First of all, I feel like I need to apologize for the lack of updating lately. I still haven’t made a proper post about Geneva, which was now almost exactly month ago, or even any of the other places I’ve visited since arriving in Grenoble. Since then, I have:
- visited the French cities of Aix-les-Bains, Pont-en-Royans, Vizille, Orange, Avignon, Vers-Pont-du-Gard, Annecy, Aix-en-Provence, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape (basically, a tour of southeastern France)
Small map of where I've been in France
- jumped off a mountain with a professional and sailed over the town of Saint Hilaire du Touvet
Me, paragliding!
- experienced the Grenoble nightlife so much so that the bartender knows my name
- attended 5-people jam sessions in the park, complete with guitar, harmonica, vocal, and dance
- spent absolutely all my free time either sitting in a park, café, or going out to bars (and, you know, that thing called school and homework)
- enjoyed an extremely delicious American attempt at a French dinner with 5 other good friends
- looked for constellations while laying on my driveway in the moonless sky
- had an awkward meeting with my tandem partner and her new boyfriend (the French are very affectionate)
- experienced my first round of tests here at the Université Stendhal - the only round of tests before my final exams in December
And now, the inevitable, I believe, has happened- I’ve gotten sick. Not just mildly sick, but doctors-appointment-taking-blood-staying-in-bed-all-day-worrying-about-my-health-and-future-trips sick. I figured, eventually, the stress, culture shock, and homesickness would get to me, somehow, and so it has. Though, I’m optimistic that if I keep a positive attitude, I will feel better soon.
However, this somewhat bad news has some good news paired with it – now, I actually have the time to update on all of the trips I’ve been taking and general comments about France and my life here! Plus, I have good drugs now, after going to the doctor twice, so I’m in a good mood, however badly I’m feeling. I won’t say exactly what my malady is on here until I know for sure (probably tomorrow), but I will say that it’s viral, so it’s annoying. Don’t worry, Mom! My host mom is taking really good care of me- although, the being sick thing doesn’t really help the homesickness. All I want now is to be at home. But, I’m thriving and surviving. Really, guys, don’t worry about me.
So, next on my adventures list:
Oct 30-Nov 1: Amsterdam
Nov 10-Nov 15: Berlin and Amsterdam (different group!)
Nov 18-Nov 21: Barcelona and Lyon
Nov 27-Nov 29: Strasbourg and Colmar
Dec 4-Dec 6: Milan
Hopefully i’ll be well (or have enough drugs) to get me through the next month! (14 out of 30 days of November, I won’t be in Grenoble. Score!)
Until next time!
I’m glad you’re enjoying France! I was sick too when I was over there so I know what you’re going through, but it will get better just rest if you can.
I lived in Lyon for a while so here are some suggestions. For night life go to Vieux Lyon or Hôtel de Ville. Vieux Lyon is more pub and restaurant based while Hôtel de Ville is more clubby. Also Le First is a really posh club and that is in Part Dieu and pretty expensive.
Other things are Parc de la tête d’or. Really pretty gardens, a nice lake and a little zoo, very cute. Walk the river it’s gorgeous! For food go to Rue des Marronniers, it’s close to Place Bellecour, there are a lot of nice Lyonnais restaurants :) Also Fièvre is a really pretty church at the top of the hill in Lyon.
Ok sorry for the long comment! Hope everything is going well. :)
Hi Hayley!
I loved reading your blog. Your mom gave it to me Monday and it sounds like you’re having the time of your life (sans sickness, of course)! Thanks for the great pictures. The time will fly but the writing will last a lifetime so take time to blog or journal, and above all, explore as much as you can!
See you at Christmas! Love, Anne
Bonjour!
i enjoyed reading your blog so much! it really brought back how exciting and fun and scary it was for me. i got sick my first week, too, (some kind of flu) and it made me so homesick.
Your french home is luxurious with your own bathroom! i lived with a mom, dad, daughter, another American and one shower that was in the laundry room (no curtain) and one toilet in a little closet by the front door. Same narrow, winding, slippery staircase though.
The town looks very picturesque. Angers was very old (like from the 900′s i think) and lots of light industry. It is in the heart of the chateau area, though, and the Angers chateau is a huge fort with a moat and famous tapestries (mille fleur, it seems like). i recommend it if you get a chance.
Bon chance!
Love,
Aunt Lisa