One thing I’ve learned about myself since moving to France is that I’m not a winter person. It has snowed 4 times, and each time the frogs tell me “this is so unusual! it’s going to start warming up after this”. Liars. I don’t trust them anymore.
I spent Christmas with my Muslim housemate, a bottle of champagne and a deck of cards
I’ve also learned that spare time is great, but too much spare time can put me into a little depression. I started going to a language school a few weeks ago and it has really changed the way I experience this city. It’s nice to feel like I have a purpose. I chose the school at which my Mexican friend, Emyl, learned all of the French he knows. It’s not the best school out there, and they certainly don’t utilize the best teaching methods, but I have a great teacher who makes the time fly.
The French have a different pastry for every occasion
How do you tell someone that they are ignorant, boring, and they have bad breath without hurting their feelings? I still haven’t learned that lesson, but once I figure it out, I’ll finally return Aldo’s calls. He’s this dude I met months ago at a cafe. We sort of had a thing going on, despite all of the aforementioned qualities, because… well… he doesn’t speak English and my French was rapidly improving. I thought I could introduce him to logical ways of thinking. I thought I could motivate him to do something other than watch TV. I thought I could help him think through his irrational judgments. I thought I could teach him that lying is pointless and disrespectful. But I was wrong and I happily left him to waste away in front of his TV. I feel like he should know how lame he is but I also have no interest in hurting him.
It has it's charm
Mom will be in town for the next couple of weeks. Then Vistara, then Andy Oleson. Sheyda and Albina keep reassuring me that they are coming too and a number of other people “plan to go to Europe” sometime in the near future. I’m looking forward to a little slice of California during these dead winter months.
7 responses so far ↓
Anonymous // 16 February 09 at 23:15 |
“I thought I could introduce him to logical ways of thinking.” That made me laugh a lot.
christina // 25 February 09 at 11:46 |
come on — snow in paris must be beautiful…
thanks for talking to the world again. and for changing that blog’s name.
i’d be interested to know what *you* plan for the future? i heard rumors you’re going back to berkeley?
going back is always bad. go somewhere else… i didn’ t go back either and i don’t regret it so far…
love and hugs, dreaming of freedom,
christina
Naomi // 28 February 09 at 18:00 |
Bethany,
Thanks for your recommendation. And please post it if you figure out a way to talk to Aldo. I understand your dilemma, and used to naively believe people should just speak up in situations like yours because if everyone did, hey, the world would be a better place. Poof!
Is what bothers you about winter that it is too cold, or is it something else? The frogs may lie, but at least it gives you an excuse to say “grenouille”.
M // 7 March 09 at 7:36 |
you, you are hilarious.
<3
christina // 8 March 09 at 20:03 |
bethany! thanks for posting on my blog. can you please update the world on whether you found that guy? i really liked your drawing!
actually i found out that times during the semester are less stressful than in the breaks — so i should have visitors then. — i’d really like to travel some time again, but i can’t see when. i guess after graduation, that is: in 2,5 years. my god. don’t make me realize that…
but i could probably to the obligatory internship in the US or try to write my thesis there…? whatever…
you do better! love, c
christina // 5 April 09 at 21:45 |
bethany! would you please update your blog more frequently?!
christina // 14 April 09 at 9:06 |
can you please update your blog?!