A New Chapter

Dear Reader,

I know that I have skipped over a lot of details about the rest of my trip abroad. But I will actually give them. I did a whole lot of things, I promise. This is yet another tease of a post. I am on a quest to better myself and learn things. Right past wrongs. Or in this case, write past wrongs.

I don't care if you cringed at that, it was clever I say!

My trip abroad was a wave, and when I crashed back in the US I was extremely glad to be home, but it left me like many other people who come here from different countries: without a job. So in this two month period of my life where I will be babysitting (which is definitely a useful skill, don't get me wrong) I will also be bettering myself in other ways. I am using this as an opportunity to grow. This is what life is about ladies and gents. I hope that you enjoy reading about my experiences with it and I hope even more that I actually remember to write about it.

All the best,
Alexa

As someone very wise once said, "Alexa, you're the worst ever at updating your blog."

Dear Reader,

I regret to confirm that the title of this post is indeed true. I have been incredibly lax on updating the very exciting and European saga that has become my life. I left you with an epic cliffhanger, but then an entire month passed! OOPS! So lets go over those first and then I'll talk about Spring Break and Carnevale!

1. Cannes Part 1 and 2

So the weekend after Nice and Monaco, the typical group decided to visit Cannes, the closest famous city to us. It was an exciting and glamorous day, we had unexpectedly stumbled upon one of the most famous European music awards! There were tons of celebrities in the city, not that we saw any. The only ones that I really knew about anyway were The Black Eyed Peas and Shakira. While I don't really listen to BEP outside of club, Marissa has me hooked on "Loca" by Shakira and we dance around to it a lot in the apartment, so it would have been cool to see her, but we did not, shockingly. Instead we wandered up and down, taking lots and lots of photos of the area. It was VERY crowded, which made it difficult to get around, but the shopping looked really cool. We decided to just browse the first day, especially because the guys and gals had different agendas. (If you've never tried, it's pretty hard to get a group of men to agree to wander around Sephora and H&M for more then 2 minutes). Essentially, we wandered around, looked at a LOT of really ridiculous yachts and made our way back to Antibes. The next day the girls decided to go back and shop! It was a great day for that especially since I was desperately in need of some new things, for example, pants that fit. Fortunately for me, walking at least 3 miles every day, and half of it uphill, has caused me to lose some weight and I needed pants that didn't fall down every two seconds! I also got some sunglasses because the weather began getting warmer and it was necessary for me to see things during the day without going blind. I found two stores here I really like, one called Mango and the other called Six. Both have really inexpensive, cheap things. One of the other things I really liked about this part of my time in France was that it's during the period from mid-January to mid-March where it is actually ILLEGAL for stores to not have sales going on. So that was pretty cool too.

2. Alexa and Marissa find this really awesome fondue place

This one is pretty straightforward. Marissa and I woke up late, discovered that a bunch of people had gone into Nice without us (JERKS) and so we decided to up and explore Antibes a little more. It was the first time we really found anything that could be labeled as "french" food, and we got to see and understand a lot more of the layout of the place we were living. It was AMAZING. Simply, we shared pizza and fondue. But really, it was incredibly pizza, hand made and cooked in front of us in a brick fire oven, and then given fondue of beef cubes we cooked ourselves and then could dip in 4 different homemade sauces. And bread. And fries. andddd an entire bottle of wine. Everything was so delicious that we brought our friends back with us the next day! We've been back 2 more times since after that lol and have tried almost all of their different kids of fondue (one with a wine sauce for meat, one with different cheeses with bread, both of which were SO INSANELY GOOD).

3. Our first party with French people

This one was an interesting experience. Here at SKEMA club nights are supported and promoted by student organizations and the tickets are sold for a discount here on campus. The first one of these that Marissa and I decided to attend was a 'highlighter party', as we call it in the states. For those of you who don't know what that is (lookin at you Mom and Dad), everyone wears White and brings markers with which to draw on everyone else. We went to hang out at a French friend of Matt's before walking over to the club. Here we drank typical French drinks (stuff that I suppose is similar to Sambuca, but sweeter), and I spoke almost entirely in French! I was really proud of myself. It is commonly said here that there is a positive correlation between "amount of wine consumed" and "amount of French an American can speak", but that aside the French students at the party were complimenting me of my knowledge of the language. After writing many interesting (and a lot of not appropriate) phrases and pictures on people, we made our way to Juan les Pins to join the rest of the SKEMA population who decided to come. Overall it was a really fun night with lots of dancing. The best part was that the club was in Juan les Pins, which is only a 10 minute walk home! Usually going out in Antibes means Marissa and I have over a mile walk uphill home and usually takes about 25 minutes.

4. Shayna and Mike come and much ridiculousness ensues

I LOVED having Shayna and Mike here! It was amazing getting to host friends! At the same time Marissa and I were also playing 'dogsitter' for our host family because they had some family matters to attend to in Paris. So we had Shayna, Mike, and Oliver the 13 year old Westie. I absolutely ADORED having a doggie around. He's SO FLUFFY!!! But most of the weekend was spent exploring Nice and Monaco again with Shayna and Mike. The first night they were here we had a house party since we knew it would disturb anyone. After consuming quite a bit of alcohol we decided it would be a good idea to jump in the pool. Keep in mind, this was the end of January. It felt like getting stabbed all over a million times. It's pretty cool to say that I went swimming, but overall, definitely not worth it. We had a pong tournament where Shayna and Matt were paired together so obviously no one stood a chance.

The second day we went to Nice and walked around. We went to an American restaurant (don't judge ok) because we were STARVING right off the bus. The train was under construction that weekend so we had to take the bus everywhere. It was definitely one of the least American experiences ever. We were given Indian head dresses to wear (by given I mean Shayna and I took them) and we were served Popcorn as an appetizer for free because, apparently, this is what they do in America. Who knew? I got a hamburger, it tasted nothing like a burger. Overall it was a weird experience. This time we walked around some of the higher points in the city and spent some time on the beach. In the afternoon we laid out in the sun on the rocks and listened to the ocean. It was very calming and relaxing. After lying down for a while I decided to throw stones in the water and at one point I got too close and the ocean got its revenge by soaking my feet and causing me to fall on my face. AND Mike caught the whole thing on camera and subsequently called it "Alexa vs. the Ocean" Preview: Alexa loses. After that we walked up an epic hill, the name of which I forget, to get some incredible views and pictures of Nice at sunset. It was very beautiful, the orange over the clear blue of the ocean and the lights of the ferris wheel in the distance.

The next day we attempted to go to Monaco. We got to the city, went to the Aquarium, which was really cool, but that was the only thing we got to do because it was raining horribly the entire time and we were throughly soaked by the time we returned to Antibes. The Aquarium itself was huge and beautiful, with lots of tanks of sharks, eels, jellyfish, and loads of other fish. The eels really creeped me out but everything else was neato. Mike and Shayna left the next day, and they almost missed their bus to the airport! Overall it was an excellent visit

5. Grasse

The next weekend Marissa and I decided to visit Grasse, which is a city more inland into France that is known for its Perfumeries. We only visited one in particular, named Fragonard. We got to tour the facilities, which was really interesting and educational. We learned how perfumes used to be made using distillation, fats, and flowers. It used to take multiple tons of rose blooms just to make 8oz of rose essence. Crazy stuff. We also watched them make soap. They crank it out of machines into "soap sausage" and then at Fragonard they shape it into eggs and stamp them with the Fragonard logo. Apparently these eggs are super famous? They smelled nice at least. It's very nerdy of me, but I thought that the marketing strategy that Fragonard used was really cool, all of their packaging was beautifully done and they essentially had a monopoly on the center of Grasse. 

Well! I wish I could tell you all more but my class is over! Here's what we have in store for next time:

1. Dinner with host family and dimbo
2. Mimosa Festival in Biot
3. Bread, love, and chocolate festival in Antibes
4. Spring break!
5. Carnivale!

TTFN,

Alexa

Talk about Multitasking

Buongiorno miei amici!


So as Facebook has probably told many of you, I have decided to take Photography and Italian this semester. I've already learned a ton in photography and (after replacing my camera because the first one took a very sad bath in the sea) have taken some pretty neat photographs! 


Italian is a little more difficult for me because the class is taught in French, not English. Not to mention that it'sElementary Italian II so everyone in the class is expected to have had at least a semester of Italian (most of them a year or more) and the professor speaks almost entirely in Italian. But like I said before, when it's not Italian, it's French. So it's really challenging for me but many of you know I absolutely love languages so I'm doing my best. In the words of Barney Stinson, challenge accepted!


I know I haven't updated in quite a while and I've been told off by many a person, so I'm going to do my best to update you all on the important events. Here's what you missed:

1. Cannes! Part 1 and 2
2. Alexa and Marissa find this really awesome fondue place
3. Our first party with French people
4. Shayna and Mike come to visit and much ridiculousness ensues
5. Spring break=Booked!
6. Grasse
7. Mimosa Festival in Biot
8. Carnivale=booked!

BUT CLIFFHANGER! I have to go take pictures for my photography class and learn some Italian so you will have to wait! Don't worry, it'll happen I promise. Pictures included!

Ciao!

Alexa

I still haven't eaten any French food...

Dear Reader,

I am well into my second week of school here and I have yet to eat any French food. The reason for this is because Antibes is a big vacation spot for Italians, so there is Italian food EVERYWHERE. Seriously. It's entirely pizza, pasta, and knock-off Asian. We have found many a good boulanger though, and the baguettes here are magical. Especially fresh out of the oven! So delicious. Today Marissa and I went out for Indian food though, it was great and Marissa ate even more than I did!

The only new thing to update is that I have changed my class schedule to include Photography and Italian. I had photography today and it seems like a really great class that will mean I come home with truly excellent pictures from Europe. I'm also excited for Italian, my first class is tomorrow and the only word I can say is "buongiorno" and if I'm being honest with you, reader, I just had to google how to spell it. The first two weeks are going to be really hard for me because this is Elementary II, so students are expected to have had one full semester of Italian already. I can't wait to try out my Italian in Italy though! (Here's looking at you Kat!)

At least my French is getting better! Having practice every day is really fun, and people are complimenting me on my French a lot, which is very encouraging. My last update for everyone is that I've started keeping a Picasa web album so that you have the option of checking out all of my pictures as well! This is the album for my trip to Nice and Monaco! So now you have the option of seeing all the beautiful things I do! Hope you enjoy all my captions :)

Ciao,
Alexa

Go, Speed Racer!

Dear Reader,

Hopefully this blog post will FINALLY put me up to date with the chain of events. This weekend has been very eventful. There was a large group of students that went on a ski trip, and some of the UF and AU students that didn't go skiing all hung out and went traveling. Friday was Nice, Saturday was Monaco.

Nice was drop dead gorgeous. I have grown up going to the Jersey shore and I forgot that water is supposed to be the color blue that it is here. The views are insane, everything looks like a postcard, and just walking around was a blast. The bus ride there was about an hour, and when we got off the bus it smelled like funnel cake and we walk into the main square and theres a giant ferris wheel and carnival stuff!

 Chris and I decided to check out whatever smelled so good and we found this awesome stand called "Picnic". Turns out that the delicious wafting smell was churros! But definitely the French version. and they made them fresh and hot right there with nutella for you to dip them in. It was like heaven in my mouth.

 We basically mosied around in true French style for a good couple hours. We passed by Orange trees growing and we peer pressured Chris into jumping off of a bench in order to get some. In the end they weren't ripe but I still tried them anyway because he hurt his foot in the effort and I felt bad. Here's the group of us in the plaza:

From left to right: me, Chris, Maria, Marissa, Matt, and Rainer

There were some gorgeous views of the beach and many, many enormous yachts. I'd never seen so many awesome boats in my life.

 

To end we went back to the main plaza and some of the stores to look around. The views and lighting were incredible. Marissa and I were the only people who made purchases. She bought a Longchamps bag for something around 70 euros. I got a bright orange grocery bag with the phrase "toujours avec le sourire" (always with a smile) for 2.50. I think I got the better deal, but I've never been one to spend a lot of money either.

This is my favorite picture from Nice. It's of the main square with everything lit up at night.

When we got back that night Chris and Matt came back to our apartment and we had a few drinks and then decided to go out to this club called Equinox. While on other nights this is apparently a hoppin joint, on Friday it was basically dead. There were 10 people there and they were all at least 30. And then we met "speed racer", who was an actual hooker. And may have at one point be a man. Basically she wore almost no clothing and danced on a pole, and that really is a pretty good summation. We all laughed at her (shim?) and danced around. Overall a mildly awkward but still entertaining evening. 

Saturday we went to Monaco. We got on the train, which was very nice and took about an hour. When we got off, the view looked like this. Monaco is basically all cliffs, hills, and TONS of money. 

These are the cars in front of the casino. Monte Carlo had some of the most opulent displays of sheer wealth I've ever seen.

The palace in Monte Carlo

Me sitting on a cannon with the view from the palace

 The cathedral by the palace. Absolutely amazing.

 The walk back down from the castle looked like this. The water here is clear and stunning. I know that I was sad to leave home, but leaving this place is going to be difficult too.

My second week of school starts tomorrow! It should be an interesting adventure. At least, I hope so. I'm trying to plan out some different trips by talking to different relatives and seeing where it would be the least expensive for me to stay. I think Friday I might go back to Nice, but my next long trip is definitely Paris! 

Bon Soiree!

Alexa

SKEMA!

Dear Reader,


I bet you're wondering what it's like going to school in France and how that compares to school in the United States. So far I've been to one weeks worth of classes and it's definitely been a different experience. Before I came here, I was told that the professors here love American students because they work harder and are in general more attentive. But I found that hard to believe, and I figured I was going to have to actually work to live up to those expectations. BOY was I wrong.


First thing to know about school here: French students talk all during class. WHILE the teacher is talking. It's so disrespectful it kind of makes my head spin a little bit. About half of the teachers put up with it, the other half tolerate 0 noise as a result. All of the American students are so confused, because we genuinely want to pay attention. And its not like I don't understand not wanting to pay attention in class. But it's Day 1. At least try to show some manners! Not to mention that if you don't want to pay attention in class, that's your own business. But don't distract other people too, that's not fair. While there are a lot of things the Americans could learn from the French (for example, portion control-I have only seen like 2 fat people here so far and everyone else looks like a model), French students could definitely take a pointer or two from us. Like instead of paying attention in class, bring a computer to go on facebook and play solitaire. Or at least get out a piece of paper and play hangman with your neighbor (the french get an extra turn because all french hangman stick figures are required to have a mustache as well). Just do it quitely, s'il vous plaît !


So far I'm taking mostly business classes. On Tuesdays I have International Marketing at 8:30am and then Productions and Operations Management at 4pm. It's a LONG gap in between.  Wednesdays I'm going to be taking Photography if I get into the class. Thursdays I have Corporate Finance at 8:30am and then another huge block with Org Behavior at 4pm. It means a lot of long breaks and a lot of me traveling back and forth between the school and anywhere with a decent cafe.  SKEMA is in the middle of nowhere. Google maps it if you don't believe me, it's only woods for miles (or kilometers as they say here). I'm sure that next week I'll actually get to looking around. I still need to get myself a bus pass. The classes themselves seem like a cakewalk at the moment. In corporate finance some of the girls in class had trouble doing basic multiplication and we were stuck there for a good 15 minutes. Also almost all assessments in class are open book/open computer/open note. It's going to be a awesome.


I finally got around to uploading some pictures too! This is Marissa and my apartment in Antibes:

Our living room

More living room. Fun fact about the tv: the only English channel I've been able to get is JCTV, Jesus Christ TV lol

Marissa cooking our first French dinner at  home in our kitchen!

My room! I took the smaller one, if you open the window it smells like basil :)

Marissa's room! We were still in the middle of unpacking when I took these, her room is tidier now

This is the street that we live on!

The infamous "rape" cheese! For clarification, it's the French word for shredded. Still hilarious though.

And lastly for this post, a rainbow. This was taken our second day in Antibes! Proof that this place is actually magical.

XOXO,

Alexa

Dear Reader,

What an eventful couple of days. We left off at orientation. After orientation Marissa and I went home for a bit and then managed to successfully navigate to Juan-les-Pins. It's about a 10 minute walk from our apartment, very easy.  The bar we went to, called Esterel, was dark and had heavy music but was still fun. I got to order drinks in French, which was amusing as well. The bar was very close to the beach so Marissa and I explored that a bit as well.

As the night wore on everyone had more and more drinks and eventually it was too hot so Chris and I went for a walk outside, playing on the beach (and for me since I was wearing rain boots, in the water). The most entertaining part of the walk was when I decided I had to use the restroom but I was afraid the nearest restaurant wouldn't let me. So Chris and I decided that for the sake of my bladder I would be pregnant and tell the hostess exactly that. So we did. At first the hostess told me the bathroom didn't work and I was sad, but then she said she was kidding and showed me where it was. Apparently while I was gone the waiters were arguing about whether or not I was actually with child/how far I was along.

Overall it was a fun evening. The next night Marissa and I went out into Antibes and had our first real "french dinner". It was nachos. We're pretty awesome. But to our credit it was really the only place that was open. And we got to talk to people there in French and English and see where we should go hang out after dinner. The bartender told us about this popular bar called The Hop Store which wasn't too far away, so we decided to go there after nomsing. Turns out, thats where all of the other Americans in our program were hanging out that night too! So we had a big group, talked to some French and English guys, and chatted until the bar closed, then we went to this club called The Light House. Thank god Marissa has a sense of direction because I have no idea how I would have gotten home without her. People who have tried to get me to navigate in unfamiliar territory before will know that I have something known as "I always want to turn right" syndrome. Anyway it was the first late night but it was quite fun as well.

Marissa and I are currently on our way out to Nice. Many of the students here are going on a French/English bonding ski weekend, but that was too expensive. So a few of us are going shopping instead :)
I'll update on how that went, hopefully with pictures, and I'll talk about the first week of school too!

Bise Bise!
Alexa