November 4, 2008
Dear Diary,
Today the presidential elections are taking place in the USA, and they are receiving worldwide attention. I'm really nervous and excited and scared all at once. I've got my fingers crossed (like most French people) that Obama wins. I think that we, as a country, need a change of pace. Someone who knows a thing or two (even if he doesn't necessarily have direct experience) about peaceful international relations. Who isn't racist or close-minded and who can get us in-line with other countries. The USA is a laughing stock to many of the French. They hope Obama wins, but think we'll be stupid and vote for McCain.
McCain's just another Bush. He might make things a little more stable, sure, but we'll stay in Iraq 'til God knows when. And what was he thinking when he chose Palin as his running mate? I mean, seriously? Maybe he thought that he'd gain more followers by choosing a woman, but at this point in the game it seems like the stupidest decision he could have made. And what if McCain dies in office? Would you really trust Palin to run our country? I know I'm not the most well-informed of citizens, but this election just seems like a no-brainer. If McCain wins, I don't want to come home.
Wow, let's change subjects. Um, so I moved from the big room (470 euro/month) to the small room (420 euro/month). It's about half the size of the old room, but is a lot cozier and I don't have to deal with the street noise when my windows are open. Nice has gotten a lot colder and is usually in the 50's-60's now. Everyone's using Celsius (and kilometers, geez!), so I always have to look at the weather online when I'm getting ready to go out. For the past week, it's been raining almost nonstop, as well. My banker told me that November is the month of rain here, so I guess I'll be taking my umbrella with me everywhere. Apparently they've been needing the rain and only get a good downpour every few months or so. That's why this rainy month is so important. But with the cold and the rain, I'm glad to be in the smaller room b/c it's easier to keep warm in here. The pic below is the view from my bedroom window...
Armin (the German guy) moved out, which is why I was able to move into the small room. And the same day I moved rooms, a new girl moved in. Her name is Nicci, and she's from Germany too. She's doing her Masters here in Nice, and she knows English very well because she studied at a university in Texas last year. So now, we've got all girls in the apartment! Hopefully that means Migdal (the landlord) won't be popping in as often.
Ooh, I almost forgot to mention that I got paid! Oh yeah! I received an advance of 700 euros and was able to use that to pay for November's rent. My next paycheck should be a little more to account for the amount they left out this month. I think I'm doing a good job watching my money so far. I eat out occasionally, don't go out too much, and haven't bought any random stuff besides postcards. Though I must admit that I saw two movies here so far (Coup de Foudre and Magique), both of which were cute. Oh, and I bought an inexpensive poupee (babydoll) for Tiffany Howard because she's having a baby in December! :) If you didn't already know, she was also in Alpha Phi Omega and went to La Rochelle with me in Spring 2007. She's having a baby boy, and I'm sure it's going to be the cutest little baby ever!
Speaking of boys, Jowers and I are taking a break. Surprise! (Mommy's just finding out...oops.) Anyway, the long distance thing is hard, and I realized that I was spending way too much time in my room talking to him. Nobody can say I wasn't devoted because I talked to that boy (or left him voicemails) at least twice a day. But it wasn't healthy b/c I was spending more time talking to him than exploring Nice. The time difference (6 hours) really made it rough too, and I was just feeling awful about stuff. So (if he wants) we'll give it a go once I'm back in the States. :) Because I still think he's the best guy in the world... and definitely marriage material.
So I was thinking that Christmas was going to be this awful and lonely ordeal this year, but guess what.... Sabrina's coming to visit me! :) She's arriving in Nice on Wed, Dec 17th and staying through Jan 1st! I'm so glad she's coming, and I'm looking forward to possibly traveling around while she's here. Cannes, Monaco, and Italy are all pretty close and cheap (just 1 euro by bus) to visit. And there are a ton of other cities nearby that we could visit on daytrips. Of all the people to decide to visit me, I'm glad that she's the one to come. She's super fun and good company when going on adventures. :)
Less than a week ago was Halloween. Here it's not really a big deal. There were no decorations in the stores, and some kids apparently go trick-or-treating (but they don't always wear costumes...how lame). For Halloween, Bev and I went to a restaurant and split a yummy salad and gnocci. The restaurant was Halloween-themed that night and was decorated like crazy. Everyone who worked there (and most people who were dining in) were wearing costumes. There was also a live band (that, instead of singing Halloween stuff, sang popular American hits).
After dinner, we went to Bev's apartment and painted our faces like kitties! Then we met up with one of my roomies (Natchalee) and her friend Raphael at Wayne's Bar. We danced and had lots of fun. The majority of people there were dressed up, but the costumes weren't as inventive as the ones you find in the USA. I guess I didn't set a good example with my cat makeup, huh?
That's about it for now. I need to do some lesson plans either tonight or tomorrow. I'm assuming the elections are still fair game. They are still relevant, and I'm sure the students would enjoy discussing their opinions about the new president and what they think will happen in the near future in terms of Iraq and whatnot. Oh, and by the way, I totally reached the 9999 mark on my camera. So from here on out, I'm starting back at 0001 when pics are named! :) I haven't taken nearly as many pics this time around as I did when I visited La Rochelle. I'm acting like less of a tourist and trying to get in as many as experiences as possible while I'm here. Be proud! I'll write again soon....
-Ashley
PS. You can totally leave a comment on this post (or any post for that matter) by clicking on the "0 Comments" link at the end of the post. You don't have to be a member to comment. :)
Today the presidential elections are taking place in the USA, and they are receiving worldwide attention. I'm really nervous and excited and scared all at once. I've got my fingers crossed (like most French people) that Obama wins. I think that we, as a country, need a change of pace. Someone who knows a thing or two (even if he doesn't necessarily have direct experience) about peaceful international relations. Who isn't racist or close-minded and who can get us in-line with other countries. The USA is a laughing stock to many of the French. They hope Obama wins, but think we'll be stupid and vote for McCain.
McCain's just another Bush. He might make things a little more stable, sure, but we'll stay in Iraq 'til God knows when. And what was he thinking when he chose Palin as his running mate? I mean, seriously? Maybe he thought that he'd gain more followers by choosing a woman, but at this point in the game it seems like the stupidest decision he could have made. And what if McCain dies in office? Would you really trust Palin to run our country? I know I'm not the most well-informed of citizens, but this election just seems like a no-brainer. If McCain wins, I don't want to come home.
Wow, let's change subjects. Um, so I moved from the big room (470 euro/month) to the small room (420 euro/month). It's about half the size of the old room, but is a lot cozier and I don't have to deal with the street noise when my windows are open. Nice has gotten a lot colder and is usually in the 50's-60's now. Everyone's using Celsius (and kilometers, geez!), so I always have to look at the weather online when I'm getting ready to go out. For the past week, it's been raining almost nonstop, as well. My banker told me that November is the month of rain here, so I guess I'll be taking my umbrella with me everywhere. Apparently they've been needing the rain and only get a good downpour every few months or so. That's why this rainy month is so important. But with the cold and the rain, I'm glad to be in the smaller room b/c it's easier to keep warm in here. The pic below is the view from my bedroom window...
Armin (the German guy) moved out, which is why I was able to move into the small room. And the same day I moved rooms, a new girl moved in. Her name is Nicci, and she's from Germany too. She's doing her Masters here in Nice, and she knows English very well because she studied at a university in Texas last year. So now, we've got all girls in the apartment! Hopefully that means Migdal (the landlord) won't be popping in as often.
Ooh, I almost forgot to mention that I got paid! Oh yeah! I received an advance of 700 euros and was able to use that to pay for November's rent. My next paycheck should be a little more to account for the amount they left out this month. I think I'm doing a good job watching my money so far. I eat out occasionally, don't go out too much, and haven't bought any random stuff besides postcards. Though I must admit that I saw two movies here so far (Coup de Foudre and Magique), both of which were cute. Oh, and I bought an inexpensive poupee (babydoll) for Tiffany Howard because she's having a baby in December! :) If you didn't already know, she was also in Alpha Phi Omega and went to La Rochelle with me in Spring 2007. She's having a baby boy, and I'm sure it's going to be the cutest little baby ever!
Speaking of boys, Jowers and I are taking a break. Surprise! (Mommy's just finding out...oops.) Anyway, the long distance thing is hard, and I realized that I was spending way too much time in my room talking to him. Nobody can say I wasn't devoted because I talked to that boy (or left him voicemails) at least twice a day. But it wasn't healthy b/c I was spending more time talking to him than exploring Nice. The time difference (6 hours) really made it rough too, and I was just feeling awful about stuff. So (if he wants) we'll give it a go once I'm back in the States. :) Because I still think he's the best guy in the world... and definitely marriage material.
So I was thinking that Christmas was going to be this awful and lonely ordeal this year, but guess what.... Sabrina's coming to visit me! :) She's arriving in Nice on Wed, Dec 17th and staying through Jan 1st! I'm so glad she's coming, and I'm looking forward to possibly traveling around while she's here. Cannes, Monaco, and Italy are all pretty close and cheap (just 1 euro by bus) to visit. And there are a ton of other cities nearby that we could visit on daytrips. Of all the people to decide to visit me, I'm glad that she's the one to come. She's super fun and good company when going on adventures. :)
Less than a week ago was Halloween. Here it's not really a big deal. There were no decorations in the stores, and some kids apparently go trick-or-treating (but they don't always wear costumes...how lame). For Halloween, Bev and I went to a restaurant and split a yummy salad and gnocci. The restaurant was Halloween-themed that night and was decorated like crazy. Everyone who worked there (and most people who were dining in) were wearing costumes. There was also a live band (that, instead of singing Halloween stuff, sang popular American hits).
After dinner, we went to Bev's apartment and painted our faces like kitties! Then we met up with one of my roomies (Natchalee) and her friend Raphael at Wayne's Bar. We danced and had lots of fun. The majority of people there were dressed up, but the costumes weren't as inventive as the ones you find in the USA. I guess I didn't set a good example with my cat makeup, huh?
That's about it for now. I need to do some lesson plans either tonight or tomorrow. I'm assuming the elections are still fair game. They are still relevant, and I'm sure the students would enjoy discussing their opinions about the new president and what they think will happen in the near future in terms of Iraq and whatnot. Oh, and by the way, I totally reached the 9999 mark on my camera. So from here on out, I'm starting back at 0001 when pics are named! :) I haven't taken nearly as many pics this time around as I did when I visited La Rochelle. I'm acting like less of a tourist and trying to get in as many as experiences as possible while I'm here. Be proud! I'll write again soon....
-Ashley
PS. You can totally leave a comment on this post (or any post for that matter) by clicking on the "0 Comments" link at the end of the post. You don't have to be a member to comment. :)
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