Yesterday, Ali and I took a thirty minute bus to St Jean de Luz from Biarritz. It’s a really pretty town in proper Basque country which I hope to return to at a later date for a more thorough inspection. It had a traditional atmosphere but not in an old way, in fact most of the shops were very alternative and ‘kitsch’, there were a lot of cool clothes shops which seemed quite reasonable, unlike the shops in Biarritz.
Ali and I wasted an hour or so in search of a decent boulangerie where I could get a pistachio macaroon. But to no avail, we returned to the youth hostel and spent the evening getting to know this French couple who approached Ali at the beach and asked ‘do you like beer’? He decided to bring them back. If it had been me, I would have suspected them, but apparently in France, especially in the south, people are very open and approachable, I hope that I can meet some more people like this during my stay. The conversations we had that night were amusing, mostly about the ‘bucheron’ aka the lumberjack in the guy’s room who snores so badly he sounds like he is choking. The bucheron is a scary looking man with yellowing teeth and a leering smile. Apparently he is after the pretty Brazilians here.
Today I lounged on the beach and am happy to say gained a small tan. I also did some washing which had dried easily in the gorgeous weather here. Overall, a good day.
Sunday, 6 September 2009
Friday, 4 September 2009
Wandering around
My stay is progressing nicely enough here in Biarritz. Bar work last night was easy again, and a good way to meet the people staying and have a chat. I’m only working until ten now, so I have more evening time for emailing or chatting to the bar flies.
Slept really well last night after an exhausting day- ended up walking into Biarritz with two guys from the hostel, which took an age (an hour and a half!) we stopped in a cafe to have lunch and then walked around, went to see la Vierge (a statue of the virgin Mary on top of a huge rock), I can’t remember its exact significance from my last visit, but will definitely return on a nicer day to find out. Probably something to do with blessing the port/sailors etc. Ended up bussing back alone to get to work which was interesting, still haven’t worked out how they work exactly, I meant to ask the driver for one to ‘Cinq Cantons’, but apparently my pronunciation was ‘Cinq Chatons’ aka ‘Five Kittens’ oh dear!!
After that exhausting day, I’ve decided to chill out today. Maybe a trip to the supermarket later at most. If the weather is a bit rubbish tomorrow, Ali (hostel guy/Biarritz walking buddy) and I might go try and get to San Sebastien (Spaiiiiin) as I have Sat and Sun nights off!
That’s all for now.
Leave me something nice to read please?
Slept really well last night after an exhausting day- ended up walking into Biarritz with two guys from the hostel, which took an age (an hour and a half!) we stopped in a cafe to have lunch and then walked around, went to see la Vierge (a statue of the virgin Mary on top of a huge rock), I can’t remember its exact significance from my last visit, but will definitely return on a nicer day to find out. Probably something to do with blessing the port/sailors etc. Ended up bussing back alone to get to work which was interesting, still haven’t worked out how they work exactly, I meant to ask the driver for one to ‘Cinq Cantons’, but apparently my pronunciation was ‘Cinq Chatons’ aka ‘Five Kittens’ oh dear!!
After that exhausting day, I’ve decided to chill out today. Maybe a trip to the supermarket later at most. If the weather is a bit rubbish tomorrow, Ali (hostel guy/Biarritz walking buddy) and I might go try and get to San Sebastien (Spaiiiiin) as I have Sat and Sun nights off!
That’s all for now.
Leave me something nice to read please?
Wednesday, 2 September 2009
La vie a Anglet
Well, I’m here. Sat in my mini ‘apartment’ writing this.
I arrived yesterday at half ten. Dominique was not at the airport straight away, so a mini panic ensued. Had he received my email? What did he look like? Where was he going to be? Luckily, Biarritz airport is pretty small, so when he eventually arrived (after about fifteen minutes) he found me easily enough.
What ensued was a confusing conversation in the car, when he told me I wouldn’t be staying at Biarritz, but in fact, at Anglet. I don’t know how far it is from Biarritz, but not too far I should imagine, maybe ten minutes by car. I was then handed over to Frederique, his assistant at the station, who took me to Anglet. He seemed quite nice, when I insisted he call me ‘Sam’, it was all ‘Ah Sam, pour les amis!’ har de har etc etc.
However, I have come to realise that the people here are very laidback, so laidback they may as well be asleep. Frederique gave me very little instruction as to what I would be doing, one minute I was meant to be working in the evening, the next I wasn’t. He told me to go relax and someone would come get me, but no one ever came and I lay in this anxious state, worrying if I should sleep or not. I did manage to catch about 20 mins light doze which left me feeling dazed and more tired than before. When I went to ask him some questions (aka, can I have a bin for my room? (!), where do I do my washing?, what would I be doing that night?)He looked me straight in the face and asked ‘Tu veux quelque chose?’ (You want something ?) In a way that made me feel like a needy child.
Maybe I am too sensitive, and they are just used to letting people do their own thing.
I will certainly be doing a lot of my own thing, whilst at Anglet I’m working half 7pm until 1am in the ‘Scottish pub’ downstairs. I have the entire day to myself, to walk around, read, try and make friends with people on holiday who will just leave the week after etc etc. Sigh.
When I woke up this morning, my first thought was ‘I want to go home’. I miss Ben, I miss the reassuring feel of home, I miss my family. I was so certain in my need to go back. But then, I don’t know how, but I battled it out with my insecure self. A mantra of ‘I can do this’ kept ringing in my head. And in the end I had to write myself a promise to solidify this feeling:
‘I will stick it out for two months. If, and only if by the 1st November I still feel homesick, unsure and unwelcome, I will leave.’
It’s signed and dated.
Now just to see if I can keep this promise to myself.
Here are some pictures of my digs, you see it’s not all bad, at least I have my own shower with hot water. I’m going to try and find the supermarket now and buy some small comforts, if it’s sunny later I might even pop down to the beach. One can but try.
Leave me a nice comment??
:)
I arrived yesterday at half ten. Dominique was not at the airport straight away, so a mini panic ensued. Had he received my email? What did he look like? Where was he going to be? Luckily, Biarritz airport is pretty small, so when he eventually arrived (after about fifteen minutes) he found me easily enough.
What ensued was a confusing conversation in the car, when he told me I wouldn’t be staying at Biarritz, but in fact, at Anglet. I don’t know how far it is from Biarritz, but not too far I should imagine, maybe ten minutes by car. I was then handed over to Frederique, his assistant at the station, who took me to Anglet. He seemed quite nice, when I insisted he call me ‘Sam’, it was all ‘Ah Sam, pour les amis!’ har de har etc etc.
However, I have come to realise that the people here are very laidback, so laidback they may as well be asleep. Frederique gave me very little instruction as to what I would be doing, one minute I was meant to be working in the evening, the next I wasn’t. He told me to go relax and someone would come get me, but no one ever came and I lay in this anxious state, worrying if I should sleep or not. I did manage to catch about 20 mins light doze which left me feeling dazed and more tired than before. When I went to ask him some questions (aka, can I have a bin for my room? (!), where do I do my washing?, what would I be doing that night?)He looked me straight in the face and asked ‘Tu veux quelque chose?’ (You want something ?) In a way that made me feel like a needy child.
Maybe I am too sensitive, and they are just used to letting people do their own thing.
I will certainly be doing a lot of my own thing, whilst at Anglet I’m working half 7pm until 1am in the ‘Scottish pub’ downstairs. I have the entire day to myself, to walk around, read, try and make friends with people on holiday who will just leave the week after etc etc. Sigh.
When I woke up this morning, my first thought was ‘I want to go home’. I miss Ben, I miss the reassuring feel of home, I miss my family. I was so certain in my need to go back. But then, I don’t know how, but I battled it out with my insecure self. A mantra of ‘I can do this’ kept ringing in my head. And in the end I had to write myself a promise to solidify this feeling:
‘I will stick it out for two months. If, and only if by the 1st November I still feel homesick, unsure and unwelcome, I will leave.’
It’s signed and dated.
Now just to see if I can keep this promise to myself.
Here are some pictures of my digs, you see it’s not all bad, at least I have my own shower with hot water. I’m going to try and find the supermarket now and buy some small comforts, if it’s sunny later I might even pop down to the beach. One can but try.
Leave me a nice comment??
:)
Monday, 31 August 2009
Merde.
The night before I take my leave of merry old England.
Frankly, I'm scared. I'm half way between terrified and relieved that I'm making the move. I'm excited to see more of the world, to meet new people and to ultimately, become pro at french.
But at the same time, I'm sad to leave my lovely friends:
My Hana, who always makes me smile and doesn't have a bad bone in her body. I'm going to miss popping over your house all the time. Definately coffee and cocktails at xmas!
There is no point listing anyone else as I'm sure no one else reads this.
But Ben, you are the best thing in my life, and I will be missing you and loving you every day we are apart.
You keep me going.
A bientot mes amis!!!
Frankly, I'm scared. I'm half way between terrified and relieved that I'm making the move. I'm excited to see more of the world, to meet new people and to ultimately, become pro at french.
But at the same time, I'm sad to leave my lovely friends:
My Hana, who always makes me smile and doesn't have a bad bone in her body. I'm going to miss popping over your house all the time. Definately coffee and cocktails at xmas!
There is no point listing anyone else as I'm sure no one else reads this.
But Ben, you are the best thing in my life, and I will be missing you and loving you every day we are apart.
You keep me going.
A bientot mes amis!!!
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
Two weeks, fourteen days, three hundred and thirty six hours, twenty thousand one hundred and six minutes...
In two weeks time, I will have landed in France.
Ready to become French...
J'ai peur.
Is it too late to turn back?
Ready to become French...
J'ai peur.
Is it too late to turn back?
Tuesday, 11 August 2009
Saturday, 8 August 2009
Kpop meme (cheers, Han)
I'm bored, and I'm sure it's one of Han's dying wishes for me to do this meme...
LET'S DO THIS!!
What/Who got you into kpop?
Youtube! I literally stumbled on DBSK's 'Balloons' and fell in love with their fluffy animal costumes, cute dancing and unadulterated cheesiness. It made a nice break from the seriousness of life.
Favourite boy group?
DBSK (til I diiiiiiiiie...yeaaahhhh hardcorrreeeee mother fuuuccccka...ahem)
Favourite girl group?
SNSD, though recently I'm enjoying KARA too
Favourite idol group overall?
DBSK
Other groups you love?
Big Bang, SHINee, SS501, BoA, Lee Hyori
Rank your favourites from each of your stated groups above?
DBSK: Yoochunnie!
SNSD: Yoona (v talented actress too)
Big Bang: TOP
SHINee: LEE MINHO ('flamin' charisma' for life)
SS501: Hyunjoong! < all because of mine and Ambre's rabid love for 'Boys Before Flowers'
Favourite pairings from each of your stated groups?
Tbh, I strictly only support Jaeho (DBSK), Yoosu (DBSK), a slight Homin (DBSK- 'I believe in it Han!' hahahaha)
2min- ShinEE is also pleasing.
Favourite idol group pairings?
Jaeho <3
Favourite solo female singer?
BoA < she wins just for her brains!
Favourite solo male singer?
Rain?
Favourite idol overall?
Yoochun, although I also adore Jaejoong
Favourite songs right now?
If?!...- Junsu
Rainy Night- Junsu
9095- DBSK
Eat U up- BoA
Wasurenaide- DBSK
Haru Haru- Big Bang
Rock U- Kara
Favourite fanclub?
Cassieopia & Bigeast (represent, yo)
Favourite entertainment company?
JYP for their fair trade, but SM for the artists
Loved a group your not into anymore?
I used to be a bigger Big Bang fan, though tbh it's DBSK all the way.
First kpop song ever?
DBSK- Balloons ( just watching this video cheers me up)
First kpop music video ever?
Balloons
First kpop love (group/solo)?
DBSK
First variety show (and with who)?
Understanding the Human Body with DBSK - hilarious.
Group you could never get into no matter how much you tried.
I'm having issues with SS501
Any dance you can do (from a MV etc) or want to learn?
Tell Me- Wondergirls although I do forget it
Any songs you memorised the lyrics to?
Stand By U- DBSK
Hottest male in the industry to you?
Rain is too hot to look at. He burns my eyes.
Prettiest female in the industry to you?
Lee Hyori
A person you want to be like/admire the most?
I would love to have DBSK's motivation and work ethic
A song you must/always/usually listen to EVERY day?
I seem to always be listening to 'Doushite...'
Your favourite music video?
Wrong Number/ Rock U
Any of your friends into kpop and who?
Hana (yay!), Aki, Ambre
Have any kpop merchandise?
2 DBSK tour dvds, 3 DBSK albums, 2 DBSK posters (obsessed...me??)
Which group can you see yourself being dedicated to for the rest of your time into kpop?
DBSK. They're in my heart to stay <3
LET'S DO THIS!!
What/Who got you into kpop?
Youtube! I literally stumbled on DBSK's 'Balloons' and fell in love with their fluffy animal costumes, cute dancing and unadulterated cheesiness. It made a nice break from the seriousness of life.
Favourite boy group?
DBSK (til I diiiiiiiiie...yeaaahhhh hardcorrreeeee mother fuuuccccka...ahem)
Favourite girl group?
SNSD, though recently I'm enjoying KARA too
Favourite idol group overall?
DBSK
Other groups you love?
Big Bang, SHINee, SS501, BoA, Lee Hyori
Rank your favourites from each of your stated groups above?
DBSK: Yoochunnie!
SNSD: Yoona (v talented actress too)
Big Bang: TOP
SHINee: LEE MINHO ('flamin' charisma' for life)
SS501: Hyunjoong! < all because of mine and Ambre's rabid love for 'Boys Before Flowers'
Favourite pairings from each of your stated groups?
Tbh, I strictly only support Jaeho (DBSK), Yoosu (DBSK), a slight Homin (DBSK- 'I believe in it Han!' hahahaha)
2min- ShinEE is also pleasing.
Favourite idol group pairings?
Jaeho <3
Favourite solo female singer?
BoA < she wins just for her brains!
Favourite solo male singer?
Rain?
Favourite idol overall?
Yoochun, although I also adore Jaejoong
Favourite songs right now?
If?!...- Junsu
Rainy Night- Junsu
9095- DBSK
Eat U up- BoA
Wasurenaide- DBSK
Haru Haru- Big Bang
Rock U- Kara
Favourite fanclub?
Cassieopia & Bigeast (represent, yo)
Favourite entertainment company?
JYP for their fair trade, but SM for the artists
Loved a group your not into anymore?
I used to be a bigger Big Bang fan, though tbh it's DBSK all the way.
First kpop song ever?
DBSK- Balloons ( just watching this video cheers me up)
First kpop music video ever?
Balloons
First kpop love (group/solo)?
DBSK
First variety show (and with who)?
Understanding the Human Body with DBSK - hilarious.
Group you could never get into no matter how much you tried.
I'm having issues with SS501
Any dance you can do (from a MV etc) or want to learn?
Tell Me- Wondergirls although I do forget it
Any songs you memorised the lyrics to?
Stand By U- DBSK
Hottest male in the industry to you?
Rain is too hot to look at. He burns my eyes.
Prettiest female in the industry to you?
Lee Hyori
A person you want to be like/admire the most?
I would love to have DBSK's motivation and work ethic
A song you must/always/usually listen to EVERY day?
I seem to always be listening to 'Doushite...'
Your favourite music video?
Wrong Number/ Rock U
Any of your friends into kpop and who?
Hana (yay!), Aki, Ambre
Have any kpop merchandise?
2 DBSK tour dvds, 3 DBSK albums, 2 DBSK posters (obsessed...me??)
Which group can you see yourself being dedicated to for the rest of your time into kpop?
DBSK. They're in my heart to stay <3
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