Ladies and Gentlemen; it's been eight months that I've been back, and boy, LIFE IS DIFFERENT.
My first notions of things not being "normal" was when I walked into my canadian house, and started pointing out the things that had changed. I literally walked around and just said "that's new, that's different, when did we get that?" It was a strange experience for me, because I didn't want to sound rude or anything, but at the same time I couldn't help but notice the differences in my own home. You know? It was a pretty wild day, especially because my plane landed in Detroit after flying from Luxembourg and Amsterdam (therefore meaning I hadn't slept in over 24 hours), and my parents had the BRILLIANT idea to make me go shopping and go out for Mexican food just outside of the airport immediately after I landed. Thanks for that y'all.
It's been super disorienting being back "home" mostly because I feel like I left my life back in France. The main reason I left Canada in the first place was to find myself, to figure out who I truly was on the inside, and I feel like I accomplished that during my exchange year. However, now it just means its that much more difficult to revert to my former self, because I feel like I'm not being true to myself, it's really quite difficult to overcome.
I've been lucky enough, however, to have been asked to contribute some time to the next generation of Rotary Youth Exchange students who are just a barrel of fun. I'm excited to return to our district conference as a chaperone, because I'm 100 po that exchange students are among the most amazing people in the world.
Anyways, there's my little rant for a saturday morning; peace!
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Heehee, oops. Three months...
Ahem, so I'm really sincerely sorry and I know I really don't have an excuse, ASIDE FROM BEING A KICKIN' EXCHANGE STUDENT.
Ahem... now that I got that apology out of the way, here's what I've been up to the past three months.
March:
March came with vacations, which was really lovely, cause school gets annoying after a while, you know? So all my friends and I had two weeks vacation, and my host family went skiing. So I went to stay with a friend for a few days, merci marie! <3
Her family is really nice, and we had some good times together: notably, her introducing me to "le voyage de Chihiro which is a really amazing film by the Japanese film maker Hayao Miyazaki.
A few days after vacations ended it was 100 days before the start of the BAC, the french end of highschool examinations, SO OF COURSE, being awesome and cool and everything, all the Terminals (Grade 12s) had a crazy "parade" through the streets of Metz, my host city... I say "parade" because it was more like a travelling block party. There was a huge truck blasting club music and more than one thousand students around 18 years old following it. It was wicked. something I'll never forget.
Later that same day I played in what's called "Le concert des Lycées" (http://www.mylorraine.fr/article/le-concert-des-lyceens-2014-nous-enchante-a-larsenal-de-metz/26000). Again, HUGELY grateful to have participated in this, because it was really something incredible. I should have DVDs sent to me next year, so I'll have a huge party at my house :P
Two days later I went to see a representation of The Glass Menagerie with all the english students of my grade level. That was reaaaaaaaally something else... Hearing British actors try to adopt a South American accent was rather difficult to understand.
The next week it was PARIS BABY for the Journées Rotarien de Jeunesse, or Rotary Youth Days, which happens every three years in France, and I was lucky enough to take part in it this year! Had an absolute blast, as one usually does in Paris, and I met a lot of really cool people from around the world! The best part of the weekend was seeing all of the Canadians here in France. That was truly wicked. I must also admit that I played piano and sang for over one thousand people (most of which were exchange students) as part of a talent show, so I'm pree pleased! It was a good time.
APRIL:
First thing to report: DELF blanc. Practice test for my french level exam. That went really well actually, I felt really good about it!
This is when things start to get interesting for me: clubbing. The French as a people REALLY ahem, "go hard"? Seeing as I wasn't legally an adult before I left for exchange, I really discovered clubs and bars (of sorts) here in France. My first clubbing experience was A. M. A. Z. I. N. G. I went with a friend of mine from Thionville, and we went to one of the top 5 clubs in France, modeled after a club in Miami. This particular evening was slow at the start, but at around 2 AM (I told you the French partied hard) there was a DJ named Gregori Klosman who just happened to play Ultra Music Festival in 2013. SO he's a really freaking good DJ. I stayed until about 4/4:30 AM then decided to call it quits and go home and sleep, because the next day just happened to be...
The District Conference! Which was interesting enough, I mean there was a whole production about the exchange students, and we had to thank people and stuff so that was all well and good.
The best thing about my host city being situated where it is, is that there are other countries within driving distance if you want to... I don't know, want to go clubbing in Luxembourg? That's exactly what I did! Yay neighboring countries!
A few days after that it was the birthday party of Aaron, an exchanger from Zimbabwe. He lives in Verdun, which is super cool cause history. His birthday party was pretty cool :3
Immediately after was back to school (four day weekend), which was really difficult. I'm not enjoying all this start-stopping of school. But the good thing was that in just a few short days I would be again on vacations!
VACATIONS AGAIN: DESTINATION, ITALY
I'll probably do a separate post for the Italy trip...
MAY:
After I got back from Italy, I had a few days resting period, then I took a trip to Alsace with my host father, grandmother, and brother Etienne! Alsace is the region of France right next to Lorraine, and it has some beautiful things to see. We stayed in the "summer house" of my host grandmother, which was super cozy and nice. We then spent a few lovely days visiting the surrounding cities, and tourist attractions. The last day we spent in Strasbourg, where I met up with the lovely Annie Richardson! (whom I met in Paris for the JRJ)
But all good things come to an end, and so we returned to Metz just after Strasbourg, but not after having the car battery die on us in a parking lot in Strasbourg... Fun stuff that was!
Going back to school was difficult, especially (I had to google translate the french word for that, shows you how integrated I am!) since I had to do a presentation on Canada, and the differences between France and Canada for a class of Secondes (Grade 11s). Presentations are not my strong point...
After that it's been really quite quiet, I went for a "gouter" at my host sister's apartment, then slept over for the weekend and that was all well and lovely.
It was all nice and quiet until the actual DELF EXAM AND PARIS!
I'm pleased to announce I passed the DALF (diplome d'approfondissement en langue francais) with a mark of 14,2/20! Which officially means that I can come back to France for University (Mom ;) )
Literally the day after I had my exam, I took the TGV to Paris, to meet my auntie! We spent four marvelous days together, doing all sorts of touristy things: Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, Versailles, le Louvre etc.
Then, unfortunately, it came time to say goodbye to all of the exchange students. We aren't all leaving at the same time, and will be trickling home within the next month and a half, so we all got together a week ago to say goodbyes, have flags signed, shed tears and all that fun stuff.
And now, I have less than a month left, and everything seems to be rushing by so quickly.
Ahem... now that I got that apology out of the way, here's what I've been up to the past three months.
March:
March came with vacations, which was really lovely, cause school gets annoying after a while, you know? So all my friends and I had two weeks vacation, and my host family went skiing. So I went to stay with a friend for a few days, merci marie! <3
Her family is really nice, and we had some good times together: notably, her introducing me to "le voyage de Chihiro which is a really amazing film by the Japanese film maker Hayao Miyazaki.
A few days after vacations ended it was 100 days before the start of the BAC, the french end of highschool examinations, SO OF COURSE, being awesome and cool and everything, all the Terminals (Grade 12s) had a crazy "parade" through the streets of Metz, my host city... I say "parade" because it was more like a travelling block party. There was a huge truck blasting club music and more than one thousand students around 18 years old following it. It was wicked. something I'll never forget.
Later that same day I played in what's called "Le concert des Lycées" (http://www.mylorraine.fr/article/le-concert-des-lyceens-2014-nous-enchante-a-larsenal-de-metz/26000). Again, HUGELY grateful to have participated in this, because it was really something incredible. I should have DVDs sent to me next year, so I'll have a huge party at my house :P
Two days later I went to see a representation of The Glass Menagerie with all the english students of my grade level. That was reaaaaaaaally something else... Hearing British actors try to adopt a South American accent was rather difficult to understand.
The next week it was PARIS BABY for the Journées Rotarien de Jeunesse, or Rotary Youth Days, which happens every three years in France, and I was lucky enough to take part in it this year! Had an absolute blast, as one usually does in Paris, and I met a lot of really cool people from around the world! The best part of the weekend was seeing all of the Canadians here in France. That was truly wicked. I must also admit that I played piano and sang for over one thousand people (most of which were exchange students) as part of a talent show, so I'm pree pleased! It was a good time.
APRIL:
First thing to report: DELF blanc. Practice test for my french level exam. That went really well actually, I felt really good about it!
This is when things start to get interesting for me: clubbing. The French as a people REALLY ahem, "go hard"? Seeing as I wasn't legally an adult before I left for exchange, I really discovered clubs and bars (of sorts) here in France. My first clubbing experience was A. M. A. Z. I. N. G. I went with a friend of mine from Thionville, and we went to one of the top 5 clubs in France, modeled after a club in Miami. This particular evening was slow at the start, but at around 2 AM (I told you the French partied hard) there was a DJ named Gregori Klosman who just happened to play Ultra Music Festival in 2013. SO he's a really freaking good DJ. I stayed until about 4/4:30 AM then decided to call it quits and go home and sleep, because the next day just happened to be...
The District Conference! Which was interesting enough, I mean there was a whole production about the exchange students, and we had to thank people and stuff so that was all well and good.
The best thing about my host city being situated where it is, is that there are other countries within driving distance if you want to... I don't know, want to go clubbing in Luxembourg? That's exactly what I did! Yay neighboring countries!
A few days after that it was the birthday party of Aaron, an exchanger from Zimbabwe. He lives in Verdun, which is super cool cause history. His birthday party was pretty cool :3
Immediately after was back to school (four day weekend), which was really difficult. I'm not enjoying all this start-stopping of school. But the good thing was that in just a few short days I would be again on vacations!
VACATIONS AGAIN: DESTINATION, ITALY
I'll probably do a separate post for the Italy trip...
MAY:
After I got back from Italy, I had a few days resting period, then I took a trip to Alsace with my host father, grandmother, and brother Etienne! Alsace is the region of France right next to Lorraine, and it has some beautiful things to see. We stayed in the "summer house" of my host grandmother, which was super cozy and nice. We then spent a few lovely days visiting the surrounding cities, and tourist attractions. The last day we spent in Strasbourg, where I met up with the lovely Annie Richardson! (whom I met in Paris for the JRJ)
But all good things come to an end, and so we returned to Metz just after Strasbourg, but not after having the car battery die on us in a parking lot in Strasbourg... Fun stuff that was!
Going back to school was difficult, especially (I had to google translate the french word for that, shows you how integrated I am!) since I had to do a presentation on Canada, and the differences between France and Canada for a class of Secondes (Grade 11s). Presentations are not my strong point...
After that it's been really quite quiet, I went for a "gouter" at my host sister's apartment, then slept over for the weekend and that was all well and lovely.
It was all nice and quiet until the actual DELF EXAM AND PARIS!
I'm pleased to announce I passed the DALF (diplome d'approfondissement en langue francais) with a mark of 14,2/20! Which officially means that I can come back to France for University (Mom ;) )
Literally the day after I had my exam, I took the TGV to Paris, to meet my auntie! We spent four marvelous days together, doing all sorts of touristy things: Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, Versailles, le Louvre etc.
Then, unfortunately, it came time to say goodbye to all of the exchange students. We aren't all leaving at the same time, and will be trickling home within the next month and a half, so we all got together a week ago to say goodbyes, have flags signed, shed tears and all that fun stuff.
And now, I have less than a month left, and everything seems to be rushing by so quickly.
Friday, March 21, 2014
So it's been almost two whole months.
I'm sincerely sorry to people who actually care or like to read about my silly little life taking place here in France, so please accept my apology.
Also this might be riddled with spelling or syntax errors, because it's been a really long time since I've really written anything of this length in English.
HERE GOES NOTHING: So in the past two months I have done a fair amount of things, all of which I don't forcibly remember, but I'll do my best not to just put them in a list, cause that would be stupid of me.
So in February, there was the surprise party of Charlotte Schenique, which was really fun. Although, I wasn't dressed quite for the occasion in my Canada sweatshirt and jeans, but no matter, it was a good outing all together! With my friend Marie we gave her a stuffed animal that reminded us of one of our teachers.
A few days later, all the Rotary clubs in France went to see a Walt Disney movie about Walt Disney and Mary Poppins. I really have no clue what it's called in English, but in French it's called "Dans L'ombre de Mary", starring Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson.
FEBRUARY THE 8TH: ROTARY SCAVENGER HUNT.
There was a scavenger hunt in the town of Metz with all of the exchange students and "youth" of the Rotary clubs of District 1790. It was especially fun because I knew where we were going, whereas most other people had no idea where we were, which was amusing. *Side note, I also watched a movie called Le Premier Jour de la reste de ta vie" which is an amazing movie in french, I seriously recommend it to anyone who would like to watch it.
After that I had a little bit of a 'crush crisis', which caused long suffering and much pain. Nawh i'm kidding, it sorted itself out rather quickly with a bit of inquiry.
THEN IT WAS VACATIONS YEAH MAYBE I THINK NO ACTUALLY IT WASN'T IT WAS JUST A WEEKEND, that I spent at a sleepover at my host sister's house, then I spent the day with two exchange students, then I went to a pool with slidey tubes, which was amusinnnggggg.
*It was also the olympics at this time, go Canada*
A few days after all that took place, there was a rehearsal for the Concert Des Lycées. Which is super cool, and for which I am super excited.
For all those who said that I don't do my homework, and I don't work in school: I got the highest remarks (i guess that's the best translation) on my report card. "Felicitations": which is pretty impressive, cause I'm not a French student, nor a native french speaker.
THEN AFTER THAT IT WAS THE BEGINNING OF VACATIONS FOR TWO WEEKS HOLLER YAY COOL STUFF VACATIONS ARE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I literally did nothing the first couple days of vacation, I was so exhausted. Then I went to see "Le vent se leve" with Marie, which was REALLY good, I recommend it to anyone who likes movies. I should let it be known that this movie turned me on to all other Hayao Miyazaki movies.
So seeing as it was the vacations, I kinda took advantage and went to a French party, thanks to Thomas Zanon (happy birthday btw), which was super fun. Then I spent a super chill day with some of his friends.
I'm exhausted, so I shall finish this tomorrow.
Also this might be riddled with spelling or syntax errors, because it's been a really long time since I've really written anything of this length in English.
HERE GOES NOTHING: So in the past two months I have done a fair amount of things, all of which I don't forcibly remember, but I'll do my best not to just put them in a list, cause that would be stupid of me.
So in February, there was the surprise party of Charlotte Schenique, which was really fun. Although, I wasn't dressed quite for the occasion in my Canada sweatshirt and jeans, but no matter, it was a good outing all together! With my friend Marie we gave her a stuffed animal that reminded us of one of our teachers.
A few days later, all the Rotary clubs in France went to see a Walt Disney movie about Walt Disney and Mary Poppins. I really have no clue what it's called in English, but in French it's called "Dans L'ombre de Mary", starring Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson.
FEBRUARY THE 8TH: ROTARY SCAVENGER HUNT.
There was a scavenger hunt in the town of Metz with all of the exchange students and "youth" of the Rotary clubs of District 1790. It was especially fun because I knew where we were going, whereas most other people had no idea where we were, which was amusing. *Side note, I also watched a movie called Le Premier Jour de la reste de ta vie" which is an amazing movie in french, I seriously recommend it to anyone who would like to watch it.
After that I had a little bit of a 'crush crisis', which caused long suffering and much pain. Nawh i'm kidding, it sorted itself out rather quickly with a bit of inquiry.
THEN IT WAS VACATIONS YEAH MAYBE I THINK NO ACTUALLY IT WASN'T IT WAS JUST A WEEKEND, that I spent at a sleepover at my host sister's house, then I spent the day with two exchange students, then I went to a pool with slidey tubes, which was amusinnnggggg.
*It was also the olympics at this time, go Canada*
A few days after all that took place, there was a rehearsal for the Concert Des Lycées. Which is super cool, and for which I am super excited.
For all those who said that I don't do my homework, and I don't work in school: I got the highest remarks (i guess that's the best translation) on my report card. "Felicitations": which is pretty impressive, cause I'm not a French student, nor a native french speaker.
THEN AFTER THAT IT WAS THE BEGINNING OF VACATIONS FOR TWO WEEKS HOLLER YAY COOL STUFF VACATIONS ARE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I literally did nothing the first couple days of vacation, I was so exhausted. Then I went to see "Le vent se leve" with Marie, which was REALLY good, I recommend it to anyone who likes movies. I should let it be known that this movie turned me on to all other Hayao Miyazaki movies.
So seeing as it was the vacations, I kinda took advantage and went to a French party, thanks to Thomas Zanon (happy birthday btw), which was super fun. Then I spent a super chill day with some of his friends.
I'm exhausted, so I shall finish this tomorrow.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Five months. The halfway point. Middle.
WARNING, THIS MUST BE READ WHILE LISTENING TO THE FOLLOWING MUSIC:
Honestly, I cannot believe that I've spent five solid months of my life in France.
This has been such an amazing experience for me so far, and I just really can't believe it.
There's been happy moments, and sad moments, moments where you feel completely lost, and moments where you feel like you're the center of the universe. I'm sure other exchange students will agree with me that this is the most terrifying and satisfying thing you can do with your whole life. I'm at the halfway point, but I know already that I'll remember my time here forever.
There's been happy moments, and sad moments, moments where you feel completely lost, and moments where you feel like you're the center of the universe. I'm sure other exchange students will agree with me that this is the most terrifying and satisfying thing you can do with your whole life. I'm at the halfway point, but I know already that I'll remember my time here forever.
BUT IN SAYING THAT, there are numerous people I should thank, because without them, I wouldn't be here now.
So without further ado;
So without further ado;
To my parents, for supporting me every step of the way, no matter what the endeavor. Momsy, thanks for raising me to be such a kind and caring young gentleman, and for showing me compassion and how to treat others with the respect they deserve. Pops, tippin' my hat to you for being brave enough to do what I'm doing now when you were my age. I can't imagine the courage that must have taken, knowing that there's no skype or facebook or facetime or internet... Thanks for encouraging me to follow what I believe in, and pushing me to being true to myself, and finding out what I want.
To my siblings, gosh y'all are difficult to talk about.
Dominic, you're the bully big brother that every younger brother needs. You're also my favourite person with whom to shoot the ahem... mustn't swear on the internet now. We've had our differences, but I really respect you, as a person and as a mentor.Nadia, we bicker and fight a lot, but deep down, I love ya kid, that's all there is to it.
To the Rotary club of Windsor (1918); I cannot thank you enough for being the means by which I was able to have this amazing experience. It amazes me, the Youth Exchange Program, and I think it's such a good thing that's being done by Rotary clubs all over the world. I appreciate all the work you've done for young adults like myself in the past, and all the work I'm sure you'll be doing in the future.
Maintenant en français, parce qu'il y a un tas de gens qu'il faut remercier ici en France.
Pour commencer, le club Rotary de Metz; il n’y a pas de mots pour exprimer ma gratitude mais je vais tout de même essayer. Je suis tellement heureux d'être tombé dans votre club, vous êtes tous tellement gentils, et sans vous je n’aurais jamais eu la chance de venir en France.
Mes deux familles d'accueil; honnêtement, je suis tombé dans deux des plus gentilles familles de Metz, selon moi. C'est vrai qu'avec chaque famille il y a des défauts, mais franchement, je ne pouvais pas demander plus. Je suis tellement content d'avoir eu la chance de vous rencontrer, et vous êtes tellement gentils de m'avoir laissé faire irruption dans vos maisons.
Et enfin, mes chers et chères amis de T2; sans qui je ne sais pas comment j'aurais fait en rentrant au lycée et tout ça, et maintenant vous êtes comme ma...Combien est-ce que ça fait maintenant? Ma vraie famille, ma première famille d'accueil, ma deuxième famille d'accueil... et vous, qui êtes comme ma quatrième famille, et franchement je vous aime tous. Je n'ai aucune idée de la façon dont mon année se serait déroulée sans vous. Je suis sur qu'elle n’aurait pas été aussi merveilleuse qu’elle l’est maintenant. Je n’arrive pas à trouver les mots pour vous dire ce que je pense vraiment de vous, parce que c'est trop dur. Il y a tellement de trucs à raconter, qu'il n’y a aucune manière de le faire.
Mais c'est juste pour vous dire que, je vous kiffe les amis, voila. C'est tout.
Monday, January 27, 2014
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
HOWDY Y'ALL
So this week is the first week back from school, and I'm completely exhausted. Wow, I sound like a real Frenchman. HA, kidding... Or am I?
Today I had the pleasure of going to see Yves Saint Laurent, a French movie about the fashion designer. It was really well done. That is all!
Hope you Canadians are keeping warm in that freezing weather you're having.
Holidays and Beautiful Things.
This past month there was a get together with all the students of the district in a town called Nancy, to celebrate St. Nicolas, the celebration of French/German origin that semi replaces Christmas. (It's really cool because since my name is Niklas, and the French translate it to Nicolas, it's basically my second birthday, or is celebrated as such in any case!)
It was a really cool gathering, mostly because of the fireworks show they had on the Saturday night. They had two video projectors in the city square, projecting the story of St. Nicolas, and fireworks at specific times during the video presentation, accentuating it. It was really cool to see.
The festival of St. Nicolas gives me a pretty good segue into Christmas, and the two week break from school. I was really lucky to get hosted by a family that spends every Christmas break in the French alps. This year I spent two weeks (including Christmas and New Years) skiing and enjoying the view of what could possibly be the most beautiful mountain range in the world.
The actual celebration of Christmas, which I spent with my host family, cousin, and grandmother, was therefore a little bit different from what would normally be the French traditions at Christmas. However there was still the Foie Gras, which is the liver of Duck that has been specifically fattened. Sounds gross, I know, but it's actually super delicious. To go with that there's usually a fig jam, and lots of appetizers.
Speaking of appetizers, segue to New Years!
New Years eve was really fun. I spent it with my host family and another family, who are friends of my host family. We spent the night eating appetizers, chatting, and watching a T.V. show called "Decembre 31; tout est permi" which is basically a mixture of sharades, dare, and Saturday Night Live.
A few minutes before midnight, we get a skype call from Julie, the daughter of my host family who herself is an exchange student in New York at the moment. So we chatted with her until it was the countdown, and she was the first person to whom we wished a happy new year. It was really sweet actually, because I know she's been having a difficult time with homesickness what with it being the Christmas season and all. So at midnight we all wished each other a Happy New Years, and even though I know it's technically not allowed, I had a glass of French champagne to celebrate.
I already knew that I was never going to forget my year here, but now I'm sure of it. So I just wanted to thank you guys back home, and everyone in France for giving me this amazing opportunity, I cannot begin to tell you how thankful I am.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
I'm trying here, I really am.
I'm seriously trying to find something interesting that happened to me this week that you don't already know. Um, let's see. I had school? No, that's normal. I was sick on Tuesday? Yeah, you know that too... (check my last post if you didn't know that.)
OH I KNOW, I went to a thrift shop yesterday! Seeing as I have school for a half day every Saturday (which wamps), I made the best of my Saturday afternoon by hitting the thrift shop. Might I say it was quite the success. Not only did I get a new profile picture for Twitter (wherein I look like a younger version of Macklemore), but I bought a HUGE comfy sweater made of 100% wool. So that'll keep me nice and warm.
I'm also preparing for our Ski trip that we're going on during the Christmas break. TWO WEEKS IN THE FRENCH ALPS HALLELUJAH. I'm so excited I can't wait. But it also kind of sucks because I'm not with my friends here for the holidays. Like, sometimes you just wanna go to a party with friends on New Years right? Oh well, I'll be with my host family, so it'll still be fun.
After that I'm SUPPOSED to change host families, which is really stressing me out because I have so much stuff already, I have no idea how I'm ever going to fit it into my suitcases to take it to my next house.
OH I KNOW, I went to a thrift shop yesterday! Seeing as I have school for a half day every Saturday (which wamps), I made the best of my Saturday afternoon by hitting the thrift shop. Might I say it was quite the success. Not only did I get a new profile picture for Twitter (wherein I look like a younger version of Macklemore), but I bought a HUGE comfy sweater made of 100% wool. So that'll keep me nice and warm.
I'm also preparing for our Ski trip that we're going on during the Christmas break. TWO WEEKS IN THE FRENCH ALPS HALLELUJAH. I'm so excited I can't wait. But it also kind of sucks because I'm not with my friends here for the holidays. Like, sometimes you just wanna go to a party with friends on New Years right? Oh well, I'll be with my host family, so it'll still be fun.
After that I'm SUPPOSED to change host families, which is really stressing me out because I have so much stuff already, I have no idea how I'm ever going to fit it into my suitcases to take it to my next house.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
St. Nicolas and Christmas!
So today, I'm sick; and because I'm sick, I stayed home, and because I stayed home I figured this would be a good time to share what's been going on with my life for the past little while.
My last post was 9 days ago, and I forgot to mention the little get together in Thionville (otherwise known as T-Town) that we exchange students had. That was fun. Shout-out to Kate and Finley for being the most tired and to Aino for going to that kebab place four times.
Since then things have been very Christmas-y, if I can use that as a word. My host family has started putting candles on the table for dinner time instead of leaving the lights on, it was the festival of St. Nicolas the other day (My saint namesake thing therefore my party woot), and there are so many cookies and chocolates and good spirits going around! It's so fun, I love the Christmas season. Things are kinda hectic too, because I'm trying to figure out what I should get people as gifts, because I'm horrible with gifts. But yeah, that'll be fun.
IN CONTINUATION with the Christmas/St. Nicolas theme, this weekend was the student gathering in Nancy, for the Fete de St. Nicolas, which was interesting. I mean, it was fun and all but museums can get annoying if you don't have the time to properly go through them and then (sorry guys) but going with a group is reaaaaaallllllllyyyyyyyyyyy annoying. BUT OTHER THAN MUSEUMS here was our schedule (briefly): DAY 1: arrival, museum, free time, food, fireworks, bus, St. Nicolas de Port, candlelight procession, "home".
DAY 2: wake up, food, museum, free time, food, parade, train, home.
The fireworks show was really fun, there were screens in the middle of this huge square, and video projections on the two buildings opposite the square that showed the story of St. Nicolas. At specific parts that coincided with the story there would be fireworks going off or flames shooting out from the top of the screens. It was super cool.
I'm just gonna completely change topics now and head over to Reason Why Exchange is Difficult number 7 (completely made that number up): the southern hemisphere people leaving so soon after you meet them. I'm honestly quite sad to have already said goodbye to the people that are leaving, because I won't get the chance to see them again before they go home.
To everyone who's leaving: I'm so honoured to have met you, and I hope that you will never forget your time in France, and all the wonderful memories (I hope) you've made here.
Speaking of wonderful memories, I had my "Conseille de classe" (which is this big scary event at the end of the trimester when all your teachers get together and say the good and the horrible things about you, and then talk smack) the other day, and I got "Encouragements" which basically is really good for an exchange student. The only thing I'm lacking in is class participation, so if I can stick my hand up more, I'll be all set.
So there you go, hope you enjoy it, feel free to post comments or whatever, I'll just be sitting here. All day... Drinking my tea... Trying to get better...
AAAAAAAAALRIGHTY THEN HAVE A NICE DAY.
My last post was 9 days ago, and I forgot to mention the little get together in Thionville (otherwise known as T-Town) that we exchange students had. That was fun. Shout-out to Kate and Finley for being the most tired and to Aino for going to that kebab place four times.
Since then things have been very Christmas-y, if I can use that as a word. My host family has started putting candles on the table for dinner time instead of leaving the lights on, it was the festival of St. Nicolas the other day (My saint namesake thing therefore my party woot), and there are so many cookies and chocolates and good spirits going around! It's so fun, I love the Christmas season. Things are kinda hectic too, because I'm trying to figure out what I should get people as gifts, because I'm horrible with gifts. But yeah, that'll be fun.
IN CONTINUATION with the Christmas/St. Nicolas theme, this weekend was the student gathering in Nancy, for the Fete de St. Nicolas, which was interesting. I mean, it was fun and all but museums can get annoying if you don't have the time to properly go through them and then (sorry guys) but going with a group is reaaaaaallllllllyyyyyyyyyyy annoying. BUT OTHER THAN MUSEUMS here was our schedule (briefly): DAY 1: arrival, museum, free time, food, fireworks, bus, St. Nicolas de Port, candlelight procession, "home".
DAY 2: wake up, food, museum, free time, food, parade, train, home.
The fireworks show was really fun, there were screens in the middle of this huge square, and video projections on the two buildings opposite the square that showed the story of St. Nicolas. At specific parts that coincided with the story there would be fireworks going off or flames shooting out from the top of the screens. It was super cool.
I'm just gonna completely change topics now and head over to Reason Why Exchange is Difficult number 7 (completely made that number up): the southern hemisphere people leaving so soon after you meet them. I'm honestly quite sad to have already said goodbye to the people that are leaving, because I won't get the chance to see them again before they go home.
To everyone who's leaving: I'm so honoured to have met you, and I hope that you will never forget your time in France, and all the wonderful memories (I hope) you've made here.
Speaking of wonderful memories, I had my "Conseille de classe" (which is this big scary event at the end of the trimester when all your teachers get together and say the good and the horrible things about you, and then talk smack) the other day, and I got "Encouragements" which basically is really good for an exchange student. The only thing I'm lacking in is class participation, so if I can stick my hand up more, I'll be all set.
So there you go, hope you enjoy it, feel free to post comments or whatever, I'll just be sitting here. All day... Drinking my tea... Trying to get better...
AAAAAAAAALRIGHTY THEN HAVE A NICE DAY.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
It is officially the start of the European Christmas season.
Hey guys!
So it's been nigh on two weeks that I haven't given you guys updates, but I've been busy with school and every day life as it were. Which is weird when I think about it, because before I came here I had this whole vision of Rotary exchange by other students that all said things like "Yeah I didn't do any school work and just fooled around in class and yada yada yada.." you get the picture. So it came as a surprise when I actually found out that I was actually going to do the work. (Most of the time.) Of course, it was my decision whether or not to do the work but I figured since I'm spending a ridiculous amount of time in the classroom anyway, why not?
In my last update I asked you for some stereotypes of Canada for my presentation, so thanks to those of you who pulled through and gave me some ideas! The presentation went really well, even though there were some hilarious questions that were asked. You can message me if you want to know, but it was fun. I'm really just at ease with myself in that class, probably because there's only myself and Pierre (who happens to have a beard.) that are the only guys in the class. I don't know why but I just find it easier to be at ease with females rather than males. Weird. ANYWHO, the presentation was really fun and I'm really happy to have done it with that specific class. Euro Anglais represent!
Has anyone heard of the book Fahrenheit 451? Apparently it's a classic in English literature but I've never heard of it. We're reading it in one of my classes, so I just figured I'd put the question out there.
Another thing that's super adorable and cute and I couldn't resist putting it in here: The Marchés de Noel!
I literally cannot describe how amazing they are. If you ever get the chance to go to a real European Marché de Noel, do it. (For all you Canadians who don't want to/can't go to Europe there are several in Quebec that are probably the same type of thing.) So far I've only been to two (Treves or Triers in Germany, and Metz) but I'm kinda planning on going to Strasbourg to see that one, and then next weekend is another student gathering in Nancy, so there's probably going to be something there as well. BUT I'M SO HAPPY TO BE SEEING THESE THINGS they're literally so precious. Okay, they're not much in the way of little boutiques and things, but you just grab a hot drink and wander around the little shops and things and mingle and be happy and WHY DON'T WE HAVE THIS IN CANADA?!? (Aside from Quebec, well understood.)
So there you go, a little update on all things Niklas exchange, feel free to leave comments or questions or anything you feel like leaving.
Gros bisous, Muah!
P.S Just a little side note because this could be a potential catastrophe, my computer's memory has like 3 gigs of free space. I'm freaking out just a tad.
So it's been nigh on two weeks that I haven't given you guys updates, but I've been busy with school and every day life as it were. Which is weird when I think about it, because before I came here I had this whole vision of Rotary exchange by other students that all said things like "Yeah I didn't do any school work and just fooled around in class and yada yada yada.." you get the picture. So it came as a surprise when I actually found out that I was actually going to do the work. (Most of the time.) Of course, it was my decision whether or not to do the work but I figured since I'm spending a ridiculous amount of time in the classroom anyway, why not?
In my last update I asked you for some stereotypes of Canada for my presentation, so thanks to those of you who pulled through and gave me some ideas! The presentation went really well, even though there were some hilarious questions that were asked. You can message me if you want to know, but it was fun. I'm really just at ease with myself in that class, probably because there's only myself and Pierre (who happens to have a beard.) that are the only guys in the class. I don't know why but I just find it easier to be at ease with females rather than males. Weird. ANYWHO, the presentation was really fun and I'm really happy to have done it with that specific class. Euro Anglais represent!
Has anyone heard of the book Fahrenheit 451? Apparently it's a classic in English literature but I've never heard of it. We're reading it in one of my classes, so I just figured I'd put the question out there.
Another thing that's super adorable and cute and I couldn't resist putting it in here: The Marchés de Noel!
I literally cannot describe how amazing they are. If you ever get the chance to go to a real European Marché de Noel, do it. (For all you Canadians who don't want to/can't go to Europe there are several in Quebec that are probably the same type of thing.) So far I've only been to two (Treves or Triers in Germany, and Metz) but I'm kinda planning on going to Strasbourg to see that one, and then next weekend is another student gathering in Nancy, so there's probably going to be something there as well. BUT I'M SO HAPPY TO BE SEEING THESE THINGS they're literally so precious. Okay, they're not much in the way of little boutiques and things, but you just grab a hot drink and wander around the little shops and things and mingle and be happy and WHY DON'T WE HAVE THIS IN CANADA?!? (Aside from Quebec, well understood.)
So there you go, a little update on all things Niklas exchange, feel free to leave comments or questions or anything you feel like leaving.
Gros bisous, Muah!
P.S Just a little side note because this could be a potential catastrophe, my computer's memory has like 3 gigs of free space. I'm freaking out just a tad.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
UPDATES ON MY LIFE. if you want them. You're not obligated to read.
SO HELLO EVERYONE, it's been a while, no? I feel like it hasn't been, but perhaps y'all feel differently. My last post was about vacation, and what happened then. Nothing really major has happened in my life since then, other than last weekend which was another Rotary weekend with all the students from the Lorraine region!
Let's just say exchange students are always having fun. I skipped school (with permission of course!) to go to the rotary weekend, and hangout with the other kids. The day started out with me getting lost. WHAT A GREAT WAY TO START THE DAY RIGHT?! But no it was actually fun. Yet I still got to the Centre Pompidou Metz a little bit early actually (read: half an hour, during which I went to a cafe for a coffee) and we all saw an exposition of some painter. Couldn't tell you his name for the life of me, it was that exciting (read: horribly boring). After that we ate, which is always the best part of a rotary get together. Because who doesn't like to eat? And then we had two games of laser tag. Which, let's be honest, is super fun. So yeah, that happened. Then we ate some more, even though it was desert kinda (mcdonalds mcflurries).
Then my councillor drove me back to his house because my host family was in Lille for the weekend for a birthday party. So I stayed at my councillors house the whole weekend and that was fun.
Voila! There's some updates on my life. Hope everyone's doing well at home!
Bisous!
NIKLAS PIZZOLITTOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
P.S: I'm working on a powerpoint about Canada, and stereotypes so if you have any you wanna share, put them in the comments below! Much obliged!
Let's just say exchange students are always having fun. I skipped school (with permission of course!) to go to the rotary weekend, and hangout with the other kids. The day started out with me getting lost. WHAT A GREAT WAY TO START THE DAY RIGHT?! But no it was actually fun. Yet I still got to the Centre Pompidou Metz a little bit early actually (read: half an hour, during which I went to a cafe for a coffee) and we all saw an exposition of some painter. Couldn't tell you his name for the life of me, it was that exciting (read: horribly boring). After that we ate, which is always the best part of a rotary get together. Because who doesn't like to eat? And then we had two games of laser tag. Which, let's be honest, is super fun. So yeah, that happened. Then we ate some more, even though it was desert kinda (mcdonalds mcflurries).
Then my councillor drove me back to his house because my host family was in Lille for the weekend for a birthday party. So I stayed at my councillors house the whole weekend and that was fun.
Voila! There's some updates on my life. Hope everyone's doing well at home!
Bisous!
NIKLAS PIZZOLITTOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
P.S: I'm working on a powerpoint about Canada, and stereotypes so if you have any you wanna share, put them in the comments below! Much obliged!
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Vacation!
First of all, sorry for not posting, it's been a heck of a two weeks.
So for the past two weeks I've been on vacation, even though it doesn't really feel like it. Vacation started two weeks ago today, and my host family and I kicked them off with a five hour car ride down to a district called "La Loire" which has a lot of castles, and I mean a lot, like it's famous for its castles. SO that happened. We then spent the next few days exploring castles and parading by car from castle to castle. (It's much more amusing than you'd think.) AND CASTLES CASTLES CASTLES. Then that evening we stayed in a really rustic hotel with a tiny room and exposed wood beams and french windows and it was really cozy and nice. Although I just HAD to be stuck next to the window whose blinds didn't close properly. (I didn't sleep much) But what are you gonna do right? Suck it up and bear it. Of course, the unofficial motto of the Rotary Youth Exchange Program; suck it up and bear it. So that's what I did.
The next day was spent driving to another district that's called "Le Gers", in which my host family has bought a new home and will be moving there at the end of the school year. We pulled into this tiny garage, which was super impressive to see in a van cause there was literally less than three inches in between the side mirror and the garage door. Then out pops this man, named Bernard (a family friend) and he immediately starts poking fun at Benji and everyone else. He's the kind of guy that you're never bored around, but I don't find that out till a little bit later. So after everyone gets settled in we sit down for lunch I believe, and just talk for a while. It's nice seeing old friends catching up like that, you know? I think it's really cool.
The next two weeks were spent either at Bernard's house or La Charmoise, which is my host family's new house. There were a couple things that were unexpected, like having the moving truck be too large for the alleyway of trees, and therefore having to trim all the trees that made up the alleyway of about 300-500 meters long. All I can say is it's a good thing that the movers came a day early because that took a while. The next day I felt like the stereotype of Canada, because I had on my new hiking type boots, rolled up pants and a plaid shirt, and was working the whole day lugging that lumber up the alley to the enormous bonfire we had going. (Stereotype here being lumberjack, in case you didn't get the reference. It's no big deal if you didn't, I'll admit that the description was kinda vague.) But that was one thing that happened, and it was kinda funny and unexpected and such. So yes. What else.
OH I went to the largest sand dune in Europe. The "Dune de Pyla" I believe. That was fun, I ran halfway up it and then I collapsed in the sand because it was a really huge workout. But it was much more fun than anything else. It was really quite amusing running back down once you reach the top. But more amusing and beautiful than that was when you reach the top and look to your left, it's sincerely the most breathtaking thing I've ever seen as of yet. But I'll let you discover that for yourself, because it needs to be seen first hand.
Yes, I do believe that's all from my two week vacation. There was a lot of time spent in a nearly empty house, and a lot of bonding time with my host brother, and yeah it was a good time. Relaxing too, because I needed to relax and that was good.
UNTIL NEXT TIME MY FRIENDS.
So for the past two weeks I've been on vacation, even though it doesn't really feel like it. Vacation started two weeks ago today, and my host family and I kicked them off with a five hour car ride down to a district called "La Loire" which has a lot of castles, and I mean a lot, like it's famous for its castles. SO that happened. We then spent the next few days exploring castles and parading by car from castle to castle. (It's much more amusing than you'd think.) AND CASTLES CASTLES CASTLES. Then that evening we stayed in a really rustic hotel with a tiny room and exposed wood beams and french windows and it was really cozy and nice. Although I just HAD to be stuck next to the window whose blinds didn't close properly. (I didn't sleep much) But what are you gonna do right? Suck it up and bear it. Of course, the unofficial motto of the Rotary Youth Exchange Program; suck it up and bear it. So that's what I did.
The next day was spent driving to another district that's called "Le Gers", in which my host family has bought a new home and will be moving there at the end of the school year. We pulled into this tiny garage, which was super impressive to see in a van cause there was literally less than three inches in between the side mirror and the garage door. Then out pops this man, named Bernard (a family friend) and he immediately starts poking fun at Benji and everyone else. He's the kind of guy that you're never bored around, but I don't find that out till a little bit later. So after everyone gets settled in we sit down for lunch I believe, and just talk for a while. It's nice seeing old friends catching up like that, you know? I think it's really cool.
The next two weeks were spent either at Bernard's house or La Charmoise, which is my host family's new house. There were a couple things that were unexpected, like having the moving truck be too large for the alleyway of trees, and therefore having to trim all the trees that made up the alleyway of about 300-500 meters long. All I can say is it's a good thing that the movers came a day early because that took a while. The next day I felt like the stereotype of Canada, because I had on my new hiking type boots, rolled up pants and a plaid shirt, and was working the whole day lugging that lumber up the alley to the enormous bonfire we had going. (Stereotype here being lumberjack, in case you didn't get the reference. It's no big deal if you didn't, I'll admit that the description was kinda vague.) But that was one thing that happened, and it was kinda funny and unexpected and such. So yes. What else.
OH I went to the largest sand dune in Europe. The "Dune de Pyla" I believe. That was fun, I ran halfway up it and then I collapsed in the sand because it was a really huge workout. But it was much more fun than anything else. It was really quite amusing running back down once you reach the top. But more amusing and beautiful than that was when you reach the top and look to your left, it's sincerely the most breathtaking thing I've ever seen as of yet. But I'll let you discover that for yourself, because it needs to be seen first hand.
Yes, I do believe that's all from my two week vacation. There was a lot of time spent in a nearly empty house, and a lot of bonding time with my host brother, and yeah it was a good time. Relaxing too, because I needed to relax and that was good.
UNTIL NEXT TIME MY FRIENDS.
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Plays and Philosophy Papers (Part 2)
I hope you guys found that amusing, because I sure did.
Other news in my life:
Last update I gave you guys was my whole birthday bonanzaaaaaaaaaaaaaa so I don't need to go into detail about that, however I didn't go into detail about the Nuit Blanche, so I'll do that now.
I'm gonna set the scene first, bear with me. Nuit Blanche: rain, flying Japanese trapeze artists, feathers, rain, sea of umbrellas, rain.
There you have it folks, a first hand account of the Nuit Blanche Metz. It was fun and everything, but there was so much freaking rain it was ridiculous, and the show that was put on wasn't very interesting, in fact it was really weird and they dumped feathers on the crowd, aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand feathers and rain don't mix. Let's just say people looked like ducks. Not pleased, very french ducks.
MOVING ON FROM FRENCH DUCKS, the few days after that were kinda hard, just cause of some personal stuff I'd not like to discuss. THEN IT WAS MY HOST SISTERS BIRTHDAY AND FUN TIMES YAY.
This week the Danish girl named Sine is leaving, so we're throwing her a going away cafe trip. Also possibly getting her a gift. Woot, that should be fun. I don't think i even talked about Sine, so HERE GOES.
Sine is the Danish correspondent that's at our school for three weeks, and she doesn't speak much French, but happens to speak very good English, so it's hilarious watching my classmates try and communicate with her. But she's super nice and everything and yeah, she's a sweetheart.
Boom, there's my life update, hope y'all enjoyed it happy thanksgiving i think.
Plays and Philosophy Papers
YESTERDAY I WENT TO SEE A PLAY IN FRENCH... Today I have to write a philosophic paper.
That's all thanks for coming, toodles.
That's all thanks for coming, toodles.
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Mumford & Sons - Below My Feet
This song perfectly describes my feelings for today, because the lyrics honestly just perfectly encompass what every exchange student goes through at the beginning of their exchange, then the chorus reminds us to not get too stuck up, and to remain humble throughout the amazing experiences that they encounter throughout their year.
Birthday Bonanza
So, today's my birthday. It's hard to put my feelings into words, but seriously this has been one of the most impactful birthdays of my life so far. The generosity of strangers, even if we've been together for a month is still overwhelming. When I woke up this morning I skyped with my family back home, because my twin happens to share my birthday. WHAT A COINCIDENCE. But, that was nice, and then I had school. Which wasn't so nice, but there's a tradition at my school; when it's your birthday you buy "des petits chou" for your entire class, so I did that this morning grace a l'aide de Marie, so thanks Marie :3 After school my whole class (I believe) went for a quick coffee, during which they presented me with a gift. A T-shirt that was signed by everyone in the class, INCLUDING MY PHILOSOPHY TEACHER WHO'S A BIG, MEAN LOOKING, EX MILITARY MAN WITH HUGE MUSCLES AND TERRIFIES ME, so that was super nice. I literally teared up when i saw the shirt though, because it's such a simple yet touching gesture, and I really enjoy personal gestures like that. After the coffee date with 23 other people I went to have lunch with my host family and some extended relatives. My host family also gave me some gifts, including a soccer jersey with my name on the back (too cool) and a picture frame with lots of pictures with me and my host family since I got here. I was really touched by it cause it's just really too cool :3 Then my host grandmother gave me a decorative plate from Metz, which includes a painting of the cathedral which is a landmark of the city. It has the most stained glass windows in all of Europe, so take that Europe. Tonight I'm going to the Nuit Blanche, which is basically a city-wide all nighter, and also having dinner with a few close friends. Should be a good night! (here's hoping anyways)
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Peeeeectures
Plane ride
Host family house
Bus pass :)
Some hot air balloons
Bike ride up a mountain side
Canadians being canadian :D
Castle on the way home
School books :(
Breakfast!
After the first day of school.
The sign to where i live!
My view from the bus stop, gorgeous isn't it?
Writing letters like it's my job.
Pictures!
I promised pictures, so here y'all are.
Secret stash of chocolate
Castleeeee
Panorama castle
Lovely couple who took me places
Deutschland. Germany
Luxembourg
Schengen (E.U accords signed here)
ROTARY CLUB OF METZ WHUDDUP
Strasbourg cathedral
Organ inside strasbourg cathedral
German architecture in france
Me in front of german architecure in france
Cafe in strasbourg
A really good picture of me laughing at someone probably.
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