From St. Malo trip in February with Anne. Photographed from on top of the ramparts surrounding Intramuros area of the city.
Well, I've seen this pattern of getting sick once a month before -- last year when I studied in Besancon. Obviously, this hasn't been the easiest year as Jacob will be flying back to the U.S. this Thursday and given all the stressful moments leading up to said departure. Really, it's no fun being sick and alone in the first place; even worse when abroad. This of course begs the question be asked if living in Paris is worth the difficulties. I have to believe it's worth it. Also, I've always believed the most difficult things are the ones most worth doing. On the bright side, I purchased a Lufthansa ticket to return to the U.S. on June 29th. I'll spend a few touristy days with John in D.C. then fly back to Nebraska on July 3rd. I can't wait to see everyone.
Last Friday, I met with Nicolas to review the first part of the book translation I'd finished for him. I wasn't particularly looking forward to the meeting because I didn't feel the most confident about my work, but he thought I did a good job and wants to keep paying me to continue the rest of the translation. The main mistakes were with some specific mathematical and philosophical vocabulary.
Went to La Comedie Francaise on Saturday for the first time with Anne. We had 5euro, reduced visibility seats for one of the last performances of Cyrano de Bergerac. Despite the peasant seating, and not getting all the clever quips, I had a great time. I ought to go more often.
Last movie watched: "Jesus Christ Superstar". This is my favorite movie to watch when I'm sick. Always makes me feel better, if just temporarily. Watched it with Spanish subtitles (Jesucristo Superestrella) in preparation to meet a new Spanish conversation partner tonight.
2 commentaires:
Hope you feel better! Let me know if you need anything-- soup or House DVDs... We do something fun this weekend, oui. Love,
Blythe
my dearest dené...
I had checked all of february to find your updates... nothing since the new year... but then! wow! March must have been your month! I loved the ducky... indeed a lonely fellow... sometimes vino is the best for art, no? ;)
and although the homesick bug has ahold of you, you are wise enough to see how wonderful your adventure will be in hindsight... you're going to be that cool lady who others look up: 'Auntie Dené, you lived in Paris? Tres magnifique!' okay, so my French is nothing
If it's of any help, I envy you! I know it's not easy to be away from friends, family and familiarity, but your simple day to day events astound me! Being able to sit in a park, book-buying addiction (especially b/c you are trilingual!), even the battle with the gnats! Your writing quality also is very entertaining. :)
Daily you come up against some things which can be beautiful, poetic and inspiring... even the foul smells of the canal haha
you have the opportunities of a big city, providing you with many opportunities to grow as a human creature and you do such a wonderful job of soaking it all up: going to concerts, seeing important speakers, takind advantage of forming relationships with others around you from all over the world.
Yes, my dearest Dené... I do envy you, (and maybe a little (just a smidge, although not much) of the homesickness b/c that signifies you're on a great adventure!
I envy that you have/had the gumption/gall/talent/ability to expand your mind and your comfort levels, your depth of knowledge and experience and live, work and study in a foreign land. I know you are a truly successful person in so many senses of the word, and that your success will continue to build. And don't worry about the snobby French brand name clothing... like you said, you can go without hot water, you can live with gnats, you can go without many things, b/c you value the knowledge and education you find in your books and in your surroundings.
Instead of letting myself be too envious (I get to do a few cool things, too [but more of a touristy joust... a week and a half in India, study 5 months in chile]) I do smile when I'm able to say/think/brag, "My friend Dené is an intellect in Paris!" You make me proud to have friends like you!
Now, please excuse the cheesiness of my message... I'm feeling sentimental and I just had to make up for not being aware of all of your posts for march until now! They brighten up my day at work, and the page is bookmarked too!
I wish you the best and will have to collaborate with you on writing some films someday based on your experiences! ;) So continue to write it all down.
Out of pain comes beauty... or in the words of Axl Rose... every rose has its thorn haha
Te amo tantisimo!!!
Te extraño tambien, pero disfrutate y aprovecha de tu tiempo (tengo que estudiar más pa hablar mejor... quiero ser como la dené!!! ;))
besos y abrazos (y vino pa crear!)
-la daniela princesita ;)
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