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.
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