Wednesday, October 28, 2009
4 great days of Dutch conversation
From Thursday until Sunday, I had some visitors from Holland! My parents and my younger sister came to see where I live and to visit the South of France.
Thursday was a day full of preparation. I had class in the morning and I wanted to clean my room, do the laundry, and buy some typical French food (and drinks) before going to the airport. I wasn’t the only Dutch, who was waiting for her relatives at the terminal. Unfortunately, it was raining cats and dogs. Therefore, we went straight from the MP2 terminal to the car hire. Our car, a French Renault Clio (newer one), was waiting for us. I was glad to see (and touch*) a part of my family after being in France for 2 months. It took some time to find the hotel: AppartValley. After 3 days, I found the street name of the hotel, which is Allée de Pomone. Luckily the GPS system could find that street!
On (sunny) Friday, my mother and I bought some things for (French) breakfast at the Géant Casino (supermarket). I showed them around in the city center of Aix. Unfortunately, I had class in the afternoon, so I left them in front of the cathedral and took the bus. While I discussed some Leadership case studies, my Dutch visitors went to the top of the Grand Théâtre (great view over Aix!) and spent some time in Puyricard. Afterwards, we went straight from the IAE to the Meditteranean Sea. We visited Carry-le-Rouet, where the Sea was quite rough. While listening to songs of Diana Krall, we drove back to our hotel.
After a great breakfast on Saturday morning (blue sky), my mother said that she really wanted to visit Avignon. To avoid the toll roads, we took the smaller roads via Roussillon and Gordes**. Roussillon is a beautiful village with red and ochre buildings. We parked our car next to the city wall of Avignon and I showed the main streets and buildings. The organist was practicing for the Sunday mess at the Notre-Dame des Doms cathedral. We ate a crêpe (nothing special) and bought some groceries at the Carrefour supermarket in the Rue de la République. In the evening we watched the movie ‘The curious case of Benjamin Button’, which they’d brought from Holland.
Their stay in Aix was even 1 hour longer, because it became winter time, even in France! I enjoyed the cleaner shower in our hotel room, had great breakfast with my family and then it was time to say goodbye! They brought me to Estelan, I took a last glimpse and had mixed feelings***. The next time that I will see them in 3D, will be 18 December, when I’ll return to Holland by TGV. Until then, I have a couple of weeks to see more of France (ideas are welcome!)!
* Of course, I had installed Skype, such that I could ‘see’ them during the 2 months that I have been here. But seeing them in 3D was much better!
** There were lots of serpentines / curves on our way. Because I was used to the bus ride (line 21) to Puyricard, I could look around and see the wineyards and mountains of the Luberon region. But my younger sister and my mother had more problems and were glad when we (finally) arrived in Avignon!
*** It was a great weekend, but I’d wish I had more time with them. To avoid being homesick, I did lots of activities with my friends that day. We went to the creative market at the Cours Mirabeau. A friend invited us to a show (Le cirque invisible) with Victoria Chaplin and Jean-Baptiste Thierrée at the Grand Théâtre. I liked the humor and the costumes. Afterwards, we had dinner at his apartment and stayed there until late in the evening.
Thursday was a day full of preparation. I had class in the morning and I wanted to clean my room, do the laundry, and buy some typical French food (and drinks) before going to the airport. I wasn’t the only Dutch, who was waiting for her relatives at the terminal. Unfortunately, it was raining cats and dogs. Therefore, we went straight from the MP2 terminal to the car hire. Our car, a French Renault Clio (newer one), was waiting for us. I was glad to see (and touch*) a part of my family after being in France for 2 months. It took some time to find the hotel: AppartValley. After 3 days, I found the street name of the hotel, which is Allée de Pomone. Luckily the GPS system could find that street!
On (sunny) Friday, my mother and I bought some things for (French) breakfast at the Géant Casino (supermarket). I showed them around in the city center of Aix. Unfortunately, I had class in the afternoon, so I left them in front of the cathedral and took the bus. While I discussed some Leadership case studies, my Dutch visitors went to the top of the Grand Théâtre (great view over Aix!) and spent some time in Puyricard. Afterwards, we went straight from the IAE to the Meditteranean Sea. We visited Carry-le-Rouet, where the Sea was quite rough. While listening to songs of Diana Krall, we drove back to our hotel.
After a great breakfast on Saturday morning (blue sky), my mother said that she really wanted to visit Avignon. To avoid the toll roads, we took the smaller roads via Roussillon and Gordes**. Roussillon is a beautiful village with red and ochre buildings. We parked our car next to the city wall of Avignon and I showed the main streets and buildings. The organist was practicing for the Sunday mess at the Notre-Dame des Doms cathedral. We ate a crêpe (nothing special) and bought some groceries at the Carrefour supermarket in the Rue de la République. In the evening we watched the movie ‘The curious case of Benjamin Button’, which they’d brought from Holland.
Their stay in Aix was even 1 hour longer, because it became winter time, even in France! I enjoyed the cleaner shower in our hotel room, had great breakfast with my family and then it was time to say goodbye! They brought me to Estelan, I took a last glimpse and had mixed feelings***. The next time that I will see them in 3D, will be 18 December, when I’ll return to Holland by TGV. Until then, I have a couple of weeks to see more of France (ideas are welcome!)!
* Of course, I had installed Skype, such that I could ‘see’ them during the 2 months that I have been here. But seeing them in 3D was much better!
** There were lots of serpentines / curves on our way. Because I was used to the bus ride (line 21) to Puyricard, I could look around and see the wineyards and mountains of the Luberon region. But my younger sister and my mother had more problems and were glad when we (finally) arrived in Avignon!
*** It was a great weekend, but I’d wish I had more time with them. To avoid being homesick, I did lots of activities with my friends that day. We went to the creative market at the Cours Mirabeau. A friend invited us to a show (Le cirque invisible) with Victoria Chaplin and Jean-Baptiste Thierrée at the Grand Théâtre. I liked the humor and the costumes. Afterwards, we had dinner at his apartment and stayed there until late in the evening.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Bienvenue chez les Bruns
I and 3 international friends were invited to the family house of a French friend of mine. It was a great, maybe the best, weekend and I’ll tell you why.
On Saturday we took the bus (5 euros) to Carpentras. We got out in the city which was called l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (Island on the Sorgue river). When we walked to the house, we passed many canals. You could say that it’s the Venice of France. The house was like a little castle (19th century), surrounded by a typical garden for the South of France I think.
What I liked the most of this weekend was the French food. Lunch was already waiting for us, when we arrived. The lunch and dinner meals (3/4 courses) were bigger than I’m used to in Holland, of course all served with wine*. Most of the courses were French, one was Lebanese**. But I liked all of them very much!
We played two card games and the family gave us a tour in the region (Luberon, Vaucluse) on Saturday afternoon. We visited the touristic village Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, where the most powerful spring (of the Sorgue river) of France is situated. I liked the (touristic) shops in the building of the paper mill. Afterwards, we went to a parking lot close to Gordes, which is one of the ‘most beautiful villages of France’. I had a great view over Gordes and the region from there. We visited an abbey near Gordes. You could hear the monks chanting, great atmosphere. In the evening, we saw an American movie (English version, French subtitles) with the French title ‘Et au milieu coule une rivière’.
When I woke up and moved the curtains, the blue sky made my day. We had breakfast with pain au chocolat. Afterwards my French friend gave us a tour around the city. There was a big market in the city center. Seriously, I could hear more German and Dutch than French! L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue was crowded (with tourists)in the morning. I saw many water mills and antique shops, that’s what the city is famous for. We played some more card games. Everyone became more and more competitive, it was great! At the end of the afternoon, we ate a crêpe in the city center. And then it was time to say goodbye, give 3 kisses (normal in the Vaucluse region) and go back to Aix by car. It took us 45-60 minutes to go from l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue to Aix-en-Provence.
I noticed a few interesting things, while I was there. The son of the family was often asked to help his mother, though the daughter was just a few years younger. And perhaps it is impolite to refuse to take a second portion of each course, but I’m not sure. However, I didn’t have any problems with that!
It was a pity that I couldn’t find (Dutch) tulip bulbs to give as a present. Instead, we gave a bunch of flowers and Belgian beer.
*Wines: Baume de Venise (Sat. lunch), Merlot (cote du Rhône; Sat. dinner) / Muscatine (Sun. lunch)
**Saturday at lunch: salad, “boeuf bourguignon”, dessert, coffee
Saturday at dinner: “soupe de courge”, different kinds of cheese, dessert
Sunday at lunch: “quiche Lorraine” and “tarte aux oignions”, Lebanese dish, “tarte des Alpes”, piece of fruit, coffee or tea
On Saturday we took the bus (5 euros) to Carpentras. We got out in the city which was called l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (Island on the Sorgue river). When we walked to the house, we passed many canals. You could say that it’s the Venice of France. The house was like a little castle (19th century), surrounded by a typical garden for the South of France I think.
What I liked the most of this weekend was the French food. Lunch was already waiting for us, when we arrived. The lunch and dinner meals (3/4 courses) were bigger than I’m used to in Holland, of course all served with wine*. Most of the courses were French, one was Lebanese**. But I liked all of them very much!
We played two card games and the family gave us a tour in the region (Luberon, Vaucluse) on Saturday afternoon. We visited the touristic village Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, where the most powerful spring (of the Sorgue river) of France is situated. I liked the (touristic) shops in the building of the paper mill. Afterwards, we went to a parking lot close to Gordes, which is one of the ‘most beautiful villages of France’. I had a great view over Gordes and the region from there. We visited an abbey near Gordes. You could hear the monks chanting, great atmosphere. In the evening, we saw an American movie (English version, French subtitles) with the French title ‘Et au milieu coule une rivière’.
When I woke up and moved the curtains, the blue sky made my day. We had breakfast with pain au chocolat. Afterwards my French friend gave us a tour around the city. There was a big market in the city center. Seriously, I could hear more German and Dutch than French! L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue was crowded (with tourists)in the morning. I saw many water mills and antique shops, that’s what the city is famous for. We played some more card games. Everyone became more and more competitive, it was great! At the end of the afternoon, we ate a crêpe in the city center. And then it was time to say goodbye, give 3 kisses (normal in the Vaucluse region) and go back to Aix by car. It took us 45-60 minutes to go from l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue to Aix-en-Provence.
I noticed a few interesting things, while I was there. The son of the family was often asked to help his mother, though the daughter was just a few years younger. And perhaps it is impolite to refuse to take a second portion of each course, but I’m not sure. However, I didn’t have any problems with that!
It was a pity that I couldn’t find (Dutch) tulip bulbs to give as a present. Instead, we gave a bunch of flowers and Belgian beer.
*Wines: Baume de Venise (Sat. lunch), Merlot (cote du Rhône; Sat. dinner) / Muscatine (Sun. lunch)
**Saturday at lunch: salad, “boeuf bourguignon”, dessert, coffee
Saturday at dinner: “soupe de courge”, different kinds of cheese, dessert
Sunday at lunch: “quiche Lorraine” and “tarte aux oignions”, Lebanese dish, “tarte des Alpes”, piece of fruit, coffee or tea
Friday, October 16, 2009
Spare time in Aix
Since I don’t have many classes, I can explore Aix and the South of France. But during the week and in the evening, I don’t feel like taking the bus to a different city by myself. I would like to tell you about my life next to the IAE and those touristic visits.
The day before I went to Aix, I saw a movie called ‘Yes man’. This movie really helped me a lot in the first weeks of my exchange period! When people had ideas for the evening, the next day or weekend, I often said: Yes! I want to come! There were some activities that I’ve never done in Holland like going out, having lunch in restaurants and ‘climbing’ a mountain. Now I’m going out at least once a week, what a change!
There are some nice bars in Aix. I like all the Irish bars, because they have my music style and the atmosphere is great. We often went to O’Shannon, an Irish pub on the Rue de la Verrerie. That street has lots of bars and the “Feria de la Verrerie” is a wonderful experience (for students). ESN (an international student network) organizes parties and happy hours in the Wohoo Bar; we go there almost every Tuesday night. The bars with terraces (great in the evening until mid September) are situated on or near the Cours Mirabeau and the ‘Hotel the Ville’. I don’t like clubs, but IPN is definitely a “go” for international students. It’s normal that the rooms of the bars and clubs are under the ground like caves.
I run once or twice a week. I could have paid for a membership (+/- 10 euros?) for the university sports centre. However, I didn’t choose it, because I needed a doctor’s “attestation” (the French loves this word!) etc. It’s too much administration for me… Be careful! Running in Aix is harder than in Holland. Because of two reasons: in the summer months it’s hot from 7.30 AM until 8.00 PM and Aix has (too) many steep streets/hills. Still, the Parce de la Torse is great for it. I’m not sure about running along the river Arc, but I’ll try to run there as well in the next weeks. I often see runners in Puyricard, where the IAE is located, but I’m not yet ready to take the bus in my sports outfit!
The day before I went to Aix, I saw a movie called ‘Yes man’. This movie really helped me a lot in the first weeks of my exchange period! When people had ideas for the evening, the next day or weekend, I often said: Yes! I want to come! There were some activities that I’ve never done in Holland like going out, having lunch in restaurants and ‘climbing’ a mountain. Now I’m going out at least once a week, what a change!
There are some nice bars in Aix. I like all the Irish bars, because they have my music style and the atmosphere is great. We often went to O’Shannon, an Irish pub on the Rue de la Verrerie. That street has lots of bars and the “Feria de la Verrerie” is a wonderful experience (for students). ESN (an international student network) organizes parties and happy hours in the Wohoo Bar; we go there almost every Tuesday night. The bars with terraces (great in the evening until mid September) are situated on or near the Cours Mirabeau and the ‘Hotel the Ville’. I don’t like clubs, but IPN is definitely a “go” for international students. It’s normal that the rooms of the bars and clubs are under the ground like caves.
I run once or twice a week. I could have paid for a membership (+/- 10 euros?) for the university sports centre. However, I didn’t choose it, because I needed a doctor’s “attestation” (the French loves this word!) etc. It’s too much administration for me… Be careful! Running in Aix is harder than in Holland. Because of two reasons: in the summer months it’s hot from 7.30 AM until 8.00 PM and Aix has (too) many steep streets/hills. Still, the Parce de la Torse is great for it. I’m not sure about running along the river Arc, but I’ll try to run there as well in the next weeks. I often see runners in Puyricard, where the IAE is located, but I’m not yet ready to take the bus in my sports outfit!
Enjoying La Ciotat
Last weekend, the packed* (!) Cartreize bus took us to La Ciotat. The small city is situated at the Mediterranean Sea between Marseille and Toulon. It’s great for nature friends. First impression: lots of small boats (yachts, sailboats, fisher boats)! My Belgian friend took a picture of me and a very small boat (see the slideshow). We had “Moules frites” for lunch (9.50 euro p.p.) and tried 3 different ways: à la marinière (white wine), à la provençale (tomato sauce with herbs), and à la sétoise (cream). It was delicious!
Next, we walked to the Calanques, the cliffs near La Ciotat. They were quite hard to find. But when we came there, we first had to sit down for a few minutes to enjoy the view: glistering water, pebbles beach, lots of trees and the brown Calanques. All in perfect sunlight, because it was (again) a sunny day! We found another beach with a different view in another setting. The mainland to the East of La Ciotat was great to see.
We visited the Mugel parc with (exotic) plants and animals. After we climbed a hill in the parc, we could see the Mediterranean Sea and the steep cliffs. The effort was worth it! Before going home to Aix (via Aubagne) we ended our visit to La Ciotat with an ice-cream near the Tourist Office (2 balls for 3 euro = normal price in the region).
*Most people went off the bus in Cassis, luckily.
Next, we walked to the Calanques, the cliffs near La Ciotat. They were quite hard to find. But when we came there, we first had to sit down for a few minutes to enjoy the view: glistering water, pebbles beach, lots of trees and the brown Calanques. All in perfect sunlight, because it was (again) a sunny day! We found another beach with a different view in another setting. The mainland to the East of La Ciotat was great to see.
We visited the Mugel parc with (exotic) plants and animals. After we climbed a hill in the parc, we could see the Mediterranean Sea and the steep cliffs. The effort was worth it! Before going home to Aix (via Aubagne) we ended our visit to La Ciotat with an ice-cream near the Tourist Office (2 balls for 3 euro = normal price in the region).
*Most people went off the bus in Cassis, luckily.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
The IAE - ECTS, presentations and lunch!
Since 17 September, I follow 5 courses at the IAE. Some courses are with international IMMIT students, others are with (mostly French) Master 1 students and I follow Business French with other exchange students. As an exchange student I can choose any course, as long as it fits into the schedule and it’s the right level. I chose the courses (see the next paragraph), because the ECTS credits I get for these courses can be transferred to my Bachelor diploma at Tilburg University. The study advisor at my home university already approved these courses. Unfortunately, I have only 28.5 ECTS of the 30 ECTS, which are needed for this semester. Therefore, I have to compensate the difference with an extra course at my home university in the next semester.
Just a list of the courses I follow at the moment: International business law, HRM, Intercultural management and Leadership. I really like the last course, because the professor is funny and lets us do different activities: walking blindfolded in pairs in the building & drawing (!) the ‘worst manager ever’. Intercultural management is taught in French, which sometimes was difficult to follow and even harder to participate in discussions / presentations. The courses that still need to start are Brand and product management, Project management, Change management, an international seminar and (very long title, sounds impressive!) The European integration process and its influence on business.
Back to the IAE: The subjects are very interesting. The French students are eager to help me, when I don’t understand a sentence in the Intercultural management course. The professors focus on practical information. That’s why I don’t have to do much self-study (in comparison to the number of pages / chapters I have to read in Holland). Moreover, almost every course has a group assignment and we have to prepare presentations. Written exams are not common: I know that I’ll have 2 in December. I noticed that participation is more important than at Tilburg University. Each class is 3 hours in total (twice as much as in Tilburg), but that's fine.
The Master courses are easier than I expected (well, I first have to wait for the presentation grades to make sure). Still, I miss the theoretical (deeper) reading. Therefore, I often look for additional articles on the internet, such that I don’t get bored. For an exchange student, this practical focus is ideal: few classes + not much self-study = enough time for exploring France!
Every Wednesday, the BDE (student organisation of the IAE) organizes an international lunch. Everybody can come and try some food / drinks that foreign students cooked/baked/bought in the shop. I really liked tasting (rather than cooking) different meals and once brought some “Edam” cheese. At one lunch, 2 students brought their guitar and played a few songs. Maybe next time, I have the guts to play a song too…
Just a list of the courses I follow at the moment: International business law, HRM, Intercultural management and Leadership. I really like the last course, because the professor is funny and lets us do different activities: walking blindfolded in pairs in the building & drawing (!) the ‘worst manager ever’. Intercultural management is taught in French, which sometimes was difficult to follow and even harder to participate in discussions / presentations. The courses that still need to start are Brand and product management, Project management, Change management, an international seminar and (very long title, sounds impressive!) The European integration process and its influence on business.
Back to the IAE: The subjects are very interesting. The French students are eager to help me, when I don’t understand a sentence in the Intercultural management course. The professors focus on practical information. That’s why I don’t have to do much self-study (in comparison to the number of pages / chapters I have to read in Holland). Moreover, almost every course has a group assignment and we have to prepare presentations. Written exams are not common: I know that I’ll have 2 in December. I noticed that participation is more important than at Tilburg University. Each class is 3 hours in total (twice as much as in Tilburg), but that's fine.
The Master courses are easier than I expected (well, I first have to wait for the presentation grades to make sure). Still, I miss the theoretical (deeper) reading. Therefore, I often look for additional articles on the internet, such that I don’t get bored. For an exchange student, this practical focus is ideal: few classes + not much self-study = enough time for exploring France!
Every Wednesday, the BDE (student organisation of the IAE) organizes an international lunch. Everybody can come and try some food / drinks that foreign students cooked/baked/bought in the shop. I really liked tasting (rather than cooking) different meals and once brought some “Edam” cheese. At one lunch, 2 students brought their guitar and played a few songs. Maybe next time, I have the guts to play a song too…
Bus tour in Verdon
Last weekend I went quite spontaneously to 2 villages, a lake and a lavender shop in the Parc du Verdon. The bus tour (in the end for free), which was organized by the ‘faculté de droit’, started at 9 AM and we came home at about 7 PM.
Our first stop was the village Vinon-sur-Verdon, situated in the North-East of Aix. The 2 buses stopped near a small market, including cheese, meat, fruit / vegetables and other Provencal stands. We were told that this was one of the few places where we could go to the toilet. The public toilet was a typical ‘French’ toilet, which basically means that it’s a shower cabin without a shower (quite difficult for the ladies). We also walked to the river Verdon, only a few meters away from the bus. In my opinion, the river is ideal for rafting and other sports.
Then our bus went to the Ste-Croix Lake. You can’t miss it on the map, because it’s huge! The water had a beautiful color. We stayed there for 1 1/5 hour to enjoy the food / drinks we brought for our picnic. Some students swam in the water; I stayed on the pebbles beach. Before going to the next village, the bus stopped at the beginning of the Gorges du Verdon canyon. I took some pictures for the blog, but for me it wasn’t that new, but still special. I’ve been on that road last December and I have remembered that view very well!
Next stop: Moustiers-Ste-Marie: a beautiful village, created against 1 or 2 rocks. The highest point of the village is a little church / chapel, where I had a beautiful view over the village and its surroundings. At one point I could even see the blue Ste-Croix Lake. We walked around in the village and ate a crêpe / ice-cream (sunny day). We weren’t the only tourists, but certainly the youngest!
Last but not least: the lavender shop surrounded by lavender fields. The owner explained the difference between lavande (better quality) and lavendin (used for perfumes). My friend bought some typical Provencal gifts for her family. I looked at the lavender fields. They weren’t purple, because the lavender season is in the summer. A good reason to go back, I think!
Our first stop was the village Vinon-sur-Verdon, situated in the North-East of Aix. The 2 buses stopped near a small market, including cheese, meat, fruit / vegetables and other Provencal stands. We were told that this was one of the few places where we could go to the toilet. The public toilet was a typical ‘French’ toilet, which basically means that it’s a shower cabin without a shower (quite difficult for the ladies). We also walked to the river Verdon, only a few meters away from the bus. In my opinion, the river is ideal for rafting and other sports.
Then our bus went to the Ste-Croix Lake. You can’t miss it on the map, because it’s huge! The water had a beautiful color. We stayed there for 1 1/5 hour to enjoy the food / drinks we brought for our picnic. Some students swam in the water; I stayed on the pebbles beach. Before going to the next village, the bus stopped at the beginning of the Gorges du Verdon canyon. I took some pictures for the blog, but for me it wasn’t that new, but still special. I’ve been on that road last December and I have remembered that view very well!
Next stop: Moustiers-Ste-Marie: a beautiful village, created against 1 or 2 rocks. The highest point of the village is a little church / chapel, where I had a beautiful view over the village and its surroundings. At one point I could even see the blue Ste-Croix Lake. We walked around in the village and ate a crêpe / ice-cream (sunny day). We weren’t the only tourists, but certainly the youngest!
Last but not least: the lavender shop surrounded by lavender fields. The owner explained the difference between lavande (better quality) and lavendin (used for perfumes). My friend bought some typical Provencal gifts for her family. I looked at the lavender fields. They weren’t purple, because the lavender season is in the summer. A good reason to go back, I think!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Red Bull Flugtag in Marseille
We went to the Red Bull Flugtag (flight day in German) on Sunday. It took us 3 hours (!!!) to get from the Gare Routière in Aix to the Plage du Prado in Marseille, where the event took place. The bus was 'plein', which is the French word (I learned) for full. After some time, we could better walk to the beach than stay in the hot bus, because there was a traffic jam.
The Flugtag wasn’t very interesting. I had seen a similar television program in the Netherlands, where people ‘fly’ with their ‘airplanes’ at the end of a road and then fall into the water (Ter Land, ter Zee en in de Lucht). I ate a panini close to the beach and I enjoyed the sun. At the end of the day, we planned to go another day to Marseille to see the Notre Dame on the hill of Marseille.
The Flugtag wasn’t very interesting. I had seen a similar television program in the Netherlands, where people ‘fly’ with their ‘airplanes’ at the end of a road and then fall into the water (Ter Land, ter Zee en in de Lucht). I ate a panini close to the beach and I enjoyed the sun. At the end of the day, we planned to go another day to Marseille to see the Notre Dame on the hill of Marseille.
Le pont d'Avignon
Last Saturday, I went with a small group to Avignon. Luckily, we had a French friend who actually lived in the region. So, we didn’t have to go to the Tourist Office that day! I think Avignon is a beautiful city. There are many shops and older buildings. The most impressive building was the Palais des Papes, one of the highest gothic buildings in Europe. I also ate some delicious moules frites in a brasserie close to the Hotel de Ville of Avignon. The Pont d'Avignon was the main tourist attraction, I'd say. We didn't go up, but near the city wall you can be close to the famous bridge (see the slideshow). The only problem was that the first and last bus, which would take us back to Aix, was at 7.45 PM. Everyone was tired when we finally arrived at the Gare Routière.
I must say, that this city is in the top 3 of my ‘best cities visited in the South of France’ list. I really enjoyed this day and I had great company!
I must say, that this city is in the top 3 of my ‘best cities visited in the South of France’ list. I really enjoyed this day and I had great company!
Quick stop in Toulon
Last Wednesday, before I had to go to French class, I had found some time to go to Toulon by bus. It was hot and sunny, so the conditions were excellent for taking some pictures! The city center, with a Tourist Office close to the harbor, was quite small. Still, I could see some interesting buildings and I hoped to find many ‘trompes l’oeils’. These paintings are quite funny to see, because you see something, that isn’t there at all!* I enjoyed an ice cream in the shopping center and walked along the Provencal market in the city center. The Port d’Italie was quite small and I found a bookshop with all sorts of books. Unfortunately, I had to go back at noon to attend the French class in the afternoon.
* I put 2 pictures in the slideshow. The first trompe l’oeil, which I found just by walking around, was in Toulon.
The second one shows the popes of Avignon. The French friend who went with us to Avignon, had quite a hard time finding that one, because it’s hidden in the city center.
* I put 2 pictures in the slideshow. The first trompe l’oeil, which I found just by walking around, was in Toulon.
The second one shows the popes of Avignon. The French friend who went with us to Avignon, had quite a hard time finding that one, because it’s hidden in the city center.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Nice and Monaco
Warning: visiting 2 cities in 1 weekend can be exhausting!
I left the Gare Routière in Aix at 9 AM on a rainy Saturday. About 2 ½ hours later I arrived at the Gare Routière in Nice. I bought some delicious French food at the bakery next to it. Seeing the beach in the rain was very depressing. So my Asian friends and I decided to visit the old city. We ate socca, the (in)famous crêpe of Nice, and did some sightseeing. We had booked 2 rooms in a hostel near the train station of Nice named Hotel Pastoral. It was quite nice and I enjoyed the shower*. I ate a pizza in the evening at one of the restaurants near the Lafayette shopping center. We had to go to bed early, because the cathedral of Monaco was waiting for us!
We went by bus (only 1 euro) to Monaco from the Gare Routière in Nice. First, we went to the cathedral in Monaco-Ville, because the Monaco Boys Choir would sing in a service. The guard in front of the cathedral told us that we couldn’t visit the cathedral during the service. I waited outside on one of the benches**. Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III were married and buried in that cathedral. In front of the cathedral is a nice garden with a beautiful view over the Mediterranean Sea.
The change of the guards of the palace in Monaco-Ville was at 11.55 AM. I visited the cathedral and walked to the port of Monaco. I dreamed of a rich future, while I was seeing the yachts. The casino of Monte-Carlo was another tourist attraction. I said goodbye to the other international students and went back to Nice by bus. The bus to Aix was already waiting for me at the Gare Routière in Nice. At 8 PM I entered my room, ready to go to bed. I still have some blisters from the long walks in rainy Nice. They will remind me for a long time of the “Nice Weekend” in Nice and Monaco…
* I can’t regulate the temperature of the showers in Estelan. So it’s either too hot or too cold. I even woke up an hour earlier to enjoy the 20 minutes in the shower of the hostel!
** Unfortunately, I didn’t hear the Monaco Boys Choir (more men than boys) that well outside. But it was still a good decision, because many guided groups (in all languages) went by. I learned much about the cathedral, the parliament and the oceanic museum.
I left the Gare Routière in Aix at 9 AM on a rainy Saturday. About 2 ½ hours later I arrived at the Gare Routière in Nice. I bought some delicious French food at the bakery next to it. Seeing the beach in the rain was very depressing. So my Asian friends and I decided to visit the old city. We ate socca, the (in)famous crêpe of Nice, and did some sightseeing. We had booked 2 rooms in a hostel near the train station of Nice named Hotel Pastoral. It was quite nice and I enjoyed the shower*. I ate a pizza in the evening at one of the restaurants near the Lafayette shopping center. We had to go to bed early, because the cathedral of Monaco was waiting for us!
We went by bus (only 1 euro) to Monaco from the Gare Routière in Nice. First, we went to the cathedral in Monaco-Ville, because the Monaco Boys Choir would sing in a service. The guard in front of the cathedral told us that we couldn’t visit the cathedral during the service. I waited outside on one of the benches**. Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III were married and buried in that cathedral. In front of the cathedral is a nice garden with a beautiful view over the Mediterranean Sea.
The change of the guards of the palace in Monaco-Ville was at 11.55 AM. I visited the cathedral and walked to the port of Monaco. I dreamed of a rich future, while I was seeing the yachts. The casino of Monte-Carlo was another tourist attraction. I said goodbye to the other international students and went back to Nice by bus. The bus to Aix was already waiting for me at the Gare Routière in Nice. At 8 PM I entered my room, ready to go to bed. I still have some blisters from the long walks in rainy Nice. They will remind me for a long time of the “Nice Weekend” in Nice and Monaco…
* I can’t regulate the temperature of the showers in Estelan. So it’s either too hot or too cold. I even woke up an hour earlier to enjoy the 20 minutes in the shower of the hostel!
** Unfortunately, I didn’t hear the Monaco Boys Choir (more men than boys) that well outside. But it was still a good decision, because many guided groups (in all languages) went by. I learned much about the cathedral, the parliament and the oceanic museum.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
CAF and ASTI
They are both abbreviations of organizations I went to today, but they have a totally different purpose. The former is the Caisse d’Allocations Familiales, which can give me about 80 Euros per month for the room I’m renting in France. The latter is the Association de Solidarité avec les Travailleurs Immigrés, where I will do some volunteering work (hopefully) until December.
The CAF office of Aix is situated close to the highway A51. I already found it by accident during my walk on Sunday. After waiting 10 minutes in the entrance hall, I could go to the desk. A kind lady explained which forms (4 + 1 filled in by my cité universitaire) I had to fill in and which other documents I’d need to send. I finished the forms within 15 minutes, so it cost me less time than I expected. My exchange coordinator at the IAE had told me that I needed a ‘carte de séjour’ for the CAF. But the lady at the CAF said that I don’t have to, since I’m a European citizen. Otherwise, I had to fill in even more French forms...
Late in the afternoon, I went to the Maison des Associations* where the ASTI rents a room between 5 PM and 6:45 PM. I already met 2 people from this organization on a big fair** at the Cours Mirabeau last Sunday. I had decided in The Netherlands that I wanted to do some volunteering work. Most of all, I could get in contact with French people (not students) and see how a French organization works. Secondly, I couldn’t do paid work, because my Dutch health insurance wouldn’t allow me to do that. The 2 hours in the Maison des Associations were great. I helped children with English and some Maths. When I didn’t know a word in French, they were eager to help me. I think this is a great opportunity for me to learn French well, because I have to force myself to speak it all the time. So, next Monday I will return to my little “French class” and hopefully, they will let me in on Tuesday as well!
* It rained all day and I had to walk quite far, so I was glad that I took my summer / rain coat with me from The Netherlands.
** Sports clubs, music schools and other organizations from the Aix region presented themselves. There were dance, sports and music demonstrations. The atmosphere was great!
The CAF office of Aix is situated close to the highway A51. I already found it by accident during my walk on Sunday. After waiting 10 minutes in the entrance hall, I could go to the desk. A kind lady explained which forms (4 + 1 filled in by my cité universitaire) I had to fill in and which other documents I’d need to send. I finished the forms within 15 minutes, so it cost me less time than I expected. My exchange coordinator at the IAE had told me that I needed a ‘carte de séjour’ for the CAF. But the lady at the CAF said that I don’t have to, since I’m a European citizen. Otherwise, I had to fill in even more French forms...
Late in the afternoon, I went to the Maison des Associations* where the ASTI rents a room between 5 PM and 6:45 PM. I already met 2 people from this organization on a big fair** at the Cours Mirabeau last Sunday. I had decided in The Netherlands that I wanted to do some volunteering work. Most of all, I could get in contact with French people (not students) and see how a French organization works. Secondly, I couldn’t do paid work, because my Dutch health insurance wouldn’t allow me to do that. The 2 hours in the Maison des Associations were great. I helped children with English and some Maths. When I didn’t know a word in French, they were eager to help me. I think this is a great opportunity for me to learn French well, because I have to force myself to speak it all the time. So, next Monday I will return to my little “French class” and hopefully, they will let me in on Tuesday as well!
* It rained all day and I had to walk quite far, so I was glad that I took my summer / rain coat with me from The Netherlands.
** Sports clubs, music schools and other organizations from the Aix region presented themselves. There were dance, sports and music demonstrations. The atmosphere was great!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Feria in Arles
On Saturday, I went to a traditional festival in Arles. I decided to take the bus to Salon-de-Provence at around 11:00 AM and from there another bus to Arles. There was a fair in Salon-de-Provence where sports* and recreation organizations presented themselves.
The city center of Arles was quite crowded. There was a little market with Provencal products in front of the Hôtel de Ville (city hall). I went into a church named Saint Trophime. This former cathedral was built in the 11 and 12 centuries. On my way to the big amphitheatre I went by an old amphitheatre (much smaller). I saw Camargue horses at the Ville du Cheval, which was an event close to the big amphitheatre.
Many tourists come to the Feria du Riz, because there are bull fights in the amphitheatre. You had to pay at least 15.50 euros to get in. I stayed outside and saw a glimpse of the bull and the toreros in a small opening of the amphitheatre. In the evening, my friends told me that the bulls were eventually killed and dragged by 2 horses. I’m glad that I didn’t go!
Continuing my walk in the city center I saw many typical shops with Provencal products. The Rhône river lies in the north of the city center and I stayed there some time to relax. I went to the Espace Van Gogh near the Arlaten Museum. The Espace is a little garden surrounded by a yellow building. Van Gogh painted here the ‘Courtyard of the Hospital in Arles’ in 1889.
After a great sunny day, my friend and I said farewell to Arles and returned to the other Provencal city (without bull fights) called Aix.
* Many sports clubs had their trophies on the table (no information) to show how good they are!
The city center of Arles was quite crowded. There was a little market with Provencal products in front of the Hôtel de Ville (city hall). I went into a church named Saint Trophime. This former cathedral was built in the 11 and 12 centuries. On my way to the big amphitheatre I went by an old amphitheatre (much smaller). I saw Camargue horses at the Ville du Cheval, which was an event close to the big amphitheatre.
Many tourists come to the Feria du Riz, because there are bull fights in the amphitheatre. You had to pay at least 15.50 euros to get in. I stayed outside and saw a glimpse of the bull and the toreros in a small opening of the amphitheatre. In the evening, my friends told me that the bulls were eventually killed and dragged by 2 horses. I’m glad that I didn’t go!
Continuing my walk in the city center I saw many typical shops with Provencal products. The Rhône river lies in the north of the city center and I stayed there some time to relax. I went to the Espace Van Gogh near the Arlaten Museum. The Espace is a little garden surrounded by a yellow building. Van Gogh painted here the ‘Courtyard of the Hospital in Arles’ in 1889.
After a great sunny day, my friend and I said farewell to Arles and returned to the other Provencal city (without bull fights) called Aix.
* Many sports clubs had their trophies on the table (no information) to show how good they are!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Mountain Sainte-Victoire
Sainte-Victoire is a beautiful mountain near Aix. I heard from a student, who lives in the cité universitaire Cuques (I live in cité universitaire Estelan), that she could even see the mountain from her room.
With 3 other international students I went to the mountain by the navette ‘La Victorine’. It cost me only 2.20 euros for an ‘aller retour’, just like the normal buses from Aix-en-Bus. My monthly bus ticket wasn’t valid for this ride. Luckily, a German student, who knew the Sainte-Victoire mountain very well, told us where to get off the bus (Maison de Sainte-Victoire).
We walked for an hour. For me, it was an exhausting walk, because I’m not used to walk on a steep hill. I was very happy, when we finally reached the top of the hill on the south side of Sainte-Victoire, because we had a great view. We could see some mountains far away. There was a nuclear station or energy plant on the other side and we could see some paragliders flying near the top of the Sainte-Victoire.
Though we were surrounded by bushes, the ground was very dry and many rocks lay on the path. The mountain has a white or grey top (limestone) and a brown foot (clay). The highest point, where the Croix de la Provence is situated, is above 1000 meters!
I took some pictures from the walk and the view. Maybe I’ll go another time to Sainte-Victoire during this semester, when the view is even better.
One remark: I have much spare time right now, because my first course will start on 17 September. Therefore, the posts are kind of touristic. As soon as I attend my classes, I will post something about my experiences at IAE.
With 3 other international students I went to the mountain by the navette ‘La Victorine’. It cost me only 2.20 euros for an ‘aller retour’, just like the normal buses from Aix-en-Bus. My monthly bus ticket wasn’t valid for this ride. Luckily, a German student, who knew the Sainte-Victoire mountain very well, told us where to get off the bus (Maison de Sainte-Victoire).
We walked for an hour. For me, it was an exhausting walk, because I’m not used to walk on a steep hill. I was very happy, when we finally reached the top of the hill on the south side of Sainte-Victoire, because we had a great view. We could see some mountains far away. There was a nuclear station or energy plant on the other side and we could see some paragliders flying near the top of the Sainte-Victoire.
Though we were surrounded by bushes, the ground was very dry and many rocks lay on the path. The mountain has a white or grey top (limestone) and a brown foot (clay). The highest point, where the Croix de la Provence is situated, is above 1000 meters!
I took some pictures from the walk and the view. Maybe I’ll go another time to Sainte-Victoire during this semester, when the view is even better.
One remark: I have much spare time right now, because my first course will start on 17 September. Therefore, the posts are kind of touristic. As soon as I attend my classes, I will post something about my experiences at IAE.
My international network in Aix
I found national flags of the international students I have met. If you have time, tell me how many flags you can recognize.
To help you, here are the countries: The Netherlands, USA, Great-Britain, Dominican Republic, Germany, Belgium, France, Denmark, Sweden, Italy, Finland, Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Taiwan (Republic of China), China (People’s Republic of China), South-Korea, Vietnam, Nepal, Slovakia, Canada, Suisse, Nigeria, Poland, Czech-Republic, India, Greece, Bulgaria, Brazil and Mexico.
To help you, here are the countries: The Netherlands, USA, Great-Britain, Dominican Republic, Germany, Belgium, France, Denmark, Sweden, Italy, Finland, Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Taiwan (Republic of China), China (People’s Republic of China), South-Korea, Vietnam, Nepal, Slovakia, Canada, Suisse, Nigeria, Poland, Czech-Republic, India, Greece, Bulgaria, Brazil and Mexico.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Cassis
Today on the menu: Cassis. Our international group left late in the morning from Gare Routière. The lady in the information center had said that we had to change in Aubagne, but our Cartreize bus went directly to Cassis. Our group was very big; it’s always nice to get to know new international students. We weren’t the only people going to Cassis; the elderly probably went there for the wine.
Cassis is a village not far from Marseille at the Mediterranean Sea. It’s surrounded by big rocks. Therefore, the beaches aren’t very long and the view is - as anywhere I’ve been in the past 2 ½ weeks – great. I like mountains and any landscapes that are different from The Netherlands. Cassis has a little port, where I could see some nice yachts. Apparently, it was a special day in Cassis, because we saw many wine stands and a traditional music group in the center of the village. The atmosphere was wonderful, though it was a bit crowded. We lied on the beach (pebbles) near the little port. Many tanned people didn’t mind walking and swimming topless, which I found a little bit strange. The water was ice-cold for us, but the Finnish guys in our group loved it!
When we wanted to go back, the bus had already left to Aix (too early). I believe that the French buses don’t really care about the bus schedule, that’s my experience with the navettes of the Cartreize network. Luckily, a bus (2.70 euros) took us to Marseille. We had to go by subway (1.50 euros) to the famous Arc de triomphe of Marseille to catch the Cartreize bus to Aix. It took us 2 ½ hours to arrive at the Gare Routière and I was glad to be home.
Cassis is a village not far from Marseille at the Mediterranean Sea. It’s surrounded by big rocks. Therefore, the beaches aren’t very long and the view is - as anywhere I’ve been in the past 2 ½ weeks – great. I like mountains and any landscapes that are different from The Netherlands. Cassis has a little port, where I could see some nice yachts. Apparently, it was a special day in Cassis, because we saw many wine stands and a traditional music group in the center of the village. The atmosphere was wonderful, though it was a bit crowded. We lied on the beach (pebbles) near the little port. Many tanned people didn’t mind walking and swimming topless, which I found a little bit strange. The water was ice-cold for us, but the Finnish guys in our group loved it!
When we wanted to go back, the bus had already left to Aix (too early). I believe that the French buses don’t really care about the bus schedule, that’s my experience with the navettes of the Cartreize network. Luckily, a bus (2.70 euros) took us to Marseille. We had to go by subway (1.50 euros) to the famous Arc de triomphe of Marseille to catch the Cartreize bus to Aix. It took us 2 ½ hours to arrive at the Gare Routière and I was glad to be home.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Château d'If and Iles du Frioul
Because it was too windy on Saturday, we couldn’t take the boat to the Château d’If. That’s why we went last Sunday. It was a beautiful sunny day. We decided to meet at the Gare Routière (bus station). The bus ticket cost only 1 Euro in the weekend, because I had bought a Cartreize of 5 Euros. It’s ideal when you are under the age of 25.
The boat to Château d’If was already waiting for us in the port. Apparently, many tourists had the same idea. Château d’If is a former castle / prison and is situated on a big plateau of limestone. It has been the set of many movies about the Count of Monte Cristo and a former prisoner of Château d’If inspired Alexandre Dumas to write this story. As a European (discrimination?) student under the age of 25 I could get in for free. The prison wasn’t very interesting, but I enjoyed the view. I took some beautiful pictures of (the surroundings of) Marseille and the Iles du Frioul.
The boats that took us to Château d’If and Iles du Frioul, didn’t care about the timetable. One boat went too early, so we had to wait a little to get to the Iles du Frioul. The islands have a little port and there are many restaurants near this port. We saw the rest of the Islands in a small trolley car for 4 Euros. I could see the white-limestone rocks and palm trees. Moreover, the color of the water is wonderful! The boat trip to Château d’If and the Iles du Frioul cost me 15 Euros. It was definitely worth the money, because I won’t forget the memories I have of these amazing places.
The boat to Château d’If was already waiting for us in the port. Apparently, many tourists had the same idea. Château d’If is a former castle / prison and is situated on a big plateau of limestone. It has been the set of many movies about the Count of Monte Cristo and a former prisoner of Château d’If inspired Alexandre Dumas to write this story. As a European (discrimination?) student under the age of 25 I could get in for free. The prison wasn’t very interesting, but I enjoyed the view. I took some beautiful pictures of (the surroundings of) Marseille and the Iles du Frioul.
The boats that took us to Château d’If and Iles du Frioul, didn’t care about the timetable. One boat went too early, so we had to wait a little to get to the Iles du Frioul. The islands have a little port and there are many restaurants near this port. We saw the rest of the Islands in a small trolley car for 4 Euros. I could see the white-limestone rocks and palm trees. Moreover, the color of the water is wonderful! The boat trip to Château d’If and the Iles du Frioul cost me 15 Euros. It was definitely worth the money, because I won’t forget the memories I have of these amazing places.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Guided tour in Aix
Last Saturday, I did an interesting guided tour to see Aix. Because we were students and/or under the age of 25, the tour cost only 4 Euros. A French guide, who could speak very good English, showed us some typical streets and (old) buildings and told us interesting (historical) stories.
I will give a very short summary of what I saw. We started at the Tourist office, where we had bought the tickets. Three statues are located in the middle of La Rotonde, each looking in the direction of a city in the region (Avignon, Marseille and Aix). The Cours Mirabeau, a famous (historical) street near La Rotonde, separated the ‘new’ neighborhood Mazarin from the Old town in the past. In Mazarin, I saw some nice architecture and the streets are in a rectangular pattern. The Old town pattern is totally different; I still get lost very easily in that part of the city center. However, you can find the ‘Hôtel de Ville’ and the ‘Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur’ in this area. While we were inside the cathedral, a bride entered the main area in a beautiful wedding dress. I want to go back to see more of the cathedral, because we couldn’t see everything.
After about 1,5 hours the guided tour ended near the cathedral and we had to find our way back to the Cours Mirabeau and La Rotonde. Luckily, it was around noon, so we walked towards the sun and went home.
This tour is important for me, because I want to know more about the city I will live in the next couple of months. Moreover, I hope to have a better orientation when I’m walking in the city center and I see some buildings in a different way. The guide told us that we could get the famous Calisson cookies for free in a church on the first Sunday of September. I’m sure that I will take that opportunity to taste Aix.
I will give a very short summary of what I saw. We started at the Tourist office, where we had bought the tickets. Three statues are located in the middle of La Rotonde, each looking in the direction of a city in the region (Avignon, Marseille and Aix). The Cours Mirabeau, a famous (historical) street near La Rotonde, separated the ‘new’ neighborhood Mazarin from the Old town in the past. In Mazarin, I saw some nice architecture and the streets are in a rectangular pattern. The Old town pattern is totally different; I still get lost very easily in that part of the city center. However, you can find the ‘Hôtel de Ville’ and the ‘Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur’ in this area. While we were inside the cathedral, a bride entered the main area in a beautiful wedding dress. I want to go back to see more of the cathedral, because we couldn’t see everything.
After about 1,5 hours the guided tour ended near the cathedral and we had to find our way back to the Cours Mirabeau and La Rotonde. Luckily, it was around noon, so we walked towards the sun and went home.
This tour is important for me, because I want to know more about the city I will live in the next couple of months. Moreover, I hope to have a better orientation when I’m walking in the city center and I see some buildings in a different way. The guide told us that we could get the famous Calisson cookies for free in a church on the first Sunday of September. I’m sure that I will take that opportunity to taste Aix.
Bumpy ride to Puyricard
Early in the morning, around noon or at around 5 PM, I meet my favorite friend of the Provence region: bus 21 that will take me to the IAE faculty or bring me home. Sometimes it’s already waiting for me at the bus stop 'La Rotonde', which is located in the Avenue des Belges (confusing). I see bus stop La Rotonde as a place to meet all (international) students of IAE and the moment I arrive there, my day really begins.
I missed the bus the first day, because it leaves La Rotonde exactly on time. Luckily, I met interesting international students in the taxi (in the end +/- 4 Euros) and we all arrived on time. When I took the bus back, I made a big mistake: I was seated backwards. But I survived the bumpy ride and came home without being sick. The main 2 reasons: there are many roundabouts during the ride and the bus drivers stop very abruptly. The first encounter cost me 1,10 Euros for an ‘aller simple’. The next morning I bought a ‘carnet de 10 tickets’ (7,70 Euros) at the Tourist office. As of 1 September I will have a monthly student card for 20 Euros, which allows me to take all buses of 'Aix en Bus'.
After one week of travelling by bus to Puyricard I got used to the rollercoaster ride of 25 minutes. Now I can actually talk and look at the other students sitting next to me or at the beautiful surroundings of Aix-en-Provence. There is one great thing I have to say, I see a beautiful view* of Aix and some hills during a few seconds of the meeting with my favorite friend...
* Unfortunately, I haven’t had the opportunity to take a picture, because the bus drives quite fast at the point.
I missed the bus the first day, because it leaves La Rotonde exactly on time. Luckily, I met interesting international students in the taxi (in the end +/- 4 Euros) and we all arrived on time. When I took the bus back, I made a big mistake: I was seated backwards. But I survived the bumpy ride and came home without being sick. The main 2 reasons: there are many roundabouts during the ride and the bus drivers stop very abruptly. The first encounter cost me 1,10 Euros for an ‘aller simple’. The next morning I bought a ‘carnet de 10 tickets’ (7,70 Euros) at the Tourist office. As of 1 September I will have a monthly student card for 20 Euros, which allows me to take all buses of 'Aix en Bus'.
After one week of travelling by bus to Puyricard I got used to the rollercoaster ride of 25 minutes. Now I can actually talk and look at the other students sitting next to me or at the beautiful surroundings of Aix-en-Provence. There is one great thing I have to say, I see a beautiful view* of Aix and some hills during a few seconds of the meeting with my favorite friend...
* Unfortunately, I haven’t had the opportunity to take a picture, because the bus drives quite fast at the point.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Cité universitaire Estelan
I came in Aix at the Gare Routière (bus station) in the early evening. I needed three roundabouts* to walk to the street** of Estelan. Estelan’s hidden entrance is located near the roundabout. When I came to pay and get the key (+/- €150 per month), I was not on the list. I must say that I sent two e-mails and called the ‘secrétariat’ some weeks ago to tell my arrival date, so there must have gone something wrong in the process. But the lady at the desk gave me a key and I had to come back the next day to pay my rent. I could pick a floor (2nd) and she came with me to show the room.
So this is the room in which I’ll sleep and stay until the end of December. The room is about 10 m2 and it has furniture: a bed (with a pillow***), two chairs, a desk, much closet space, a lavabo and a bidet. I share the kitchen with 44 to 49 French and international students on my floor. I see it as an advantage, because I’m able to meet many people from different countries and I can learn French much faster than when I would live in an apartment with 3 other students. There are 12 rooms, the kitchen and the ladies’ toilet in my corridor.
Because the ladies’ toilet is closed until the end of August, I have to walk about 50 meters to go to the mixed toilet and the mixed showers. They are like on the campsite or in the swimming pool with doors and locks made of plastic. I take my toilet paper with me, because there aren’t any in the toilet. Indeed, it really feels like camping! But I already got used to it. Every day (I didn’t see her on Saturday) a cleaning lady cleans the common rooms on our floor and the staircase.
The next day I paid the rent (last days of August, September, October and November) and I asked some questions in French at the ‘secrétariat’. I thought that I could only pay with a credit card (Visa, Mastercard) or in cash. Apparently, a debit card (Maestro or CB-card) is a ‘credit card’ in French too. I needed some time to figure that out… On Friday I paid the rent for a small box in the refrigerator, such that I could buy some milk and cheese.
There are strict rules in this hall of residence and the cleaning lady checks the rooms. I’ve been told that they do it early in the morning when I’m still asleep, but I can’t imagine that they do that. I have to see it with my own eyes, before I believe that! You can’t have someone stay a night in your room; otherwise you’ll get a warning. After 3 warnings you’ll have to move out. That’s why I say ‘Bonjour’ and smile, every time I see her (you’ll never know).
This is all I can say about my place. It’s different than my room in Holland, but for €150 per month it is better than expected. Estelan is nicely situated: a market and supermarket nearby. The Gare Routière is not far away, so I can take the bus to Marseille, Nice etc very easily. I’m quite happy with it and already made friends in Estelan.
* I got used to measuring walking distances in “roundabouts” instead of kilometers, because there are so many of them in Aix and its surroundings. I want to buy a bike, but I’m a bit scared, because the cars drive very fast on the roundabout and they don’t stop when pedestrians are walking on the crosswalk.
** The street is the Avenue Général Leclerc or Boulevard du Maréchal Leclerc or Avenue du Maréchal Leclerc, as long as it is ‘Leclerc’… Apparently the last name or the noun that is written at the end of the street name is what you have to remember and ask for.
*** I brought a pillow case with me from Holland, which was rectangular. Though the pillow I found in the room was like a long cylinder, I could wrap my pillow case around it. So now I have a U-shaped pillow, but it’s okay.
So this is the room in which I’ll sleep and stay until the end of December. The room is about 10 m2 and it has furniture: a bed (with a pillow***), two chairs, a desk, much closet space, a lavabo and a bidet. I share the kitchen with 44 to 49 French and international students on my floor. I see it as an advantage, because I’m able to meet many people from different countries and I can learn French much faster than when I would live in an apartment with 3 other students. There are 12 rooms, the kitchen and the ladies’ toilet in my corridor.
Because the ladies’ toilet is closed until the end of August, I have to walk about 50 meters to go to the mixed toilet and the mixed showers. They are like on the campsite or in the swimming pool with doors and locks made of plastic. I take my toilet paper with me, because there aren’t any in the toilet. Indeed, it really feels like camping! But I already got used to it. Every day (I didn’t see her on Saturday) a cleaning lady cleans the common rooms on our floor and the staircase.
The next day I paid the rent (last days of August, September, October and November) and I asked some questions in French at the ‘secrétariat’. I thought that I could only pay with a credit card (Visa, Mastercard) or in cash. Apparently, a debit card (Maestro or CB-card) is a ‘credit card’ in French too. I needed some time to figure that out… On Friday I paid the rent for a small box in the refrigerator, such that I could buy some milk and cheese.
There are strict rules in this hall of residence and the cleaning lady checks the rooms. I’ve been told that they do it early in the morning when I’m still asleep, but I can’t imagine that they do that. I have to see it with my own eyes, before I believe that! You can’t have someone stay a night in your room; otherwise you’ll get a warning. After 3 warnings you’ll have to move out. That’s why I say ‘Bonjour’ and smile, every time I see her (you’ll never know).
This is all I can say about my place. It’s different than my room in Holland, but for €150 per month it is better than expected. Estelan is nicely situated: a market and supermarket nearby. The Gare Routière is not far away, so I can take the bus to Marseille, Nice etc very easily. I’m quite happy with it and already made friends in Estelan.
* I got used to measuring walking distances in “roundabouts” instead of kilometers, because there are so many of them in Aix and its surroundings. I want to buy a bike, but I’m a bit scared, because the cars drive very fast on the roundabout and they don’t stop when pedestrians are walking on the crosswalk.
** The street is the Avenue Général Leclerc or Boulevard du Maréchal Leclerc or Avenue du Maréchal Leclerc, as long as it is ‘Leclerc’… Apparently the last name or the noun that is written at the end of the street name is what you have to remember and ask for.
*** I brought a pillow case with me from Holland, which was rectangular. Though the pillow I found in the room was like a long cylinder, I could wrap my pillow case around it. So now I have a U-shaped pillow, but it’s okay.
Ryanair flight Eindhoven - Marseille (MP2)
Last Wednesday I flew from Eindhoven Airport, which is very close to Eindhoven, to Marseille Provence Airport. Before we stopped at the airport, we had a small lunch near the airport next to a small road. The benches were near a kennel, and we had a nice view over the fields near the military base.
When we got at the airport, we left the car on a short-parking space, where you can park for free the first 15 minutes. I dropped my check-in luggage (15 kilos) at a desk in the entrance hall. That didn’t take much time, because several Ryanair desks were open. I expected a very long waiting line at the security, that’s why I came about 1.5 hour earlier at the airport to make sure that I could get on my airplane. But that also didn’t take much time. I said goodbye to my parents and my sister, meanwhile thinking that it would take some time before I could see them again. Many people were waiting for their airplane. Some people rushed to get first in line, because who comes first (except priority passes) can find a great seat; others were waiting until their names were called to get on the airplane, such that they could avoid the waiting line.
Finally, at about 16.45 it was my time. Many French parents with little children went on board of the Boeing 737. I found a seat at the window, such that I could see the last cities of Holland, some nice bending rivers in Belgium and the beautiful landscape of France. There were some clouds when we flew over France and that’s why I could orientate myself a few minutes before we landed on Marseille Provence Airport. We arrived with a delay, but I didn’t have to wait long to get my suitcase. When I left the departure hall of the MP2 terminal, the sun was shining and it felt great! I took a blazer and a sommer or raincoat (the normal stuff in Holland) with me, but I was sure that I wouldn’t need them for a long time. First I couldn’t find the navette (shuttle bus). It was next to hall 3 and 4 of the main terminal I think. It cost me 7 euros to get from MP2 to Aix-en-Provence ‘Gare Routière’, but it was worth it. I saw the reddish / OKER colors of the Provence along the highway and knew that this would be a great new home for the next couple of months.
I put some pictures of my departure at Eindhoven Airport. Unfortunately, I didn’t take any pictures of MP2 and the navette.
When we got at the airport, we left the car on a short-parking space, where you can park for free the first 15 minutes. I dropped my check-in luggage (15 kilos) at a desk in the entrance hall. That didn’t take much time, because several Ryanair desks were open. I expected a very long waiting line at the security, that’s why I came about 1.5 hour earlier at the airport to make sure that I could get on my airplane. But that also didn’t take much time. I said goodbye to my parents and my sister, meanwhile thinking that it would take some time before I could see them again. Many people were waiting for their airplane. Some people rushed to get first in line, because who comes first (except priority passes) can find a great seat; others were waiting until their names were called to get on the airplane, such that they could avoid the waiting line.
Finally, at about 16.45 it was my time. Many French parents with little children went on board of the Boeing 737. I found a seat at the window, such that I could see the last cities of Holland, some nice bending rivers in Belgium and the beautiful landscape of France. There were some clouds when we flew over France and that’s why I could orientate myself a few minutes before we landed on Marseille Provence Airport. We arrived with a delay, but I didn’t have to wait long to get my suitcase. When I left the departure hall of the MP2 terminal, the sun was shining and it felt great! I took a blazer and a sommer or raincoat (the normal stuff in Holland) with me, but I was sure that I wouldn’t need them for a long time. First I couldn’t find the navette (shuttle bus). It was next to hall 3 and 4 of the main terminal I think. It cost me 7 euros to get from MP2 to Aix-en-Provence ‘Gare Routière’, but it was worth it. I saw the reddish / OKER colors of the Provence along the highway and knew that this would be a great new home for the next couple of months.
I put some pictures of my departure at Eindhoven Airport. Unfortunately, I didn’t take any pictures of MP2 and the navette.
Monday, August 17, 2009
General information
In a couple of days, I will fly to Marseille (MP2) and take the shuttle-bus to Aix-en-Provence. For what reason? Well, I will study at the IAE faculty (Université Paul Cézanne) for one semester (September-December) as an Erasmus exchange student. Though the faculty is in Puyricard, I hope I can stay in a student residence in Aix.
Because I hope to see and experience much of the French culture and language, I opened this blog to share my experiences and photos with you.
Feel free to comment!
Because I hope to see and experience much of the French culture and language, I opened this blog to share my experiences and photos with you.
Feel free to comment!
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