Autumn 2016 Trials, Tribulations, and Travels

Well, I've now officially experienced all four seasons in Chicago; if the month-and-a-half that I was here last winter counts. I have to say, the city comes to life in the summer in a way I have never seen before, what with the rooftop bars and music/art festivals, and although I was sad as always to see summer come to a close, fall has been a celebration as well! Although I'm not even a sports fan, the excitement of the Cubs winning the World Series has been contagious. I was in Nashville the night of the final game, but I watched on TV as my new home-city ecstatically welcomed a monumental moment in history-- 108 years in the making. The bustle of this blue state has only been dampened ever-so-slightly by recent, ahem, political happenings; but as I want this post to be travel-related, I digress...

Last month, I was able to check another country off the bucket list: Iceland! After spending a night in New York, I, along with my lovely friends Cara and Emily, maneuvered our way over to Reykjavik for a few days. Although it rained the entire time and was rather expensive (as the majority of Scandinavia is); it was SO WORTH IT, and worth all the recent hype it has gotten as a newly popular tourist destination. Seriously, the Icelanders were some of the nicest, warmest, most welcoming people I have ever encountered. Getting around was a bit more difficult than I imagined, as public transport is not as readily available in Reykjavik as it is in some other European cities. However, we were able to take a dip in the Blue Lagoon spa the night before I left, and it was quite an experience-- we had an absolute blast. It actually does include a bar that you can swim up to, as well as a mini-spa where you can apply your own mud masks. The only downsides I can think of are: One: I don't have any pictures because I was afraid to bring my phone to the lagoon, considering I have horrible phone luck, and two: the bar actually does tally the drinks you have, cutting us off at three glasses of champagne each. ;) I suppose it's smart thinking: drunk people and large open bodies of water tend to not mix well. Also, if you ever visit, be prepared to strip down naked in front of a group of people, as showering in the open locker room area before entering the lagoon is mandatory. When in Europe though, am I right?!

While Emily and Cara got to experience an extra day, I had to fly back a day early, as I was on reserve the following morning. So, on October 14th I hopped a plane to London to hop another one to Chicago-- that's standby travel life, yo! Anyway, a few Icelandic adventure pictures to follow!

Me, Cara, and Emily in front of the Hallgrimskirkja Church. Photo creds: Some drunk man with a flask in his coat pocket.

 A view of the colorful Reykjavik rooftops from the tower of the Hallgrimskirkja Church

 May or may not have taken one of these menus from The Laundromat Cafe to frame... ;) 

Em and Cara drinking their first cups of coffee in Reykjavik, after pulling an all-nighter of travel from JFK. 

    

And nearly a year later...

Wow, I kept meaning to write an update of my life, and time, as it is wont to do, kept slipping away from me.

The past several months have been a whirlwind, to say the least. Back in October on my fall break, I flew up to Minneapolis for an interview with Skywest Airlines for a flight attendant position; and two weeks later, I found out that I had been accepted into training. So then, I faced the entirely-too-difficult decision of quitting teaching mid-year and accepting my dream job, or grudgingly finish out the school year and hoping to maybe get accepted again at a better time. But, I decided the time is (or was) now, bid an emotional, bittersweet goodbye to my students and coworkers, and hopped a plane to Salt Lake City for a month of training starting January 13th.

After thirty-one long, intense days of safety drills, CPR/first aid training, and what we referred to as "death by Powerpoint," I received my wings and got based in Chicago-ORD with a couple of my closest friends from training. So, I crammed my Volkswagen bug to the brim, and along with my bro-in-law and his friend who drove a U-Haul (hey thanks, Doug and Chris!), trekked up from Tennessee to start the next chapter of my life!

This job has truly taught me so much. In just a few short months, I have met so many interesting people from all walks of life, seen some breathtaking sights (there's nothing like flying over the Rockies on a clear day), and ultimately, learned that you can never be too prepared for what might occur. I have a new appreciation for the Midwest (which I never thought I'd say); as some of my favorite overnight stays have been in places that I least expected to enjoy, such as Omaha, Nebraska! I've seen more of the USA in the past five months than I ever had before, and I truly believe now that the US has the most varied, beautiful, diverse scenery than any other place on earth-- and I've been to Tuscany! :) Plus, you can't beat free air-fare: what other job can you hop a plane to Rome for a couple of days, grab some gelato, and fly back first class for almost nothing? This girl did a couple of weeks ago! :D

Of course I miss Nashville, and Tennessee will always be my number one home. It is home to my most cherished memories, my family, my friends whom I cannot imagine living without. I miss the humidity (yes, I'm a weirdo, I know), the familiarity, and being able to drive places without fearing for my life, haha. But aside from the maniacal drivers, Chicago is a brilliant city with so much to offer: Midwestern charm, Wicker Park, diversity, the beautiful Lake Michigan which I am in love with, and some amazing new friends. I know that I will at least be a part-time Nashvillian again one day-- once I get a line and am off reserve, that is. More on that later, though!

Okay, I'm glad I got to write a brief update of my life; even if I'm the only one who reads this blog. I feel like writing again, and look forward to posting photos and stories of my travels.

Oh la la! From kayaking to the Côte d'Azur

The Côte d'Azur, oh la la!

What a wonderful, travel-filled weekend I had last week with my host family! 

On Sunday, they were excited to take me kayaking with them, an at least twice a year tradition with several other families-- about 15 people in all. We arrived early in the morning a couple of hours from Salon-de-Provence, and caravanned down winding back roads past vineyards, lavender, and sunflower fields. The river itself is a tributary of the Rhone, and is settled deep in a canyon. 

When these people say they love kayaking, they mean it. We paddled for seven hours (SEVEN!) down the river, with many white water cascades to keep it exciting. It was a great experience and I loved meeting the close friends of my host family, but after our 24 km trek, I'm surprised my arms didn't fall off ;) 

The next day, my host "mom" Caroline, 13-year-old  Suzy, Suzy's friend Amelia, and I left around 9am to head for Pourquerolles, one of the several islands of the Hyeres, in the Côte d'Azur. It was supposed to be about a one and a half hour drive to the port; but about 30 minutes into the drive, our car broke down. However, my host mom is the most mellow person I've met (they say the south of France is laid back for a reason!); and we simply left the car behind and rented a car to get us to the coast. Then we boarded a ferry, and twenty minutes later: voila! We were in Pourquerolles, which won the most beautiful beach of Europe award last year. 

In Pourquerolles, we stayed on a small houseboat among huge yachts; and we had an absolute blast. The island is breathtakingly gorgeous: centuries-old forts sit atop the mountain, the forest has hiking/biking trails lined with olive and eucalyptus trees (no koalas though, unfortunately), and the small village has a number of upscale cafes and shops. 

The thing that most intrigued me was how the coastline changes on an island just 4 km in length. On one side of the island, the coastline is dotted with sandy beaches; yet across the way, the beaches are rockier and surrounded by cliffs. The water was freezing, but there is no way to resist the turquoise water of the Côte d'Azur. We snorkeled and paddleboarded (well Suzy and Amelia did-- I learned quickly that I lack the grace to effectively stand on the board for more than half a second, haha). 

As a literature major, I couldn't help but think of all the writers who have been inspired by this landscape: Hemingway's Garden of Eden and Fitzgerald's Tender is the Night both are set in the Côte d'Azur region. I am certain that I will return to explore more of the Isle de Hyeres: maybe next time as an expatriate myself!

If I move to Marseille, will you guys come visit?

     Yesterday, I had the opportunity to visit the beautiful Mediterranean city of Marseille with my host family; which lies about 75 km south of Mallemort, the Provencal village where I am living for the month! I wasn't sure how I would feel about the city, given the recent seedy history and CNN updates (Although my host mom mentioned that I live in the same country that Chicago is in, which she says " has both mafia AND cold winter" :)) 

     However, I absolutely LOVED it! The city itself reminded me a bit of Barcelona, but with a better atmosphere and overall vibe (I got a bit of a stare from a local who I compared it to; she was like "No, they are both Mediterranean but Marseille has French class"). Talk about an eclectic, diverse city: the second-largest city in France is harmoniously balanced with: French culture (they are extremely proud of both their wine and traditional soap-making), cultural diversity in general, Roman influence (Latin nerd over here!), lively nightlife, forts that date back to nearly-Biblical times, intricate Catholic cathedrals, mountains, the Mediterranean sea/beaches, a notable beachside university, etc etc etc. Seeing as how French universities are free, once I figure out how to maneuver a couple of loopholes (i.e. not being a French citizen), I think I know where I will be receiving my next degree ;)

     My host family took me along to a beachside fête for Caroline's (the host 'mom') work; which was about the most exciting work party I believe I've been to! They served hors-d'oeuvres and a local Provencal wine; which is a white, but has a slight pinkish tint to it-- very tasty! Caroline's friends were very vivacious, welcoming, and friendly, and taught me the rules of Pétanque, which is a game traditional to the South-of-France. I got the first point (beginner's luck, I suppose), and they were jokingly not happy that "Team USA" scored before anyone else, ha ha. At the party, when I explained to someone where I was from, she told me that she has a friend obsessed with Nashville and the country music scene-- and he even has it set as his location on Facebook (even though he is from Marseille). When she asked him about it, he responded that it was "better for launching his country music career." How wonderfully hilarious! 

Although I have loved everywhere I have visited thus far in France, Marseille is a city I can see myself spending far more time in. Despite is sometimes negative rep, it is a city with aesthetics, culture, class, and a balance of cultural awareness and French-ness. 

Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure de Marseille 

Basilique de Notre Dame de la Garde

Mountains and Sea-- how much better can it get?!

My awesome host family, Caroline and Suzy! 

Old Port in Marseille

View from the Notre Dame Basilique

Sittin' in a park in Paris, France...

"...Reading the news and it sure looks bad, they won't give peace a chance; it was just a dream some of us had..."

Love Joni Mitchell. Love listening to Joni via headphones even more; to drown out the temper tantrum of the little girl beside me on the train. ;) 

I'm sitting by a sweet American couple from Philadelphia, who had the bravery to bring their 3 and almost-2 year old girls to France with them-- I cannot imagine. The youngest is definitely over the train ride, but the 3-year-old is content coloring and chattering. When I asked her if she got to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle, she replied "yes, but the catacombs were my favorite part." Who would've thought, ha ha. 

Currently, I'm en route back to Avignon from Paris, before catching another train from Avignon to Senas; a small town outside of the even smaller village I am staying in. 

I arrived in Paris Thursday evening, and met up with a girl who is also participating in Geovisions Conversation Corps, although she is placed a few hours north of me. We spent Thursday night in Paris, then did Switzerland in a frenzy, spending two nights in Zurich and one day in Geneva. I absolutely loved Zurich especially: although it was crazy expensive (you realize it's insanely pricey when Paris is significantly cheaper), the people were friendly and the town beautiful, with its cobblestone streets and German-influenced architecture. We returned to Paris last night; just in time to catch the end of a weekend-long free music festival that apparently took place all over France! Side note: My travel buddy Emily wants to go to Venice in a couple of weeks-- who knows; tres possible ;) 

I had an awesome weekend of travel, seeing gorgeous old cities, vineyards, the Swiss Alps, going on a pub crawl, and just exploring in general; but have spent about 14 hours total on trains. I have to say I am sick of being on the crowded, non-air conditioned trains (what can I say, I'm an American:) ). So now, to return to the beautiful country-side in the south of France, where it is nearly 20 degrees warmer F than chilly Switzerland! C'est Bon indeed.

Country French, French French, and Louisiana French: Je Ne Comprends Pas all around!

Alongside re-reading The Outsiders (haha) in order to prepare for my 7th graders this upcoming semester; I am reading/thesis-writing on Kate Chopin for grad school, whose stories take place in the Victorian era, Southern Louisiana.

I've had massive writer's block for this thesis paper, and am writing it probably two sentences at a time. Love my girl Kate Chopin, but I hate pilfering through scholarly articles. Bleh. So anyway, while I'm reading some Cajun French all about some Fais do-dos and Tete-a-tetes,  I'm also trying to comprehend the torrent of French French around me. Yes, I admit I'm that jerk American who goes to another country not knowing the language; who relies on "Parlez-vous anglais?" for the majority of the time. However, the spoken French is so quick and blended together (especially in the country, where I am); that it is tres impossible to decipher-- true cultural immersion. I've picked up a few words/phrases here and there, and have to try to tone down my Southern accent as best I can so the family can understand what I'm saying (sometimes). 

The family I'm staying with, the Sabatiers, is absolutely wonderful. They live in a large Mediterranean-style house in very rural village (at least eight centuries old) about a twenty-minute bus ride outside of Salon-de-Provence, and close to an hour from Marseille. On their farm, they have a pool, horses, hens, fresh fruits and vegetables, and another accommodation house (a "gites") which Caroline rents out to boarders from around the world wishing to experience the French countryside. Last week, there was a family from The Netherlands staying there. The village is set along the Luberon Mountain Range; and looks like a place from The Garden of Eden (The Hemingway novel, not the Bible story :)). They are known for growing lavender, olives, apples, and lemons; and the Provence-area is associated with traditional soap-making. Yesterday, I went to a soap factory that has been in operation since the early 1800s. 

On Thursday, I'm headed up north with another girl from my program: we are spending two nights in Paris, one night in Zurich, and one in Geneva. There is a country-wide music festival across all of France that begins next week, so we will be back in Paris in time for that. I have to say, it will be nice to be able to speak English at my usual speed for four days! :) 

Leaving on a jet plane....

Since my car has been in the shop for about 27,000 years, my mom has graciously lent me her Honda while she has been out of town; which has been highly necessary since I've been running around like a chicken with its head cut off getting everything I (think) I need for my travels. I have to majorly give a shout out to my awesome group of friends who have put up with my stressful frenzy over the past couple days-- you guys rock! Anyway, she has Sirius radio; which typically I have no interest in, but I sometimes guiltily listen to the 60s, 70s, and 90s stations (never the 80s. With God as my witness, never the 80s).  So today as I was rocking to 60s on 6 with my windows up so no one would hear, that "Leaving on a jet plane" song came on and I've had it in my head ever since.

Tomorrow, I am finally leaving on a jet plane, with my passport (I've quadruple checked), French atlas, and EU plug adapters in tote  (I realized that other day that is probably something I will need, what with wanting to use things that require electricity and whatnot). While I am excited for traveling a bit while I'm there (here I come Switzerland!), I am most ready to meet my host family, and am intrigued to see what teaching in a more one-on-one setting will be like-- and ESL at that.


 Bonne nuit!