in the Parc Technologique. It was easily accessible by tram, but once off the tram, this technology park (or industrial park) was not very walker friendly. It was basically a large office complex (and I do mean large). There were only little green signs on the buildings to denote what offices were held where… and of course I didn’t have much to go off of except the little map I drew. After walking to about 10 different buildings and no luck, I decided I was in trouble. Fortunately, I had also copied down the phone number. I called, got lost some more, called again, and the man came outside to meet me. Of course on his way out, he lit a cigarette, which he needed to finish before going back inside. While we stood there talking, he asked if I had an appointment and what I needed. Of course, I had no appointment; I was just waltzing in like any other person in battle might do. I told him what I needed and he said… A what? I said you know… like the thing with all the numbers on it… and he said… oh, well we’re more of like the business behind the bank, not an actual bank location. I’m sure my face went white or I looked like he had just killed my cat because he immediately said, but we’ll see what we can do. So he stamped out his cigarette and we headed upstairs.

He took the papers I had and returned with 3 copies of the RIB. WOOHOO! I did a little dance as I walked out. Nice job little smoking French man.

Then, it was time to head back to the SFR store (just one tram stop away). Of course they remembered me and very quickly got it all set up. I am to wait for a guy to come install my telephone line from 15h-17h (or 3-5pm) on October 7th. Then, I will receive a text message and an email from SFR when my neufbox comes into the more local shop in Saint-Priest. Once I have this neufbox, I can plug everything up and have internet, phone, and HGtv. Hurray! So hopefully within the next 2 weeks I will finally have it all figured out, which is good because my internet hasn’t worked all day. Hopefully I can log on long enough to post thisJ

After all this hard work, I stopped for a ham and cheese crepe (yumz). Then I did a bit of

grocery shopping so that, although I ate out all day, tomorrow, I can start cooking at home. As soon as I got home, I got a text from another assistant who wanted to meet up in Lyon. Her name is also Lindsey (but with an e), and she will be the high school English assistant in Saint-Priest. It was great to finally meet and to talk to someone about the program, the city, living in France, etc. We got caught in the rain though and it was mighty chilly. So we stopped off at an H&M to find me a hat. It is a very French-y winter hat, but it will keep me and my ears nice and warmJ

We crossed back and forth from Presqu-ile (where she’s looking for housing) to the Vieux Lyon for some early dinner (well it was 5:30, so I was ready for dinner). Apparently, I’ve forgotten that the French don’t eat dinner until after 7pm… and trying to find something open between 5-7 is not easy. So instead of sitting down to eat somewhere, we just went to a boulangerie for

pizza and desert (at least that’s what I ate). The pizza is a little different, but very good. And tonight I tasted a Lyon specialty- the pink pralines brioche. Really it is the pink praline that is the specialty and they add it to different pastries. A brioche is a type of sweet roll, and I’m not sure why the praline is pink. But it is BRIGHT pink. This is the view from the bakery.

I’m back home, ready to rest. I don’t have anything planned for tomorrow and I like it (except a dinner date with Laurence's family). I need to rest my legs and prepare for my orientation on Wednesday (by doing nothing). If anything I’ll go find where the orientation is in Lyon, but otherwise I’ll be tidying up and putting away my laundry that is still trying to dry. This is an interesting tid-bit about my apartment… I don’t think I have heat. So when it is cold, my wet laundry does not dry very fast. I’m wondering if I’m just too stupid to find the heat or if it really doesn’t exist. I’m also wondering how much a space heater costs. Until then, I'll be cranking up the "bunson burners" on my oven.

Miss you all. Reste cool!

Fourviere Basilica, Place des Terreaux, and Mouse friends

After a morning full of lugging laundry back and forth around Saint-Priest (it was thankfully a success), I spent the afternoon and early evening out and about in Lyon. I wanted to revisit a beautiful fountain I saw the last time I was here and see the Basilica on the hill for the first time.

I hopped on the tram and took a different metro route (see I'm getting fancier) to the Funiculaire (a funicular or cable car) to the Fourvière quarter of Lyon. This was a stroke of genius (or luck), because after touring the basilica (which I'll get to in a second), I walked down the stairs (the alternative to the funiculaire) and was grateful that I was not one of the other tourists huffing and puffing up the hundreds of stairs to the top. But, back to the basilica (or the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière). Once you get off the funiculaire, you run right into this humongous church. It has four beautiful towers, it's a bright white color as opposed to the older middle ages looking cathedrals, and it is just enormous. It was windy and cold, so I walked straight into an open door leading to what I now know was just the basement of the basilica. I was pretty impressed, it had high ceilings and a few mosaics on the walls, but it wasn't better than other churches I've seen.

Then I realized there were stairs leading up to the main part of the church. And all I can say is, my jaw dropped and I was in awe. This is the most colorful cathedral I've ever seen (pictures don't do it justice!). There are wall to wall to ceiling mosaics, beautiful stained glass windows, and the ceilings were 4 times higher than the ones in the basement. The church’s focus is on the Virgin Mary’s life (Notre Dame) because she is the Saint of Lyon. I also learned from my guide book that the nickname for this basilica is the "upside-down elephant" because of its four towers and the size of the building. It's not the oldest church in Lyon (built in the late 19^th century), but it is really something. I will be coming back, and it will most

certainly be on the list of things to show my visitors:) Also, from theoutside, it has stellar views of the city. Can you spot Place Bellecour?

After climbing down the stairs, following an adorable little boy and his

grand-mère the whole way, I made my way across a bridge to the center of Lyon (or Presqu’ile as they call it). There are actually 2 rivers that flow through Lyon, which is why there are so many bridges, and which explains the name of the central quarter called Presqu’ile (or almost island). Unlike Paris with one river flowing through the center and actual islands in the middle of the river, Lyon’s almost island is the part of town located between the 2 rivers. Neat, non?

I passed by a little open air book market, a restaurant Leslie and I ate at the last time we were here, and found my way to the Place des Terreaux, or the really cool fountain. Still love it.

On my way back to the metro, I decided I would stop somewhere to eat… and since I didn’t have much lunch, I’d treat myself to a real sit down dinner. By this point I was starving and decided I’d just pick the first place that had something I could afford and was open. Bad choice. I picked the “Hippopotamus” (unfortunately not translated into its much cooler French counterpart, Hippopotame), a chain that might be British because it serves “chips” and burgers and everything you can imagine on a kebab. I knew it was a chain and just went in anyway, hoping it wouldn’t be so bad. But, although my food wasn’t horrible (mozzarella and tomato kebab thingy and crème brulée for desert) it was much too over priced for what it was, and halfway through my meal, I was joined by a cute little sourcil (mouse). I told the manager about the mouse, but he didn’t seem concerned and said that it’s like this everywhere on the Presqu’ile because of the metro. That may be… but I’m still going to look it up online to see if this mouse problem is for real… and then I will be sure to choose a different quarter to eat at in Lyon. (I should also start cooking real food at my apartment).

Anyway, I’m back to my cozy apartment with crappy internet that cuts in and out. Hopefully you haven’t forgotten that the battle between me and France is going down tomorrow, so send me some good vibrations s’il vous plait. And in the evening I’m meeting another English assistant I met online for dinner in Lyon (she’s spent more time in the city, so hopefully she knows of a good, cheap, and mouse-free restaurant).

Miss you all! Reste cool:)

Pictures to accompany last last blog post:)

I thought I looked especially French-y today.

And this is the view from the river. The church closer up is St. Jean, the one further away is the Basilica Notre Dame that I've never seen close up. Maybe tomorrow!

Taking things into my own hands

After a minor melt down last night and a call to my momma, I decided that this whole "kind of having internet" thing isn't going to work for me. And the alternative to stealing the free wifi, is getting a real phone and internet plan, which includes free international calling and HGtv. Currently, I'm using my pay-as-you-go phone to call or text home, which is costing an arm and a leg, so getting a real deal all set up for only 30 euros a month is a win-win all-in-all.

So my plan for today was to go all over Lyon. Well that plan changed to calling Laurence first thing in the morning. Unfortunately for me, Laurence did not answer and her daughter Laura said she would call back in the afternoon. I guess they do have their own lives, but WHAT ABOUT ME? Of course, this morning the internet worked, so I looked up providers and locations to make it easier for when Laura could call me back. After a few hours of waiting around, cleaning my apartment, pouring over a few maps of Lyon, I decided it was time to take this into my own hands. So I texted Laura that I was going to have a go at for myself, and she texted back, I think I'm confused about what you want to do. LOL. So I guess it was a misunderstanding... but either way, I went on my way.

At first I thought there was a SFR store right in St. Priest. Well, there is not. So after walking around in a few circles, I decided to ask someone, and then someone else (because the first woman didn't have a clue about what I was talking about). Thankfully, the second woman (a nice little old woman in a patisserie) told me to hop on the tram (which I now know how to use thanks

to my adventures with Laura yesterday) and go to the Porte des Alpes. I blindly followed these directions in hopes that this SFR store would be very obviously located at the tram stop.

It turns out, Porte des Alpes is a mall, with an IKEA, a few restaurants with free wifi (yay backup plans), tons of cute shops, and the SFR! I got in line, said I'm sorry if my French is bad, but I'm American, and the woman said, Oh no problem, I have someone who speaks English. This man, did speak some English, but translating phone and internet service terms is no easy task. We went back and forth and for a while I thought- YES, it's going to happen! But, after

figuring out that I did not yet have a French credit card, I would not be able to attain the service after all. I did just open my account, so he said that there was a chance I had been given the RIB (some sort of identification code) and if I could go back home to get it, or stop by the bank to ask for it, I'd would be all set. Well- of course, I didn't have it in my documents, and the bank is closed during the weekend (I only know, because I walked across town to see). So, bringing what I did have with me, I went back to the SFR store just to see... but no luck. Alas, FRANCE-1, LINDSAY-0. But as Victor says, it's who wins the war, not each battle. So bring it on France. Bring it on. Come Monday, I shall have this so called RIB thingy I need, and Monday afternoon I will have completed the beginning of the 2 week process to achieve reliable internet. Until then, let's hope this free wifi plays nice.

So after my grueling defeat of battle #1 by myself, without a French person to hold my hand (Laura), I sat a cafe and ate a nice, warm crêpe au nutella and a coca-cola light (as they call diet coke). With my tummy full and my spirits a little higher, I decided since I was a few stop closer to Lyon, I might as well go into the city for an hour or so until my little legs could travel no more.

At first, I thought I'd just ride the tram all the way in and walk. After stepping foot off the tram, I decided I would immediately hop on the metro because my little legs weren't doing so well. New words to live by: If ye are not familiar with where ye are headed, thou shalt not wear cute

shoes, nay, ye shall wear sensible tennis shoes. Anyway, I got off the metro right into the heart of Lyon at the Place Bellecour. Although I have only been in Lyon once, for about a total of 5 hours with Leslie, I knew where I was. The statue of Louis XIV on a horse, churches in the distance, and a huge square in the middle of Lyon, covered in reddish pebbles. This time was different, yes, it's colder and the ferris wheel was gone, but for the first time I didn't feel the overwhelming feeling of having to figure out where I was because I had been here before.

Then my little legs started to feel a little perkier and I adventurously went off in search of the big, beautiful church, St. Jean. I could see it in the distance and headed in the right direction. I passed an interesting roller blade competition (guys weaving in and out of little cones to blasting American music). I passed chic little boutiques and remembered that Lyon is full of chic little boutiques- hurray! I went in one, looked at a price tag and walked right back out. I passed an adorable baby clothes shop, and took a picture to show you. I passed chic candy shops and cafes. And arrived at the church with the little fountain in front. After a few pictures, I decided I'd better start back since, although I had some sense of direction, I didn't bring my giant map with me to help if I got lost.

Ironically enough, on my way back to the Place Bellecour, I passed a book store and went in to see if they had any small detailed map books (I have one for Paris that was very discrete and handy on a daily basis). Sure enough, I found one. I also found copies of the French version of Twilight. No, I know what you're thinking, I didn't buy them (yet), but I did take pictures of them because they have different titles.

Anyway, I wound my way back to the metro, hopped on and felt like I could eat a cow. I guess this is why the French eat so much, with all the walking, a crepe for dinner isn't going to cut it. On the way home (about a 30 min. tram ride) I passed a McDo (McDonald's, pronounced MacDoe), and momentarily thought about hopping off for a nice juicy hamburger royale. But, I decided I better just hold off until I got home where I have a jar of nutella and grapes waiting for me in the fridge. Buff. (At least I think that now is an appropriate time to use this sound).

So, for now, I am content. I have internet back up plans until I get it all situated, a long-term plan in the making, and a tummy full of de-seeded grapes (I can only find grapes with seeds at my grocery store) and nutella, and a better understanding of the transportation system. Since I have a whole day to go before my plan of attack can being on Monday, I guess I'll have another go at touring Lyon, but this time I'll be wearing my chic, yet sensible puma trainers.

Reste cool mes amis! Tu me manques beaucoup!!! (I miss you guys!)

Pictures to accompany last blog post:)

My ham quiche, yumz! And an interesting flower display.

My "stove top" and old oven. The fountain and further proof of the cute village town. The school of music. And the the pretty church near the Chateau.

Complications, Observations, and Explorations!

Bonsoir! (Good evening)

Complication #1: Today has been a good day all around… however, if this weefee (wifi) doesn’t start cooperating I’m going to pull my hair out. It worked all day yesterday, not at all the day before, and on and off today. I’m writing this in a word document in hopes that I can quickly post it into my blog before it shuts off!

Complication #2: This morning I was awoken bright and early at 7:10am by my alarm clock, which I promptly turned off and then fell back asleep until 8am… Laura (Laurence’s daughter) rang the buzzer at about 8:35… so oops. She was early, I was late. She was very kind and waited on me to get ready, but I sure can’t wait until I’m back on a regular sleeping schedule.

Complication #3: It rained off and on all day (perhaps this is the cause for my poor wifi signal?). Thankfully I packed an umbrella, so I didn’t get too wet, but it was so windy that several times my umbrella turned backwards… which was very amusing to both Laura and I… and the occasional passerby.

Complication #4: Credit cards in France are different than our credit cards. They don’t necessarily have a strip on the back, but a small chip on the side. Therefore, the credit card machines are a bit different, and in some stores they are all together unable to use my cards. I haven’t had too much trouble so far, if I can’t use my credit card, I can find an ATM to withdraw money. But, this morning, Laura took me to the bank to begin the process of opening an account. The woman was extremely friendly and patient with her explanations of the system and the documents required. I’m pretty much all set at this point, I just have to wait 8 jours (a week is 8 days, not 7 in France) to acquire the actual credit card.

Observation #1: St. Pree-est is a very cute and friendly town. Almost everyone, especially little old women, say Bonjour in passing. The man at the reception desk of the bank was also very friendly- he even asked if I was interested in tutoring the children of his friend in English…noting that private English classes are very expensive… which means that I’m sure my going rate wouldn’t be half bad. But, I told him I’d wait and see after I started working what my schedule was like.

Observation #2: The transportation system is very accessible and very clean. Laura told me that the tramway is only about 2 years old and the metro has been refurbished over the last few years. The tram is kind of like an above ground metro or a modern looking trolley. They had them in Paris and they were my preferred way of travel because they were so clean and you could see the happenings around you. In Paris, you couldn’t take the tram into the heart of the city, just around- however in Lyon, there is a tram right by my apartment that goes straight into Lyon Centre. I can also take a bus to the metro and take it into the city when I get fancier and know of more places to go in Lyon.

Complication#5: Transportation’s not as inexpensive as I was hoping. For students, the price of a monthly pass is something like 31 Euros. However, as I am unfortunately no longer a student, it will cost me a whopping 50 Euros! (like 75-80 bucks! Yikes!). So until I know exactly how often I need to use the tram or bus, I’ll just purchase the 13 euro carnet (book of 10 tickets, each ticket lasting you an hour of use).

Observation #3: The French eat, a lot. Maybe not snacking so much, but their idea of lunch involves a salad, a large omelet with ham, and yogurt and cheese for dessert… or some variation of that. I’m not saying that I don’t enjoy eating this much, but it’s something I have to get used to. Tonight I went into the village of St. Priest to find a cute Patisserie I saw earlier while bank hunting, and I got a quiche au jambon (ham quiche) and a tartelette au citron (lemon tart). As I gazed into the glass of endless pastry choices, I felt like saying, “I’ll take the lot!” But then I remembered, 1: I am not in a Harry Potter movie, and 2: I don’t have enough money or room in my tummy for everything all at once. All in due time thoughJ

Exploration #1: After getting back from practicing the buses/metro/tram with Laura, watching a very French film at Laurence’s house (Amèlie, one of my favorites), taking a quick cat nap while watching the movie, and a quick look around for a Laundromat (no luck yet), I discovered that while I was gone, I had been given my new hot plate-stove top, atop the oven I thought was broken. Laura and I played with the “stove” and I decided I better go out for my dinner tonight.

Exploration #2: The last “exploration” was an exploration of the stove top, if youwere wondering. But it also leads into the exploration of the village when I wentout for my pastry dinner. The village sits behind the Chateau, so I guess I just didn’t go far enough the other day. It’s very cute. Lots of shops, a fountain (yay something to show my dad- he loves fountainsJ), a school of music, and a

beautiful church. Pictures to come . . .

Observation #4: During our search for the Laundromat, I discovered that the médiathèque (fancy library) and Hotel de Ville (Town Hall) are on the other side of town, right behind my apartment building. But what was really cool to see, as these buildings aren’t very interesting, was a car procession for an Arab wedding. All the cars were decked out and honking all the way down the street to the town hall (this is apparently something everyone in France does for a wedding). Then, as the bride got out of the car, men dressed in traditional garb started beating drums and blowing these huge brass horns (an Arab tradition). I didn’t have my memory card at the time, but later, on my exploration of the village, I saw the bride getting pictures taken at the Chateau…so of course I took a picture to show youJ

Well that’s about it for today. I bought a map of Lyon so that tomorrow I can begin the real exploration of the big city. Laura said she would “give me a shout” later in the weekend to go to the movies. So wish me luck navigating the tram and city without her!

Reste cool!

Ps: I thought you would be interested to know, in one of our cultural conversations about France, Laura informed me that the French do not actually say “Sacre bleu” and “han han han.” But instead they sigh heavily and say something that sounds like “buff.” When I said that all my American friends impersonate the French like that, she said, “Oh because of Robin Williams?” I don’t know about that, but thought it was funny nonetheless.

Why sleep when I can explore!

Well- I know you're dying to know how my walk around St. Priest went... so here goes!

Although I was probably tired enough for a nap (or a full night's sleep), I set off to find the Chateau de Saint Priest, with a rolling grocery bag in tow. I started out going pretty much the exact opposite direction... I stopped a little girl, probably no older than 11, asking how to find the castle (in French of course). She told me how to get there and was pleased that she could help, how cute! It was actually kind of interesting to see all these kids walking back to school after their mid-day break. They know just how to get to the bus or tram that they need (apparently not all transportation employees were on strike today!). Anyway, I found my castle eventually. There's a beautiful park surrounding it and a retreat center... I guess it's been transformed into a sort of hall for community events. Besides the castle, St. Priest's other defining characteristic is itsRue Jean Jaures, a main road lined with des arbres. Here are some pics!

Then, I headed to the grocery store (which I found all by myself!) to buy a few things I discovered I needed after all. Unfortunately for me, France doesn't believe in Clorox wipes or the like, so I'm left with the good old fashioned sponge and soap approach to cleaning... and I'm not too happy about it. So, Maggie, Thomas, and Heather, save room in your luggage for a thing of wipes s'il vous plait:)

Last, but definitely not least, I headed to the boulangerie to buy a baguette and tartlette for lunch. After fumbling a bit with my monnaie, coins worth 1 or 2 euros, the vendeuse asked me if I was foreign... and yep. I am. So she explained the colors of the coins so I could more easily find them:)

I set back home to finish m'installer (my new favorite French verb meaning to arrange myself or settle in). I was also able to video chat with Victor before he went to work:) And then I thought, I could take a video for all of you to see too! I tried to post the video, but it won't load... so maybe I'll try it in another post or on facebook for your viewing pleasure!

A bientot (Later taters... a loose translation hehe)

Also sorry for the weird configuration, I'm too tired to try to fix it!

Je suis en France!!!!

Bonjour!!!! from France!!! I'm here! I made it safe and sound and woke up this morning, to my surprise, to find my free wifi working in my apartment!!! YAY! So now I can update you all on the bazillion things I've done in the last day and a half:)

I'll start from the beginning- I was dropped off at the airport around 3:40 on Tuesday for my 6:40 flight to Lyon with a stop over in London. Thankfully, everyone (minus Leslie in NY) was able to see me off... as I rode, a little teary-eyed- but not too much;) down the escalator to security. The flight boarded on time, took off a little late, and arrived really late. I had to be through security by 8:05 to catch my flight leaving at 8:40 in London. Miraculously, I made it

through by 8:06, after listening to some seriously British people tell me to take off my boots and belts (insert seriously British accent) and watch them grab each others' butts and laugh as if it were a normal work pastime. Huh. I ran to catch the plane, which hadn't even boarded yet, eventually got on, and found out that I would be receiving a breakfast snack while the first class passengers received the "full English breakfast." I was a little miffed I didn't get the full English breakfast, and just the "Egg mayonnaise" or egg salad sandwich provided to

me in regular people class. Anyway, we were also told that the air traffic controllers in France were on strike... meaning we would have to literally fly around France (from London to Brussels to boardering the German/France line and into Lyon) to avoid issues around Paris. I landed at 11:35 (20 min late) and put all my bags on a little cart thingy... which a very nice old French man paid for (just 1 euro). I walked through the sign that said "sortie" (exit) and as I went through the doors, I saw Laurence in her red scarf... and my luggage came falling off my cart because I was paying more attention to finding said red scarf than watching where my cart went....

But, Laurence very kindly helped me transport my luggage to her little European hatchback (oh yeah which ended up being 2 suitcases weighing about 50 lbs each, and 2 "carry-ons," the bigger of the 2 being too heavy to hoist into an overhead bin...). We drove straight to Venissieux (the town right beside St. Priest) to her house. She had made a Lyon specialty, called Quenelles, that sort of looked like stuffed manicotti, but tasted more like dumplings... We also had crudités (salad with chopped up carrots and pieces of ham), and cheese for desert.... and of course all 3

courses were accompanied by a nice crispy baguette. After lunch, Laurence left to take her youngest daughter (16) to the doctor's office, and I was left to hang with her middle child, Laura (19), who has been very patient and kind throughout my first day. She spent a few months in Ecosse (Scotland) at the beginning of this year working in a kitchen of some sort, so she loved practicing her English skills. At this point I didn't mind speaking in English a little, as I had spoken in French from the get-go with Laurence. Although she is in

charge of the English Assistants, she knows very little English, studying Spanish and German in school herself. I didn't do half bad, but I was tired and feeling overwhelmed as it was, let alone trying to remember all the French grammar and vocabulary I'd forgotten over this past year.

After a shower at Laurence's house, we drove quickly over to St. Priest (pronounced Sanh Pree-est) to show me around before going to my apartment. I signed the papers and was given the keys to my 5th floor (4th in French), 3 bedroom apartment. The apartment is huge for just me; Laurence did mention that after they repainted a few other rooms, and if they found someone else to live here, I might have a roommate. So I won't get too comfortable living by myself, but then again, who knows when they'll get around to repainting and finding someone else... I have a nice little kitchen, with a borrowed micro-onde (microwave) from

Laurence's son, Jeremy (21) who is living at home now to attend university in Lyon. The oven (culinaire) is broken and is supposed to be replaced today. I have a nice bathroom, with a sink and a tub with a shower head, not attached to t

he wall but just laying free... so I have to hold it up to pretend I'm in a shower. And then the potty is down the hall in its own little home. This is a picture of my bedroom, it's the only one that was repainted before I arrived, so I moved all the furniture I wanted into the room. There is also a nice big living room with a pull out couch and 2 tables, a balcony that I've been told not to go out on because the railing isn't secure, and a view of other apartment buildings and pretty mountains in the distance.

After we looked around the apartment, Laurence and Laura decided we needed to go on a

shopping spree to help get me fixed up for the night. We went grocery shopping in my neighborhood store (yay big jar of nutella, chocolate croissants, and wheels of brie!), then to a huge store with everything much like at Wal-mart to buy sheets and towels, and then to the mall to get a prepaid cell phone. The phone card is kinda pricey, but to make local calls is very inexpensive. To make calls to the USA, it's like 1euro18centimes for every minute I use... so now that my internet sort of works, I hopefully won't need to use it much for calling home.

We then went back to Laurence's house for dinner with the whole family. Her children are hilarious.... they go from speaking French super fast and in slang I don't understand, to trying to translate to English, into singing songs they know inf English with the words they were just trying to think of. And to top it all off, Laurence started trying to speak in English, which made us all laugh because it is so broken and accented. (I hope I don't sound that bad in French!).

Finally, around 9:30pm (3:30pm our time) I went home to clean the bathroom, potty house, and put my sheets on my bed. I collapsed around 12:30, and woke up, wide awake at 8am... I don't know how I'm awake... I should have at least slept til 10, but just couldn't do it. I guess I'll be off like this for a few days! Here is a picture of the living room, during my late-night unpacking party.

Today, I'm going to get myself a little more situated, walk around St. Priest a little, and if for some reason my internet stops working this afternoon, I'll call Laurence to come take me to her house to use their internet. I would just go to the library down the street, but oh yes, I forgot to mention, there is another strike today... affecting buses, schools, etc. Très français, non?

Ok- that's all for now! Miss you all bunches!!!!!

Love, Lindsay

Everything (but the kitchen sink) fits into SpaceVac Bags!

I've been putting things aside all summer to pack for my trip. This was probably a poor choice as the summer is long... and I'm only bringing 2 suitcases. But! I have discovered the miracle product: "SpaceVac" bags...the bags that you pack and suck all the air out with a vacuum, creating these really odd shaped, but very compact figures. Thankfully, almost all of my clothes that I set aside fit into these bags (including my winter coat, winter vest, and rain coat!). Unfortunately, not all of the children's books and shoes that I set aside will be making this trip. Also, because I've used the space bags, allowing me to cram it all in, my luggage is going to weigh a TON. Tant pis as they say.

Anywho, I have no real "new" information yet. I think I've heard just about as much as I will as far as the housing or job situation goes until I'm actually there. However, I have talked with a future English Teaching Assistant colleague by email. She's been living in the Lyon area for awhile... and might have studied abroad there for a year, so she definitely knows her way around. I know I'd do fine on my own, but it is nice knowing I have someone I can go to for help... and for advice on the best crêperie in town:) She also mentioned that she's met with Laurence, (the contact person), and said that she was very nice and helpful!! Hurray!

This will probably be my last post until I get to France. I'm leaving Dulles at 6:40pm on Tuesday, Sept. 21. I'll arrive at Heathrow (London airport) at 6:40 am (1:40am Eastern Time... I think) on Sept. 22, then I leave Heathrow at 8:40am (3:40am ET), and I'll arrive into Lyon at 11:15 am (5:15 am ET). Hopefully I'll be walking around my new apartment by the time most of you are getting up for work:)

Thanks for reading!

Reste cool :)

If you build it, they will come... (If you ask, you may be answered)

Before I launch into my exciting news, here is some background information that will hopefully make the news more exciting to you too:)

At the beginning of June, I was contacted by a woman in St. Priest (Celine, my first "contact person"). She told me I'd be getting my arrete soon enough, but before she went on vacation at the end of June, she wanted to ask if I wanted to live in the apartment used by previous language assistants. Of course I immediately freaked out and said YES YES YES. After that I didn't hear much....

....until I sent an email back to Celine, asking for more information about the apartment... hoping she would respond, "Oh yes, the apartment is yours!" Instead, she gave me other information, which was helpful. It's a 3 bedroom, fully furnished apartment, on the 4th floor of a building very centrally located in St. Priest, just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the bus or tramway that goes into downtown Lyon. On google maps, it shows that it is very close to a movie theater and the police station (so I'll have fun AND I'll be safe!). I was also given the email addresses of the most recent language assistants. One girl (whom I think is from England because her emails to me sounded very proper) has been very helpful in sending me details about the job and the apartment. But besides finding out more specific details about the apartment, I still didn't know if I had a room mate or if the apartment was, without a doubt, in my possession, immediately when I arrive on the 22nd....

....until I wrote an email to the new contact person (Laurence). After the first email from Laurence, I wasn't really sure if she'd be very helpful. She was the"new" contact person. She was very nice, don't get me wrong, but she started by saying she was new to St. Priest and she'd have to "see about this apartment." Of course, that made me a little queasy, but after a few weeks, and a nice email containing information about my orientation, I thought maybe she'd been in the job long enough to know more about the apartment.

So, I waited a couple days... and finally decided... "What am I waiting for? I should just ask!" And what do you know- not even 24 hours later, I got an email, on the weekend, from my French contact (much quicker than I could have imagined!). And it said: "I was going to let you know next week, they called to see when you're arriving so it will be cleaned. For now, you are alone in the apartment because the other assistant is looking for a place with her friend. If something goes wrong and it isn't ready, you are welcome to stay with me until it's settled. Don't worry, have a nice weekend, and as for picking you up at the airport, I'll have a sign with your name and a red scarf!"

YAY YAY YAY!

On the schedule for today: go get a backpackers backpack for my carry-on, stretch and run the 9-11 5k, and celebrate my birthday (again) with some friends! Hurray! What a good day!