Pictures from Baden-Baden

Picture #1: Trinkhalle
Picture #2: Neues Schloss
Picture #3: Festspielhaus
Picture #4: City Scape from the ramparts of Neues Schloss
Picture #5: Kurhaus Casino (part of it)
Picture #6: the garden area outside the baths (Caracalla is back on the left)
Picture #7: lunch on the first day, Kristen, me, and Jessica (Watro)
Picture #8: lunch again, Jessica (Wilson), Emily, Kate, and Amanda

My First Trip In Europe

It’s come to the point that I feel comfortable enough in Strasbourg that I’m ready to venture out. This past weekend, I traveled to Baden-Baden, Germany with six other students from the Syracuse program, and had a very good trip. We left Saturday morning, and returned early Sunday evening, costing only 17 Euro for round trip train tickets. :) Baden-Baden is known for its thermal baths, which is where we went as soon as we had checked into our hotel Saturday. We proceeded to spend a very relaxing 4 hours lounging around the various baths and pools of the Caracalla Baths, both inside and outside. (I was not adventurous enough to travel upstairs to the nude only area…) After the baths, we ate dinner at a cute German restaurant, and tried the casino and Beer Hall, two other Baden-Baden landmarks, but with no luck. The minimum age for the casino was 21, and the Beer Hall seemed to be closed, possibly only open for a private party as there were music and lights happening inside. Instead, we found a cute bar close to our hotel, and called it a night after that. Sunday morning, after a leisurely sleep and breakfast at our hotel, the seven us of just wandered around the city, hitting a few of the other main sights. Festspielhaus is the main concert venue (the Philharmonic, operas, ballets, etc) of Baden-Baden, and Neues Schlosse (New Castle) looked important as it was on the top of the tallest hill in the city, but I haven’t yet figured out its purpose. We wandered around the grounds of the castle some, but the castle itself was closed to the public. We ate lunch at another cute German restaurant, where our waiter seemed very pleased to serve 7 American girls. After a little desert of gelato, we went back to the hotel, picked up our bags, and headed over to the train station to take the half-hour train ride back to Strasbourg. And though it was a wonderful weekend (I’m still feeling relaxed after Saturday’s baths), I’m glad to be back “home” in Strasbourg.
And speaking of Strasbourg, there is much to tell, now that I’m (mostly) accustomed to the city. I’ve gotten used to seeing the cathedral as I walk around the city, and I am beginning to know the tram system pretty well (I much prefer the Strasbourg tram to most other forms of public transportation I’ve traveled on). I’ve only gotten lost twice in the city, though both times it was just a matter of discovering other parts of Strasbourg. My classes have started in full force now, and I’ve signed up for 4 – 20th Century Music Theory, 20th Century Music History, French 201, and a Communications class focused on European Media and the difficulties in broadcasting to the whole EU. I’m pretty excited for all my classes, and I have a feeling this semester will be easier than my usual Wellesley semester (especially as I only have class Monday – Thursday). I have also started figuring out the system at the Conservatoire. Unfortunately, the easiest time for me to find an open room to practice in is in the evening. Some days, my class schedule doesn’t have enough time in it for me to get down to the Conservatoire, so I’ll have to figure out how I can “practice” at home. I’ve met with three of my professors, though I haven’t had my first lessons with all of them yet. I think handdrumming is going to wait until I have sort of figured everything out. The other percussionists seem pretty nice, and I’m quite excited to study in a conservatoire, even if the scheduling is a little difficult.
My family is still wonderful, and Friday evening, my host father even commented that my French has improved some in just two weeks. Personally, I think I’ve just developed the courage to speak more, but I appreciated the compliment nevertheless. I was a little off on Cecile and Alix’s doings, though. Cecile is in law school, and returned from vacation yesterday evening after tests Monday and Tuesday last week. Alix is in medical school, and finished her tests last Thursday. For the next two weeks, she is on vacation, and Madame and Monsieur have gone with her. This means that it’s just me, Cecile (age 21) and Lionel (age 18, as of last Tuesday) for the next two weeks. Interesting…

I made a little mistake...

and got my country codes mixed up. From the US, you'll need to dial 011 to get out of the States and into France. I fixed my previous post, but added this one just to make sure. So, my real cell number from the States is: 011-33-6-84-13-17-57. :)

I have now met two of my percussion professors, and Monsieur Fougeroux (snare drum) also seems very nice. The better I get to know the conservatoire (and slowly the other percussionists and professors), the more I like it. I did, however, decide not to play in the Wind Ensemble which rehearses on Saturdays. I'll stick to traveling around Europe instead.

I'm eagerly awaiting next week, when I can register for classes and actually figure out my schedule. I'm maybe not overjoyed about the loads of homework that I know I will have, but it'll be very nice to have my schedule really defined and I can figure out when to go to the conservatoire, when (and where) I can travel, and all that good stuff. Now, however, it's almost time for our French Workshop, where the two French teachers here talk to us (in French) about music and such. Personally, I think it's just a way to keep these seven random music students occupied, but it's probably useful information.

Until next time!

Pictures! My room in Strasbourg

Pictures! Paris

1st picture: Sacre Couer Basilica
2nd picture: Freceric Chopin's grave (it's much prettier than Jim Morrison's)
3rd picture: The Pantheon
4th picture: The garden at the Mosque
5th picture: Jardin du Luxembourg

So, I'm studying in a Conservatory...

Tuesday afternoon was our first trip to the Conservatoire de Strasbourg (to shorten it's full title). After some paperwork, we got a tour of the building (which is very new, and though the modern art construction is by no means ugly, it's maybe not the prettiest building in Strasbourg, expecially when there's a Gothic cathedral in the city center). I also met one of my percussion professors, and I kind of embarrased myself as he asked me to play for him and I haven't played in about a month...

In total, I will have four percussion professors. One for mallets (Monsieur Sejourne, the one I met on Tuesday), one for timpani, one for snare drum, and one for hand drums. I'm not sure if this means I'll have four lessons a week, because I still have to meet with the three other professors to set up times. I'm not sure now, though, how much I'll get to travel around Europe or if I'll be in an Orchestra. Hmph.

I'm really excited to be studying in the Conservatoire, though. It'll be hard, but the other percussionists seem nice, as far as I can tell, and it's a very international department. As M. Sejourne said, there are very few French percussionists. And I also discovered last night when I went to practice that most of them speak English, which is very good, as my musical French is kind of lacking. :)

And I have now started two of my four classes - Music History and Music Theory/Ear Training. I don't think that not coming from Syracuse will hinder me in these classes, which is what I was a little nervous about coming in. Next week, I'll register for all 4 of my classes (French, and a Communications class where I will get to interview people at the European Parliament as part of my assignments), and then, finally, I will have a set schedule. And lots of homework to keep me occupied...

:)

It didn't take very long for life to get easier here. Of course, I'm hoping that I'll only have the one day of complete confusion, and from here on out, I'll keep the courage I seemed to find yesterday to talk to my family more and ask questions and the like. But I even had a (slightly broken) conversation with Lionel (the son) over breakfast, which was fun, as I've barely spoken to him at all over the last three days. And finally I (sort of) figured out what all the kids are doing, though I'm still not entirely sure what the two older ones are up to. Lionel's taking his Baccalaureate in June (that's the big test all French students have to take before they're allowed to get their high school diploma), I think Alix works somewhere, and Cecile is studying for some other big test. I think. But, that's more info than I had before. :)

I have also successfully bought lunch, purchased a cell phone and a mobilecarte which has minutes on it, and deposited money in my bank account, all in French. Of course, the teller at the bank got slightly panicked when she realized I wasn't French and she didn't speak English, but it all worked out in the end.

And speaking of my cell phone, the number is: 011-33-6-84-13-17-57. This includes the country codes you need - 011 is the country code for France, and I'm not sure what the 33 is for but you need it. :) The remaining 9 numbers are my actual telephone number, though if you were in France it would begin with 06, instead of just 6. As of this evening (approx. 6 pm my time), my phone should work for international calls (though don't expect that to happen any time soon - don't want to use too many euros on my card ;).

This afternoon, we music students are going to the Conservatoire for Orientation and our first Music History class. So, my break is now really over. But that's OK, because I'm in France. And I'm starting to appreciate living in Strasbourg for the semester rather than Paris. Though Paris is wonderful, I think of it like I do New York City. A great place for me to visit, but I'm not so sure I'd like living there. It's just so big...

Onward!

Last day in Paris and the beginning of Strasbourg

I am now in the Syracuse University Center in Strasbourg, connected to their wireless network. Yay!! However, before I get to everything Strasbourg related, I should finish Paris...

I have now finished my stay in Paris, and boy was it busy. Thursday I saw the Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Garden), the Pantheon, where all the "great men of the nation" are buried (men being in the collective sense, though Marie Curie is actually the only woman buried there), the Mosque in Paris, and then a trip to the Cite de la Musique, which had an entire exhibit on the history of intstruments in France. Sadly, there were no percussion instruments highlighted, but still the exhibition was AMAZING!!!! I didn't take any pictures, though, being in a museum and all... I met my friend Catherine for dessert Thursday night, and partially navigated the Paris Metro by myself. :)

On Friday, the list of sights consisted of Pere Lachaise cemetery (where Jim Morrison and Frederic Chopin are buried, along with about 1,000 other people), Sacre Coeur Basilica (built around 1870 as a way for France to reconnect with its Catholic roots, much less ornate than Notre Dame), Montmartre, and a backstage tour of the Bastille Opera (inaugurated on July 13, 1989, as part of France's Bicentennial celebrations), and a short visit to Notre Dame itself. Pictures from both days will follow on another post.

In all the craziness of sightseeing with this big group, I didn't get much of a feel for France itself. I do find that the Parisians,at least, are much more laid back than the Americans. Going out to eat takes twice as long, but I don't mind that at all - it's much more leisurely and the food is very good, even at a fairly inexpensive restaurant. Though I've decided saying "Bonjour" on the street is not done as often as it is in the States, that doesn't mean that the French are any less friendly.

In fact, this segways pretty well into my host family. Madame and Monsieur Olagne are both very nice and very welcoming. Alix, their 19-year-old daughter, is also very nice, and she is willing to talk to me at meal times despite my slow French. Lionel, their 17-year-old son, is also nice, but the two of us don't talk much. As my French improves, hopefully my communications with the family will improve as well.

I live about 10 minutes away in walking distance from the SU Center, which is an excellent way for me to burn off at least some of the calories from all the amazing French food I've been eating. One thing is certain - I will not starve at the Olagne's house. The apartment is very spacious, and I have my own room, which is about twice the size of my room at Wellesley last semester. It's also fully furnished (complete with hangers). My room has its own very small balcony which looks out onto the street below. That would be the only bad thing - I go to sleep with the sound of cars and ambulances passing by. But, as I live in the city, that's only to be expected.

I'm doing pretty well, all things considered. It's a little overwhelming, not being able to understand the language, but it's just a matter of time until my French improves (I hope). I speak almost entirely French at home, as does my host family, and that should help. Last night, I was able to call home, and I've watched 4 episodes of Alias (Season 5) in the last two nights. Anytime I can watch Sydney Bristow being her awesome spy-self always makes me feel better. :)

Pictures from today!

1st picture: Notre Dame Cathedral
2nd picture: Musee d'Orsay
3rd picture: Musee de Louvre
4th picture: Eiffel Tower
5th picture: Napoleon's Tomb
6th picture: Hotel les Invalides

In Paris :)

I am safely arrived in Paris, and have purchased 2 hours of internet access to use in the hostel over the newt few days. This allows enough time for some short posts. :)

Today, while utterly exhasuted from jet lag, I visited Napoleon's tomb at Les Invalides hospital (built during the time of Louis XIV for all the soldiers wounded, and which continued on as a hospital until after WWII). Our group also toured the Seine river - highlights being the Louvre, the Musee d'Orsay, the Eiffel Tower, and Notre Dame (in my opinion anyway). I took lots and lots of pictures along the Seine - I'll share them later.

Enjoy!

Less than 24 hours!!

In approxiamately 21 hours, I will be on the plane to fly to France. I'm close to completely packed - I have my separate bag for the three days in Paris, and my two other suitcases containing what possesions I will have in Strasbourg (mostly clothes). Mostly, I'm incredibly excited. There are so many unknowns - what cities will I visit? What will my host family be like? How long until I don't get lost in Strasbourg trying to get from the house to school? What are the other students like? And, especially, what will it be like to study in a foreign conservatory? But those only add to the excitement. If I knew everything now, it would be much more boring. :)

So tomorrow I fly to Paris, and then Saturday it's on to Strasbourg, and I get to meet my host family. Classes start next Wednesday, the 10th, after orientations. Not much time to get settled! As soon as I'm used to the time zone, it's off to school.

In an attempt to figure out how to post pictures on my blog, I've included pictures of my new haircut, as of Friday. Please excuse the funny angle of the back of my hair - it's awfully difficult trying to take pictures of the back of your own head. :) (N.B. The time is already in France time. )

And that's all, folks.

Au revoir, Etas-Unis! Bonjour France!