Bonjour!
So, I've been slacking this weekend concerning my blog and I haven't posted in a couple days. We'll continue with Saturday. On Saturday morning we had the weekly trip to Apt market. My main goal of the trip was to get hair dye from the grocery store since I have been itching for a change in color. I wanted to go bright red, but since we were in such a small town, the best I could find was a reddish-brown. After working at the SCAD boutique, my fabulous roommate, Meghan, dyed my hair. It was the best smelling hair dye I have ever used, it smelled like apricots, a very popular fruit in France. That night Pierre Cardin was having another installment in his summer performance series. this time it was a ballet called The Temptation of Eve. It was a very unusual ballet, starting with the fact that it was a one woman play...Here is a small exerpt from a review of the ballet, "One of the most talented dancers of our time, Marie- Claude Pietragalla is back in ‘Eve’s Temptation’, a ballet about the history of women over the centuries exploring the female condition and its symbols. " Also a video summation of the performance. I don't know where Pierre gets these people.
After the ballet we joined the rest of the town for the 2nd night of the summer festival. Last night, instead of a DJ was a band. It was cool to have live music, but it definitely was not as easy to dance to as the dace music of the night before. Once the rappers came on stage we decided we had had enough and decided to go to bed. I hope the party tonight is a really excellent end to he weekend.
Au Revoir
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Glanum and St. Remy
Bonjor!
So, I've been slacking this weekend concerning my blog and I haven't posted in a couple days. We'll start with Friday. On Friday we had an all-day field trip to Glanum and St. Remy which are about an hour away. The trip started with a visit to the ancient ruins of the town called Glanum. In the 6th century BC the town was founded by the Gauls, who settled there because of the healing spring that comes from the base of a nearby mountain. The city was taken over by Greece and then in 49 BC was taken over by the Romans and made an official Roman town in Provence. In 260 AD, around the time of the fall of the Roman empire, the town was abandoned and all the residents moved one or two kilometers north and created the town of St. Remy. Over time the town was completely covered with mud and was not re-discovered until the 1920s. the only things that weren't covered and were the indicators of a hidden town, were the triumphal arch, which was built between 10-25 BC and is one of the earliest arches of its kind, and the Mausoleum of Julii, which just looks like a tower. I love how relaxed the French are, because we were allowed to climb all over the ruins, walk into all the rooms, and sit were they sat. It was a really cool experience. After Glanum we traveled into town, where it was market day! St-Remy was a very cute town with lots of hidden alleys and tiny shops. The best part of the town was the chocolate shop, the chocolates were tiny, but soooo delicious! After touring the town, we headed back up the hill for a tour of the asylum that Van Gogh voluntarily lived in for a year and where he created some of his very best work. The crazy thing is that Van Gogh lived right next to Glanum, but had a absolutely no idea of it's existence. Visiting the asylum was really cool because we got to see first-hand all of the things that he painted. We saw the olive trees around the area, the sunflower field in the garden, and of course all of his iconic Cyprus trees. We also got to visit the room that he lived in while at the asylum. It was tiny, but it was so amazing to be standing where Van Gogh stood. We then returned to Lacoste and relaxed until that night, which was the first night of the town's annual summer festival. We decided to forgo the 15 euro dinner and instead joined them around 11 when the "disco" dancing began. It was and inedible party; even the professors joined the many SCAD students on the dance floor. I have to say that they had some of the best dance moves of the night!
Au Revoir
Au Revoir
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Caseneuve and a Russian Play
Bonjour!
Yesterday in my art history class we went on another field trip, so of course it was pouring rain and I couldn't find my umbrella! In spite of these factors, it was one of the best field trips we've been on. the trip was to the atelier (studio) of a local artist in Caseneuve, who makes beautiful and intricate mosaic tables. He had a good full tome job, but one day he quit everything and decided to make mosaic tables! His wife, who works in our offices, was not to excited about the change at first, but now his business is super successful and he sells tables to the likes of Sandra Bullock, Russell Crowe, and Bono. He makes all of his tables from ancient Roman marble that he collects from ruins or buys from dealers, making his work more authentic and valuable. After we toured his studio, he was kind enough to take us to his house for brunch. It was raining outside still so we all had to squish into his kitchen/dining room while he showed us all of the ancient artifacts he owns. Since he grew up in the area, he has been collecting ancient artifacts from around the area using his metal detector for years, and has found some really cool stuff. He showed us Roman metal spoon, a small Roman oil lamp, lots of rings, coins from long ago, as well as a scull that he found in his walls while renovating. It is so cool to be in a place with so much rich history. After we got back the clouds were hanging so low in the sky that they were litterally right in front of our faces. It was magnificent. I spent the afternoon cataloging keys in the office! So much fun. Last night Pierre Cardin, who owns the Chateau at the top of Lacoste, has been putting on a series of performances for the summer in an amphitheater that he built into a local limestone quarry. Last night the performance was a musical put on by a group of Russian actors, and since there were a lot of extra seats, all the SCAD students were invited to go for free! I think the play was a picture of Russia throughout the decades from the 1930's to the 1980s, but since it was all in Russian I wasn't really sure. I was really cold during the performance since we were at the top of the mountain and my legs were completely bare, so I couldn't really enjoy the performance, but it was interesting. Tomorrow we go on an all-day field trip to Glanum and St-Remy, where Van gogh did some of his best work! Super excited!
Au Revoir!
Yesterday in my art history class we went on another field trip, so of course it was pouring rain and I couldn't find my umbrella! In spite of these factors, it was one of the best field trips we've been on. the trip was to the atelier (studio) of a local artist in Caseneuve, who makes beautiful and intricate mosaic tables. He had a good full tome job, but one day he quit everything and decided to make mosaic tables! His wife, who works in our offices, was not to excited about the change at first, but now his business is super successful and he sells tables to the likes of Sandra Bullock, Russell Crowe, and Bono. He makes all of his tables from ancient Roman marble that he collects from ruins or buys from dealers, making his work more authentic and valuable. After we toured his studio, he was kind enough to take us to his house for brunch. It was raining outside still so we all had to squish into his kitchen/dining room while he showed us all of the ancient artifacts he owns. Since he grew up in the area, he has been collecting ancient artifacts from around the area using his metal detector for years, and has found some really cool stuff. He showed us Roman metal spoon, a small Roman oil lamp, lots of rings, coins from long ago, as well as a scull that he found in his walls while renovating. It is so cool to be in a place with so much rich history. After we got back the clouds were hanging so low in the sky that they were litterally right in front of our faces. It was magnificent. I spent the afternoon cataloging keys in the office! So much fun. Last night Pierre Cardin, who owns the Chateau at the top of Lacoste, has been putting on a series of performances for the summer in an amphitheater that he built into a local limestone quarry. Last night the performance was a musical put on by a group of Russian actors, and since there were a lot of extra seats, all the SCAD students were invited to go for free! I think the play was a picture of Russia throughout the decades from the 1930's to the 1980s, but since it was all in Russian I wasn't really sure. I was really cold during the performance since we were at the top of the mountain and my legs were completely bare, so I couldn't really enjoy the performance, but it was interesting. Tomorrow we go on an all-day field trip to Glanum and St-Remy, where Van gogh did some of his best work! Super excited!
Au Revoir!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Last Day in Paris and Back to Lacoste
Yesterday was our last day in Paris, and what a hectic day it was. The day started with packing up and trying to fit all the goodies of Paris into my already overstuffed luggage. The extra empty backpack I brought with me was super helpful. Around 10;45 I was packed and checked out of the hotel and on my way to Ultramod, a really cool store with vintage sewing supplies like fabric, ribbons, buttons etc.. but when I got there it was closed :( I was super sad, but thankfully there was lots of excellent shopping in the area to cheer me up! I got some super cute presents, but my shopping was cut short because I was supposed to meet Molly and Adelle at the Paris Opera. Unfortunately, due to the inconveniences of being abroad, such as the lack of cell phones, we missed each other so I ate lunch on the steps of the opera, and decided to just shop without them. Super coincidentally I stumbled upon them as I was passing the side of the opera and they were coming out from there tour! It was super fabulous and we all took a metro from the opera to the outskirts of the city to go to the largest flea market in Paris. Sadly, the only thing that I found there was some very pretty ribbon and a banana and Neutella crepe, but so souvenirs. because of this we decided to return to the giant eight story shopping center that was behind the opera, and went to the Paris souvenirs floor where I got lots of great stuff. We grabbed some really delicious gelato and then ran back to the hotel to grab our bags and get to the train station by 6:45. We made it back to Avignon by 10 and bussed back to Lacoste, getting in around 11pm. I were all super pooped, but still had to drag all of my luggage up the ridiculously steep hills and up the 38 steps to my dorm. When I got to my room I realized that my wrist was covered in dried blood, and was bruised. I have decided my my wrist acted upon it's own accord and tried to kill itself while climbing up all of the hills and steps, while carrying my luggage. Finally back in my own bed, I slept very well for eleven hours.
After my trip to paris I have made sevral observations about Praisians.
1. Paris is full of very attractive men
2. Conveniently, everyone speaks English
3. Parisian men really do say ooh la la to women
4. Paris is not the city of love, but the city of PDA (Public Displays of Affection)
5. Gypsies are very creative, they come up with endless ways of swindling tourists out of their money
6. I would definitely like to live in Paris one day
Friday, July 22, 2011
Versailles!
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| Versailles Palace |
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| Marie Antoinette's little village |
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| Petit Trianon |
Bonjour!
Today was a fabulously relaxed day. We all got up really early so that we could catch the 45 minute metro ride to Versailles and still be there by the time it opened around 10. I know most people hate it, but I love Sofia Coppola's movie, Marie Antoinette. I'm obsessed with the costumes and I love how beautiful all of the settings were, so I was really pumped to finally go to Versailles. the first thing I was surprised about is how close the surrounding city is to the palace entrance. The entrance looked like any other large, historic building in Paris, but that annoyance soon ended. the first thing we tackled was the main building. That whole tour was pretty epic, but it was really crowded with thousands of tourists and annoying tour groups, so definitely not my favorite part of Versailles. Since it had begun raining a little, we decided to take the shuttle tour, whose first stop was the Grand Trianon. It was pretty, and we decided that it was Meghan's house. The next stop was the Petit Trianon which is the "small" house that King Louis XVI gave to Marie Antoinette. It was soo cute! and we decided that it would be my home. We then walked to the village of Hameau de la Reine, which is the village that Marie Antoinette had built so that she could live the life of a "country farmer." The village was the cutest place i have ever seen. it consisted of 9 buildings with lots of little fields, gardens,and vineyard surrounding them. The whole village looked as if a fairy tale cad come to life. I think that of any place in the world, Hameau de la reine would be the place that I would want to live the most. It was fabulous. After we returned to the hotel I did a quick watching of Marie Antoinette so that I could excitedly spot all the places I had been today. Hopefully early to bed tonight, and tomorrow I will shop till I drop, or till 6 when I have to be back at the train station to return to lacoste.
Au Revoir
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Paris Day 3: Museums
Bonjour,
Today started off with Notre Dame. We had seen the outside yesterday, but today we went inside and waited 2 hours to go to the top. I have walked up so many spiral staircase steps while in Paris, that I'll be glad never to see another spiral staircase again! But I can say that I have never fallen down a spiral staircase, which is kind of a huge deal. After Notre Dame we went to the Modern Art Museum ( the Pompidou Centre) because it was mandatory :( After our necessary 10 minute tour we left for lunch. After lunch we went to L'Orangerie Museum which contains Monet's massive Water Lilies paintings. The paintings were soo fantastic and I got a poster of one of them to go in my new apartment in Savannah! We walked through the Tulieries Gardens to the Louvre. We were sooo tired and only saw the first and second floors, but we will be returning tomorrow! Hopefully my feet feel good by then. WE wnt to a nice french restaurant for dinner and I got veal with onions in a delicious white wine sauce with rice and creme brule for dessert! It was sooo delicious! After dinner we went to the Shakespeare & Co restorer, which is a famous American bookstore that's only a five minute walk from our hotel! Now to bed. Versailles tomorrow!!!
Au Revoir
Today started off with Notre Dame. We had seen the outside yesterday, but today we went inside and waited 2 hours to go to the top. I have walked up so many spiral staircase steps while in Paris, that I'll be glad never to see another spiral staircase again! But I can say that I have never fallen down a spiral staircase, which is kind of a huge deal. After Notre Dame we went to the Modern Art Museum ( the Pompidou Centre) because it was mandatory :( After our necessary 10 minute tour we left for lunch. After lunch we went to L'Orangerie Museum which contains Monet's massive Water Lilies paintings. The paintings were soo fantastic and I got a poster of one of them to go in my new apartment in Savannah! We walked through the Tulieries Gardens to the Louvre. We were sooo tired and only saw the first and second floors, but we will be returning tomorrow! Hopefully my feet feel good by then. WE wnt to a nice french restaurant for dinner and I got veal with onions in a delicious white wine sauce with rice and creme brule for dessert! It was sooo delicious! After dinner we went to the Shakespeare & Co restorer, which is a famous American bookstore that's only a five minute walk from our hotel! Now to bed. Versailles tomorrow!!!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Paris Day 2: Already Pooped
Bonjour!
So today started off really cool, but didn't end so well. Most of our group went to the Louvre today, but since today was the only day this week forecast for sunshine, even though the temperature was still in the 50s today, we decided to see the outdoor attractions today. We started off the day with the Paris catacombs. Even though we got there 20 minutes before they opened, we still were waiting for 2 hours. They were worth the wait though, there are over 6 million corpses stacked in the catacombs and it is really cool lookin. After the catacombs, we went to a little grocery store to buy a quick lunch and walked to the Luxembourg Gardens to have a nice picnic in the park. It was so beautiful. After the gardens we walked to the Pantheon, which was huge and had beautiful paintings. After the Pantheon we walked up to Notre Dame, but I didn't have time to wait in line to go in because I had to go to the European Photo Museum with our photo professor. I had never heard of most of the photographers in the museum, but the images were soo heartbreaking. There were series on blind children, women in prison, war, Parisian prostitutes, AIDS, and the civilian victims of land mines. After the museum I was alone and was supposed to meet up with the others at the Eiffel Tower at 7:30, but thanks to the stupid metro system I didn't get there until 8:10. Thinking that they probably stopped waiting for me, I found another SCAD group and went to the top with them, only to see the rest of my group waiting to go up, once I was waiting in line to go down. We decided to meet back at the hotel, but thanks to the lines it was already 10:45, none of us had eaten dinner yet, and it had just started to rain. I got on the closest metro station, but thanks to the Tour De France on Sunday, my stop was closed so I had to get off early and then they bussed us to the next stop, which took forever! I finally go back to the area of the hotel, and began my hunt for fast, cheap food to go. This is what brought me to eating my first and hopefully only McDonald's meal while in France. It was so delicious and warm though, and I finished off with a macaroon from laduree for dessert. Now I will go to sleep.
Au Revoir
So today started off really cool, but didn't end so well. Most of our group went to the Louvre today, but since today was the only day this week forecast for sunshine, even though the temperature was still in the 50s today, we decided to see the outdoor attractions today. We started off the day with the Paris catacombs. Even though we got there 20 minutes before they opened, we still were waiting for 2 hours. They were worth the wait though, there are over 6 million corpses stacked in the catacombs and it is really cool lookin. After the catacombs, we went to a little grocery store to buy a quick lunch and walked to the Luxembourg Gardens to have a nice picnic in the park. It was so beautiful. After the gardens we walked to the Pantheon, which was huge and had beautiful paintings. After the Pantheon we walked up to Notre Dame, but I didn't have time to wait in line to go in because I had to go to the European Photo Museum with our photo professor. I had never heard of most of the photographers in the museum, but the images were soo heartbreaking. There were series on blind children, women in prison, war, Parisian prostitutes, AIDS, and the civilian victims of land mines. After the museum I was alone and was supposed to meet up with the others at the Eiffel Tower at 7:30, but thanks to the stupid metro system I didn't get there until 8:10. Thinking that they probably stopped waiting for me, I found another SCAD group and went to the top with them, only to see the rest of my group waiting to go up, once I was waiting in line to go down. We decided to meet back at the hotel, but thanks to the lines it was already 10:45, none of us had eaten dinner yet, and it had just started to rain. I got on the closest metro station, but thanks to the Tour De France on Sunday, my stop was closed so I had to get off early and then they bussed us to the next stop, which took forever! I finally go back to the area of the hotel, and began my hunt for fast, cheap food to go. This is what brought me to eating my first and hopefully only McDonald's meal while in France. It was so delicious and warm though, and I finished off with a macaroon from laduree for dessert. Now I will go to sleep.
Au Revoir
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