And so, after much partying, catching up, meeting the new ERASMUS students and the general banter of returning after New Year, the hard realisation of university life is again upon us. And my goodness, is this semester gonna be hard!
Let it be known that, in Glasgow University especially, most students in Scotland do not have particuarly long weeks, given the exceptions like medicine, dentistry etc. In my case, I usually had, say, a 13 hour week at uni, sometimes having only one or two classes per day. My longest day on record is 4 hours in one day, that's to say, 4 hours in a row, not over the space of a 9-5pm day. It was either a few classes in the morning, or that one particular day. I finished at 1pm every day bar that day last year. I had what you called an easy academic life. Nothing particuarly challenging, with subjects I was fairly comfortable with and a daily dose of QMU banter.
That is, of course, until I came to Poitiers, and enrolled at the Univ. de Poitiers - widely regarded as the hell hole. My university timetable now consists of:
Monday: 10am - 4pm
Tuesday: 9am - 7pm (!!!!!!!!!)
Wednesday: 12pm - 1.30pm
Thursday: 8.30am - 12.30pm
Friday: Off :)
Now. Despite Tuesday being quite literally hell on earth, I would say it is a balanced timetable. I would gladly stay late and have more classes in one day so that I can have 2 afternoons and a Friday off uni. But it is hard. I have 3 translation classes (Theme, Version and a mixture of both); a British civilisation class (why not?); 2 literature classes; an essay/ mini dissertation class and Lingua, ie french for foreigners (the 7pm class :/)
It's a fairly competant timetable, but one I am actually enjoying. The first week back was amusing enough! Hannah drank copious Green tea (the "Posh" kind of green tea, might I add :P), Zoe endlessly fretted about translation classes but turns out she has a knack for them, and I sang about being trapped in cabinets. It all started in the Theme translation class when the class was trying to decide what word to use: wardrobe, cupboard, drawers, cabinets... Which lead to an impromptu break out of The Mighty Boosh's song "Captain Cabinet" (Youtube it if you aren't familiar) which goes alone the lines of:
Captain Cabinet, trapped in cabinets!
Can he get out? Will he get out? Course he will!
We sang this for the best part of the day. At lunch, we spent an hour talking about what we each call various cupboard-esque things in the house, for example: Zoe calls a display cabinet a dresser, when Hannah and I agreed a dresser is what you have in your bedroom to do your make up at etc. Hannah calls what Zoe and I regard as kitchen units, G-Units (no correlation to rap, at all!), and so forth. We also discussed cubby holes, and what they were exactly - we still aren't sure. Before going to the next class, we laughed saying "How funny would it be if the next teacher mentioned cabinets?"
It turned out to be fantastic. On discussing a rather dull French - English translation, a part came up where the narrator was talking about neighbours. I can't exactly remember the exact words, but the teacher ended up saying: "... I mean, it's not like they were trapped in a cabinet!". I actually thought my head would explode I tried so hard not to laugh. Still, we sang the song over and over, laughing about it probably too loudly, as the French kids obviously thought we were mad. This continued in British Civilisation, as we carried on to be unnecessarily loud and outlandishly British in the class, further ostracising us from our fellow class mates. Still, we don't all need French friends, do we?
Sadly, I have contracted the lurgy and my glands and neck are swelling out of control. Think of an upside down snowman, and you'll get a rough idea of how I look.
Trapped in cabinets!!!
Monday, 24 January 2011
Sunday, 16 January 2011
The great return
Return date to Poitiers, France: Thursday 6th January 2011
Christmas and New Year:
Bonne Année tout le monde and welcome to part two of my ERASMUS adventure! Well, it has been a month since I last updated, so I guess I better give a quick run through of our plane journeys, acitivies over Christmas and New Year, and ofcourse the madness that has ensued since my return to the ever ridiculous Poitiers.
Hannah, Hannah, Jess, Lorna and I successfully managed to take the plane from Poitiers to London Stanstead, not before I weighed everyone's cases a million times and proceeded to be "the mother" to ensure that we all had the necessary documents etc. The plane ride was mostly funny, as we decided not to be the quiet and conscientious types of travellers; Still, after just over an hour on the plane we landed safely and London and bid a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to Lorna, as she went to catch the train to her brother's. So, Hannah x2, Jess and I had a Burger King, got some Irn Bru, and sat at the arrival's section, watching the many happy reunions between families and friends at this festive season. It was touching especially to see grandparents reunited with grandchildren etc, especially with one old man in particular who was greeted by his wife by having a flower put behind his ear. True love never dies!
There was also the odd moment where people kept walking past the people who were arriving, as if trying to find a check in desk at the arrivals section? Departure: You're doing it wrong! After an hour or so, Hannah McAvoy and I had to head through security to board our Glasgow flight. Not without any complications, mind you. The 3 most annoying people in the world just so happened to be in front of us in the queue, one of them schreeching with contempt as she was asked to simply remove her boots and jacket "for security reasons". Like any sane person, she "made a joke" that went something along the lines of "But then you'll see my pistol", which caused a bit of an upstart between security staff. Eventually we got through, got on the plane, and each made it safely home to Scotland. In the freezing, baltic cold.
Christmas and New Year were excellent, mainly because I say everyone and was out almost every night, including 1 too many trips to Word Up! The highlight of the trip though had to be Dunning's 20th birthday in Dakota, where far too many £2 whiskeys and lemonade and shots were consumed! It was a great laugh all night with some amazing banter and amazing photos; see my facebook if you want a laugh!
My parents once again spoiled me with money, food and gifts over the Christmas period and I was far more settled at home this time and miss them more this time around. Fortunately, my sister and her boyfriend will be coming to Paris for our birthday (5th Feb, if you want to know), and my parents in March, so I don't feel too bad about it all! I managed to fly alllll by myself from Glasgow to London, then met Aoife and Bethany in the queye for the Poitiers flight and made it safely back to Funkytown and spent the night at Renaud's, eating copious amounts of cheese and retelling stories about parties we had been to. L'amour :)
The first fortnight of the second semester:
It has been an INSANE return to reality over the past 2 weeks (Well, just under 2 weeks, if you really wanna be picky about it). As previously mentioned, I stayed with Renaud until Friday, then it was back to centre ville for the first party at Dimitri's and the introduction of some of the new ERASMUS folk, then Saturday was another trip in centre ville and a party at Adrian's old house. Sunday was spent mostly doing nothing, as was Monday, but then Tuesday rolled around and brought on a 5 day binge. Ok, I wasn't drunk every night, it was more just a few drinks every night, except Thursday, and maybe Wednesday, and last night. But still. The was so much banter to be had! And some much needed time with a friend who was leaving. Lorna Canon will be sadly missed, but we will see her in Austria in the near future! In the mean time, Hannah G has taken over her life, I mean moved into her old flat, so balance has somewhat been restored.
The most notable events have been: The giraffe Lorna, Hannah and I shared in Café des arts whilst chatting to the very friendly and awesome barman (not Steve); The drinks and heartfelt talk at Lorna and Hannah's before hitting the karaoke then randomly meeting people in the street and walking with them for ages; when Katie, Hannah Mc and Marta came to mine and we listened to Trance music WAY too loudly, and then Crazy Lady shouted at us IN ENGLISH: "This is our space too!" . We had said to the new German guy: "Yeah", "Come out with us" and "Aye!". It's OUR space too then, idiot. We also went to the Pilori that night which was a new experience for me and it was a laugh. Then last night with the exciting cocktails from Minima and a trip to est ouest proved to be more than enough for me and I went home for some sleep. But couldn't sleep till after 6 am. Boak.
This semester will hopefully have even better experiences than last semester, with better weather, new and old friends, and a host of new banter.
Bisous x
Christmas and New Year:
Bonne Année tout le monde and welcome to part two of my ERASMUS adventure! Well, it has been a month since I last updated, so I guess I better give a quick run through of our plane journeys, acitivies over Christmas and New Year, and ofcourse the madness that has ensued since my return to the ever ridiculous Poitiers.
Hannah, Hannah, Jess, Lorna and I successfully managed to take the plane from Poitiers to London Stanstead, not before I weighed everyone's cases a million times and proceeded to be "the mother" to ensure that we all had the necessary documents etc. The plane ride was mostly funny, as we decided not to be the quiet and conscientious types of travellers; Still, after just over an hour on the plane we landed safely and London and bid a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to Lorna, as she went to catch the train to her brother's. So, Hannah x2, Jess and I had a Burger King, got some Irn Bru, and sat at the arrival's section, watching the many happy reunions between families and friends at this festive season. It was touching especially to see grandparents reunited with grandchildren etc, especially with one old man in particular who was greeted by his wife by having a flower put behind his ear. True love never dies!
There was also the odd moment where people kept walking past the people who were arriving, as if trying to find a check in desk at the arrivals section? Departure: You're doing it wrong! After an hour or so, Hannah McAvoy and I had to head through security to board our Glasgow flight. Not without any complications, mind you. The 3 most annoying people in the world just so happened to be in front of us in the queue, one of them schreeching with contempt as she was asked to simply remove her boots and jacket "for security reasons". Like any sane person, she "made a joke" that went something along the lines of "But then you'll see my pistol", which caused a bit of an upstart between security staff. Eventually we got through, got on the plane, and each made it safely home to Scotland. In the freezing, baltic cold.
Christmas and New Year were excellent, mainly because I say everyone and was out almost every night, including 1 too many trips to Word Up! The highlight of the trip though had to be Dunning's 20th birthday in Dakota, where far too many £2 whiskeys and lemonade and shots were consumed! It was a great laugh all night with some amazing banter and amazing photos; see my facebook if you want a laugh!
My parents once again spoiled me with money, food and gifts over the Christmas period and I was far more settled at home this time and miss them more this time around. Fortunately, my sister and her boyfriend will be coming to Paris for our birthday (5th Feb, if you want to know), and my parents in March, so I don't feel too bad about it all! I managed to fly alllll by myself from Glasgow to London, then met Aoife and Bethany in the queye for the Poitiers flight and made it safely back to Funkytown and spent the night at Renaud's, eating copious amounts of cheese and retelling stories about parties we had been to. L'amour :)
The first fortnight of the second semester:
It has been an INSANE return to reality over the past 2 weeks (Well, just under 2 weeks, if you really wanna be picky about it). As previously mentioned, I stayed with Renaud until Friday, then it was back to centre ville for the first party at Dimitri's and the introduction of some of the new ERASMUS folk, then Saturday was another trip in centre ville and a party at Adrian's old house. Sunday was spent mostly doing nothing, as was Monday, but then Tuesday rolled around and brought on a 5 day binge. Ok, I wasn't drunk every night, it was more just a few drinks every night, except Thursday, and maybe Wednesday, and last night. But still. The was so much banter to be had! And some much needed time with a friend who was leaving. Lorna Canon will be sadly missed, but we will see her in Austria in the near future! In the mean time, Hannah G has taken over her life, I mean moved into her old flat, so balance has somewhat been restored.
The most notable events have been: The giraffe Lorna, Hannah and I shared in Café des arts whilst chatting to the very friendly and awesome barman (not Steve); The drinks and heartfelt talk at Lorna and Hannah's before hitting the karaoke then randomly meeting people in the street and walking with them for ages; when Katie, Hannah Mc and Marta came to mine and we listened to Trance music WAY too loudly, and then Crazy Lady shouted at us IN ENGLISH: "This is our space too!" . We had said to the new German guy: "Yeah", "Come out with us" and "Aye!". It's OUR space too then, idiot. We also went to the Pilori that night which was a new experience for me and it was a laugh. Then last night with the exciting cocktails from Minima and a trip to est ouest proved to be more than enough for me and I went home for some sleep. But couldn't sleep till after 6 am. Boak.
This semester will hopefully have even better experiences than last semester, with better weather, new and old friends, and a host of new banter.
Bisous x
Wednesday, 15 December 2010
Mama, I'm comin' home...
End of part one of my year in Poitiers, France - 16/12/2010.
Yes, sadly, this is the end of the first part of my year abroad. I leave for Scotland on the 16th December and will return on the 6th January :) After living abroad and on my own for 3 and a half months, I feel it is time for some much needed reflection, self evaluation and a nice break from the crazy place that is Poitiers.
Since arriving in Poitiers, I have met many interesting people from various countries. Unfortunately, my main group consists of Irish, Scottish and English people, but Polish, French and German are thrown into the mix, not forgetting the odd Swede :P Sadly, many of my good friends will not be returning to Poitiers after les vacances, like Lorna, Anna and Lisa. I wish everyone that will not be returning all the best for the future and hope you have a great Christmas and New Year :).
I have had many strange experiences whilst in Poitiers, too. There are too many to reference, but just have a look at the blog from the second or third week here and I'm sure you can deduce for yourself how bizarre this place is; what with it's nearly constant strike action, irrational fear and hatred of snow; unlimited perserverance to be nasty to us ERASMUS folk (I mean you, UNIV. DE POITIERS!!!!!); countless party's at Dimitri's, who's neighbour now hates him, and the discovery of whiskey and various cheeses. Needless to say, Hannah G and I's next venture will involve rum, as we drink our way through various liquers.
What can I say about myself? I'm a little older, I'm a little wiser... But I don't have hair in really weird places 9If you didn't get the "Wayne's World 2" reference, then shame on you). Seriously, though, I might not be 100% amazing with my money yet, but living on my own is a great experience, and dispite feeling a little more than anxious about coming here, it is definitely the best decision I have ever made and would urge anyone, not just arts and language students, to try the ERASMUS experience. Even if your grades are crap and you hate your uni, you'll still have a great time.
Because, at the end of the day, we only get one shot at this. The next few years (i.e. Honours, boak) are the years here we really need to work. Not that I think we should abandon our studies, but come on - do our uni's really expect us to come here and NOT try to make friends/ have parties/ generlly be a disgrace to the United Kingdom? Of course they don't. Unless you are at St. Andrew's, then they might. But whatever.
I aim to continue to have as much fun as I am having now next semester, despite it continuing to June... Mon Dieu... c'est dur, non?
Anyway, any updates before I go? Like I previously mentioned, Hannah and I have discovered a new love for whiskey and enjoyed a nice malt the other night. Needless to say, we are hardened men. Also, ONE bus driver was attacked two nights ago, and since that attack, EVERY bus in Poitiers has been cancelled for DAYS, causing untold frustration between students and residents alike. It then decided to snow heavily out of the blue, but it's just a bit icy now, merde. It's also forecast to snow extremely heavily in Scotland on Thursday, you know the day I'm due back? THANKS VERY MUCH :/
Alors... The next time you hear form me, I'll be back in my house, sipping Irn Bru, and watching "The Muppet Christmas Carol" with Becca. A bientot, tout le monde!! Joyeux Noel!
Yes, sadly, this is the end of the first part of my year abroad. I leave for Scotland on the 16th December and will return on the 6th January :) After living abroad and on my own for 3 and a half months, I feel it is time for some much needed reflection, self evaluation and a nice break from the crazy place that is Poitiers.
Since arriving in Poitiers, I have met many interesting people from various countries. Unfortunately, my main group consists of Irish, Scottish and English people, but Polish, French and German are thrown into the mix, not forgetting the odd Swede :P Sadly, many of my good friends will not be returning to Poitiers after les vacances, like Lorna, Anna and Lisa. I wish everyone that will not be returning all the best for the future and hope you have a great Christmas and New Year :).
I have had many strange experiences whilst in Poitiers, too. There are too many to reference, but just have a look at the blog from the second or third week here and I'm sure you can deduce for yourself how bizarre this place is; what with it's nearly constant strike action, irrational fear and hatred of snow; unlimited perserverance to be nasty to us ERASMUS folk (I mean you, UNIV. DE POITIERS!!!!!); countless party's at Dimitri's, who's neighbour now hates him, and the discovery of whiskey and various cheeses. Needless to say, Hannah G and I's next venture will involve rum, as we drink our way through various liquers.
What can I say about myself? I'm a little older, I'm a little wiser... But I don't have hair in really weird places 9If you didn't get the "Wayne's World 2" reference, then shame on you). Seriously, though, I might not be 100% amazing with my money yet, but living on my own is a great experience, and dispite feeling a little more than anxious about coming here, it is definitely the best decision I have ever made and would urge anyone, not just arts and language students, to try the ERASMUS experience. Even if your grades are crap and you hate your uni, you'll still have a great time.
Because, at the end of the day, we only get one shot at this. The next few years (i.e. Honours, boak) are the years here we really need to work. Not that I think we should abandon our studies, but come on - do our uni's really expect us to come here and NOT try to make friends/ have parties/ generlly be a disgrace to the United Kingdom? Of course they don't. Unless you are at St. Andrew's, then they might. But whatever.
I aim to continue to have as much fun as I am having now next semester, despite it continuing to June... Mon Dieu... c'est dur, non?
Anyway, any updates before I go? Like I previously mentioned, Hannah and I have discovered a new love for whiskey and enjoyed a nice malt the other night. Needless to say, we are hardened men. Also, ONE bus driver was attacked two nights ago, and since that attack, EVERY bus in Poitiers has been cancelled for DAYS, causing untold frustration between students and residents alike. It then decided to snow heavily out of the blue, but it's just a bit icy now, merde. It's also forecast to snow extremely heavily in Scotland on Thursday, you know the day I'm due back? THANKS VERY MUCH :/
Alors... The next time you hear form me, I'll be back in my house, sipping Irn Bru, and watching "The Muppet Christmas Carol" with Becca. A bientot, tout le monde!! Joyeux Noel!
 |
| COKE VANILLE. And you thought they didn't make it anymore! |
Thursday, 2 December 2010
Mr. Plow, that's my name...
It's that time of year again :D And Poitiers is rife with excitement. It has also grinded to somewhat of a halt due to the snow. Like England, a nationwide panic has ensued, unlike us in the north who are like "Get a shovel n yer wellies, right?" None a this hinging aboot nonsense. Still, it makes everything seem a little more wonderful and Christmassy! They've even got little huts selling funny little things n cool scarves and playing Christmas music! Though the animatronics at Monoprix leave much to be desired:
Still, it doesn't compare to the snow that's apparently hit Britain. Headlines such as "Arctic blanket over Britain" and "UK grinds to a halt due to snow" have been in the English news recently, whereas STV takes a more docile approach, with headlines such as "45ft whale washed up on remote beach in Sutherland" and "Is it snowing yet? Watch live picture's from STV's snowcam". You know, amidst all the murders, stabbings etc. And the snow here doesn't amount to much either. Too powdery, there's no substances. It's the not the type of snow I could, say, make into a snow seat/toilet, or throw at your face. Because that's what we like to do in Scotland...
I also went on a soup making endeavour for the first time, and it worked! Chicken and rice soup FTW!! And a nice lentil chorizo thingy too :) I was proud. So Hannah Grello and I shared our feast and had a bottle of red (which was kinda boak) and looked at some disgusting pictures, such as tapeworms, and really horrible eye infections. That's how ladies spend their time these days!
Renaud and I are taking a banter to Angouleme at the weekend, weather permitting, so he can receive his diploma thing. However, due to the increase in snow, I am wondering what I have in my wardrobe that will not lead to imminent hypothermia and his mum fussing over me while I get ill again and annoy them with my cough. Also, on a update of Renaud's unnatural sleeping habits, we have now had him literally rolling over me, thinking I was just a odd piece of mattress, singing Ray Charles "I got a woman" (the original before "Golddigger") in his sleep - he hummed most of it then went "OH, I GOT A WOMMMANNNN!" really loudly, then rolled over snoring - and more talking in his sleep about nothing.I get the feeling there are those of you (Probably Scottish folk) Who do not believe the Frenchman exists, because he is just all kinds of bizarre.
I also woke up at 7h35 the other day and told him "it's 25 to 8, you can sleep for another hour". Instead, he heard "It's 25 past 8, and I'm getting up for a shower". A cup of tea and a facebook update later, he jumps out of bed like "WHAT ARE YOU DOING? WHY AREN'T YOU IN A SHOWER?!" After getting pretty miffed at being woken up so early, but content at the thought of another hours sleep, I continued to ruin his morning by screaming "LOOK AT THE SNOW!!!!!!!!!!!" at him. Needless to say, he didn't care. Sometimes I think he think's I'm just crazy and I just say words.
Pretty accurate description, really.
 |
| French snow from my window :) |
 |
| The view from my window at home :) |
I also went on a soup making endeavour for the first time, and it worked! Chicken and rice soup FTW!! And a nice lentil chorizo thingy too :) I was proud. So Hannah Grello and I shared our feast and had a bottle of red (which was kinda boak) and looked at some disgusting pictures, such as tapeworms, and really horrible eye infections. That's how ladies spend their time these days!
Renaud and I are taking a banter to Angouleme at the weekend, weather permitting, so he can receive his diploma thing. However, due to the increase in snow, I am wondering what I have in my wardrobe that will not lead to imminent hypothermia and his mum fussing over me while I get ill again and annoy them with my cough. Also, on a update of Renaud's unnatural sleeping habits, we have now had him literally rolling over me, thinking I was just a odd piece of mattress, singing Ray Charles "I got a woman" (the original before "Golddigger") in his sleep - he hummed most of it then went "OH, I GOT A WOMMMANNNN!" really loudly, then rolled over snoring - and more talking in his sleep about nothing.I get the feeling there are those of you (Probably Scottish folk) Who do not believe the Frenchman exists, because he is just all kinds of bizarre.
I also woke up at 7h35 the other day and told him "it's 25 to 8, you can sleep for another hour". Instead, he heard "It's 25 past 8, and I'm getting up for a shower". A cup of tea and a facebook update later, he jumps out of bed like "WHAT ARE YOU DOING? WHY AREN'T YOU IN A SHOWER?!" After getting pretty miffed at being woken up so early, but content at the thought of another hours sleep, I continued to ruin his morning by screaming "LOOK AT THE SNOW!!!!!!!!!!!" at him. Needless to say, he didn't care. Sometimes I think he think's I'm just crazy and I just say words.
Pretty accurate description, really.
Thursday, 25 November 2010
Insomnia: An ERASMUS tale
Until recently, I never really respected the phrase "Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing", or however the saying goes. As a young teenager and up until probably the end of last year, I needed a maximum of 6 hours sleep or less to function properly, and getting up early was never a problem. Getting up early still isn't much of a problem, mainly because when it's considered "early morning", I AM STILL AWAKE. This "good thing" I speak of is, of course, sleeping, which has led to fairly bad insomnia. As my days turn into nights, and the weather becomes increasingly colder and darker, I forget where I am in time. Falling asleep has become increasingly difficult, even though I am not particuarly stressed. I blame the 6 am club finishes, personally.
Honestly, though, I just think it is me rebelling in the madness of free, independent living. I can finally do what I want, when I want, except for when crazy lady shouts at us, but I ignore her anyway as I am not French, therefore play the JE NE PARLE PAS FRANCAIS! card, which is always confusing for people. I don't particuarly enjoy sleeping to be honest, yet when I'm bored, I'll say to myself "Have a nap, Lauren, just for an hour", then I'll wake up at 7pm and wonder where my life has went. Also, in true British style, I'm a crazy tea drinker, so drinking tea late alongside sleeping late is a recipe for disaster. My record? awake until 10 AM. Then staying awake the rest of the day so as to not waste a day. Crazy? Maybe.
I also think it has something to do with the time of year, i.e. Christmas, and this being my first time away from home so close to Christmas time. Not to sound needy or immature or anything, but it is something that has really hit me hard, as I didn't realise how much of a routine my family, friends and I had back in Scotland when it came to Christmas. Like how Rebecca (my twin sister - again, another huge reason for being a bit down) and I like to watch "The Mupper Christmas Carol" (you KNOW it is the best Christmas movie EVER!) and drink tea and eat chocolate together, then watch other versions of "A Christmas Carol" like "Scrooge" etc, and laze around in our pyjamas and watch old videos of Christmas' past etc. I know that might sound strange or childish or, well, a bit gay to you, but every person has their own special thing that they like to do at Christmas, and spending a lot of time with my friends and family is one of them. I guess I can't sleep too well because I'm thinking about what I would be doing at home if I were with everyone.
But then, I reflect on the fact that I have excellent friends here with which I could do the very same. So maybe it isn't so much the people, but the place. Poitiers has Christmas lights up, but they haven't been switched on yet, nor are there a lot of decorations, unlike what I expect Greenock or Gourock to look like back home. Thinking of it, Glasgow will be looking AMAZING right now. But I digress... I am thankful that I have friends in Poitiers, and we all are becoming a little more excited about Christmas with each passing day - who says you have to be a child to get excited? There is already talk of which advent calenders to buy/ which have already been bought (NB: I have a Top Gear one waiting for me at home!!) and we are having a random Christmas celebration at my residence on the 3rd (all are welcome!!) at which we will all bring something we would eat at Christmas time at home. I will attempt to make shortbread; fair enough, it's more of a Hogmanay treat, but it is easy and delicious. Either that or a trifle. Because I do enjoy a good trifle!! So to say that Poitiers is lacking in Christmas spirit would be a lie.
I have no idea how I got onto Christmas exactly... wait yes I do... AN INSOMNIATIC RAMBLE! It is driving me crazy as I am either a) Constantly asleep or b) Constantly tired. It is no basis for student life. And it is something I have to change; LOL jk my mum will change it for me in Scotland cause she makes me get up early :)
Still, there is the benefit of being able to try and sleep when I stay at Renaud's. Mainly because if I were to get up in the middle of the night and wake him up, he would beat me to death with my own shoes...
Some people are so touchy.
Honestly, though, I just think it is me rebelling in the madness of free, independent living. I can finally do what I want, when I want, except for when crazy lady shouts at us, but I ignore her anyway as I am not French, therefore play the JE NE PARLE PAS FRANCAIS! card, which is always confusing for people. I don't particuarly enjoy sleeping to be honest, yet when I'm bored, I'll say to myself "Have a nap, Lauren, just for an hour", then I'll wake up at 7pm and wonder where my life has went. Also, in true British style, I'm a crazy tea drinker, so drinking tea late alongside sleeping late is a recipe for disaster. My record? awake until 10 AM. Then staying awake the rest of the day so as to not waste a day. Crazy? Maybe.
I also think it has something to do with the time of year, i.e. Christmas, and this being my first time away from home so close to Christmas time. Not to sound needy or immature or anything, but it is something that has really hit me hard, as I didn't realise how much of a routine my family, friends and I had back in Scotland when it came to Christmas. Like how Rebecca (my twin sister - again, another huge reason for being a bit down) and I like to watch "The Mupper Christmas Carol" (you KNOW it is the best Christmas movie EVER!) and drink tea and eat chocolate together, then watch other versions of "A Christmas Carol" like "Scrooge" etc, and laze around in our pyjamas and watch old videos of Christmas' past etc. I know that might sound strange or childish or, well, a bit gay to you, but every person has their own special thing that they like to do at Christmas, and spending a lot of time with my friends and family is one of them. I guess I can't sleep too well because I'm thinking about what I would be doing at home if I were with everyone.
But then, I reflect on the fact that I have excellent friends here with which I could do the very same. So maybe it isn't so much the people, but the place. Poitiers has Christmas lights up, but they haven't been switched on yet, nor are there a lot of decorations, unlike what I expect Greenock or Gourock to look like back home. Thinking of it, Glasgow will be looking AMAZING right now. But I digress... I am thankful that I have friends in Poitiers, and we all are becoming a little more excited about Christmas with each passing day - who says you have to be a child to get excited? There is already talk of which advent calenders to buy/ which have already been bought (NB: I have a Top Gear one waiting for me at home!!) and we are having a random Christmas celebration at my residence on the 3rd (all are welcome!!) at which we will all bring something we would eat at Christmas time at home. I will attempt to make shortbread; fair enough, it's more of a Hogmanay treat, but it is easy and delicious. Either that or a trifle. Because I do enjoy a good trifle!! So to say that Poitiers is lacking in Christmas spirit would be a lie.
I have no idea how I got onto Christmas exactly... wait yes I do... AN INSOMNIATIC RAMBLE! It is driving me crazy as I am either a) Constantly asleep or b) Constantly tired. It is no basis for student life. And it is something I have to change; LOL jk my mum will change it for me in Scotland cause she makes me get up early :)
Still, there is the benefit of being able to try and sleep when I stay at Renaud's. Mainly because if I were to get up in the middle of the night and wake him up, he would beat me to death with my own shoes...
Some people are so touchy.
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
You looks like a boy...
Yet another random update from my (un?)interesting life in Poiters! Ma meilleure amie, Amy, tells me I should give this blog a name, like Quentin, and write in him everyday as to update the world, and Quentin, about my life. I disagree, because I have absolutely nothing I could write everyday except I'm bored, I'm hungry, I'm asleep/ not sleeping. I dunno about you, but that doesn't exactly make for good reading... Anyhoo...
It should also be noted that I have my Iron Maiden ticket for next July. YALDIII!!!!
What's been happening? I won't lie, pretty much the same as always. I'll start where we left off; Friday night began at The Cave with some predrinking with Meg M, Lorna, Jess, Hannah G, Meg R, Steve, Braaaaaadon and The other American Guy? and had some bizarre banter, including the comparison between Star Wars and the American political system. We went to est-ouest after that, where I accidentally poured a beer over Meg Reis, then accidentally broke a glass which shards of went flying at her. I don't mean to be clumsy, nor do I have a vendetta against Megan :P We met Dimitri, Ivan and co after that and we went to the Goule for some French musical fun. As the pictures on facebook suggest, it was a fun, mainly drunken night.
The walk home with Dimitri, Dennis, Ivan and Hannah Mc was the highlight though. After teaching them some useful Scottish words (Baltic - always relevant, I think!), Ivan stopped and pointed ahead of him, and the conversation went as follows:
"Lauren... It looks like a bird, but it's not a bird?"
(But, instead, I heard):
"Lauren... You looks like a boy, but it's not a bird?"
(So...):
"Ivan, did you just say I look like a boy? :| "
To which everyone laughed for a hundred years. Turns out it was a quote from a film. As is "Sauce Dallas", to which again we all found very amusing. My hatred for Ivan has never been stronger :P (NB: I don't actually hate Ivan. Most days :P). So for about 15 minutes the five of us stood there shouting about birds that aren't birds, kebabs and Sauce Dallas. You really have to question what goes on in the minds of French people.
Sleep has been a bit of a no lately, so one morning I got up around, oh, 4am? Lit up my peppermint candle and went about rearranging my room, which is now LOVELY! :D Successful times.
The rest of the weekend was pretty uneventful, stayed in Saturday night as everyone was a little toooo hungover from Friday :P But had a nice night in, discovering some old videos from when I was about 17... Unattractive times, it has to be said.
Renaud had bantered back to Angouleme on the Friday night and was gone till Sunday, so I met him off the train and we went to stay at his. Through the course of staying at his a few nights a week this past fortnight, I have made a few interesting (or not) discoveries.
1. He has the most bizarre snore I've ever heard in my life - probably because he is French.
2. He talks in his sleep, mostly about being cold, hungry, or random French nonsense.
3. He grind his teeth in his sleep. I can't tell you how annoying it is. :P
4. He likes to whack me in his sleep, while I sleep.
Now, I do not mean the latter in a wife-beaterish way, so put the pitch forks away, but more in a "I'm just gonna throw my limbs all over the place in a really ungraceful manner whilst I toss and turn" sort of way. Most of the time, this results in me being hit in the face. I remember one time Rebecca did it when we were sharing a bad and, being sisters, I assumed she meant it, so whacked her back, much to her surprise. So night time abuse is nothing new to me. The first time it happened I was just dropping off to sleep, then a cold hand whacked off the top of my head. I promptly spun round like "RENAUD, WHAT YOU DOIN MATE?" for him to be mumble something and snore in my face. After keeping me awake all night with his snoring, mumbling and random shivers. The next night, he proceeded to spin round and head butt me in the face. Which in turn woke up him, and he complained about being awake for ages. Nevermind my face being attacked. He does not remember these incidents, SURPRISE SURPRISE... But it's ok because we played Star Wars and listened to 90's music and had nice times :)
I'm sorry this blog has been boring so far. It's hard to think what to write sometimes. Stuff that's relevant or interesting. It's pretty cold over here just now and reports are saying we're going to get snow too. Aye that's gonna be a total laugh.
Sauce Dallas et a plus tard!
It should also be noted that I have my Iron Maiden ticket for next July. YALDIII!!!!
What's been happening? I won't lie, pretty much the same as always. I'll start where we left off; Friday night began at The Cave with some predrinking with Meg M, Lorna, Jess, Hannah G, Meg R, Steve, Braaaaaadon and The other American Guy? and had some bizarre banter, including the comparison between Star Wars and the American political system. We went to est-ouest after that, where I accidentally poured a beer over Meg Reis, then accidentally broke a glass which shards of went flying at her. I don't mean to be clumsy, nor do I have a vendetta against Megan :P We met Dimitri, Ivan and co after that and we went to the Goule for some French musical fun. As the pictures on facebook suggest, it was a fun, mainly drunken night.
The walk home with Dimitri, Dennis, Ivan and Hannah Mc was the highlight though. After teaching them some useful Scottish words (Baltic - always relevant, I think!), Ivan stopped and pointed ahead of him, and the conversation went as follows:
"Lauren... It looks like a bird, but it's not a bird?"
(But, instead, I heard):
"Lauren... You looks like a boy, but it's not a bird?"
(So...):
"Ivan, did you just say I look like a boy? :| "
To which everyone laughed for a hundred years. Turns out it was a quote from a film. As is "Sauce Dallas", to which again we all found very amusing. My hatred for Ivan has never been stronger :P (NB: I don't actually hate Ivan. Most days :P). So for about 15 minutes the five of us stood there shouting about birds that aren't birds, kebabs and Sauce Dallas. You really have to question what goes on in the minds of French people.
Sleep has been a bit of a no lately, so one morning I got up around, oh, 4am? Lit up my peppermint candle and went about rearranging my room, which is now LOVELY! :D Successful times.
The rest of the weekend was pretty uneventful, stayed in Saturday night as everyone was a little toooo hungover from Friday :P But had a nice night in, discovering some old videos from when I was about 17... Unattractive times, it has to be said.
Renaud had bantered back to Angouleme on the Friday night and was gone till Sunday, so I met him off the train and we went to stay at his. Through the course of staying at his a few nights a week this past fortnight, I have made a few interesting (or not) discoveries.
1. He has the most bizarre snore I've ever heard in my life - probably because he is French.
2. He talks in his sleep, mostly about being cold, hungry, or random French nonsense.
3. He grind his teeth in his sleep. I can't tell you how annoying it is. :P
4. He likes to whack me in his sleep, while I sleep.
Now, I do not mean the latter in a wife-beaterish way, so put the pitch forks away, but more in a "I'm just gonna throw my limbs all over the place in a really ungraceful manner whilst I toss and turn" sort of way. Most of the time, this results in me being hit in the face. I remember one time Rebecca did it when we were sharing a bad and, being sisters, I assumed she meant it, so whacked her back, much to her surprise. So night time abuse is nothing new to me. The first time it happened I was just dropping off to sleep, then a cold hand whacked off the top of my head. I promptly spun round like "RENAUD, WHAT YOU DOIN MATE?" for him to be mumble something and snore in my face. After keeping me awake all night with his snoring, mumbling and random shivers. The next night, he proceeded to spin round and head butt me in the face. Which in turn woke up him, and he complained about being awake for ages. Nevermind my face being attacked. He does not remember these incidents, SURPRISE SURPRISE... But it's ok because we played Star Wars and listened to 90's music and had nice times :)
I'm sorry this blog has been boring so far. It's hard to think what to write sometimes. Stuff that's relevant or interesting. It's pretty cold over here just now and reports are saying we're going to get snow too. Aye that's gonna be a total laugh.
Sauce Dallas et a plus tard!
Thursday, 11 November 2010
Does "All departures" apply to me?
Time for another update on my European adventure, albeit two weeks back into it! The journey from Glasgow to Stanstead was fairly uneventful, apart from looking for Gate 3 instead of Gate 11, then waiting 4 days on a woman "running" (ha) to board the train, and the loser beside me who couldn't resist sitting with their Ipad on Facebook the entire time. I proceeded to listen to some Drum and Bass at an annoyingly loud level just to portray my distaste. On arrival at Stanstead, I approached the desk that said "All departures". Not feeling the wisest at 8.30 am, I asked the woman, who then looked at me rather worryingly:
"Excuse me, but does "All departures" apply to me, too?" WELL, ONLY IF YOU PLAN ON FLYING, LAUREN :/ After a quick jaunt through security, I got myself an Irn Bru, some crisps, a copy of Glamour and begrudgingly took a free copy of "The Times". I then discovered the MAC counter and literally had to drag myself away for fear of bankruptcy. I had to choose between being homeless, or looking fabulous. I'd a looked damn good on the streets!!
A few hours later, Zoe Boden arrived and we flew back to Poitiers in one piece. After being the last to be picked up by the taxi, I quickly ran into my apartment to get changed, eat and pack a bag as I headed to Angouleme. I accidentally got on a slow train, and had a confusing journey through various places on the way to Angouleme. Renaud was there to meet me off the train, and we had a romantic hug on the platform, before I started to babble incoherently about how nervous I was to meet his parents. Needless to say, after almost 2 weeks on Scottish soil, my accent had become thicker, broader and quicker than the bizarre version I had to create as to be understood in Poitiers, so communication between us was a little difficult. Still, after a lot of shrugging, repeating, and generally beating the language barrier to death, we arrived at Renaud's home. To which I hid behind a wall and refused to enter, before his mum found me cowering in fear and ushered me indoors with Renaud laughing at me. His mother, Christine, his dad, Patrick and his younger sister, Margot, were all there to greet me, and it was lovely! And the one thing I did appreciate, though it terrified me to death, was that they spoke at a normal French pace with proper French accents - i.e. 100mph, and just as inarticulate as I am with English. It was VERY difficult, but I got the gist of everything pretty quickly. We went to a party thing with his parents that evening, and after some food, some music and well a bottle or two of rose, I was off speaking French and boring them about my uni. And also dancing with his mum. Not really sure why, but it was fun anyway!
The next day, we visited his grandfather and other members of his family before have a banter off round Angouleme. After persuading him to come into ZARA and H&M, then leaving 5 minutes later because the look of utter despair had arrived on his face, I got to see all the art on the walls of buildings in Angouleme. But, forgot my camera. As I am an idiot. Still, it was a lovely place! We met Ivan later on that night for some drinks in Hacienda, a weird kind of jazz bar. I still hate jazz, but I did educate Renaud on the differences between malt and blended whiskeys, and how you should drink them - not with coke, like he does. He and Ivan also took great delight in the fact my Mum's maiden name is Campbell, as they drink "Clan Campbell" whiskey, so are excited I am from that "Clan". Just like how Renaud asked me "Do you know what H.D. is?". No, sorry; In Scotland, we still either live in castles or mud huts and wear kilts everyday.
The rest of the time in Angouleme was fairly uneventful, apart from me becoming ill and my left tonsil swelling uncontrollably, sleeping till all hours of the day, drinking a hell of a lot of coffee, Renaud completing Zelda, and the joys of French television. After a half hour delay we got the train back on the Tuesday, and that was that. Back in Poitiers!
Thursday brought the arrival of yet another party in Dimitri's, where we consumed much alcohol - some of us more than others!!! It was a good night though, despite a little drama here and there! Friday again was quiet, only because we were resting for Saturday. Now, Saturday. There's a tale. The night began with Hannah G and I watching "Anchorman", shouting out the quotes continually, and drinking (very strong) White Russians. After spilling milk on my floor, stealing my make up, and other forms of verbal abuse, we left for Megan Maguire's house, where she, Lorna, Zoe and Jess were already getting the party going. After a rather revealing game of "I've never", the conversation descended into the most disgusting topics that I will not put on here as they will probably upset my mother - BUT YOU ALL KNOW WHAT THEY WERE! A few sex on the beaches, white Russians, and whatever the hell else later, we were soon dancing to my ssupposedly "shite" choice in music, such as the Spice Girls, Vengaboys, various rap songs, and whatever else. Hannah Mc and Marta showed up just as we began to dance around, and the pictures certainly proved we had a good time. If not a bit of a drunken, mad time.
Hannah, Hannah, Marta and I went to a little bar near Meg's for some drinks, and on the way to the toilets Hannah G and I discovered some kind of secret passage way thing. I.E. we got VERY lost. Still, we discovered plates, bottles of wine, cups/grails... It's all a bit hazy and strange now, but we tried to go further down but got scared and ran back up the stairs, with me shouting "I FEEL LIKE SOMETHINGS CHASING ME!!". Hannah got freaked out and went home after that, and Hannah Mc, Marta and I went to the goule where we had a good old boogie.
Wednesday this week brought an early installment of Dimitri's party, as we had the day off today for remembrance day - how banterful of you, France. Again, alcohol was consumed and much banter was had! It was also Katie's first night out since her return fro Glasgow, and Marta's 21st! After some delicious pecan pie/cake/whatever, Marta's friends gave her presents and the birthday girl proceeded to get fairly drunk. But we made her happy, so we were happy!
Tonight (jeudi soir) I am resting up and doing nothing. Watching some Family Guy, South Park, chatting online and drinking tea. Tomorrow is where the party's at!
On that note, here is a quote from last night that represents every one's liking of my globe necklace, and how we Scottish/English/Irish etc folk have a really gay way of saying "happy birthday":
ERASMUS IN A GLOBE.COM/ FOR HE'S A JOLLY GOOD FELLOW
"Excuse me, but does "All departures" apply to me, too?" WELL, ONLY IF YOU PLAN ON FLYING, LAUREN :/ After a quick jaunt through security, I got myself an Irn Bru, some crisps, a copy of Glamour and begrudgingly took a free copy of "The Times". I then discovered the MAC counter and literally had to drag myself away for fear of bankruptcy. I had to choose between being homeless, or looking fabulous. I'd a looked damn good on the streets!!
A few hours later, Zoe Boden arrived and we flew back to Poitiers in one piece. After being the last to be picked up by the taxi, I quickly ran into my apartment to get changed, eat and pack a bag as I headed to Angouleme. I accidentally got on a slow train, and had a confusing journey through various places on the way to Angouleme. Renaud was there to meet me off the train, and we had a romantic hug on the platform, before I started to babble incoherently about how nervous I was to meet his parents. Needless to say, after almost 2 weeks on Scottish soil, my accent had become thicker, broader and quicker than the bizarre version I had to create as to be understood in Poitiers, so communication between us was a little difficult. Still, after a lot of shrugging, repeating, and generally beating the language barrier to death, we arrived at Renaud's home. To which I hid behind a wall and refused to enter, before his mum found me cowering in fear and ushered me indoors with Renaud laughing at me. His mother, Christine, his dad, Patrick and his younger sister, Margot, were all there to greet me, and it was lovely! And the one thing I did appreciate, though it terrified me to death, was that they spoke at a normal French pace with proper French accents - i.e. 100mph, and just as inarticulate as I am with English. It was VERY difficult, but I got the gist of everything pretty quickly. We went to a party thing with his parents that evening, and after some food, some music and well a bottle or two of rose, I was off speaking French and boring them about my uni. And also dancing with his mum. Not really sure why, but it was fun anyway!
The next day, we visited his grandfather and other members of his family before have a banter off round Angouleme. After persuading him to come into ZARA and H&M, then leaving 5 minutes later because the look of utter despair had arrived on his face, I got to see all the art on the walls of buildings in Angouleme. But, forgot my camera. As I am an idiot. Still, it was a lovely place! We met Ivan later on that night for some drinks in Hacienda, a weird kind of jazz bar. I still hate jazz, but I did educate Renaud on the differences between malt and blended whiskeys, and how you should drink them - not with coke, like he does. He and Ivan also took great delight in the fact my Mum's maiden name is Campbell, as they drink "Clan Campbell" whiskey, so are excited I am from that "Clan". Just like how Renaud asked me "Do you know what H.D. is?". No, sorry; In Scotland, we still either live in castles or mud huts and wear kilts everyday.
The rest of the time in Angouleme was fairly uneventful, apart from me becoming ill and my left tonsil swelling uncontrollably, sleeping till all hours of the day, drinking a hell of a lot of coffee, Renaud completing Zelda, and the joys of French television. After a half hour delay we got the train back on the Tuesday, and that was that. Back in Poitiers!
Thursday brought the arrival of yet another party in Dimitri's, where we consumed much alcohol - some of us more than others!!! It was a good night though, despite a little drama here and there! Friday again was quiet, only because we were resting for Saturday. Now, Saturday. There's a tale. The night began with Hannah G and I watching "Anchorman", shouting out the quotes continually, and drinking (very strong) White Russians. After spilling milk on my floor, stealing my make up, and other forms of verbal abuse, we left for Megan Maguire's house, where she, Lorna, Zoe and Jess were already getting the party going. After a rather revealing game of "I've never", the conversation descended into the most disgusting topics that I will not put on here as they will probably upset my mother - BUT YOU ALL KNOW WHAT THEY WERE! A few sex on the beaches, white Russians, and whatever the hell else later, we were soon dancing to my ssupposedly "shite" choice in music, such as the Spice Girls, Vengaboys, various rap songs, and whatever else. Hannah Mc and Marta showed up just as we began to dance around, and the pictures certainly proved we had a good time. If not a bit of a drunken, mad time.
Hannah, Hannah, Marta and I went to a little bar near Meg's for some drinks, and on the way to the toilets Hannah G and I discovered some kind of secret passage way thing. I.E. we got VERY lost. Still, we discovered plates, bottles of wine, cups/grails... It's all a bit hazy and strange now, but we tried to go further down but got scared and ran back up the stairs, with me shouting "I FEEL LIKE SOMETHINGS CHASING ME!!". Hannah got freaked out and went home after that, and Hannah Mc, Marta and I went to the goule where we had a good old boogie.
Wednesday this week brought an early installment of Dimitri's party, as we had the day off today for remembrance day - how banterful of you, France. Again, alcohol was consumed and much banter was had! It was also Katie's first night out since her return fro Glasgow, and Marta's 21st! After some delicious pecan pie/cake/whatever, Marta's friends gave her presents and the birthday girl proceeded to get fairly drunk. But we made her happy, so we were happy!
Tonight (jeudi soir) I am resting up and doing nothing. Watching some Family Guy, South Park, chatting online and drinking tea. Tomorrow is where the party's at!
On that note, here is a quote from last night that represents every one's liking of my globe necklace, and how we Scottish/English/Irish etc folk have a really gay way of saying "happy birthday":
ERASMUS IN A GLOBE.COM/ FOR HE'S A JOLLY GOOD FELLOW
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)