So the new year is quickly approaching (only an hour for my friends back in France) and it made me think about what kind of resolution I want to have this year. Usually I think resolutions are total hooey, but my current situation seems begging for one so here goes:
I could go with eating healthier. The Food Network (god I miss that channel) is doing Healthy Eats Week, but let's face it, there's a reason that special is a week. That gets looped in with working out more often. I could, but after walking to school and back from school and to the store and carrying it all home, I think that's a workout in and of itself every week. Then there's the perennial losing weight. But looking back to that immense amount of walking, the backpacking trips I have planned, and the lack of money with which to buy food due to those trips, I think that, for once, such a resolution would be redundant. Some people make resolutions about their love lives. But I'm happier than I've ever been with a wonderful man who's coming to visit me in France soon, so I don't need any help in that department. According to us.gov (and yes, I hate myself for going to that website, but it came up on the Google search, so shoot me) paying off debt is a popular new year's resolution, but seeing as I already have the student loans set up to automatically deduct from my account (I wonder if my tear ducts will automatically well up when that happens each month) I think I'm set there too. The us.gov website also says that quitting smoking is a good one. I don't smoke and France is putting into effect a no smoking ban on most public areas in approximately 46 minutes, so that's a moot point too! Though, I suppose that's a harsh resolution for many a puffing Frenchmen.
So what does that leave for me? I suppose that through the next 6 months of life in France, then finding a new job, an apartment, maybe a car, new friends... I really need a good attitude. And I know mine hasn't been the best as of late. My current job and living situation tend to get me down, so my New Year's resolution is to think of one good thing each day and write it down... 3M Post-It Notes here I come. At the end of each day I'm going to write down one good thing. One positive thought and put it up as "decoration" in my apartment. That way I'll always be surrounded by good things and when I'm feeling down I can just look around me and remember all the good things that have happened so far in 2008.
So Happy New Year and Bonne Annee wherever you are and with whomever you choose! Here's to a great 2008!
(PS - Leave your resolutions as comment below!!)
31.12.07
24.12.07
Home for Christmas
After almost missing my plane out of Paris (of course the train had to be 30 minutes late and the bus another 45 minutes late...) and a 4 hour delay in Philadelphia... apparently the snow and wind storm in Cleveland made it hard to land... I am finally home!!!
Joyeux Noel a tous! Merry Christmas to everyone!!!
Joyeux Noel a tous! Merry Christmas to everyone!!!
20.12.07
My teaching skills
So I taught some Christmas carols to my classes. Am I a decent teacher you think?
My CM1 (4th grade) Class - Pen Pals with Mrs. Bair's class.
My CM2 Class (5th grade) - Pen Pals with Mrs. Wilson's class.
My CM1 (4th grade) Class - Pen Pals with Mrs. Bair's class.
My CM2 Class (5th grade) - Pen Pals with Mrs. Wilson's class.
18.12.07
Merci
A huge thanks to Mrs Neidig and her French classes for writing to some of my students. Here's some pictures of the kids with their cards. They were thrilled to receive them and couldn't wait to take them home to show their families. Great Christmas present. Joyeux Noel a tous!
16.12.07
The Weekend
It's been a rather interesting weekend all in all. Mostly good, but let's just say the neighbors I could do without.
Thursday night I went to the theater here in town.
I had tickets to see something called Picasso et la danse. It was a tribute to Pablo Picasso's influence in the dance world. I'd never realized how much he was involved in dance. The first three numbers were mostly ballet/modern. Then intermission. I got up to stretch and heard my name. I looked down the stairwell and three of my students had seen me. They came bounding up the stairs to see me and say hello. It was nice to be wanted, but they also looked surprised to see me. I'd forgotten how it it felt to be little and think that your teachers had no life outside of school. After intermission was an hour-long performance by students from the Royal Madrid Flamenco Academy. It was amazing! And it made me even more determined to visit Spain. So I've planned a trip and found a travel buddy for mid-February.
Friday I stayed in and relaxed. Did some reading and stirred up some cookie dough.
Saturday Danielle and I headed out on the town to see the Christmas festivities.
Then I came back to my place and spruced it up. Then I baked all of those cookies and had some of the girls over for a little Christmas celebration. 10 days until Christmas and it was a really good time!
One last week of classes (thank God) and I'll be on a plane a week from today. I can't wait to get home... and I hear there's quite a bit of snow waiting for me. :)
"I'll be home for Christmas. You can count on me. Please have snow and mistletoe and presents on the tree..."
Thursday night I went to the theater here in town.
I had tickets to see something called Picasso et la danse. It was a tribute to Pablo Picasso's influence in the dance world. I'd never realized how much he was involved in dance. The first three numbers were mostly ballet/modern. Then intermission. I got up to stretch and heard my name. I looked down the stairwell and three of my students had seen me. They came bounding up the stairs to see me and say hello. It was nice to be wanted, but they also looked surprised to see me. I'd forgotten how it it felt to be little and think that your teachers had no life outside of school. After intermission was an hour-long performance by students from the Royal Madrid Flamenco Academy. It was amazing! And it made me even more determined to visit Spain. So I've planned a trip and found a travel buddy for mid-February.Friday I stayed in and relaxed. Did some reading and stirred up some cookie dough.
Saturday Danielle and I headed out on the town to see the Christmas festivities.
Then I came back to my place and spruced it up. Then I baked all of those cookies and had some of the girls over for a little Christmas celebration. 10 days until Christmas and it was a really good time!
One last week of classes (thank God) and I'll be on a plane a week from today. I can't wait to get home... and I hear there's quite a bit of snow waiting for me. :)"I'll be home for Christmas. You can count on me. Please have snow and mistletoe and presents on the tree..."
12.12.07
Finally!
I finally received my Carte de Sejour! That's the little piece of laminated paper that lets me stay in, leave, and come back to France with no problems. So after about 7 different kinds of paperwork, a medical appointment, three follow-up visits, and 10 weeks I finally have it.
That little piece of paper also allows me to sign up for the CAF. That' s essentially housing welfare, so I should start to get a check reimbursing me for part of my rent bill. Since the French government can't be bothered to pay me a decent wage, they reimburse well.
I also have my work permit. Isn't that nice? I got that about a week ago. Maybe I should have refused to work until I had it.
Other than that, teaching really sucks. Well... at least 3 of the 8 classes are horrible. So horrible that it barely makes the rest of it worth it. But just 10 more days and I get to come home for two weeks. I'm definitely looking forward to that. And if everyone at home could do some snow dances, I would really appreciate it. I need some happy weather.
Have a great end of the week!
That little piece of paper also allows me to sign up for the CAF. That' s essentially housing welfare, so I should start to get a check reimbursing me for part of my rent bill. Since the French government can't be bothered to pay me a decent wage, they reimburse well.
I also have my work permit. Isn't that nice? I got that about a week ago. Maybe I should have refused to work until I had it.
Other than that, teaching really sucks. Well... at least 3 of the 8 classes are horrible. So horrible that it barely makes the rest of it worth it. But just 10 more days and I get to come home for two weeks. I'm definitely looking forward to that. And if everyone at home could do some snow dances, I would really appreciate it. I need some happy weather.
Have a great end of the week!
8.12.07
"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere you go..."
Even though the weather here is still grey, dreary and wet, I'm finally starting to get in the Christmas spirit. And that is due, in large part, to the Strasbourg Christmas market. Danielle and I both have Fridays off and decided to head up to check out the holiday festivities and it was certainly something! During the day it's just a crowded, outdoor trinket mall but just wait until the lights come on at night!! But I'm getting ahead of myself...
After an early and interesting train ride we arrived in Strasbourg, which is a fairly large city on the border with Germany. Street signs are all written in German and French, signs are in both languages and everything involving the Christmas Market was in both, as well as English. We had read about the Astronomical Clock in our tour guides before we left and decided it was something we definitely wanted to see. The cathedral in Strasbourg is famous for the clock. It was built in the 15th century but has been perfected throughout the centuries. It "plays" every fifteen minutes, but runs through a special performance at 12:30pm so we decided to see that one. The church actually has the audacity to close the entire cathedral and charge entrance for the performance but we got suckered in. It was actually really cool! Here's what the clock looks like.
The clock does about a million different things all at once when it rings, but Death there rings his bell in response to the angel's bell (see below). But at 12:30pm Death rings his bell and then an old man rings his. After that the 12 apostles walk in front of Jesus, turning to bow their heads to him as he lifts his hand in a gesture of peace. As this is happening a rooster flaps his wings and lets out a terrifying "cock-a-doodle-doo". The entire performance takes about 5 minutes. I have a video of it, if you'd like it just let me know.
Here's the aforementioned angels. The one on the left rings its bell and the one on the right turns the sand timer to remind everyone that time is running out, and to use it wisely. It was actually really cool to see everything and if you're ever in Strasbourg the 12:30 performance is definitely worth the wait, and the crowd.
And to all the people who were behind me muttering under their breath in French: A) I speak your language well enough to know when I'm being talked about moron. B) It's not my fault I'm tall. Deal with it. C) Stop griping about how you "have no view". I offered to let you go in front of me and it's a 40 foot tall clock, if you really can't see any of it I'd say that's a problem with your eyes, not my height.
Outside we explored more of the town. Every free space, alley, square and shop is totally outfitted for Christmas. Here's a mailbox that goes straight to Santa!! And if you drop a letter in before December 24th he'll even write back to you!
Like I said, the markets aren't really all that exciting in the day, but Danielle and I did our fair share of shopping and then decided to take a boat cruise around the city. Strasbourg's main city is surrounded by a river, so there are plenty of boat companies willing to show you around. This particular one even gave us a pastry that is traditional of the Alsace region, where Strasbourg is located. Danielle thought it was pretty good.
Even the boat was decorated for Christmas! On the boat tour we got to see some of the European Union buildings, specifically the one dedicated to human rights. Really neat architecture.
By the time the cruise was done it was dark out and the city seemed totally different. Now every street was lit. I think it may have been brighter at night than it was during the entire dreary daytime.
Strasbourg invites a country to be their "guest" every year and participate in the Christmas festivities. This year the honoree was Quebec. And yes, the pamphlet did describe Quebec as a country. Innocent mis-translation or harsh political statement?
The markets looked even more enticing when they were lit.
And finally the Sapin de Noel! The Christmas tree! This one was huge and beautifully lit. The decorations on the tree were partly inspired by Quebec, but the red ones had pictures of children from around the world on them. And this square was still selling things, but for different charities and there were places to leave things for charity gift-giving, like Toys for Tots or something. It was a neat "Village of Sharing" as the pamphlet described it.
Overall we had a great day and got a load of Christmas shopping done! One day was the perfect amount of time to spend and it got both of us in the Christmas spirit. Hope everyone at home is feeling Christmas-y. Though I'd imagine it's easier with snow...
"I'm dreaming of a white Christmas. Just like the ones I used to know..."
Even though the weather here is still grey, dreary and wet, I'm finally starting to get in the Christmas spirit. And that is due, in large part, to the Strasbourg Christmas market. Danielle and I both have Fridays off and decided to head up to check out the holiday festivities and it was certainly something! During the day it's just a crowded, outdoor trinket mall but just wait until the lights come on at night!! But I'm getting ahead of myself...
After an early and interesting train ride we arrived in Strasbourg, which is a fairly large city on the border with Germany. Street signs are all written in German and French, signs are in both languages and everything involving the Christmas Market was in both, as well as English. We had read about the Astronomical Clock in our tour guides before we left and decided it was something we definitely wanted to see. The cathedral in Strasbourg is famous for the clock. It was built in the 15th century but has been perfected throughout the centuries. It "plays" every fifteen minutes, but runs through a special performance at 12:30pm so we decided to see that one. The church actually has the audacity to close the entire cathedral and charge entrance for the performance but we got suckered in. It was actually really cool! Here's what the clock looks like.
The clock does about a million different things all at once when it rings, but Death there rings his bell in response to the angel's bell (see below). But at 12:30pm Death rings his bell and then an old man rings his. After that the 12 apostles walk in front of Jesus, turning to bow their heads to him as he lifts his hand in a gesture of peace. As this is happening a rooster flaps his wings and lets out a terrifying "cock-a-doodle-doo". The entire performance takes about 5 minutes. I have a video of it, if you'd like it just let me know.
Here's the aforementioned angels. The one on the left rings its bell and the one on the right turns the sand timer to remind everyone that time is running out, and to use it wisely. It was actually really cool to see everything and if you're ever in Strasbourg the 12:30 performance is definitely worth the wait, and the crowd. And to all the people who were behind me muttering under their breath in French: A) I speak your language well enough to know when I'm being talked about moron. B) It's not my fault I'm tall. Deal with it. C) Stop griping about how you "have no view". I offered to let you go in front of me and it's a 40 foot tall clock, if you really can't see any of it I'd say that's a problem with your eyes, not my height.
Outside we explored more of the town. Every free space, alley, square and shop is totally outfitted for Christmas. Here's a mailbox that goes straight to Santa!! And if you drop a letter in before December 24th he'll even write back to you!
Like I said, the markets aren't really all that exciting in the day, but Danielle and I did our fair share of shopping and then decided to take a boat cruise around the city. Strasbourg's main city is surrounded by a river, so there are plenty of boat companies willing to show you around. This particular one even gave us a pastry that is traditional of the Alsace region, where Strasbourg is located. Danielle thought it was pretty good.
Even the boat was decorated for Christmas! On the boat tour we got to see some of the European Union buildings, specifically the one dedicated to human rights. Really neat architecture.
By the time the cruise was done it was dark out and the city seemed totally different. Now every street was lit. I think it may have been brighter at night than it was during the entire dreary daytime.
Strasbourg invites a country to be their "guest" every year and participate in the Christmas festivities. This year the honoree was Quebec. And yes, the pamphlet did describe Quebec as a country. Innocent mis-translation or harsh political statement?
The markets looked even more enticing when they were lit.
And finally the Sapin de Noel! The Christmas tree! This one was huge and beautifully lit. The decorations on the tree were partly inspired by Quebec, but the red ones had pictures of children from around the world on them. And this square was still selling things, but for different charities and there were places to leave things for charity gift-giving, like Toys for Tots or something. It was a neat "Village of Sharing" as the pamphlet described it.
Overall we had a great day and got a load of Christmas shopping done! One day was the perfect amount of time to spend and it got both of us in the Christmas spirit. Hope everyone at home is feeling Christmas-y. Though I'd imagine it's easier with snow..."I'm dreaming of a white Christmas. Just like the ones I used to know..."
5.12.07
Long Time, No Post
So I recently realized just how long it has been since I posted. This should clue you in as to the extent of excitement in my life right now. Last weekend I headed up to Paris with Danielle. We had just gotten paid and I felt like splurging a bit. Nothing really exciting, some shopping on the Rue de Rivoli, lunch at Angelina, up to (and back down from) Montmartre. Note to my readers: When you've screwed up your knee I do NOT recommend climbing and descending the Montmartre stairs. After that hellish experience childbirth might not actually be so bad. Then we took a walk down the Champs Elysee after dark to see the lights. Overall it was a very nice day.
Hot chocolate at Angelina. It's literally like a melted chocolate bar. You add whipped cream to make it less rich.
Danielle on the steps up to Sacre Coeur at Montmartre. 
The Champs Elysee at night. That's the Arc de Triomphe in the distance. We stood in the middle of the road for the picture.Other than that you can sum up my life at the moment by saying that I limp to and from classes attempting to keep my sanity with some of these classes, then I limp back home and sit on my butt doing a whole lot of nothing. The weather here has set into full winter mode. The sun peeks out occasionally, but just long enough to be a real tease. The wind alternates between mean and deadly (though not quite as bad as I hear you Ohioans have it right now), and in generally it's just a wet and ugly affair. I miss snow. Yes, that's right, Dana just said she misses snow. I also miss sunlight to I guess I need to either move closer to the equator or a lot further from it.
I am definitely looking forward to coming home for Christmas. In retrospect I think it may have been one of my best decisions to buy that flight. I know that coming back here is probably going to be one of the harder things I've ever done, but those two weeks of positive support from family and friends will mean the world to me. Here's a short list of what I'm looking forward to the most!
5) Speaking English. All day and all night. No more headaches because I don't understand what's going on!!
4) Real winter weather. Bring on the freezing cold and snowstorms Ohio!! I'll also take intense winter sunlight.
3) Living somewhere I can actually be warm and not worry about being harassed by sexual deviant gardeners or unemployed drug addicts.
2) Not having to deal with the French for two whole weeks. Not my landlord, not the idiots at the bank, not the kids at school, not the ever-striking transport workers.
1) Seeing Jared!!! And the rest of my family and friends of course. *wink*
27.11.07
Katie's Trip - Followup
So a few days after Katie has arrived back in the United States. This makes one very sad blonde left in France, but I suppose she had to go back for classes...
Despite the transportation "issues", a complete lack of sleep for an entire week, a Thanksgiving dinner sans pumpkin pie, and an entire week of rain I think she had a pretty good time. Thursday she came to classes with me and got to see a French school and the kids who learn there. The kids were pretty infatuated with her and even asked about her and when she was coming back. It was pretty cute. Then Friday we canceled our trip to the Loire Valley due to my medical appointment. To get my carte de sejour, which allows me to legally stay in France past December, I had to get a medical checkup, I suppose to make sure I'm not bringing bird flu into the country or that I won't die on them while I'm here. I passed with flying colors, then we came back to Chartres early and just hung out for the evening. It was a really nice ending to a really nice week.
The grey skies and rainy days have continued since, making winter in Chartres an incredibly depressing affair. Luckily Christmas starts up in town soon and that includes a Christmas market, a an "Elves' Village" in town, parades, concerts, lights and an "Enchanted Forest". I'm really excited about all of that.
Finally, here's a picture going out to my high school French teacher, Madame Neidig... a little birdy told me that it might be familiar...
Despite the transportation "issues", a complete lack of sleep for an entire week, a Thanksgiving dinner sans pumpkin pie, and an entire week of rain I think she had a pretty good time. Thursday she came to classes with me and got to see a French school and the kids who learn there. The kids were pretty infatuated with her and even asked about her and when she was coming back. It was pretty cute. Then Friday we canceled our trip to the Loire Valley due to my medical appointment. To get my carte de sejour, which allows me to legally stay in France past December, I had to get a medical checkup, I suppose to make sure I'm not bringing bird flu into the country or that I won't die on them while I'm here. I passed with flying colors, then we came back to Chartres early and just hung out for the evening. It was a really nice ending to a really nice week.
The grey skies and rainy days have continued since, making winter in Chartres an incredibly depressing affair. Luckily Christmas starts up in town soon and that includes a Christmas market, a an "Elves' Village" in town, parades, concerts, lights and an "Enchanted Forest". I'm really excited about all of that.
Finally, here's a picture going out to my high school French teacher, Madame Neidig... a little birdy told me that it might be familiar...
21.11.07
Thank you for your comprehension....
The curse still lives on. Due to the strike... is anyone else sick of that phrase?... we took an earlier train to Paris, then made it on time for one of the few trains going to Rennes. Luckily it was a high speed TGV train, so it was supposed to be a quick trip. However, over the course of the next three and a half hours these messages came over the train's loudspeaker:
"Ladies and gentlemen: Due to scheduling problems this train will be moving its departure time back 45 minutes. Thank you for your comprehension."
"Ladies and gentlemen: Due to problems with the high speed lines this train will now be taking common train tracks. Thank you for your comprehension."
"Ladies and gentlemen: Due to other train problems this train will now be stopping at 4 additional stops along the way. Thank you for your comprehension."
"Ladies and gentlemen: Due to sabotage to the rail signals last night, this train must wait 20 minutes before proceeding. Thank you for your comprehension."
I was really just waiting for the announcement that "Ladies and gentlemen: Due to lack of patience and a general laziness we've decided to cancel the train entirely. You're all on your own. Good luck... and thank you for your comprehension." Fortunately that one didn't come and in time we did arrive in Rennes and were able to catch a bus out to Mont St Michel.
Once there we followed Rick's guide around the abbey, got some amazing views of the bay, ate a fabulous lunch of omlettes and muscadet wine, walked in the bay at low tide, just before it started coming in, and then walked down the causeway for some great views of the whole island.
Mont St Michel is essentially a 1000+ year old abbey built on this rock for solitude and to be closer to God. Since 992 an order of Benedictine monks have secluded themselves here. In the Middle Ages it became an incredibly popular pilgrimage site, though the lack of a road across the bay at that point and quicksand made it quite hazardous. Over the centuries pilgrims have become tourists and now the island is a tourist trap, but the abbey still operates as such, though a new order of monks is in control. Overall a fabulous day.
Everyone have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving!!!
"Ladies and gentlemen: Due to scheduling problems this train will be moving its departure time back 45 minutes. Thank you for your comprehension."
"Ladies and gentlemen: Due to problems with the high speed lines this train will now be taking common train tracks. Thank you for your comprehension."
"Ladies and gentlemen: Due to other train problems this train will now be stopping at 4 additional stops along the way. Thank you for your comprehension."
"Ladies and gentlemen: Due to sabotage to the rail signals last night, this train must wait 20 minutes before proceeding. Thank you for your comprehension."
I was really just waiting for the announcement that "Ladies and gentlemen: Due to lack of patience and a general laziness we've decided to cancel the train entirely. You're all on your own. Good luck... and thank you for your comprehension." Fortunately that one didn't come and in time we did arrive in Rennes and were able to catch a bus out to Mont St Michel.
Once there we followed Rick's guide around the abbey, got some amazing views of the bay, ate a fabulous lunch of omlettes and muscadet wine, walked in the bay at low tide, just before it started coming in, and then walked down the causeway for some great views of the whole island.
Mont St Michel is essentially a 1000+ year old abbey built on this rock for solitude and to be closer to God. Since 992 an order of Benedictine monks have secluded themselves here. In the Middle Ages it became an incredibly popular pilgrimage site, though the lack of a road across the bay at that point and quicksand made it quite hazardous. Over the centuries pilgrims have become tourists and now the island is a tourist trap, but the abbey still operates as such, though a new order of monks is in control. Overall a fabulous day.
Everyone have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving!!!
Thank you for your comprehension....
The curse still lives on. Due to the strike... is anyone else sick of that phrase?... we took an earlier train to Paris, then made it on time for one of the few trains going to Rennes. Luckily it was a high speed TGV train, so it was supposed to be a quick trip. However, over the course of the next three and a half hours these messages came over the train's loudspeaker:
"Ladies and gentlemen: Due to scheduling problems this train will be moving its departure time back 45 minutes. Thank you for your comprehension."
"Ladies and gentlemen: Due to problems with the high speed lines this train will now be taking common train tracks. Thank you for your comprehension."
"Ladies and gentlemen: Due to other train problems this train will now be stopping at 4 additional stops along the way. Thank you for your comprehension."
"Ladies and gentlemen: Due to sabotage to the rail signals last night, this train must wait 20 minutes before proceeding. Thank you for your comprehension."
I was really just waiting for the announcement that "Ladies and gentlemen: Due to lack of patience and a general laziness we've decided to cancel the train entirely. You're all on your own. Good luck... and thank you for your comprehension." Fortunately that one didn't come and in time we did arrive in Rennes and were able to catch a bus out to Mont St Michel.
Once there we followed Rick's guide around the abbey, got some amazing views of the bay, ate a fabulous lunch of omlettes and muscadet wine, walked in the bay at low tide, just before it started coming in, and then walked down the causeway for some great views of the whole island.
Mont St Michel is essentially a 1000+ year old abbey built on this rock for solitude and to be closer to god. Since 992 an order of Benedictine monks secluded themselves here. In the Middle Ages it became an incredibly popular pilgrimage site, though the lack of a road across the bay at that point and quicksand made it quite hazardous. Over the centuries pilgrims have become tourists and now the abbey is a tourist trap, but the abbey still operates as such, though a new order of monks is in control. Overall a fabulous day.
Everyone have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving!!!
"Ladies and gentlemen: Due to scheduling problems this train will be moving its departure time back 45 minutes. Thank you for your comprehension."
"Ladies and gentlemen: Due to problems with the high speed lines this train will now be taking common train tracks. Thank you for your comprehension."
"Ladies and gentlemen: Due to other train problems this train will now be stopping at 4 additional stops along the way. Thank you for your comprehension."
"Ladies and gentlemen: Due to sabotage to the rail signals last night, this train must wait 20 minutes before proceeding. Thank you for your comprehension."
I was really just waiting for the announcement that "Ladies and gentlemen: Due to lack of patience and a general laziness we've decided to cancel the train entirely. You're all on your own. Good luck... and thank you for your comprehension." Fortunately that one didn't come and in time we did arrive in Rennes and were able to catch a bus out to Mont St Michel.
Once there we followed Rick's guide around the abbey, got some amazing views of the bay, ate a fabulous lunch of omlettes and muscadet wine, walked in the bay at low tide, just before it started coming in, and then walked down the causeway for some great views of the whole island.
Mont St Michel is essentially a 1000+ year old abbey built on this rock for solitude and to be closer to god. Since 992 an order of Benedictine monks secluded themselves here. In the Middle Ages it became an incredibly popular pilgrimage site, though the lack of a road across the bay at that point and quicksand made it quite hazardous. Over the centuries pilgrims have become tourists and now the abbey is a tourist trap, but the abbey still operates as such, though a new order of monks is in control. Overall a fabulous day.
Everyone have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving!!!
20.11.07
Getting In Touch With Parisians... Quite Literally
So today I taught my one and only class nice and early and then, due to the teacher's strike, headed out to sightsee with Katie some more. We started at Versailles Versailles 
After a leisurely lunch at a pizza place in town we found a train going into Paris so we could finally go up the Eiffel Tower France Eiffel Tower before the lights came on and got a few good photos, went up to the first level to enjoy the city as the lights came on and then realized that the next train back to Chartres
After a leisurely lunch at a pizza place in town we found a train going into 
Normally that's not an issue because there's a train every 30-45 minutes, but with the strike it was either 6:30pm or 8:00pm, which would get us back to
At this point I'd like to remind readers that between Saturday, Sunday and Monday we had already walked about 15 miles each and at least 500 stairs... But regardless of the fact that our muscles were already fatigued we decided to sprint for the train. Up one escalator. Up another... crap it's out of order. Gosh, I really wanted to sprint up two flights of stairs. At the top Katie gasps out "I... can't... do... this..." and I said "You... have... to...". It was a rather Amazing Race moment. We power-walked/ran to the train, threw ourselves inside the closing door and collapsed in laughter as the train pulled away.
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