the physical manifestation of homesickness

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.

book finks love eminem

Yes, I saw "8 Mile", though I waited for it to go to the Super Saver Cinema for $2.00. And I sing-a-long when the occassional Eminem passes within listening range: Mosh is a pretty cool video.

Today was my first full day off work (either teaching or private tutoring) in over a week, so I spent the afternoon at the Jardin de Luxembourg. I also was getting frustrated with my apartment as the hot water heater has stopped working and the spring gnats have woken from hibernation. Instead of chashing them away from my kitchen all afternoon, I opted for trading books in the 5th at San Francisco Book Company and baking in the sun.

I traded three books for 12euro credit. I found Milan Kundera's "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" and James Baldwin's "Giovanni's Room". One of the chapters I translated for Nicolas described Kundera's philosophy as described by his characters. I'd also been meaning to read it since watching the film courtesy of Jeremy. Often, I feel inadequate as a Parisian (if only temporarily) for not knowing my spatial geography of the city so I was determined to doing some walking as well given the lovely weather to remedy this.

Jardin de Luxembourg was packed, as in I had to walk around for about ten minutes before finding a free metal lounge chair. I was feeling pretty scrubby having not showered in three days due to lack of hot water and the head-to-toe glances at my wardrobe by the Parisians affirmed so. I still don't quite understand the non-chalant yet meticulous brand-name obession most French people display. I don't know if I'll ever be able to jump onto that band wagon.

I munched on a baguette and finished reading a Thomas Kuhn article about paradigms in preparation for some more translation work this evening. It was tough to concentrate on with all the people watching, or people judging, happening. Also, went through a Pariscope and highlighted plays and concerts I'd like to see. Two concerts I am missing as they were already sold out before I realized they were here: P.J. Harvey and Antony and the Johnsons. Very, very disappointing.

After about three hours of sun, it was time to head back home to see if the gnats had completely taken over the apartment. I took my time, opting to walk from the 5th to Republique in the 10th. I certainly didn't mean to, but I stumbled on a sidewalk book sale at a store in the 6th called Epicea, just to the south of St. Michel Metro stop (6 Rue Danton). First, the 1,80euro bilingual poetry books caught my eye: "Primera Soledad/Premiere solitude" by Luis de Gongora and "El Cristo de Velazquez/Le Christ de Velaquez" by Miguel de Unamuno. I figured, "For 3,20euro, why not read some bilingual Spanish/French poetry books and add to the linguistic spaghetti known as my brain?" Then I saw they also had English classics for 2,50euro. Initially wanting to be an English major at UNL, I'm making up for lost time. Found: "Dubliners" James Joyce, "Lord Jim" Joseph Conrad, "Lady Chatterley's Lover" and "Women in Love" D.H. Lawrence. Also found the only short novel ever written by Proust for 3euro "La confessions d'une jeune fille".

Moseying my way across and along the Seine, I couldn't help but browse the bouquinist stands on the quay. Found for 3euro each Marcel Pagnol's duo novels "Jean de Florette" and "Manon des sources" which were later turned into quintessential French films as well as "Les enfants terribles" by Jean Cocteau. A few blocks later, I found myself in the 4th, trotting in the direction of Republique and then it hits me: I've got a serious problem. I should not be allowed to go book shopping unsupervised. I'm liable to spend my grocery money, though I'd be willing to eat soup and oatmeal everyday to support this addiction. At least half the books are in French.

Upon returning home, I find the hot water still out, nine gnats beating themselves senselessly on the inside of my window, and a significant, uneven drip from the shower faucet. At least I've got my books.

the end

http://uncivillitigator.blogspot.com/2005/02/french-and-infidelity.html

lonely duck

I found this little guy hanging around in the snow outside of one of the caves in Frontenay during La Percee du Vin Jaune. At the time (probably due to my tipsy photographing), I thought it was the cutest most lonely duck in the world. Interesting photos show up on my hard drive after voyages involving wine: exhibit A.

blogorrhea

New news: I'm temporarily finished with translation work! Hooray! I have another 60 pages or so to translate before April 2nd, but as far as this weekend is concerned, I am going to take a break.

Last movie watched: "Watchmen". It was spectacular; mostly because it followed the graphic novel so well, often using the same frames. But I found the ending more devastating in the novel than the film. I suppose it's because the people got vaporized in the movie instead of human goop covering all of Manhattan. Also, it's a shame Snyder chose to leave out the man who runs the newspaper kiosk and the dude who always hangs around it. Addendum: watched second half of 'Sleeper' by Woody Allen. He is a nut, but his movies are becoming more coherent as I progress through the 1970s.

Professor Olds came to give a conference at Marne this week and we caught up on things over un aperitif at a swank restaurant near Bastille: Bofinger. It was nice to have one of those 'future' chats with someone who knows the ropes. At times, it has been difficult to be away and I find myself wondering if living in Paris is worth being away from my dear friends and family, especially when Jacob and I have hit rough spots. But tonight, I feel reassured that I'm not an idiot for coming (and planning to stay for that matter). As long as I keep my Spanish up, I can do my Masters at UNL in French with a Spanish specialization and have teaching experience in both languages. Good motivation to keep reading Cortazar. There's a Salon du Livre coming up featuring Mexican Literature which I'd like to go to. Carlos Fuentes and Elena Poniatowski are speaking among others. Also, that grotesque Our Body exhibit is currently in Paris (Corps ouvert) and I hope to see it. Can't be any worse than las momias in Guanajuato. I had some pretty disturbing dreams and some existensial identity problems after that museum. How nice of me to post a tour link so you can partake in the fun!

trois

New news: It's my sister's birthday today! Hooray! Here's a pic of me yelling "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Dara is the best big sister anyone could have. She would punch annoying boys in the face for me as well as house me if I were feeling particularly vagrant. This is why I love her.

That which I shouldn't do but I'm going to anyway: go to Anne's apartment after a grueling day of trying to convince my stony-faced students that English is interesting and watch a French comedy film, Les Bronzés. Some type of take-out food will probably be involved which also falls under this category.

Sometimes I feel I've won a small victory if I successfully sleep-in longer than Jacob. Today was not one of those days. Nevertheless, I was rewarded with hot water for a shower.

le 2 mars

Highlight of the day: Our local bakery, St. Preux, closed up shop about a week ago. We observed gruff, but able-handed construction workers tear out the innards of the 20 square meter store while our bellies growled for baguettes. Then, today I noticed the bakery was up and running. I stopped on in on my way home from tutoring to see what all the hoopla had been about. As well as changing the color scheme to an intelligent forest green and creme, they added a two whole new shelves in the pastry cases which means twice as many pastries to be baked, bought, and eaten. :) I splurged on a donut with chocolate icing and sprinkles, splitting it with Jacob. Didn't come anywhere near the delightful doughnuts of the Donut Stop, but still worth 80 centiemes.

That which I did but shouldn't have done: called in sicky to Marne, missing yet another Phonetics class. I did not feel too well after a restless night for sleeping and felt weighed down from "procrastination translation" stress anyway. So I stayed home and translated.

For any of you comic book dorks out there, "Watchmen" is coming to a theater near you (or maybe it's already come and gone in the US of A). Films are released on Wednesdays in France (don't ask me why) and lucky for me, I don't work Thursday morning and my translation will be done so as soon as I come back from work, Jacob and I will head up the canal to La Bassin de la Villette to the movie theaters on the lake and get tickets for a late show. It ought to be awesome. This will be one of the first superhero films for which I've actually read the corresponding graphic novel.

Despite my excitement for warmer weather in Paris, the funky smell coming from the sewage connection pipe in the bathroom is reminding me of the time I gagged last July stepping outside my front door after a whiff of the sun-warmed St. Martin Canal. Oof. Our bathroom will grow more damp and stinky no doubt. Perhaps I have some Petri dishes around for experiments.

Note: The picture is not the bakery, it is my front door taken from the stinky, yet charming canal.

le premier mars

January and February I appear to have been M.I.A. from the blogosphere, but I've decided to make a come back in March with a new blogging strategy...shorter, less epic though hopefully equally entertaining posts.

New news: Given no natural catastrophes occur to myself or family, I plan to return to teach next year in the same teaching position at Marne. The catch was also giving my word to UNL to return to Nebraska in Fall 2010 to begin the Masters Program. Done and done. Also, housing is covered for next year as well as Woody has recently informed me I'm welcome to stay next year too. It would be fantastic to not have to move. I quite like my neighborhood in the Xeme. So...those of you who have not visited this year have another chance to check out Paris. :)

Highlight of the day: fresh (well, frozen then thawed) berries in my oatmeal for breakfast. Also trying a perle de coco (coconut pearl?) dessert after dinner of Chinese food. I wasn't sure what it would taste like since Jacob joked the warm, white ball had the same weight and consistency as a used diaper, but it was a delightful gooey sweet rice cake, with coconut of course. Made me think of the rice cakes Haewon, a former LLC student of mine, used to make for me. I have a hunch that most of my 'highlights' will focus on food. Eating is always an adventure in France.

That which I wished I didn't have to do: translate. It's great being paid for skills I went to school for, but my procrastination + lack of proper desk = me slightly stressed out with a sore bottom and wrists. However, I am glad for each day my eldery laptop continues to process.

Current book: "The End of Oil". I know I ought to be reading more in French (or even Spanish for that matter), but I really can't get enough English non-fiction crammed into my brain these last few months.

Last movie watched: "Bridget Jones's Diary" avec les filles (a.k.a. Blythe and Anne). Anne tried driving into Paris on Saturday night for a film and later, a karaoke bar but she couldn't find a single parking spot anywhere...not even in Vincennes, just on the outskirts of Paris proper. She had spent over 2 hours on the road, sending frustrated text messages, then we finally decided to meet back at her place for drinks, pizza, and the best video the automatic rental machine at Videofutur had to offer. Next weekend, we will try for karaoke again.

Current music: Damien Rice "O". I left it on repeat while translating and listened to the whole album almost 3 times over. Darn good, a little heart-wrenching, but good. I bet he does good live shows.

Oh yes! Something else I forgot to mention in "New news": I am the proud recipient of an authentic carte de sejour as issued by La Republique Francaise. I floated out of the prefecture de police with a stupid grin of relief. It's nice to be legal, especially after all the loops I've jumped through for it. I'm even content with my ID photo. This means I can go get some of that universal health care without a hitch as well as vote if I deem either necessary.

I'm tenatively planning on flying into Washington D.C. on July 1st to visit my friend John, celebrate the 4th with Obama over tea, then Amtrak/Greyhound/carpool my way back to Nebraska, stopping at other various cities to see old friends who I miss dearly. Possibly in Philadelphia, Chicago, and somewhere in Iowa. If anyone is interested in "road-tripping" early/mid July, let me know. I'll bring snacks.