nerd blog post #86
Today marks six months since I left Canada. Kind of crazy. I thought I'd have a lot to say about it, but I don't.... It's been half a year of my life living away from most of my fave peeps.
Luckily, one of those peeps is sitting across from me riiiight now. On Monday, I returned to Rennes, joined by Paabor later that day. Paabor was on a mission to wash his clothes, catch up on writing, and have a sit down. After Paris, this is just the place for that. It has been a relaxing week.
On Monday, I found out that the school is still blockaded and that I would likely not work at all this week. And so, I was free to play Suzie Homemaker for Paabor. My fave game. We had breakie feasts every morning and hot dindins every night. He tried the famous Roly Poly and the essential spinach omelette of the Schadinger Regime.
Tuesday was spent beginning the mission outlined above. We stayed in all day. It was nice for me, too, after a long vacay. In the evening, we went to Merrill's for Tuesday Tradition and the testosterone was much higher than normal with Paabor and Benito both present. A welcomed change.
On Wednesday, Paabor and I explored Rennes. We walked along the cobblestone streets, stopping to take pictures, and finally settled at a little place for crepes and cafe.
Today, Paabor and I settled his travel plans and then I babysat for a few hours. A prof in the department asked me to and I was happy for some extra pocket money and a chance to practice my French. The little boys understand English, but I took the opportunity to speak in French. The great thing about French kids (besides being super cute and well dressed) is that they don't slow down when they talk to me, but they also don't use a complicated vocabulary. I kind of wanted to ask the three year old to do a weekly language swap with me at a local cafe.
Actually, I went over there earlier this week to meet the mama and the boys. I could tell it was one of their first times having a babysitter. Like, you don't need to show me where the light switch to the bedroom is when it's inside the room and to the left of the door frame. As they all are. But I stayed for forty-five minutes and walked through every detail. Today, she confessed I was their first babysitter and that she had been quite nervous, so was glad to see everything was okay. ie - the kids were alive and even in their pjs. I'm babysitting for them again in a couple of weeks.
Tonight, Merrill is throwing a party and Paabor and I will head over there in a few minutes. He's leaving tomorrow morning.
Without work, things are quite different in Rennes. I'm not bored, which is good, and I plan on starting a more usual routine next week, in case this goes on for awhile. I'm also getting the creative writing stories online soon. Since the class is held in the library (which is not blockaded), it still goes on. I have also moved the theatre group to a couple of afternoons a week until the strike is over so we can keep working.
I suppose that's all. Hope you are all well!
Love,
Hincks.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Chapter 80: Paabor in Paris
nerd blog post #95
I arrived by train in Paris on Wednesday. My birthday. Getting off the train, I was stopped by two large and angry men in normal clothing who flashed something quickly and then demanded to see my passport and ticket. Remembering that there are con artists in the world, I asked to see their badges and saw that they were French customs officers. They asked me a hundred questions in an angry way. Why was I in Amsterdam? With whom? Did I have more than 10,000 Euros on me? Why was I in France? Am I quebecoise? They then dumped my bag, undies and all, onto the ground of the platform and rummaged through. Feeling pretty sad to be treated so poorly on my special day, I asked them to be nicer to me because it was my birthday. They were. But it was a strange thing and the first time to feel like a criminal while going through "customs."
The next welcome home was much more welcoming as Raffi met me at his metro stop with a lemon tart complete with candle. We then headed back to his place where he had invited some clowns over for a surprise party! We had cake and champagne and played some games. It was a really nice evening!
The next morning, I left early to pick Simon Paabor up from the airport. Paabor is a good friend from Queen's drama and is on a Eurotrip. Unfortunately for both of us, Paabor had missed his flight from England and I had to knit in the airport for close to three hours. Still, it was great to see him and we headed into Paris together to check into his hotel.
That evening, Raffi took me out for a bday dindins. I think I have nerd blogged about the fact that sushi is cher here and that I didn't think I would be able to have my fave food while in France. Hearing me vent about this on numerous occasions, Raffi took me out for a most delicious sushi dinner. It was amazing! Salmon maki is my fave. I ate until I was about to explode.
On Friday night, a number of worlds collided as Paabor, Viktor, Raffi, Benito, Cynthia, Merrill and I went out for a couscous dinner. It was fun. We then headed out to a dancey bar to party with more clowns. We missed the last metro and I experienced the night bus for the first time since taking it to catch my flight to Italy in the Fall. Not fun. It takes six times as long and is really annoying. But it was a fun night.
I met Paabor at Notre Dame the next day and we spent a really great afternoon together. We walked around the Latin Quarter and then along the Seine to the Louvre and then through the Jardin des Tuileries and then all the way up the Champs d'Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe. It's a long walk, but there are many a-sight to see. And Paabor and I were able to chat about all that has happened in the past months.
In the evening, Raffi, Viktor and clown Sean met Paabor at the Eiffel Tour where we enjoyed a beer on a park bench and watched the tower sparkle. It was nice.
On Sunday, Merrill and her American friend and I went to Rose Bakery, where Raffi and Viktor work for brunch. It's too expensive for me, though, so I had a coffee. Afterwards, we wandered around the neighbourhood (the Marais) which is Paris' gay and Jewish district. It's quite a cool place. There are vintage stores and expensive stores, mosques and gay friendly cafes. Also the Picasso museum, which I have yet to visit. We went to a cool museum that's free to enter and is in a huge mansion. It's the history of Paris, told through miniature models and lot's of paintings. It was really neat and I had no idea it even existed.
Monday was goodbye time, and I took an early train back to Rennes.
The vacay was great. I was happy to be able to do new things and see old friends. I am now in Rennes, with Paabor sitting across from me, doing business on his baby lappy! More on Rennes latron.
Hope you're all having a good week.
Much love,
Hincks.
I arrived by train in Paris on Wednesday. My birthday. Getting off the train, I was stopped by two large and angry men in normal clothing who flashed something quickly and then demanded to see my passport and ticket. Remembering that there are con artists in the world, I asked to see their badges and saw that they were French customs officers. They asked me a hundred questions in an angry way. Why was I in Amsterdam? With whom? Did I have more than 10,000 Euros on me? Why was I in France? Am I quebecoise? They then dumped my bag, undies and all, onto the ground of the platform and rummaged through. Feeling pretty sad to be treated so poorly on my special day, I asked them to be nicer to me because it was my birthday. They were. But it was a strange thing and the first time to feel like a criminal while going through "customs."
The next welcome home was much more welcoming as Raffi met me at his metro stop with a lemon tart complete with candle. We then headed back to his place where he had invited some clowns over for a surprise party! We had cake and champagne and played some games. It was a really nice evening!
The next morning, I left early to pick Simon Paabor up from the airport. Paabor is a good friend from Queen's drama and is on a Eurotrip. Unfortunately for both of us, Paabor had missed his flight from England and I had to knit in the airport for close to three hours. Still, it was great to see him and we headed into Paris together to check into his hotel.
That evening, Raffi took me out for a bday dindins. I think I have nerd blogged about the fact that sushi is cher here and that I didn't think I would be able to have my fave food while in France. Hearing me vent about this on numerous occasions, Raffi took me out for a most delicious sushi dinner. It was amazing! Salmon maki is my fave. I ate until I was about to explode.
On Friday night, a number of worlds collided as Paabor, Viktor, Raffi, Benito, Cynthia, Merrill and I went out for a couscous dinner. It was fun. We then headed out to a dancey bar to party with more clowns. We missed the last metro and I experienced the night bus for the first time since taking it to catch my flight to Italy in the Fall. Not fun. It takes six times as long and is really annoying. But it was a fun night.
I met Paabor at Notre Dame the next day and we spent a really great afternoon together. We walked around the Latin Quarter and then along the Seine to the Louvre and then through the Jardin des Tuileries and then all the way up the Champs d'Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe. It's a long walk, but there are many a-sight to see. And Paabor and I were able to chat about all that has happened in the past months.
In the evening, Raffi, Viktor and clown Sean met Paabor at the Eiffel Tour where we enjoyed a beer on a park bench and watched the tower sparkle. It was nice.
On Sunday, Merrill and her American friend and I went to Rose Bakery, where Raffi and Viktor work for brunch. It's too expensive for me, though, so I had a coffee. Afterwards, we wandered around the neighbourhood (the Marais) which is Paris' gay and Jewish district. It's quite a cool place. There are vintage stores and expensive stores, mosques and gay friendly cafes. Also the Picasso museum, which I have yet to visit. We went to a cool museum that's free to enter and is in a huge mansion. It's the history of Paris, told through miniature models and lot's of paintings. It was really neat and I had no idea it even existed.
Monday was goodbye time, and I took an early train back to Rennes.
The vacay was great. I was happy to be able to do new things and see old friends. I am now in Rennes, with Paabor sitting across from me, doing business on his baby lappy! More on Rennes latron.
Hope you're all having a good week.
Much love,
Hincks.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Merci!
not a nerd blog post.
I would like to write a special non nerd blog post to thank everyone for their kind wishes for my birthday. Before leaving, I had imagined what my birthday this year might have been like. I imagined a pint with pseudo friends at a local dive. I hoped a couple of friends would, after six months, drop me a line. I reminded myself how lucky I have been in the past, and convinced myself that any way I spent my birthday would be fine.
I was overwhelmed with Canadian love. Thank you to everyone who e-mailed, facebooked, sent something or called. I was so flattered by all of it, and can't begin how to express how lucky I felt and how wonderful it made that day. And so, if I don't get the chance to say thank you to everyone personally, know that it meant a whole lot.
With love,
Hincks.
PS - I'm still grappling with being 24.
I would like to write a special non nerd blog post to thank everyone for their kind wishes for my birthday. Before leaving, I had imagined what my birthday this year might have been like. I imagined a pint with pseudo friends at a local dive. I hoped a couple of friends would, after six months, drop me a line. I reminded myself how lucky I have been in the past, and convinced myself that any way I spent my birthday would be fine.
I was overwhelmed with Canadian love. Thank you to everyone who e-mailed, facebooked, sent something or called. I was so flattered by all of it, and can't begin how to express how lucky I felt and how wonderful it made that day. And so, if I don't get the chance to say thank you to everyone personally, know that it meant a whole lot.
With love,
Hincks.
PS - I'm still grappling with being 24.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Chapter 79: Making Mama Proud Since 1985
nerd blog post #84
Though I have been enjoying my time here in Paris immensely, I need to rewind a few days and talk about Amsterdam. What a whirlwind visit that was! Three nights, but felt like three minutes... It was nice being there and not running around like crazy to all of the tourist zones. Having been there a few times now, and just last month, I felt as though I could just relax and visit my friend.
Doctor picked me up at the bus depot Sunday night and wondered what I was up to hugging a lady goodbye. I met her post-bus and we became good friends. She's from Zimbabwe so we're practically cousins. We then started the walk home. I had imported some Belgian beer to enjoy on the walk, and Doctor had, of course, thought likewise and brought some as well. En route, I met a good friend of Doctor's named Eric. Eric is the most persistent homeless man I have ever met. I learned that Doc had already met him once that night and we ended up meeting him another two times afterwards! The conversations went like this:
E: Gimme some money.
D: I'm sorry, I don't have any coins...
E: Gimme five euros then!
D: No, I'm sorry.
E: Whyyy nooooott!!?!??!?!
D: I'm a student!
E: Soo?? Gimme five euros!
Etc. Etc. I have never met a man like Eric before and I have thought about him a lot this week. I hope his friendship with Doctor is blossoming.
Doctor took me to a really cool bar on Sunday night. The crowd was diverse and friendly. The beers were 1 euro. The tunes were cranking. We were happy. But after five long weeks apart, we also had a million things to talk about, so we started the three day catch up then.
On Monday, we slept in like teens and then enjoyed spinach eggs. Steve left us with some healthy and delicious recipes for eggs and stir fry and he was not forgotten on this trip. It was actually a bit weird being there without him. Anyways, in the afternoon we did some errands, including going to Doc's new library. I love seeing school's libraries. I'm a huge nerd. This one was about par for the course.
In the afternoon and evening, we just hung out. We talked about everything and played games and listened to music. It was really great to just be together.
On Tuesday, Doctor had class all day so I was free to take Amdam by storm. I walked all over the city, stopping to take pictures once in awhile or to go into interesting stores. I find the Dutch very helpful and friendly. Their English is impressive and they are not shy to use it. They are also a very good looking people - both genders very tall, slim and fair. Long hair is in with the boys. Amsterdam is a city I think I would enjoy living in very much. For more than just the attractiveness of the people.
On Tuesday night, Doctor threw me a birfday party! He invited all of his class, and only two didn't come. We had six countries represented and it was games themed. Basically, my perfect party. Games + Strangers = Love. It was actually a bit funny to have these guests walk in and introduce themselves and wish me a happy birthday. I loved that I was meeting my party guests for the first time at my birthday party. I could just imagine them telling their parents, "Yeah, tonight I'm going to a b-day party. ... I think her name is Emily. ... I don't know, never met her." Amazing.
We played Flip Cup. I would have made my mama so proud by being on the winning team every time. Loanne has given me a competitive spirit and she would have also had no qualms about beating new friends repeatedly. We had some cup trouble that was remedied by a 2centime coin sticky tacked on to the top of the cup. They just don't have good flip cup cups in Europe and these flimsy ones had to be exported from France! Anyways, the game was a hit, as were the others. I had a great time. Later on, we headed to a bar before calling it a night.
On Wednesday, Doctor and I grabbed grapes and a baguette on route to a bday surprise. He wanted to take me to a lunchtime concert that happens every week at the big concert hall, but it was unfortunately all full when we got there. Still, we were able to hear the beautiful piano in the lobby and gave us enough time to enjoy a coffee together at the train station before I boarded.
Saying goodbye is hard. The time passes too quickly and it makes me long for the Isabella days.. Still, I'm lucky he's not too far away and that week-end visits are possible. I'll be seeing him again late March, which will be great.
Hope you are all well and look for a Paris update very soon!
Signing off,
Hincks.
Though I have been enjoying my time here in Paris immensely, I need to rewind a few days and talk about Amsterdam. What a whirlwind visit that was! Three nights, but felt like three minutes... It was nice being there and not running around like crazy to all of the tourist zones. Having been there a few times now, and just last month, I felt as though I could just relax and visit my friend.
Doctor picked me up at the bus depot Sunday night and wondered what I was up to hugging a lady goodbye. I met her post-bus and we became good friends. She's from Zimbabwe so we're practically cousins. We then started the walk home. I had imported some Belgian beer to enjoy on the walk, and Doctor had, of course, thought likewise and brought some as well. En route, I met a good friend of Doctor's named Eric. Eric is the most persistent homeless man I have ever met. I learned that Doc had already met him once that night and we ended up meeting him another two times afterwards! The conversations went like this:
E: Gimme some money.
D: I'm sorry, I don't have any coins...
E: Gimme five euros then!
D: No, I'm sorry.
E: Whyyy nooooott!!?!??!?!
D: I'm a student!
E: Soo?? Gimme five euros!
Etc. Etc. I have never met a man like Eric before and I have thought about him a lot this week. I hope his friendship with Doctor is blossoming.
Doctor took me to a really cool bar on Sunday night. The crowd was diverse and friendly. The beers were 1 euro. The tunes were cranking. We were happy. But after five long weeks apart, we also had a million things to talk about, so we started the three day catch up then.
On Monday, we slept in like teens and then enjoyed spinach eggs. Steve left us with some healthy and delicious recipes for eggs and stir fry and he was not forgotten on this trip. It was actually a bit weird being there without him. Anyways, in the afternoon we did some errands, including going to Doc's new library. I love seeing school's libraries. I'm a huge nerd. This one was about par for the course.
In the afternoon and evening, we just hung out. We talked about everything and played games and listened to music. It was really great to just be together.
On Tuesday, Doctor had class all day so I was free to take Amdam by storm. I walked all over the city, stopping to take pictures once in awhile or to go into interesting stores. I find the Dutch very helpful and friendly. Their English is impressive and they are not shy to use it. They are also a very good looking people - both genders very tall, slim and fair. Long hair is in with the boys. Amsterdam is a city I think I would enjoy living in very much. For more than just the attractiveness of the people.
On Tuesday night, Doctor threw me a birfday party! He invited all of his class, and only two didn't come. We had six countries represented and it was games themed. Basically, my perfect party. Games + Strangers = Love. It was actually a bit funny to have these guests walk in and introduce themselves and wish me a happy birthday. I loved that I was meeting my party guests for the first time at my birthday party. I could just imagine them telling their parents, "Yeah, tonight I'm going to a b-day party. ... I think her name is Emily. ... I don't know, never met her." Amazing.
We played Flip Cup. I would have made my mama so proud by being on the winning team every time. Loanne has given me a competitive spirit and she would have also had no qualms about beating new friends repeatedly. We had some cup trouble that was remedied by a 2centime coin sticky tacked on to the top of the cup. They just don't have good flip cup cups in Europe and these flimsy ones had to be exported from France! Anyways, the game was a hit, as were the others. I had a great time. Later on, we headed to a bar before calling it a night.
On Wednesday, Doctor and I grabbed grapes and a baguette on route to a bday surprise. He wanted to take me to a lunchtime concert that happens every week at the big concert hall, but it was unfortunately all full when we got there. Still, we were able to hear the beautiful piano in the lobby and gave us enough time to enjoy a coffee together at the train station before I boarded.
Saying goodbye is hard. The time passes too quickly and it makes me long for the Isabella days.. Still, I'm lucky he's not too far away and that week-end visits are possible. I'll be seeing him again late March, which will be great.
Hope you are all well and look for a Paris update very soon!
Signing off,
Hincks.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Chapter 78: Truffles in Bruffels
nerd blog post #84
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy Family Day. Spend time with your mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, pets and cousins. And take a moment to thank Canada for the second annual extra day off of work and school. Happy F-Day.
Brussels is great. Passing through on the train with Steve, it looked bleak and bah-ring. But this week-end did not disappoint. Raffi and I took a bus there, which was a much cheaper option, and just under four hours from Paris. Eurostar bus service beats Coach Canada. More leg room and soft pop music! As a satisfied and frequent C. Canada customer, this is a big compliment to Euroline. Anyways..
We arrived in Brussels just after 6pm and easily found our hotel, which was less than ten minutes from the bus depot by foot, and under fifteen to the main spots in Brussels. It is a very walkable city, and perfect for a week-end length trip. On Friday night, we ate kebabs and drank Belgian beer as we walked around the Grand Place and its surroundings. It isn't a city with too many tourists, which is nice.
On Saturday, we enjoyed a very good (and included!) breakie before setting off to see the city by day. We were lucky to have mild and sunny weather - a nice change from cloudy Rennes. We saw the famous Grand Place again, as well as the Mannequin Pis. This is a tiny but famous statue of a little boy peeing into a fountain. There are legends about how it came to be and it is arguably the most famous thing about Brussels... Weird. We also walked by the many museums, through parks, into chocolate shops (free samples!) and through the Gallery. There is a beautiful cathedral called Saint-Michel, which looks just like the Notre Dame in Paris. Raffi called it the Faux-tre Dame. I liked that one.
Though Belgium has three official languages, Brussels is mostly French, so that was nice.
That evening, we enjoyed more Belgian beer. Our favourite is called Juliper. We went for dindins at a delicious Thai restaurant. The touristy restaurants were very expensive so we passed on those. I also found out that their seafood (which is what Brussels is famous for - mussels in Brussels) are imported from.. guess where!? BRITTANY!! Soooooo I think I'll pass on that and just jaunt to the coast and catch and cook them myself. After dins, we went to a bar and saw the over 100 beers on tap. We had Juliper. Oh! And the waffles are delicious there. So delicious.
On Sunday, we checked out but left our bags there so we were free to walk around. We went to one of Europe's largest markets, located in a sketchy part of town. Only open on Sundays, this market had over 450 stalls and everything you can imagine.. Fresh food and clothes and gadgets and bikes. It was really neat to see such a different part of town and such a massive and diverse market. We then had coffee back in the centre of town, walked around a little more, and headed to the bus depot. We left at the same time but in different directions. He headed back to Paris and I made my way to Amsterdam, which is where I am now!
Hope you are all well and enjoyed the long week-end!
Signing off,
Hincks.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Chapter 77: Vive la Revolution
nerd blog post #84
So I rushed home on Monday evening prepared for a busy week of classes. My two 1.5 hour Master's classes were to start this week and I had spent time on the week-end preparing for them. I was all geared up. My bicycle was ready. My freen ogling skillz were in place. My outfits pressed and laid out. And then? La greve. Blockaded doorways and students on guard. I didn't work one minute this week. I did go into the department a couple of times to print some things and chat with my colleagues. But there were no classes. No one knows how long this will last. Last year it was four weeks. The year before, two months. So time will tell.
I took advantage of the time to do laundry, sip cafe with Merrill and Cynthia, have an elongated Tuesday Tradition and enjoy my new rain boots. I also bought some wool and have started a scarf. Knitting is the perfect skype activity. Though I wish there were peace between the students and teachers and their government, I have been very happy to relax this week.
Benito left yesterday and Cynthia was sad to see him go. So was I, but he'll be back for five days after Reading Week, so that will be nice. Plus, it has been good to spend time with Cynthia alone, like the good ol' days. She leaves tomorrow for India, Merrill is in London, and I leave tonight for Paris.
Oh, last night there was a disaster chez nous. Cynthia blew a fuse by using the dishwasher and laundry machine at the same time. They are stacked one on top of the other in the kitchen and share a plug... Anyways, I open the switchy thing in the closet to fix the breaker and discover that, like many things, it's a completely different system in France. After much fiddling and prodding, we managed to blow another fuse. This left us in partial darkness and without any working outlets. This meant that the fridge wasn't working. In the darkness, we tried to rewind and undo the damage we had caused. We hung up Cynthia's dripping laundry and bailed water out of the bottom of the machine. Then we tried to fix the breakers (shining my bike lights on the breaker board) but with no luck. We worked for over an hour before Alexandre came home and we partially fixed the problem. The kitchen has no light and we have only half of our outlets. But the fridge is fine and Cynthia's laundry is clean. Phew!
So tomorrow I'll meet Cynthia at the train station in Paris and we'll hang out for a couple of hours before I meet Raffi. Then we'll head to Brussels for two nights. It's my first time to Belgium. People are already talking about my muscles in Brussels. I'll show them. On Sunday, I'm going to Amsterdam until Wednesday afternoon. Keith is throwing a party on the Tuesday! More about that latron.
Hope you are all well.
Much love,
Hincks.
So I rushed home on Monday evening prepared for a busy week of classes. My two 1.5 hour Master's classes were to start this week and I had spent time on the week-end preparing for them. I was all geared up. My bicycle was ready. My freen ogling skillz were in place. My outfits pressed and laid out. And then? La greve. Blockaded doorways and students on guard. I didn't work one minute this week. I did go into the department a couple of times to print some things and chat with my colleagues. But there were no classes. No one knows how long this will last. Last year it was four weeks. The year before, two months. So time will tell.
I took advantage of the time to do laundry, sip cafe with Merrill and Cynthia, have an elongated Tuesday Tradition and enjoy my new rain boots. I also bought some wool and have started a scarf. Knitting is the perfect skype activity. Though I wish there were peace between the students and teachers and their government, I have been very happy to relax this week.
Benito left yesterday and Cynthia was sad to see him go. So was I, but he'll be back for five days after Reading Week, so that will be nice. Plus, it has been good to spend time with Cynthia alone, like the good ol' days. She leaves tomorrow for India, Merrill is in London, and I leave tonight for Paris.
Oh, last night there was a disaster chez nous. Cynthia blew a fuse by using the dishwasher and laundry machine at the same time. They are stacked one on top of the other in the kitchen and share a plug... Anyways, I open the switchy thing in the closet to fix the breaker and discover that, like many things, it's a completely different system in France. After much fiddling and prodding, we managed to blow another fuse. This left us in partial darkness and without any working outlets. This meant that the fridge wasn't working. In the darkness, we tried to rewind and undo the damage we had caused. We hung up Cynthia's dripping laundry and bailed water out of the bottom of the machine. Then we tried to fix the breakers (shining my bike lights on the breaker board) but with no luck. We worked for over an hour before Alexandre came home and we partially fixed the problem. The kitchen has no light and we have only half of our outlets. But the fridge is fine and Cynthia's laundry is clean. Phew!
So tomorrow I'll meet Cynthia at the train station in Paris and we'll hang out for a couple of hours before I meet Raffi. Then we'll head to Brussels for two nights. It's my first time to Belgium. People are already talking about my muscles in Brussels. I'll show them. On Sunday, I'm going to Amsterdam until Wednesday afternoon. Keith is throwing a party on the Tuesday! More about that latron.
Hope you are all well.
Much love,
Hincks.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Chapter 76: Surprise Party
nerd blog post #82
Oh hey everyone. Sorry for the delay.
I went to Paris for the week-end, and didn't pre-post about it because it was a surprise. Well, I couldn't really wait so of course I told Viktor. But I left very early on Friday morning and waited outside clown school as a surprise party. Raffi was surprised.
On Friday evening, we ate at the caf with Viktor and Nicole, who is a Canadian clown from Vancouver who studied at York. Then we went to Raffi's for coffee, dessert and wine. The German clown, Michael (who is a good friend. At least I think we're good friends) came as well. We played games such as famous person on forehead and ask questions to find out who it is and a survivor game. I won the first one. I was Bambi.
On Saturday, I went shopping for rubber boots. I don't want wet feet anymore! Plastic Bag Foot hasn't been working in this country and I decided that it was time to invest in waterproof footwear. There is simply too much rain. I got ones that are trendy AND waterproof. And they were on sale. Fun Fact: It is a French law that sales can only happen twice a year. In January (though it spills into February) and in July. Outside of those two months, stores are not allowed to have sales. Thoughts?
I also googled "cheap pints Paris" and found a place called The Wall that has 3 euro pints. Raffi, Viktor, German clown, British clown and French clown went to the Wall and had a great night. The Wall rules.
On Sunday evening, Viktor, Nicole, Raffi and I went over to an Italian clown's house. He's from Milan and was very nice to me before I visited there - telling me the good spots to check out. He is also the man who lent us his apartment on Christmas eve to have a nice dindins. We went over there and had a delicious pancake dinner. He showed us some of his photography and played nice music. He has lived in Cambodia, West Africa, New York... He has a great outlook on life and it was a nice evening.
Perhaps the highlight was yesterday afternoon when Raffi and I went to an exhibit at the Grand Palais. It was called Six Billion Others. 5000 people were video interviewed in over 75 countries and asked the same 40 questions. Then the interviews were split up and categorized into themes. Inside the beautiful Grand Palais, there were tents that you went inside and watched a number of the interviews on loop. There was one on happiness, on love, on technology, on memories, on family, on war, and on and on... From farmers in the poorest countries to business men in the richest to Rwandan genocide survivors to students... It was very moving and interesting to see how similar answers were from people from very different walks of life. The way that everyone values family and seeks happiness through love. Anyways, maybe it sounds cheesy, but it was powerful and I'm glad I was able to see it before it closes this Thursday.
Arriving back in Rennes in the evening, I was welcomed by Benito, Merrill and Cynthia who were cooking up a feast. We ate pizza and then went to Foun's house for her birthday party. We didn't stay too long but I was glad we went. She has been such a good friend here in Rennes.
Today, the rumours of a blockade at the university were proved true. I arrived for my 8h15 class to find every building's entrance blocked with chairs and tables, making it unable to get in. Students decided on Friday to block 90% of the school's entrances. To do this, they pile the furniture from the classrooms and then jump out the windows. Every entrance was guarded and people were handing out information flyers. No one really knows how long it will last, but it looks as though my Reading Week will commence now. Hopefully all will be solved by the time we get back.
The good thing is that I have a ton of laundry, e-mails and course prep to do before I leave Rennes for ten days on Thursday. So having today off is actually kind of nice.
I hope you all had a good week-end!
Much love,
Hincks.
Oh hey everyone. Sorry for the delay.
I went to Paris for the week-end, and didn't pre-post about it because it was a surprise. Well, I couldn't really wait so of course I told Viktor. But I left very early on Friday morning and waited outside clown school as a surprise party. Raffi was surprised.
On Friday evening, we ate at the caf with Viktor and Nicole, who is a Canadian clown from Vancouver who studied at York. Then we went to Raffi's for coffee, dessert and wine. The German clown, Michael (who is a good friend. At least I think we're good friends) came as well. We played games such as famous person on forehead and ask questions to find out who it is and a survivor game. I won the first one. I was Bambi.
On Saturday, I went shopping for rubber boots. I don't want wet feet anymore! Plastic Bag Foot hasn't been working in this country and I decided that it was time to invest in waterproof footwear. There is simply too much rain. I got ones that are trendy AND waterproof. And they were on sale. Fun Fact: It is a French law that sales can only happen twice a year. In January (though it spills into February) and in July. Outside of those two months, stores are not allowed to have sales. Thoughts?
I also googled "cheap pints Paris" and found a place called The Wall that has 3 euro pints. Raffi, Viktor, German clown, British clown and French clown went to the Wall and had a great night. The Wall rules.
On Sunday evening, Viktor, Nicole, Raffi and I went over to an Italian clown's house. He's from Milan and was very nice to me before I visited there - telling me the good spots to check out. He is also the man who lent us his apartment on Christmas eve to have a nice dindins. We went over there and had a delicious pancake dinner. He showed us some of his photography and played nice music. He has lived in Cambodia, West Africa, New York... He has a great outlook on life and it was a nice evening.
Perhaps the highlight was yesterday afternoon when Raffi and I went to an exhibit at the Grand Palais. It was called Six Billion Others. 5000 people were video interviewed in over 75 countries and asked the same 40 questions. Then the interviews were split up and categorized into themes. Inside the beautiful Grand Palais, there were tents that you went inside and watched a number of the interviews on loop. There was one on happiness, on love, on technology, on memories, on family, on war, and on and on... From farmers in the poorest countries to business men in the richest to Rwandan genocide survivors to students... It was very moving and interesting to see how similar answers were from people from very different walks of life. The way that everyone values family and seeks happiness through love. Anyways, maybe it sounds cheesy, but it was powerful and I'm glad I was able to see it before it closes this Thursday.
Arriving back in Rennes in the evening, I was welcomed by Benito, Merrill and Cynthia who were cooking up a feast. We ate pizza and then went to Foun's house for her birthday party. We didn't stay too long but I was glad we went. She has been such a good friend here in Rennes.
Today, the rumours of a blockade at the university were proved true. I arrived for my 8h15 class to find every building's entrance blocked with chairs and tables, making it unable to get in. Students decided on Friday to block 90% of the school's entrances. To do this, they pile the furniture from the classrooms and then jump out the windows. Every entrance was guarded and people were handing out information flyers. No one really knows how long it will last, but it looks as though my Reading Week will commence now. Hopefully all will be solved by the time we get back.
The good thing is that I have a ton of laundry, e-mails and course prep to do before I leave Rennes for ten days on Thursday. So having today off is actually kind of nice.
I hope you all had a good week-end!
Much love,
Hincks.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Chapter 75: The Newsies
nerd blog post #81
This nerd blog post will be in the form of a list, as I have bews that is compartmentalized. The title is a shout-out to Bronco's fave movie, tied with Stepmom. Sigh.. And ahem.
1. The Weath
Europe is experiencing the Winteriest Winter in over a decade. London got a ton of snow, Italy and Spain are receiving a lot of snow, and don't even get me started on Norway (I don't know what's going on up there, but I imagine it's frigid). My dear neighbour, Paris, is getting a lot of snow and is very cold. Peeps have asked how Rennes is. Well, Rennes is protected by the Brittany bubble. Everything about Rennes seems to be distinctly rennais. As a local would say, "Je ne suis pas francais. Je suis rennais." And the weather seems to follow suit. There is black ice some mornings, and yesterday I saw frost. This rarity has caused some of my students to not be able to attend class. (I don't get it.) But after 9am, the sun is up and hidden by clouds. It's grey and cool and rainy. But no snow. And no real cold.
2. The Strike
What's going on in France has made international news, so you can check it out for yourselves. But basically, there is a nation-wide strike that, in the past week, has effected transportation (planes, trains and TTCs) as well as schools and various other thangs. On Monday, 45% of classes did not go on because of the strike. The largest public university in the country, which is in Paris, has been shut down since Monday. Many others are closed down, too. Rennes, which is one of the biggest universities in France, and famous for striking, is still running. Everyone is technically on strike, but classes continue as usual. Attendance is a little low, but otherwise, I don't really notice too much. There are huge signs everywhere and every day there is a big rally at the school at which no decisions are made. Tables are ready at the doors to the entrances to create a blockade if that decision is made. But the general sentiment seems to be that a blockade is useless. If they decide not to blockade the school, it would be the first year in many that they don't. Because it means studying into the Summer, I think students and staff are realizing that perhaps it's better to be on strike without really being on strike... And so, my work continues.
3. The Blender
Cynthia, who is not aware of my blender crisis, asked me today if I want to split the cost of a blender so she can make salsa. I'm thinking about saying yes. Thank-you for the support in the comments from last nerd blog post. I do want to point out, though, that those women in support of blender buying are both happily married, while I am still trying to win the hearts of young bachelors with my aloof 'tude. This reminds me of what happens when I travel. For some reason, I get dreadlocks. For real. Underneath my hair, dreads start to form and then I have to cut them out. It's horrible. Doctor suggested I get a brush. I refused. His reply? "I know you like telling people you don't use a hairbrush.. But I think it would solve this dreadlocks problem." Checkmate. I do like telling people I don't own a brush! I like it so much that I decided the best solution was to chop off my hair. So I did. But I still think I'ma buy the blender.
4. The Points
I would like to award FIFTY point to my father today, on this, the anniversary of his birth. I won't say how old he is, but I will say that the answer to the riddle is embedded in this paragraph...... I wish I was home to help celebrate. Happy Birthday, RtD.
5. The Benito
Is here! It's great. Having Benito around is like having one of the boyz from home around. I love it. He came to Tuesday Tradition and it livened up the party. I wish he could stay forever. It is different now that he is dating Cynthia, though. I find that when friends date, the once mutual friend loses that title and becomes the partner of the better friend of the two. And so, Benito kind of ceases to be our friend and becomes Cynthia's bf, and she remains the same. I lose out a bit. But they're very happy and so am I.
6. The Extracurricular
I've wanted to join some extra things. Some has worked out and some has not. Here they are:
-I tried to find this Amnesty International event this week-end, but no luck. Perhaps the strike made them change venues.
-I joined the queer group on campus. They're having an event tomorrow night that I'll drop by. It's a kind of games night with speed dating, game show games, food and drink.
-I received a disappointingly cold e-mail back from L'Arche Paris. I asked to meet with her to discuss the Spring and Summer and she didn't offer to meet with me. With this one, I'll be extremely persistent. I really want to volunteer there and I'll do a good job. I love L'Arche. I won't give up without a fight!
-I have a babysitting job! Three cheers for pre-teen employment at 23.
-The theatre group is going really well. The members are getting quite serious and even meeting up during the week. We have selected scenes to do for an audience at the end of term and tonight I found a good way to link them all together. I realize, though, that I miss acting. A lot. I want to rip the scenes from their hands and show them how.. It sounds horrible, but it's true. It is neat to see young and unexperienced actors try things out. They have honesty and good instincts and are willing to share the space. It's very cool. I could go on about this for awhile, but that's enough.
-I'm being paid to teach this class (so it's not quite extracurricular), but one thing that I think is neat is that I'm going to put the work of the creative writing class online. They're excited to be "published" and the idea has made them turn out stronger work. My bosses are pumped about the idea so I'm glad to have the go ahead.
7. The Plans
I have many things to look forward to. My break starts on the 12th of February, on which day I will skip off to Paris and return on the 23rd. The first week-end, Raffi and I are going to Brussels. This will be my first time to Belgium (except for training through) and I'm looking forward to it a lot! Raffi works most week-ends, so this is a nice vacay for him, too. On Sunday, I'll put him on a bus back to Paris, and I'll carry on to Amsterdam. I am looking forward sooooo much to seeing Doc and eating stroopwafels! I head back to Paris the evening of the 18th and will hang there until it's time to go back to work. I also have a pile of visitors in the next few months. Three cheers for Loanne and Chincks (the parental unit) who will come mid-March for 10 days. Where in the world is Carmen Sandy-Paabor? Paabor is on a European tour soon and will arrive on my doorstep sometime in the next couple of .. months? I really don't know. Move over for Michael Murphy! He is confirmed to arrive May 2nd. Bring it on, Bronco. This obnoxious beauty will take the continent by storm May 10th. Leave it to Lia to join in the festivities in May as well! Jumping Jupiter, it's Jess! Arriving in July (because it's the first letter of her first name), Jess will be around for close to two months. Anyone else? Get over here! It's a party.
Phew! This was a long one! It's bedtime in France. Goodnight, one and all.
Much love,
Hincks.
This nerd blog post will be in the form of a list, as I have bews that is compartmentalized. The title is a shout-out to Bronco's fave movie, tied with Stepmom. Sigh.. And ahem.
1. The Weath
Europe is experiencing the Winteriest Winter in over a decade. London got a ton of snow, Italy and Spain are receiving a lot of snow, and don't even get me started on Norway (I don't know what's going on up there, but I imagine it's frigid). My dear neighbour, Paris, is getting a lot of snow and is very cold. Peeps have asked how Rennes is. Well, Rennes is protected by the Brittany bubble. Everything about Rennes seems to be distinctly rennais. As a local would say, "Je ne suis pas francais. Je suis rennais." And the weather seems to follow suit. There is black ice some mornings, and yesterday I saw frost. This rarity has caused some of my students to not be able to attend class. (I don't get it.) But after 9am, the sun is up and hidden by clouds. It's grey and cool and rainy. But no snow. And no real cold.
2. The Strike
What's going on in France has made international news, so you can check it out for yourselves. But basically, there is a nation-wide strike that, in the past week, has effected transportation (planes, trains and TTCs) as well as schools and various other thangs. On Monday, 45% of classes did not go on because of the strike. The largest public university in the country, which is in Paris, has been shut down since Monday. Many others are closed down, too. Rennes, which is one of the biggest universities in France, and famous for striking, is still running. Everyone is technically on strike, but classes continue as usual. Attendance is a little low, but otherwise, I don't really notice too much. There are huge signs everywhere and every day there is a big rally at the school at which no decisions are made. Tables are ready at the doors to the entrances to create a blockade if that decision is made. But the general sentiment seems to be that a blockade is useless. If they decide not to blockade the school, it would be the first year in many that they don't. Because it means studying into the Summer, I think students and staff are realizing that perhaps it's better to be on strike without really being on strike... And so, my work continues.
3. The Blender
Cynthia, who is not aware of my blender crisis, asked me today if I want to split the cost of a blender so she can make salsa. I'm thinking about saying yes. Thank-you for the support in the comments from last nerd blog post. I do want to point out, though, that those women in support of blender buying are both happily married, while I am still trying to win the hearts of young bachelors with my aloof 'tude. This reminds me of what happens when I travel. For some reason, I get dreadlocks. For real. Underneath my hair, dreads start to form and then I have to cut them out. It's horrible. Doctor suggested I get a brush. I refused. His reply? "I know you like telling people you don't use a hairbrush.. But I think it would solve this dreadlocks problem." Checkmate. I do like telling people I don't own a brush! I like it so much that I decided the best solution was to chop off my hair. So I did. But I still think I'ma buy the blender.
4. The Points
I would like to award FIFTY point to my father today, on this, the anniversary of his birth. I won't say how old he is, but I will say that the answer to the riddle is embedded in this paragraph...... I wish I was home to help celebrate. Happy Birthday, RtD.
5. The Benito
Is here! It's great. Having Benito around is like having one of the boyz from home around. I love it. He came to Tuesday Tradition and it livened up the party. I wish he could stay forever. It is different now that he is dating Cynthia, though. I find that when friends date, the once mutual friend loses that title and becomes the partner of the better friend of the two. And so, Benito kind of ceases to be our friend and becomes Cynthia's bf, and she remains the same. I lose out a bit. But they're very happy and so am I.
6. The Extracurricular
I've wanted to join some extra things. Some has worked out and some has not. Here they are:
-I tried to find this Amnesty International event this week-end, but no luck. Perhaps the strike made them change venues.
-I joined the queer group on campus. They're having an event tomorrow night that I'll drop by. It's a kind of games night with speed dating, game show games, food and drink.
-I received a disappointingly cold e-mail back from L'Arche Paris. I asked to meet with her to discuss the Spring and Summer and she didn't offer to meet with me. With this one, I'll be extremely persistent. I really want to volunteer there and I'll do a good job. I love L'Arche. I won't give up without a fight!
-I have a babysitting job! Three cheers for pre-teen employment at 23.
-The theatre group is going really well. The members are getting quite serious and even meeting up during the week. We have selected scenes to do for an audience at the end of term and tonight I found a good way to link them all together. I realize, though, that I miss acting. A lot. I want to rip the scenes from their hands and show them how.. It sounds horrible, but it's true. It is neat to see young and unexperienced actors try things out. They have honesty and good instincts and are willing to share the space. It's very cool. I could go on about this for awhile, but that's enough.
-I'm being paid to teach this class (so it's not quite extracurricular), but one thing that I think is neat is that I'm going to put the work of the creative writing class online. They're excited to be "published" and the idea has made them turn out stronger work. My bosses are pumped about the idea so I'm glad to have the go ahead.
7. The Plans
I have many things to look forward to. My break starts on the 12th of February, on which day I will skip off to Paris and return on the 23rd. The first week-end, Raffi and I are going to Brussels. This will be my first time to Belgium (except for training through) and I'm looking forward to it a lot! Raffi works most week-ends, so this is a nice vacay for him, too. On Sunday, I'll put him on a bus back to Paris, and I'll carry on to Amsterdam. I am looking forward sooooo much to seeing Doc and eating stroopwafels! I head back to Paris the evening of the 18th and will hang there until it's time to go back to work. I also have a pile of visitors in the next few months. Three cheers for Loanne and Chincks (the parental unit) who will come mid-March for 10 days. Where in the world is Carmen Sandy-Paabor? Paabor is on a European tour soon and will arrive on my doorstep sometime in the next couple of .. months? I really don't know. Move over for Michael Murphy! He is confirmed to arrive May 2nd. Bring it on, Bronco. This obnoxious beauty will take the continent by storm May 10th. Leave it to Lia to join in the festivities in May as well! Jumping Jupiter, it's Jess! Arriving in July (because it's the first letter of her first name), Jess will be around for close to two months. Anyone else? Get over here! It's a party.
Phew! This was a long one! It's bedtime in France. Goodnight, one and all.
Much love,
Hincks.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Chapter 74: Merrill Streepwafels
nerd blog post #80
The title is a combination of my favourite Hollywood star, my favourite Dutch treat and my favourite companion of the week-end.
On Friday night, I went to Merrill's for dindins and wine. They bought a ton of booze for Canadian Geese-ers but since I've given up drinking in 2009, there was a lot left over. Merrill cooked up a delicious soup and I watched and learned how.
I'm thinking about purchasing a hand-held blender. This is a big deal for me. Not because it's expensive - it's not. But more because buying something for the kitchen that isn't food is something I have never done. I feel it's a step in the direction of joining book clubs and sewing circles. I love books. I own thread. And that was in no offense to all the women who enjoy such clubs. But I am scared to join the world of tupperware parties. The idea of buying a blender has been percolating since I started digging hummus a lot more recently. I want to make it myself. But I just can't bring myself to buy the blender yet! It is stressing me out.
Saturday morning, I went to the market with Merrill and two of our student friends. We walked around and then had a coffee. In the evening, Merrill and I had an extended pre-game and then danced at Caveau. It's my new fave spot. I had never been on a Saturday, though, and it was packed. Absolutely no room to move. We didn't (couldn't) stay too long and I was home before 230.
Today, Natalie (woman who used to live here) invited all the lecteurs over to learn how to knit. She wants to do it every Sunday. It's part of a series of published books entitled Stitch n' Bitch. I actually already know how to knit and enjoy it. Last week-end I bought needles for 20cents at a flea market in Paris. But due to my blender crisis, I declined the invite to join in said party. There will probably be good snacks there, but I just can't. Instead, I'll read my book and miss my TO friends.
This morning I made my best omelette yet. There is something very satisfying about making an omelette instead of pretending you were going for scrambled eggs all along. Seriously. Try it.
Benito and Cynthia get back tomorrow. I'm looking forward to seeing them and hanging. Benito rules. Merrill is throwing another party on Thursday and Benito will join our Tuesday Tradition. There is talk about a blockade at the university this week as a continuation of the strike, which would mean no work. I hope it doesn't happen. I would not be pleased having to make up classes later on. Silly strikers!
Hope this finds you all well!
Much love,
Hincks.
The title is a combination of my favourite Hollywood star, my favourite Dutch treat and my favourite companion of the week-end.
On Friday night, I went to Merrill's for dindins and wine. They bought a ton of booze for Canadian Geese-ers but since I've given up drinking in 2009, there was a lot left over. Merrill cooked up a delicious soup and I watched and learned how.
I'm thinking about purchasing a hand-held blender. This is a big deal for me. Not because it's expensive - it's not. But more because buying something for the kitchen that isn't food is something I have never done. I feel it's a step in the direction of joining book clubs and sewing circles. I love books. I own thread. And that was in no offense to all the women who enjoy such clubs. But I am scared to join the world of tupperware parties. The idea of buying a blender has been percolating since I started digging hummus a lot more recently. I want to make it myself. But I just can't bring myself to buy the blender yet! It is stressing me out.
Saturday morning, I went to the market with Merrill and two of our student friends. We walked around and then had a coffee. In the evening, Merrill and I had an extended pre-game and then danced at Caveau. It's my new fave spot. I had never been on a Saturday, though, and it was packed. Absolutely no room to move. We didn't (couldn't) stay too long and I was home before 230.
Today, Natalie (woman who used to live here) invited all the lecteurs over to learn how to knit. She wants to do it every Sunday. It's part of a series of published books entitled Stitch n' Bitch. I actually already know how to knit and enjoy it. Last week-end I bought needles for 20cents at a flea market in Paris. But due to my blender crisis, I declined the invite to join in said party. There will probably be good snacks there, but I just can't. Instead, I'll read my book and miss my TO friends.
This morning I made my best omelette yet. There is something very satisfying about making an omelette instead of pretending you were going for scrambled eggs all along. Seriously. Try it.
Benito and Cynthia get back tomorrow. I'm looking forward to seeing them and hanging. Benito rules. Merrill is throwing another party on Thursday and Benito will join our Tuesday Tradition. There is talk about a blockade at the university this week as a continuation of the strike, which would mean no work. I hope it doesn't happen. I would not be pleased having to make up classes later on. Silly strikers!
Hope this finds you all well!
Much love,
Hincks.
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