Photos are: the gardens at Versailles, the Eiffel Tower, my cousin Beatrice who hosted us, and Terrenda and I at the Sacre Coeur cathedral.
More photos to come - I'm still learning how to use blogger.
September 23, 2007
I'm safe and happy in Europe
Hi everyone,
I’m alive and well in Sevilla. Terrenda met me in Sevilla for a few wonderful days in Spain. We visited the town where I will be living, Jerez, and I was relieved to find that I liked it. Except for the fact that there is a “th” sound in its name where it should sound like a z, the town seems great. We were there on a Wednesday afternoon/evening. The downtown area was packed with people out eating and drinking. It had an open air market, cute shops, and historic buildings. Plus, we didn’t see many tourists, which is good for me because I’ll learn more Spanish.
We got to Paris on the 13th and I was there for 10 days visiting family and friends. I know many people have stereotypes about Paris and the French, so I’m here to confirm and dispel some myths:
-My family and friends here are amazing. Merci beaucoup Bea et Bouchra pour m’avoir aceulli si chaleureusement! J’ai trop aimee voir tout le monde ddans la famille Hurtevent. J’attends que vous visitez Jerez!
-Terrenda is a “mack daddy.” We couldn’t go anywhere without men hitting on her. I had such a great time traveling with her. Terrenda, thanks so much for coming!
-Yes, Paris is a very romantic city. I miss Jermaine! My favorite spots are the gardens in the Louvre, the Sacre Coeur cathedral with a view of the whole city, and the gardens in the Rodin museum.
-Yes, French food is indeed the best in the world. Sorry Ethiopians – I have to disagree with you. I have eaten so many pastries I might explode. And the greatest mystery of all: I haven’t gained weight. The surprising thing is that my French family and friends are crazy about pancakes with maple syrup, which is hard to find here.
-Yes the people here are beautiful. And stylish…apart from the man purses. And yes, people do wear tight pants. But the men have loosened theirs since last time I was here – a step in the right direction.
-No, not all Parisians are snobby. Many people have been helpful. Don’t be scared Americans.
-Yes, French music is bad, but at least people put their heart and soul into it. At least once a day, I saw someone playing old French classics on the accordion in the metro. Many street performers have their own microphones and speakers too! American music and movies are everywhere. The first artist I heard in Europe was in a cab – Sade. And sadly, the Umbrella song (brella..ella..ella..hey..hey..hey) is as much of a hit here as it is in the U.S.
I arrived in Sevilla today for an orientation, and then I move to Jerez a week after that. I heard from the school where I’ll teach, and they seem very nice and ready to help me find housing and get adjusted.
I’m expecting to have a real address and phone number in the next few weeks. For now, just email me. I miss everyone already!
A bientot…I mean hasta luego y besos a todos.
Ciao.
I’m alive and well in Sevilla. Terrenda met me in Sevilla for a few wonderful days in Spain. We visited the town where I will be living, Jerez, and I was relieved to find that I liked it. Except for the fact that there is a “th” sound in its name where it should sound like a z, the town seems great. We were there on a Wednesday afternoon/evening. The downtown area was packed with people out eating and drinking. It had an open air market, cute shops, and historic buildings. Plus, we didn’t see many tourists, which is good for me because I’ll learn more Spanish.
We got to Paris on the 13th and I was there for 10 days visiting family and friends. I know many people have stereotypes about Paris and the French, so I’m here to confirm and dispel some myths:
-My family and friends here are amazing. Merci beaucoup Bea et Bouchra pour m’avoir aceulli si chaleureusement! J’ai trop aimee voir tout le monde ddans la famille Hurtevent. J’attends que vous visitez Jerez!
-Terrenda is a “mack daddy.” We couldn’t go anywhere without men hitting on her. I had such a great time traveling with her. Terrenda, thanks so much for coming!
-Yes, Paris is a very romantic city. I miss Jermaine! My favorite spots are the gardens in the Louvre, the Sacre Coeur cathedral with a view of the whole city, and the gardens in the Rodin museum.
-Yes, French food is indeed the best in the world. Sorry Ethiopians – I have to disagree with you. I have eaten so many pastries I might explode. And the greatest mystery of all: I haven’t gained weight. The surprising thing is that my French family and friends are crazy about pancakes with maple syrup, which is hard to find here.
-Yes the people here are beautiful. And stylish…apart from the man purses. And yes, people do wear tight pants. But the men have loosened theirs since last time I was here – a step in the right direction.
-No, not all Parisians are snobby. Many people have been helpful. Don’t be scared Americans.
-Yes, French music is bad, but at least people put their heart and soul into it. At least once a day, I saw someone playing old French classics on the accordion in the metro. Many street performers have their own microphones and speakers too! American music and movies are everywhere. The first artist I heard in Europe was in a cab – Sade. And sadly, the Umbrella song (brella..ella..ella..hey..hey..hey) is as much of a hit here as it is in the U.S.
I arrived in Sevilla today for an orientation, and then I move to Jerez a week after that. I heard from the school where I’ll teach, and they seem very nice and ready to help me find housing and get adjusted.
I’m expecting to have a real address and phone number in the next few weeks. For now, just email me. I miss everyone already!
A bientot…I mean hasta luego y besos a todos.
Ciao.
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