Blogs from Nord-Pas de Calais, France, Europe - page 30

According to the Lillois (people who live in Lille), it usually isn't cold until the end of November, and even then, 0°/32° is about the coldest it really gets, and it usually doesn't stay like that. However, I have been informed that this year (at least for the moment - they say it isn't going to stay like this), winter is giving us a particularly harsh preview. This morning, I felt that oh-so-familiar cold burning sensation with each breath on my walk to the metro and from the bus stop. As I walked to my school from the nearest bus stop, I saw several people starting their cars and scraping the windshields and windows. Heureusement (luckily), I like winter... However, I am definitely going to need a more substantial coat, my winter scarves, and some better ... read more

I have always been intimidated by and in total awe of French women. Their perfectly toned, slender bodies are always impeccably dressed with clothes that fit just right - expensive jackets with intricate seaming are worn over sophisticated tops in rich colors that follow the slight curves of their torsos. Tight, dark wash jeans (never without embellishment, mind you, be it dull bronze studs, teeny silver jewels, antiqued silver zippers on the back pockets, or some abstractly feminine pattern either stitched, patched, or dyed on one leg) or perfectly fitting black or grey dress slacks outline slender yet muscular legs and give way to very classy shoes - tall, black, pointy-toed boots; red pumps; brown ballet flats with pink flowers and script stitched on. And then there are the scarves - every color and pattern imaginable, ... read more

Today was my first day of observing in the school in which I will be teaching. I was observing the CM2 level, which is actually one level above where I will be teaching (I’m in CE2 and CM1, ages 8-10). The kids were noisy, but I got a good feel for how to go about teaching - lots of games, lots of songs and little chants, lots of pictures and gestures… I’m excited! I also observed the other classes, which will be MY classes. They were substantially better behaved, actually, which was a relief. They are so sweet, so cute, and still so excited about school and learning. I’m very excited to work with them. I also look forward to getting to know my colleagues. Everyone is very friendly and helpful, and they seem to get ... read more

What are Saturdays for? In France, they’re for shopping. Not errands, really, and not food shopping. Just shopping. Even if you’re not out to buy anything, really, French people wander the streets and mill around in the shops, boutiques, and department stores in the city. Children in strollers, teenagers, middle-aged couples, and senior citizens with canes and (still somehow ridiculously fashionable) orthopedic shoes are all out shopping on Saturdays. What, then, are Sundays for? They’re for grocery shopping, of course. Everyone grocery shops on Sundays. And runs errands. This explains why I avoid doing any shopping, whether window or actual, clothing or food, on the weekends. Way too much chaos for me. ... read more

The BLUUUUUEEES, baby. Nothing can touch good, authentic American BLUES. It’s just incredible. Tonight there was a concert at the FJT where I live - just something small, a guitar, electric violin, clarinet, tenor sax, drumset, bongos… and they played a little of everything. But the last song they did was a blues song. Just that beat, those chord progressions… and then when they sing it, you FEEL it. They MEAN what they’re singing. And I love it. That’s my escape, that’s my release. When I’m listening to blues, my eyes close, and I am a million miles away. I’m invincible, I’m untouchable, I’m unstoppable. I can’t even explain it. It’s incredible. No music can come CLOSE to it. At least not for me.... read more