Extraordinaire!

As usual life has been a bit hectic over here in Nice. We finally got internet service in our apartment, which had to have been one of the most rewarding accomplishments yet. We didn't end up going to Monaco because the weather was a bit too cold to fully enjoy the experience. Instead, we went to three different museums. The Matisse Museum was incredible. Some of our group members didn't enjoy his later works, but to be in the presence of artwork that made such a difference in art history was a great experience. We also went to an archaeology museum where we saw Roman ruins and the following day Carley and I went to the modern art museum, where we saw pieces by Andy Warhol and other amazing artists.  This past weekend was much more eventful. Carnaval (Mardi Gras) started and the festivities don't end until March 6th. None of us had any idea what to expect, but the opening ceremony made it very clear that it would be one giant party. During the ceremony this past Friday, there were acrobats, an opera singer, massive floats, fireworks and a sky full of confetti. Essentially it was a joyful representation of how rich the culture is in the south of France. Following the spectacle we went to meet up with some of our friends in the Old City. We were about to walk down the stairs on the edge of the neighborhood, when a large group of security started walking towards us. Naturally we were a bit nervous, though we had done nothing wrong. When they came a bit closer we realized that they were protecting the mayor of Nice who had been at the event. He shook our hands and said "Bonsoir." I find it pretty awesome that we've been in Nice for a couple weeks and have already personally met the mayor. I mean how many people can say that? Saturday there was a parade and Sunday we participated in Zumba on the beach followed by the Nice version of the "Polar Plunge." It was crazy cold, but I can say that I've been in the Mediterranean! This week I have been busy with classes and homework which seems quite normal for a college student; however, there are many differences that make college here quite different then back home. For instance, all notebooks have grided paper instead of just horizontal lines, the schedule changes every week and you get very little assigned work during the semester. Last night I went to Salsa and a bar in the Old City. There was a large group of students from IPAG and we had a blast! They had lessons earlier in the night, but I got there too late for the beginner class so I went to the intermediate one. It was quite the challenge and the fact that the women had to change partners every few minutes made it even more difficult. All the men were patient with me and although some laughed at me they all did their best to help me out. This weekend my lovely ex-roomie Jeanne and my ex-roomie in-law Jake are visiting! They are both studying in London this semester and are planning on spending the weekend with me. I can't wait!

Création d'une Maison à Nice

I've been in Nice for about a week now, but it honestly has felt more like a month. When Dave and I (the other student from SUNY Oswego) arrived, a French student from our school picked us up. He spoke a little English, but it was difficult to hold a conversation with him. I was still extremely nervous to speak French to anyone. Once we got settled into our hotel room we noticed that there was no shower curtain, that started the list of Things We Didn't Expect in Nice. Later that night Carley, one of the students from Cornell arrived and the three of us decided to go exploring and find dinner. That was easier said than done. We ended up getting salads at a To-Go pizzeria and got lost on our way back to the hotel. When we made it there we realized we didn't have and forks, so Carley went down to the front desk to ask for some. The girl at the desk kindly said she would bring some up to our room. About five minutes later, she showed up at our door with three blankets. . . . I graciously accepted them, but we were all very confused. Later we found out that in french the words "fork" and "blanket" are quite similar. Our search for an apartment started the of Orientation at Ipag (the school we are attending). The first apartment we looked at was perfect, but we found out later that it was too expensive with all the charges they add on. We eventually found an apartment    that was much cheaper and in a good location. We live in an neighborhood were many of the streets and hotels are named after famous musicians and when I say we I mean me, Dave and Carley. It has been extremely difficult to get to a point where we just felt like we could just live. Everything has been more complicated then we thought it should be. From getting internet (which you have to open a French bank account to do), to purchasing phones and even buying groceries, life has been busy. We have started classes and they are not too bad, but the schedule changes every week so it is hard to keep up with when your classes are scheduled for. It's strange, but I'm sure we'll get the hang of it.We have made some amazing friends from all over the world and together we have all started to figure things out. We tend to call each other by the country or state that we come from, which is actually really fun. Our first friend was from Ireland and her name is Mairead. Then there is James and Liz from Australia, Rachel who is also from Cornell, the amazing Russian clan, the Mexicans, a bunch of other Americans, a French girl who has helped us out a lot, and so many more! I bought my first drink at a pub in the Old City. It was a White Russian, because my mom has always said they were really good and she hasn't been able to buy either of her daughters their first drink. This Friday we are going to a candy factory with a big group from Ipag and then Saturday we are going to explore Monaco. Sometimes I wake up in the morning shocked that I'm here in such a beautiful city. The fact that I can look out my window right now and see a palm tree is surreal. Life in Nice thus far has been a challenge, but one that I wouldn't trade for anything.