Blogs from Besançon, Franche-Comté, France, Europe - page 2

CLASS: Yesterday I had my two Contemporary Art components which go from 3:00-7:00pm. One is "Sculpture and Color in the 19th Century" and the other is "History of Photography". Here, you just show up and then you find out what the actual subject is. The first prof. is a guy who was pretty disorganized. He arrived 15 minutes late, and dictated the bibliography of the course to us, but had forgetten to write down the names and dates of several publications. Hmm.... The photography prof. seemed cool at first. She works at the local art museum here. She didn't really give much of an introduction to the course before she launched into the early development of photography. For two hours she listed names of men who had done this or that aswell as different methods that ... read more

Last night I got together with the other American girls that I've met so far and we had a wine and cheese party. It was pretty fun, and I found another cheese I really like! However, I'm now resolved that I don't want to be one of those people who studies abroad and leaves knowing little more than they came with. After a week in Paris, hearing very little English, it's true that I was starved to hear English and be with Americans again. But now, after hanging out several time with the group, I recognize that each time I feel less and less like I'm in France--or at least that I'm living the full experience. It's the days I spend with Regane and Christine that I feel most at home, it's the days that I ... read more

What is a raclette, you may ask? Well, it's a type of cheese, and it's also the name of the get together that happens when people gather to melt this cheese and eat it atop of many delicious things! The raclette was set for tonight, and Regane and I were supposed to see a movie before. I was set to meet Christine at 4:45, because she kindly offered to drive me to the supermarket to buy some food. And I was set to meet Regane at her house at 5:45 to see the movie at 6:00. I thought the store would be close, and that we could get it and out in half an hour because I didn't need much. At 5:00, Christine arrived, and though she knew of my plans, we lingered and waited for ... read more

Ok! So today was 5 million times better than the last! It turns out that I am not Dostoevsky and I have not been sent to Siberia as pentinence for some crime I am not aware of. During the week, when the stores are open, Besançon is actually not a ghost town. It is a thriving little town in a valley with lots of shops, restaurants and cool buildings. Sleeping at Christine's last night was very comfortable, and this morning she accompanied me to the building where i got my dorm keys. With much effort, I hauled all of my luggage through the snow and up to my room, which is actually quite nice. On the way I met a Finnish guy who had also just arrived. This afternoon Régine was so kind as to take ... read more

HELLO EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!! I hope you are all enjoying and relaxing this weekend!! My spirits are much better as this week came to an end. I am realizing though that being here has just made me more of an emotional person. But not in a sad way...more of an "I can't believe i'm here experiencing another culture first hand" kind of way. Everything makes me tear up...beautiful gardens, french hymns in church, listening to little kids talk...everything! I think it's me just proving to myself how appreciative I am of this amazing opportunity given to me. So you may be wondering what the title of this blog signifies. Well yesterday was our last day of classes. I was sad to leave our two professors...Francine was great..she was bubbly, fun, energetic, and so nice. Agnes was great too...very ... read more