The French RPG

Before coming to Paris, I had read a few blog posts about how trying to do simple tasks in Paris was comparable to going on a quest in a video game, specifically an "RPG" (role-playing game). But up until a couple days ago, I hadn't been sent on a quest. However, my desire to switch into a higher level French language class was similar to my experience as Link from the Zelda and The Orcarina of Time trying to obtain the ice arrows from the Gerudo fortress. After expressing my desire to change levels to the teacher of my initial class, my teacher recommended that I talk to the secretary at the Sorbonne. So after class, I made my way over to the Sorbonne and waited in line for a bit to see the secretary, only to have the secretary tell me that I needed my teacher to fill out a form. So the next day I went to my 12:00 pm class and had my teacher fill out a form that I need to bring back to the secretary, but since the secretary's office takes 12-2 pm off every day, I had to miss my class (the teacher would not let me stay) and wait to see the secretary. Finally, I was able to hand in my form. I thought I had finally acquired the legendary ice arrows, but then I came to the harsh realization that I was dealing with Frenchies. The secretary's office could not deal with my request to change classes at the time, and they informed me that I would have to return at 10:00 the next morning. Annoyed but optimistic, I heeded their demand and returned sharply at 10:00 the following morning. Again, it appeared that the ice arrows were within reach. However, the office explained that the wording in my teacher's letter was incorrect and that I would have to go back and get her to change it. Sigh. So after returning to my teacher, they informed me that she couldn't change it because she "didn't know me". So in order to get to know me, she gave me a written test (very easy, basic) to prove my knowledge of French. To finish up this story, my dominance of the test allowed the teacher to give me her written permission to switch into the next level of French instruction.

So could this quest have been avoided? Probably not. Maybe I'll use the mirror shield next time, or perhaps some Deku nuts.

When in Bruges...

My classes haven't started, and Jonah only has class on Tuesday and Wednesday for now. This situation called for a Sunday to Tuesday trip to Bruges, which is a small (20,000 locals) town in Belgium. Bruges is often referred to as the "Venice of the North", as canals line many of its streets. Now, while I've never been to Venice, I have done a Google image search for it, and aside from the canals, there appeared to be very few similarities between Venice and Bruges. Bruges, however, has plenty to boast for itself.

There are only a few "wow" buildings in Bruges, but like Paris, the consistency of the beautiful architecture is really special. Bruges is an old Medieval town, and is nearly completely preserved from it's earliest years. There are town rules for building new structures, and there are even regulations for the placement of satellite dishes on the old houses. Because of the devotion to the preservation of Bruges, every street within a 20 minute walk from the center square is incredibly picturesque. Even with the misty and even snowy conditions, this unique town was always a sight to see.

As you probably know, Belgium is known for two or three products: chocolate, waffles, and of course, beer. Naturally, we sampled all three. ("We" refers to Jonah, Rachel, Vanessa, and myself). For me, it's hard to differentiate between varying levels of chocolate quality. But that doesn't mean that I don't know when what I'm eating is good. The chocolate in Bruges was fantastic, and the locals used it liberally and incorporated it into many different dishes and drinks.
The Brugians take pride in their beer. In Dublin, the locals worshiped Guinness and its rich history and traditions. In Bruge, the bartenders displayed a certain respect for their beer that I have never seen before. Before pouring, they rinse out the already clean glass. Once the head has formed, they use a little utensil to scrape off any excess foam from the top. Finally, they rinse the exterior of the glass if the beer had dribbled down the side of the glass.

I'm going to stop with the commentary now.

There isn't a whole lot to do in Bruges, but the slow-paced, food and drink oriented nature of the town was very pleasant and relaxing. We went on a boat tour of the incredibly beautiful canals in the early evening on our first day, and received a brief history lesson from our captain. He pointed out some very interesting details about the houses, namely how above many of the windows there were little faces, which remained from medieval times when they were supposed to ward off evil spirits. Also, there used to be no house numbers, so to distinguish each family's home from one another they had statues of different animals above the house's door. I already mentioned this, but it was fascinating to see a nearly fully intact medieval town, with details ranging from the complete lack of paved streets (all cobblestone), to the practices with marking the homes

I actually have to go to my first class this morning, so it's time to get going. More Paris updates to come.

Paris update, and Bruges tomorrow

I haven’t blogged about Paris in a while because the occurrences that were initially so exciting have become very routine. Still, though, there is plenty of excitement around Paris. I’ve been here for just over two weeks, and I’ve only seen a small fraction of the worthwhile parts of the city. I'm constantly being bombarded with new sights, and the old sights still do not fail to impress me. Standing on the Pont Neuf overlooking the Seine, having coffee with a view of Notre Dame, walking through the Luxembourg Gardends, or overlooking the city from the top of the Arc de Triomphe. It really just does not get old. And then there are the little things: the consistency of the food, how every bakery is better than any I’ve been to before. The paralleled consistency of the architecture, with breathtaking buildings on every street, every corner. The structures of the museums are pieces of art on their own, never mind the paintings and sculptures inside. I was in the Louvre the other day, and I could not get over the architecture of the building. The glass pyramids and the outer courtyard of the Louvre are often focused on, but the internal architecture cannot be overlooked. I found myself taking pictures of the frescos on the ceilings and the great marble pillars instead of the paintings. The depth and history of this city is truly remarkable.

Because of the language barrier, doing the most standard tasks have become slightly scary adventures. Getting a haircut was a struggle, trying to describe how I wanted my hair to be cut without just saying “short”. But other tasks, because of the obligation to speak French, have been enhanced. It’s “fun” to run errands, to order coffee, or to buy a baguette. My French is definitely improving, but only in regards to vocabulary and how fast I can talk (as well as my ability to understand fast-talking Frenchies).

Although we came back from Dublin only a week ago, it feels like it has been much longer. So, it's time for another adventure. This time, fortunately, there will be no Ryanair or early morning shuttles. Jonah, Rachel, Vannessa, and I are taking our first high-speed train tomorrow at 11:25 to a little Belgian city called Bruges. You probably haven't heard of it before, but it looks like an incredible place. Google or Wikipedia it. We're coming back on Tuesday in the early afternoon, so look for pictures and such shortly thereafter. For now, though, here are some pictures from the past week in Paris.

Love it

Stained glass in Saint Chappelle

Grand hallway of the Louvre

Area in the 1st, I believe

The Catacombs

View from our lunch spot