Better late then never?

****soooo this was supposed to be my first blog post back in november but then i never published it soooooooo here's some old thoughts

It's a cold, wet, and cloudy day in Strasbourg and I've spent all of it on the old computer my host family here in France, the Matters, are letting me borrow while my school bought DELL computer remains black and very much not working.  After finally emptying my Holy Cross inbox of all the useless junk they insist on sending me despite the fact that I'm not in Worcester (although I was excited to hear about Dinand's new 24 hour policy), catching up on all of HCs Halloween pictures, and indulging in a bit of online American television, I stumbled upon the blogworld via Audrey and the Florence girls' blogs.  Well ladies you've inspired me.  To what I'm sure will be the intense amusement of a certain Sadie Sisk, I have created a blog.  Although I've kept the title of my fake blog from last spring in which gems like "Too many opportunist jealous gurlz frontin bout my burthday." were credited to my name, I can attest that unlike previsouly blogs that may have been attributed to my name, this is really me.  Disclaimer:  although I like to think I'm the only one who knows the password to this, when my posts about my alterego "Gimli" start appearing, look no further than Caitlin Reilly.

Anyways for my first post I'd like to give some impressions of my new host country, region, and family.

France
Stereotypes that are false-bérets, only eating weird food like frogs legs, not wearing deodorant (for the most part), and that the extensive train system is cheap
Stereotypes that are true-cheese (and again Dad, the French word is fromage not chesois), the strikes over n'importe quoi, and of course the baguette totting bike riders. 


With my newly purchased pink bike I hope to soon ride through the streets of Strasbourg looking like this

Alsace

Obama

Acutal Alsatians

The small region passed back and forth between France and Germany for centuries whose people typically speak both languages, as well as a dialect called Alsatian.  Both France and Germany have been a bit confused as to what to do with the Alsatian people throughout the region's rocky histroy.  As a result, Alsatians are typically considered by most Frenchmen as not "truly French" while they are simultaneously shunned by Germans as "too French".  Although the rest of the world may be unsure where their alleigence lies, Alsatians are absolutely sure...the motherland is ALSACE.  I have never met people so proud of where they come from and with such a strong sense of solidarity/nationalism not belonging to any country.  Although mostly endearing, Alsatians love for their region and people somtimes borders on the ridiculous.  In a recent meeting with an Alsatian singer/songwriting for my ICIP (Independent Cultural Immersion Project) I was suprised to learn that not only the designer of the Statue of Liberty was Alsatian (alright, believeable) but also none other than President Obama.  Okaaaaaaaay Alsace, starting to stretch it there. 

The Matters

Whether declaring that "Faustine (the 2 year old girl she babysits) can eat more than you", insisting on a 2 hour shopping trip to the French version of Walmart, or serving me yet another portion of potatoes, my French host mother, Marlene, is always a source of endless entertainment for me (and for the other HC kids here in Strasbourg to whom I recount Marlene's every move).  Raymond, my host dad, tries to moderate our Chesecake Factory style portions that Lisset, my American roomate from Boston, and I recieve each night, only to be chastized by Marlene "You eat like a bird!!"  But seriously I love my host family and they've been so helpful with everything from fixing my bike (recently stolen one yes) to letting me use this computer till mine is fixed!  Coming from a picky eater family of only fish and pasta I'll admit I'm struggling with the lamb shoulders and was absolutely horrified yesterday at Auchun when Marlene announced she'd soon be preparing the French delicacy of escargot for us, but with my wine and water (which its apprently strange to drink at dinner but i've decided to ignore that) in hand I think I'll survive. 

6th Grades Invade France



Cousins in La Petite France



Now we find ourselves on Monday the 31^st and back in Strasbourg.  Despite extensive travel, the 6^th graders were still up for sightseeing in Strassy and with Veronica, we walked around La Petite France and the cathedral (where they were filming a scene for Sherlock Holmes 2…no, unfortunately Jude Law was not in this scene), all the while discussing various aspects and booths that would’ve been in what spot during the Christmas Market.  That night, B, Tricia, and Collin had their second (we were first accosted with spaghetti upon arriving at Rue de Fraises that afternoon) meal with the Matters, something I had been prepping them extensively for.  Lukcily it was the relatively mild Croque Monsieur, a grilled cheese with ham.  However, nothing food wise is simple with Marlene and these were obviously the cheesiest, greasiest, and most copious (she made 3 for each of us) croque monsieurs you’ve ever seen, accompanied by the traditional dripping salad.  Although I will admit I was little nervous about Collin due to his impressive superman track diet, this champion eater (recall: 2010 annual pancake eating contest Michael v. Collin) soon became Marlene’s favorite, with second helpings of everything and still managing to put down dessert and the after dinner fruit.  I was very impressed and grateful-thanks Lenny!

            5am wake up call the next day for the TGV to Paris.  Cold, tired, and ready to sink into the seats and go immediately back to seats, we were unhappy to learn that SNCF had made a mistake and that our seats no longer existed….typical France.  Our warm nap turned into a miserable 2 hours in a space without heat between two cars. In Paris after dropping our bags off at Uncle Jerry’s girlfriend Teresa’s apartment, we pastried up and headed to the Eiffel Tower.  Although the top was closed due to fog, we still got to climb up to the second level and look out onto the city.  Since Patricia and Collin had never been to Paris before this was really cool to be able to take them there! After taking an appropriate amount of pictures (and scoping out for a good 20 minutes someone to take a group picture) we descended, passing the ice skating rink of the 1^st floor, and headed down the Champs de Mars to Les Invalides. 

Another thing people who have traveled with me know is that if I can get away with not paying for something, I’ll try.  Unfortunately my track record is not quite as successful as the last minute tendencies (recall: Prague metro fine).  Anyway, I thought we could pass Patricia off as 17 and or Irish thereby giving her free entrance in all the museums which unfortunately backfired and caused a shorted visit to les Invalides and a lot of hassle in the le Louvre the next day.  A long walk through Paris followed this little episode, with “drive bys” of the Grande Palais, the Tuilieres, and the Louvre.  A 2 hour lunch and yet another European restaurant in which we probably aren’t welcome back and then off to Notre Dame.  Along the way, we were able to meet up with Katie Lang, a Visitation friend studying in Paris for the year and she guided us through the Pont Neuf (actually the oldest bridge in Paris) and the “soldes” (the French sales that happen once a year in January).  Notre Dame was also very impressive and again, the simultaneous mass made for a good atmosphere, though awkward to take pictures.  After finally meeting up with Collin (who had been running by himself through Paris and then couldn’t remember the apartment number ooooppps) we enjoyed a great dinner with Teresa and her son and Jerry, followed by some English soccer at an Irish pub (the 6^th graders really were getting the full Euro experience!) 

            On Wednesday we dedicated the whole day to the Louvre, seeing the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Napoleon’s compartments, and other famous stuff I’m sure Tricia could tell you more about.  Brief panic when we lost Collin in the maze that is the Louvre but everything resolved itself phewwww.  We were unhappy to eat at what is probably Paris’ worst kebab place for lunch, but happy that our seats still existed on the train!  Back in Strasbourg we were treated to another lovely meal with the Matters (Alsatian sausages) and to quotes from everyone’s favorite George Clooney commercial, Nespresso, by Raymond.  

            Unfortunately Collin had to leave us Thursday for a track meet back home but Bridget and Patricia enjoyed the boat cruise and cafes of Strasbourg while I went to class for the first time that week.  Bridget and Patricia were lucky enough to be able to partake in a sacred Strassy ritual, afternoon Paul—the café that we go to (and sadly no, this is not an exaggeration) every afternoon. Thursday night we treated Marlene and her daughter Leticia to tarte flambee, a sort of Alsatian pizza, in the countryside.  Again, very impressed with B and Tricia’s eating skills and their ability to finish that dessert too!  After dinner we met up with some Holy Cross girls and the remaining 6^th graders were able to enjoy yet another brasserie and dance party. 

            It was very sad to see all my visitors go Friday (even though I actually left earlier than them to catch my flight to Copenhagen!) and I absolutely LOVED having you here it was seriously so much fun.  From our strange animal noises on the top of the Eiffel Tower to singing in the streets of Rome, nothing is better than cousins! Hopefully this trip convinced you to study abroad (and since, let’s be serious I probably still won’t’ have a real job, I’ll come too).  Miss you tons and glad you made it back safe!!!