I am having a great time in Berlin and it's been due in part to my two new friends and roommate. They are normal and fun. My friends Saria and Jeremias, are so friendly and they are easy to be with. I have been able to do some more sightseeing with both of them and it turns out that I know a little more about the city than they do. Thank you bus tours!
The weather has gotten colder and I am freezing! I can't deny it and I can't pretend any longer that I can handle it because I am doubting my resolve here. It is humid and it's colder than Vancouver. I grew up in a dry cold climate in FSJ and I feel ill-equipped here. Layers help but only so much. I really had it good back home. I will be able to survive but I need to get some wool-lined jackets soon.
I have taught my 2nd class and so far so good but I am not the best teacher and so I have to step up my game for the next class in 2 weeks. They need more of a challenge and I realise that what I was preparing or lack of, is not enough. I need to bring out more vocabulary and get away from the book more. They are good students though and they like to participate and answer questions, so I'm happy with that.
So far, I have been able to walk in Tiergarten park twice. The trees are so lovely and the leaves on the ground are amazing. I have seen Berlin city during the day and at night. I get home by 11pm now and on Saturday, I got home at 2:30am - I took a cab home, of course. We found a Karaoke place, called "Green Mango Karaoke" and it looks all tropical inside. We didn't sing that night but this Saturday, I am going singing. Hopefully the people there will be drunk enough to appreciate my songs. I think I'll be the only one of my friends though that's into it but we may go dancing as well. My friends are members and so it's nice to have good clean fun. In Germany, I see alcohol everywhere and people just walk around with it openly. There is smoking everywhere as well and I have to get used to this.
My friend, Jeremias, and his brother, speak to me in German as much as possible. Jeremias to help me with my German and his brother, because he doesn't speak a lot of English. So, I am getting the crash course. I am being introduced to common German phrases for greetings and conversation. I have found that the German I learned does not correspond with what I hear in the stores when I shop. I'm expecting to hear "Auf Wiedersehen" for goodbye but I hear something else "Schone tag noch" - Have a good day. I need to work on my pronunciation more and I have checked out some German workbooks and CD's from the library. I am an official library card holder. Yay! I have looked at German classes but the times do not work for my schedule, especially when I have to travel across the city to get there. The trains are good but not super fast.
I go to Church activities throughout the week, FHE and Institute. I kind of feel bad that I am so much older but it's for the social aspect until I don't need it anymore. Or, I can create a Mid-Singles group...which there are a few of us that I notice, so I'm going to look into it more. Yes, I can't leave anything alone, I need to make everything work for me. Is that so wrong? I think it's a good kind of selfish because it also benefits other people:) I have officially requested that my Church records are transferred. So, once that happens, I no longer belong to the Vancouver Stake. Sad, hey? I think so.
Food here is cheap but it's so cheap that it's easier to buy lunch than groceries. Also, at the activities, they make supper.
Christmas Markts (not a typo) - They are being erected everywhere and they have winter carnivals here during December:) I am going to have such a great time this Christmas season and I'll take a lot of photos.
Okay, I need to get ready to go out now. It's cold, so it takes me a while to layer up and make sure I have everything before I leave the house. I know, hard life. haha.
Tschus!
PS: The war is on the weather...I'll let you know if I win.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Wilkommen zu Berlin!
I am having a really good time here. So far, this week I have hung out with people every day and had burritos 2x already, plus 2 meals at the Church (one on Mon. and one on Thurs. - They feed their YSA). I have come home after 10 & 11 most nights...there are a lot of people on the trains...normal people not just crazies like in Vancouver. People just stay out later here...or work late. I have a friend that keeps trying to speak only German with me, so that I get used to the language but I don't understand what he says most of the time, so we end up speaking English anyway. Yet, I am learning some good phrases that are conversational and friendly German greetings.
It is cold here now and so I have some regrets. I wish I was able to pack my long black wool winter coat, my scarves, my 2nd pair of jeans, my black nike shoes, my hiking shoes, my brown dress boots, my ski jacket, a couple of my sweaters and my pillows. I may ask for a care package soon:)
I opened up a German bank account with Deutsche Bank and so they send you everything in the mail in stages. Yesterday, I received my online and telephone banking letters and codes, so I can set those up. Today, I received my bank card. So I went into the branch to set up my pin and deposit money. Not possible (they use that phrase often) because they send the code in the mail a few days after the card, so that it prevents anyone from stealing the card in the mail. This is my first inconvenience. I understand the logic but it wouldn't it also make sense to allow the client to come into the branch, and enter their own personal code? I was told tonight by a friend that the code they send you, is the code you have to keep. Okay, so now I have to wait for my code in the mail. I heard it takes 7 business days. Ay yi yi.
Another inconvenience is the security code for your mobile sim card. You get a sim card from the phone company. To activate it on your phone, you enter a 4 digit code and then your phone works. Every time you shut your phone off, you have to re-enter the 4 digit code. Well, last week, I had shut off my phone by accident and of course, my pin was at home because I forgot about this possibility and my houseguest had my keys, and we were to meet up for lunch but I didn't know where yet and there was a text that I couldn't check because my phone was locked:( Thankfully, I was able to go into the mobile store, I showed them my passport, gave them my phone number and they let me choose my own 4 digit code, so that I won't have this problem again.
I bought some winter boots but I don't want to buy any scarves because I have some already...yet I have to...it's cold out there. Tonight, I saw my breath as I spoke. I brought my red canada gloves and I might be wearing those pretty quick.
I miss my car. I had to wait for a bus tonight and it was a 15 min. wait...I would have been home in that time, if I had a car. It was a pleasant ride with a friend but my car is warm and fun to drive.
I miss having the option to soak in a tub. You know?
I like my new roommate. She is really nice and really cool. She is normal. I can't say enough about having normal roommates. I have been lucky these recent years.
I like my new friends. Very fun to talk to and just easy to be with. Everyday or time I get to talk to them, I just like them more because I get to know their personality more.
I love my new slippers. They are green knitted slippers with soft rubber soles. So warm! Strauss Innovations - new store that I love.
I love my new brown faux leather boots. Knee high and warm, warm, warm!
I love Fall in Berlin...lovely leaves falling swirling round and round and crunch under your boots and swish swish swish with each step...(yes, that's my fall poem)
I love Christmas in Berlin. They are already preparing the city by setting up Christmas Markets...I am going to be very poor...I can't resist Christmas markets...I need to learn how to bargain in German. I'll get my friend, Jeremias, to teach me, ja...
I am happy that I have my other wool jackets - black and brown. I am glad that I have my tights.
I love my new knee high socks. sooo fun and warm.
I also bought some flannel pyjamas for 9 euros! I thought it was a typo but I wasn't going to pass up a deal like that so I bought them! Burgundy with white snowflakes and so soft and warm.
Are you noticing the theme here...it's all about warmth people!!! I need warmth and I love warmth.
Tschus and Gute Nacht!
It is cold here now and so I have some regrets. I wish I was able to pack my long black wool winter coat, my scarves, my 2nd pair of jeans, my black nike shoes, my hiking shoes, my brown dress boots, my ski jacket, a couple of my sweaters and my pillows. I may ask for a care package soon:)
I opened up a German bank account with Deutsche Bank and so they send you everything in the mail in stages. Yesterday, I received my online and telephone banking letters and codes, so I can set those up. Today, I received my bank card. So I went into the branch to set up my pin and deposit money. Not possible (they use that phrase often) because they send the code in the mail a few days after the card, so that it prevents anyone from stealing the card in the mail. This is my first inconvenience. I understand the logic but it wouldn't it also make sense to allow the client to come into the branch, and enter their own personal code? I was told tonight by a friend that the code they send you, is the code you have to keep. Okay, so now I have to wait for my code in the mail. I heard it takes 7 business days. Ay yi yi.
Another inconvenience is the security code for your mobile sim card. You get a sim card from the phone company. To activate it on your phone, you enter a 4 digit code and then your phone works. Every time you shut your phone off, you have to re-enter the 4 digit code. Well, last week, I had shut off my phone by accident and of course, my pin was at home because I forgot about this possibility and my houseguest had my keys, and we were to meet up for lunch but I didn't know where yet and there was a text that I couldn't check because my phone was locked:( Thankfully, I was able to go into the mobile store, I showed them my passport, gave them my phone number and they let me choose my own 4 digit code, so that I won't have this problem again.
I bought some winter boots but I don't want to buy any scarves because I have some already...yet I have to...it's cold out there. Tonight, I saw my breath as I spoke. I brought my red canada gloves and I might be wearing those pretty quick.
I miss my car. I had to wait for a bus tonight and it was a 15 min. wait...I would have been home in that time, if I had a car. It was a pleasant ride with a friend but my car is warm and fun to drive.
I miss having the option to soak in a tub. You know?
I like my new roommate. She is really nice and really cool. She is normal. I can't say enough about having normal roommates. I have been lucky these recent years.
I like my new friends. Very fun to talk to and just easy to be with. Everyday or time I get to talk to them, I just like them more because I get to know their personality more.
I love my new slippers. They are green knitted slippers with soft rubber soles. So warm! Strauss Innovations - new store that I love.
I love my new brown faux leather boots. Knee high and warm, warm, warm!
I love Fall in Berlin...lovely leaves falling swirling round and round and crunch under your boots and swish swish swish with each step...(yes, that's my fall poem)
I love Christmas in Berlin. They are already preparing the city by setting up Christmas Markets...I am going to be very poor...I can't resist Christmas markets...I need to learn how to bargain in German. I'll get my friend, Jeremias, to teach me, ja...
I am happy that I have my other wool jackets - black and brown. I am glad that I have my tights.
I love my new knee high socks. sooo fun and warm.
I also bought some flannel pyjamas for 9 euros! I thought it was a typo but I wasn't going to pass up a deal like that so I bought them! Burgundy with white snowflakes and so soft and warm.
Are you noticing the theme here...it's all about warmth people!!! I need warmth and I love warmth.
Tschus and Gute Nacht!
Sunday, November 06, 2011
Berlin: Living it up to Oct. 31, 2012
Guten Tag! I arrived in Berlin on October 25th. After my last post, it was undecided whether I was really going to go to Berlin or to Bonn. I had a really good job offer in Bonn as well, still freelance, but the guy offered me a room in is family's home for 1-3 months for 280 Euros, plus was sending me other possible job offers that he was seeing in advertisements. In Bonn, there are not a lot of Freelancers there and so he was enticing me. I applied to another job and although I didn't get it, the employer sent it to his colleagues in other departments and they are interested in me for next semester which would start in March 2012. It would be teaching English in Applied Sciences to University students in Bonn. I know, what do I know about Applied Sciences but included in that is Business Administration. That job pays 32 Euros/hour. I have an interview in February if I want to apply. So, things were looking equally good in Bonn and I was tired of living in a city and wanted a smaller city, with less people, so I was seriously considering Bonn instead but when I actually made a decision on Thurs. I had this horrible feeling again. Berlin, I had no feeling either way. On Tues. I received an email from the Berlin company saying, "Barbara, are you sure that you will be able to teach with little or no experience to 14-16 demanding students." This is what made me question this decision, so I replied back with where I knew I was confident and where I knew I had weakness'. By Friday, I had no response to that email, so I called because I was going to tell him that I am going to Bonn instead. Well, Peter Wegner, the Director, answered and said, "We are going to go with you." haha. I had that horrible feeling about Bonn, so I started to make my plans for Berlin. I left on Monday evening via Eurolines bus. I had a friend, Charles, see me off and help take my luggage to the station. Paris metros have a lot of stairs and thankfully, I met a lot of nice people willing to help me get to where I was meeting my friend. It's usually what happens when you leave a place, suddenly all the good pours out so then you regret your decision to leave. Yet, in this case, I appreciated the gestures and was sad to leave familiarity but was good to be headed towards a place that I was needed. My friend Charles aka CW, would be joining me in Berlin in a week or so. The journey to Berlin was great because I had a female companion for 2 hours and then she switched spots to an empty row at the time...then someone joined her but not me:) So, the rest of the overnight trip was in my own row, I could stretch out yet I did have to use the bus lavatory. Typical, right after I used it, we stopped at a gas station for 20 min. haha. When we entered Germany we had a passport check, which is, the Polizei get on board and look at your passport. There was one guy without a passport and another person with a wrong visa or something. The guy just looked at my passport and handed it back. Seriously? haha. I am so used to Border patrol back home that all the Borders I've been to so far are easy peasy. I also have nothing to hide...thank goodness, probably shows.
I arrived in Berlin and my bags were so heavy that I didn't want to navigate the metro system to get to my hostel - yes, I stayed in a hostel but they aren't bad - and so I took a taxi and the driver looked just like the German lady from Austin Powers. No joke! She even had the same personality haha. Wilkommen to Berlin. I noticed immediately while driving through the city that it's big, spacious and people know how to drive. My driver was great, she would manoeuver lanes smoothly. In some parts there is a lot of spraypainting but it's more art than just mere vandalism, yet you do see that too. I felt like the city was more like I am used to. Not crazy, low-key, no tourists swarming everywhere - only in key areas and due to the size, you can't notice. Berlin is a beautful city and the people are really friendly here. People will speak english with you, if they even know a little, not grudgingly, and you can ask questions without feeling silly.
I visited my Employer, aka business partner, because I am a Freelance English Teacher, so we work in partnership, he supplies me work and I provide the service, yet give him an invoice once completed. He is very nice and laid-back. Very logical and understanding. He explained the company and how it is a language consulting firm to banks and other companies that require language services for their employees. They employ 80 Freelancers and there are other languages, French, German, Spanish, Italian and English that they deal with. My class is teaching Financial English to Bank employee trainees. In Germany, they train their bank employees for 3 years. I am the one English course they will have in their training - the English portion is only for 6 semesters = 7 weeks each = 42 weeks of the year. I am teaching 2 classes, back-to-back, 3 hours each and then in December, I'll start another class on Thurs. for 3 hours on 'Trade and Commerce'. Sounds scary, when did I ever know this stuff but the T&C is all about business letters and networking...I've done that, many times. I have books to use and so I can always study the material and anything I am not sure of I can ask my employer or my friend, Charles, who has an MBA and was an investor. I'm not completely alone.
On Thursday, the 27th, I went to the Auslanderbehorde (Foreign Office) and surprise, the lady didn't speak a word of English but she had a paper that had some english on it and pointed to the documents that I still need. I also showed her my Employers, Letter of Intent, on my Blackberry, because I wasn't able to get it printed haha. I know, ridiculous, but she told me to come back with all those remaining doc's - Health Insurance (for the whole time I'll be in Germany - my insurance was only until March 2012 and she wouldn't accept a renewal), Visa application - ya couldn't find that online, so I was hoping to get it from there, Rental agreement. At that moment, before I had gone in to see the lady, I had received a reply to my response to a Craigslist ad, I had sent out many emails to a lot of different sites and this was my first reply:) She had just posted the ad the night before and was looking for a roommate, for a nice 2 bedroom, spacious, well-lit apt. We made an appt for me to come see the place after my Visa interview and so, that's where I went. If I couldn't get anything else done that day, then I was hopefully going to get a place to live. I went to the apt, the area is nice but of course, the building itself was ugly. It is an old Eastern European style building, brown, cement, spray paint on the bottom...I was definitely in East Berlin. It is close to the center and en route to the school where I will be teaching. The apt is situated on the top floor of a 5 story building - no elevator - a small 2 room apartment with kitchen and bathroom. The rooms are really large and are both situated on the corner of the building, so lots of natural light. I met Olya, and she is in her 30's, from Russia, working here as a software designer or developer. She is super laid-back and really nice. She has a boyfriend who is completing his PHD in London and so she visits him or he comes here. We talked, got along and so I was able to get the apt, it's for 2 months, and she helped me fill out a rental agreement form for my Visa and then she left for Russia, the next day to visit her family. The area is surrounded by beautiful trees, buildings and the street is a no-thru traffic street, so very quiet. Yet, you are five min. walk to the metro, 2 main streets and there are parks around here, hotels, hostels, banks, supermarkets, videostores, bakeries, everything...even a Mexican restaurant, who can ask for more:) I love walking around the neighborhood hearing the children playing in the park, walking through the fall leaves on the ground, and it's just a really nice neighborhood.
On Sunday, I went to the Ward that LDS.org said that I belonged to but there were few English speaking people and my German is very poor. Thankfully, the Bishop's wife is from Texas and so she was able to translate for me but she's 8 months pregnant and has a lively 2 year old, so I don't think she could do it every Sunday. Everyone was super welcoming and I loved how I felt like I am at Church. In Paris, I think due to the amount of visitors each week, getting the really warm welcome was too tiring. They were still nice but it was the Church but it felt different. In Berlin, it's the Church and I feel like I am home again. Things are run normally and people tell you about the activities and how to get involved right away. Very nice. I hope to remember this when I go back home and I can be a little more welcoming to those that visit. It really feels nice. Although, this was a nice Ward, I decided to attend a Ward that is in downtown Berlin and has more English speakers. I was able to attend Tiergarten this Sunday, today, and it was sooo great! I met a lot of people and they are so happy to have new people move into the ward. It was nice being able to introduce myself as living in Germany for the year:) I know, skipping ahead. I met a few friends already there and I am going on the Temple trip in a couple of weeks and have made arrangements with a friend (get this, she is Columbian - she thought I was latin - who is in Germany to do her Masters in Public Health - she didn't want to learn in Columbia because she wants to learn how to improve the system and wants to go back to Columbia with new knowledge so she can help. She doesn't know a word of German, she knows English and has been here 3 weeks! Amazing!!) so her and I are going to explore the city together on the weekend. She is very friendly and loves how the people in Germany are like the people from her country. Very welcoming and helpful.
So, Monday - Oct. 31st, I didn't register myself with the Burgeramt - City hall - because it wasn't open on Friday and that was my downfall for my 2nd visit to the Auslanderbehorde. So, before you can even apply for a Visa in Germany, France, Italy, etc., you need to get registered with the city's authorities, with your address and tell them how long you plan to stay. You show them your passport, your tenant/rental agreement, and the anmeldung form - registration form, they input the information in to the computer then print out a document, stamp it and give it you. Once you are in the office, process takes 10 min. I failed to do that and I still didn't have proper Health Insurance but she gave me 4 weeks to get a doc signed. So, I had to go back again. I had arrived at the Foreign office at 5:10 am - another taxi - waited with 12 other people for the gates to open, then every 10 min, I would look back and see that the line grew with another group of people. I was 3rd in line in my area, when 7am came around, I was inside, up the stairs, first in line for a number, first to get called in, she took my doc's immediately, sent me out to wait and then 10 min. later called me back in and said I needed my registration paper:( I was in and out within 15 min. haha.
Tuesday morning, I was exhausted and didn't want to wake up super early anymore. I was going to get to the Burgeramt after 8am...I thought they opened at 8, so I was basically going to have to wait a long time to see them. Yet, when I arrived there, they were closed, and there was 1 other person there. I read the sign and on Tues. they are open at 9am. So, I was still early to get registered. By 9am, there was a line up outside the door and I got the 2nd number, was called in immediately and by 9:15am I was registered in Berlin. I officially had an address and I can get library cards, video cards,...my Visa:) I immediately headed to the Foreign office. They are only open on Mon, Tues and Thurs. I didn't want to wait until Thurs. So, I headed there, took my sweet lovin' time, and arrived there after 10am. I had to go to a room to get a number and explain that this was my 3rd time here and I have the document that was requested. I waited an hour for my number to be called but once it was, I walked into the office and greeted my Visa lady, because it was same one for all my visits and I gave her my documents and then she sent me back out again. After 20 mins. she called back in and voila. She hands me my passport, my doc's back, a funny looking swipe card and a note that says '50 euros' on it. She explains in German and hand gestures to go downstairs, insert the swipe card into the machine and pay 50 euros and then I am done. I thanked her sooo much! I wanted to hug her but she was behind the desk and I think she gets that often, so she stood behind there. Yay!! I had to go to a bank machine to get the cash because no credit cards. I was sooo excited and I love looking at my visa in my passport. I am only allowed to work as a Freelance English Teacher but I think I'll be able to find more Freelance work to fill up my other days.
I have since applied to open up a bank account, paid my Health Insurance, and got a Video card. It's 3 euros for the card and only 1 euro per dvd. Yet, it's a day rental only. I would have to have it back by midnight of the same day or on the weekends, 2 am. So, I'll sort that out later, the store is nearby. The bank I applied to - Deutche Bank - is worldwide and affiliated with Bank of America and Scotiabank, so I won't have any transaction fees if I use those ATM's back in NA. It is open from 10-8 mon-sat. and has a special Branch in Mitte (Centre) of Berlin which has a tea lounge, x-box kinect area, a Harrod's gift shop and a kid's area. The tellers are behind podiums - and there isn't a formal queue, just people know where to line-up. I was sent to wait for my Customer Service Rep to interview me in the lounge, on leather seats, open area, and they get you a beverage. I opted for the 4 euro bottled water haha. She came over with a laptop and we had a casual conversation as she was getting to know me and input my information in to the computer. I shared with her that I used to be in Banking and also teach Banking English, so if she didn't know a word in English, she would look to me for help when she was explaining the system to me. It was great customer service and just the personal touch alone was enough to have me as a client. It's a 4.99 monthly fee but I'll be okay.
I have bought popcorn, sugar smacks, lactose free milk, pork schnitzels, pasta, rice, eggs, baguettes, cheese, yoghurt, juice, salsa and tortilla chips. You know, the necessities in life. It's really normal living here in Berlin. I hear English on the street just as much as I hear German. The metro is not crowded and the streets are clean, for the most part, just depends on where you are. I feel safe and for the most part happy. I am getting used to the change and remembering that I am in Berlin. I feel homesick sometimes but I know that once I start to get a little busier with activities and work, I will become more integrated with the city and the people and before I know it, a year will have gone by.
Love you all and it feels good to know that I can stay abroad legitimately. It feels good to know that I am looked out for by the people here and back home. I am very blessed and so happy for everything. Now I need to make more money but I know that I am being taken care of and I will never be in want.
Tell me your news and Auf Wiedersehen:)
I arrived in Berlin and my bags were so heavy that I didn't want to navigate the metro system to get to my hostel - yes, I stayed in a hostel but they aren't bad - and so I took a taxi and the driver looked just like the German lady from Austin Powers. No joke! She even had the same personality haha. Wilkommen to Berlin. I noticed immediately while driving through the city that it's big, spacious and people know how to drive. My driver was great, she would manoeuver lanes smoothly. In some parts there is a lot of spraypainting but it's more art than just mere vandalism, yet you do see that too. I felt like the city was more like I am used to. Not crazy, low-key, no tourists swarming everywhere - only in key areas and due to the size, you can't notice. Berlin is a beautful city and the people are really friendly here. People will speak english with you, if they even know a little, not grudgingly, and you can ask questions without feeling silly.
I visited my Employer, aka business partner, because I am a Freelance English Teacher, so we work in partnership, he supplies me work and I provide the service, yet give him an invoice once completed. He is very nice and laid-back. Very logical and understanding. He explained the company and how it is a language consulting firm to banks and other companies that require language services for their employees. They employ 80 Freelancers and there are other languages, French, German, Spanish, Italian and English that they deal with. My class is teaching Financial English to Bank employee trainees. In Germany, they train their bank employees for 3 years. I am the one English course they will have in their training - the English portion is only for 6 semesters = 7 weeks each = 42 weeks of the year. I am teaching 2 classes, back-to-back, 3 hours each and then in December, I'll start another class on Thurs. for 3 hours on 'Trade and Commerce'. Sounds scary, when did I ever know this stuff but the T&C is all about business letters and networking...I've done that, many times. I have books to use and so I can always study the material and anything I am not sure of I can ask my employer or my friend, Charles, who has an MBA and was an investor. I'm not completely alone.
On Thursday, the 27th, I went to the Auslanderbehorde (Foreign Office) and surprise, the lady didn't speak a word of English but she had a paper that had some english on it and pointed to the documents that I still need. I also showed her my Employers, Letter of Intent, on my Blackberry, because I wasn't able to get it printed haha. I know, ridiculous, but she told me to come back with all those remaining doc's - Health Insurance (for the whole time I'll be in Germany - my insurance was only until March 2012 and she wouldn't accept a renewal), Visa application - ya couldn't find that online, so I was hoping to get it from there, Rental agreement. At that moment, before I had gone in to see the lady, I had received a reply to my response to a Craigslist ad, I had sent out many emails to a lot of different sites and this was my first reply:) She had just posted the ad the night before and was looking for a roommate, for a nice 2 bedroom, spacious, well-lit apt. We made an appt for me to come see the place after my Visa interview and so, that's where I went. If I couldn't get anything else done that day, then I was hopefully going to get a place to live. I went to the apt, the area is nice but of course, the building itself was ugly. It is an old Eastern European style building, brown, cement, spray paint on the bottom...I was definitely in East Berlin. It is close to the center and en route to the school where I will be teaching. The apt is situated on the top floor of a 5 story building - no elevator - a small 2 room apartment with kitchen and bathroom. The rooms are really large and are both situated on the corner of the building, so lots of natural light. I met Olya, and she is in her 30's, from Russia, working here as a software designer or developer. She is super laid-back and really nice. She has a boyfriend who is completing his PHD in London and so she visits him or he comes here. We talked, got along and so I was able to get the apt, it's for 2 months, and she helped me fill out a rental agreement form for my Visa and then she left for Russia, the next day to visit her family. The area is surrounded by beautiful trees, buildings and the street is a no-thru traffic street, so very quiet. Yet, you are five min. walk to the metro, 2 main streets and there are parks around here, hotels, hostels, banks, supermarkets, videostores, bakeries, everything...even a Mexican restaurant, who can ask for more:) I love walking around the neighborhood hearing the children playing in the park, walking through the fall leaves on the ground, and it's just a really nice neighborhood.
On Sunday, I went to the Ward that LDS.org said that I belonged to but there were few English speaking people and my German is very poor. Thankfully, the Bishop's wife is from Texas and so she was able to translate for me but she's 8 months pregnant and has a lively 2 year old, so I don't think she could do it every Sunday. Everyone was super welcoming and I loved how I felt like I am at Church. In Paris, I think due to the amount of visitors each week, getting the really warm welcome was too tiring. They were still nice but it was the Church but it felt different. In Berlin, it's the Church and I feel like I am home again. Things are run normally and people tell you about the activities and how to get involved right away. Very nice. I hope to remember this when I go back home and I can be a little more welcoming to those that visit. It really feels nice. Although, this was a nice Ward, I decided to attend a Ward that is in downtown Berlin and has more English speakers. I was able to attend Tiergarten this Sunday, today, and it was sooo great! I met a lot of people and they are so happy to have new people move into the ward. It was nice being able to introduce myself as living in Germany for the year:) I know, skipping ahead. I met a few friends already there and I am going on the Temple trip in a couple of weeks and have made arrangements with a friend (get this, she is Columbian - she thought I was latin - who is in Germany to do her Masters in Public Health - she didn't want to learn in Columbia because she wants to learn how to improve the system and wants to go back to Columbia with new knowledge so she can help. She doesn't know a word of German, she knows English and has been here 3 weeks! Amazing!!) so her and I are going to explore the city together on the weekend. She is very friendly and loves how the people in Germany are like the people from her country. Very welcoming and helpful.
So, Monday - Oct. 31st, I didn't register myself with the Burgeramt - City hall - because it wasn't open on Friday and that was my downfall for my 2nd visit to the Auslanderbehorde. So, before you can even apply for a Visa in Germany, France, Italy, etc., you need to get registered with the city's authorities, with your address and tell them how long you plan to stay. You show them your passport, your tenant/rental agreement, and the anmeldung form - registration form, they input the information in to the computer then print out a document, stamp it and give it you. Once you are in the office, process takes 10 min. I failed to do that and I still didn't have proper Health Insurance but she gave me 4 weeks to get a doc signed. So, I had to go back again. I had arrived at the Foreign office at 5:10 am - another taxi - waited with 12 other people for the gates to open, then every 10 min, I would look back and see that the line grew with another group of people. I was 3rd in line in my area, when 7am came around, I was inside, up the stairs, first in line for a number, first to get called in, she took my doc's immediately, sent me out to wait and then 10 min. later called me back in and said I needed my registration paper:( I was in and out within 15 min. haha.
Tuesday morning, I was exhausted and didn't want to wake up super early anymore. I was going to get to the Burgeramt after 8am...I thought they opened at 8, so I was basically going to have to wait a long time to see them. Yet, when I arrived there, they were closed, and there was 1 other person there. I read the sign and on Tues. they are open at 9am. So, I was still early to get registered. By 9am, there was a line up outside the door and I got the 2nd number, was called in immediately and by 9:15am I was registered in Berlin. I officially had an address and I can get library cards, video cards,...my Visa:) I immediately headed to the Foreign office. They are only open on Mon, Tues and Thurs. I didn't want to wait until Thurs. So, I headed there, took my sweet lovin' time, and arrived there after 10am. I had to go to a room to get a number and explain that this was my 3rd time here and I have the document that was requested. I waited an hour for my number to be called but once it was, I walked into the office and greeted my Visa lady, because it was same one for all my visits and I gave her my documents and then she sent me back out again. After 20 mins. she called back in and voila. She hands me my passport, my doc's back, a funny looking swipe card and a note that says '50 euros' on it. She explains in German and hand gestures to go downstairs, insert the swipe card into the machine and pay 50 euros and then I am done. I thanked her sooo much! I wanted to hug her but she was behind the desk and I think she gets that often, so she stood behind there. Yay!! I had to go to a bank machine to get the cash because no credit cards. I was sooo excited and I love looking at my visa in my passport. I am only allowed to work as a Freelance English Teacher but I think I'll be able to find more Freelance work to fill up my other days.
I have since applied to open up a bank account, paid my Health Insurance, and got a Video card. It's 3 euros for the card and only 1 euro per dvd. Yet, it's a day rental only. I would have to have it back by midnight of the same day or on the weekends, 2 am. So, I'll sort that out later, the store is nearby. The bank I applied to - Deutche Bank - is worldwide and affiliated with Bank of America and Scotiabank, so I won't have any transaction fees if I use those ATM's back in NA. It is open from 10-8 mon-sat. and has a special Branch in Mitte (Centre) of Berlin which has a tea lounge, x-box kinect area, a Harrod's gift shop and a kid's area. The tellers are behind podiums - and there isn't a formal queue, just people know where to line-up. I was sent to wait for my Customer Service Rep to interview me in the lounge, on leather seats, open area, and they get you a beverage. I opted for the 4 euro bottled water haha. She came over with a laptop and we had a casual conversation as she was getting to know me and input my information in to the computer. I shared with her that I used to be in Banking and also teach Banking English, so if she didn't know a word in English, she would look to me for help when she was explaining the system to me. It was great customer service and just the personal touch alone was enough to have me as a client. It's a 4.99 monthly fee but I'll be okay.
I have bought popcorn, sugar smacks, lactose free milk, pork schnitzels, pasta, rice, eggs, baguettes, cheese, yoghurt, juice, salsa and tortilla chips. You know, the necessities in life. It's really normal living here in Berlin. I hear English on the street just as much as I hear German. The metro is not crowded and the streets are clean, for the most part, just depends on where you are. I feel safe and for the most part happy. I am getting used to the change and remembering that I am in Berlin. I feel homesick sometimes but I know that once I start to get a little busier with activities and work, I will become more integrated with the city and the people and before I know it, a year will have gone by.
Love you all and it feels good to know that I can stay abroad legitimately. It feels good to know that I am looked out for by the people here and back home. I am very blessed and so happy for everything. Now I need to make more money but I know that I am being taken care of and I will never be in want.
Tell me your news and Auf Wiedersehen:)
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Bonjour und Guten Tag!
Hello, sorry but I had thought I had posted my travels about England already but my phone didn't post properly I guess. Grrr but oh well. I will post photos and that will tell you about my wonderful trip to England and how I didn't really want to come back to Paris.
I didn't have any prospects in Paris and while in England with my friends it was becoming more and more apparent how unhappy I was in Paris. I didn't book my ticket back to Paris until the night before and so I didn't get a great deal. It's hard living in a place where you don't have a purpose at all.
I met a friend in Paris, from Church, who kept telling me about Berlin and how cheap it is and the visa situation is a lot easier to get. I would listen but wasn't really into it but when I got back to Paris, my friend and I created a google doc of all the languages schools in the german cities where we could possibly want to live and then I applied. I sent out over 40 CV's on Thursday and had about 4 job offers on Friday. They were for Freelance teaching but when I looked into it further, it turns out that I can apply for a Freelance teaching Visa. I would have to find a place to live, get health insurance and have a letter of intent from the employer. Well, yesterday, I received a phone call from one of the prospective companies and they want me to start on Oct. 31st teaching Banking English to some students in Banking companies. It'll be 19 Euros/hour and they'll give me the material and other things. I just kind of tuned out for a bit on the call because I was a little excited. The job is in Berlin and of course, i said Yes!!!
I am really happy because I really need to work. So, hopefully I can be in Berlin by the 24th and get some things arranged as soon as possible.
This is all for now but I'll post again soon.
I didn't have any prospects in Paris and while in England with my friends it was becoming more and more apparent how unhappy I was in Paris. I didn't book my ticket back to Paris until the night before and so I didn't get a great deal. It's hard living in a place where you don't have a purpose at all.
I met a friend in Paris, from Church, who kept telling me about Berlin and how cheap it is and the visa situation is a lot easier to get. I would listen but wasn't really into it but when I got back to Paris, my friend and I created a google doc of all the languages schools in the german cities where we could possibly want to live and then I applied. I sent out over 40 CV's on Thursday and had about 4 job offers on Friday. They were for Freelance teaching but when I looked into it further, it turns out that I can apply for a Freelance teaching Visa. I would have to find a place to live, get health insurance and have a letter of intent from the employer. Well, yesterday, I received a phone call from one of the prospective companies and they want me to start on Oct. 31st teaching Banking English to some students in Banking companies. It'll be 19 Euros/hour and they'll give me the material and other things. I just kind of tuned out for a bit on the call because I was a little excited. The job is in Berlin and of course, i said Yes!!!
I am really happy because I really need to work. So, hopefully I can be in Berlin by the 24th and get some things arranged as soon as possible.
This is all for now but I'll post again soon.
Saturday, October 01, 2011
New Month - Refresh!
So the month of october is starting out great! The weather is again great, there is a clear blue sky, the sun is shining and it looks like it will be hot again.
I was expecting my pension funds to arrive in my bank account. I cashed it out because it was such a small amount, at least that's how I read the statement. Well, I checked my account today and there was twice the amount that I was expecting! I had to pay rent today and so it didn't seem too bad when I saw my remaining balance.
There is a Temple trip that I had signed up for in Nov. with the Paris Ward to the Frankfurt Temple. I'm happy that financially, I can wait it out in Paris after all. I have been working on my bits of writing that I have never gotten around to finishing. In Nov. there is also www.nanowrimo.org (National Novel Writing Month) which will be starting again and this time I may just finish it. If I have not been hired elsewhere by then, then I'll write a novel in Paris and be back for Dec. I would have accomplished a goal of mine, within a goal :)
Yes, security always makes me happy. Now, I'm heading to the library to look for more jobs :) Wish me luck!
A bientot.
I was expecting my pension funds to arrive in my bank account. I cashed it out because it was such a small amount, at least that's how I read the statement. Well, I checked my account today and there was twice the amount that I was expecting! I had to pay rent today and so it didn't seem too bad when I saw my remaining balance.
There is a Temple trip that I had signed up for in Nov. with the Paris Ward to the Frankfurt Temple. I'm happy that financially, I can wait it out in Paris after all. I have been working on my bits of writing that I have never gotten around to finishing. In Nov. there is also www.nanowrimo.org (National Novel Writing Month) which will be starting again and this time I may just finish it. If I have not been hired elsewhere by then, then I'll write a novel in Paris and be back for Dec. I would have accomplished a goal of mine, within a goal :)
Yes, security always makes me happy. Now, I'm heading to the library to look for more jobs :) Wish me luck!
A bientot.
Friday, September 30, 2011
A Month in Paris
So, as of Monday; I will have been in Paris for a month. Wow, it has been a short and long month for me. Short because of all the "start-ups" I've had to accomplish and so that has kept me busy. Long because I have had to wait for responses, I have tried to follow-up and get responses that way to my enquiries but what can I do if they just never reply? I can only assume the worst and move on, yet there is no such other places to move on to. Ok, I have been reading 'Vanity Fair' this past week or so and though it's long winded, I am enjoying the story. It is quite enjoyable being able to picture the setting rather vividly being where I am.
It is amazing to be able to give a Paris address and it is wonderful to be able to wake up and know that I can head to any Parisien museum, historical site, etc. but it's hard to fully enjoy anything when one feels the bank account getting lighter and lighter. I have been able to learn some key things on how to save money in Paris and keep the costs down but when you have nothing else to do, it's easy to buy little treats, think nothing of a euro or two here or there...:) It's easy to forget that you aren't on vacation but looking for work to subsidize this adventure. I have met some people that are encouraging, as well as some potential employers that would like to employ me but it would be easier if I became a student and had a student visa that would allow me to work 20 hrs/week. Yet, not sure if I had stated before but there is no other way for me to get a student visa for France unless I came back home. France and Italy require the visa to be applied at the visitor's home embassy...everywhere else, I can apply in that country.
I have applied to some schools in Germany, Italy and UK. The other schools that I have sent CV's to in other parts of France, have yet to get back to me. I did apply to Marseille, Nice, Lille and Lyon. I was with a friend for lunch yesterday and it turns out we are in the same boat but he has a partial visa whiwh would allow him to work for these 3 months before he had to leave the country. I would be happy with 3 months work experience:) I would love to work for this one company that would hire me when and if I get a student visa but to do a French Language school here is not cheap. A regular university program would be cheap but I think the application process would take a lot longer and I need a lot more money in the bank. One of the requirements to apply for a student visa is the ability to show that I will have 500-600 euros/month to live in or at least a financial sponsor. Ay yi yi, so much to do here. If I were to take a program here it would do with International relations and give me an opportunity to work in the Gov't or UN somehow. Some International post would be fantastic. I have looked into Canadian Embassy jobs but I still need a work visa or a working holiday visa to work in France.
I love walking around the city though and seeing the old mixed with the new. All my courses in International Relations, European History and English Literature come to life when I walk around. The buildings and areas that honor the French Revolution, the Pantheon that houses crypts of Alexandre Dumas, Rousseau and Voltaire, castle and gardens where royalty would walk and lounge. How lucky I am to be here and to be surrounded by other countries that I have been able to learn about their history as well. I'm so close yet so far.
I had booked a flight to London for Oct. 3rd before I left and I am going to use that flight so that I can visit London and see a little more sights from last time. There are a few markets I want to visit and book stores that I didn't get to go into last time. I am going to send/hand out some resumes as well. I have friends in the northeast of England that I'll visit. I need some conversation, some adult interaction that doesn't require me to constantly stammer and ask if they speak english. I haven't had it too bad here and can get a long but I find that I'm not as confident as I should be when I speak. Oh well, C'est la vie.
Turkey and South America are both starting to look good to me right now...they offer visas and alright pay. Anything over a 1000/month is alright pay. haha. I have also thought of becoming an ESL volunteer which can be done all over the world and would give me experience.
These are all my musings so far, after a month in France. I am getting comfortable here and have found some things in Paris that make me want to stay like the familiarity of Church, people I have met and the ease of the transit system. Yet, I'm not a fan of the metro, I like the metro, you know?
All is well though, the weather is hot and the Euro is okay still. France will be fine economically and I know that I will be too. A bientot!
It is amazing to be able to give a Paris address and it is wonderful to be able to wake up and know that I can head to any Parisien museum, historical site, etc. but it's hard to fully enjoy anything when one feels the bank account getting lighter and lighter. I have been able to learn some key things on how to save money in Paris and keep the costs down but when you have nothing else to do, it's easy to buy little treats, think nothing of a euro or two here or there...:) It's easy to forget that you aren't on vacation but looking for work to subsidize this adventure. I have met some people that are encouraging, as well as some potential employers that would like to employ me but it would be easier if I became a student and had a student visa that would allow me to work 20 hrs/week. Yet, not sure if I had stated before but there is no other way for me to get a student visa for France unless I came back home. France and Italy require the visa to be applied at the visitor's home embassy...everywhere else, I can apply in that country.
I have applied to some schools in Germany, Italy and UK. The other schools that I have sent CV's to in other parts of France, have yet to get back to me. I did apply to Marseille, Nice, Lille and Lyon. I was with a friend for lunch yesterday and it turns out we are in the same boat but he has a partial visa whiwh would allow him to work for these 3 months before he had to leave the country. I would be happy with 3 months work experience:) I would love to work for this one company that would hire me when and if I get a student visa but to do a French Language school here is not cheap. A regular university program would be cheap but I think the application process would take a lot longer and I need a lot more money in the bank. One of the requirements to apply for a student visa is the ability to show that I will have 500-600 euros/month to live in or at least a financial sponsor. Ay yi yi, so much to do here. If I were to take a program here it would do with International relations and give me an opportunity to work in the Gov't or UN somehow. Some International post would be fantastic. I have looked into Canadian Embassy jobs but I still need a work visa or a working holiday visa to work in France.
I love walking around the city though and seeing the old mixed with the new. All my courses in International Relations, European History and English Literature come to life when I walk around. The buildings and areas that honor the French Revolution, the Pantheon that houses crypts of Alexandre Dumas, Rousseau and Voltaire, castle and gardens where royalty would walk and lounge. How lucky I am to be here and to be surrounded by other countries that I have been able to learn about their history as well. I'm so close yet so far.
I had booked a flight to London for Oct. 3rd before I left and I am going to use that flight so that I can visit London and see a little more sights from last time. There are a few markets I want to visit and book stores that I didn't get to go into last time. I am going to send/hand out some resumes as well. I have friends in the northeast of England that I'll visit. I need some conversation, some adult interaction that doesn't require me to constantly stammer and ask if they speak english. I haven't had it too bad here and can get a long but I find that I'm not as confident as I should be when I speak. Oh well, C'est la vie.
Turkey and South America are both starting to look good to me right now...they offer visas and alright pay. Anything over a 1000/month is alright pay. haha. I have also thought of becoming an ESL volunteer which can be done all over the world and would give me experience.
These are all my musings so far, after a month in France. I am getting comfortable here and have found some things in Paris that make me want to stay like the familiarity of Church, people I have met and the ease of the transit system. Yet, I'm not a fan of the metro, I like the metro, you know?
All is well though, the weather is hot and the Euro is okay still. France will be fine economically and I know that I will be too. A bientot!
Friday, September 23, 2011
Pictures
Here are some pictures that I have taken so far:
me on Icelandair. Don't I look happy?
Iron Maiden was starting its tour I guess...a good time for adventures!
my bathroom
bedroom/living room - I now just have it in the Futon couch position
desk, table, bar, etc.
Kitchen...in that fridge is a tiny freezer...the microwave I'm sure is one of the very first models in Europe. Radiation...I am actually afraid of it from this thing.
I spent 2 hours reading a book in The Tuileries Gardens at the Louvre. It was enjoyable after a long day of walking around.
Garden statues
Chateaus everywhere you look.
My town, it's very international. I would ask someone if they speak English and I have gotten no twice, either italian or german. haha. It forces me to use Frecnh which is a good thing but it's horrible. Thank goodness for my dictionary.
Yummy pastries. In fact, I am going to head there now.
lovely food store. I've decided though that I hate using my kitchen so I am going to just get frozen prepared meals from there. Sad, I know.
The Gare aka train station. This is where I go to take the train to Paris. 20 min. easy peasy.
Made it to Sacre-Coeur yesterday. Quite lovely and massive!
Paris - you can't see a lot due to smog but I was able to recognise a lot of buildings. You should be able to see the George Pompidou centre, Notre Dame, Louvre and the Royal Palace.
More buildings beside Sacre Coeur.
I am doing sightseeing now as I wait for responses. I can only do so much which is a little frustrating but i might as well enjoy the sights while I can!
Ta for now! Love ya!
me on Icelandair. Don't I look happy?
Iron Maiden was starting its tour I guess...a good time for adventures!
my bathroom
bedroom/living room - I now just have it in the Futon couch position
desk, table, bar, etc.
Kitchen...in that fridge is a tiny freezer...the microwave I'm sure is one of the very first models in Europe. Radiation...I am actually afraid of it from this thing.
I spent 2 hours reading a book in The Tuileries Gardens at the Louvre. It was enjoyable after a long day of walking around.
Garden statues
Chateaus everywhere you look.
My town, it's very international. I would ask someone if they speak English and I have gotten no twice, either italian or german. haha. It forces me to use Frecnh which is a good thing but it's horrible. Thank goodness for my dictionary.
Yummy pastries. In fact, I am going to head there now.
lovely food store. I've decided though that I hate using my kitchen so I am going to just get frozen prepared meals from there. Sad, I know.
The Gare aka train station. This is where I go to take the train to Paris. 20 min. easy peasy.
Made it to Sacre-Coeur yesterday. Quite lovely and massive!
Paris - you can't see a lot due to smog but I was able to recognise a lot of buildings. You should be able to see the George Pompidou centre, Notre Dame, Louvre and the Royal Palace.
More buildings beside Sacre Coeur.
I am doing sightseeing now as I wait for responses. I can only do so much which is a little frustrating but i might as well enjoy the sights while I can!
Ta for now! Love ya!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Where am I again?
Hey all, wow 2 posts within a week...yes, I have a lot of time on my hands at night. So, I did another CV drop-off today and one of the places I went to was a guy's home. It turns out that he owns a freelance ESL business and so it was weird that I just popped by. He mentioned that it was unusual to show up without an appointment. Yet, he had a website and an address online-nothing stated an appt. Plus, only a name of a school...so I didn't know that it was out of someone's apt. When I mentioned that I didn't have a work visa, he said that's not a problem b/c I pay in cash. Oh my, that's the quickest way for me to get kicked out of the country. He pays 20 Euros/hour and he has business clientelle and so he sends out the freelancers to them. If anything, this guy was very helpful in letting me know my chances in the ESL world and some other schools I can try to find work. I don't think I would take a position with him unless I am legal and even then....He asked me what accounting terms I knew. What financial terminology am I familiar with and my mind was bank to every question. I wasn't prepared for that line of questioning but I guess I should be. Also, I haven't spent any money on ESL instructor books...that should be a priority to show that I am prepared and ready to teach. My lesson plans aren't going to be enough.
I dropped off another resume and the lady was nice...she was in an office - small but an actual office. She spoke slowly to me in french so that I would understand, after explaing to her that comprehension is slow right now. She gave my resume a terciary glance and said that she will look at my CV and if they can use me, then she will contact me. It was hopeful and a nice way to say goodbye but other than that, okay.
I noticed a Monoprix across the street and checked it out. A monoprix is like a walmart in a way or a Kmart...grocery store/clothing/household. I was thinking that I would finally find cheap hair products (shampoo, gel, etc) and nope...still expensive. Anything over 9 euros is expensive. The nail polish remover, 4.50 euros for a small bottle. We are so spoiled in Canada. I need to get this polish off my nails and I am sad that I didn't do it before I left.
I walked around in the 18th district which has the Sacre-Coeur and montmartre but I was behind them. The neighborhood seemed a little sketchy but some of the shops had some really fun household items. Everything is cheaper the further away you get from the Centre of Paris.
The 17th is a nicer neighborhood, at least where I was and around the 2nd school. The shops were a lot trendier and more expensive.
Just so you know, when I walk these areas it is not really by choice but because I get off at a metro stop that is far from where I need to be. I don't think to look in my mapbook whether the street numbers are close to where I need to be. It enables me to walk and see the districts though. I am always safe and there are a lot of yummy patisseries to walk by. No, I don't stop at every one because I know that the one near my house is cheap and so delicious!
Today, I was also in the 9th district. Around the metro/train station where I catch my train home, was another school that I was going to drop my CV at. Along the way, rue de Provence, are these Gallery malls...one is called Printemps and you have to have an appointment to shop there. There is a guard outside. Ooh la la! I was on gallery mall row and made a mental note to come back when finished my errand. Well, turned out the office was located in a building that I couldn't get into, so I will have to call tomorrow and make an appt. I wasn't too bothered because now I could satisfy my shopping curiosity.
I was on Haussman and there is a lafayette gourmet gallery. I went inside and it's this mall of wonderful gourmet treats and food. There is a gourmet supermarket with all these international aisles. Canada is linked with britain and the US. I bought a bag of tortilla chips and salsa (under the Mexican aisle). They have a 5kg bottle of Nutella. I took a photo but can't upload without a data plan...I've tried already. Once I use my laptop you'll see this. The price for that was 39 euros. Also, I saw these XXL bags of M&M's...a littlke bigger than the large back home and it was 39 euros. No, thank you! Can you imagine the person who is buying that. Europeans and their novelty items. Maybe, if I get super homesick and have money to burn. That is more than my week metro pass.
Oh ya, their metro pass is great because it only charges you for the zones you are actually using. I live in zone 4 and Paris centre is Zone 1, so my week pass is 29 euros from Mon-Sun (they literally mean a week...I bought my first one on a sunday and I couldn't use it until Monday).
I treated myself to a creme brulee macaron and I suggest that you try these if possible. It looks like a mini hamburger with the buns being divinity, the inside being creamy heaven and there is a middle of divinity and creamy heaven. I got a tiny one for 1.60 euros and it was sooo delicious. My co-worker told me to go to laduree (very famous restaurant and macaron shop - very expensive) but I can get them anywhere, so I got one at the Gourmet gallery. I have to reward myself every so often.
Tonight, I came back home and on the way I pass this sports bar, pub type place that says "wifi" on their sign and so I enquired if it's free and whether I could also plug in my computer without a fee (some free wifi spots wll charge for electricity use). It's all free, so I may start frequenting this place instead of using the internet cafe. Yet, since I have a lot of time to use at the cafe, I watched 2 episodes of Rookie Blue. This means that I can watch sidereel for Survivor and any other shows that I'll be missing.
I know I need to learn and immerse myself in french but I still miss my little comforts.
Love y'all and I am slowly but surely getting by in Paris!
Bon soir!
I dropped off another resume and the lady was nice...she was in an office - small but an actual office. She spoke slowly to me in french so that I would understand, after explaing to her that comprehension is slow right now. She gave my resume a terciary glance and said that she will look at my CV and if they can use me, then she will contact me. It was hopeful and a nice way to say goodbye but other than that, okay.
I noticed a Monoprix across the street and checked it out. A monoprix is like a walmart in a way or a Kmart...grocery store/clothing/household. I was thinking that I would finally find cheap hair products (shampoo, gel, etc) and nope...still expensive. Anything over 9 euros is expensive. The nail polish remover, 4.50 euros for a small bottle. We are so spoiled in Canada. I need to get this polish off my nails and I am sad that I didn't do it before I left.
I walked around in the 18th district which has the Sacre-Coeur and montmartre but I was behind them. The neighborhood seemed a little sketchy but some of the shops had some really fun household items. Everything is cheaper the further away you get from the Centre of Paris.
The 17th is a nicer neighborhood, at least where I was and around the 2nd school. The shops were a lot trendier and more expensive.
Just so you know, when I walk these areas it is not really by choice but because I get off at a metro stop that is far from where I need to be. I don't think to look in my mapbook whether the street numbers are close to where I need to be. It enables me to walk and see the districts though. I am always safe and there are a lot of yummy patisseries to walk by. No, I don't stop at every one because I know that the one near my house is cheap and so delicious!
Today, I was also in the 9th district. Around the metro/train station where I catch my train home, was another school that I was going to drop my CV at. Along the way, rue de Provence, are these Gallery malls...one is called Printemps and you have to have an appointment to shop there. There is a guard outside. Ooh la la! I was on gallery mall row and made a mental note to come back when finished my errand. Well, turned out the office was located in a building that I couldn't get into, so I will have to call tomorrow and make an appt. I wasn't too bothered because now I could satisfy my shopping curiosity.
I was on Haussman and there is a lafayette gourmet gallery. I went inside and it's this mall of wonderful gourmet treats and food. There is a gourmet supermarket with all these international aisles. Canada is linked with britain and the US. I bought a bag of tortilla chips and salsa (under the Mexican aisle). They have a 5kg bottle of Nutella. I took a photo but can't upload without a data plan...I've tried already. Once I use my laptop you'll see this. The price for that was 39 euros. Also, I saw these XXL bags of M&M's...a littlke bigger than the large back home and it was 39 euros. No, thank you! Can you imagine the person who is buying that. Europeans and their novelty items. Maybe, if I get super homesick and have money to burn. That is more than my week metro pass.
Oh ya, their metro pass is great because it only charges you for the zones you are actually using. I live in zone 4 and Paris centre is Zone 1, so my week pass is 29 euros from Mon-Sun (they literally mean a week...I bought my first one on a sunday and I couldn't use it until Monday).
I treated myself to a creme brulee macaron and I suggest that you try these if possible. It looks like a mini hamburger with the buns being divinity, the inside being creamy heaven and there is a middle of divinity and creamy heaven. I got a tiny one for 1.60 euros and it was sooo delicious. My co-worker told me to go to laduree (very famous restaurant and macaron shop - very expensive) but I can get them anywhere, so I got one at the Gourmet gallery. I have to reward myself every so often.
Tonight, I came back home and on the way I pass this sports bar, pub type place that says "wifi" on their sign and so I enquired if it's free and whether I could also plug in my computer without a fee (some free wifi spots wll charge for electricity use). It's all free, so I may start frequenting this place instead of using the internet cafe. Yet, since I have a lot of time to use at the cafe, I watched 2 episodes of Rookie Blue. This means that I can watch sidereel for Survivor and any other shows that I'll be missing.
I know I need to learn and immerse myself in french but I still miss my little comforts.
Love y'all and I am slowly but surely getting by in Paris!
Bon soir!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Paris
Hello everyone, sorry for the delay in posting but since I have arrived in Paris, I have had to rely on internet cafes and now my phone. I have unlimited internet (not data) on my phone for month. Now, that I know that I can post using my phone, I'll try to be more diligent.
I have a blog typed out and save on my computer and will have to get that posted via an internet cafe. That has info of my adventures so far but here is a little update:
I am safe and have been able to attend the Paris Ward twice. It meets at 9:30am with RS happening first, thank goodness for that b/c on the first Sunday, I thought I had my directions right but was lost within a 3 block radius for about 40 min. and no one could tell me where the street was. Lesson: Parisiens only get to know their immediate surroundings and when asked for directions, they will usually tell you the wrong thing. I eventually bought a little map book. Most places I need to find are on hidden side streets.
I found a place to live in the suburbs. It's 20 min. Away by train from Paris...or 14 km. Not far but since I am a chicken of nightfall, I make sure I am back home by 8:30pm there are still a lot of commuters that late at night. My home is in the basement for 370 euros/month and everything is included. I have a kitchen, bathroom (shower, sink and toilet) and a desk, double bed and wardrobe. I'm supposed to have internet but my computer won't connect:( The suite is a little bigger than my bedroom back in Van. I like it and the little Ville or city called "Villemomble" is charming. I am 5-7 min from the train, grocery store, internet cafe, patisserie, bank machine and laundromat.
I have been looking for work and have applied at about 15 english schools and only 3 so far have said no, become a student or get a carte sejours (a long stay visa). I need to apply to more places but since I have to use the internet cafe for my research...it's so time consuming.
I stayed at a B&B when I arrived and getting there with both of my 50lb bags was a little challenging. I have experienced the kindness of strangers here and I'm so grateful for that. The landlady was very nice and wants me to keep in touch with her so that we can do some sightseeing. She was going to take me to the Eiffel tower at night but then I found my place and had to move. Maybe one day I can experience that..probably closer to the winter.
My french is very basic and I know lots of vocab but not for what I need. I spent money on some unnecessary things but it worked out in the end.
In one week I spent 2 months rent and a B&B fee (I was given 2 days refund) plus refilled my sim card until I finally got the hang of how the minutes work here. I can now start to conserve my money.
Favorites: a store called IDEM in the 11th district - very economical and contemporary household items.
- Picard - a grocery store of just frozen food/meals/desserts, etc. Cheap and I can find ready to cook potatoes...scallopped...fried, etc.
-Office depot - 3.70 to make 50 copies plus they give you your own Copycard that you can refill.
-Marche Franprix - another grocery store but it's so nice when you are in Paris and don't want to spend 2 euros or more for a juice, water or pop. You pop into one of these stores and a 1 ltr of water is .86 cents.
I am learning things as I live here and tomorrow I get to go to Ikea. The prices are in Euros but it's still so cheap!
I also made some new friends at Church that are from the US and are working or studying here. So, it's nice to know people. Now, I need to study my french. I bought a french/english dictionary today. Time to improve my french skills.
Bon soir.
I have a blog typed out and save on my computer and will have to get that posted via an internet cafe. That has info of my adventures so far but here is a little update:
I am safe and have been able to attend the Paris Ward twice. It meets at 9:30am with RS happening first, thank goodness for that b/c on the first Sunday, I thought I had my directions right but was lost within a 3 block radius for about 40 min. and no one could tell me where the street was. Lesson: Parisiens only get to know their immediate surroundings and when asked for directions, they will usually tell you the wrong thing. I eventually bought a little map book. Most places I need to find are on hidden side streets.
I found a place to live in the suburbs. It's 20 min. Away by train from Paris...or 14 km. Not far but since I am a chicken of nightfall, I make sure I am back home by 8:30pm there are still a lot of commuters that late at night. My home is in the basement for 370 euros/month and everything is included. I have a kitchen, bathroom (shower, sink and toilet) and a desk, double bed and wardrobe. I'm supposed to have internet but my computer won't connect:( The suite is a little bigger than my bedroom back in Van. I like it and the little Ville or city called "Villemomble" is charming. I am 5-7 min from the train, grocery store, internet cafe, patisserie, bank machine and laundromat.
I have been looking for work and have applied at about 15 english schools and only 3 so far have said no, become a student or get a carte sejours (a long stay visa). I need to apply to more places but since I have to use the internet cafe for my research...it's so time consuming.
I stayed at a B&B when I arrived and getting there with both of my 50lb bags was a little challenging. I have experienced the kindness of strangers here and I'm so grateful for that. The landlady was very nice and wants me to keep in touch with her so that we can do some sightseeing. She was going to take me to the Eiffel tower at night but then I found my place and had to move. Maybe one day I can experience that..probably closer to the winter.
My french is very basic and I know lots of vocab but not for what I need. I spent money on some unnecessary things but it worked out in the end.
In one week I spent 2 months rent and a B&B fee (I was given 2 days refund) plus refilled my sim card until I finally got the hang of how the minutes work here. I can now start to conserve my money.
Favorites: a store called IDEM in the 11th district - very economical and contemporary household items.
- Picard - a grocery store of just frozen food/meals/desserts, etc. Cheap and I can find ready to cook potatoes...scallopped...fried, etc.
-Office depot - 3.70 to make 50 copies plus they give you your own Copycard that you can refill.
-Marche Franprix - another grocery store but it's so nice when you are in Paris and don't want to spend 2 euros or more for a juice, water or pop. You pop into one of these stores and a 1 ltr of water is .86 cents.
I am learning things as I live here and tomorrow I get to go to Ikea. The prices are in Euros but it's still so cheap!
I also made some new friends at Church that are from the US and are working or studying here. So, it's nice to know people. Now, I need to study my french. I bought a french/english dictionary today. Time to improve my french skills.
Bon soir.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Travels - Cali Aug. 4-12
I went to Cali and attended a SoCal Single Adult conference and spent time with my Aunt and Uncle...they are wonderful!
Conference - Thursday was a Temple night at the LA Temple, we had about 250 people in the session. One of the rooms can fit the Vancouver Temple inside easily :) I love our Temple in Vancouver but I enjoy the larger Temples.
Friday - BBQ and Caribbean entertainment at Doheny beach which was a 10 min. drive from my aunt and uncle's place. I met a couple of new friends, and was hit on by 2 older guys (50-60) while I was trying to complete the get-to-know you activity - find someone who...etc etc. I met 50 new people due to that game but I only chatted with probably one person on that list throughout the rest of the conference...and it wasn't a guy :( California is beautiful and I love the Spanish mission architecture. The church building was styled in this theme...it was a great change from the regular brick. The caribbean entertainment was very lively and it really got the crowd excited. The dance was fun and I did the Mid-singles speed dating where one guy thought it would be fun to thumb wrestle for the 2 minutes. We sort of talked but it was ridiculous really. He also took the liberty of putting his hand on my knee...ay yi yi...who was this guy?? Didn't talk to him again the rest of the conference.
Saturday - Devotional - Brad Wilcox...amazing
Dating Workshop - Alisa Goodwin-Snell "It's not you, it's your technique" - sooo fantastic! I also realised how much of a fool I have been about dating for sooo long. Oh well, it's never too late to refine one's technique and start fresh. (I did get asked for my number by the way, from a guy that I was interested in too!)
The dance that night was fun but soooo tiring, I was in heels. haha. I was only asked by older guys...at least I was asked right? I seem to be very approachable because I did make a lot of random acquaintances, I would be standing in food lines or getting something and ladies would just start talking to me and so it was nice to meet people. Might be alos, that they knew I was from Canada...on the day they asked people to stand up if you were from...etc etc....I was wearing bright pink and my red/pink scarf...so I stood out. People remembered that about me.
Sunday - Craig Jessop and a member of the Seventy spoke to us. Wow, it was very spiritually enlightening. I was sitting beside a lady who works for NASA in the business admin side. She is so intelligent, which you can sense just through talking to her and she was very self-assured and confident about who she was and where her life is heading. I hope to have that vibe someday in my own persona. The people that I have been able to meet this weekend are pretty amazing and I am so glad that I made the decision to attend this conference.
Cali with my aunt and uncle was sooo fun! My aunt treated me to a 20$ mani-pedi (that price is common throughout LA). They treated me to lunches, dinners, breakfast and I was very well fed this week. They were very thoughtful and always mindful of my needs. When we were in San Clemente, I would sleep in until 8:30 or 9 and felt that I had wasted the day. They were up a lot earlier, had gone on a 4 mile walk already and had breakfast already. I love San Clemente, I love the ocean and being able to walk along the beach and just taking in the surroundings. I was walking around town and was headed back and someone threw their water on me as they drove by. I was pretty ticked at first but considering it was super hot out, that was a little refreshing and it was water, thank goodness. There was a Design, home furnishings consignment store there that had really great furniture, leather chairs, beautiful wooden chests and drawers, all reasonably priced in great condition. I plan on decorating my home this way in the future.
Here are some pics of my adventures:
Conference - Thursday was a Temple night at the LA Temple, we had about 250 people in the session. One of the rooms can fit the Vancouver Temple inside easily :) I love our Temple in Vancouver but I enjoy the larger Temples.
Friday - BBQ and Caribbean entertainment at Doheny beach which was a 10 min. drive from my aunt and uncle's place. I met a couple of new friends, and was hit on by 2 older guys (50-60) while I was trying to complete the get-to-know you activity - find someone who...etc etc. I met 50 new people due to that game but I only chatted with probably one person on that list throughout the rest of the conference...and it wasn't a guy :( California is beautiful and I love the Spanish mission architecture. The church building was styled in this theme...it was a great change from the regular brick. The caribbean entertainment was very lively and it really got the crowd excited. The dance was fun and I did the Mid-singles speed dating where one guy thought it would be fun to thumb wrestle for the 2 minutes. We sort of talked but it was ridiculous really. He also took the liberty of putting his hand on my knee...ay yi yi...who was this guy?? Didn't talk to him again the rest of the conference.
Saturday - Devotional - Brad Wilcox...amazing
Dating Workshop - Alisa Goodwin-Snell "It's not you, it's your technique" - sooo fantastic! I also realised how much of a fool I have been about dating for sooo long. Oh well, it's never too late to refine one's technique and start fresh. (I did get asked for my number by the way, from a guy that I was interested in too!)
The dance that night was fun but soooo tiring, I was in heels. haha. I was only asked by older guys...at least I was asked right? I seem to be very approachable because I did make a lot of random acquaintances, I would be standing in food lines or getting something and ladies would just start talking to me and so it was nice to meet people. Might be alos, that they knew I was from Canada...on the day they asked people to stand up if you were from...etc etc....I was wearing bright pink and my red/pink scarf...so I stood out. People remembered that about me.
Sunday - Craig Jessop and a member of the Seventy spoke to us. Wow, it was very spiritually enlightening. I was sitting beside a lady who works for NASA in the business admin side. She is so intelligent, which you can sense just through talking to her and she was very self-assured and confident about who she was and where her life is heading. I hope to have that vibe someday in my own persona. The people that I have been able to meet this weekend are pretty amazing and I am so glad that I made the decision to attend this conference.
Cali with my aunt and uncle was sooo fun! My aunt treated me to a 20$ mani-pedi (that price is common throughout LA). They treated me to lunches, dinners, breakfast and I was very well fed this week. They were very thoughtful and always mindful of my needs. When we were in San Clemente, I would sleep in until 8:30 or 9 and felt that I had wasted the day. They were up a lot earlier, had gone on a 4 mile walk already and had breakfast already. I love San Clemente, I love the ocean and being able to walk along the beach and just taking in the surroundings. I was walking around town and was headed back and someone threw their water on me as they drove by. I was pretty ticked at first but considering it was super hot out, that was a little refreshing and it was water, thank goodness. There was a Design, home furnishings consignment store there that had really great furniture, leather chairs, beautiful wooden chests and drawers, all reasonably priced in great condition. I plan on decorating my home this way in the future.
Here are some pics of my adventures:
Monday, August 22, 2011
Starting Over
I am starting fresh on my blog because I am starting a new chapter in my life. Here are the details:
Since June 24th, I was laid off from my job at TD Canada Trust due to the BSC closing and I chose to take the severance package rather than choose another TD job, which I know I would not appreciate a year down the road. I have since started and completed a month long CELTA (Cambridge English Language Teacher for Adults) course, which I have passed. I am now a CELTA certified teacher. I am going to go to Paris on Sept. 2nd, arrive Sept. 3rd and start looking for ESL jobs on Sept. 5th.
I have been so blessed since I made this decision and have been able to sublet my room and the basement suite, while I am away, so I don't have to worry about paying storage fees.I have a friend who is going to use my car while I am away as well, so I won't have to worry about it sitting for a year. Plus, I have been able to find a site on FB called "expatriates in Paris" which is a FB community for the expats in Paris and they give great tips on housing, jobs and so far someone has let me know about 2 ESL companies to apply to. Plus, gave me some encouraging advice, as he was in the same position before. Very nice!
I plan on posting here weekly, if not more to show you all that I am safe and how I am doing in my job progress. I can't believe that I am doing it and it will finally sink in once I land in Paris. Yes, I am going to Paris!!! Wowsa.
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