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!
Friday, September 30, 2011
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.
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