I will say, Florence gives Paris a run for it's money. It is so beautiful, with wonderful food, cuisine, art and all around vibe. But it's a different kind of beauty. Florence is the Jewel of the Renaissance, so you're instantly transported to that period in time.
There's too much to say about Florence, so here is Florence from our arrival until Wednesday night. So, here it goes!
Tuesday:
Our flight became an experience. We were freaked our about our luggage being at the right weight and dimensions. Those RyanAir people scare you! But luckily, all of ours fit like a glove, and they didn't bother weighing them. On board, it was basically us, and a plane full of Italians. It was the loudest flight I've ever been on. And when our captain told us we may have to go to Bologna because of bad weather, the voices just got louder and hands were flying everywhere!
Luckily, we landed in Pisa as planned, and because it was so late, we shelved out some extra Euros to pay for a chauffeur who took us right to Jenny's house. Jenny, FYI, is my amazing program friend who's family lives in Florence. Free lodging? Yes please!
We come to the house, which is just a beautiful house in what I like to call, sun-kissed yellow. Many of the buildings in Florence have the sun-kissed shade of yellow, orange, pink, you name it. And when we enter the house, (I think it's about midnight now), we see a table, full of sandwiches, dessert, wine, and lit candles. Jenny's mom made this for us, and it was the most wonderful sight to see. Jenny's mom was a RIOT and a wonderful hostess. Jenny's sister and her friend were also there, they were a ton of fun too.
We all slept in the living room, or as Jenny's mom said, "The Orphanage." Mattresses with bedding were scattered throughout, and it was like a giant slumber party. Very fun indeed!
Wednesday: After waking up late, we decided to go to the Duomo, Florence's giant cathedral. Before we left we explored the Piazzale Michelangelo, which is a wonderful square set up on a hill. It's right by Jenny's house which is high up. Well, we thought the views from Jenny's house were amazing, the views from the Piazelle were magnificent. You can see all of the historic district of Florence, and we also explored a beautiful church, the Basilica Abbaziale di San Miniato al Monte, and cemetery right by. I can't wait to post the pictures, the view was breathtaking from both spots.
Walking through Florence just made me smile. What a gem of a city. And.. I ran into Kathy, my chiropractor who was on vacation with her husband!! It was wonderful see a familiar face, in Florence!!! We then scooped up some gelato, and headed to the Duomo.
Oh my word. To think I thought Notre-Dame was massive. This church is one of Italy's largest, and it's HUGE. Totally different from your French Gothic beauties. Here, frescos and marble reign. The dome itself is massive, and just the overall space is just huge. And, right across from the cathedral was the Baptistery, which had the famous and equally beautiful Gates of Paradise.
This whole day was a precursor to the more wonderful days I would have in Tuscany. I promise to put up pictures soon!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Before Firenze
So, later tonight, I leave for Florence, Italy!! I'll be there until Sunday; can you believe it? It's like Thanksgiving break just two weeks early!
I can't wait to explore this city of the Renaissance. David, the de Medici family, and Lord knows who else! I can't wait.
But, yesterday some of us went to the Cluny Museum, which is dedicated to Medieval life. Needless to say, I LOVED it.
But I really loved it because they have these six tapestries (I love tapestries) called La Dame à la licorne, in English The Lady & The Unicorn. Not only was it interesting to see that they represent the 5 senses, the 6th one remains a mystery. And they are BEAUTIFULLY done, just stunning.
Another reason why they're awesome: These are the tapestries that hang in the Gryffindor Common Room in the Harry Potter films!!
GAH! I was so thrilled. And part I of HP comes out in a few weeks. Again, THRILLED!
Arrivederci everyone! Until Sunday!
I can't wait to explore this city of the Renaissance. David, the de Medici family, and Lord knows who else! I can't wait.
But, yesterday some of us went to the Cluny Museum, which is dedicated to Medieval life. Needless to say, I LOVED it.
But I really loved it because they have these six tapestries (I love tapestries) called La Dame à la licorne, in English The Lady & The Unicorn. Not only was it interesting to see that they represent the 5 senses, the 6th one remains a mystery. And they are BEAUTIFULLY done, just stunning.
Another reason why they're awesome: These are the tapestries that hang in the Gryffindor Common Room in the Harry Potter films!!
GAH! I was so thrilled. And part I of HP comes out in a few weeks. Again, THRILLED!
Arrivederci everyone! Until Sunday!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
J'adore le musée d'Orsay!!
I AM IN LOVE.
When you have fresh croissants for breakfast from your host family, you know the day has gotten off to a good start.
When you can enter the famed Musée d'Orsay, specializing in art from 1848-1915, for free, it's even better.
When you enter an architecturally beautiful museum, housing the works of Monet, Manet, Renoir, Pissarro, Degas, Cézanne, Gauguin, Sisley, Seurat, van Gogh, a special temporary exhibit on Gérôme, plus beautiful photography exhibits of the French countryside, you've died and gone to heaven.
And let me be honest, half of the men listed up there that I saw, I had never heard of before, or I've seen a piece by them and never made the connection. I simply fell in love with Alfred Sisley, someone who I had never heard of. His work just made me smile.
And, I also had never heard of Gérôme either; needless to say the exhibit on him was flawless and I LOVED it. So many influences, from the East, Greco-Roman and also moments in French history. Such a perfect combination.
There is NO DOUBT in my mind that I'll be going back. I covered a lot of ground, but I still didn't see other sections of the museum. I think I'll go again on 1st Sunday in December for free admission. And I've decided that the last week I'm here, I'll spend my Thursday night at the d'Orsay. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.
When you have fresh croissants for breakfast from your host family, you know the day has gotten off to a good start.
When you can enter the famed Musée d'Orsay, specializing in art from 1848-1915, for free, it's even better.
When you enter an architecturally beautiful museum, housing the works of Monet, Manet, Renoir, Pissarro, Degas, Cézanne, Gauguin, Sisley, Seurat, van Gogh, a special temporary exhibit on Gérôme, plus beautiful photography exhibits of the French countryside, you've died and gone to heaven.
And let me be honest, half of the men listed up there that I saw, I had never heard of before, or I've seen a piece by them and never made the connection. I simply fell in love with Alfred Sisley, someone who I had never heard of. His work just made me smile.
And, I also had never heard of Gérôme either; needless to say the exhibit on him was flawless and I LOVED it. So many influences, from the East, Greco-Roman and also moments in French history. Such a perfect combination.
There is NO DOUBT in my mind that I'll be going back. I covered a lot of ground, but I still didn't see other sections of the museum. I think I'll go again on 1st Sunday in December for free admission. And I've decided that the last week I'm here, I'll spend my Thursday night at the d'Orsay. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
La Tour Eiffel et le Louvre
Last night, I ventured to the Eiffel Tower. Ticket in hand, I waited the extremely long line to get to the elevator to the 2nd floor. Although, the wait was alleviated by watching giant groups of colorful Asian tourists talk to one side of me, while listening to Americans from Wisconsin talk on the other.
Let's just say, I was laughing so hard on the inside.
Anyway, I get to the second floor, and before me is the city of Paris lit up. And then, I hear a giant gasp. I forgot, it was 10! And at each hour, the tower just sparkles with blinking lights. I was standing there, so mesmerized by what I saw. This was definitely one of my "I'm in Paris, France!" moments. As I walked down the tower (so many steps), all I could think was, "I can't leave I can't leave I can't leave."
And today, I had the brilliant original plan of spending this raining day at the Louvre. Unfortunately, a bunch of tourists decided to do the same thing. Oh well.
I got in for free which put me in a very agreeable mood. I then decided to see the biggies: Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace. That, plus Coronation of Napoleon, Liberty Leading the People, numerous works by Delacroix, Reubens, Fra Angelico, Giotto, Vermeer, Da Vinci, Napoleon III's rooms, some beautiful crown jewels, numerous objets d'art.
I even lucked out on seeing many portraits used in my Fashion class, and I saw some of the French crown jewels which of course were stunning.
Well, folks, seeing all of that was overwhelming, but incredibly special and wonderful. For some reason, I didn't find the need to take pictures. There's something about a museum, versus a cathedral or chateau, that I think warrants you to look at things more actively than usual. I find it's more special to go to a museum, find a work of art, and just look at it. Find what you think makes it special, and take that with you. And, 9.99/10 times, if and when you return to a museum, that work of art will still be there.
And, on a more reasonable level, the pictures you take of the art NEVER look at good as the one in the books sold by the museum. I was tempted to buy one, but I refrained. If by December it's something I really want, I can easily go back and buy one. You don't need to get a ticket to go to the bookstore, so it's not an issue at all.
But while seeing great works was impressive, I had more fun turning a corner and discovering a painting I've liked, but never knew was at the Louvre. I got so excited when I turned the corner and found the original Hans Holbein the Younger's painting of Anne of Cleves, Henry VIII's fourth wife. This painting was the same one Henry VIII saw. I was as giddy as a schoolboy.
And I was struck by two of the numerous religious paintings I saw.
One was in the Northern Europe paintings wing, and it was a painting of Christ being taken down from the cross. What was so different was that you saw Christ, limp and dead with grey-blue skin. You look around, and everyone else has the glow of health, except one other person: His mother. Mary is shown fainted in the arms of St. John, tears down her face, eyes closed, but her skin grey-blue just like Jesus. I thought it was very eerie, but a powerful connection between mother and son. As He died, a little piece of her did too. I've never seen Mary portrayed as being dead like that before.
The second one I really liked was Pierre Mignard's La vierge aux raisins, The Virgin of the Grapes. (Here's the link to the painting: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mignard_vierge_raisins.jpg)
What I loved about it was that, they both have a little grin. And it just strikes me as a realistic painting of Mary and Jesus as a child. He actually has the expression of a precocious, even mischievous little boy playing hide and seek with his mother's clothes. She appears calm, but I notice a little grin on her face as she hands him the grapes. They just appear as incredible human and relatable: no halos, no angels, no radiation of heavenly light. Just a mother and son in the intimacy of home.
Don't I sound like I know what the hell I'm taking about? It surprises me too!
Let's just say, I was laughing so hard on the inside.
Anyway, I get to the second floor, and before me is the city of Paris lit up. And then, I hear a giant gasp. I forgot, it was 10! And at each hour, the tower just sparkles with blinking lights. I was standing there, so mesmerized by what I saw. This was definitely one of my "I'm in Paris, France!" moments. As I walked down the tower (so many steps), all I could think was, "I can't leave I can't leave I can't leave."
And today, I had the brilliant original plan of spending this raining day at the Louvre. Unfortunately, a bunch of tourists decided to do the same thing. Oh well.
I got in for free which put me in a very agreeable mood. I then decided to see the biggies: Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace. That, plus Coronation of Napoleon, Liberty Leading the People, numerous works by Delacroix, Reubens, Fra Angelico, Giotto, Vermeer, Da Vinci, Napoleon III's rooms, some beautiful crown jewels, numerous objets d'art.
I even lucked out on seeing many portraits used in my Fashion class, and I saw some of the French crown jewels which of course were stunning.
Well, folks, seeing all of that was overwhelming, but incredibly special and wonderful. For some reason, I didn't find the need to take pictures. There's something about a museum, versus a cathedral or chateau, that I think warrants you to look at things more actively than usual. I find it's more special to go to a museum, find a work of art, and just look at it. Find what you think makes it special, and take that with you. And, 9.99/10 times, if and when you return to a museum, that work of art will still be there.
And, on a more reasonable level, the pictures you take of the art NEVER look at good as the one in the books sold by the museum. I was tempted to buy one, but I refrained. If by December it's something I really want, I can easily go back and buy one. You don't need to get a ticket to go to the bookstore, so it's not an issue at all.
But while seeing great works was impressive, I had more fun turning a corner and discovering a painting I've liked, but never knew was at the Louvre. I got so excited when I turned the corner and found the original Hans Holbein the Younger's painting of Anne of Cleves, Henry VIII's fourth wife. This painting was the same one Henry VIII saw. I was as giddy as a schoolboy.
And I was struck by two of the numerous religious paintings I saw.
One was in the Northern Europe paintings wing, and it was a painting of Christ being taken down from the cross. What was so different was that you saw Christ, limp and dead with grey-blue skin. You look around, and everyone else has the glow of health, except one other person: His mother. Mary is shown fainted in the arms of St. John, tears down her face, eyes closed, but her skin grey-blue just like Jesus. I thought it was very eerie, but a powerful connection between mother and son. As He died, a little piece of her did too. I've never seen Mary portrayed as being dead like that before.
The second one I really liked was Pierre Mignard's La vierge aux raisins, The Virgin of the Grapes. (Here's the link to the painting: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mignard_vierge_raisins.jpg)
What I loved about it was that, they both have a little grin. And it just strikes me as a realistic painting of Mary and Jesus as a child. He actually has the expression of a precocious, even mischievous little boy playing hide and seek with his mother's clothes. She appears calm, but I notice a little grin on her face as she hands him the grapes. They just appear as incredible human and relatable: no halos, no angels, no radiation of heavenly light. Just a mother and son in the intimacy of home.
Don't I sound like I know what the hell I'm taking about? It surprises me too!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Sainte-Chapelle, Conciergerie, & Moliere.. & Memory Lane
THAT, my friends, is BEAUTY.
Honestly the Sainte-Chapelle is so incredibly beautiful, when I looked at my pictures for the 5th time, I still just said, "Wow." The lower level was beautiful because the ceilings are a deep blue with golden fleur de lys painted over it.
But then you go up the stairs, and you you immediately come upon those windows.
We're talking about medieval stain glass; in fact 2/3 of the windows are authentic. That means that over half of the windows are originally from the 13th century. Plus, the colors are just so rich. It's like being surrounded by a painter's palette.
After Sainte-Chapelle was the Conciergerie, which was also impressive. Like the Tower of London, it served as a palace and prison. What drew me to the Conciergerie is the fact that Marie Antoinette was a prisoner here before she was killed. Because her cell no longer exists, they have an excellent recreation.
What was her cell is now a chapel; unfortunately it's just for show. I wish it had a space for you to pray but oh well. The chapel is painted deep deep blue, with silver tears painted on that. There's a memorial to Louis XVI, his sister Madame Elisabeth, and then there's a space featuring three paintings depicting Marie Antoinette's separation from her children, Marie Antoinette in her cell, and lastly, Marie Antoinette receiving Communion for the last time.
It was incredibly moving, and all the more makes me feel for her. I can remember reading my first book about her in elementary school in 5th grade. The book was in the series called The Royal Diaries. It was by the same folks that published Dear America, My Name is America etc. Pretty much the only books that were out there for kids that pertained to history, and even then, most of the books were geared towards girls. The books about boys took a while to catch on, but when they did those were great too. But I loved reading about a different character in a different time period. To me, it didn't matter that they were girls. What mattered was that you felt like you were reading the diary of someone who was your age, and they were describing some of the most amazing moments in history: whether as a passenger on the Titanic, working in the mills of Lowell, living through the Civil War, surviving day to day during the Great Depression. You were instantly captured and taken into another world.
And The Royal Diaries, well, is the reason why I'm obsessed with royalty. It was because of these books that I fell in love with Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, Marie Antoinette, Anastasia, Elisabeth of Austria, and so many more. Some of these women led the most incredible, complex, beautiful and tragic lives. And now I'm in Europe, where I can easily access where they lived, entertained, worshipped, died, and where they rest.
Okay, Memory Lane trip done.
Later that night a group of us saw Moliere's "Les Precieuses Ridicules." You can google the plot, but it involved laughing at people's expense, which is always a good time. The play was shown at this very local black box theatre. It felt so wonderful to see a show! Even if it was in rapid fire French, I had a ball.
Oh, and I leave for FLORENCE, ITALY next Tuesday. Huzzah for me.
La nuit et le jour
Unless that is the actually saying for "Night and day," that is what Wednesday and today have been.
Wednesday I can say, without a doubt, was probably the worst day I've had in Paris, both because of things in and out of my control, but namely:
*Election results from MA.
*One of my classes was filled.
*Not so hot on my first French test.
*Headache from hell. Honestly one of the worst headaches I've had in a while.
Luckily, there were a few good points of the day, namely: Saint-Chapelle, Conciergerie & the Moliere play. But those will be in a separate post.
Then you have today, and it's a total 180.
*Slept wonderfully
*Found a free spot in the class I need and GOT IT.
* Chatted with the nicest old Irishmen today.
*One of the best meals eaten today.
I went to this nice little place called Le Cafe in the 2nd. Now for the record, this post is dedicated to Jamie Burgess. She told me about this place and the following dish I had:
Camembert chaud.
Please imagine: Baked camembert still in it's wooden container, swimming in honey, with a delicious salad and roasted seasoned potatoes.
Let the envy and mouth watering begin.
Wednesday I can say, without a doubt, was probably the worst day I've had in Paris, both because of things in and out of my control, but namely:
*Election results from MA.
*One of my classes was filled.
*Not so hot on my first French test.
*Headache from hell. Honestly one of the worst headaches I've had in a while.
Luckily, there were a few good points of the day, namely: Saint-Chapelle, Conciergerie & the Moliere play. But those will be in a separate post.
Then you have today, and it's a total 180.
*Slept wonderfully
*Found a free spot in the class I need and GOT IT.
* Chatted with the nicest old Irishmen today.
*One of the best meals eaten today.
I went to this nice little place called Le Cafe in the 2nd. Now for the record, this post is dedicated to Jamie Burgess. She told me about this place and the following dish I had:
Camembert chaud.
Please imagine: Baked camembert still in it's wooden container, swimming in honey, with a delicious salad and roasted seasoned potatoes.
Let the envy and mouth watering begin.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Puis-je goûter?
That my friends was the phrase of the day. I'll explain later.
But first, Happy All Saint's Day!
I just have to mention, I'm currently watching Hocus Pocus with the biggest grin on my face. I didn't have the time to watch it yesterday, but since today and tomorrow (All Souls) is related to Halloween, technically the holiday season isn't over yet.
So, as mentioned, Halloween was spent with lots of dead people. Today was a very different kind of day. First off, it didn't involve dead people, tombs or famous Frenchmen.
Instead, today was more of a treat.
In honor of All Saints and since I can't make it to Mass for All Souls, I ventured to Notre Dame for 10 AM Mass. While I much prefer the Mass offered at 12:45, the 10 AM I think is the most beautiful Notre Dame offers.
Pourquoi?
The 10 AM is the Gregorian Mass, which is to say: the Gregorian Choir Ensemble provides the music, and major parts of the Mass such as Gloria, Nicene Creed, Mass parts are said/sung in Latin. The choir sings a cappella and their talent is incredible. These people are talented musicians who have studied music, or are studying music, and range from the Children's Choir to Adult Choir. So, to sum it up: These people know their stuff.
After Mass, Kirstie and I met up to venture on the biggest Halloween treat I could imagine.
Le Salon du Chocolat. Qu'est-ce que c'est?
At the Porte de Versailles metro stop, there are these GIANT exposition centers. This year, Paris was hosting the 16th annual SDC, and these exposition halls were filled to the brim with chocolatiers, bakers, and confectionery companies from Paris and all of France.
Their goal? Offer free samples of their chocolate goodness and get you to spend all your Euros.
Honestly, had I withdrawn all my money from my bank account, I could have easily spent all my money. I was more tempted there than walking along the Champs Elysees.
Needless to say, Kirstie and I were overwhelmed. Everywhere you looked there was a booth specializing in something: cookies, baked goods, cocao beans, chocolate bars, chocolate spreads, regional chocolates. Plus, the theme of the salon was sustainable/green chocolates. So everything was all natural and/or organic.
Now, I think it's very important to buy all natural/organic. Unfortunately, it's still not economically possible for everyone to buy everything AN/O. But I think, as a way to start, choose a couple items you love and can't live without. And buy those products AN/O. I think chocolate is easily one of those staples.
Okay, so as we wandered throughout the expo, we were able to partake in the free samples, including a little glass of Grand Marnier vanilla cognac. Talk about smooth, mon Dieu!!
I purchased some heavenly cookies from this company called Laura Todd. I highly recommend you check out their website. While it's only in French, they are committed to baking and making wonderful culinary creations with AN/O ingredients. You can't argue that. I bought 6 and I currently have 3 left. They're delicious!!
I then purchased some regional chocolates from Marseilles. I guess the chocolates are made with olive oil, and are filled with this almond paste but it's not marzipan. I sampled them, fell in love and bought a box. I put those in the fridge and I'm going to return to the US with them; I'll greatly enjoy them when I'm depressed missing Paris.
After our trip, we of course got gyros frites for lunch. WIN.
But besides the chocolate, what the SDC taught me was:
*Confidence plays a HUGE key when speaking French.
*Volume also plays a huge park in speaking French.
*It's important to try out as much French as possible, and when all else fails, "Parlez-vous anglais?"
I just got so nervous, too nervous. It probably didn't help being surrounded by huge crowds, but I'm glad it happened. Basically, I have to know that I'm confident in what I know so far in French, and what I don't know, I have to learn on my own. Or, if in conversation, ask "Parlez-vous anglais?" or warn the person beforehand, "Je vous demande pardon; je parle un petit peu français."
That, plus the question "Comment dites-vous ... en français?" (How do you say .... in French?) is probably helpful.
Just trying to speak in French, I have found, earns you some respect. It's never okay to go right into English. And it makes sense, you know? Even my mother, who can't speak French to save her life, listened to some French cd's and she, plus Mary, learned some essential phrases and therefore had an amazing time here.
Well folks, this weekend, in essence, was a huge success. It's back to the grind tomorrow. Wish me luck.
Bonne nuit et grosses bises.
But first, Happy All Saint's Day!
I just have to mention, I'm currently watching Hocus Pocus with the biggest grin on my face. I didn't have the time to watch it yesterday, but since today and tomorrow (All Souls) is related to Halloween, technically the holiday season isn't over yet.
So, as mentioned, Halloween was spent with lots of dead people. Today was a very different kind of day. First off, it didn't involve dead people, tombs or famous Frenchmen.
Instead, today was more of a treat.
In honor of All Saints and since I can't make it to Mass for All Souls, I ventured to Notre Dame for 10 AM Mass. While I much prefer the Mass offered at 12:45, the 10 AM I think is the most beautiful Notre Dame offers.
Pourquoi?
The 10 AM is the Gregorian Mass, which is to say: the Gregorian Choir Ensemble provides the music, and major parts of the Mass such as Gloria, Nicene Creed, Mass parts are said/sung in Latin. The choir sings a cappella and their talent is incredible. These people are talented musicians who have studied music, or are studying music, and range from the Children's Choir to Adult Choir. So, to sum it up: These people know their stuff.
After Mass, Kirstie and I met up to venture on the biggest Halloween treat I could imagine.
Le Salon du Chocolat. Qu'est-ce que c'est?
At the Porte de Versailles metro stop, there are these GIANT exposition centers. This year, Paris was hosting the 16th annual SDC, and these exposition halls were filled to the brim with chocolatiers, bakers, and confectionery companies from Paris and all of France.
Their goal? Offer free samples of their chocolate goodness and get you to spend all your Euros.
Honestly, had I withdrawn all my money from my bank account, I could have easily spent all my money. I was more tempted there than walking along the Champs Elysees.
Needless to say, Kirstie and I were overwhelmed. Everywhere you looked there was a booth specializing in something: cookies, baked goods, cocao beans, chocolate bars, chocolate spreads, regional chocolates. Plus, the theme of the salon was sustainable/green chocolates. So everything was all natural and/or organic.
Now, I think it's very important to buy all natural/organic. Unfortunately, it's still not economically possible for everyone to buy everything AN/O. But I think, as a way to start, choose a couple items you love and can't live without. And buy those products AN/O. I think chocolate is easily one of those staples.
Okay, so as we wandered throughout the expo, we were able to partake in the free samples, including a little glass of Grand Marnier vanilla cognac. Talk about smooth, mon Dieu!!
I purchased some heavenly cookies from this company called Laura Todd. I highly recommend you check out their website. While it's only in French, they are committed to baking and making wonderful culinary creations with AN/O ingredients. You can't argue that. I bought 6 and I currently have 3 left. They're delicious!!
I then purchased some regional chocolates from Marseilles. I guess the chocolates are made with olive oil, and are filled with this almond paste but it's not marzipan. I sampled them, fell in love and bought a box. I put those in the fridge and I'm going to return to the US with them; I'll greatly enjoy them when I'm depressed missing Paris.
After our trip, we of course got gyros frites for lunch. WIN.
But besides the chocolate, what the SDC taught me was:
*Confidence plays a HUGE key when speaking French.
*Volume also plays a huge park in speaking French.
*It's important to try out as much French as possible, and when all else fails, "Parlez-vous anglais?"
I just got so nervous, too nervous. It probably didn't help being surrounded by huge crowds, but I'm glad it happened. Basically, I have to know that I'm confident in what I know so far in French, and what I don't know, I have to learn on my own. Or, if in conversation, ask "Parlez-vous anglais?" or warn the person beforehand, "Je vous demande pardon; je parle un petit peu français."
That, plus the question "Comment dites-vous ... en français?" (How do you say .... in French?) is probably helpful.
Just trying to speak in French, I have found, earns you some respect. It's never okay to go right into English. And it makes sense, you know? Even my mother, who can't speak French to save her life, listened to some French cd's and she, plus Mary, learned some essential phrases and therefore had an amazing time here.
Well folks, this weekend, in essence, was a huge success. It's back to the grind tomorrow. Wish me luck.
Bonne nuit et grosses bises.
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