One final entry.
Some final words.
Some final memories.
My year abroad has officially ended. As I am writing this blog, I am sitting in the first-class cabin on a flight from Denver to San Francisco. How did I get here, you ask? Well, you will have to read on to find out ☺
I started study abroad last August. I had an epic first couple weeks, in which my memory of the amount of alcohol and fun consumed was, at best, blurry. The first semester, filled with the joys of crisp, fall leaves and crazy first snow’s, was a blast. I learned more about Québec, Canada, and the French language than is humanly possible within a purely classroom setting. I do not regret leaving my family and friends for so long, if at least I was able to enhance my university education.
Christmas break came soon enough, and eventually I was able to have some Mexican food, and drive a car (I plan on accomplishing these same goals within the next 6 hours haha). I had a great time with my family and friends, and I was sad to leave so quickly.
I could say that the last couple months flew by, because in some ways, I can’t believe it is already over. However, in other ways, when I consider just how much I did, it feels like an eternity. The snow came and went, despite its three-month-long duration. I saw Boston, Toronto, Québec City, and Ottawa. I saw some other parts of Québec, and travelled extensively throughout the city of Montréal, thanks to a fantastic public transportation network that I will miss dearly.
I am also learned a lot about myself, which I will not necessarily explore significantly on here. Some of my thoughts are personal, and do not need to be shared with the Web. I will say, however, that my priorities in life have shifted dramatically. I am looking towards the future while holding my family and friends in higher esteem. My sense of ‘home’ has been definitely strengthened.
Enough emotionally mumbo jumbo, I think. Time to get to the good stuff : how I spent my last week!
I will preface it with the fact that I am glad I can remember it. Having drank at least some alcohol everyday since Monday (it currently being Sunday), I went out in style. Monday I went and saw “A Single Man,” with Camille at the dollar cinema. Tuesday meant beers @ le Saint-Ciboire, Wednesday : dinner chez Leah, then drinks at the Drugstore (name of bar, not an actual drugstore ;) ). On Thursday afternoon, I got poutine with Bonnie and Cameron, then headed out with the latter and Lauren on a dance-capade at le Parking. We were all a little bit more than silly, and I got home as the sun was shining. It was a lovely experience!
Friday was slightly more subdued; with a big drink party on the terrace of le Saint Sulpice, we ended the night more drinks at the Drugstore.
Saturday, I went to a BBQ with Lauren and Cameron at Adam’s house. It was a plenty experience, accompanied with some gorgeous sunshine. Montréal was bidding me adieu in glorious fashion. It was followed up with some dinner with Leah, Cameron, and Morris.
I spent last night in an airport hotel, in a sort of daze. I was pleasantly awoken good and proper by the upgrades thanks to my father’s Gold Status with United Airlines. I was given priority baggage, a bigger baggage allowance (just as well, considering I had four suitcases),access to the Maple Leaf Lounge, and originally an automatic upgrade to Economy Plus on this United flight (the first flight was Air Canada). Well, I think when I asked for an upgrade on the first flight, just of the off hand that they had space, I was also put on the list for a possible upgrade on this second flight. I showed up in Denver International Airport and immediately got a Jamba juice. I headed over to my gate, having around 20 minutes before boarding began (oh and I also got priority boarding, so I boarded wit the first class people on the flight to Denver. I then heard on the intercom “Passenger Behts, please come to the podium for your upgrade.” I thought, “No, it isn’t possible, but I should check just in case.” Well, as it turns out, I was right! Pushed up to first class, baby!!! Big wide seat, free drinks, a free lunch, blankets, cushions, space, comfort, and all for a three-hour flight!!!!! I am definitely going home in style, both in terms of my final week and the journey itself.
So with this, I end my year abroad, and my blog as well. After all, I’m not going back to my old life. I’m going home for a new one.
-Graham
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Il ne me reste qu'une semaine......One week left.
As of Friday, I have been living in Montréal for 8 months. 8 MONTHS! I cannot believe that time has passed by this quickly. Summer was lovely, and Fall was even better. Winter hit me in face like a speeding car, but then sped away like a hit-and-run. Now Spring is here, and with it, a renewed sense of self.
I left you, mr dear avid readers, in the minutes prior to my biggest speech of the year. It went alright, especially considering I'm an Anglophone as my professor said. So not all bad.
This past week was my last one will full classes. It went by like all the other weeks, including a lovely dinner (I should really call it a meat-filled feast) chez Leah with Lauren and Morris. I also went through the rite of passage this same day, that being my last grocery trip. Seeing as its takes 45 minutes each way, I'm more than happy to go back to Lucky being just up the road in Pleasanton. Or even Safeway being a 5 minute drive away in Daly City.
I had originally planned on spending the afternoon between classes on Thursday writing my last paper, as I had spent the most part of Tuesday and Wednesday writing one on the USSR. A better opportunity arrived, as Bonnie and I spent the afternoon together. We ate at "L'Avenue", a sort of Québécois modern diner. Great day, including the lovely walk through le Plateau and the hot coffee and croissant that we enjoyed in the Mile-End afterwards. We are both going through a similar transitionary period at the moment, so I definately helps to chat about it with someone who understands.
Friday, I went over to Lauren's and watched the Valetino documentary. It was really cool, despite my limited fashion culture knowledge. I headed back to my place, and did some homework at night. What a Friday night!
Saturday I spent between the library and my place writing that last paper. I finished around 5:30pm, thank god! I wrote a total of 82 pages this semester. 1.5 spacing, and in French. While my finals period is much less stressful than last semester, the overall workload for winter 2010 was way more intense than any previous semester. The on-and-off rain that has persisted since Thursday did make writing about the municipal political parties significantly easier.
Bonnie, Cameron, Guillaume, and I had quite the evening. Between the beer shared by all, a rather odd but interesting sound show, the greek food, and the dancing in the hipster bar, a good night was had by all.
Today, having gotten to bed at approx. 4, I woke up late morning and had a slow get-go. I traded in some movies and CDs at la bibliothèque nationale for some new ones, then headed over to l'Oratoire Saint-Joseph with Bonnie and Cameron. It was a really nice church, albeit a bit creepy with the concrete walls being hit with the organ music. We all went to Second Cup and had some coffee afterwards. We had a really nice chat, then decided to head our own ways around 6pm.
And here I am, writing this blog. I have one last exam in the morning, and then my year abroad will be over. All that will remain will be running some errands, packing, seeing the last of the sights, and physically handing in term papers. It is a lot to process. I will keep you as updated as I can.
I left you, mr dear avid readers, in the minutes prior to my biggest speech of the year. It went alright, especially considering I'm an Anglophone as my professor said. So not all bad.
This past week was my last one will full classes. It went by like all the other weeks, including a lovely dinner (I should really call it a meat-filled feast) chez Leah with Lauren and Morris. I also went through the rite of passage this same day, that being my last grocery trip. Seeing as its takes 45 minutes each way, I'm more than happy to go back to Lucky being just up the road in Pleasanton. Or even Safeway being a 5 minute drive away in Daly City.
I had originally planned on spending the afternoon between classes on Thursday writing my last paper, as I had spent the most part of Tuesday and Wednesday writing one on the USSR. A better opportunity arrived, as Bonnie and I spent the afternoon together. We ate at "L'Avenue", a sort of Québécois modern diner. Great day, including the lovely walk through le Plateau and the hot coffee and croissant that we enjoyed in the Mile-End afterwards. We are both going through a similar transitionary period at the moment, so I definately helps to chat about it with someone who understands.
Friday, I went over to Lauren's and watched the Valetino documentary. It was really cool, despite my limited fashion culture knowledge. I headed back to my place, and did some homework at night. What a Friday night!
Saturday I spent between the library and my place writing that last paper. I finished around 5:30pm, thank god! I wrote a total of 82 pages this semester. 1.5 spacing, and in French. While my finals period is much less stressful than last semester, the overall workload for winter 2010 was way more intense than any previous semester. The on-and-off rain that has persisted since Thursday did make writing about the municipal political parties significantly easier.
Bonnie, Cameron, Guillaume, and I had quite the evening. Between the beer shared by all, a rather odd but interesting sound show, the greek food, and the dancing in the hipster bar, a good night was had by all.
Today, having gotten to bed at approx. 4, I woke up late morning and had a slow get-go. I traded in some movies and CDs at la bibliothèque nationale for some new ones, then headed over to l'Oratoire Saint-Joseph with Bonnie and Cameron. It was a really nice church, albeit a bit creepy with the concrete walls being hit with the organ music. We all went to Second Cup and had some coffee afterwards. We had a really nice chat, then decided to head our own ways around 6pm.
And here I am, writing this blog. I have one last exam in the morning, and then my year abroad will be over. All that will remain will be running some errands, packing, seeing the last of the sights, and physically handing in term papers. It is a lot to process. I will keep you as updated as I can.
Monday, April 12, 2010
April in full swing
Good gracious, how is it already le 12 avril ?! The past week flew past, leaving me dazed and confused. How can I only have two weeks left? I spent the school week in class or at the library, so I get that explains it. Paper after paper, class after class, I can't wait to go back to the laid-back California life-style. Even school is calmer there, especially at SFSU haha.
As such, I do not have too much to update you all on. Friday, I more or less took a mental break from school work. I had advanced far enough that I wasn't stressed about writing that next ten-page paper. Instead, I watched a movie and did some exercise. I went and saw "An Education" with Camille at the dollar cinéma, which was an alright film. I hadn't planned on going out afterwards, but ended up on Saint-Lauren at Biftek, a rather americanised bar. Lauren, Adam, Cameron, his friend Mikey from Brooklyn, and Lauren's friend Jake from Sacramento and I enjoyed a couple a pitchers of beer together. We then met some very friendly girls wh owere sitting at the table next to us, from Toronto of course. We, as a double group, decided to go dancing at Tokyo Bar, which ended up being good fun. Short walk later and I was back at my place.
I then found myself waking up around 1pm Saturday afternoon. Study fail! I did some random bits of homework, then headed over to Cameron's for a dinner party. It was quite pleasant, the company enjoyable, the wine tasty, and the music interesting. No complaints there, espcially seeing as I didn't get to bed super late.
Sunday was largely consacré to homework again, but I was certainly no slave. I did my usual daily exerice, then watched "You've got mail" while I enjoyed dinner. While I eat with friends often, I eat alone more often than not. I have gotten used to it, but it was a definate shock in the beginning. I have realised how much I enjoy the company of others during a meal. Another life lesson learned.
And now I find myself waiting to go give my ten-minute presentation on the souveraintist movement in Québec. Never been one to worry about speaking in public, I find the prospect of speaking French to about 40 québécois students rather daunting. I know I'll be fine, but hey, sometimes we need to doubt ourselves to be reminded that we are no where near perfect.
As it is, I have about 13 days left in Canada. Je n'arrive pas à le croire. At least spring is on the way, with the tree outside my window sporting some lovely green buds. Can't wait :)
As such, I do not have too much to update you all on. Friday, I more or less took a mental break from school work. I had advanced far enough that I wasn't stressed about writing that next ten-page paper. Instead, I watched a movie and did some exercise. I went and saw "An Education" with Camille at the dollar cinéma, which was an alright film. I hadn't planned on going out afterwards, but ended up on Saint-Lauren at Biftek, a rather americanised bar. Lauren, Adam, Cameron, his friend Mikey from Brooklyn, and Lauren's friend Jake from Sacramento and I enjoyed a couple a pitchers of beer together. We then met some very friendly girls wh owere sitting at the table next to us, from Toronto of course. We, as a double group, decided to go dancing at Tokyo Bar, which ended up being good fun. Short walk later and I was back at my place.
I then found myself waking up around 1pm Saturday afternoon. Study fail! I did some random bits of homework, then headed over to Cameron's for a dinner party. It was quite pleasant, the company enjoyable, the wine tasty, and the music interesting. No complaints there, espcially seeing as I didn't get to bed super late.
Sunday was largely consacré to homework again, but I was certainly no slave. I did my usual daily exerice, then watched "You've got mail" while I enjoyed dinner. While I eat with friends often, I eat alone more often than not. I have gotten used to it, but it was a definate shock in the beginning. I have realised how much I enjoy the company of others during a meal. Another life lesson learned.
And now I find myself waiting to go give my ten-minute presentation on the souveraintist movement in Québec. Never been one to worry about speaking in public, I find the prospect of speaking French to about 40 québécois students rather daunting. I know I'll be fine, but hey, sometimes we need to doubt ourselves to be reminded that we are no where near perfect.
As it is, I have about 13 days left in Canada. Je n'arrive pas à le croire. At least spring is on the way, with the tree outside my window sporting some lovely green buds. Can't wait :)
Sunday, April 4, 2010
La cabane à sucre, suivie par la grève.
So I may or may not have skipped by blog-related obligations last week. No excuses, minus the fact that I was tired, perhaps? Writing is becoming increasingly difficult, as the amount required is increasing at a similar rate. Good news: I only have three weeks left in Québec (good in terms of homework! Soon enough I will be on a four-month haitus from school! yippeeeee!)
I'll do a quick description of my activities from the past week or so. Last Friday, I went to what is known as a cabane à sucre, or a sugar shack, with Guillaume, Geneviève and some of their friends. Essentially, it is a (normally) family-run restaurant in which maple syrup is the main ingredient. There isn't so much a menu as there food that they bring you, whether you want it or not, which you cover in maple syrup (l'érable) to your own taste. It is quite a lovely experience, including the sugar pie that follows the meal, a photo of which can be found just below.
After we ate, the locals were having a line-dancing event (la danse en ligne), which we happily joined in on! You have to give them credit for memorizing all those dances, because lord knows that we found it more or less impossible to grasp them. All had a great time though!
The following week has been a surprising break from the usual grind of the school week. As a result of increased fees by the Liberal Party government of Québec, certain departments at UQAM were on strike this week. Due to the combination of the strike, easter, and my usual weekly schedule, I got an impromptu week off of school! For me, this was great! I have done some homework during the week, but to be completely honest, I have used it largely to relax. I went to Leah's on Wednesday for dinner with Lauren and Morris. Wine was enjoyed! Thursday night I went out dancing, which was a lot of fun. Friday, I went to the dollar cinema and saw "It's Complicated", starring Meryl Streep, with Cameron. Afterwards, we had drinks on his balcony and had a good chat.
Oh that reminds me! We will hit by record-setting temperatures over this weekend! We hit the high-70s, low 80s F, and around 26-29C depending on the day! It was unbelievable, and I spent a large portion of my time outside in shorts and t-shirts. Hence why we had drinks on the balcony; it was just too warm to pass up! Saturday, I had a picnic in the park, and I rather enjoyed my nap in the grass. Naturally, it isn't quite as warm today, but I am on my way over to "Dans la bouche" to meet up with Fauve, my friend who now lives in Toronto, and Gabrielle and others. Ought to be great fun, as I haven't seen either of them in a long time!
I can't quite believe that I will be home in three weeks' time. On the 16th of April, about 10 days before I head home, I will have been living in Montréal was 8 months. 8 MONTHS! Goodness, how time has flown by! I have seen summer, fall, winter, and spring in Montreal. I have been to Ottawa, Québec City, Boston, and Toronto. I have tried many different foods, beers, wines, clubs, languages, and other things. I am certainly going to miss it, but I am also glad to be going home. For those of us abroad, some feel 100% in love with the places they moved to. Others, while having love being away, have had their love for home confirmed by being away. While I know that the suburbs of San Francisco may not be the most exciting place in the world, I will be happy to be back to the world that I know so well.
I'll do a quick description of my activities from the past week or so. Last Friday, I went to what is known as a cabane à sucre, or a sugar shack, with Guillaume, Geneviève and some of their friends. Essentially, it is a (normally) family-run restaurant in which maple syrup is the main ingredient. There isn't so much a menu as there food that they bring you, whether you want it or not, which you cover in maple syrup (l'érable) to your own taste. It is quite a lovely experience, including the sugar pie that follows the meal, a photo of which can be found just below.
After we ate, the locals were having a line-dancing event (la danse en ligne), which we happily joined in on! You have to give them credit for memorizing all those dances, because lord knows that we found it more or less impossible to grasp them. All had a great time though!
The following week has been a surprising break from the usual grind of the school week. As a result of increased fees by the Liberal Party government of Québec, certain departments at UQAM were on strike this week. Due to the combination of the strike, easter, and my usual weekly schedule, I got an impromptu week off of school! For me, this was great! I have done some homework during the week, but to be completely honest, I have used it largely to relax. I went to Leah's on Wednesday for dinner with Lauren and Morris. Wine was enjoyed! Thursday night I went out dancing, which was a lot of fun. Friday, I went to the dollar cinema and saw "It's Complicated", starring Meryl Streep, with Cameron. Afterwards, we had drinks on his balcony and had a good chat.
Oh that reminds me! We will hit by record-setting temperatures over this weekend! We hit the high-70s, low 80s F, and around 26-29C depending on the day! It was unbelievable, and I spent a large portion of my time outside in shorts and t-shirts. Hence why we had drinks on the balcony; it was just too warm to pass up! Saturday, I had a picnic in the park, and I rather enjoyed my nap in the grass. Naturally, it isn't quite as warm today, but I am on my way over to "Dans la bouche" to meet up with Fauve, my friend who now lives in Toronto, and Gabrielle and others. Ought to be great fun, as I haven't seen either of them in a long time!
I can't quite believe that I will be home in three weeks' time. On the 16th of April, about 10 days before I head home, I will have been living in Montréal was 8 months. 8 MONTHS! Goodness, how time has flown by! I have seen summer, fall, winter, and spring in Montreal. I have been to Ottawa, Québec City, Boston, and Toronto. I have tried many different foods, beers, wines, clubs, languages, and other things. I am certainly going to miss it, but I am also glad to be going home. For those of us abroad, some feel 100% in love with the places they moved to. Others, while having love being away, have had their love for home confirmed by being away. While I know that the suburbs of San Francisco may not be the most exciting place in the world, I will be happy to be back to the world that I know so well.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Football and feminists
As I am writing this blog entry, a few things are happening. Firstly, the House of Reps is currently voting on the health care bill. I do hope it passes! Second, my adventures of this week, academic and otherwise, have thoroughly exhausted me and I am incapable of reading the book that I have to read for class. And lastly, I have a hot cup of Ribena at my side, a slight home comfort that is even more pleasant due to the falling of a late-spring snow outside.
This week has been interesting. Monday was dominated by a horrible migraine, whereas Tuesday was controlled by a lovely article critique for my class on the USSR. I have another one to do next week, but it usually only takes a couple hours to finish. Wednesday, I did some more homework, studied for my test on Thursday, and had dinner at Leah's house. Groceries were done on the way over, as she lives a couple blocks down from Maxi, the cheapest supermarket here. Thursday, I was in school for most of the day, whether in class, writing up some homework, or doing some law research.
Friday was certainly a lot more fun. I did some homework, as normal, but not a whole lot. I then went out to dinner with Lauren and Camille to an irish pub. I had fish and chips, and then Camille and I went to go see "Blindside". The movie was really, really good and served as an inspiration to the better side of humanity.
Saturday, I was able to complete a tiny bit more of homework, along with some preparations for the evening's festivites. Camille, Cameron, his friend Kate, and I all went and saw Bonnie's production of the "Vagina Monologues". It was really quite funny at times, emotional at others, and overall, a great show. Drinks and dancing followed, and I had a lovely night. (the taxi ride home was a plus, and I felt so rich being in a car.....having sat in one perhaps twice in 4 months).
And now today, incapable of finishing any homework due to being completely exhausted from the week, I am taking a day off. Homework can be postponed, and I will no doubt finish all my assignments. Afterall, I don't arrive in California for another 5 weeks, which in comparison to the 7 months that I have already been here, in more than miniscule.
This week has been interesting. Monday was dominated by a horrible migraine, whereas Tuesday was controlled by a lovely article critique for my class on the USSR. I have another one to do next week, but it usually only takes a couple hours to finish. Wednesday, I did some more homework, studied for my test on Thursday, and had dinner at Leah's house. Groceries were done on the way over, as she lives a couple blocks down from Maxi, the cheapest supermarket here. Thursday, I was in school for most of the day, whether in class, writing up some homework, or doing some law research.
Friday was certainly a lot more fun. I did some homework, as normal, but not a whole lot. I then went out to dinner with Lauren and Camille to an irish pub. I had fish and chips, and then Camille and I went to go see "Blindside". The movie was really, really good and served as an inspiration to the better side of humanity.
Saturday, I was able to complete a tiny bit more of homework, along with some preparations for the evening's festivites. Camille, Cameron, his friend Kate, and I all went and saw Bonnie's production of the "Vagina Monologues". It was really quite funny at times, emotional at others, and overall, a great show. Drinks and dancing followed, and I had a lovely night. (the taxi ride home was a plus, and I felt so rich being in a car.....having sat in one perhaps twice in 4 months).
And now today, incapable of finishing any homework due to being completely exhausted from the week, I am taking a day off. Homework can be postponed, and I will no doubt finish all my assignments. Afterall, I don't arrive in California for another 5 weeks, which in comparison to the 7 months that I have already been here, in more than miniscule.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
A month later, and spring is all around
So soon enough, it will have been exactly one month since my last blog entry. I know that my goal of weekly uploads has failed miserably, but I blame school! hahah
I know that this wasn't perhaps the best course of action seeing as I cannot remember anything running up to my trip to Toronto, which was a good two week's worth of time. Oh well.
I left for Toronto on the Megabus on the first friday morning of my Spring Break! (or my Reading Week, as it is called in Canada because they actually give you a ton of work to do during it). It hadn't really snowed much at all down in Toronto, and naturally, the day that I arrive is the first real snow! Having borrowed my friend Tim's backpack, which reminds me, I still have to give back, I was well prepared for the journey. Upon arrival in the relatively comfortable and clean hostel, I went out with some people also staying there and we went to local Toronto brewery, the Steam Whistle. We got free samples, and the tour was quite informative. Despite being clobbered by snow thanks to a passing car on the way there, I had a nice time. I spent the rest of the evening getting to know people at the hostel, because I was super tired from the long bus ride down.
Saturday I went for a walk up to the University of Toronto and the hip neighbourhood surrounding it. It was still lightly snowing, which made for quite a pleasant experience. In the afternoon, I met up with Fauve at an art gallery. The exhibit was really cool, and included a nice variety of art types. After a nice coffee at a really fancy coffee shop, I headed back to the hostel to get ready to go out with my friend Aparna from Amador! We went out with some of her international student friends, which was a great laugh. The gay club we went to was super fancy, albeit not too expensive. I had a really nice time.
Sunday I took a bus tour of Toronto that came included in my hostel package. Seeing as it was the middle of winter and that Canada was playing the US that afternoon for Olympic gold, it was me and two other people. It was a really good way to see everything in the city, as well as hear about some of the historical facts tied to it. In the afternoon, I went up the CN Tower! The view was incredible!!!!!! Here is a photo to make you slightly jealous, having not been up the tallest free-standing structure in the world.
After the tour, truth be told, I took a nap instead of watching the game. Not being the biggest fan of hockey, I figured that I would learn of the score afterwards. Boy did I! I went searching for Chipotle, the only one in Canada and the closest one outside of my Boston to Montreal, I came across people celebrating in the street. The fans took over the main street in Toronto, and then Dundas Sq! (a mini version of Times square). It was such a cultural experience, and probably the most Canadian experience that I have had this entire year haha.
The next day, I went to Niagara Falls with Fauve! The tour was also included in the price of the hostel, and it was amazing! By far my favourite part of the trip, we had a fantastic time. Between conversation on the bus on the way to Niagara Falls, and just the pure surrealness of being there.....it was truly a day to remember! If you ever manage to make it there, do try. It is well worth it. The falls are so powerful, and each season would provide a different view. Winter was beautiful in its own right, with ice forming at the base of the Falls. As a hint though, see them from the Canadian side: the view is much better!!!!!!
Fauve and I ate lunch at the Rainforest Café, which we just happened to stumble upon. Afterwards, our tour took us to a really cute town called Niagara-on-the-Lake, a small village that was established my Loyalists during the American Revolution. Those rebels to the south were not viewed so highly back then....or perhaps now....haha. I found a Scottish shop while I was there, so naturally I had to buy haggis!!!!! Completely worth it considering that it was slightly cheaper than in California.
I ended my trip to Toronto with a hostel-wide trip to the pub. Good times is all I can say!
Well, after the trip to the rather Americanized city of Toronto, I was back in Montreal. I spent the next couple of days procrastinating on homework, and avoiding my responsibilities as a student. I certainly paid dearly for my actions, and I have spent the past week with my nose to the books trying to make up for lost time. This weekend was also Bonnie's birthday which I spent ice skating with her and some of her old roommates. Camille and I then went and saw Lauren perform at her dance department, then joined up for Bonnie's party afterwards. Let's just say I ended this week sligtly hungover.
So that's that....6 weeks left. This week should be slightly less stressful academically, but still no walk in the park. My article report, combined with the book analysis that I still have to finish, is not making me too happy. But hey, Spring is in the air!
I know that this wasn't perhaps the best course of action seeing as I cannot remember anything running up to my trip to Toronto, which was a good two week's worth of time. Oh well.
I left for Toronto on the Megabus on the first friday morning of my Spring Break! (or my Reading Week, as it is called in Canada because they actually give you a ton of work to do during it). It hadn't really snowed much at all down in Toronto, and naturally, the day that I arrive is the first real snow! Having borrowed my friend Tim's backpack, which reminds me, I still have to give back, I was well prepared for the journey. Upon arrival in the relatively comfortable and clean hostel, I went out with some people also staying there and we went to local Toronto brewery, the Steam Whistle. We got free samples, and the tour was quite informative. Despite being clobbered by snow thanks to a passing car on the way there, I had a nice time. I spent the rest of the evening getting to know people at the hostel, because I was super tired from the long bus ride down.
Saturday I went for a walk up to the University of Toronto and the hip neighbourhood surrounding it. It was still lightly snowing, which made for quite a pleasant experience. In the afternoon, I met up with Fauve at an art gallery. The exhibit was really cool, and included a nice variety of art types. After a nice coffee at a really fancy coffee shop, I headed back to the hostel to get ready to go out with my friend Aparna from Amador! We went out with some of her international student friends, which was a great laugh. The gay club we went to was super fancy, albeit not too expensive. I had a really nice time.
Sunday I took a bus tour of Toronto that came included in my hostel package. Seeing as it was the middle of winter and that Canada was playing the US that afternoon for Olympic gold, it was me and two other people. It was a really good way to see everything in the city, as well as hear about some of the historical facts tied to it. In the afternoon, I went up the CN Tower! The view was incredible!!!!!! Here is a photo to make you slightly jealous, having not been up the tallest free-standing structure in the world.
After the tour, truth be told, I took a nap instead of watching the game. Not being the biggest fan of hockey, I figured that I would learn of the score afterwards. Boy did I! I went searching for Chipotle, the only one in Canada and the closest one outside of my Boston to Montreal, I came across people celebrating in the street. The fans took over the main street in Toronto, and then Dundas Sq! (a mini version of Times square). It was such a cultural experience, and probably the most Canadian experience that I have had this entire year haha.
The next day, I went to Niagara Falls with Fauve! The tour was also included in the price of the hostel, and it was amazing! By far my favourite part of the trip, we had a fantastic time. Between conversation on the bus on the way to Niagara Falls, and just the pure surrealness of being there.....it was truly a day to remember! If you ever manage to make it there, do try. It is well worth it. The falls are so powerful, and each season would provide a different view. Winter was beautiful in its own right, with ice forming at the base of the Falls. As a hint though, see them from the Canadian side: the view is much better!!!!!!
Fauve and I ate lunch at the Rainforest Café, which we just happened to stumble upon. Afterwards, our tour took us to a really cute town called Niagara-on-the-Lake, a small village that was established my Loyalists during the American Revolution. Those rebels to the south were not viewed so highly back then....or perhaps now....haha. I found a Scottish shop while I was there, so naturally I had to buy haggis!!!!! Completely worth it considering that it was slightly cheaper than in California.
I ended my trip to Toronto with a hostel-wide trip to the pub. Good times is all I can say!
Well, after the trip to the rather Americanized city of Toronto, I was back in Montreal. I spent the next couple of days procrastinating on homework, and avoiding my responsibilities as a student. I certainly paid dearly for my actions, and I have spent the past week with my nose to the books trying to make up for lost time. This weekend was also Bonnie's birthday which I spent ice skating with her and some of her old roommates. Camille and I then went and saw Lauren perform at her dance department, then joined up for Bonnie's party afterwards. Let's just say I ended this week sligtly hungover.
So that's that....6 weeks left. This week should be slightly less stressful academically, but still no walk in the park. My article report, combined with the book analysis that I still have to finish, is not making me too happy. But hey, Spring is in the air!
Monday, February 15, 2010
From Hollywood to the woods of Mont Saint Sauveur
I almost got this entry written on time, but not quite! I'm trying my best to keep up my goal of weekly entries!
The past week only had a few things happen. Monday and Tuesday were killers mentally, as my most difficult classes happen then. But then Wednesday rolled around! I did some homework during the day, but at night I went out to the movies with Camille. She had won tickets to an early showing of the film "Valentine's Day." It was really, really good! Most romantic comedies just follow the same model nowadays, but this one actually threw some surprises at you! It is a must-see, if only you get it at the video shop.
Thursday I had class during the day, then at night I went up to Bonnie's place for dinner. Her boyfriend just got back from working the Olympics in Vancouver. We made mashed potatoes, a veggie mix, and salmon. It was quite lovely, and was followed with a dessert of apple crumble and vanilla ice cream! Quite the delicious start to the weekend!
Friday I had the immense pleasure of writing an essay for one of my classes. Once that was done, I went over to Lauren's place, with Cameron and Morris, and we had a homemade wine (by Cameron), cheese, bread, and fruit dinner. It felt very classy, then we watched the opening ceremony of the Olympics!!! It was really cool being in Canada while they are going on! We cheered Canada and the US, as we are all Americans living in Canada haha.
I called it an night pretty early, as I had to wake up around 5.30am for SKIING! Morris and I went up to Mont Saint Sauveur, about an hour from Montreal, with the Concordia Ski and Snowboard Club. It was tons of fun to be up on the slopes again, albeit in french. The views were lovely, and the ski runs not too busy. I am still feeling sore though....
Overall,
It was a really nice week! I'm off to go get my hair cut, expect another entry soon!
The past week only had a few things happen. Monday and Tuesday were killers mentally, as my most difficult classes happen then. But then Wednesday rolled around! I did some homework during the day, but at night I went out to the movies with Camille. She had won tickets to an early showing of the film "Valentine's Day." It was really, really good! Most romantic comedies just follow the same model nowadays, but this one actually threw some surprises at you! It is a must-see, if only you get it at the video shop.
Thursday I had class during the day, then at night I went up to Bonnie's place for dinner. Her boyfriend just got back from working the Olympics in Vancouver. We made mashed potatoes, a veggie mix, and salmon. It was quite lovely, and was followed with a dessert of apple crumble and vanilla ice cream! Quite the delicious start to the weekend!
Friday I had the immense pleasure of writing an essay for one of my classes. Once that was done, I went over to Lauren's place, with Cameron and Morris, and we had a homemade wine (by Cameron), cheese, bread, and fruit dinner. It felt very classy, then we watched the opening ceremony of the Olympics!!! It was really cool being in Canada while they are going on! We cheered Canada and the US, as we are all Americans living in Canada haha.
I called it an night pretty early, as I had to wake up around 5.30am for SKIING! Morris and I went up to Mont Saint Sauveur, about an hour from Montreal, with the Concordia Ski and Snowboard Club. It was tons of fun to be up on the slopes again, albeit in french. The views were lovely, and the ski runs not too busy. I am still feeling sore though....
Overall,
It was a really nice week! I'm off to go get my hair cut, expect another entry soon!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Dancing and Drag Queens: Not necessarily together
As it has only been a few days since my last update, there won't be too much to include in this entry. Friday was a nice day, I got some groceries and spent the afternoon at Queer Concordia. The group is fun, and we had some fun discussions. After that, I went to Studio 7, a dance showcase also at Concordia. Lauren was the MC for the event, which included perfomances ranging from artistic videos including Hungarian trains, onions, and singing improv! A good crowd of our friends showed up too!
Afterwards, Lauren, Morris, Guillaume, Geneviève, and I went over to the Village to Cabaret Mado. It's a drag queen bar, whose musical perfomances ranged from Lady Gaga to some 70's French music. All in all, it was a fun night!
Saturday, I had planned to wake up early. I failed. Severely. I was up around 1pm, which was the same time that I was meant to be at the Q. Concordia office to help tidy it up. After getting ready and a short skype chat with Mum and Dad, I headed over to the office. A few hours later, we decided to go to le Musée des Beaux Arts for a look around (free entry!), then got some beers + conversation followed.
I had made plans with Bonnie and Morris to go see Avatar 3D. It was a fantastic film! 3D has come a long way since I last saw anything in it, and the special effects were stunning. Bonnie and I were chatting afterwards about all the different comparisons and links to our current society we were making, including how I had envisioned their Eywa, the God, as a woman from the get-go whereas she thought of Her has genderless. Besides today being overtaken by homework, this was overall a fantastic weekend!
Afterwards, Lauren, Morris, Guillaume, Geneviève, and I went over to the Village to Cabaret Mado. It's a drag queen bar, whose musical perfomances ranged from Lady Gaga to some 70's French music. All in all, it was a fun night!
Saturday, I had planned to wake up early. I failed. Severely. I was up around 1pm, which was the same time that I was meant to be at the Q. Concordia office to help tidy it up. After getting ready and a short skype chat with Mum and Dad, I headed over to the office. A few hours later, we decided to go to le Musée des Beaux Arts for a look around (free entry!), then got some beers + conversation followed.
I had made plans with Bonnie and Morris to go see Avatar 3D. It was a fantastic film! 3D has come a long way since I last saw anything in it, and the special effects were stunning. Bonnie and I were chatting afterwards about all the different comparisons and links to our current society we were making, including how I had envisioned their Eywa, the God, as a woman from the get-go whereas she thought of Her has genderless. Besides today being overtaken by homework, this was overall a fantastic weekend!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Un surprise party, très fun pour une 21e fête!
Ok.......fair enough.....I failed at keeping up my weekly blog........je m'excuse! I could blame it on the amount of homework, my over-flowing social calendar, or even the non existant extra curricular activities......however, I am pretty sure it is the result of pure laziness.
As it is winter, I might as well start this off with the news of the week from last week. Last thursday night, as Bonnie, Morris, myself, and Lauren headed over to the latter's place, we were stopped in our tracks by the wind. It was blowing upwards of 60mph, with the temperature hanging around -18C, just under -2F or so. When you added in the wind, it felt like below -30C, around the same fahrenheit. Let's just say that it was so cold that my jaw hurt, because I was grinding my teeth against the cold.
The following day, still well within the same temperature range, Lauren and I went over to Queer Concordia in the afternoon. It was a wee bit of a step down from EGAY, but it certainly will turn into something bigger soon! I plan on going back to the weekly meeting tomorrow. At night, Bonnie, Lauren, Morris, and I went out to a club event called Faggity Ass Fridays, with a Lady Gage theme. We all had a great time, especially considering it was too cold to go outside to cool down (We did try, but ran back inside after around a minute as my hair was freezing). Good music, good friends all lead to an equally pleasant evening.
Saturday during the day did not involve much besides some homework, and a trip to Dollarama to get supplies for Lauren's surprise birthday party. It has been organised on facebook, and around 20 people were expected to attend. As it was le Dollarama au Québec, there were no banners in english. So instead of the traditional "Happy Birthday" signs, we had plenty of "Bonne Fête!". (Side note: Bonne fête is how you say it in Québec, in France it is bonne anniversaire!). I headed over to Cameron's place to set up around 9.15pm or so, then people began to roll in once the stuff was up. Around 11pm, an unsuspecting Lauren walked through the door, having been to the Opera already, and was greeted by screams, flying confetti, and maybe even a dance or two....lol As we had predicted earlier, one of her first responses was "What the FUCK?" heheheh <3>
The Arrival
The Arrival
It was quite a lovely party, as the crowd was extremely varied, from dancers and prancers to people with answers (aka geeks like myself). Quick late night walk back and I was in my bed, ready for a hopefully homework-filled Sunday. I got enough done the next day to feel content about starting the new week.
This week hasn't included too much new excitement, although I did enjoy my dinner with Leah on Tuesday. As we discussed, if we have dinner next week on either Tuesday or Wednesday, it will be a very welcome tradition. Wednesday night I went and saw "2012" with Morris and Camille at the Dollar Cinéma, which was rather good if I say so myself. I have a rather fond sentiment for end-of-the-world movies, no idea why....I think its all the action....
I just had my last class of the week, and Cameron, Ryan, Morris, and Lauren are on their way over for dinner in my mini-flat (I say this as my flat is rather more than small). Tomorrow is more queer concordia meetings, along with a dance showcase......Looking forward to another fun-filled weekend à la Montréal!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
La vie glacée
So, as in the case of my grocery shopping, this blog is most likely going to become a solid weekly affair. This week in classes wasn't anything too special, despite the amount of reading assigned. It is rather a lot, along with all the papers that I have been given too. However, I also only have one exam during finals weeks, as the rest of my grades is determined by term papers. When I take a step back, I realise that it really isn't all too bad, just time consuming.
In other news, I have, of course, been researching post-graduate options this past few weeks. While some options moved to the front of the line, others did not make the cut and were quickly dropped. I am still planning on applying to two or three CSU's for the teaching credential program, but one certain Masters program came to the front recently. I emailed the graduate advisor for the french department at University of Nevada, Reno about a program that I heard about through a friend (sidenote: Thank's Leah, and Emily!) I had a few questions about the program, as well as a teaching assistantship position that required a different application. Her response was the following: APPLY NOW! Long story short, let's just pretend that the application for the TA job and the Masters is due on Feb 15th. I jumped on what seems like a great opportunity, including a reasonable stipend, and UNR employee tuition rates. I finished the application on Friday, having received the email back on Tuesday night. My reason for moving so fast? I wanted this upstart of an application to be out of the way before all my papers for cette session d'hiver kick in. Anyway, I am keeping my fingers crossed for that one!
As the application took up quite a bit of time, I didn't really do much non school related this week with a few exceptions. On Tuesday night, I headed to Leah's place and we had a great chicken dinner! Thursday, Bonnie came over and we went out for drinks at Sky Bar, and watched a drag show. Friday involved my weekly trip to Maxi for groceries, as well as a late night movie with Lauren, Morris, and Cameron.
Saturday night was IGLOOFEST! Essentially, its a big outdoor rave in the middle of winter! There were ice sculptures, a bar made out of ice (see pic with SAQ bar for details), along with a "dance floor" AKA frozen mud in front of stage. It was maybe around -10C, somewhere in the low teen's Fahrenheit. Even weirder was dacning in full winter gear, beanie (or a toque as they are called in Canada) and scarf included. It was tons of fun, although due to homework and tiredness, I went home early and had some hot cocoa with Bonnie and Camille.
Sunday was a nice day. I woke up early, and did some homework. Then, during the calm before our RAIN storm, rather sad considering its January in Canada as it should be snow, Leah and I went ice skating in Vieux Montréal. I decided that the purchase of skates was no longer required, as the amount of times that they would be used wasn't worth it. So I shoved on a rented pair, and off we went. Initially, getting our bearing, we stayed on the artificial section. But then the naturally frozen canal was open for business so we hopped onto that instead. It was much bumpier, yes, but also a lot less busy to overall, it was a lot safer. Plus, you could only skate on certain parts. Danger non existant. Overall, a nice week! As of tomorrow, I have three months left in Montréal. I cant quite believe that I have been writing from this desk for more than five months now.....
In other news, I have, of course, been researching post-graduate options this past few weeks. While some options moved to the front of the line, others did not make the cut and were quickly dropped. I am still planning on applying to two or three CSU's for the teaching credential program, but one certain Masters program came to the front recently. I emailed the graduate advisor for the french department at University of Nevada, Reno about a program that I heard about through a friend (sidenote: Thank's Leah, and Emily!) I had a few questions about the program, as well as a teaching assistantship position that required a different application. Her response was the following: APPLY NOW! Long story short, let's just pretend that the application for the TA job and the Masters is due on Feb 15th. I jumped on what seems like a great opportunity, including a reasonable stipend, and UNR employee tuition rates. I finished the application on Friday, having received the email back on Tuesday night. My reason for moving so fast? I wanted this upstart of an application to be out of the way before all my papers for cette session d'hiver kick in. Anyway, I am keeping my fingers crossed for that one!
As the application took up quite a bit of time, I didn't really do much non school related this week with a few exceptions. On Tuesday night, I headed to Leah's place and we had a great chicken dinner! Thursday, Bonnie came over and we went out for drinks at Sky Bar, and watched a drag show. Friday involved my weekly trip to Maxi for groceries, as well as a late night movie with Lauren, Morris, and Cameron.
Saturday night was IGLOOFEST! Essentially, its a big outdoor rave in the middle of winter! There were ice sculptures, a bar made out of ice (see pic with SAQ bar for details), along with a "dance floor" AKA frozen mud in front of stage. It was maybe around -10C, somewhere in the low teen's Fahrenheit. Even weirder was dacning in full winter gear, beanie (or a toque as they are called in Canada) and scarf included. It was tons of fun, although due to homework and tiredness, I went home early and had some hot cocoa with Bonnie and Camille.
Here are some photos of Igloofest:
Sunday was a nice day. I woke up early, and did some homework. Then, during the calm before our RAIN storm, rather sad considering its January in Canada as it should be snow, Leah and I went ice skating in Vieux Montréal. I decided that the purchase of skates was no longer required, as the amount of times that they would be used wasn't worth it. So I shoved on a rented pair, and off we went. Initially, getting our bearing, we stayed on the artificial section. But then the naturally frozen canal was open for business so we hopped onto that instead. It was much bumpier, yes, but also a lot less busy to overall, it was a lot safer. Plus, you could only skate on certain parts. Danger non existant. Overall, a nice week! As of tomorrow, I have three months left in Montréal. I cant quite believe that I have been writing from this desk for more than five months now.....
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Long time no see.....new semester
So it has officially been over a month since I last updated this blog! I feel so sad to disappoint all my avid readers.......hahahahha. Anyway.....
Last time I was writing about finals, snowstorms, etc. I cant believe how long ago that was! I will try my best to go in chronologocial order.
I finished my last final on the 17 of December. Overall, I think my tests went relatively well, considering they were all essay questions, and were all in french. I finished up the semester will dinner chez Gabrielle, and we watched a movie whose name I cannot remember, unfortunately. I spent friday sleeping in, packing, then headed over to Cameron's for his atheist Christmas party. Saturday was essentially just a bunch of lazing around until I got in the taxi to head to the airport. One pleasant conversation with mon chauffeur later, I was in line at the airport. A unique trait of Canadian airports is that US customs is located IN CANADA. You pass by it before you even board your flight. So after the initial check in queue, then the line for security, and finally customs, it takes at least an hour and a half on a GOOD DAY! Beware all those travelling during busy periods. Anywhere between 2 to 3 hours advance arrival is advised! I had a layover in Minneapolis, and my internal clock was thrown off dramatically as I was hoping time zones with both flights at night. At around midnight, I landed in SFO, just in time to see the beginning hours of Dad's birthday. Not too shabby!
The trip home was fantastic, to say the least. It was nice being back home, driving a car, seeing the family and friends, and spending time in a familiar environment. Seeing CALIFORNIA lisence plates, as silly as it is, was a novelty. Christmas went by well; I got a new cell phone! Its really cool, one of those with a the keyboard and the touch screen etc. I'm excited to use it properly once I move home. I also got to see almost everyone at least once over Christmas break, including late night visits to Wendy's :) Had to keep the tradition!
I also got to go out to SF twice to visit Dione, DJ, and AJ. First time, we all had dinner and spent the next day down in Pacifica, CA. I really love that town, along with its tidepools which we most definately visited. Next came CHIPOTLE! Oh my gosh! Having a good heavy burrito was amazing, despite the fact that I wasn't able to finish it. Clearly, being abroad since long has shrunk my stomach. I went home a wee bit early, had dinner, and spent a night at the movies with Mum and Dad. I must've seen more than 4 movies during the two weeks that I was home, and I was more than happy to! Great times :) New Years was spent in SF, with good friends and good fireworks. Jan. 4th came a bit too fast, and I came back to Montréal on the red eye flight via Toronto (officially the worst airport ever by the way. Not laid out well at all).
I had two days to get back onto East Coast time, and now I am back in classes. This semester I am taking a 6-unit French Grammar class, Political System of the USSR, Social and Political Movements of Québec, and the Municipal Political System of Montréal. Surprisingly, my course choices were my original ones, and I am more than happy with all of them. While I have close to 100 pages of papers this semester, I only have one final exam on April 22nd. I will officially be done with my year abroad in 3 months.....scary thought! Good news is that I'll be back home before May Day!
Coming back was definately interesting. It was good seeing my good friends here, and I wasted no time in running to Tim Hortons for hot chocolate, or going out for a drink of alcohol. That's where I am at the moment: enjoy the beginning of the semester, accompanied by good friend, good hot chocolate, and the occasional boisson alcoolisée!
Note Bene: Heat Wave In January. We reached 36F (2c) two days in a row on Friday and Saturday!
Last time I was writing about finals, snowstorms, etc. I cant believe how long ago that was! I will try my best to go in chronologocial order.
I finished my last final on the 17 of December. Overall, I think my tests went relatively well, considering they were all essay questions, and were all in french. I finished up the semester will dinner chez Gabrielle, and we watched a movie whose name I cannot remember, unfortunately. I spent friday sleeping in, packing, then headed over to Cameron's for his atheist Christmas party. Saturday was essentially just a bunch of lazing around until I got in the taxi to head to the airport. One pleasant conversation with mon chauffeur later, I was in line at the airport. A unique trait of Canadian airports is that US customs is located IN CANADA. You pass by it before you even board your flight. So after the initial check in queue, then the line for security, and finally customs, it takes at least an hour and a half on a GOOD DAY! Beware all those travelling during busy periods. Anywhere between 2 to 3 hours advance arrival is advised! I had a layover in Minneapolis, and my internal clock was thrown off dramatically as I was hoping time zones with both flights at night. At around midnight, I landed in SFO, just in time to see the beginning hours of Dad's birthday. Not too shabby!
The trip home was fantastic, to say the least. It was nice being back home, driving a car, seeing the family and friends, and spending time in a familiar environment. Seeing CALIFORNIA lisence plates, as silly as it is, was a novelty. Christmas went by well; I got a new cell phone! Its really cool, one of those with a the keyboard and the touch screen etc. I'm excited to use it properly once I move home. I also got to see almost everyone at least once over Christmas break, including late night visits to Wendy's :) Had to keep the tradition!
I also got to go out to SF twice to visit Dione, DJ, and AJ. First time, we all had dinner and spent the next day down in Pacifica, CA. I really love that town, along with its tidepools which we most definately visited. Next came CHIPOTLE! Oh my gosh! Having a good heavy burrito was amazing, despite the fact that I wasn't able to finish it. Clearly, being abroad since long has shrunk my stomach. I went home a wee bit early, had dinner, and spent a night at the movies with Mum and Dad. I must've seen more than 4 movies during the two weeks that I was home, and I was more than happy to! Great times :) New Years was spent in SF, with good friends and good fireworks. Jan. 4th came a bit too fast, and I came back to Montréal on the red eye flight via Toronto (officially the worst airport ever by the way. Not laid out well at all).
I had two days to get back onto East Coast time, and now I am back in classes. This semester I am taking a 6-unit French Grammar class, Political System of the USSR, Social and Political Movements of Québec, and the Municipal Political System of Montréal. Surprisingly, my course choices were my original ones, and I am more than happy with all of them. While I have close to 100 pages of papers this semester, I only have one final exam on April 22nd. I will officially be done with my year abroad in 3 months.....scary thought! Good news is that I'll be back home before May Day!
Coming back was definately interesting. It was good seeing my good friends here, and I wasted no time in running to Tim Hortons for hot chocolate, or going out for a drink of alcohol. That's where I am at the moment: enjoy the beginning of the semester, accompanied by good friend, good hot chocolate, and the occasional boisson alcoolisée!
Note Bene: Heat Wave In January. We reached 36F (2c) two days in a row on Friday and Saturday!
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