nerd blog post #70
I'm back. As I figured, nerd blog posts over the holidays will be scarce, as I'm not able to get on the internet very often... I'm on the road. Like a rockstar. Vodstar. Okay here we go..
But first I would like to thank everyone for their warm Christmas wishes... Though I haven't had the chance to thank some of you personally (yet!), I was a very lucky to have people thinking of me.. On that note, I apologize for the lack of correspondence lately.. I will be back on the good train soon enough.
Here's a quick update. Doctor and I arrived in Paris early morning on the 24th. We checked into our 1 star hotel, located near Montmartre, and after dropping off our things and taking a quick nap, we met up with Raffi and went to a clown's apartment for dindins. We had a wholesome meal of rice and chicken and veggies. It was the three of us and two other Canadians, one of whom is also at clown school. After dindins, we took a couple of bottles of wine to the Eiffel Tower where we watched the sparkle and sipped wine in the park. My mom reminded me what kind of people drink in parks in Canada.. Oopsies. It was a beautiful and memorable evening.
On Christmas day proper, we slept in and then enjoyed walking around and seeing Paris. We ate Thai food and talked to family and got a bit nostalgic for home. But it wasn't as lonely as I thought it might be. I was lucky to be around good men who love their homes as much as I do and who also felt grateful for overseas opportunities, even if it meant missing Christmas..
On the 26th, in the morning, Steve arrived. I went to the airport to pick him up and was very excited. His brother, Michael, came as well, but is spending time with his French gf, so we parted at the airport. Steve and I made our way to Raffi's, where we met up with Doctor and left our bags for the day. The goal was to keep Steve up all day to cure his jetlag, and it worked. We did a ton that day. We saw Champs d'Elysees and Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame and the Seine.. We walked and walked and I purred all day. In the evening, Doctor and Steve and I took the train to Rennes.
On Saturday, we did the typical Saturday Rennes thang. We went to the market and had a cafe and walked through some beautiful gardens. It was amazing having the two of them there, and reminded me of how much I miss friends from home... It will be very hard going back there alone once this vacay is over..
Later that afternoon, we went to a fair. It was very cool. Big and scary rides and cool prizes and delicious looking food. We chose to ride Toxic, a giant and scary ride. I refused to sit alone and was scared I would pee my pants. I didn't. But it may be the scariest ride I have ever been on.
In the evening, we made a delicious feast of mussels and fries and a huge salad. We made curry, red wine and white wine mussels. Amazing. Then we hit the town, seeing Thirsty Street and a couple of night bars. By the end of the night, everyone was very tired. We had had an exhausting couple of days.
On Sunday, Doctor left to go back to England. It wasn't a very sad goodbye as Steve and I will be reuniting with him in Amsterdam in a few days. Very exciting! That afternoon, Steve and I went to Saint-Malo. Remember when I took the rando carpool ride from Rennes to Paris? Well, that interesting man I met on that ride lent us his apartment for the night. We got a ride into the town by roomie Alexandre and then a friend of the man from the car came and gave Steve and I the keys to the apartment. Man from car was away, so we had the run of the place. It was a beautiful apartment, just steps from the ocean. Steve and I explored the town, which was bustling, and bought two crabs, a bunch of shrimp, and fish soup base. Back at the apartment, we ate a delicious fish soup, drank hot wine and had a good catch up. It was really nice.
On Monday morning, we trained back to Rennes and then to Paris and stayed at a modest hotel near the Louvre. We met up with Raffi and Talia (good friend from Queen´s) and her bf and then Michael and his gf and we all had a coffee together. SOO many worlds colliding! Normally, world collision makes me really anxious, but it was actually very fun, and so good to see so many close friends all at once! That evening, we went to the Eiffel Tower with Raffi and Viktor and, once again, enjoyed wine and the sparkling lights.
The next day was spent trying unsuccessfully to wait out the enormous lines of the Musee d´Orsay and the Rodin. Eventually, we went to Montmartre and to the Dali museum there. It was really good, and a nice thing to do on a grey and rainy day. That evening we went to a bar on a bustling street with Michael, his gf, Viktor and Raffi. Steve and I were close enough to walk home, stopping for chicken on the way.
Wednesday was New Year´s Eve, and we went to the Latin Quarter to check out the Canadian bookstore and meet cousin Claire! With her friend and Raffi, we all went for lunch and to the Centre Pompidou. It was great seeing Claire in Paris, and we made plans to meet up later in the evening.
Ringing in 2009 was magical. We decided to join the crowds on the Champs d´Elysees. We met Claire and her friend, Viktor and several other clowns, and Benito and his friend. We saw the tower sparkle at the stroke of midnight, and then fireworks and bottles of champagne began to pop! It wasn´t very cold out, and I was so happy to be surrounded by good people.
2008 was a great year. Eight months in an amazing apartment, a Master´s degree, a return to L´Arche, many great parties, the longest time in the city with my parents since I was a teenager, and a move to France. I was grateful to ring in a new year having been very happy the year before. Last year, my resolution was to get some mileage on my passport and to move away for a bit. This year, it´s to write more letters, and to return home. Having Steve here makes me quite homesick. I dread having to say goodbye..
So where am I now? We are on the beautiful island of Ibiza.. More on Spain and 2009 very soon.
With love,
Hincks.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Chapter 64: Turkeys to the VIP
nerd blog post #69
It's been awhile, dear readers, but I am stuffinged with Turkey and happy to blog.. This will be a longy and a goodie. A Christmas goodie.
Manchesthaır was great. Doctor and I booked ınto our hostel around 3pm, dropped our stuff, and hıt the cıty. It was decked out for Chrıstmas, but not obnoxıously. We went ınto Prımark - lıke Wınners but way better - and I bought a hat and new boots. Then we wandered around the cıty centre, saw the gay dıstrıct and Chınatown and the canal. We walked through a beautıful Chrıstmas market and had stew for dındıns there. Manchesthair ıs the best cıty I've vısıted ın England so far. At nıght, we sıpped some brewskıes at the hostel and then went to a bar called Churchıll's. It was an amazıng nıght - lıke old tımes. The hıghlıght was sıngıng Twıst and Shout for karaoke. I've decıded that I want karaoke at my weddıng. I shared that idea with Doctor, who wasn't as excited as I'd hoped..
The next mornıng, we left very early and took a traın to the aıport. From there, we had a 4 hour plane rıde. Unlıke flyıng across the Atlantıc, we crossed over many countrıes and even saw the Alps, whıch was neat. I was glad to be headıng away from that snow. When we landed ın Antalya, we had a 2 hour bus rıde to the resort.
I don't know how I'll tell all about the week in Turkey.. It was pretty amazing, and many stories to share. I'll do my best..
Doctor found this amazing deal through Thomas Cook where flight and accomodation at a five-star all-inclusive resort was at a very low, low price.. It really was a steal. I have never stayed in such a nice hotel room before, and I don't know if I ever will again! I couldn't believe how fancy everything was.. It was very exciting, especially after budget flights and hostels and picnics for so long.. I felt like a king. From the balcony, we could see the Mediteranean Sea on one side, and mountains on the other. Very beautiful.
The food was unreal. Delicious cheeses and olives and breads.. It seemed to be influenced by its many bordering countries. The best food I've eaten in a long time. Food of unbloggable deliciousness. At mealtimes, the resort cats would chill near the table. We named most of them after friends from back home. My fave was obvi named after me.
Doctor and I learned some important phrases in Turkish:
-hello
-thank you
-2 beers please
When we arrived, we realized that we were the youngest there. Besides some small children. It seemed overrun by old peeps. We called them the geris until we learned that there was an old folks home on vacay there.. Not just our imaginations at all.... Most of the guests were Turkish or German, with some Dutch and a few Brits. No one else. Flying out of Antalya today, I saw that all flights went to England or Germany. Everyone seemed surprised to meet Canadians there. I loved practicing my German. Some of the resort workers spoke way better German than English, so I would praccy with them, too. In the summer, 1200 people can stay where we were. It's one of the biggest resorts in the region. But being the off-season, there were only about 150. Which was just fine.
The trip, for me, will be split in two - the dry season and the rainy season. The first three days were wonderful. We spent two of them on the beach for hours.. We swam in the sea and basked in the sun. The other sunny day was spent in Alanya, a city ten minutes away or so. It's the capital city of the province, and was really cool to visit. There, we ignored the locals advice to take a bus to the top of the mountain, and instead walked up the winding road to the castle at the top. From there, we saw the ruins of a huge castle dating back to the 13th century, and had a beautiful view of the city. In the city, local shopkeepers try every tactic possible to get you into their store. "Hello nice couple!" We managed to escape by having a Turkish coffee (the bottom is like mud!) and sharing a hookah with the owner of the cafe.
And then the rains came. It rained continually for three days. Somehow, though, the days went by very quickly. Doctor and I played ping-pong, read and wrote, sipped coffee, ate well, and discovered the Turkish Bath. This is what that is: In a large room with marble everywhere, and sinks around the outside, you go in and pour water onto yourself from the sink with a bowl. That sounds dumb now that I write it, but the hot water and marble make it sauna-like, and it is very relaxing.. We had a Turkish Bath every day. There was also a sauna that we went into every day. In Germany it is forbidden to wear a bathing suit in a sauna, so I saw many geris in the buff.
I wish I had blogged all the way through the week.. I feel as though I can hardly scrape the surface. It was neat to be so far East.. A European country that feels so unlike any Europe I have visited before.. As I've written about every country, the people I came across were warm and friendly. Eager to help and happy to talk about their country and ask questions about my own. It made me want to abandon plans to visit "mainstream" Europe, and take the road less traveled (shout out RF).
It is now 215am in Liverpool, 415am in Turkey, 915pm in Torono, and 315am in Paris. In the past 17 hours, Doctor and I have been on two buses, two trains, one airplane, and in three airports. In five hours we fly to Paris. We will be tired after staying awake most of the night here at the airport in Liverpool... But we are very excited for the next part of our holidays..
We will spend two nights in Paris, spending Christmas with Raffi and maybe Doctor's friend from his program. On the 26th, Steve arrives, and after a day in Paris, we'll go back to Rennes for two nights. Then, Doctor will return to the UK, and Steve and I will continue to travel.. More about that latron.
I guess it's Christmas Eve.. After being in a 98% Muslim country with temperatures in the 20s for a week, it doesn't feel like Christmas at all. I think the lights in Paris will help. I'll be thinking of you all over the next couple of days especially..
Love always,
Hincks.
It's been awhile, dear readers, but I am stuffinged with Turkey and happy to blog.. This will be a longy and a goodie. A Christmas goodie.
Manchesthaır was great. Doctor and I booked ınto our hostel around 3pm, dropped our stuff, and hıt the cıty. It was decked out for Chrıstmas, but not obnoxıously. We went ınto Prımark - lıke Wınners but way better - and I bought a hat and new boots. Then we wandered around the cıty centre, saw the gay dıstrıct and Chınatown and the canal. We walked through a beautıful Chrıstmas market and had stew for dındıns there. Manchesthair ıs the best cıty I've vısıted ın England so far. At nıght, we sıpped some brewskıes at the hostel and then went to a bar called Churchıll's. It was an amazıng nıght - lıke old tımes. The hıghlıght was sıngıng Twıst and Shout for karaoke. I've decıded that I want karaoke at my weddıng. I shared that idea with Doctor, who wasn't as excited as I'd hoped..
The next mornıng, we left very early and took a traın to the aıport. From there, we had a 4 hour plane rıde. Unlıke flyıng across the Atlantıc, we crossed over many countrıes and even saw the Alps, whıch was neat. I was glad to be headıng away from that snow. When we landed ın Antalya, we had a 2 hour bus rıde to the resort.
I don't know how I'll tell all about the week in Turkey.. It was pretty amazing, and many stories to share. I'll do my best..
Doctor found this amazing deal through Thomas Cook where flight and accomodation at a five-star all-inclusive resort was at a very low, low price.. It really was a steal. I have never stayed in such a nice hotel room before, and I don't know if I ever will again! I couldn't believe how fancy everything was.. It was very exciting, especially after budget flights and hostels and picnics for so long.. I felt like a king. From the balcony, we could see the Mediteranean Sea on one side, and mountains on the other. Very beautiful.
The food was unreal. Delicious cheeses and olives and breads.. It seemed to be influenced by its many bordering countries. The best food I've eaten in a long time. Food of unbloggable deliciousness. At mealtimes, the resort cats would chill near the table. We named most of them after friends from back home. My fave was obvi named after me.
Doctor and I learned some important phrases in Turkish:
-hello
-thank you
-2 beers please
When we arrived, we realized that we were the youngest there. Besides some small children. It seemed overrun by old peeps. We called them the geris until we learned that there was an old folks home on vacay there.. Not just our imaginations at all.... Most of the guests were Turkish or German, with some Dutch and a few Brits. No one else. Flying out of Antalya today, I saw that all flights went to England or Germany. Everyone seemed surprised to meet Canadians there. I loved practicing my German. Some of the resort workers spoke way better German than English, so I would praccy with them, too. In the summer, 1200 people can stay where we were. It's one of the biggest resorts in the region. But being the off-season, there were only about 150. Which was just fine.
The trip, for me, will be split in two - the dry season and the rainy season. The first three days were wonderful. We spent two of them on the beach for hours.. We swam in the sea and basked in the sun. The other sunny day was spent in Alanya, a city ten minutes away or so. It's the capital city of the province, and was really cool to visit. There, we ignored the locals advice to take a bus to the top of the mountain, and instead walked up the winding road to the castle at the top. From there, we saw the ruins of a huge castle dating back to the 13th century, and had a beautiful view of the city. In the city, local shopkeepers try every tactic possible to get you into their store. "Hello nice couple!" We managed to escape by having a Turkish coffee (the bottom is like mud!) and sharing a hookah with the owner of the cafe.
And then the rains came. It rained continually for three days. Somehow, though, the days went by very quickly. Doctor and I played ping-pong, read and wrote, sipped coffee, ate well, and discovered the Turkish Bath. This is what that is: In a large room with marble everywhere, and sinks around the outside, you go in and pour water onto yourself from the sink with a bowl. That sounds dumb now that I write it, but the hot water and marble make it sauna-like, and it is very relaxing.. We had a Turkish Bath every day. There was also a sauna that we went into every day. In Germany it is forbidden to wear a bathing suit in a sauna, so I saw many geris in the buff.
I wish I had blogged all the way through the week.. I feel as though I can hardly scrape the surface. It was neat to be so far East.. A European country that feels so unlike any Europe I have visited before.. As I've written about every country, the people I came across were warm and friendly. Eager to help and happy to talk about their country and ask questions about my own. It made me want to abandon plans to visit "mainstream" Europe, and take the road less traveled (shout out RF).
It is now 215am in Liverpool, 415am in Turkey, 915pm in Torono, and 315am in Paris. In the past 17 hours, Doctor and I have been on two buses, two trains, one airplane, and in three airports. In five hours we fly to Paris. We will be tired after staying awake most of the night here at the airport in Liverpool... But we are very excited for the next part of our holidays..
We will spend two nights in Paris, spending Christmas with Raffi and maybe Doctor's friend from his program. On the 26th, Steve arrives, and after a day in Paris, we'll go back to Rennes for two nights. Then, Doctor will return to the UK, and Steve and I will continue to travel.. More about that latron.
I guess it's Christmas Eve.. After being in a 98% Muslim country with temperatures in the 20s for a week, it doesn't feel like Christmas at all. I think the lights in Paris will help. I'll be thinking of you all over the next couple of days especially..
Love always,
Hincks.
Monday, December 15, 2008
NO CHAPTER FOR YOU
This will be my last nerd blog post for awhile, as we are en route to Manchester in just a few minutes. But here is some holiday cheer to get you through the long, blogless nights...
And 2008:
Enjoy! And have a good week.
All my love,
Hincks.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Chapter 63: Hincks Hangout and Doctor's Digs
nerd blog post #68
The past few days have been a real whirlwind... This might be a longy. Or maybe I'll be too excited to get to RIGHT NOW that I'll speed through everything else.. Impossible. I'm long-winded.
On Friday night, Raffi and I went to the Christmas party of someone in his program. It was great. We had hot wine and snackies and there was a Secret Santa. The lucky recipient of my yo-yo was pumped. Obvi. I won the gift from Viktor! An Eiffel Tower keychain and statue. Since I'm not even from Paris, it was great. I was glad no one stole from me...
Saturday was an incredibly long travel day.. I left Paris on a train at 7am. I took a train to Brest (Yes, it's pronounced the same as breast. And no, I can't say it without snickering.) which is almost five hours from Paris. It's in Brittany, right on the coast. An important WWII town, and quite pretty. Not as pretty as Rennes, but nice to be on the ocean. I slept the entire way, waking up to a breathtaking view of the ocean, all rocky and tempestuous, as Brittany tends to be. The shuttle bus to the airport was waiting for me when I got there.
Since I didn't know how I would get to the airport, and not wanting to miss my flight, I ended up leaving far too much time. I had four hours in the Boob airport, which was tiny. I had a coffee, wrote endlessly, people-watched like it was my j-o-b, and read my book.
I finally boarded. Ryanair is perfect for budget travelers. My flight to London was about $20, everything included. But Ryanair is also very cramped and uncomfortable. For a short flight, this is fine. Anyways, the point is that the flight was delayed for an hour. Apparently, there was one person on the plane who shouldn't have been. So they walked up and down with a clicky thing and then did role call. I was sitting near the back, and knew what the problem was. The teacher doing grade 1 role call wasn't loud enough. Add to that pronouncing English names with a French accent. Disaster. People started getting frustrated. The teacher got frustrated. She asked me what the deal was. Next thing I knew, I was standing with her in the aisle, reading out the English names with my very loud voice. Eventually, with no solution in sight, the pilate got frustrated and we took off. Soooo there may have been a crazyperson on the flight. Weird.
Arriving in London, I took a bus and then a train into the centre of town, where my dear Uncle Doug met me. It was great to see him! We took the tube to meet the rest of the family for dindins. UD's wife, Sheila, and her siblings and mother were there, too. I was starving and ate a giant pizzer. We got back to Birmingham around midnight.
London gave me a culture shock. I had just been in Paris, but London was crazy with people.. So much shopping, so many lights, so much English.. It was weird. I realized how used to France I have become, and how much more peaceful even Paris is. London is cool, but I am in love with Paris. I've never felt this way about a city before. I miss TO, but ... if all of you would move to Paris, I would stay there forever. Say yes for 40 points.
This morning I got up and went to church with my aunt and uncle. It was the nativity play. I realized that the ol' tea towel on the head trick is universal for shepherds. I also remember how mad I was that I never got to be Mary. It brought back many memories. I stole the carol sheet so I can enforce the singing of carols in Paris with Doc and Raffi. Sorry, boyz. I hadn't heard any English Christmas songs this season until today.
We went into the city centre in the afternoon and met Doctor at the train station. I couldn't contain my excitement. I almost peed my pants. It was sooo good to see him. We all wandered around the Christmas market there. Apparently, it's the second biggest in Europe. It was really cool.
We headed back to the Hincks house and had a delicious dindins.. The best I have had in a long, long time. We skyped with my parents. They were both wearing silly Christmas hats. It was fun. This evening, UD was very kind and drove Doc and I to his residence at Warwick University.
Doctor hung a welcome banner and had a wittle package of goodies. Turkish Delight, beer, a poster.. It was great. Most of all, though, it's good to see the land he has been blogging from and living in for months. Now, he's packing and I'm nerd blogging. And purring. I have missed this man.
Tomorrow morning, we head for Manchester and stay at a hostel for a night before going to the airport very early Tuesday morning. We are very excited. I will nerd blog when I can.
Missing you all..
Signing off,
Hincks.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Chapter 62: Yo-yo-yo
nerd blog post #67
Yesterday afternoon, Raffi and I hit up this Armenian store and got some goodies for lunch. Then we walked around Paris for a long time. We met Viktor and his Canadian friend (from where he worked this summer) for dindins at the caf, and then headed to a bar. The bar was where they filmed scenes from Amelie! (I put an exclamation point because this will probably interest you, dear readers, not because I cared at all.)
Today, I took care of bizznass in the morning, and then met the clowns and went to a play. The play reminded me of The Anger in Ernest and Ernestine, except that I like TAIEAE. It had some good moments, but wasn't that great overall. Clowny, though, which was fun to watch.
Tonight, we head to a clown party. It's a warm wine, Secret Santa, snackies party. Should be fun. My SS presie is a yo-yo. The clowns will probably fight over that gem. Seri.
Tomorrow I head to England. I'm excited. But I keep having such strange dreams about the vacay. Like peeps being there that I didn't expect, and things going terribly wrong. Friends refusing to stay in the places I've booked.. Passports being forgotten. I look forward to getting on the plane, knowing that everything will go just fine.
I'll nerd blog again when I can.
Signing off,
Hincks.
Yesterday afternoon, Raffi and I hit up this Armenian store and got some goodies for lunch. Then we walked around Paris for a long time. We met Viktor and his Canadian friend (from where he worked this summer) for dindins at the caf, and then headed to a bar. The bar was where they filmed scenes from Amelie! (I put an exclamation point because this will probably interest you, dear readers, not because I cared at all.)
Today, I took care of bizznass in the morning, and then met the clowns and went to a play. The play reminded me of The Anger in Ernest and Ernestine, except that I like TAIEAE. It had some good moments, but wasn't that great overall. Clowny, though, which was fun to watch.
Tonight, we head to a clown party. It's a warm wine, Secret Santa, snackies party. Should be fun. My SS presie is a yo-yo. The clowns will probably fight over that gem. Seri.
Tomorrow I head to England. I'm excited. But I keep having such strange dreams about the vacay. Like peeps being there that I didn't expect, and things going terribly wrong. Friends refusing to stay in the places I've booked.. Passports being forgotten. I look forward to getting on the plane, knowing that everything will go just fine.
I'll nerd blog again when I can.
Signing off,
Hincks.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Chapter 61: Getting from AdeB
nerd blog post #67
I got a bunch done on Tuesday so I wouldn't have to sacrifice Tuesday Tradition with Merrill. In celebration of the last T-Trad of 2008, we had higher quality snackies and Merrill bought champagne. What a treat. It's always a highlight of my week.
On Wednesday, I had my final two classes of the semester. One exam and a conversation class. The students in the conversation class brought in treats and we had a grade 6 stylez end-of-year party.
I then went straight to meet Gwellouen, my co-voiturage lady. She was a really nice lady, and it was also her first time doing co-voiturage. She also drove Thomas, a man who works on boats in Saint-Malo. If you recall the pirate ship photo from one of the first Foto Essays, that's the boat he works on! Anyways, Thomas sat in the front, which was good because I love snoozing in cars, and was able to do that for awhile without being impolite.. Thomas was one of the most interesting people I have met in a long time. He and his partner took off a couple of years ago with a knapsack each, headed to the Carribean Islands and then to Canada, by boat. They both worked in Quebec City for a few months, and then bought a van and took off on a year's adventure. They drove 46,000 kms, through Canada, the US, and then right down to Argentina. They zig-zagged the whole way, they slept in their van, and they did it for under $1000 a month (inluding gas). Really cool story. I told him that I might be going to Saint-Malo over the break with Canadians. He said they'd be at her side of the family's house for Christmas, but said we could stay in their apartment for a night if we want. That he'd leave the key with neighbours. Such a nice man, and so.. (side-story: The word for welcoming in French is "accueillant." In French, though, it means more than in English, I find. We don't tend to describe a personality as welcoming.. We'd say that a person, at a particular time, was welcoming. I guess we'd say warm to describe an entire welcoming personality..) ..and so accueillant.
I thought a lot about road trips I've been on while in the car with these strangers. It's different here. No Wendy's for Frostys, no Timmy's for an XL 2M, love Tim Horton's. There were a couple of restaurants on the side of the highway, but no fast food. Also, I learned that it costs 25euros each way to drive to Paris from Rennes. Highway tax. So expensive! They told me that before Duchess Anne de Bretagne married the King of France, uniting Brittany to the rest of France, she demanded a few things. This was around 400 years ago. Back then, there was a tax called pont au chaussee, which was a tax for every time you crossed a bridge. Duchess AdeB didn't have this tax in Brittany, and when she signed the contract, she said that there was never to be any bridge or road taxes in her region. And so, Brittany remains the only region in France where there are no highway tolls or road taxes paid for by travelors. Thanks, AdeB!
The drive was about three and a half hours, and not even the offer of a bathroom break! I was dying by the time I arrived. Obvi. I then took the metro and met Raffi. We went out for dinner last night. What a treat. I had only eaten French food and some Mexican (thanks to Cynthia) since my arrival, and my cravings for ethnic food had been growing unbearable. In Rennes, selection for non-French food is slim, and expensive. But Paris has more options. We ate delicious Indian food, and I was very happy.
When I was in the car, I was saying how much I loved French food, but that I missed the diversity of food in Canada. They reminded me that there were a couple of Indian and Japonese restaurants in Rennes. True, but they're very expensive. And do you find French food cheap? Yes, very. Isn't that logical? ..... I suppose so.
I have a couple of loose ends to tie up before England on Saturday. But I pur in Paris.. Love to you all.
Signing off,
Hincks.
I got a bunch done on Tuesday so I wouldn't have to sacrifice Tuesday Tradition with Merrill. In celebration of the last T-Trad of 2008, we had higher quality snackies and Merrill bought champagne. What a treat. It's always a highlight of my week.
On Wednesday, I had my final two classes of the semester. One exam and a conversation class. The students in the conversation class brought in treats and we had a grade 6 stylez end-of-year party.
I then went straight to meet Gwellouen, my co-voiturage lady. She was a really nice lady, and it was also her first time doing co-voiturage. She also drove Thomas, a man who works on boats in Saint-Malo. If you recall the pirate ship photo from one of the first Foto Essays, that's the boat he works on! Anyways, Thomas sat in the front, which was good because I love snoozing in cars, and was able to do that for awhile without being impolite.. Thomas was one of the most interesting people I have met in a long time. He and his partner took off a couple of years ago with a knapsack each, headed to the Carribean Islands and then to Canada, by boat. They both worked in Quebec City for a few months, and then bought a van and took off on a year's adventure. They drove 46,000 kms, through Canada, the US, and then right down to Argentina. They zig-zagged the whole way, they slept in their van, and they did it for under $1000 a month (inluding gas). Really cool story. I told him that I might be going to Saint-Malo over the break with Canadians. He said they'd be at her side of the family's house for Christmas, but said we could stay in their apartment for a night if we want. That he'd leave the key with neighbours. Such a nice man, and so.. (side-story: The word for welcoming in French is "accueillant." In French, though, it means more than in English, I find. We don't tend to describe a personality as welcoming.. We'd say that a person, at a particular time, was welcoming. I guess we'd say warm to describe an entire welcoming personality..) ..and so accueillant.
I thought a lot about road trips I've been on while in the car with these strangers. It's different here. No Wendy's for Frostys, no Timmy's for an XL 2M, love Tim Horton's. There were a couple of restaurants on the side of the highway, but no fast food. Also, I learned that it costs 25euros each way to drive to Paris from Rennes. Highway tax. So expensive! They told me that before Duchess Anne de Bretagne married the King of France, uniting Brittany to the rest of France, she demanded a few things. This was around 400 years ago. Back then, there was a tax called pont au chaussee, which was a tax for every time you crossed a bridge. Duchess AdeB didn't have this tax in Brittany, and when she signed the contract, she said that there was never to be any bridge or road taxes in her region. And so, Brittany remains the only region in France where there are no highway tolls or road taxes paid for by travelors. Thanks, AdeB!
The drive was about three and a half hours, and not even the offer of a bathroom break! I was dying by the time I arrived. Obvi. I then took the metro and met Raffi. We went out for dinner last night. What a treat. I had only eaten French food and some Mexican (thanks to Cynthia) since my arrival, and my cravings for ethnic food had been growing unbearable. In Rennes, selection for non-French food is slim, and expensive. But Paris has more options. We ate delicious Indian food, and I was very happy.
When I was in the car, I was saying how much I loved French food, but that I missed the diversity of food in Canada. They reminded me that there were a couple of Indian and Japonese restaurants in Rennes. True, but they're very expensive. And do you find French food cheap? Yes, very. Isn't that logical? ..... I suppose so.
I have a couple of loose ends to tie up before England on Saturday. But I pur in Paris.. Love to you all.
Signing off,
Hincks.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Chapter 60: To Tell List
nerd blog post #66
I have been chipping away at a To Do List that, this morning, seemed endless, but is now looking more manageable. And so, in the spirit of lists, here is my To Tell List. Ahem.
1. Across from my building is a brand, new movie theatre that I will likely never attend. In front of it is a large, empty space. Now, in Canada, this space would be a huge parking lot. But here, the space has been used for all sorts of things. During the biggest music festival in the universe (for you, Doc!) that happened this past week-end, huge tents were erected and bands played within. It has also housed markets of various kinds. This morning, I saw them putting up a fair! Like the CNE, but smaller, with rides and all sorts of fun things. It opens after I leave, but will still be around when I come back here with Doctor and Steve. Very exciting.
2. I bought eleven train tickets today! Not just for me, but for travels that will happen from now until January 10th. Since I leave tomorrow, I had to get all of that sorted.
3. I also met with a professor to discuss grades for our students. He's American but has been in France since he was a lecteur twenty years ago. He stayed on in France, doing a PhD, and then working at various universities. We had an interesting conversation..
4. Then I went to Betton to hand in my contract at the school and talk about the first week. The principal asked what I'd like to teach, specifically, and I said theatre. He was happy about that, as there's no theatre at the school now, and said there's the possibility of some funding for it, and that we'll talk more in the new year. I'll be there three days a week, for two hours each time. I'm looking forward to it.
5. I said goodbye to Hossoen for a couple of weeks. He made me lunch and we sat and chatted for a long time. I still see him often, though not every day like before. Maybe four times a week or so. I always enjoy his company.
6. I have been spoiled lately. I received a package from my parents last week and one from Jessica yesterday.. The one from my parents was wrapped in Christmas wrapping paper. I wondered if that meant they wanted me to wait until Christmas.. I thought about it. I hid the gift underneath my bed. I tried really hard to forget about it. Six seconds later, I opened it. Jessica's was not wrapped. I hesitated eeeeven shorter! I have also received some really nice e-mails and letters in the mail lately.. They really make me happy. Thank-you. Points to you all for making my days.
7. And you thought couch surfing was sketchy!? Well, it is. But so is co-voiturage, the latest of my money saving trix (are for kids). It's a website that advertises carpooling all around France. I'm meeting a woman named Gwellouen tomorrow, who will drive me to Paris. It's twice as long, but saves almost $15, and seems like fun. Good French praccy, too. And the timing works out perfectly. Thanks, co-voiturage!
8. My new brown boots are wearing in the back. Such bad news bears. On the plus side, it's around twenty degrees where Doc and I are heading. As most of you know, I get overheated, and anything over ten degrees means definite flip-flop weather.
9. I'll be in Paris for three nights before heading to London on Saturday. I will be nerd blogging steadily until Turkey, I imagine.
And finally, as the wonderful EBai would say..
10. End of List.
With love,
Hincks.
I have been chipping away at a To Do List that, this morning, seemed endless, but is now looking more manageable. And so, in the spirit of lists, here is my To Tell List. Ahem.
1. Across from my building is a brand, new movie theatre that I will likely never attend. In front of it is a large, empty space. Now, in Canada, this space would be a huge parking lot. But here, the space has been used for all sorts of things. During the biggest music festival in the universe (for you, Doc!) that happened this past week-end, huge tents were erected and bands played within. It has also housed markets of various kinds. This morning, I saw them putting up a fair! Like the CNE, but smaller, with rides and all sorts of fun things. It opens after I leave, but will still be around when I come back here with Doctor and Steve. Very exciting.
2. I bought eleven train tickets today! Not just for me, but for travels that will happen from now until January 10th. Since I leave tomorrow, I had to get all of that sorted.
3. I also met with a professor to discuss grades for our students. He's American but has been in France since he was a lecteur twenty years ago. He stayed on in France, doing a PhD, and then working at various universities. We had an interesting conversation..
4. Then I went to Betton to hand in my contract at the school and talk about the first week. The principal asked what I'd like to teach, specifically, and I said theatre. He was happy about that, as there's no theatre at the school now, and said there's the possibility of some funding for it, and that we'll talk more in the new year. I'll be there three days a week, for two hours each time. I'm looking forward to it.
5. I said goodbye to Hossoen for a couple of weeks. He made me lunch and we sat and chatted for a long time. I still see him often, though not every day like before. Maybe four times a week or so. I always enjoy his company.
6. I have been spoiled lately. I received a package from my parents last week and one from Jessica yesterday.. The one from my parents was wrapped in Christmas wrapping paper. I wondered if that meant they wanted me to wait until Christmas.. I thought about it. I hid the gift underneath my bed. I tried really hard to forget about it. Six seconds later, I opened it. Jessica's was not wrapped. I hesitated eeeeven shorter! I have also received some really nice e-mails and letters in the mail lately.. They really make me happy. Thank-you. Points to you all for making my days.
7. And you thought couch surfing was sketchy!? Well, it is. But so is co-voiturage, the latest of my money saving trix (are for kids). It's a website that advertises carpooling all around France. I'm meeting a woman named Gwellouen tomorrow, who will drive me to Paris. It's twice as long, but saves almost $15, and seems like fun. Good French praccy, too. And the timing works out perfectly. Thanks, co-voiturage!
8. My new brown boots are wearing in the back. Such bad news bears. On the plus side, it's around twenty degrees where Doc and I are heading. As most of you know, I get overheated, and anything over ten degrees means definite flip-flop weather.
9. I'll be in Paris for three nights before heading to London on Saturday. I will be nerd blogging steadily until Turkey, I imagine.
And finally, as the wonderful EBai would say..
10. End of List.
With love,
Hincks.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Chapter 59: Countdown to Vacay
nerd blog post #64
Yowsa! It has been awhile.. I was planning on nerd blogging almost daily this first part of December, as I will be traveling soon, but the week-end slipped away.. And though nothing else on the internet is nearly as interesting, I hope you all were able to somehow amuse yourselves in my nerd blog absence.
Merrill's party Thursday night was really great. With more than twenty-five people crowded into her tiny apartment, the idea of Beer-pong was impossible. All of the lecteurs were there, as well as some of Merrill's neighbours, and many students. It was fun.
Raffi arrived Friday afternoon. I played Suzie Homemaker in the afternoon, making a soup and an apple pie. I've never made either, and didn't have a recipe for either, but they both turned out. We had dinner with Cynthia - her last meal before heading back to the States.
Later that evening, we went over to Foun's place. Her apartment is really cute, decked out with a Canadian flag and with pillows on the floor to sit on. Merrill and her friend came, as well as Cynthia, Lucie, Raffi and the Irish lectrice, Emma. It was nice.. We sipped wine and ate French treats and chatted. Later, we broke out a French pre-teen truth or dare board game called French Kiss. It was pretty hilarious. It made me think of the Dream Phone days with SJC.
Around 2am, Cynthia, Raffi and I booted it home to change and go dancing. Cynthia and I really wanted to, and it was her last night. But after getting ready and flying to the night bar, they weren't letting anyone else in.. So we went home.
Cynthia got me up at the crack of dawn and I walked her to the train station to catch her 6am train. She flew to New York and then has three interviews all over the country before heading back to El Paso for Christmas. The past few weeks have been a whirlwind, and I hadn't thought much about her departure.. It was sad putting her on the train. A reminder of how hard it will be to say goodbye in the Spring. Our lives somehow collided for this school year, and will bounce apart again once it's over.. Cynthia applied to thirteen medical schools and has been invited to eleven interviews already and has been accepted at two schools she interviewed for back in September. It's been fun being a part of such an exciting time for her. She's interviewing at Rochester today, which would be quite close to TO.. I'd love it if she were just across the lake. Anyways, I'll see her January 10th.
Raffi and I went to the market where we bought some fresh veggies and mussels. Then we went to the Christmas market. We had lunch at Hossoen's kebab stand and walked around Rennes (running into another market!) and had a coffee outside. We had sunny and mild days all week-end, which was a treat for Rennes.
The plan was to make moules frites (mussels and fries) for dindins, but after eating an "appetizer" of guacamole, cheeses, baguette, and Armenian wine, we were full.
This week-end was les Transmusicales in Rennes, the biggest music festival in Europe. The town was packed and crazy. People come from all over for the festival, bars are open later, buses run all night, and general debauchery is twenty-four hours long. The only band I'd heard of was Bon Iver, but tickets weren't cheap and I don't really knoooow them... Bands play at concert halls and at bars. The bars are free. So we went to O'Connells and heard a band there. We met Foun and her friend, Claire, there. It was nice.
Yesterday, we went to the beautiful big park here. I had only been once, and hadn't seen most of it. We discovered this huge bird cage that housed dozens of tropical birds. Very pretty. There were love birds, but none as beautiful as DDM. Obvi. There's also a pretty fountain and many gardens..
Then back to the Christmas Market for a treat. We got Churris (called Chichis here) which are apparently well-known, but I'd never tried them. We were going to get chocolate covered pears, but decided to make one instead. (That was a tasty disaster.) What wasn't a disaster, though, were the moules frites. We made two kinds - white wine and curry. Delicious.
Raffi left this morning, and I've already given an exam. This one wasn't too bad as it's a very strong class. Giving good marks is wonderful, and I was able to do a lot of that.
I'm starting to stress about the break now. I leave Wednesday, and won't be back until after Christmas. I feel as though there are a million ends to tie up before I take off. I'll be spending all of my time between now and then getting ready. It's very exciting though. I give credit to my parents for the trips they planned when we were growing up. There's a lot to think about, and they made it look so easy.
I head to Paris on Wednesday afternoon and then to London on Saturday. I'll meet the Birminghamandcheese Hincks then, and head back to B-Ham with them that evening for a visit. On Sunday night, I'll go to Warwick and see where Doctor lives and studies. Monday afternoon we go to Manchester, where we'll spend one night in a hostel before leaving for the Turkish Riviera Tuesday morning. We stay there seven nights, before flying back to Manchester on the 23rd. Then an overnight travel to Liverpool where we catch an early morning flight to Paris on the 24th. We'll spend two nights in Paris, celebrating Christmas (Raffi will join us) and then Steve arrives in the morning of the 26th. We'll spend the day in Paris before coming to Rennes that evening. That's as far as I'll go for now. I'm really looking forward to seeing family and Doctor. It's been such a long time since I've seen a face from home...
I will be nerd blogging all week as my excitement grows. I feel grateful to have so much time off, and to have friends and family to spend time with. It makes the idea of Christmas away from home much easier to handle.
I hope you all enjoyed your week-ends.
Much love,
Hincks.
Yowsa! It has been awhile.. I was planning on nerd blogging almost daily this first part of December, as I will be traveling soon, but the week-end slipped away.. And though nothing else on the internet is nearly as interesting, I hope you all were able to somehow amuse yourselves in my nerd blog absence.
Merrill's party Thursday night was really great. With more than twenty-five people crowded into her tiny apartment, the idea of Beer-pong was impossible. All of the lecteurs were there, as well as some of Merrill's neighbours, and many students. It was fun.
Raffi arrived Friday afternoon. I played Suzie Homemaker in the afternoon, making a soup and an apple pie. I've never made either, and didn't have a recipe for either, but they both turned out. We had dinner with Cynthia - her last meal before heading back to the States.
Later that evening, we went over to Foun's place. Her apartment is really cute, decked out with a Canadian flag and with pillows on the floor to sit on. Merrill and her friend came, as well as Cynthia, Lucie, Raffi and the Irish lectrice, Emma. It was nice.. We sipped wine and ate French treats and chatted. Later, we broke out a French pre-teen truth or dare board game called French Kiss. It was pretty hilarious. It made me think of the Dream Phone days with SJC.
Around 2am, Cynthia, Raffi and I booted it home to change and go dancing. Cynthia and I really wanted to, and it was her last night. But after getting ready and flying to the night bar, they weren't letting anyone else in.. So we went home.
Cynthia got me up at the crack of dawn and I walked her to the train station to catch her 6am train. She flew to New York and then has three interviews all over the country before heading back to El Paso for Christmas. The past few weeks have been a whirlwind, and I hadn't thought much about her departure.. It was sad putting her on the train. A reminder of how hard it will be to say goodbye in the Spring. Our lives somehow collided for this school year, and will bounce apart again once it's over.. Cynthia applied to thirteen medical schools and has been invited to eleven interviews already and has been accepted at two schools she interviewed for back in September. It's been fun being a part of such an exciting time for her. She's interviewing at Rochester today, which would be quite close to TO.. I'd love it if she were just across the lake. Anyways, I'll see her January 10th.
Raffi and I went to the market where we bought some fresh veggies and mussels. Then we went to the Christmas market. We had lunch at Hossoen's kebab stand and walked around Rennes (running into another market!) and had a coffee outside. We had sunny and mild days all week-end, which was a treat for Rennes.
The plan was to make moules frites (mussels and fries) for dindins, but after eating an "appetizer" of guacamole, cheeses, baguette, and Armenian wine, we were full.
This week-end was les Transmusicales in Rennes, the biggest music festival in Europe. The town was packed and crazy. People come from all over for the festival, bars are open later, buses run all night, and general debauchery is twenty-four hours long. The only band I'd heard of was Bon Iver, but tickets weren't cheap and I don't really knoooow them... Bands play at concert halls and at bars. The bars are free. So we went to O'Connells and heard a band there. We met Foun and her friend, Claire, there. It was nice.
Yesterday, we went to the beautiful big park here. I had only been once, and hadn't seen most of it. We discovered this huge bird cage that housed dozens of tropical birds. Very pretty. There were love birds, but none as beautiful as DDM. Obvi. There's also a pretty fountain and many gardens..
Then back to the Christmas Market for a treat. We got Churris (called Chichis here) which are apparently well-known, but I'd never tried them. We were going to get chocolate covered pears, but decided to make one instead. (That was a tasty disaster.) What wasn't a disaster, though, were the moules frites. We made two kinds - white wine and curry. Delicious.
Raffi left this morning, and I've already given an exam. This one wasn't too bad as it's a very strong class. Giving good marks is wonderful, and I was able to do a lot of that.
I'm starting to stress about the break now. I leave Wednesday, and won't be back until after Christmas. I feel as though there are a million ends to tie up before I take off. I'll be spending all of my time between now and then getting ready. It's very exciting though. I give credit to my parents for the trips they planned when we were growing up. There's a lot to think about, and they made it look so easy.
I head to Paris on Wednesday afternoon and then to London on Saturday. I'll meet the Birminghamandcheese Hincks then, and head back to B-Ham with them that evening for a visit. On Sunday night, I'll go to Warwick and see where Doctor lives and studies. Monday afternoon we go to Manchester, where we'll spend one night in a hostel before leaving for the Turkish Riviera Tuesday morning. We stay there seven nights, before flying back to Manchester on the 23rd. Then an overnight travel to Liverpool where we catch an early morning flight to Paris on the 24th. We'll spend two nights in Paris, celebrating Christmas (Raffi will join us) and then Steve arrives in the morning of the 26th. We'll spend the day in Paris before coming to Rennes that evening. That's as far as I'll go for now. I'm really looking forward to seeing family and Doctor. It's been such a long time since I've seen a face from home...
I will be nerd blogging all week as my excitement grows. I feel grateful to have so much time off, and to have friends and family to spend time with. It makes the idea of Christmas away from home much easier to handle.
I hope you all enjoyed your week-ends.
Much love,
Hincks.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Chapter 58: Stop, Drop and Roll
nerd blog post #63
Last night's theatre group was the last of the semester, as I leave for Paris next Wednesday afternoon. It was a good one. We did more scenes and this time they chose from French or English. We did some Miller and Albee, and then some French ones that are new to me. Next semester, things will change a little bit. We'll choose something work on more intensely and then show it at the end of the semester. I don't know if it will be a play, some scenes, or something we devise, but it will require more commitment with a final goal in sight. I'm looking forward to it.
During the class, a man came in and asked to speak to me. He's part of a team of doctoral students that are working on translating contemporary French plays into English. They got my name somehow, and are looking for a native speaker with a graduate degree in theatre (I have a feeling there isn't much selection) to join them. Sounds like an interesting project, but I told him we should meet in January to discuss it further. Right now, I have a pretty full plate for next semester, and I don't want to commit to too much at this point. But could be fun.
The British Christmas party was nice, though I didn't stay long. I am always tired after the theatre group, and I gave three exams today, so didn't want to be totally drained.
The exams went well. They were all second year pronunciation classes. There are about twenty sections of this course, and I have five of them. The professor in charge of the whole course was there for the first exam so I could get a feel for how the students should be marked. They had ten minutes to practice the reading of a text (that they were seeing for the first time) and then two chances to record it. After they left, we listened to each one and graded them out of twenty. This is their grade for the course, though the work they do throughout the semester comes into play as well. With the professor, six of my fifteen students failed, and the highest mark given was a fifteen. The average was around ten. I found it really hard to give such low marks to my students. They all come every class and try hard. And I know what it's like to have an accent and to work at it.. But I stuck to her strict guidelines for the other two classes.
During the final exam, the fire alarm went off. Disaster! I gathered my things, instructed the students to leave their papers in the classroom, locked the door, and wandered outside. When I got outside, a fire marshall asked me how long our exit was. What!? Umm.. Five minutes? Did I count my students as they exited? No.. Oopsies. In trouble by the fire marshall! I didn't know the rules! It worked out fine and no one was too rattled.. But it was pretty strange.
I went to Ikea with roommates Alexandre and Cynthia this afternoon. We got a Christmas tree and decorations. The tree is the biggest one I've seen here - almost my height! We'll decorate it before Cynthia leaves Saturday morning. Being in Ikea reminded me of home, as did the smell of the Christmas tree in the car...
Tonight, Merrill's friend is coming in from Paris. She's throwing a party and I'm leaving soon to attend. We're going to play Beer-pong. For those of you who don't know what Beer-pong is, it's played on a ping-pong table with ping-pong balls, cups and beer. I love this competition and expect an undefeated championship tonight. The problem with Beer-pong in France is that everything is miniature. The cars, the Christmas trees, every woman's waistline, and yes, the plastic cups. It will be interesting. A bunch of students are coming, too, which always adds. I just read that Beer-pong was invented at Princeton. I smell a Hincks sibling duel...
Hope all of you are well.
Signing off,
Hincks.
Last night's theatre group was the last of the semester, as I leave for Paris next Wednesday afternoon. It was a good one. We did more scenes and this time they chose from French or English. We did some Miller and Albee, and then some French ones that are new to me. Next semester, things will change a little bit. We'll choose something work on more intensely and then show it at the end of the semester. I don't know if it will be a play, some scenes, or something we devise, but it will require more commitment with a final goal in sight. I'm looking forward to it.
During the class, a man came in and asked to speak to me. He's part of a team of doctoral students that are working on translating contemporary French plays into English. They got my name somehow, and are looking for a native speaker with a graduate degree in theatre (I have a feeling there isn't much selection) to join them. Sounds like an interesting project, but I told him we should meet in January to discuss it further. Right now, I have a pretty full plate for next semester, and I don't want to commit to too much at this point. But could be fun.
The British Christmas party was nice, though I didn't stay long. I am always tired after the theatre group, and I gave three exams today, so didn't want to be totally drained.
The exams went well. They were all second year pronunciation classes. There are about twenty sections of this course, and I have five of them. The professor in charge of the whole course was there for the first exam so I could get a feel for how the students should be marked. They had ten minutes to practice the reading of a text (that they were seeing for the first time) and then two chances to record it. After they left, we listened to each one and graded them out of twenty. This is their grade for the course, though the work they do throughout the semester comes into play as well. With the professor, six of my fifteen students failed, and the highest mark given was a fifteen. The average was around ten. I found it really hard to give such low marks to my students. They all come every class and try hard. And I know what it's like to have an accent and to work at it.. But I stuck to her strict guidelines for the other two classes.
During the final exam, the fire alarm went off. Disaster! I gathered my things, instructed the students to leave their papers in the classroom, locked the door, and wandered outside. When I got outside, a fire marshall asked me how long our exit was. What!? Umm.. Five minutes? Did I count my students as they exited? No.. Oopsies. In trouble by the fire marshall! I didn't know the rules! It worked out fine and no one was too rattled.. But it was pretty strange.
I went to Ikea with roommates Alexandre and Cynthia this afternoon. We got a Christmas tree and decorations. The tree is the biggest one I've seen here - almost my height! We'll decorate it before Cynthia leaves Saturday morning. Being in Ikea reminded me of home, as did the smell of the Christmas tree in the car...
Tonight, Merrill's friend is coming in from Paris. She's throwing a party and I'm leaving soon to attend. We're going to play Beer-pong. For those of you who don't know what Beer-pong is, it's played on a ping-pong table with ping-pong balls, cups and beer. I love this competition and expect an undefeated championship tonight. The problem with Beer-pong in France is that everything is miniature. The cars, the Christmas trees, every woman's waistline, and yes, the plastic cups. It will be interesting. A bunch of students are coming, too, which always adds. I just read that Beer-pong was invented at Princeton. I smell a Hincks sibling duel...
Hope all of you are well.
Signing off,
Hincks.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Chapter 57: Rules of the Road
nerd blog post #62
This week has been much more relaxed, which is nice. Cynthia and I went to the opera on Monday night, which turned out to be an operetta and was Orphee aux enfers (25 points, DP). What the operetta meant was that a guy introduced each song and then peeps came on and sang them. The singing was amazing. The (over)acting was annoying. I was not at all disappointed that it wasn't a full opera.. It was fun having the songs contextualized, and since I find opera difficult to understand to begin with, it was easier to follow along with the French lyrics after the song had been introduced. And as the emcee was trying to entertain as well as educate, it was interesting culturally. I love the opera house here, and our front row centre seats were perfect.
Yesterday I did some crafty and sneaky things that I can't blog about! Sneeeaky!! I also have chatted with a few peeps on skype, which is always nice.. Correspondence of any type is so appreciated.. There are moments of homesickness, which are quickly remedied by dear friends and a stellar family.
Last night, the tradition of wine at Merrill's continued. Once again, Tuesday evening was great. She lives in a really cozy room with a French feel -- quite different from my mod-ren apartment. I like going there. We always talk about work and boys. Throw in some snackies, f-book creeping and a dance party here and there and the night is golden!
The term is really drawing to a close. I am beginning to prepare marks to hand in. Students are graded out of 20, with 10 being a passing grade. Marks higher than 15 are very rarely given, and half of first year students are expected to fail. Since it's a public university and there was no selection to get in, I guess this is how the sifting is done. But it's hard for me.. I want to give everyone great marks, but can't even pass everyone.
Now it's time to talk about bikes for awhile. Ahem.
On the first floor of the apartment, accessible only from the outside, is the bike storage room. I appreciate this room very much because it means that I don't have to bring the bike all the way up here, or leave it outside... However, there are hundreds of bikes in there, all crammed in, and it's hard to find a spot. This is also okay. The problem is that I use my bike every day, and it's tricky to maneuver it around the room, and wanting to be respectful, I was always finding a spot near the back.. Now. French peeps don't ride anymore. I think it's too cold for them. So I was starting to become annoyed with all of the maneuvering that was going on. And so, I borrowed chalk from school and marked all of the tires of the bikes in my way. I waited a week. This morning, I went down and found that only ONE of the bikes had moved since last week! Who knows when the rest were last used! I don't know if this was appropriate, but I took the bike sitch into my own hands. I rearranged the entire room, putting unused bikes near the back, and the used ones (including mine and Cynthia's) in the most convenient spots. I hope this solves the problem.
Next. The bike ride to school and back is great. It saves a ton of metro money, and takes about the same time. I think it's about six kilometres each way, which is fine. The issue is clothing. In the mornings especially, it's chilly, so I wear a coat. But about half of the ride is intense uphill, so I begin to get really hot. And by the time I get to school, I'm boiling. If I don't bundle up, I'm fine, but then I'm cold when walking in between buildings. All very annoying. This reminds me of exactly why I don't like skiing. You sit on the chairlift, getting colder and colder, and then go down the hill, getting hotter and hotter. By the time you're at the bottom you (I?) want to rip off your clothes and make naked snow angels. But that's kind of frowned upon, so instead, you rinse and repeat. The difference, and this is why I don't ski but do bike ride, is that in skiing, you're not getting to work or saving metro money. You're just getting cold and hot.
Finally. It's interesting how cars here in Rennes treat bicycles as if they're not even there. There is no moving over or slowing down. It makes for a very scary ride. Because cyclists are completely ignored, though, we have to make our own rules. Run red lights? If you want! Signal turns? No one will care! I haven't had a car show any sign of recognizing I'm there at all, so I just make up the rules, and be sure to wear a helmet..
End of bike talk.
On Friday, RtC is coming to visit for the week-end. I'm really excited.. Just to clear some things up, as there has been confusion, and I think this only fair:
Q: Are Raffi and RtC the same person?
A: Yes. R(affi)t(he)C(lown).
Q: Do the clowns really do the balloon making and tricycle riding you've written about?
A: No. But they do learn acrobatics!
But that's not what I was going to say. What I was going to say is that I'm really looking forward to the week-end and have a lot of fun ideas. Now, being that the clown is an avid (though silent) nerd blog subscriber, I will have to wait to write about what we will do. The art of waiting to give information is one of the reasons Cynthia and the others (still!) don't know about the nerd blog. I just like being able to write whatever I want. That being said, I like that Raffi reads. Just saying..
I have to wrap up and get ready for theatre group tonight. Afterwards, the Brits are throwing a little Christmas party, complete with mulled wine and minced meat pies. They wanted to do something British after the t-giving they experienced last week. Should be nice.
Much love,
Hincks.
This week has been much more relaxed, which is nice. Cynthia and I went to the opera on Monday night, which turned out to be an operetta and was Orphee aux enfers (25 points, DP). What the operetta meant was that a guy introduced each song and then peeps came on and sang them. The singing was amazing. The (over)acting was annoying. I was not at all disappointed that it wasn't a full opera.. It was fun having the songs contextualized, and since I find opera difficult to understand to begin with, it was easier to follow along with the French lyrics after the song had been introduced. And as the emcee was trying to entertain as well as educate, it was interesting culturally. I love the opera house here, and our front row centre seats were perfect.
Yesterday I did some crafty and sneaky things that I can't blog about! Sneeeaky!! I also have chatted with a few peeps on skype, which is always nice.. Correspondence of any type is so appreciated.. There are moments of homesickness, which are quickly remedied by dear friends and a stellar family.
Last night, the tradition of wine at Merrill's continued. Once again, Tuesday evening was great. She lives in a really cozy room with a French feel -- quite different from my mod-ren apartment. I like going there. We always talk about work and boys. Throw in some snackies, f-book creeping and a dance party here and there and the night is golden!
The term is really drawing to a close. I am beginning to prepare marks to hand in. Students are graded out of 20, with 10 being a passing grade. Marks higher than 15 are very rarely given, and half of first year students are expected to fail. Since it's a public university and there was no selection to get in, I guess this is how the sifting is done. But it's hard for me.. I want to give everyone great marks, but can't even pass everyone.
Now it's time to talk about bikes for awhile. Ahem.
On the first floor of the apartment, accessible only from the outside, is the bike storage room. I appreciate this room very much because it means that I don't have to bring the bike all the way up here, or leave it outside... However, there are hundreds of bikes in there, all crammed in, and it's hard to find a spot. This is also okay. The problem is that I use my bike every day, and it's tricky to maneuver it around the room, and wanting to be respectful, I was always finding a spot near the back.. Now. French peeps don't ride anymore. I think it's too cold for them. So I was starting to become annoyed with all of the maneuvering that was going on. And so, I borrowed chalk from school and marked all of the tires of the bikes in my way. I waited a week. This morning, I went down and found that only ONE of the bikes had moved since last week! Who knows when the rest were last used! I don't know if this was appropriate, but I took the bike sitch into my own hands. I rearranged the entire room, putting unused bikes near the back, and the used ones (including mine and Cynthia's) in the most convenient spots. I hope this solves the problem.
Next. The bike ride to school and back is great. It saves a ton of metro money, and takes about the same time. I think it's about six kilometres each way, which is fine. The issue is clothing. In the mornings especially, it's chilly, so I wear a coat. But about half of the ride is intense uphill, so I begin to get really hot. And by the time I get to school, I'm boiling. If I don't bundle up, I'm fine, but then I'm cold when walking in between buildings. All very annoying. This reminds me of exactly why I don't like skiing. You sit on the chairlift, getting colder and colder, and then go down the hill, getting hotter and hotter. By the time you're at the bottom you (I?) want to rip off your clothes and make naked snow angels. But that's kind of frowned upon, so instead, you rinse and repeat. The difference, and this is why I don't ski but do bike ride, is that in skiing, you're not getting to work or saving metro money. You're just getting cold and hot.
Finally. It's interesting how cars here in Rennes treat bicycles as if they're not even there. There is no moving over or slowing down. It makes for a very scary ride. Because cyclists are completely ignored, though, we have to make our own rules. Run red lights? If you want! Signal turns? No one will care! I haven't had a car show any sign of recognizing I'm there at all, so I just make up the rules, and be sure to wear a helmet..
End of bike talk.
On Friday, RtC is coming to visit for the week-end. I'm really excited.. Just to clear some things up, as there has been confusion, and I think this only fair:
Q: Are Raffi and RtC the same person?
A: Yes. R(affi)t(he)C(lown).
Q: Do the clowns really do the balloon making and tricycle riding you've written about?
A: No. But they do learn acrobatics!
But that's not what I was going to say. What I was going to say is that I'm really looking forward to the week-end and have a lot of fun ideas. Now, being that the clown is an avid (though silent) nerd blog subscriber, I will have to wait to write about what we will do. The art of waiting to give information is one of the reasons Cynthia and the others (still!) don't know about the nerd blog. I just like being able to write whatever I want. That being said, I like that Raffi reads. Just saying..
I have to wrap up and get ready for theatre group tonight. Afterwards, the Brits are throwing a little Christmas party, complete with mulled wine and minced meat pies. They wanted to do something British after the t-giving they experienced last week. Should be nice.
Much love,
Hincks.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Chapter 56: A CHAPTER WITH FOTOS!?
nerd blog post #61
Yes. Welcome to the revolutionary nerd blog post that features BOTH nerd blog AND foto esssay! What a treat. What a melange. Enjoy.
The visit with Benito continued to be great. He cooked up a delicious chicken and rice feast, and we had Merrill over for some pre-gaming action before
Museum Cafe, the new (for us) night bar we wanted to try. A highlight was skyping my family. Big and little brother, cousin Claire and the parentals were feasting around the dinner table. I was placed next to the bird cage and chirped at them throughout the duration of the talk, asking them to pass me the gravy, and other funny bits like that. I think my mom was the only one who tolerated it.. I thought it was hilarious. Museum Cafe was a HIT. Unreal music and a more diverse crowd. And closer to our place than the others. We will be back every week-end. The bar staff were giving out hats. That makes two hats in one week-end. What a deal.
Benito left last night because he flew early this morning from Paris. The house seemed quiet afterwards, as it goes when visitors leave.. But Cynthia and I have been spending good time together. Today we went to the Christmas Market. French peeps age well, including Pere Noel himself:
"But Hinckster, I thought you didn't like Christmas!" It's not that I ever didn't like Christmas.. It's that I grew tired of Christmas as it had become in TO. Too much hustle and bustle and grumpy shoppers and slush and blinding lights and unnecessary paper waste and consumerism. Etc. This is not to start a blog comment war.. Please. It's just to say that whenever I smiled and nodded when you said, "I love Christmastime!" it was because I didn't want to start a tiresome, cyclic discussion. No offense. And I don't not like Christmas. I just prefer other holidays, and don't really love buying presies, wrapping them up, sticking them under a prickly, oversized tree (that's inside the house..) and then being forced to wait to open them.
But that's not what I was going to say..... What I was going to say, is that the Christmas spirit I had as a child is slowly coming back.. I asked Santa if I could get a picture with him (read: do I have to pay?) and he said sure (read: no). Rennes is decorated with tasteful lights, there are no giant malls, people aren't talking about it incessantly (because it's still weeks away), and it's just ... I guess better suited to me right now. This isn't to say I won't spend more Christmases in the big city (which I really do love and miss), but I think being here is giving me a new perspective on how Christmas can be, and lifting the bah humbug away.. Which is good. I want to love Christmas like the rest of you.. End of rant/new discovery.
These were the two highlights of the Christmas market:
That's right, young bachelors. My heart is warm.
And:
The Canada stand!! Where the maple syrup is only $15 for the smallest one! And where you can buy the ever-popular caribou spread! This stand was exciting for me, as there are only twenty-five stalls or so.. And there was no US or England stand. So I was very proud. I stood by it for a long time, in case anyone wanted to ask a Canadienne any questions. ...No one did.
It's Winter in Rennes. It's not going to get any colder. This is strange for me.. It feels like mid-October. The lowest it will get is about 3 degrees at night. It's grey and rains quite often. But it's not horrible rain, just misty.. It's humid, though, so the cold feels colder than it is. Still, it's not very cold for me. Not cold enough for a hat or mits, and the decision to not bring a long coat was the right one. The Rennais, on the other hand, are bundled up like it's Nunavut. It snowed in Paris yesterday. Though it's not far, Paris is colder and gets some snow, because it's further from the ocean. And now here's Ron with your local traffic update.
Tonight will be spent getting ready for the week of classes. Tomorrow night, Cynthia and I are going to the Opera. We got free tickets in our Welcome to Rennes package, and will be seeing .. I forget. Oopsies. We booked way in advance, and had our choice of seats. We're sitting in my fave location: front row. I'm looking forward to it!
With love,
Hincks.
Yes. Welcome to the revolutionary nerd blog post that features BOTH nerd blog AND foto esssay! What a treat. What a melange. Enjoy.
The visit with Benito continued to be great. He cooked up a delicious chicken and rice feast, and we had Merrill over for some pre-gaming action before
Museum Cafe, the new (for us) night bar we wanted to try. A highlight was skyping my family. Big and little brother, cousin Claire and the parentals were feasting around the dinner table. I was placed next to the bird cage and chirped at them throughout the duration of the talk, asking them to pass me the gravy, and other funny bits like that. I think my mom was the only one who tolerated it.. I thought it was hilarious. Museum Cafe was a HIT. Unreal music and a more diverse crowd. And closer to our place than the others. We will be back every week-end. The bar staff were giving out hats. That makes two hats in one week-end. What a deal.
Benito left last night because he flew early this morning from Paris. The house seemed quiet afterwards, as it goes when visitors leave.. But Cynthia and I have been spending good time together. Today we went to the Christmas Market. French peeps age well, including Pere Noel himself:
"But Hinckster, I thought you didn't like Christmas!" It's not that I ever didn't like Christmas.. It's that I grew tired of Christmas as it had become in TO. Too much hustle and bustle and grumpy shoppers and slush and blinding lights and unnecessary paper waste and consumerism. Etc. This is not to start a blog comment war.. Please. It's just to say that whenever I smiled and nodded when you said, "I love Christmastime!" it was because I didn't want to start a tiresome, cyclic discussion. No offense. And I don't not like Christmas. I just prefer other holidays, and don't really love buying presies, wrapping them up, sticking them under a prickly, oversized tree (that's inside the house..) and then being forced to wait to open them.
But that's not what I was going to say..... What I was going to say, is that the Christmas spirit I had as a child is slowly coming back.. I asked Santa if I could get a picture with him (read: do I have to pay?) and he said sure (read: no). Rennes is decorated with tasteful lights, there are no giant malls, people aren't talking about it incessantly (because it's still weeks away), and it's just ... I guess better suited to me right now. This isn't to say I won't spend more Christmases in the big city (which I really do love and miss), but I think being here is giving me a new perspective on how Christmas can be, and lifting the bah humbug away.. Which is good. I want to love Christmas like the rest of you.. End of rant/new discovery.
These were the two highlights of the Christmas market:
That's right, young bachelors. My heart is warm.And:
The Canada stand!! Where the maple syrup is only $15 for the smallest one! And where you can buy the ever-popular caribou spread! This stand was exciting for me, as there are only twenty-five stalls or so.. And there was no US or England stand. So I was very proud. I stood by it for a long time, in case anyone wanted to ask a Canadienne any questions. ...No one did.It's Winter in Rennes. It's not going to get any colder. This is strange for me.. It feels like mid-October. The lowest it will get is about 3 degrees at night. It's grey and rains quite often. But it's not horrible rain, just misty.. It's humid, though, so the cold feels colder than it is. Still, it's not very cold for me. Not cold enough for a hat or mits, and the decision to not bring a long coat was the right one. The Rennais, on the other hand, are bundled up like it's Nunavut. It snowed in Paris yesterday. Though it's not far, Paris is colder and gets some snow, because it's further from the ocean. And now here's Ron with your local traffic update.
Tonight will be spent getting ready for the week of classes. Tomorrow night, Cynthia and I are going to the Opera. We got free tickets in our Welcome to Rennes package, and will be seeing .. I forget. Oopsies. We booked way in advance, and had our choice of seats. We're sitting in my fave location: front row. I'm looking forward to it!
With love,
Hincks.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Chapter 55: Disasterz Etc.
nerd blog post #60
When I was at Queen's, one of the infamous P&CC (the photocopy land I worked at and often write about..) parties was entitled Disasters: What's Your Disaster? and people had to dress up as whatever they thought their disaster was. Random theme parties are my favourite, and I'll take the credit for this crazy idea. Some hit costumes were as follows:
-caught in a bear trap
-sleeping through an exam
-the Titanic
-struck by lightning
etc.
But this is not what this nerd blog post is about..
Avid nerd blog fan and lifelong friend, Diedre, asked me about the 'oopsies' with the photocopier.. This is disaster #1, of 3, for this post. Never fear, this post will be scattered with 'etc' as well.. Ahem.
I had been photocopying like it was my J-O-B (it was once!) in the p-copy room in the English department.. I love it in there. Warm and ink-smelling, cramped and solitary. Perfect. I was running off pages for my classrooms, for the theatre group, and whatever else I felt like doing. P-copying is a great hobby of mine.
(Side story: my favourite part of doing my Master's last year was running to the rescue in the library when there was a paper jam. "Excuse me, I'll help you! I worked in a photocopy shop!" A true hero.) Anyways, one day last week, the photocopier told me I couldn't make any more copies. Confused and upset, I ran into my two bosses in the hallway and told them my problem. They informed me that there's a limit for the whole year, that I'd reached that limit, and that I was supposed to be only using it for the template copy, and sending the rest off to be copied at the University of Rennes P&CC. And so, my account needs to be filled up, I can no longer photocopy at will, and I was a bit embarrassed. Disaster!
Yesterday, in between teaching, I flew down to the train station to pick up Benito, the random friend from the Italian train. As Cynthia and I have similar schedules on Thursdays, our guest had to come to school. It was fun having him in the class, and the students enjoyed a new face.
After school, the three of us went to the grocery store for t-giving food and then came back here. Merrill came over and the cooking of a large feast began.. Benito took a nap and I envied him being able to escape the estrogen in the kitchen. I don't care for cooking, so was able to avoid the war zone by boiling water, cutting onions and doing dishes... I give credit to the Hincks, Sutherlands and Schadingers - all places I have enjoyed a t-giving feast, not knowing exactly how much work goes into it.. It's a big job. We couldn't find a turkey, so we roasted two chickens, and also had carrots, brussel sprouts, mashed potatoes, cauliflower casserole, stuffing, gravy, pumpkin and apple pie. And eight bottles of wine. What a feast.
Disaster #2 happened when train #1 had left to take some of the food over to Marianne's, where the meal was to be eaten. I was trying to clean up the kitchen a bit, and I knocked a potted plant allllll over the counter. Some of the soil fell into the carrots. In a panic, I shook the pot, spreading the soil evenly on the carrots.. Freaking out some more, I added more pepper, which looked like the soil. And already late, I took the carrots to Marianne's! Oh no! I didn't eat any.... No one said anything. Too polite? Or didn't notice? I'll never know. From my boy scout days, though, I seem to recall that soil is clean. I think.. Disaster!
There were ten peeps at t-giving. The Amerirennes (4), the Canadienne (me), the Brits (2), and the guests (Benito and Marianne's two US visitors). Highlights included forcing the group to go around and say what they were thankful for. I was thankful for AT-G and being able to celebrate my fave holiday, as well as for all the t-givings spent with my family. I also enforced the singing of each national anthem present. I sang ours in both official languages. Someone brought silly (racial) hats of a Native headdress that she received at Buffalo Grill, a restaurant here. I wore mine all night and to bed. It's broken now because it's made of cardboard... That, ladies and gentlemen, is disaster #3. Broken hats are no good. Disaster!
After dinner, we went to soiree anglaise for free drinks and then to a new night bar we hadn't been to called Caveau. Like a cave, Caveau was underground, dark and small.. But amazing. Sweet tunez, not sketchy crowd, good dancing.
Today, Cynthia worked and Benito slept in. Then he and I went and looked around Rennes. The Christmas Market is now open and soo beautiful. There was a Canada stand (!) which sold maple syrup, caribou spread etc. The market is the kind that sells a lot of expensive uselessness, but it so pretty to walk through. It also sold Christmas trees. The trees were about 2 feet high.. Another reminder of the difference between French and North Americans.
Now, Benito is making dinner for Cynthia and I and we are chilling. Which is awesome. He's a great guest, and a really cool guy. So funny it's exhausting. Really one of the funniest men I've met.. I wish he lived closer. BUUUT the good news is that Benito will be in Paris over New Year's, staying at a friend's place (who's away and leaving him the key) so we will see each other again! New Year's in Paris is turning into quite the party, with many friends of many walks of life.. I love that.
I can always write more..... But will stop for now.
Enjoy the week-end!
Signing off,
Hincks.
When I was at Queen's, one of the infamous P&CC (the photocopy land I worked at and often write about..) parties was entitled Disasters: What's Your Disaster? and people had to dress up as whatever they thought their disaster was. Random theme parties are my favourite, and I'll take the credit for this crazy idea. Some hit costumes were as follows:
-caught in a bear trap
-sleeping through an exam
-the Titanic
-struck by lightning
etc.
But this is not what this nerd blog post is about..
Avid nerd blog fan and lifelong friend, Diedre, asked me about the 'oopsies' with the photocopier.. This is disaster #1, of 3, for this post. Never fear, this post will be scattered with 'etc' as well.. Ahem.
I had been photocopying like it was my J-O-B (it was once!) in the p-copy room in the English department.. I love it in there. Warm and ink-smelling, cramped and solitary. Perfect. I was running off pages for my classrooms, for the theatre group, and whatever else I felt like doing. P-copying is a great hobby of mine.
(Side story: my favourite part of doing my Master's last year was running to the rescue in the library when there was a paper jam. "Excuse me, I'll help you! I worked in a photocopy shop!" A true hero.) Anyways, one day last week, the photocopier told me I couldn't make any more copies. Confused and upset, I ran into my two bosses in the hallway and told them my problem. They informed me that there's a limit for the whole year, that I'd reached that limit, and that I was supposed to be only using it for the template copy, and sending the rest off to be copied at the University of Rennes P&CC. And so, my account needs to be filled up, I can no longer photocopy at will, and I was a bit embarrassed. Disaster!
Yesterday, in between teaching, I flew down to the train station to pick up Benito, the random friend from the Italian train. As Cynthia and I have similar schedules on Thursdays, our guest had to come to school. It was fun having him in the class, and the students enjoyed a new face.
After school, the three of us went to the grocery store for t-giving food and then came back here. Merrill came over and the cooking of a large feast began.. Benito took a nap and I envied him being able to escape the estrogen in the kitchen. I don't care for cooking, so was able to avoid the war zone by boiling water, cutting onions and doing dishes... I give credit to the Hincks, Sutherlands and Schadingers - all places I have enjoyed a t-giving feast, not knowing exactly how much work goes into it.. It's a big job. We couldn't find a turkey, so we roasted two chickens, and also had carrots, brussel sprouts, mashed potatoes, cauliflower casserole, stuffing, gravy, pumpkin and apple pie. And eight bottles of wine. What a feast.
Disaster #2 happened when train #1 had left to take some of the food over to Marianne's, where the meal was to be eaten. I was trying to clean up the kitchen a bit, and I knocked a potted plant allllll over the counter. Some of the soil fell into the carrots. In a panic, I shook the pot, spreading the soil evenly on the carrots.. Freaking out some more, I added more pepper, which looked like the soil. And already late, I took the carrots to Marianne's! Oh no! I didn't eat any.... No one said anything. Too polite? Or didn't notice? I'll never know. From my boy scout days, though, I seem to recall that soil is clean. I think.. Disaster!
There were ten peeps at t-giving. The Amerirennes (4), the Canadienne (me), the Brits (2), and the guests (Benito and Marianne's two US visitors). Highlights included forcing the group to go around and say what they were thankful for. I was thankful for AT-G and being able to celebrate my fave holiday, as well as for all the t-givings spent with my family. I also enforced the singing of each national anthem present. I sang ours in both official languages. Someone brought silly (racial) hats of a Native headdress that she received at Buffalo Grill, a restaurant here. I wore mine all night and to bed. It's broken now because it's made of cardboard... That, ladies and gentlemen, is disaster #3. Broken hats are no good. Disaster!
After dinner, we went to soiree anglaise for free drinks and then to a new night bar we hadn't been to called Caveau. Like a cave, Caveau was underground, dark and small.. But amazing. Sweet tunez, not sketchy crowd, good dancing.
Today, Cynthia worked and Benito slept in. Then he and I went and looked around Rennes. The Christmas Market is now open and soo beautiful. There was a Canada stand (!) which sold maple syrup, caribou spread etc. The market is the kind that sells a lot of expensive uselessness, but it so pretty to walk through. It also sold Christmas trees. The trees were about 2 feet high.. Another reminder of the difference between French and North Americans.
Now, Benito is making dinner for Cynthia and I and we are chilling. Which is awesome. He's a great guest, and a really cool guy. So funny it's exhausting. Really one of the funniest men I've met.. I wish he lived closer. BUUUT the good news is that Benito will be in Paris over New Year's, staying at a friend's place (who's away and leaving him the key) so we will see each other again! New Year's in Paris is turning into quite the party, with many friends of many walks of life.. I love that.
I can always write more..... But will stop for now.
Enjoy the week-end!
Signing off,
Hincks.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Chapter 54: What Is Pets?
nerd blog post # 59
The past few days have been very busy, exciting and full of bews. Much of this bews is of the work variety... Ahem.
Monday afternoon, I met with the woman who was giving the paper on Toni Morrison. She asked if I'd minded going out to lunch, instead of to her house. I don't eat out very much, so it was a treat. We drove to her town, called St-Gilles, which is about fifteen minutes out of Rennes, and very lovely. We went to a restaurant that I could never afford, and I asked her if she wanted to go halfsies on a pizza. She agreed, and then said she wished she had a daughter.. I guess halfsies at restaurants is more of a girl thing.. We also had wine and then this delicious coffee/ice-cream treat for dessert.
Back at her house, I listened to Toni Morrison read from her books on tape. The woman (Claude) wanted me to sound like Toni. Now, Toni the Tiger is an old, black woman with a raspy Southern-ish accent. Which is how she sounds when she reads. When I try to sound like her, I sound like a 1-900 phone sex operator.. So I did my best to do the voice and accent, while not sounding like I was trying to seduce. Weird.
While at her place, she told me of this three-day international literature conference in July in Vienna. She's put in a proposal and asked, if accepted, if I'd go and read for her again. In Vienna? Sure! She also asked me if I was staying in Rennes next year, and if so, offered that I live with her for free, in exchange for picking her boys up from school on days she couldn't. Less sure...
Monday night, Foun and Lucie went to Merrill's and we had a great dinner of pasta and wine.. It was a fun little party, and we headed to O'Connells after and met up with more students. I really like hanging with F+L. They're good friends.
Tuesday morning, I went to Betton, a town not far from Rennes to meet Veronique and the principal of the school. The school reminded me of the school I went to in Lesotho. Not one building, but classes scattered across a large property, with walkways in between. The administrative building, that housed the principal and secretary's offices, the staff room, photocopy room (personal fave!) etc. was really nice and modern, with a friendly feel. The principal was busy when I got there, so I hung out in the staff room and enjoyed coffee, cake and chats with some really nice teachers. They had heard I was coming and were very welcoming.
When I finally saw the principal, it was not quite what I had expected. He grilled me with questions about my education and previous employment. It was kind of intense, and he was kind of scary, but after fifteen minutes, his face softened. Perfect. I'd weaseled my way into his heart of stone! He welcomed me to the team, and suggested I go and introduce myself to some of the English classes as he drafted a contract.
The students I'll be teaching will be 13-15 years old, the upper two years of the French equivalent of middle school. Full of attitude and energy, which I love. They were happy to meet a Canadian, and asked me lot's of questions.. I encouraged them to speak in English to me, and received some of the following questions:
-Do you like French eats?
-Ow hold is your fazher?
-Do you have a little friend? (boyfriend)
-Do you eat maple syrup at breakfast?
-Is Toronto the capital of Quebec?
-What is pets?
And so on...
I can basically choose my hours there, but will wait until the new courses at the university are settled before signing with this school. I wouldn't start until January, so there's lots of time still. But it was fun to get out of Rennes and see some younger people.
Tuesday evening was the reading, and I was excited about it. Picture Oprah Winfrey's set: over sized, comfy chairs.. A trendy coffee table with an unnecessary lamp and water glasses, and books "randomly" strewn about. I sat beside Claude and did my best to sit very still as she read her paper. When it was my turn to read from the books, the lights dimmed. I found that a bit funny. The auditorium was quite full and some of the profs from the English department were there. Merrill went, too. After the reading, I had to stay near the front for Q&A. Not that I had any As at all.. But I did some small nods.
When it was all over, I went over to Merrill's for our (now) Tuesday tradition of sipping wine in her room and talking about boys and work. I'm spending more time with her these days, and enjoying it. We're quite different, but get along well. Tuesdays with Merrill is a highlight of my week. (Nothing like TWT, though..)
This evening was the theatre group. Due to photocopying issues (I got into trouble.. oopsies), we couldn't do scene work as planned. Instead, we did other stuff. I was going to write about it but I was so inspired by these students that I'm now realizing it's unbloggable. They continue to impress me and they show me new ways of seeing things. And they have no idea.. Their optimism and energy is contagious. I think that's why I love teaching so much.. It's amazing that all of these students come for two or four hours a week, voluntarily, and want to learn and to work. Anyways, it was a great evening..
Also, Cynthia got back! It was good to see her. She was a good girl and picked up two giant bottles of duty free vodka from Poland. She had a nice trip, but is glad to be back. I'm glad, too.
The busy week is not yet over.. Merrill left an hour ago after making corn bread for the stuffing. Tomorrow, Benito gets here. Tomorrow evening, T-Giving1000. And on and on..
I'm tired, but happy.
Love to you all,
Hincks.
The past few days have been very busy, exciting and full of bews. Much of this bews is of the work variety... Ahem.
Monday afternoon, I met with the woman who was giving the paper on Toni Morrison. She asked if I'd minded going out to lunch, instead of to her house. I don't eat out very much, so it was a treat. We drove to her town, called St-Gilles, which is about fifteen minutes out of Rennes, and very lovely. We went to a restaurant that I could never afford, and I asked her if she wanted to go halfsies on a pizza. She agreed, and then said she wished she had a daughter.. I guess halfsies at restaurants is more of a girl thing.. We also had wine and then this delicious coffee/ice-cream treat for dessert.
Back at her house, I listened to Toni Morrison read from her books on tape. The woman (Claude) wanted me to sound like Toni. Now, Toni the Tiger is an old, black woman with a raspy Southern-ish accent. Which is how she sounds when she reads. When I try to sound like her, I sound like a 1-900 phone sex operator.. So I did my best to do the voice and accent, while not sounding like I was trying to seduce. Weird.
While at her place, she told me of this three-day international literature conference in July in Vienna. She's put in a proposal and asked, if accepted, if I'd go and read for her again. In Vienna? Sure! She also asked me if I was staying in Rennes next year, and if so, offered that I live with her for free, in exchange for picking her boys up from school on days she couldn't. Less sure...
Monday night, Foun and Lucie went to Merrill's and we had a great dinner of pasta and wine.. It was a fun little party, and we headed to O'Connells after and met up with more students. I really like hanging with F+L. They're good friends.
Tuesday morning, I went to Betton, a town not far from Rennes to meet Veronique and the principal of the school. The school reminded me of the school I went to in Lesotho. Not one building, but classes scattered across a large property, with walkways in between. The administrative building, that housed the principal and secretary's offices, the staff room, photocopy room (personal fave!) etc. was really nice and modern, with a friendly feel. The principal was busy when I got there, so I hung out in the staff room and enjoyed coffee, cake and chats with some really nice teachers. They had heard I was coming and were very welcoming.
When I finally saw the principal, it was not quite what I had expected. He grilled me with questions about my education and previous employment. It was kind of intense, and he was kind of scary, but after fifteen minutes, his face softened. Perfect. I'd weaseled my way into his heart of stone! He welcomed me to the team, and suggested I go and introduce myself to some of the English classes as he drafted a contract.
The students I'll be teaching will be 13-15 years old, the upper two years of the French equivalent of middle school. Full of attitude and energy, which I love. They were happy to meet a Canadian, and asked me lot's of questions.. I encouraged them to speak in English to me, and received some of the following questions:
-Do you like French eats?
-Ow hold is your fazher?
-Do you have a little friend? (boyfriend)
-Do you eat maple syrup at breakfast?
-Is Toronto the capital of Quebec?
-What is pets?
And so on...
I can basically choose my hours there, but will wait until the new courses at the university are settled before signing with this school. I wouldn't start until January, so there's lots of time still. But it was fun to get out of Rennes and see some younger people.
Tuesday evening was the reading, and I was excited about it. Picture Oprah Winfrey's set: over sized, comfy chairs.. A trendy coffee table with an unnecessary lamp and water glasses, and books "randomly" strewn about. I sat beside Claude and did my best to sit very still as she read her paper. When it was my turn to read from the books, the lights dimmed. I found that a bit funny. The auditorium was quite full and some of the profs from the English department were there. Merrill went, too. After the reading, I had to stay near the front for Q&A. Not that I had any As at all.. But I did some small nods.
When it was all over, I went over to Merrill's for our (now) Tuesday tradition of sipping wine in her room and talking about boys and work. I'm spending more time with her these days, and enjoying it. We're quite different, but get along well. Tuesdays with Merrill is a highlight of my week. (Nothing like TWT, though..)
This evening was the theatre group. Due to photocopying issues (I got into trouble.. oopsies), we couldn't do scene work as planned. Instead, we did other stuff. I was going to write about it but I was so inspired by these students that I'm now realizing it's unbloggable. They continue to impress me and they show me new ways of seeing things. And they have no idea.. Their optimism and energy is contagious. I think that's why I love teaching so much.. It's amazing that all of these students come for two or four hours a week, voluntarily, and want to learn and to work. Anyways, it was a great evening..
Also, Cynthia got back! It was good to see her. She was a good girl and picked up two giant bottles of duty free vodka from Poland. She had a nice trip, but is glad to be back. I'm glad, too.
The busy week is not yet over.. Merrill left an hour ago after making corn bread for the stuffing. Tomorrow, Benito gets here. Tomorrow evening, T-Giving1000. And on and on..
I'm tired, but happy.
Love to you all,
Hincks.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Chapter 53: Drowned Duck
nerd blog post #58
I couldn't remember if the expression is "drowned rat" or "drowned cat" and I am a giant fan of alliteration, so I changed it. I make the rules on this nerd blog. However, for future reference, 20 points to the first person who lets me know if it's the feline or the rodent who is soaked.
I normally start at the beginning, but will start at right now, as I'm particularly uncomfortable, and can't wait. It has been raining non-stop for days. I have wanted to take advantage, as I've said, of Cynthia's bike (she's in Poland this week-end), but there hasn't been a dry hour. This morning I was miffed that it was still raining, because I did not want to take the metro to work. But when I stepped out, there was a full rainbow in the sky, and it had stopped raining. Very happy, I decided to forgo the helmet (returning up to the apt would have made me late), and started riding. I haven't seen a rainbow like this one in years, maybe not since Africa. I could see every colour, and it stretched in a perfect arc from one end of the city to the other. Very beautiful.
I started riding, and it started raining. Then the normal mist-like rain that normally falls on Rennes turned into a full-blown downpour. By the time I got to school, and still now, there isn't a patch of dry on my whole body. I was grumpy. My students laughed. Then I laughed. Now I feel better. But man.. I am a drowned duck. This was definitely not "Luck of the Hincks" (as The Artist Formerly Known as RtC calls it).
Reeeewiiiind.
Minutes after posting on Saturday, I got a skype call from Steve at the Westview House in Kingston. As his camera was turning on, I asked if I would be sad. As I had written, many of my friends were in Kingston this past week-end for Players, my favourite holiday. He said he didn't think so, and when he turned it on, it was just him. Then he turned the camera to face the bed and there was all of Westview Haus, plus my girls Hunter, Deeks, Marn, Meg Mack and Schac. And the Paabor. Overwhelmed. And speechless. We had a great chat for a long time. 50 points each. 55 to the boyz for being so handsome.
It was a great idea for them all to get on the bed and pose for a screenshot picture so I could put it on the nerd blog and make them famous:
Looking good, Hinckster.
And so, there is no previdence of the chat, but it made my day. Speaking of previdence, I didn't mention it before because I was so disappointed, but my camera ran out of batteries on first night in Paris last week-end, and that is why there is no photo essay..
I stayed in Saturday night and did some to-dos that had been pending.. I am home alone lost in new york until Wednesday. I kind of like it, but look forward to Cynthia's return.
On Sunday I ventured out with my computer to a cafe and continued to do some work. Then I met Brock for a coffee. He's a good friend here. It's great to be able to talk TO from time to time, and I enjoy his company very much.
In the evening, I had a nice skype chat with Schac and then went over to Merrill's where she and Marianne had made a delicious soup. I contributed bread. Being rainy, soup was perfect. And after a solitary Saturday, it was good to be around people and eat a good meal.
Right now, I'm waiting for a student to come in for extra help. But he's already late so I'm thinking of bailing after this nerd blog post. I then teach a second class and then am meeting up with the woman who I'm reading for tomorrow evening at the conference. She's going to drive me to her house for lunch and a practice, and then bring me back to campus for my creative writing class at 5pm. Tonight, I have dinner with Foun and Lucie at Merrill's house. I had no idea what to make, and she's a good cook, so I'ma be there bearer of wine and helper extreme1000.
This is actually a busier week than normal. I meet the principal of the other school tomorrow and then read at the conference. On Thursday, Benito arrives. Benito is one of the guys Cynthia and I met randomly on the train to Venice. He'll be here for the Amerirennes Thanksgiving feast, and until Sunday. Time is flying. It's week 10 of 12 for the semester and then a month off.. Crazypants.
I'm looking out the window here, and it's sunny. It better stay clear for my ride home tonight..... Enjoy the day, and much love.
Signing off,
Hincks.
I couldn't remember if the expression is "drowned rat" or "drowned cat" and I am a giant fan of alliteration, so I changed it. I make the rules on this nerd blog. However, for future reference, 20 points to the first person who lets me know if it's the feline or the rodent who is soaked.
I normally start at the beginning, but will start at right now, as I'm particularly uncomfortable, and can't wait. It has been raining non-stop for days. I have wanted to take advantage, as I've said, of Cynthia's bike (she's in Poland this week-end), but there hasn't been a dry hour. This morning I was miffed that it was still raining, because I did not want to take the metro to work. But when I stepped out, there was a full rainbow in the sky, and it had stopped raining. Very happy, I decided to forgo the helmet (returning up to the apt would have made me late), and started riding. I haven't seen a rainbow like this one in years, maybe not since Africa. I could see every colour, and it stretched in a perfect arc from one end of the city to the other. Very beautiful.
I started riding, and it started raining. Then the normal mist-like rain that normally falls on Rennes turned into a full-blown downpour. By the time I got to school, and still now, there isn't a patch of dry on my whole body. I was grumpy. My students laughed. Then I laughed. Now I feel better. But man.. I am a drowned duck. This was definitely not "Luck of the Hincks" (as The Artist Formerly Known as RtC calls it).
Reeeewiiiind.
Minutes after posting on Saturday, I got a skype call from Steve at the Westview House in Kingston. As his camera was turning on, I asked if I would be sad. As I had written, many of my friends were in Kingston this past week-end for Players, my favourite holiday. He said he didn't think so, and when he turned it on, it was just him. Then he turned the camera to face the bed and there was all of Westview Haus, plus my girls Hunter, Deeks, Marn, Meg Mack and Schac. And the Paabor. Overwhelmed. And speechless. We had a great chat for a long time. 50 points each. 55 to the boyz for being so handsome.
It was a great idea for them all to get on the bed and pose for a screenshot picture so I could put it on the nerd blog and make them famous:
Looking good, Hinckster.And so, there is no previdence of the chat, but it made my day. Speaking of previdence, I didn't mention it before because I was so disappointed, but my camera ran out of batteries on first night in Paris last week-end, and that is why there is no photo essay..
I stayed in Saturday night and did some to-dos that had been pending.. I am home alone lost in new york until Wednesday. I kind of like it, but look forward to Cynthia's return.
On Sunday I ventured out with my computer to a cafe and continued to do some work. Then I met Brock for a coffee. He's a good friend here. It's great to be able to talk TO from time to time, and I enjoy his company very much.
In the evening, I had a nice skype chat with Schac and then went over to Merrill's where she and Marianne had made a delicious soup. I contributed bread. Being rainy, soup was perfect. And after a solitary Saturday, it was good to be around people and eat a good meal.
Right now, I'm waiting for a student to come in for extra help. But he's already late so I'm thinking of bailing after this nerd blog post. I then teach a second class and then am meeting up with the woman who I'm reading for tomorrow evening at the conference. She's going to drive me to her house for lunch and a practice, and then bring me back to campus for my creative writing class at 5pm. Tonight, I have dinner with Foun and Lucie at Merrill's house. I had no idea what to make, and she's a good cook, so I'ma be there bearer of wine and helper extreme1000.
This is actually a busier week than normal. I meet the principal of the other school tomorrow and then read at the conference. On Thursday, Benito arrives. Benito is one of the guys Cynthia and I met randomly on the train to Venice. He'll be here for the Amerirennes Thanksgiving feast, and until Sunday. Time is flying. It's week 10 of 12 for the semester and then a month off.. Crazypants.
I'm looking out the window here, and it's sunny. It better stay clear for my ride home tonight..... Enjoy the day, and much love.
Signing off,
Hincks.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Chapter 52: Artsy, Fartsy, Home Alone 5
nerd blog post #57
Queen's Players is described as a mixture of SNL, booze, and a rock concert. (I think..) It happens each semester at Queen's and this is the first time I have ever missed a show. For me, the description above doesn't do my love for Players any justice at all. I love Players more than Homecoming, the Somewhat Formal, silly hats, costume parties, Christmas, and even Bronco's birthday. I look forward to it for weeks. It's more than the show. It's arriving in Kingston and dropping my bag in the same spot every time, it's the Brass breakfast the next morning, the 3am food run, the dance parties, the Japanese Tea, the morning adventures to the lake or Tim Horton's with Steve while the rest of the house sleeps.. A Player's week-end never disappoints. Most people grow tired of the debacle, but it might just be the week-end I'll miss most.
This week-end, the girls of She Said What (the hit TO sketch comedy troupe) drove to K-Town and are now at Westview House, probably just stirring.... To all of you -- have an amazing week-end. And party Hinckster-stylez.
The Cremaillere (housewarming party) last night was great. I didn't think I'd know many people, but I ended up knowing most.. There were over forty people there, in a big apartment on the top floor of a building that must be over four hundred years old. The stairway leading up to the apartment had the original wooden beams and it was not heated. You could see the sky through the slats in the roof. The jam was happening - good tunes, delicious food, endless drinks, and fun peeps. I started a d-floor, obvi. My friends Foun and Lucie were there, as well as many other students that I'm starting to get to know better. And the girl throwing the party is in my theatre group, so she had invited several others from the group, who were there, too. It was fun.
This morning I met Merrill and Marianne and we went to the market and then for a coffee. We saw a poster for a craft show and we went to check it out. I normally love craft shows, but only if they're .. how to say it .. I guess diverse. This one was table after table of bedazzle bejewel jewelry that cost millions of Euros. Each table had like two necklaces on it. NOT my genre of craft show.
Speaking of crafts, though, there is a huge Christmas market that they're preparing for. And the city has strung lights above all of the little cobblestone streets. I think, come December, the town will be more beautiful than ever.. I look forward to it.
I'm totally home alone this week-end, except for Andorra the Explorra. We're going to go on long walks together. I have been invited to a party tonight, but declined. I feel like staying in and sorting some things out. It's raining outside, and it feels good to be warm and alone. I also have prep to do for next week, and a good book to read..
Sending love across the Atlantic,
Hincks.
Queen's Players is described as a mixture of SNL, booze, and a rock concert. (I think..) It happens each semester at Queen's and this is the first time I have ever missed a show. For me, the description above doesn't do my love for Players any justice at all. I love Players more than Homecoming, the Somewhat Formal, silly hats, costume parties, Christmas, and even Bronco's birthday. I look forward to it for weeks. It's more than the show. It's arriving in Kingston and dropping my bag in the same spot every time, it's the Brass breakfast the next morning, the 3am food run, the dance parties, the Japanese Tea, the morning adventures to the lake or Tim Horton's with Steve while the rest of the house sleeps.. A Player's week-end never disappoints. Most people grow tired of the debacle, but it might just be the week-end I'll miss most.
This week-end, the girls of She Said What (the hit TO sketch comedy troupe) drove to K-Town and are now at Westview House, probably just stirring.... To all of you -- have an amazing week-end. And party Hinckster-stylez.
The Cremaillere (housewarming party) last night was great. I didn't think I'd know many people, but I ended up knowing most.. There were over forty people there, in a big apartment on the top floor of a building that must be over four hundred years old. The stairway leading up to the apartment had the original wooden beams and it was not heated. You could see the sky through the slats in the roof. The jam was happening - good tunes, delicious food, endless drinks, and fun peeps. I started a d-floor, obvi. My friends Foun and Lucie were there, as well as many other students that I'm starting to get to know better. And the girl throwing the party is in my theatre group, so she had invited several others from the group, who were there, too. It was fun.
This morning I met Merrill and Marianne and we went to the market and then for a coffee. We saw a poster for a craft show and we went to check it out. I normally love craft shows, but only if they're .. how to say it .. I guess diverse. This one was table after table of bedazzle bejewel jewelry that cost millions of Euros. Each table had like two necklaces on it. NOT my genre of craft show.
Speaking of crafts, though, there is a huge Christmas market that they're preparing for. And the city has strung lights above all of the little cobblestone streets. I think, come December, the town will be more beautiful than ever.. I look forward to it.
I'm totally home alone this week-end, except for Andorra the Explorra. We're going to go on long walks together. I have been invited to a party tonight, but declined. I feel like staying in and sorting some things out. It's raining outside, and it feels good to be warm and alone. I also have prep to do for next week, and a good book to read..
Sending love across the Atlantic,
Hincks.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Chapter 51: When The Dog Bites
nerd blog post #56
I talked to my good pal, Rob Macnamera, on skype yesterday (20 points!) who told me there was snow on the ground in K-Town. I forget it's almost December. Feels like late September here. For a Canadienne like myself, this is nothing, and it's not going to get much colder. The Rennais, though, are bundled up like we're in Nunavut, and when I sport but a sweater, they look at me like a crazy person. If this is Winter, bring it on.
On Tuesday night, I headed over to Merrill's for an aperatitf. That's like a pot, but less food. A drink and some snackies. I ended up staying there for a few hours, and we have christened Tuesday night a hangout night, since neither of us work all day, and usually don't do too much.
Wednesday's theatre group was really great this week. We did French scenes, and it was more fun to see them act in their native language. Much more at ease, and much more open to trying new things. I had said in my last nerd blog post that I struggled with not being able to teach them basic things, because it's a club. This week I realized that you can teach without lecturing.. They really got into the little things I told them about. For example, I was saying that if they were miming a prop, they had to keep it alive. So if they were holding a coffee cup and then had to answer the door, they couldn't just leave the coffee cup in mid-air.. So during the scene, when they had to put an "object" down, they would do it with such exaggeration, and then look at me, to show that they got it, and that it made sense. It was fun. I wish I had someone there to share it with me.. They're really into it, and wanting to put something up next semester. I'm not sure what we can do with such a large group (x2!) but I'm sure we'll do something.
On Thursdays I have two hours in between teaching. The first is an office hour, where I usually blog. This is followed by an hour in the prof cafe, where I enjoy a 65 cent coffee and read. My pronunciation classes only have one week left before the exam, so my office hour was spent helping a student who needs to work really hard if she's to pass. We've set up another two hours together over the next week. She's not alone. Many of the weaker students are starting to scramble, and though I've offered extra help from the beginning, they are only now realizing how soon the exam is, and how important passing this class is for their degree. I feel their pain, though. I was always last minute with my schoolwork, and am happy to do what I can to help out.
Last night I went to the soiree anglaise where I enjoyed a free drink for speaking English. The second and third drinks are half-price, and after befriending the bartender, they only cost 1Euro. I think soiree anglaise could become a popular Thursday night trend.. I saw quite a few students last night, and it's fun to interact with them outside of class. I also saw Brock, my Isabella friend, who introduced me to the only other known Torontonian, Peter. He's actually from Mississauga (shout-out Jess) but we had a nice chat about PizzaPizza and its delicious garlic dipping sawce.
Some good work news:
1. I have been asked to teach another course next semester. This is not a lecteur course, but one that a prof has declined to teach because of a heavy work load. They're a bit low on profs, I guess, so they asked me. I don't know too many details yet, but it's a brand new course that I will need to design. All I know is that it's for "professionals" .. Whatever that means. As I'm now over my contractual hours, I will be signing a new contract with the school for the new hours I take on. More details to come..
2. I am going to meet with the principal of Veronique's school on Tuesday to find out about what they'd like me to do there. I have cleared this with my bosses at the university, who have cleared it with the Ministry of National Education. So as long as the work hours don't conflict, everything is fine..
3. I have been asked to read at a conference on Toni Morrison at the Franco-American Institute on Tuesday evening. I'm not sure how this opportunity arose, but she got my number and e-mail address and I was happy to say yes. We're having a practice on Monday. Reading aloud is one of my favourite things, as well as whiskers on kittens and brown paper packages, no doubt..
I have some applications and other business to take care of today. And would like to visit Hossoen. I haven't seen him this week, and was away on the week-end.. I am going to a cremaillere tonight, which is like a housewarming party. A member of the theatre group invited me. I haven't been to a cremaillere yet, but can't wait. People really dress up for them, and there's a ton of food. I have seen her handing out fliers for it all week, so I think it'll be a big party. I'm excited.
Love to Canada.
Signing off,
Hincks.
I talked to my good pal, Rob Macnamera, on skype yesterday (20 points!) who told me there was snow on the ground in K-Town. I forget it's almost December. Feels like late September here. For a Canadienne like myself, this is nothing, and it's not going to get much colder. The Rennais, though, are bundled up like we're in Nunavut, and when I sport but a sweater, they look at me like a crazy person. If this is Winter, bring it on.
On Tuesday night, I headed over to Merrill's for an aperatitf. That's like a pot, but less food. A drink and some snackies. I ended up staying there for a few hours, and we have christened Tuesday night a hangout night, since neither of us work all day, and usually don't do too much.
Wednesday's theatre group was really great this week. We did French scenes, and it was more fun to see them act in their native language. Much more at ease, and much more open to trying new things. I had said in my last nerd blog post that I struggled with not being able to teach them basic things, because it's a club. This week I realized that you can teach without lecturing.. They really got into the little things I told them about. For example, I was saying that if they were miming a prop, they had to keep it alive. So if they were holding a coffee cup and then had to answer the door, they couldn't just leave the coffee cup in mid-air.. So during the scene, when they had to put an "object" down, they would do it with such exaggeration, and then look at me, to show that they got it, and that it made sense. It was fun. I wish I had someone there to share it with me.. They're really into it, and wanting to put something up next semester. I'm not sure what we can do with such a large group (x2!) but I'm sure we'll do something.
On Thursdays I have two hours in between teaching. The first is an office hour, where I usually blog. This is followed by an hour in the prof cafe, where I enjoy a 65 cent coffee and read. My pronunciation classes only have one week left before the exam, so my office hour was spent helping a student who needs to work really hard if she's to pass. We've set up another two hours together over the next week. She's not alone. Many of the weaker students are starting to scramble, and though I've offered extra help from the beginning, they are only now realizing how soon the exam is, and how important passing this class is for their degree. I feel their pain, though. I was always last minute with my schoolwork, and am happy to do what I can to help out.
Last night I went to the soiree anglaise where I enjoyed a free drink for speaking English. The second and third drinks are half-price, and after befriending the bartender, they only cost 1Euro. I think soiree anglaise could become a popular Thursday night trend.. I saw quite a few students last night, and it's fun to interact with them outside of class. I also saw Brock, my Isabella friend, who introduced me to the only other known Torontonian, Peter. He's actually from Mississauga (shout-out Jess) but we had a nice chat about PizzaPizza and its delicious garlic dipping sawce.
Some good work news:
1. I have been asked to teach another course next semester. This is not a lecteur course, but one that a prof has declined to teach because of a heavy work load. They're a bit low on profs, I guess, so they asked me. I don't know too many details yet, but it's a brand new course that I will need to design. All I know is that it's for "professionals" .. Whatever that means. As I'm now over my contractual hours, I will be signing a new contract with the school for the new hours I take on. More details to come..
2. I am going to meet with the principal of Veronique's school on Tuesday to find out about what they'd like me to do there. I have cleared this with my bosses at the university, who have cleared it with the Ministry of National Education. So as long as the work hours don't conflict, everything is fine..
3. I have been asked to read at a conference on Toni Morrison at the Franco-American Institute on Tuesday evening. I'm not sure how this opportunity arose, but she got my number and e-mail address and I was happy to say yes. We're having a practice on Monday. Reading aloud is one of my favourite things, as well as whiskers on kittens and brown paper packages, no doubt..
I have some applications and other business to take care of today. And would like to visit Hossoen. I haven't seen him this week, and was away on the week-end.. I am going to a cremaillere tonight, which is like a housewarming party. A member of the theatre group invited me. I haven't been to a cremaillere yet, but can't wait. People really dress up for them, and there's a ton of food. I have seen her handing out fliers for it all week, so I think it'll be a big party. I'm excited.
Love to Canada.
Signing off,
Hincks.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Chapter 50: The Golden Anniversary Edition
nerd blog post #55
Chapter 50 already? Congratulations, dear readers, for making it this far..
Today is my day off. I had plans to go for a long bike ride, taking advantage of Cynthia being out of town to use her (much better) bike. But it's rainy, so instead I've been prepping for teaching..
Speaking of teaching, some people have been inquiring about the job itself. "Today I taught two classes" is what I often write, and then delve into my mini-adventures to wherever, and anecdotes about so-and-so. Do I do any prep work? What about grading? What, exactly, are they paying me for?
All good questions.. And so, if you're interested, here are some factoids. Yes, I do prep. None of my classes require a whole ton, but I definitely need to have something prepared for my classes. Hours of prep vary from week to week, but I'm continually thinking about the job, and what I can do to make my classes interesting and helpful. Every week is different.
In the conversation classes this week, for example, the students were to bring in French political cartoons. I brought in English ones. I taught them about cultural differences in humour, and had them work in pairs to present to the class a political cartoon in each language, explaining why it was funny, and how they were different. We discussed things like visual metaphors (ex. the democratic donkey) and caricatures. The level of English isn't particularly high, so new vocabulary is always a big thing, too. I often print off a sheet of vocab and a summary of what we'll be discussing, so they have an outline each class.
For every class each week, I bring in a short article, poem, prose etc. and have one person read it aloud. Then we talk briefly about it. These pieces are just to spark an interest in English literature or politics abroad, depending on the subject. With the UK so close, and American politics so popular here, I usually choose works by Canadians (woopwoop!) or from another part of the world, avoiding the States and the rest of Europe altogether. I use the same one for each of my classes.
Every other week, near the end, I have a short quiz in each class with candy prizes. It's supposed to be fun, about English speaking countries or the English language. I just started this a few weeks ago, and it's a hit.
As for marking, none of the students see any marks until the end of term. I spend time each week doing an ongoing evaluation, and I'm to hand in my marks at the end of term. The strange thing about this job is the lack of supervision I have. Since I started, no one has asked me what I've been teaching or how I'm doing.. I just go. Except for my pronunciation classes, there are no guidelines as to what is supposed to happen from week to week.
Perhaps my most interesting class is the creative writing class, which happens for two hours on Monday evening. I have four students, all upper years, and at an excellent level of English. Again, I had no idea what to do, really.. What I'm trying to achieve, though, besides a high level of written English and creativity, is an understanding of the English culture of writing. This is hard for me to articulate, but French and English writers naturally have a different style, based on their cultural differences. And so, even when their texts have been brought to a perfect level of English grammatically, they still lack the culture of writing that native English speakers can acheive.. To demonstrate this, we spend the first part of every class reading passages in English and in French, and then discussing them. Then there are themes that last for two weeks. Right now, they have selected a photo from their personal collection and are writing a short story based on it. We work on two stories a week, first correcting the English, then talking about the sense of the text, and finally the style. This week, I brought in a text that I had written in French, to try and demonstrate that since I'm not a French native, the style is not the same.. This theory is difficult to explain, but was easier for them to understand after having read what I had written.
The most prep of my week, though, is for the theatre group. This week, we're working on French scenes, so I spent the day going through a number of contemporary plays and pulling two-handers for them to work on tomorrow. I struggle with this group because of the varying level of theatre knowledge. They want to "act" but lack basic principles.. I have to ignore my desire to start at the beginning.. I teach some basic theories, but since it's a club, and they're there voluntarily, I have to keep it light and fun, and not assign much for them to do outside of the hours they're there.. That's hard for me. But I enjoy it.
And now, a wittle story.....
Twenty years ago today, big brother Adam and I were driven to a family friend's house in the capital city of Lesotho, Maseru, because Mama was gon' have a babay. We had overnight bags, not knowing how long her labour would be. The family we were staying at had a TV, so that was very exciting for Adam and I, since our family lived without electricity in a village about a half an hour from Maseru.
In the evening, we got a call from my parents. Adam talked to them. We were given the option to get picked up and see our new little brother (!) or to stay there for the night. In retrospect, I realize that it wasn't a choice at all. My parents assuuumed that we would jump at the chance to see what nine months of waiting would bring. They were wrong. Adam told them he was indifferent. I wanted to stay and watch TV. Instead, we were picked up and met the final of the trio, Ian Norman Hincks. I still wish I had stayed. TV rules. Juuuust joking!
And so, 75 points to Ian today! (You would have been awarded 100, but I love teens, and you are now 20. That means a 25 point reduction.) Happy, happy birthday!
And to the rest of you, a very merry un-birthday.
With love,
Hincks.
Chapter 50 already? Congratulations, dear readers, for making it this far..
Today is my day off. I had plans to go for a long bike ride, taking advantage of Cynthia being out of town to use her (much better) bike. But it's rainy, so instead I've been prepping for teaching..
Speaking of teaching, some people have been inquiring about the job itself. "Today I taught two classes" is what I often write, and then delve into my mini-adventures to wherever, and anecdotes about so-and-so. Do I do any prep work? What about grading? What, exactly, are they paying me for?
All good questions.. And so, if you're interested, here are some factoids. Yes, I do prep. None of my classes require a whole ton, but I definitely need to have something prepared for my classes. Hours of prep vary from week to week, but I'm continually thinking about the job, and what I can do to make my classes interesting and helpful. Every week is different.
In the conversation classes this week, for example, the students were to bring in French political cartoons. I brought in English ones. I taught them about cultural differences in humour, and had them work in pairs to present to the class a political cartoon in each language, explaining why it was funny, and how they were different. We discussed things like visual metaphors (ex. the democratic donkey) and caricatures. The level of English isn't particularly high, so new vocabulary is always a big thing, too. I often print off a sheet of vocab and a summary of what we'll be discussing, so they have an outline each class.
For every class each week, I bring in a short article, poem, prose etc. and have one person read it aloud. Then we talk briefly about it. These pieces are just to spark an interest in English literature or politics abroad, depending on the subject. With the UK so close, and American politics so popular here, I usually choose works by Canadians (woopwoop!) or from another part of the world, avoiding the States and the rest of Europe altogether. I use the same one for each of my classes.
Every other week, near the end, I have a short quiz in each class with candy prizes. It's supposed to be fun, about English speaking countries or the English language. I just started this a few weeks ago, and it's a hit.
As for marking, none of the students see any marks until the end of term. I spend time each week doing an ongoing evaluation, and I'm to hand in my marks at the end of term. The strange thing about this job is the lack of supervision I have. Since I started, no one has asked me what I've been teaching or how I'm doing.. I just go. Except for my pronunciation classes, there are no guidelines as to what is supposed to happen from week to week.
Perhaps my most interesting class is the creative writing class, which happens for two hours on Monday evening. I have four students, all upper years, and at an excellent level of English. Again, I had no idea what to do, really.. What I'm trying to achieve, though, besides a high level of written English and creativity, is an understanding of the English culture of writing. This is hard for me to articulate, but French and English writers naturally have a different style, based on their cultural differences. And so, even when their texts have been brought to a perfect level of English grammatically, they still lack the culture of writing that native English speakers can acheive.. To demonstrate this, we spend the first part of every class reading passages in English and in French, and then discussing them. Then there are themes that last for two weeks. Right now, they have selected a photo from their personal collection and are writing a short story based on it. We work on two stories a week, first correcting the English, then talking about the sense of the text, and finally the style. This week, I brought in a text that I had written in French, to try and demonstrate that since I'm not a French native, the style is not the same.. This theory is difficult to explain, but was easier for them to understand after having read what I had written.
The most prep of my week, though, is for the theatre group. This week, we're working on French scenes, so I spent the day going through a number of contemporary plays and pulling two-handers for them to work on tomorrow. I struggle with this group because of the varying level of theatre knowledge. They want to "act" but lack basic principles.. I have to ignore my desire to start at the beginning.. I teach some basic theories, but since it's a club, and they're there voluntarily, I have to keep it light and fun, and not assign much for them to do outside of the hours they're there.. That's hard for me. But I enjoy it.
And now, a wittle story.....
Twenty years ago today, big brother Adam and I were driven to a family friend's house in the capital city of Lesotho, Maseru, because Mama was gon' have a babay. We had overnight bags, not knowing how long her labour would be. The family we were staying at had a TV, so that was very exciting for Adam and I, since our family lived without electricity in a village about a half an hour from Maseru.
In the evening, we got a call from my parents. Adam talked to them. We were given the option to get picked up and see our new little brother (!) or to stay there for the night. In retrospect, I realize that it wasn't a choice at all. My parents assuuumed that we would jump at the chance to see what nine months of waiting would bring. They were wrong. Adam told them he was indifferent. I wanted to stay and watch TV. Instead, we were picked up and met the final of the trio, Ian Norman Hincks. I still wish I had stayed. TV rules. Juuuust joking!
And so, 75 points to Ian today! (You would have been awarded 100, but I love teens, and you are now 20. That means a 25 point reduction.) Happy, happy birthday!
And to the rest of you, a very merry un-birthday.
With love,
Hincks.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Chapter 49: 2M, Love Tim Hortons
nerd blog post #55
Paris continued to be wonderful.. Saturday, I ventured out for a lot of exploring. I started by checking out a hotel that I may stay at with Winter visitors. Nothing against hostels, but this hotel rivals hostel prices with it's one star elegance. It's actually pretty great - clean, friendly, and in a cool neighbourhood. From there, I walked to the Latin Quarter and saw where my pal, Doc Walker, lived last year. He was a prof of mine at Queen's and remains a good friend. If anyone else ever lived in Paris, I'll go and look at your house, too! Then I went to the Abbey Bookshop, which is the Canadian one I visited last time. The owner, Brian, is very nice, and I spent about an hour there talking to him. He invited me to the bookshop Christmas party, and I might go. We also talked about Toronto, theatre, and Paris at Christmastime. It was really nice.
I met RtC after his work and we had some dinner and then went to the clown's birthday party. It was at a bar across from their school, and many clowns were out to celebrate. I now know quite a few of them and enjoy hanging. Always great to see Viktor, too! It was a good night.
Sunday, I stayed in and did some work for part of the day, and then went and had a coffee at the bakery RtC works at. It's called the Rose Bakery, but is more of a restaurant. It's owned by a British woman, and they often hire English-speakers to work there. It's kind of fancy and expensive. RtC is the royal juice man, and makes freshly squeezed juice all day long.
From there, we went to the American grocery store (The Real McCoy) to buy cornbread mix, pumpkin pie filling, and cranberry sauce for the Amerirennes Thanksgiving party in two weeks. It was strange to see all of the products that I'm so used to seeing on Canadian shelves, but haven't seen since..
I had found something on the internet, and dragged RtC on an hour's walk to find it. I kept it a surprise. The Great Canadian Pub!! Featuring such specialties as pancakes with maple syrup, Moosehead beer, and Tim Horton's coffee. The door handles were hockey sticks, the football game was a-playin', the crowd was eh-ing, and it felt like home. When I opened the menu, however, I saw that a bottle of Canadian beer was about $11, and a Tim Horton's coffee was $6. Not like home. Wanting RtC to taste the magic of a Timmy Ho's coffee, we split one. What a treat.
This reminds me of a time I laughed so hard I almost died. I was with SLS, and we had just ordered Tim Horton's coffee. I take mine with two milks. They write "2M" on the lid, to distinguish it from SLS's black coffee. He looked down at my lid and said, "Oh, isn't that nice! To Em, love Tim Hortons!" I lost it.
In the evening, we met up with my favourite German clown, Michael, and head to ... where else? The bowling alley! We had to wait a bit to get a lane, but it was worth it for all of the strikes those pins had to handle from the Hinckster. I didn't win either game. Next time, clowns.
I came back to Rennes on the train this morning and have taught one of my morning classes. Coming back on Monday morning is always really tiring as I have to get up around 530am... But it's the cheapest ticket of the week, and gives an extra full day in Paris, so is worth it.
Tonight, Foun and Lucie are coming over for dindins. I don't know what I'll make them after that delicious treat last Monday, but ... I smell my specialty, Roly Polys. I'm not sure how the rest of the week will pan out.
I hope everyone enjoyed their week-ends.
With love,
Hincks.
Paris continued to be wonderful.. Saturday, I ventured out for a lot of exploring. I started by checking out a hotel that I may stay at with Winter visitors. Nothing against hostels, but this hotel rivals hostel prices with it's one star elegance. It's actually pretty great - clean, friendly, and in a cool neighbourhood. From there, I walked to the Latin Quarter and saw where my pal, Doc Walker, lived last year. He was a prof of mine at Queen's and remains a good friend. If anyone else ever lived in Paris, I'll go and look at your house, too! Then I went to the Abbey Bookshop, which is the Canadian one I visited last time. The owner, Brian, is very nice, and I spent about an hour there talking to him. He invited me to the bookshop Christmas party, and I might go. We also talked about Toronto, theatre, and Paris at Christmastime. It was really nice.
I met RtC after his work and we had some dinner and then went to the clown's birthday party. It was at a bar across from their school, and many clowns were out to celebrate. I now know quite a few of them and enjoy hanging. Always great to see Viktor, too! It was a good night.
Sunday, I stayed in and did some work for part of the day, and then went and had a coffee at the bakery RtC works at. It's called the Rose Bakery, but is more of a restaurant. It's owned by a British woman, and they often hire English-speakers to work there. It's kind of fancy and expensive. RtC is the royal juice man, and makes freshly squeezed juice all day long.
From there, we went to the American grocery store (The Real McCoy) to buy cornbread mix, pumpkin pie filling, and cranberry sauce for the Amerirennes Thanksgiving party in two weeks. It was strange to see all of the products that I'm so used to seeing on Canadian shelves, but haven't seen since..
I had found something on the internet, and dragged RtC on an hour's walk to find it. I kept it a surprise. The Great Canadian Pub!! Featuring such specialties as pancakes with maple syrup, Moosehead beer, and Tim Horton's coffee. The door handles were hockey sticks, the football game was a-playin', the crowd was eh-ing, and it felt like home. When I opened the menu, however, I saw that a bottle of Canadian beer was about $11, and a Tim Horton's coffee was $6. Not like home. Wanting RtC to taste the magic of a Timmy Ho's coffee, we split one. What a treat.
This reminds me of a time I laughed so hard I almost died. I was with SLS, and we had just ordered Tim Horton's coffee. I take mine with two milks. They write "2M" on the lid, to distinguish it from SLS's black coffee. He looked down at my lid and said, "Oh, isn't that nice! To Em, love Tim Hortons!" I lost it.
In the evening, we met up with my favourite German clown, Michael, and head to ... where else? The bowling alley! We had to wait a bit to get a lane, but it was worth it for all of the strikes those pins had to handle from the Hinckster. I didn't win either game. Next time, clowns.
I came back to Rennes on the train this morning and have taught one of my morning classes. Coming back on Monday morning is always really tiring as I have to get up around 530am... But it's the cheapest ticket of the week, and gives an extra full day in Paris, so is worth it.
Tonight, Foun and Lucie are coming over for dindins. I don't know what I'll make them after that delicious treat last Monday, but ... I smell my specialty, Roly Polys. I'm not sure how the rest of the week will pan out.
I hope everyone enjoyed their week-ends.
With love,
Hincks.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Chapter 48: Let Them Eat Cake
nerd blog post #52
I love Paris. I really do.
I arrived at 630pm on Friday and RtC met me at the station. We had a quick dinner, and then there was a surprise planned. For those of you who don't know, my greatest weakness is waiting for surprises. The metro ride felt painfully long. But the surprise was great! A BOAT RIDE down the Seine! Being that it was nighttime, and chilly, the boat (that holds a thousand snap-happy tourists) was almost empty. For just over an hour, we saw the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Notre Dame and many other spots, all lit up.. It was really beautiful. I love boats, and it was such a fun way to spend the first evening.
After the boat ride, RtC took me to see an Armenian memorial, dedicated to the lives lost during the genocide of 1915. Right across from there, is the Place du Canada! It was a little park that was dedicated to the true North, strong and free, and was supposed to look like Canada. It looked like a park, but was really nice. At the entrance is a big sugar maple tree that was brought here and given to the mayor of Paris by the mayor of Montreal. Such good pals, those two.
During clown school, I wandered around and had a coffee at a favourite spot near the school. I'm reading a good book that I recommend. It's called L'Africain, by J.M.G. Le Clezio. It won the Nobel Prize. Le Clezio is half African, half Breton, and this book re-traces his father's path through Africa.. It's beautifully written, and I'm sure has been translated into English.
I saw the clowns as they left class. RtC and I had a picnic lunch on the metro (called a metnic) and headed to Versailles. While it was incredible inside, I loved the gardens. Again, because of the time of year, there weren't a lot of people there, and it was nice to look around without the rest of the world there, too. The drawback to the inside of Versailles, was a horrible art exhibit by Jeff Koons. In each of the palace's magestic rooms, was also a piece of "art" by this guy. It kind of spoiled it. But the gardens...! Stretching endlessly and in pristine condition, they are worth the visit even without entering the palace. I'd like to go back and just spend an afternoon walking around outside.
In the evening, we met Viktor for dindins in the caf and then headed to a boat party! A classmate of theirs lives on a boat. It was far away - out of the arrondisements of Paris. It took over an hour to get there, but was well-worth it. We sipped wine on the metro (allowed) and then partied on this awesome houseboat. There were a bunch of clowns there, and we sat outside playing guitar (not me), singing (when I knew the words), and dancing (always). It was a really fun party. And being on the Seine again was such a treat! I would like to live on a houseboat one day. The cool thing about clown school is that so many different countries are represented. It makes for interesting conversation with anyone..
Today, I have a solo adventure lined up. I'll visit my Canadian friend who owns The Abbey Bookstore, go to the American grocery store to buy non-French things for American T-Giving dinner, and see some other things I've wanted to. I'll meet RtC at his work at the bakery at 5pm, and tonight we'll meet up with Viktor and go to a clown b-day party. How do clowns celebrate their own birthday parties? This is bound to be silly.
As much as I love being here, much of my time is spent thinking about what I'll show visitors when they come. I think about Canada all of the time, and always look forward to checking my e-mail at the end (beginning, and middle) of the day. (75 points E+T for the card!) Sincere thanks to all who read this, and who write to me..
Sending so much love your way. Enjoy the week-end!
Signing off,
Hincks.
I love Paris. I really do.
I arrived at 630pm on Friday and RtC met me at the station. We had a quick dinner, and then there was a surprise planned. For those of you who don't know, my greatest weakness is waiting for surprises. The metro ride felt painfully long. But the surprise was great! A BOAT RIDE down the Seine! Being that it was nighttime, and chilly, the boat (that holds a thousand snap-happy tourists) was almost empty. For just over an hour, we saw the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Notre Dame and many other spots, all lit up.. It was really beautiful. I love boats, and it was such a fun way to spend the first evening.
After the boat ride, RtC took me to see an Armenian memorial, dedicated to the lives lost during the genocide of 1915. Right across from there, is the Place du Canada! It was a little park that was dedicated to the true North, strong and free, and was supposed to look like Canada. It looked like a park, but was really nice. At the entrance is a big sugar maple tree that was brought here and given to the mayor of Paris by the mayor of Montreal. Such good pals, those two.
During clown school, I wandered around and had a coffee at a favourite spot near the school. I'm reading a good book that I recommend. It's called L'Africain, by J.M.G. Le Clezio. It won the Nobel Prize. Le Clezio is half African, half Breton, and this book re-traces his father's path through Africa.. It's beautifully written, and I'm sure has been translated into English.
I saw the clowns as they left class. RtC and I had a picnic lunch on the metro (called a metnic) and headed to Versailles. While it was incredible inside, I loved the gardens. Again, because of the time of year, there weren't a lot of people there, and it was nice to look around without the rest of the world there, too. The drawback to the inside of Versailles, was a horrible art exhibit by Jeff Koons. In each of the palace's magestic rooms, was also a piece of "art" by this guy. It kind of spoiled it. But the gardens...! Stretching endlessly and in pristine condition, they are worth the visit even without entering the palace. I'd like to go back and just spend an afternoon walking around outside.
In the evening, we met Viktor for dindins in the caf and then headed to a boat party! A classmate of theirs lives on a boat. It was far away - out of the arrondisements of Paris. It took over an hour to get there, but was well-worth it. We sipped wine on the metro (allowed) and then partied on this awesome houseboat. There were a bunch of clowns there, and we sat outside playing guitar (not me), singing (when I knew the words), and dancing (always). It was a really fun party. And being on the Seine again was such a treat! I would like to live on a houseboat one day. The cool thing about clown school is that so many different countries are represented. It makes for interesting conversation with anyone..
Today, I have a solo adventure lined up. I'll visit my Canadian friend who owns The Abbey Bookstore, go to the American grocery store to buy non-French things for American T-Giving dinner, and see some other things I've wanted to. I'll meet RtC at his work at the bakery at 5pm, and tonight we'll meet up with Viktor and go to a clown b-day party. How do clowns celebrate their own birthday parties? This is bound to be silly.
As much as I love being here, much of my time is spent thinking about what I'll show visitors when they come. I think about Canada all of the time, and always look forward to checking my e-mail at the end (beginning, and middle) of the day. (75 points E+T for the card!) Sincere thanks to all who read this, and who write to me..
Sending so much love your way. Enjoy the week-end!
Signing off,
Hincks.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Chapter 47: Letters and Lupdate
nerd blog post #52
Dear UofT,
As much as I would to sit in a crowded room, overheating to the maximum in a polyester gown, knowing my parents are totally bah-red, and wishing you offered those fun hats (I love hats), I will not be attending my convocation tonight. In my absence, I would like you to announce that 60 points are to be awarded to Doctor (whose mother collects his, as he doesn't want to play the game, even though he could win a McFlurry upon my return), and to Laverna, who also convocates today!
With affexion,
EHH
*
Dear Dr. Katchky,
I have asked my mother, upon numerous occasions, to inform you that I am now a flosser. Today marks the two month anniversary of nightly flossing. After years of fighting with your torturous assistants, I have crossed over to the whiter side, and well, I just wanted to let you know.
All my love,
EHH
*
Dear Trendy Friends,
I had a pair of shoes entitled The Stinky Shoes that were, well, a bit stinky. I ventured out on Tuesday to buy some new ones.
I would like to take this opportunity to publicly announce that I hate shopping. I don't know if this is a change from my high school days where I loitered around the Eaton Centre, or if shopping has always been a good excuse to walk around and chat with friends. Regardless, I don't enjoy it one little bit. (This excludes, of course, second-hand shopping, which is more of an art than an activity.)
So I got these boots. A lot of the boots in the store had all sorts of fancy buckles and doo-dads on them. I didn't want that. The ones I got are brown. Now, I thought that brown and black (my coat) didn't go.. But I surveyed the store and saw three trendy girls wearing brown shoes and black coats. I guess that means I'm trendy in my new boots.
Fashionably yours4life,
EHH
*
And now for the less important updates. Ahem.
On Tuesday evening I had the great pleasure of many a-skype chat, including a conference call between Deeks and Doctor, spanning three countries. Other honourable mentions include my brother, Ian Norman and the handsome SLS. Points all around!
Wednesday I taught. In the evening, I had my theatre group. It went really well. We played a bunch of games and then did some scenes.. I had some trouble finding good two-handers in French, so we did all English ones. The highlight of the night was when, " A hand-bag?" was said while Lady Bracknell straddled Jack on a chair... Well, more like, "Ha and-bag?" I thought they were just going for an interesting approach to the scene, but turns out they didn't understand that Lady Bracknell was Gwendolen's mother, and thought she was hitting on him... It was pretty funny (for me)! Two group members brought in a bunch of contemporary French plays that they say have good scenes in them. They lent them to me so I can choose some and photocopy them for next week.
This morning, Cynthia's man returned to Paris. I think they had a good visit, though I didn't see much of either of them. I won't see Cynthia much in the coming weeks at all.. She goes to London from Friday until Wednesday, and leaves for Krakow two days later for five days as well. She has four med school interviews lined up in the States, and will be leaving France on December 6th, for over a month! Crazy how the term is flying by...
I got a very sad e-mail today from a former student at Queen's who was in the class that I TAed in my final year. She was letting me know that one of her classmates (my student), Baha, passed away on the week-end.. He was in his second year in Commerce when I taught him, and was taking the class to improve his presentation skills. An international student from Kazakhstan, Baha was a very nice man, a stellar student, and had kept in touch with me after I left Queen's.. He would have graduated this Spring. Very tragic news..
This afternoon, I head to Paris. I'm looking forward to it. Visiting Versailles tomorrow, possibly a play on Saturday, and I don't know what else. It will be nice to see all of my favourite silly clowns. I will blog from there, no doubt!
Happy Thursday.
Much love,
Hincks.
Dear UofT,
As much as I would to sit in a crowded room, overheating to the maximum in a polyester gown, knowing my parents are totally bah-red, and wishing you offered those fun hats (I love hats), I will not be attending my convocation tonight. In my absence, I would like you to announce that 60 points are to be awarded to Doctor (whose mother collects his, as he doesn't want to play the game, even though he could win a McFlurry upon my return), and to Laverna, who also convocates today!
With affexion,
EHH
*
Dear Dr. Katchky,
I have asked my mother, upon numerous occasions, to inform you that I am now a flosser. Today marks the two month anniversary of nightly flossing. After years of fighting with your torturous assistants, I have crossed over to the whiter side, and well, I just wanted to let you know.
All my love,
EHH
*
Dear Trendy Friends,
I had a pair of shoes entitled The Stinky Shoes that were, well, a bit stinky. I ventured out on Tuesday to buy some new ones.
I would like to take this opportunity to publicly announce that I hate shopping. I don't know if this is a change from my high school days where I loitered around the Eaton Centre, or if shopping has always been a good excuse to walk around and chat with friends. Regardless, I don't enjoy it one little bit. (This excludes, of course, second-hand shopping, which is more of an art than an activity.)
So I got these boots. A lot of the boots in the store had all sorts of fancy buckles and doo-dads on them. I didn't want that. The ones I got are brown. Now, I thought that brown and black (my coat) didn't go.. But I surveyed the store and saw three trendy girls wearing brown shoes and black coats. I guess that means I'm trendy in my new boots.
Fashionably yours4life,
EHH
*
And now for the less important updates. Ahem.
On Tuesday evening I had the great pleasure of many a-skype chat, including a conference call between Deeks and Doctor, spanning three countries. Other honourable mentions include my brother, Ian Norman and the handsome SLS. Points all around!
Wednesday I taught. In the evening, I had my theatre group. It went really well. We played a bunch of games and then did some scenes.. I had some trouble finding good two-handers in French, so we did all English ones. The highlight of the night was when, " A hand-bag?" was said while Lady Bracknell straddled Jack on a chair... Well, more like, "Ha and-bag?" I thought they were just going for an interesting approach to the scene, but turns out they didn't understand that Lady Bracknell was Gwendolen's mother, and thought she was hitting on him... It was pretty funny (for me)! Two group members brought in a bunch of contemporary French plays that they say have good scenes in them. They lent them to me so I can choose some and photocopy them for next week.
This morning, Cynthia's man returned to Paris. I think they had a good visit, though I didn't see much of either of them. I won't see Cynthia much in the coming weeks at all.. She goes to London from Friday until Wednesday, and leaves for Krakow two days later for five days as well. She has four med school interviews lined up in the States, and will be leaving France on December 6th, for over a month! Crazy how the term is flying by...
I got a very sad e-mail today from a former student at Queen's who was in the class that I TAed in my final year. She was letting me know that one of her classmates (my student), Baha, passed away on the week-end.. He was in his second year in Commerce when I taught him, and was taking the class to improve his presentation skills. An international student from Kazakhstan, Baha was a very nice man, a stellar student, and had kept in touch with me after I left Queen's.. He would have graduated this Spring. Very tragic news..
This afternoon, I head to Paris. I'm looking forward to it. Visiting Versailles tomorrow, possibly a play on Saturday, and I don't know what else. It will be nice to see all of my favourite silly clowns. I will blog from there, no doubt!
Happy Thursday.
Much love,
Hincks.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Chapter 46: Trumpets and Tartiflette
nerd blog post #51
It's Remembrance Day. I just wrote Rememberance, but my lappy486 tells me that's not how one spells it. I realize that I pronounce it with four syllables. I should probably change that..
Remembering is one of my favourite activities. My first memory is from age two, when my grandparents came to visit us in Lesotho. They stayed in a hotel, and I was disappointed that they were on the first floor because the hotel had an elevator, which was exciting for a village girl, like myself. My big brother and I were allowed to go all the way up to the top floor (was it three stories? What a treat!) and then come back down. The memory is just of being on the elevator with Adam. That may be the only memory I have from their visit..
I know that's not really what November 11th is about.. But I was just thinking of my grandfathers, who fought in the war, and then of the one in particular who is a part of my first memory.. He's still alive, and wins many points for that!
Here in France, it's a day off of work. Most things are closed. Someone asked if it was the same in Canada, and I said no. And then thought about how in school, we would stop what we're doing for two minutes while the smartest grade 8 student would read In Flanders Fields and then the best trumpeter in the band would play that song...
Rennes has been chilly, rainy and very windy. The rain here is different than rain back home, though.. It's more like a mist. It's leftover from the incredible storms that happen on the coast of Brittany. Apparently, people come from all over to see those storms.. If you type "tempete en Bretagne" into youtube, you can see some cool ones. The mist of Rennes is not exciting, though.
Yesterday, I taught a first year conversation class, a second year pronunciation class, and then a creative writing class. In the evening, I was invited over to a student's house for dinner. These are the two friends I went to fest-noz with. Foun and Lucie. Foun was in Toronto for two months this summer, and lived in the Village (where I lived with Doctor) and we often talk about what a great neighbourhood that is. Her apartment is decorated with a Canadian flag and pictures from TO. It was nice.. She's also a very proud Bretonne, and I've learned a lot about the region from her. She and Lucie went to town. When I got there, there were candles and appetizers and wine.. The main course was Tartiflette, a French dish that has potatoes, lardon (kiiind of like bacon), cream and a special cheese. Then it's baked. It was delish. They had just been to Bordeaux for the week-end, so the wine was good. Both Foun and Lucie spent a year abroad (England and Australia) when they were in high school, so their English is really great and they love speaking it. I often reply in French, though, to keep the practice. I have enough English-speaking friends here..
I stayed until almost midnight, and then we went to O'Connells (Irish pub). By that time, the other students were all gone, but we met two of their friends there. It was a nice evening.
Cynthia's boyfriend arrived yesterday and is staying until Thursday. His name is Romain and he's Parisian. I like Romain for the following reasons:
a) Great hair.
b) Very nice and quite funny.
c) Is going to Canada in the new year!
I think the two of them are heading to the Arthurian forest today! I'd like to go there sometime, but today is not the day for me.. I have to prepare for tomorrow's theatre group, and I also don't want to be the third wheel. He's an out-of-town bf, and that's special.
Enjoy your day!
Much love,
Hincks.
It's Remembrance Day. I just wrote Rememberance, but my lappy486 tells me that's not how one spells it. I realize that I pronounce it with four syllables. I should probably change that..
Remembering is one of my favourite activities. My first memory is from age two, when my grandparents came to visit us in Lesotho. They stayed in a hotel, and I was disappointed that they were on the first floor because the hotel had an elevator, which was exciting for a village girl, like myself. My big brother and I were allowed to go all the way up to the top floor (was it three stories? What a treat!) and then come back down. The memory is just of being on the elevator with Adam. That may be the only memory I have from their visit..
I know that's not really what November 11th is about.. But I was just thinking of my grandfathers, who fought in the war, and then of the one in particular who is a part of my first memory.. He's still alive, and wins many points for that!
Here in France, it's a day off of work. Most things are closed. Someone asked if it was the same in Canada, and I said no. And then thought about how in school, we would stop what we're doing for two minutes while the smartest grade 8 student would read In Flanders Fields and then the best trumpeter in the band would play that song...
Rennes has been chilly, rainy and very windy. The rain here is different than rain back home, though.. It's more like a mist. It's leftover from the incredible storms that happen on the coast of Brittany. Apparently, people come from all over to see those storms.. If you type "tempete en Bretagne" into youtube, you can see some cool ones. The mist of Rennes is not exciting, though.
Yesterday, I taught a first year conversation class, a second year pronunciation class, and then a creative writing class. In the evening, I was invited over to a student's house for dinner. These are the two friends I went to fest-noz with. Foun and Lucie. Foun was in Toronto for two months this summer, and lived in the Village (where I lived with Doctor) and we often talk about what a great neighbourhood that is. Her apartment is decorated with a Canadian flag and pictures from TO. It was nice.. She's also a very proud Bretonne, and I've learned a lot about the region from her. She and Lucie went to town. When I got there, there were candles and appetizers and wine.. The main course was Tartiflette, a French dish that has potatoes, lardon (kiiind of like bacon), cream and a special cheese. Then it's baked. It was delish. They had just been to Bordeaux for the week-end, so the wine was good. Both Foun and Lucie spent a year abroad (England and Australia) when they were in high school, so their English is really great and they love speaking it. I often reply in French, though, to keep the practice. I have enough English-speaking friends here..
I stayed until almost midnight, and then we went to O'Connells (Irish pub). By that time, the other students were all gone, but we met two of their friends there. It was a nice evening.
Cynthia's boyfriend arrived yesterday and is staying until Thursday. His name is Romain and he's Parisian. I like Romain for the following reasons:
a) Great hair.
b) Very nice and quite funny.
c) Is going to Canada in the new year!
I think the two of them are heading to the Arthurian forest today! I'd like to go there sometime, but today is not the day for me.. I have to prepare for tomorrow's theatre group, and I also don't want to be the third wheel. He's an out-of-town bf, and that's special.
Enjoy your day!
Much love,
Hincks.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Chapter 45: Gobble Gobble Santapants
nerd blog post #50
I was just talking to Doctor who remarked how fast the weeks go by.. He's right. I can't believe it's already Sunday.
On Friday night, a student invited me to an apero-dinatoire. This is kind of like a pot, but with more food. This is a Breton tradition. The host provides all sorts of food and drinks and it's kind of fancy. It's like a dinner party, but mostly finger food, and happens in a living room. The difference between a pot (also called an apero) and an apero-dinatoire is that for the latter, which is what I went to, you don't have to eat anything for a week afterwards.. Anyways, I met this student and we went. it was at her friend's house and I didn't know anyone else there. These were third year students, but these parties feel so grown up. Everyone is really dressed up, you give bisous when you enter the room, you present wine to the host, you drink fancy cocktails and eat salmon treats. It's at these kinds of parties that I really notice the difference between French and Canadian men. Anyways, as the party went on, it became less refined - people started dancing and the room was filled with smoke and French singing.. A really fun atmosphere.
This student of mine is really nice. She has invited me to a couple of things before, but this was the first time I could go. I found out that she's originally from Rwanda, but has also lived in South Africa and Kenya. I love meeting fellow Africans.. I hope we can be good friends.
I came home just after 11pm to meet Cynthia's friends. These two girls are both still at the University of Rochester (where she went) and were former roommates there. Now, they're studying abroad in London. They were tired, so we didn't go out.
Saturday morning, I went to the market. It was raining, so I ended up spending an hour at Hossoen's. He hasn't worked for three days, though, because he had kidney stones.. So it was his son, Shahein, and Mamoun, the other guy who works there. I chatted with them for some time. Mamoun is from Algeria and is doing a Masters here in Rennes. A really nice man.. Speaks four languages. (Speaking multiple languages is the quickest way to impress me. Start practicing, young bachelors! And 48 points to Bettina.)
In the afternoon, I snoozed and chatted to Wray on Skype (10 points) and then we had a good dinner with the guests. Yes, the infamous Roly Polys! Always a hit. The visitors were really sweet girls. Both enjoying their semester in London. One of them wants to be a nun! I let her know that I once wanted to be a nun as well. In particular, a singing nun. I was four. Really, though, I think I just wanted to be just like Maria who got to hang out with those fun kids and make out with Captain Von Trapp near the gazebo. Eidelweiss.
We ventured out to Thirsty Street and I swung into the kebab stand. They were finishing up so I helped bring the stuff in and do the dishes. I invited them out with us, and they said they might join in after they were all finished. So us girls went to Contre Escarpe, our favourite night bar where the bouncer knows my name. Maybe that's when you know you're home.. Anyways, it was fun. The two guys showed up later on and we tried to go to another night bar but it was already closed... So we came back here. Shahein, who doesn't live in Rennes, stayed over. Luckily, we have ample mattresses (I have three on my bed!) so even with all of the guests, there was a ton of space.
Today, I'm having a chill day.
And now, a fairy tale. This fairytale is entitled..
Doctor: Hincksy, I have a question to ask you..
Hinckster: Yeah?
D: If we both get into the MA program at UofT, and if we both decide to go, do you want to live together in Toronto?
H: hahaha.. Sure, Doc. If we both get in, and if we both decide to go, and if I can afford it, yes. I'd love to.
*H did not think that she would get in...
H: Doctor, I have a question to ask you...
D: Yeah?
H: If we both get the European programs we've applied for, and if we both decide to go, do you want to spend Christmas with me?
D: hahaha... Sure, Hincksy.. If, if, if.. I'd love to.
*Doc did not think he would get in...
And so, if I can't eat turkey, I might as well stay in one.. I will miss Canada very much, but am happy to be with someone who is like a brother from another mother..
Doctor also informed me that our room has a balcony. I'm almost too scared to step onto it..
I was just talking to Doctor who remarked how fast the weeks go by.. He's right. I can't believe it's already Sunday.
On Friday night, a student invited me to an apero-dinatoire. This is kind of like a pot, but with more food. This is a Breton tradition. The host provides all sorts of food and drinks and it's kind of fancy. It's like a dinner party, but mostly finger food, and happens in a living room. The difference between a pot (also called an apero) and an apero-dinatoire is that for the latter, which is what I went to, you don't have to eat anything for a week afterwards.. Anyways, I met this student and we went. it was at her friend's house and I didn't know anyone else there. These were third year students, but these parties feel so grown up. Everyone is really dressed up, you give bisous when you enter the room, you present wine to the host, you drink fancy cocktails and eat salmon treats. It's at these kinds of parties that I really notice the difference between French and Canadian men. Anyways, as the party went on, it became less refined - people started dancing and the room was filled with smoke and French singing.. A really fun atmosphere.
This student of mine is really nice. She has invited me to a couple of things before, but this was the first time I could go. I found out that she's originally from Rwanda, but has also lived in South Africa and Kenya. I love meeting fellow Africans.. I hope we can be good friends.
I came home just after 11pm to meet Cynthia's friends. These two girls are both still at the University of Rochester (where she went) and were former roommates there. Now, they're studying abroad in London. They were tired, so we didn't go out.
Saturday morning, I went to the market. It was raining, so I ended up spending an hour at Hossoen's. He hasn't worked for three days, though, because he had kidney stones.. So it was his son, Shahein, and Mamoun, the other guy who works there. I chatted with them for some time. Mamoun is from Algeria and is doing a Masters here in Rennes. A really nice man.. Speaks four languages. (Speaking multiple languages is the quickest way to impress me. Start practicing, young bachelors! And 48 points to Bettina.)
In the afternoon, I snoozed and chatted to Wray on Skype (10 points) and then we had a good dinner with the guests. Yes, the infamous Roly Polys! Always a hit. The visitors were really sweet girls. Both enjoying their semester in London. One of them wants to be a nun! I let her know that I once wanted to be a nun as well. In particular, a singing nun. I was four. Really, though, I think I just wanted to be just like Maria who got to hang out with those fun kids and make out with Captain Von Trapp near the gazebo. Eidelweiss.
We ventured out to Thirsty Street and I swung into the kebab stand. They were finishing up so I helped bring the stuff in and do the dishes. I invited them out with us, and they said they might join in after they were all finished. So us girls went to Contre Escarpe, our favourite night bar where the bouncer knows my name. Maybe that's when you know you're home.. Anyways, it was fun. The two guys showed up later on and we tried to go to another night bar but it was already closed... So we came back here. Shahein, who doesn't live in Rennes, stayed over. Luckily, we have ample mattresses (I have three on my bed!) so even with all of the guests, there was a ton of space.
Today, I'm having a chill day.
And now, a fairy tale. This fairytale is entitled..
The Balcony Prescriptions Series
By Emily Hyland Hincks
By Emily Hyland Hincks
Part I: The Hot Balcony
In February 2007, nine close Queen's drama friends went to Cuba for Reading Week. Sort of by chance, Hinckster ended up being roommates with the Doctor. Doctor and Hinckster have been friends since their first year of undergrad, but the friendship really peaked in the last two years. One morning, they were sitting on the balcony sipping coffee in this paradise land...Doctor: Hincksy, I have a question to ask you..
Hinckster: Yeah?
D: If we both get into the MA program at UofT, and if we both decide to go, do you want to live together in Toronto?
H: hahaha.. Sure, Doc. If we both get in, and if we both decide to go, and if I can afford it, yes. I'd love to.
*H did not think that she would get in...
Part II: The Cold Balcony
In January, 2008, Doctor and Hinckster had been living together in Toronto for four months and were half way finished their MAs at UofT. One afternoon, they were sitting on their balcony sipping coffee in the freezing cold snow...H: Doctor, I have a question to ask you...
D: Yeah?
H: If we both get the European programs we've applied for, and if we both decide to go, do you want to spend Christmas with me?
D: hahaha... Sure, Hincksy.. If, if, if.. I'd love to.
*Doc did not think he would get in...
Part III: The Future Balcony
Doctor and I have booked a wee trip for the break.. We fly out of Manchester, England, on December 16th and heading to the Turkish Riviera for seven nights. We are very excited! I plan on going to England a few days before to visit my Birmingham Hincks clan, and we'll be arriving back in England on the 23rd. From there, plans are up in the air.. I have had very kind invitations for Christmas, but haven't thought much past this trip that we just booked on Friday.And so, if I can't eat turkey, I might as well stay in one.. I will miss Canada very much, but am happy to be with someone who is like a brother from another mother..
Doctor also informed me that our room has a balcony. I'm almost too scared to step onto it..
The End.
And that's the news of the week-end. Sending love across the pond..
Signing off,
Hincks.
And that's the news of the week-end. Sending love across the pond..
Signing off,
Hincks.
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