That is how long I have been away. Yes, it was one year ago today that I had a whirlwind of a day, filled with more emotions than a high school theatre production. I have been thinking of this anniversary as it has crept up. It's a strange feeling. I had guesses as to where I'd be now and what I'd be up to, but life has a wonderful way of being full of surprises, and none of my assumptions were right!
I'm not quite sure what to write in this nerd blog non-chapter. I feel as though a year holds significance, but I'm not sure in what ways it can be explained or how I feel about it. I have certainly learned a lot in a year. I have learned about a culture, a language, travelling, love, teaching, being alone. And that last one is important because so much of what I do and have to figure out is by myself. I remember that when I left Quebec, the most important thing I had learned was how to be by myself, and be okay with that. Here in France, I experienced that again - starting anew, making friends, feeling far from the familiar.
Some things don't get easier with time. I still get homesick and miss people and am sad when correspondence dwindles. I've made France my home, but it isn't where I'm from and I won't stay here, so people forgetting is very hard. But I have gotten used to being far from what's most important, and being comfortable with that distance. I have gotten used to it to the point that I could live away for many more years, and I finally understand how my parents were able to live away from Canada for so long. It just becomes normal.
Through the lonelier moments and seemingly impossible predicaments, I never had regrets about coming. I have seen some incredible things and met people who have changed my life and how I see the world.
The highlights that stand out were the visitors who came from Canada, Cynthia and Merrill in Rennes, Raffi and Viktor in Paris, and the steadfast Doctor who has been a rock through it all.
So here's to a year, and a promise to return before the next anniversary!
With love,
Hincks.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Chapter 115: The Rose Bakery Master of Disaster
nerd blog post #136
I ended up working a monster shift on Sunday. I was asked to stay until close, which was 3am, so worked a whopping eleven hours. While at L'Arche, my days were longer, but it was such a different atmosphere than a bar. At the bar, I get to sit for my fifteen minute meal, which is rarely that long, and otherwise am on my feet, running around, carrying trays, and usually quite busy. Luckily, the owner is very chill and so are the people I work with. We get coffee and juices and pop for free while on shift, as well as a meal. In 11 hours, one meal is burned off very quickly, so I rely on the juice to keep my energy up! We also can drink on shift, and I sometimes have an iced espresso with Baileys when I start feeling sleepy around 11pm. We are not supposed to refuse shots from patrons who want to buy them for us. Usually, these are men at the bar who are lonely and don't want to drink alone... I don't mind doing one, but have found tricks so as not to do too many. Coke looks like Jagermeister and apple juice looks like whiskey and water looks like anything else. It works like a charm and keeps everyone happy.
While working Sunday night, I had one of the best tables I've ever had. Parisian customers are notorious for being kind of rude, but these four were an exception. They were so nice and friendly and warm. We chatted a lot throughout the evening and made plans to hang out next Sunday night. I gave one of the girls my phone number in case they want to hang before then, and heard yesterday that they're going out on Thursday and would like me to join. That was great news for me! It made me wish I was staying longer to develop more friendships, but Gemma is waiting!
Yesterday, I met Gel in the afternoon for a coffee. We sat and chatted for a long time and then it began to thunderstorm. Hungry, we stopped at the grocery store and then she came over and I made piri-piri chicken and cous-cous with zucchini. It was a good dindins and was accompanied by red wine. We then went to the Amelie Poulin bar in Montmartre and met her roomies and their friends who were visiting. They are a nice group of French people and very welcoming. We stayed there for a bit and then walked to the wine bar. I came home at around midnight as I started working at Rose Bakery today and didn't want to be too tired.
And so today I started working at Rose Bakery. I have written about this place a lot - it's the place Raffi and Viktor work. It's kind of a bakery, but more of a restaurant. It's owned by Rose (British) and her French husband, Jean-Charles. I was hired by the manager, Honza, who is just a bit older than I. Anyways, it sells organic, veggie type food at high prices. While the staff is mostly English speaking (and very international), the clientele is mostly French. The day started out as a disaster. Honza was working at the other location, so Jean-Charles was in charge. I arrived punctually and waited until JC had a second, and said, "Hi! I'm Emily! I'm here to work today!" JC is kind of a mean man, and he said, "So work." I found the aprons and asked one of the servers where I should start. Without any explanations at all, she said I was on drinks. I had to make two teas and a complicated juice (with a juice press I had never seen and didn't know how to use). I did the tea wrong (but didn't know it) and then proceded to the juice maker. I tried my best to figure it out, smashing the carrots and ginger into the container. But when I put the apples in, something went wrong. The machine kind of exploded and smelt like burning! Jumping back, I knocked over a glass that shattered ALL over the floor, and under a table full of customers. I let out a yelp. I then heard stomping and swearing in French and JC yelled at me for "breaking" the machine (it was fine) and the glass (it was not so fine). I was promptly taken off drinks duty and told to set tables and take orders and deliver food. So I'm a server? Yeah, thanks. That's what I was hired for because that's what I know how to do. Soooo the first five minutes were an utter disaster. The restaurant was packed and with a line up for tables, so I moved quickly and did well for the rest of the day. Near the end, JC sat me down and offered me a coffee and we chatted a bit. He really likes Raffi, and asked after him, and said it was nice to have me. He also apologized for yelling and said it wasn't my fault, that I shouldn't have been put on drinks when I didn't know how to make them. Duh. But now JC and I are pals, I think. At the end of the shift, I got to sit down and enjoy as much of that ultra-healthy and delicious food as I wanted. It was well-worth it and I look forward to tomorrow. It's also nice knowing most of the staff from visiting the boys, and not having to learn new names as well as everything else. After all, I'm only working there for a week.
I have a busy week. As well as moving in one week and preparing for that, I'm working 30 hours at the bakery and 20 or so at the bar. Feels like the busy life I had in Toronto, and craved all year! So I'm happy.
Hope this finds you all well!
Signing off,
Hincks.
I ended up working a monster shift on Sunday. I was asked to stay until close, which was 3am, so worked a whopping eleven hours. While at L'Arche, my days were longer, but it was such a different atmosphere than a bar. At the bar, I get to sit for my fifteen minute meal, which is rarely that long, and otherwise am on my feet, running around, carrying trays, and usually quite busy. Luckily, the owner is very chill and so are the people I work with. We get coffee and juices and pop for free while on shift, as well as a meal. In 11 hours, one meal is burned off very quickly, so I rely on the juice to keep my energy up! We also can drink on shift, and I sometimes have an iced espresso with Baileys when I start feeling sleepy around 11pm. We are not supposed to refuse shots from patrons who want to buy them for us. Usually, these are men at the bar who are lonely and don't want to drink alone... I don't mind doing one, but have found tricks so as not to do too many. Coke looks like Jagermeister and apple juice looks like whiskey and water looks like anything else. It works like a charm and keeps everyone happy.
While working Sunday night, I had one of the best tables I've ever had. Parisian customers are notorious for being kind of rude, but these four were an exception. They were so nice and friendly and warm. We chatted a lot throughout the evening and made plans to hang out next Sunday night. I gave one of the girls my phone number in case they want to hang before then, and heard yesterday that they're going out on Thursday and would like me to join. That was great news for me! It made me wish I was staying longer to develop more friendships, but Gemma is waiting!
Yesterday, I met Gel in the afternoon for a coffee. We sat and chatted for a long time and then it began to thunderstorm. Hungry, we stopped at the grocery store and then she came over and I made piri-piri chicken and cous-cous with zucchini. It was a good dindins and was accompanied by red wine. We then went to the Amelie Poulin bar in Montmartre and met her roomies and their friends who were visiting. They are a nice group of French people and very welcoming. We stayed there for a bit and then walked to the wine bar. I came home at around midnight as I started working at Rose Bakery today and didn't want to be too tired.
And so today I started working at Rose Bakery. I have written about this place a lot - it's the place Raffi and Viktor work. It's kind of a bakery, but more of a restaurant. It's owned by Rose (British) and her French husband, Jean-Charles. I was hired by the manager, Honza, who is just a bit older than I. Anyways, it sells organic, veggie type food at high prices. While the staff is mostly English speaking (and very international), the clientele is mostly French. The day started out as a disaster. Honza was working at the other location, so Jean-Charles was in charge. I arrived punctually and waited until JC had a second, and said, "Hi! I'm Emily! I'm here to work today!" JC is kind of a mean man, and he said, "So work." I found the aprons and asked one of the servers where I should start. Without any explanations at all, she said I was on drinks. I had to make two teas and a complicated juice (with a juice press I had never seen and didn't know how to use). I did the tea wrong (but didn't know it) and then proceded to the juice maker. I tried my best to figure it out, smashing the carrots and ginger into the container. But when I put the apples in, something went wrong. The machine kind of exploded and smelt like burning! Jumping back, I knocked over a glass that shattered ALL over the floor, and under a table full of customers. I let out a yelp. I then heard stomping and swearing in French and JC yelled at me for "breaking" the machine (it was fine) and the glass (it was not so fine). I was promptly taken off drinks duty and told to set tables and take orders and deliver food. So I'm a server? Yeah, thanks. That's what I was hired for because that's what I know how to do. Soooo the first five minutes were an utter disaster. The restaurant was packed and with a line up for tables, so I moved quickly and did well for the rest of the day. Near the end, JC sat me down and offered me a coffee and we chatted a bit. He really likes Raffi, and asked after him, and said it was nice to have me. He also apologized for yelling and said it wasn't my fault, that I shouldn't have been put on drinks when I didn't know how to make them. Duh. But now JC and I are pals, I think. At the end of the shift, I got to sit down and enjoy as much of that ultra-healthy and delicious food as I wanted. It was well-worth it and I look forward to tomorrow. It's also nice knowing most of the staff from visiting the boys, and not having to learn new names as well as everything else. After all, I'm only working there for a week.
I have a busy week. As well as moving in one week and preparing for that, I'm working 30 hours at the bakery and 20 or so at the bar. Feels like the busy life I had in Toronto, and craved all year! So I'm happy.
Hope this finds you all well!
Signing off,
Hincks.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Chapter 114: Lazy Sunday
nerd blog post # 125
Gel through a dinner party on Friday night. It was really fun. Her roomie had three friends there and they were all lively and nice and it made me think of the Rennes parties at Merrill's. We had a delicious feasts - lots of appys of cheese and breads, duck for dindins, and plenty of wine. It was a really nice evening. I ended up having a sleepy ovary with Gel.
On Saturday, Gel and I went to an antique market in our neighbourhood that's just here for the week-end. My fave part about these markets are the postcards they sell from early last century. The stamps are still on there and you can read the message, and the front is not too different from the postcards I send from Paris now. Pretty cool. Then we found a really neat cafe and had one. I really like this neighbourhood - I keep finding new nooks and things to do. I think I would be happy in this hood for a long time. It's central, but not touristy.
I worked last night and it was a long one. I didn't get home until after 5am. It's strange now that I only have four shifts left there. I leave Paris in nine days and it feels pretty sad and very weird. I start at Rose Bakery on Tuesday and work five shifts before leaving. Paris feels like home now, so it will be tough to move on.
The relationship between my roomie and I seems to be improving, which is positive. I hadn't written about it, but he didn't really talk to me. It was strange. I've never lived with someone who had no interest in any kind of a relationship at all before this guy. He wouldn't come out of his room until my bedroom door was shut and when we were in the same room, he wouldn't talk. I only saw him every few days, by chance, if we were leaving or coming at the same time. It was very strange... But yesterday we were both in the kitchen and I offered to make him a breakie feast and he accepted and sat in the kitchen while I cooked and we chatted. I was really happy about that. I think he'd like the piri-piri chicken so maybe we can have a dinner before I go.
Today isn't really a lazy Sunday, I just slept until noon after the late night. I was asked to work today and train a new girl and my shift was extended so I'm working from 3pm to midnight. I'm very happy to be working.
And that's the bews of the day! Hope this finds you all well.
Signing off,
Hincks.
Gel through a dinner party on Friday night. It was really fun. Her roomie had three friends there and they were all lively and nice and it made me think of the Rennes parties at Merrill's. We had a delicious feasts - lots of appys of cheese and breads, duck for dindins, and plenty of wine. It was a really nice evening. I ended up having a sleepy ovary with Gel.
On Saturday, Gel and I went to an antique market in our neighbourhood that's just here for the week-end. My fave part about these markets are the postcards they sell from early last century. The stamps are still on there and you can read the message, and the front is not too different from the postcards I send from Paris now. Pretty cool. Then we found a really neat cafe and had one. I really like this neighbourhood - I keep finding new nooks and things to do. I think I would be happy in this hood for a long time. It's central, but not touristy.
I worked last night and it was a long one. I didn't get home until after 5am. It's strange now that I only have four shifts left there. I leave Paris in nine days and it feels pretty sad and very weird. I start at Rose Bakery on Tuesday and work five shifts before leaving. Paris feels like home now, so it will be tough to move on.
The relationship between my roomie and I seems to be improving, which is positive. I hadn't written about it, but he didn't really talk to me. It was strange. I've never lived with someone who had no interest in any kind of a relationship at all before this guy. He wouldn't come out of his room until my bedroom door was shut and when we were in the same room, he wouldn't talk. I only saw him every few days, by chance, if we were leaving or coming at the same time. It was very strange... But yesterday we were both in the kitchen and I offered to make him a breakie feast and he accepted and sat in the kitchen while I cooked and we chatted. I was really happy about that. I think he'd like the piri-piri chicken so maybe we can have a dinner before I go.
Today isn't really a lazy Sunday, I just slept until noon after the late night. I was asked to work today and train a new girl and my shift was extended so I'm working from 3pm to midnight. I'm very happy to be working.
And that's the bews of the day! Hope this finds you all well.
Signing off,
Hincks.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Chapter 113: London and Eye
nerd blog post #123
I got back to Paris last night after a great little vacay to London. It was relaxing and fun and I'm glad I went.
I arrived Sunday morning and Raffi met me at the train station with a sign (I love signs. They help you get where you need to go and also welcome you to new places.) and we headed to his place on the South bank to drop off my stuff. Then, we went to Surrey County to a little townette called Chesney or something to his uncle's house. His uncle is from Lebanon as well but has lived in England for 30 years. He's a very nice old man and threw a deluxe BBQ. There were chips and lots of meat and ice-cream and all the things I like most! His partner was there, as well as his son (Raffi's cousin), his wife and their two little kids. The baby was only seven months and I got to hold her for hours.. It was great. There was also a dog named Blue and I liked the dog a lot. So basically, beer, BBQ, treats, baby, dog and sun. It was a wonderful afternoon and evening.
The next day, I walked around a lot. I went to St Paul's Cathedral and walked up and down Fleet Street and had a coffee and read my book. (Side note: I have read many good books this Summer. Right now it's a recommendation from Marni called What is the What by Dave Eggers. A memoir about a Sudanese refugee living in the States. Excellent.) Raffi and I had a picnic lunch on his break at the Globe. I got to wear a Visitor name tag and had a great tour of the Globe, its green room, the offices... It's a really cool theatre and must be an incredibly nice place to work. In the afternoon, I went to the Tate Museum. I liked its content better than the Pompidou and the way it's arranged is really accessible. My fave London museum to date. Also a bonus that it's free! In the evening, Raffi and I went to a local pub for beer. We were joined later by one of the fellows from Australia - a really nice guy.
Actually, I met everyone in the fellowship and a few of the people who work there and they are all really nice. There are nine in his program who have been invited from all areas - one from South Africa, two from Australia, two from New Zealand, two from the States and two from Canada. The Canadians were sent from Soulpepper and both were pleased to know I'm friends with Murph! Shout out SoulPeppz!
On Tuesday, I met Doctor at his train station in the morning. It was great to see him and spend a day together in London - the first time! We walked down Baker Street and Oxford Street doing some window shopping in the fancy and less fancy stores. Then we went to a park and ate a micmic and lay in the sun for awhile. Eventually, we continued wandering and ended up near the Globe where we sat on a patio and enjoyed a couple of pints as the sun set behind the buildings. As always, the day went by far too quickly... We talked about our friends back home, life in Europe, and tentative plans for the future. I was glad I'll be seeing him in two weeks, otherwise one day would have been too short! At 7pm, we met Raffi and the three of us went out for a really nice Indian dinner in the neighbourhood. It was fun and delicious. Raff and I said goodbye to Doctor and then went on a long walk. We saw the London Eye (and also saw that we couldn't afford a ride...) and crossed the bridge to see the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. I must have walked 10kms that day and was utterly exhausted by the time it was over!
So yesterday I slept most of the morning, had a micmic lunch with Raffiki, and read a whole book. Doctor lent me one called Less Than Zero, which is by the American Psycho guy, and I spent the afternoon at the river reading. It was a good book. A bit depressing, but impossible to put down. At 7pm, I caught the train back to Paris. Pulling in, I put my sweater on, but quickly realized it was hotter at midnight here than it has been at any peak daytime. We're in a heat wave and it is sizzling hot!
This afternoon, I'm going to a carnival with Gel and Taylor and then I work tonight. Soon I'll be very busy as I've taken another job for these last couple of weeks at Rose Bakery as a waitress! Should be fun, and an extra bit of cash before I have no more money rolling in starting September. Rose Bakery work should start on Saturday.
I hope you're all doing well! I'm thinking of home a lot these days as the entire Hincks family is together in Toronto.
Much love,
Hincks.
I got back to Paris last night after a great little vacay to London. It was relaxing and fun and I'm glad I went.
I arrived Sunday morning and Raffi met me at the train station with a sign (I love signs. They help you get where you need to go and also welcome you to new places.) and we headed to his place on the South bank to drop off my stuff. Then, we went to Surrey County to a little townette called Chesney or something to his uncle's house. His uncle is from Lebanon as well but has lived in England for 30 years. He's a very nice old man and threw a deluxe BBQ. There were chips and lots of meat and ice-cream and all the things I like most! His partner was there, as well as his son (Raffi's cousin), his wife and their two little kids. The baby was only seven months and I got to hold her for hours.. It was great. There was also a dog named Blue and I liked the dog a lot. So basically, beer, BBQ, treats, baby, dog and sun. It was a wonderful afternoon and evening.
The next day, I walked around a lot. I went to St Paul's Cathedral and walked up and down Fleet Street and had a coffee and read my book. (Side note: I have read many good books this Summer. Right now it's a recommendation from Marni called What is the What by Dave Eggers. A memoir about a Sudanese refugee living in the States. Excellent.) Raffi and I had a picnic lunch on his break at the Globe. I got to wear a Visitor name tag and had a great tour of the Globe, its green room, the offices... It's a really cool theatre and must be an incredibly nice place to work. In the afternoon, I went to the Tate Museum. I liked its content better than the Pompidou and the way it's arranged is really accessible. My fave London museum to date. Also a bonus that it's free! In the evening, Raffi and I went to a local pub for beer. We were joined later by one of the fellows from Australia - a really nice guy.
Actually, I met everyone in the fellowship and a few of the people who work there and they are all really nice. There are nine in his program who have been invited from all areas - one from South Africa, two from Australia, two from New Zealand, two from the States and two from Canada. The Canadians were sent from Soulpepper and both were pleased to know I'm friends with Murph! Shout out SoulPeppz!
On Tuesday, I met Doctor at his train station in the morning. It was great to see him and spend a day together in London - the first time! We walked down Baker Street and Oxford Street doing some window shopping in the fancy and less fancy stores. Then we went to a park and ate a micmic and lay in the sun for awhile. Eventually, we continued wandering and ended up near the Globe where we sat on a patio and enjoyed a couple of pints as the sun set behind the buildings. As always, the day went by far too quickly... We talked about our friends back home, life in Europe, and tentative plans for the future. I was glad I'll be seeing him in two weeks, otherwise one day would have been too short! At 7pm, we met Raffi and the three of us went out for a really nice Indian dinner in the neighbourhood. It was fun and delicious. Raff and I said goodbye to Doctor and then went on a long walk. We saw the London Eye (and also saw that we couldn't afford a ride...) and crossed the bridge to see the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. I must have walked 10kms that day and was utterly exhausted by the time it was over!
So yesterday I slept most of the morning, had a micmic lunch with Raffiki, and read a whole book. Doctor lent me one called Less Than Zero, which is by the American Psycho guy, and I spent the afternoon at the river reading. It was a good book. A bit depressing, but impossible to put down. At 7pm, I caught the train back to Paris. Pulling in, I put my sweater on, but quickly realized it was hotter at midnight here than it has been at any peak daytime. We're in a heat wave and it is sizzling hot!
This afternoon, I'm going to a carnival with Gel and Taylor and then I work tonight. Soon I'll be very busy as I've taken another job for these last couple of weeks at Rose Bakery as a waitress! Should be fun, and an extra bit of cash before I have no more money rolling in starting September. Rose Bakery work should start on Saturday.
I hope you're all doing well! I'm thinking of home a lot these days as the entire Hincks family is together in Toronto.
Much love,
Hincks.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Chapter 112: Nachos
nerd blog post #121
I work with an Argentine valley girl who is always full of questions. The other day she asked me what I think is the best thing about life. This may seem like a crazy, unanswerable question that is to vague to even deserve a response. But as someone who loves asking questions, I always answer them. And my answer is easy. Community. People are the most important thing to me, and if I'm not surrounded by them, I'm not happy. Her answer was nachos and she admitted she hadn't put a lot of thought into it. I think nachos are one of the best things, but for me, sharing a plate of nachos will always taste better than devouring one alone. So I stuck to my answer.
There is a point. And the point is that the early part of the week was pretty lonely without my clowns and with only a couple of friends in the city (who have their own lives and aren't always free when I want to hang). Paris is a beautiful city and I will always enjoy it, but roaming around alone just isn't the same...
Luckily, on Wednesday, everything turned around. I have had the best half week and I am so glad things are looking way up. It started with a surprise visit from Marni on Wednesday. Marni is a good friend from Queen's who I did a lot of acting with and she is part of the sketch comedy group I was in before I left. She arrived in the morning and we spent the whole day together, talking and walking around. We had a pint on the patio of my pub in the afternoon, made dinner together, went to the wine bar and had a sleepy ovary. I was so glad for the company and it was nice to catch up. I have always really loved Marni, but we weren't in close touch this year, so it was awesome to have her for one on one time for so many hours.
The next evening, I had plans with Gel. She invited me over for some wine and her French roomie, Vincent, joined us. Gel's French is still weak, but she's taking courses and trying to learn. Because of this, the conversation was very mixed in the two languages, with Gel speaking English, Vincent speaking English to her, Vincent and I speaking French to each other and a lot of translations going on throughout. I really like that kind of scene. I like translating and switching back and forth between languages. It means I don't miss out on the convo! We headed out to the wine bar eventually and ate one of their delicious cheese platters. They live only a ten minute walk away so it's easy to get home, even if the metro's closed. Though I prefer not to walk alone at night (obv), this neighbourhood is a safe and lively one, and I like that there are always a lot of people out and about.
I woke up with a fat bottom lip. It was more than twice the size and made my upper lip entirely invisible in comparison. I must have been bitten in the night. I looked crazy, but after icing it with frozen spinach (the only thing I could find), it eventually went down. It was weirdo, though.
Yesterday afternoon, Gel and I met in the early afternoon and headed down to Paris Plages. This is a long section of road next to the Seine that the city converts into beaches every Summer. There are many genres of "beach" including the wooden "beach" and the grass "beach." There is also some sand, lots of mist sprays, a work-out centre, children's play areas and much more. It's always packed with tourists and locals and a fun place to hang. After that, I took her to the Canadian bookstore and introduced her to Brian. We each bought a book and will switch when we've finished.
I also bought a German dictionary. Steve is coming back to Europe this fall and we'll be living in Berlin for the month of November. I have started looking into apartments and contacting the people I know there for advice. We'll be there for the 20th anniversary of the fall of the wall, which I'm sure will be a cool experience. I am looking forward to practicing my German and letting people know that I do, in fact, have freckles.
I worked last night and when I arrived, I was scheduled to close. This was a change from before, and I figured they probably wanted to train me on closing duties. This is very nice, but I'm leaving in just under three weeks, so I thought it was time to put in my notice so they didn't train me unnecessarily. I hate confrontation. Things like quitting make me very nervous and I usually delay until the last minute. But the owner walked in and it was the perfect time. I explained my VISA situation and told him I'd only be here until the end of the month. He said he was disappointed, but understood. They were looking to make me a senior staff with both opening and closing responsibilities and five to six shifts a week starting in September. Sorries, but I have Gemma and some horsies awaiting me and must go! Still, I was trained for closing so I can have the extra hours for the rest of the month. It went well and I'm glad that's out of the way.
The shift was great. I was working with Taylor and her and I are becoming better friends. We worked until 4am and then some girls we had met that night wanted to go out. So we did. I was pretty tired, but happy for a party, so stayed out until one of the first metros of the morning and got home as the sun was rising out of my window. It felt more like Toronto/Kingston times than ever. I loved it.
I have plans to meet Taylor this afternoon for a walk in the sun. I bought a watermelon to share. I work tonight again with both Gel and Taylor, which will be fun.
I found cheap tickets the other day to London and leave in the morning for three nights. It will be good to see Raffi and what he's up to there. And Doctor will make a day trip to London to hang! I'm very excited to see those boys.
But thankfully, I'll also be happy to come back. I feel as though I finally have my own group of friends here who want to hang out and enjoy the city. It will make leaving at the end of the month a little sad, but that's always the best way to leave a place. I wish I could renew my VISA and stay at the pub, but I know deep down that that's not the way I want to chart my path right now, and that I need to continue into the arms of Gemma and her stallions.
I hope you all have a good week-end!
Much love,
Hincks.
I work with an Argentine valley girl who is always full of questions. The other day she asked me what I think is the best thing about life. This may seem like a crazy, unanswerable question that is to vague to even deserve a response. But as someone who loves asking questions, I always answer them. And my answer is easy. Community. People are the most important thing to me, and if I'm not surrounded by them, I'm not happy. Her answer was nachos and she admitted she hadn't put a lot of thought into it. I think nachos are one of the best things, but for me, sharing a plate of nachos will always taste better than devouring one alone. So I stuck to my answer.
There is a point. And the point is that the early part of the week was pretty lonely without my clowns and with only a couple of friends in the city (who have their own lives and aren't always free when I want to hang). Paris is a beautiful city and I will always enjoy it, but roaming around alone just isn't the same...
Luckily, on Wednesday, everything turned around. I have had the best half week and I am so glad things are looking way up. It started with a surprise visit from Marni on Wednesday. Marni is a good friend from Queen's who I did a lot of acting with and she is part of the sketch comedy group I was in before I left. She arrived in the morning and we spent the whole day together, talking and walking around. We had a pint on the patio of my pub in the afternoon, made dinner together, went to the wine bar and had a sleepy ovary. I was so glad for the company and it was nice to catch up. I have always really loved Marni, but we weren't in close touch this year, so it was awesome to have her for one on one time for so many hours.
The next evening, I had plans with Gel. She invited me over for some wine and her French roomie, Vincent, joined us. Gel's French is still weak, but she's taking courses and trying to learn. Because of this, the conversation was very mixed in the two languages, with Gel speaking English, Vincent speaking English to her, Vincent and I speaking French to each other and a lot of translations going on throughout. I really like that kind of scene. I like translating and switching back and forth between languages. It means I don't miss out on the convo! We headed out to the wine bar eventually and ate one of their delicious cheese platters. They live only a ten minute walk away so it's easy to get home, even if the metro's closed. Though I prefer not to walk alone at night (obv), this neighbourhood is a safe and lively one, and I like that there are always a lot of people out and about.
I woke up with a fat bottom lip. It was more than twice the size and made my upper lip entirely invisible in comparison. I must have been bitten in the night. I looked crazy, but after icing it with frozen spinach (the only thing I could find), it eventually went down. It was weirdo, though.
Yesterday afternoon, Gel and I met in the early afternoon and headed down to Paris Plages. This is a long section of road next to the Seine that the city converts into beaches every Summer. There are many genres of "beach" including the wooden "beach" and the grass "beach." There is also some sand, lots of mist sprays, a work-out centre, children's play areas and much more. It's always packed with tourists and locals and a fun place to hang. After that, I took her to the Canadian bookstore and introduced her to Brian. We each bought a book and will switch when we've finished.
I also bought a German dictionary. Steve is coming back to Europe this fall and we'll be living in Berlin for the month of November. I have started looking into apartments and contacting the people I know there for advice. We'll be there for the 20th anniversary of the fall of the wall, which I'm sure will be a cool experience. I am looking forward to practicing my German and letting people know that I do, in fact, have freckles.
I worked last night and when I arrived, I was scheduled to close. This was a change from before, and I figured they probably wanted to train me on closing duties. This is very nice, but I'm leaving in just under three weeks, so I thought it was time to put in my notice so they didn't train me unnecessarily. I hate confrontation. Things like quitting make me very nervous and I usually delay until the last minute. But the owner walked in and it was the perfect time. I explained my VISA situation and told him I'd only be here until the end of the month. He said he was disappointed, but understood. They were looking to make me a senior staff with both opening and closing responsibilities and five to six shifts a week starting in September. Sorries, but I have Gemma and some horsies awaiting me and must go! Still, I was trained for closing so I can have the extra hours for the rest of the month. It went well and I'm glad that's out of the way.
The shift was great. I was working with Taylor and her and I are becoming better friends. We worked until 4am and then some girls we had met that night wanted to go out. So we did. I was pretty tired, but happy for a party, so stayed out until one of the first metros of the morning and got home as the sun was rising out of my window. It felt more like Toronto/Kingston times than ever. I loved it.
I have plans to meet Taylor this afternoon for a walk in the sun. I bought a watermelon to share. I work tonight again with both Gel and Taylor, which will be fun.
I found cheap tickets the other day to London and leave in the morning for three nights. It will be good to see Raffi and what he's up to there. And Doctor will make a day trip to London to hang! I'm very excited to see those boys.
But thankfully, I'll also be happy to come back. I feel as though I finally have my own group of friends here who want to hang out and enjoy the city. It will make leaving at the end of the month a little sad, but that's always the best way to leave a place. I wish I could renew my VISA and stay at the pub, but I know deep down that that's not the way I want to chart my path right now, and that I need to continue into the arms of Gemma and her stallions.
I hope you all have a good week-end!
Much love,
Hincks.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Chapter 111: Some Half Boot
nerd blog post #127
This week has been very different than most, and is actually reminding me a lot of my first days in Rennes. Raffi left on Sunday morning for London. It was a sad goodbye at the Gare du Nord station. Funny though, that it was at that same station we met back in October, the week-end before clown school started.
That same day, I said goodbye to Viktor, who left for Canada yesterday morning. We went for a pint near his place and talked about the year. I think we were both feeling a little nostalgic. I will miss Viktor and all the clowns this coming year and a big part of me wishes I could stay and hang with them. Buuuuut I am not a clown! And horsies are waiting for me.
And so, without Raffi and Viktor in town, and the other clowns all away as well, I am left with only the new friends from the bar. I have been trying to hang with them as much as possible, though it's tough because we all work and people have their own lives.
Gel and I played ping pong the other day with her French roommate and his friend. Doubles. It was fun! I adore ping pong and it's one thing that I would like at my house when I have one. As well as a pool. We played at the Luxembourg Gardens. It was cool being there not as a tourist, but as someone who lives in this city and uses it practically.
Last night I went to the pub and had a pint. I sat at the bar like a regular would and talked to the girls who were working. Taylor (the owner's gf and a waitress as well) came down for a little visit and we chatted. It was nice.
Hearing of Gel and my ping pong adventures, a girl named Eleni (from England) asked me if I wanted to play with her sometime. Yes, Eleni, yes I would. And so it came to be that I have organized a ping pong tournie for Wednesday afternoon in the Luxembourg Gardens for anyone from the pub who wants to come to the park with wine and their A-Game. I hope peeps show up. I own my own paddles (thanks, Mom!) and am ready for a competitive afternoon.
Every day when I walk from the metro to my house, I pass a very fancy cafe restaurant called Le Dome. Le Dome has fancy patio chairs, fancy mist-spray for hot days, fancy customers and fancy treats that come with anything that's ordered. I have gazed longingly at this cafe restaurant for over a month and yesterday, decided to go and have a cafe alongside the rich peeps. It was, without the doubt, the most expensive cafe I have purchased in my life, and it will be the last time I chill at Le Dome. But it was worth it to be on the other side of the sidewalk, in perfect position for the mist-spray, eating my cookie and looking at the poorer folk looking at me and wishing they, too, could enjoy a cafe at Le Dome. (They can!! But just once...)
Though trying to enjoy every day I have left in France, I am also making practical arrangements for the next part of my life, which is creeping up quickly: England and Horsey Camp. Corresponding with the HC lady, Gemma, has been a hilarious de-coding mission as her broken English (I do appreciate it, though, as I speak no Portuguese) is very confusing. There have been a few e-mails back and forth, but this was my favourite: I write her to ask if there's anything in particular I should bring (besides the obvious) so I can make those arrangements beforehand. This is the reply:
Hi Emily,
OK. Some half boot for work fysical and mental. OK?
best times,
Gemma
Now, I am also a second-language learner and I make mistakes in French all of the time. And I give full credit to anyone who learns a new language because it isn't easy. But dear Gemma, what are half boot?? How can I write you back and ask you to explain what that means? Should I just buy what could be half boot and hope for the best? And how could half boot help me with mental work? The language issue, though, is something I am actually kind of happy about. I hope to learn some Portuguese, and if Gemma had perfect English, that might not happen.
Nothing else to report, really. Life is good and full of surprises.
Before signing off, I would like to publicly congratulate my little brother on riding his tricycle from Toronto to San Fransisco. His bike-gear tan lines are probably to die for. But seriously, good job, Ion. And to big brother Adam, who defended his PhD thesis yesterday. Also congratulations. None of us thought you could do it. So way to go! I am quite sure that both of my brothers will, once again, upstage me in the Christmas newsletter. Tragic.
Much love to you all!
Signing off,
Hincks.
This week has been very different than most, and is actually reminding me a lot of my first days in Rennes. Raffi left on Sunday morning for London. It was a sad goodbye at the Gare du Nord station. Funny though, that it was at that same station we met back in October, the week-end before clown school started.
That same day, I said goodbye to Viktor, who left for Canada yesterday morning. We went for a pint near his place and talked about the year. I think we were both feeling a little nostalgic. I will miss Viktor and all the clowns this coming year and a big part of me wishes I could stay and hang with them. Buuuuut I am not a clown! And horsies are waiting for me.
And so, without Raffi and Viktor in town, and the other clowns all away as well, I am left with only the new friends from the bar. I have been trying to hang with them as much as possible, though it's tough because we all work and people have their own lives.
Gel and I played ping pong the other day with her French roommate and his friend. Doubles. It was fun! I adore ping pong and it's one thing that I would like at my house when I have one. As well as a pool. We played at the Luxembourg Gardens. It was cool being there not as a tourist, but as someone who lives in this city and uses it practically.
Last night I went to the pub and had a pint. I sat at the bar like a regular would and talked to the girls who were working. Taylor (the owner's gf and a waitress as well) came down for a little visit and we chatted. It was nice.
Hearing of Gel and my ping pong adventures, a girl named Eleni (from England) asked me if I wanted to play with her sometime. Yes, Eleni, yes I would. And so it came to be that I have organized a ping pong tournie for Wednesday afternoon in the Luxembourg Gardens for anyone from the pub who wants to come to the park with wine and their A-Game. I hope peeps show up. I own my own paddles (thanks, Mom!) and am ready for a competitive afternoon.
Every day when I walk from the metro to my house, I pass a very fancy cafe restaurant called Le Dome. Le Dome has fancy patio chairs, fancy mist-spray for hot days, fancy customers and fancy treats that come with anything that's ordered. I have gazed longingly at this cafe restaurant for over a month and yesterday, decided to go and have a cafe alongside the rich peeps. It was, without the doubt, the most expensive cafe I have purchased in my life, and it will be the last time I chill at Le Dome. But it was worth it to be on the other side of the sidewalk, in perfect position for the mist-spray, eating my cookie and looking at the poorer folk looking at me and wishing they, too, could enjoy a cafe at Le Dome. (They can!! But just once...)
Though trying to enjoy every day I have left in France, I am also making practical arrangements for the next part of my life, which is creeping up quickly: England and Horsey Camp. Corresponding with the HC lady, Gemma, has been a hilarious de-coding mission as her broken English (I do appreciate it, though, as I speak no Portuguese) is very confusing. There have been a few e-mails back and forth, but this was my favourite: I write her to ask if there's anything in particular I should bring (besides the obvious) so I can make those arrangements beforehand. This is the reply:
Hi Emily,
OK. Some half boot for work fysical and mental. OK?
best times,
Gemma
Now, I am also a second-language learner and I make mistakes in French all of the time. And I give full credit to anyone who learns a new language because it isn't easy. But dear Gemma, what are half boot?? How can I write you back and ask you to explain what that means? Should I just buy what could be half boot and hope for the best? And how could half boot help me with mental work? The language issue, though, is something I am actually kind of happy about. I hope to learn some Portuguese, and if Gemma had perfect English, that might not happen.
Nothing else to report, really. Life is good and full of surprises.
Before signing off, I would like to publicly congratulate my little brother on riding his tricycle from Toronto to San Fransisco. His bike-gear tan lines are probably to die for. But seriously, good job, Ion. And to big brother Adam, who defended his PhD thesis yesterday. Also congratulations. None of us thought you could do it. So way to go! I am quite sure that both of my brothers will, once again, upstage me in the Christmas newsletter. Tragic.
Much love to you all!
Signing off,
Hincks.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Chapter 110: Doctor Makes a House Call
nerd blog post #120
I picked Doctor up from his airport shuttle stop last Friday. Even though it had only been a couple of weeks, it always feels too long since I've seen him and his visit was incredibly welcomed. He stayed for four nights and it was a great time!
On the first night, we had a feast with Raffi and then went to meet Viktor and Clown Michele. Michele is from Milan and if you remember our Christmas Eve dindins, it was at his house. So Doctor met the man whose house he spent Christmas 2008 at and the five of us had a great night at a bar and then sipping wine on the streets of the Marais neighbourhood. A highlight (for me, though not everyone was amused) was when a neighbour poured water from the window of their apartment. I guess we were being too noisy. It was a very direct way of dealing with things, something I've grown to appreciate the French for -- no beating around the bush.
The next day, I was supposed to work but when I got there, it was too slow and they sent me home. This ended up being great as I was able to spend the afternoon with Doctor. We didn't do too much, just chatted and made a piri-piri chicken dinner. That night, we met Viktor once again and went to his house and played games. Very fun.
Sunday we went to the world's biggest flea market, which is located at the North end of the city, at the end of the metro line. I had wanted to go there since I arrived, and was glad I did. It was huge, and we only saw a small part of it. Bargainers, stalls, antiques... It had it all. What's more, it didn't feel like Paris or even France. Doctor and I were the minority and often felt like a couple from a yacht club. Experiences like that are eye-opening to the diversity of major cities, and especially of Paris where large amounts of newcomers to France live in the suburbs. We didn't buy anything, but did enjoy a little picnic at an indoor fountain.
Gel showed me a wine bar near our place that sells glasses of wine for 2 Euros. It has become a favourite joint and we ended up there two nights in a row. We also saw Pere Lachaise cemetary (something Doctor had missed his last time here) and had a big picnic dinner with Raff and Viktor at my favourite park in Paris. It's one of the few that you're actually allowed to sit on the grass and it has a great view of the city. We arrived there at 6pm and stayed until it was dark and the park was closing up for the night.
I was, as always, sad to see Doctor go, but will be seeing him again in a few weeks in England. Since his departure, I've been enjoying the city, working at the pub, and spending time with Raffi before he goes to London tomorrow. Yesterday, we finally went to the Picasso museum, something we have been meaning to do for months. It's a beautiful museum that isn't too big but houses some of Picasso's best work. I like his work, especially seeing how he changed as an artist over the years. And most of the work in this museum was from his time spent in France, so it was neat to see where it was painted. There was a big group of paintings done in Dinard, which is a coastal town in Brittany I visited a couple of times when I lived there.
This afternoon, I'm meeting a friend from Queen's for coffee. Carolyn Roche is a Drama 07 grad as well, and is in Paris for a few days. I'll also see her tonight as a group of peeps are celebrating Raffi's last night at the pub (I'm working). Viktor leaves town on Monday, so I'm sure he and I will hang out tomorrow night.
And then I have just the new friends I've made since working at the pub! I am actually getting kind of excited to live in the city without the clowns, something I haven't done since arriving in France. I am optimistic that August will be busy, social, and productive.
Hope you are all well!
Love,
Hincks.
I picked Doctor up from his airport shuttle stop last Friday. Even though it had only been a couple of weeks, it always feels too long since I've seen him and his visit was incredibly welcomed. He stayed for four nights and it was a great time!
On the first night, we had a feast with Raffi and then went to meet Viktor and Clown Michele. Michele is from Milan and if you remember our Christmas Eve dindins, it was at his house. So Doctor met the man whose house he spent Christmas 2008 at and the five of us had a great night at a bar and then sipping wine on the streets of the Marais neighbourhood. A highlight (for me, though not everyone was amused) was when a neighbour poured water from the window of their apartment. I guess we were being too noisy. It was a very direct way of dealing with things, something I've grown to appreciate the French for -- no beating around the bush.
The next day, I was supposed to work but when I got there, it was too slow and they sent me home. This ended up being great as I was able to spend the afternoon with Doctor. We didn't do too much, just chatted and made a piri-piri chicken dinner. That night, we met Viktor once again and went to his house and played games. Very fun.
Sunday we went to the world's biggest flea market, which is located at the North end of the city, at the end of the metro line. I had wanted to go there since I arrived, and was glad I did. It was huge, and we only saw a small part of it. Bargainers, stalls, antiques... It had it all. What's more, it didn't feel like Paris or even France. Doctor and I were the minority and often felt like a couple from a yacht club. Experiences like that are eye-opening to the diversity of major cities, and especially of Paris where large amounts of newcomers to France live in the suburbs. We didn't buy anything, but did enjoy a little picnic at an indoor fountain.
Gel showed me a wine bar near our place that sells glasses of wine for 2 Euros. It has become a favourite joint and we ended up there two nights in a row. We also saw Pere Lachaise cemetary (something Doctor had missed his last time here) and had a big picnic dinner with Raff and Viktor at my favourite park in Paris. It's one of the few that you're actually allowed to sit on the grass and it has a great view of the city. We arrived there at 6pm and stayed until it was dark and the park was closing up for the night.
I was, as always, sad to see Doctor go, but will be seeing him again in a few weeks in England. Since his departure, I've been enjoying the city, working at the pub, and spending time with Raffi before he goes to London tomorrow. Yesterday, we finally went to the Picasso museum, something we have been meaning to do for months. It's a beautiful museum that isn't too big but houses some of Picasso's best work. I like his work, especially seeing how he changed as an artist over the years. And most of the work in this museum was from his time spent in France, so it was neat to see where it was painted. There was a big group of paintings done in Dinard, which is a coastal town in Brittany I visited a couple of times when I lived there.
This afternoon, I'm meeting a friend from Queen's for coffee. Carolyn Roche is a Drama 07 grad as well, and is in Paris for a few days. I'll also see her tonight as a group of peeps are celebrating Raffi's last night at the pub (I'm working). Viktor leaves town on Monday, so I'm sure he and I will hang out tomorrow night.
And then I have just the new friends I've made since working at the pub! I am actually getting kind of excited to live in the city without the clowns, something I haven't done since arriving in France. I am optimistic that August will be busy, social, and productive.
Hope you are all well!
Love,
Hincks.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)