Just like the world.
I may be living in [slash] near an extremely glamorous city, but there's nothing glamorous about feeling sick. I might have thought that after working with kiddos for 5 years, my immune system could withstand whatever it is that I've got, which isn't anything alarming. However, the French microbes must have something against me. Suffice it to say, I've got "sexy Phoebe voice."
Either that, or a frog in my throat.
Thankfully, with rest and lots of movie-watching ;), I'm beginning to feel better. And that's good, because I'm departing very soon for a few days of travel. That's right, it's vacation time in France. Les vacances de Tous-Saint (All Saints' (Day) vacation) lasts from Saturday, October 22nd until Thursday, November 3rd. Susy and I are planning to visit Lyon and Nice during a 7-day excursion. I'm very excited! I really only worked one full week before being rewarded with a 13-day holiday. I could really get used to that kind of schedule!
Classes went well this week. I was able to have students practice little dialogues based on their written work from our first class together. The popsicle stick idea of choosing volunteers/partners is working like a charm, just like I knew it would (also really helps with learning all 200 names)! For the second session I created a little game using Halloween vocabulary, and I passed out some candy at the end of each class to a chorus of, "Zank you, Cat-ee." (The French don't really have a need to pronounce the th-sound in their own language, but of course, it is oh-so-prevalent in ours...I'll endeavor to work on that with them in the coming months. See what I mean?)
On Wednesday, I spent a few hours with a new friend (a teacher at one of the schools I visited when I first arrived). We had coffee at a local café and then she was kind enough to drive me to her neighborhood (Viry-Chatillon) where we had lunch together at a cafeteria-style restaurant. It was hilarious and great fun, especially because my mother told me before leaving, "Make sure you eat at flunch!" To which I had responded, "Oh, Mom. That place doesn't even exist anymore." Well, that's where Lidia and I ended up and I was forced to eat my words...literally. I think there is even one in Paris, nestled somewhere in the Beaubourg area...I'll have to check it out!
A light photo week, but I'm sure I'll more than make up for it during my travels! Enjoy...
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Lights, Camera, Action!
Marché aux Puces...
Translation...flea market. But not just any flea market.
Translation...flea market. But not just any flea market.
The Marché aux Puces St-Ouen de Clignancourt is one of the many must-see sites in Paris. When you think of Parisian flea markets, St-Ouen is typically the reference point. And this is where I found myself this morning. The various stalls were taking part in a cinema-themed weekend (Cinépuces), complete with red carpets, movie posters, and young ladies with old fashioned wicker trays dangling around their necks handing out candy...it was great fun! The sun was shining brightly and I found myself taking pictures of the wares that sparkled in the sunlight. So many textures at every turn. I have a soft spot for chairs, it seems...
Work-wise, this week consisted of a few more observations, tracking down 200 popsicle sticks for classroom management paraphernalia, lesson planning, attending a day-long "training" course, and actually starting work on Friday! My first day consisted of 5 classes (with students ranging in age from 7-11 years old). Each class went really well. I said the phrase, "My name is Cathy. What is your name?" two hundred times...I can tell repetition is going to be a hallmark this year. The teachers and directors are all lovely and will be immensely supportive this year, which is just about all I could ask for. I will be spending quite a bit of time planning because it turns out that assistant is roughly translated as teacher in the collective pedagogical minds of these institutions. I'm really only supposed to be helping the program that is already in place. Well, as it turns out, there often isn't much in place, and many of the classrooms were waiting for me to arrive to kick things off. Thank goodness I have a modicum of experience with a) teaching and b) curriculum development. And, fortunately, there is a progression that I can follow filled with themes and goals...
Between wandering around the Jardins des Tuileries before attending the theater on Friday night, trying to secure an unlimited movie pass (unsuccessfully the first time because I didn't have my passport with me - information that was only conveyed after waiting in line for 45 minutes...Hello, French version of the DMV!), ultimately watching a movie at home on Saturday, and spending a few hours at the flea market followed by walking around St. Michel and eating an Extra Pita Grèque for lunch today...I would have to say that I had a pretty amazing weekend! Check out a few of the photos after the (hop, skip, and a) jump...
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Never Say Never...
I rarely, rarely eat anything at McDonald's...
That being said...
That being said...
I might have to make an exception.
Thanks, MacDo...
Oh, chèvre. How do I love thee? ♥
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
French country cooking...
Imagine, if you will:
*A salad of sliced cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, sliced red onion with a home-made vinaigrette of Dijon mustard, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and salt...
*Two eggs, over-medium...
*Sautéed squash with small cut-up pieces of thick ham...
*Fresh bread still warm from the bakery...
*A few pieces of chocolate for dessert...
Un déjeuner rapide (Just a quick lunch!)
In the words of another red-head:
"I think I'm gonna like it here" ♥
*A salad of sliced cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, sliced red onion with a home-made vinaigrette of Dijon mustard, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and salt...
*Two eggs, over-medium...
*Sautéed squash with small cut-up pieces of thick ham...
*Fresh bread still warm from the bakery...
*A few pieces of chocolate for dessert...
Un déjeuner rapide (Just a quick lunch!)
In the words of another red-head:
"I think I'm gonna like it here" ♥
Sunday, October 9, 2011
La Rentrée...almost
It seems odd that I should be starting to work in a school six weeks into the school year, no? But then again, I haven't even really started yet...
This week was abundantly full of activities! On Monday, all the Paris assistants were given a warm welcome by administrators from various levels within the Parisian school system. Our meeting was held at Lycée Louis le Grand, a very well-known high school in Paris. The institution has quite the history, especially considering that it was founded in the 1500s. Victor Hugo, Molière, even French president Nicolas Sarkozy (among many others) attended school there. The school is certainly not lacking in prestige! On Tuesday, I visited the schools where I will be working. At the first school, I was met by an extremely enthusiastic school director who is at the helm of an engaging group of teachers. I'm going to be working with 6 different classes, twice a week, and the ages of the students encompass 7-11 years old. Because they have had an assistant before, there were a number of resources that had been squirreled away for me. I dove right in and started organizing the few children's books, cassette tapes, teacher guides and hundreds of copies of worksheets I uncovered. I can tell that I'm going to be working hard, but I'm honestly excited about everything! The second school is conveniently located about 10 minutes away by foot (only one metro stop away). I visited with the director for a bit and he introduced me to the two teachers I will be helping. I'm at the second school for a shorter amount of time each week, so they want me to focus on helping the older students prepare for the end-of-the-year exam. The teachers at the second school seem very nice, too! The weather finally snapped (au revoir, l'été indien) on Wednesday, which is a day off in the primary schools, so I bundled up and went into the city to meet up with Susy for lunch. Her new apartment building faces a charming park (parc Montsouris) and we decided to eat lunch there - what a lovely location! Thursday afternoon and Friday morning were both filled with observations at the first school (the first part of next week will be filled with observations at the second school). On Friday night I met up with my friend Joy, a junior-year abroad classmate, for drinks and dinner. We started the evening off appropriately enough...catching up on the past 10 years over a bottle of champagne on the grounds of the UK Embassy. I was technically on English soil for a few, brief hours ('ello, guv'nah)! A misty Saturday evening was spent with new friends in the Oberkampf area (which I'd never before visited), grabbing a bite to eat and then heading to a real café-concert featuring eclectic instruments and invigorating music! Today, Sunday, was pretty relaxing and involved starting to prepare for future lessons. Susy came out to the suburbs today, as well, and I was able to introduce her to my host family and she stayed for lunch! A wonderful way to close out the week...stay tuned after the jump for a few photos!
This week was abundantly full of activities! On Monday, all the Paris assistants were given a warm welcome by administrators from various levels within the Parisian school system. Our meeting was held at Lycée Louis le Grand, a very well-known high school in Paris. The institution has quite the history, especially considering that it was founded in the 1500s. Victor Hugo, Molière, even French president Nicolas Sarkozy (among many others) attended school there. The school is certainly not lacking in prestige! On Tuesday, I visited the schools where I will be working. At the first school, I was met by an extremely enthusiastic school director who is at the helm of an engaging group of teachers. I'm going to be working with 6 different classes, twice a week, and the ages of the students encompass 7-11 years old. Because they have had an assistant before, there were a number of resources that had been squirreled away for me. I dove right in and started organizing the few children's books, cassette tapes, teacher guides and hundreds of copies of worksheets I uncovered. I can tell that I'm going to be working hard, but I'm honestly excited about everything! The second school is conveniently located about 10 minutes away by foot (only one metro stop away). I visited with the director for a bit and he introduced me to the two teachers I will be helping. I'm at the second school for a shorter amount of time each week, so they want me to focus on helping the older students prepare for the end-of-the-year exam. The teachers at the second school seem very nice, too! The weather finally snapped (au revoir, l'été indien) on Wednesday, which is a day off in the primary schools, so I bundled up and went into the city to meet up with Susy for lunch. Her new apartment building faces a charming park (parc Montsouris) and we decided to eat lunch there - what a lovely location! Thursday afternoon and Friday morning were both filled with observations at the first school (the first part of next week will be filled with observations at the second school). On Friday night I met up with my friend Joy, a junior-year abroad classmate, for drinks and dinner. We started the evening off appropriately enough...catching up on the past 10 years over a bottle of champagne on the grounds of the UK Embassy. I was technically on English soil for a few, brief hours ('ello, guv'nah)! A misty Saturday evening was spent with new friends in the Oberkampf area (which I'd never before visited), grabbing a bite to eat and then heading to a real café-concert featuring eclectic instruments and invigorating music! Today, Sunday, was pretty relaxing and involved starting to prepare for future lessons. Susy came out to the suburbs today, as well, and I was able to introduce her to my host family and she stayed for lunch! A wonderful way to close out the week...stay tuned after the jump for a few photos!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
La Nuit Blanche...
I love to sleep.
Staying up all night is not usually my idea of a good time; however, Susy and I decided to "give it a go" last night.
The city of Paris has thrown an all-night party at the beginning of October for the past 10 years, and last night was Nuit Blanche 2011! Almost 100 different artists were taking part with art installations and musical experiences set up all over the city. Some were located indoors (churches), some were outdoors (in touristy spots) and many had incredibly long lines. The entire event was scheduled to last from 7pm-7am. Susy and I knew we wouldn't make it all night, but we gave it our best! We started up at Montmartre, walked to Pigalle, metro-ed to St. Lazare, arrived at Hôtel du Ville and Le Marais with throngs of other nuit blanche-rs and finally finished at the Eiffel Tower!! I so enjoyed walking around with a friend and seeing everything together. The most exciting part of the night was just trying to walk in front of the installation "Purple Rain," for which there was at least a 1-hour wait (probably longer!) which we by-passed. There were so many people passing in front of the opening of the building, just trying to catch a glimpse of the rain falling indoors and people walking around with umbrellas. At one point, I probably could have lifted my feet and still have managed to have been carried along - I haven't been that packed in since...well, since the departure from La Défense for the Petit Prince presentation (just one week ago!) Parisians/Parisian tourists are not at all afraid to get up close and personal!! We returned (early) at 1am, but we deemed the evening entirely a success...
My last week of "vacation" was spent very nicely - I was able to relax, but I also checked off a number of things on my to-do list (feels good to be productive)! I went to a different school with Espérance on Thursday and Friday, where she was working with the smallest students (petite section). French children start school at 3-years old. They work hard all day...singing, counting, playing, napping...in actual, tiny beds! I don't think I've seen anything cuter! I met a few other maîtresses who can't wait to hang out so they can practice their English with me - and I can't wait to practice my French with them! It's kind of fun to be a novelty over here :) All in all, another great week!
Tomorrow morning is the orientation for the language assistants in Paris, and therefore, the beginning of the next chapter of my adventures in teaching. I'm very excited! I finally received my school placements a few days ago and I will be working at two schools very close to each other in the southern part of the city. I couldn't be more pleased!
Check out my photos from the week after the jump...
Staying up all night is not usually my idea of a good time; however, Susy and I decided to "give it a go" last night.
The city of Paris has thrown an all-night party at the beginning of October for the past 10 years, and last night was Nuit Blanche 2011! Almost 100 different artists were taking part with art installations and musical experiences set up all over the city. Some were located indoors (churches), some were outdoors (in touristy spots) and many had incredibly long lines. The entire event was scheduled to last from 7pm-7am. Susy and I knew we wouldn't make it all night, but we gave it our best! We started up at Montmartre, walked to Pigalle, metro-ed to St. Lazare, arrived at Hôtel du Ville and Le Marais with throngs of other nuit blanche-rs and finally finished at the Eiffel Tower!! I so enjoyed walking around with a friend and seeing everything together. The most exciting part of the night was just trying to walk in front of the installation "Purple Rain," for which there was at least a 1-hour wait (probably longer!) which we by-passed. There were so many people passing in front of the opening of the building, just trying to catch a glimpse of the rain falling indoors and people walking around with umbrellas. At one point, I probably could have lifted my feet and still have managed to have been carried along - I haven't been that packed in since...well, since the departure from La Défense for the Petit Prince presentation (just one week ago!) Parisians/Parisian tourists are not at all afraid to get up close and personal!! We returned (early) at 1am, but we deemed the evening entirely a success...
My last week of "vacation" was spent very nicely - I was able to relax, but I also checked off a number of things on my to-do list (feels good to be productive)! I went to a different school with Espérance on Thursday and Friday, where she was working with the smallest students (petite section). French children start school at 3-years old. They work hard all day...singing, counting, playing, napping...in actual, tiny beds! I don't think I've seen anything cuter! I met a few other maîtresses who can't wait to hang out so they can practice their English with me - and I can't wait to practice my French with them! It's kind of fun to be a novelty over here :) All in all, another great week!
Tomorrow morning is the orientation for the language assistants in Paris, and therefore, the beginning of the next chapter of my adventures in teaching. I'm very excited! I finally received my school placements a few days ago and I will be working at two schools very close to each other in the southern part of the city. I couldn't be more pleased!
Check out my photos from the week after the jump...
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