Just to catch up...

This week, I have no school. It's all saints week and the French celebrate it like they do everything else--they shut down everything and head to the beach. Yep. Vacation time.

Tomorrow morning, I will be on route to Rennes--from there I will go to Mont Saint-Michel, then to Carnac, then back to Lyon. Then, I will make a day trip to Le Puys. I just have to make sure I'm back for a Halloween party on friday.

Anywho! I thought I'd let you all know what's been going on. It's Halloween time and the French try to celebrate it in their own very strange way. Last Saturday there was a large festival in Bellecour, where there were stilt walkers with giant wings and old fashioned games, etc. It was also the release of the "Petite Paume," an annual publication by the youth of Lyon to designate all the hot spots and events that will take place during the year. I had heard that it was nearly impossible to get one of these and that you had to fight people to grab one. This might have been true at the start, but I showed up late and walked away with three of them--no problem.

Additionally, one of my main objectives I had before arriving here-getting boots--has been accomplished. They're brown and they go just up past my ankles. Quite comfortable and warm, I might add. That happened last Saturday, as well.

The following day, Sunday, a bunch of us went out to try famous (and pricey) Lyon dishes. I started the evening with Kir (Champagne with flavored syrup--I had rasberry). Then, I had the Saubedet Lyonnais, which is a sausage that rests in an onion soup and a small salad. Following that, there was a fillet covered in Cheese, served with potatoes, and green beans. I ended the meal with Chocolate Mousse. Some other people tried more dangerous dishes--like the cheek of a veal, pig snout, blood sausage, duck liver, Cunnul, etc. Other deserts included Chartreuse flavored ice cream, Creme de Marron (which is a sweet but delicious and fluffy pudding made from nuts), fruit salad, Cheese plates, etc. It was a pricey night, but it was a long time coming.

Then, I had a week of school. Not much going in that department. Thursday night I went to the Animal Collective concert here. It's actually kind of silly because all of the smaller bands in the united states are the larger more popular bands here in France. It ended at 1:30 and I was in the middle of nowhere. Thank God for my bike card--otherwise I would have been in a bit of trouble. I met a very nice Texan who was traveling through Lyon just to see the concert. It was a nice evening.

Friday I made a chocolate hazelnut cakes which my family was literally fighting over for the last two days. I started a war over chocolate. It was so beautiful!

My friend Kim went out of town and a lot of my other friends are traveling through Paris this week so I figure it's about time I get out of here and go somewhere, too. Besides, I've had it with the French postal system and I'm pretty sure the people who work there recognize me every time I go in there to complain. So, here I come vacation. Work your magic.

Should come back with some nice pictures. Stay tuned.

Happy Birthday, Kris

Today, October 21, is the birthday of my friend Kris Doychak, who recently passed on. Kris was always pretty quiet, very introspective, but nonetheless genuinely curious about everyone. When we were in middle school, we tried our hands at some philosophy texts. On more than one occasion, he caught me reading something I genuinely did not understand and had to explain it to me. It was never condescending and always in the interest of exploring our world together.

A few months ago, Kris took his own life. I had not been particularly close to Kris since we started college, but our paths were intertwined much earlier in our spiritual and social foundation. We were childhood friends—part of a group that at one time seemed inseparable. Through distances both literal and figurative, our group began to tear at the seams, and after a short while, none of us were in contact any longer. His death has been on my mind since April, and even still since I’ve been in France.

At Kris’ wake, our group met up once again. However, where we once celebrated our livelihood and our vitality, this time we celebrated life in a much different and humble way. Kris’ death had brought our group together again—but this time, it had become very clear why our group had separated: we are altogether the most different people. We have arrived at different places in life, with very different opinions and lifestyles exhibited from everyone. If we were to be completely honest with each other, our group would never have gotten together under any other circumstance.

Yet, Kris’ death was a pinch that brought all of our young, comfortable, and ignorant lives to a stand still. No longer could we ignore that in our often comfortable lives, there are victims of loneliness and sorrow. In a time where we were complacent with going to class every day, participating in interest groups, working, going out on weekends—there are people in our immediate reach whom we can give a hand to. This is not to say that Kris’ friends and family did not care for him appropriately. On the contrary, I know for a fact that his friends and family had been very close with him and had been doing everything to let Kris know he was loved. Because of this, I can only wonder how much sadness and pain goes unnoticed and untreated on an every day basis.

I believe my mind has been really been stuck on this for a while. The people around me are what make me tick. Wherever I am, whatever I am doing, it is only going to be as good as the people I am spending my time with. For the past couple months, I had been wondering if this was a certain kind of self-affirming weakness, where I need to have people reassuring me that I’m not worthless. After great searching, I don’t find this to be true. I just love people—their stories, their hardships and interests. Political interests, offensive comments, and tastes in music or movies aside, nothing can beat a good conversation over coffee. It makes me feel alive and in touch with others. It has a very spiritual link to my heart, I believe.

There have definitely been some hardships among the France group. I believe that many of us came here with unreasonable expectations, unfinished business, unsteady relationships, etc. As a result, many of us are getting pushed in the deep end of having to cope with adulthood in a country where we can barely speak the language. We are having fun, of course. But fun moments are sandwiched between painful, slow moments where we are forced to reflect on everything that has lead us to where we are: confused and amongst strangers in a different country. Together, however, we realize how much we have in common, despite our difference in pasts.

This is very much what I think about my group of friends from my childhood. The same group that Kris was a part of when we were just young middle schoolers looking for trouble. We have gone far in life and have all ended up in different places. However, despite the fact that the only remaining factor we have in common happens to be our past, I still love all of you. I can’t always keep in touch, especially now in France. However, I implore everyone I know that you are often in my thoughts. No one in my past is forgotten, and none of you have left my heart. Be certain of this.

Today, Kris will be in my thoughts. My prayers go out to his family and his friends. He would have been twenty-one today, so I think I will buy a bottle of champagne and have a fancy drink—as he would have. I miss all of you at home. Enjoy your time together, and never take any moment with anyone for granted. Peace and love to us all.

For Kris and the rest of you:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pv7rutY7iUc&mode=related&search=

France 1; Trevor 0 (insert random spelling mistake)

In France, super soccer fanatics (who also happen to be usually pretty gross with this haircut that resembles and army cut with gel), they like to wear these man purses. They are small and they resemble a camera case or a passport holder. I've also thought them to be quite stupid until I started counting all the change I've collected around my room--30 euros worth of coins.

Damn you, France. You made me sell out. I bought what I thought to be one of the most awful creations in history. I am literally wearing a fanny pack that goes from my shoulder across my chest and meets my midsection on the other side. Congratulations universe--you win.

Upside--holds my phone and change. Can't put a price on that. Okay... maybe 7 euros.

What also made me change my mind is that I recently got myself a bike pass. Thanks to some quick maneuvering from my good friends Amy and Amanda, who called me to tell me that there was a stand open for the velo down near the university, I managed to gather all my paperwork and run down there. Much better option than sending it through the mail which takes roughly 4 weeks to process. So I can pick up a bike anywhere within a two block radius, use it, and not have to worry about stuff falling out of my pockets because i got my man purse. I'm the king of the world right now. (Also the king of cookies--Don't you forget it).

So how did I celebrate losing my soul to French trash culture and the immediate pleasure of getting a bike pass? I stayed out late with Juan and learned to salsa at a bar. Then, I met up with my friends Mariko and Jye-he, and drank a lot of water (biking and salsa dancing makes for a thirsty Trevor), and made my way home. I didn't have to worry about the stupid Tram because I can use a bike--which is faster by the way.

So, no class today. 'Cause it's Wednesday and the French kick some serious butt. (Well... you know, except for the whole man purse thing). I'm going to spend the day making cookies and relaxing at the park. It got warm again--might as well enjoy it while it's here.

Take care, mes ami(e)s.

I think I'm turning Japenese

Okay, so this will be a pretty boring entry. One boring picture and old fashioned text. Sorry.

So, after I got back form Geneva, I had a pretty nasty cold. So, I stayed in and rested for a week before I tested into the school. I didn't do that great on the placement exam, but it's not a big deal because I really like my class and it doesn't sound like there are many differences between the classes. We started out with some review this week that has been really helpful anyway.

Anywho, allow me to paint you a picture of the class: 18 Asians, 3 Latino/as, and me. Yep. Only English-speaker in the room. Go me!

That being said, in the past two weeks, I have only really been hanging out with the Japanese. That's right, my new best friends: Yuka, Tomoko, Emi, Meri, Mariko... you get the picture. The other person who I've been hanging out with is a Korean (OH, big shock there!) whose name is Ji-hye. Don't ask me how to pronounce it.

Additionally, Juan from Columbia and Paula Maria from Ecuador. She always tells me how I should visit Quito next time I'm in Ecuador. Yep, Paula. I'll get on that... when I go back.

In the past week, I've been getting comfortable also with a group of Americans who live down the street. At my friend Kim's we meet up there every night to watch American TV, indulge on American coffee, and eat nutella with things that one wouldn't really expect to eat nutella with. Additionally, I have been baking a lot--My host mom has called me the cookie king. I don't take this lightly and I expect all of you to call me the cookie king from now on.

There has been a couple things here or there that have been interesting. On a side note, I can definitely turn the TV on and, while not looking at it, can pay attention to the news. That's pretty big strides in my French I think.

I've been playing a little soccer... easy of course 'cause I don't want to mess up my ankle again. I also played basketball with the Japanese and I accidentally knocked Tomoko in the face. We'll see if she ever talks to me again...

Okay, that's about it. Kind of boring, but I can't tell you how nice it is getting into a schedule. The repetition is kind of nice.

Finally, here is your picture. I showed Ji-hye and Mariko Photo Booth (Mac application for you non-Apple-savvy peoples). Needless to say, they loved it. Here is a nice pic of the three of us.

Ji-hye, Me, Markiko

Tonight is a friend's birthday (American) and we're going to get together and have some wine and cheese.

Tomorrow is the Rugby game. France beat New Zealand (which just doesn't happen), so they have a good shot at the title. Hopefully I will go to Sarah's again to watch it since I had so much fun last time. Her host family is really nice and last week she made American food for them (mac and cheese--'cept it was baked and yummy).

Allez France! Ciao my American Friends!