Follow up

This summer in Nice is just one of the reasons that this past year has been the best in my life.  Throughout the program I was able to do things Id never dreamed of doing, and I learned so much about being in a foreign place, and about that foreign place.  Throughout the program I was immersed in the French language, I learned more than I had in any of my French classes in the past few years combined.  I am so grateful for the opportunity to travel abroad this sumer.  I was able to see the second smallest country in the world, Monaco, (only preceded by Vatican City).  We also travelled to Italy, which was very similar to France, however it was impossible to understand!  Overall, it was the best summer experience of my life so far, and its given me a good insight on what I want to do in the future.

Italy!!!!

Today we went to Italy.  It was very similar to Nice, except it was all Italian!

St Paul de Vence

We visited St Paul de Vence, and despite the insane rain, we had a great time.  We first explored The Fondation Maeghtin.  There is lots of modern art there.  Some of it did not appeal to us, but we found one piece that we all enjoyed thoroughly.  Some argued that it was the greatest piece of art in all of France.

This is "Fontaine" by Pol Bury.  Its a very movement-full water feature, and its very exciting.

The Fondation Maeghtin St Paul de Vence

Bowling!

Bowling is always fun, especially when you do well.  We went bowling and it was a blast.  Its fun participating in friendly competition.  It reminds me of the olympics.  The entire world is gathering and keeping peace for 17 days to show their best athletes.  I think it is just incredible, and I wish that every day was like the olympics; friendly and mutually respectful.

Last day of classes

Today was the last day of classes.  The French and Photography classes have been fantastic and I've learned so much.  Thank you to Cyril and Maxim for being awesome teachers and making both subjects interesting and fun, while still presenting a challenge and giving the feeling of accomplishment.

Frégate

Like we do almost every week, we went to the beach adjacent to the Frégate hotel and restaurant.  Today at the beach we rode tandem kayaks, which was a lot of fun.  Its nice having some (kind of) down-time, to relax from the busy and fun filled schedule of the program.  After kayaking and drying on the beach I and some others went up to the restaurant's kitchen to prepare the nights meal.  We had Salmon with lemons, tomato, and thyme.  Along with it, we had a cucumber salad, with what seemed like hundreds of cucumbers that I cut and peeled.  It was worth it.  After that we had tiramisu.  Yum.  

The day as always was very enjoyable.

Beach Volleyball

Tonight we played beach volleyball.  It was a blast, and my team won.

Church Bells

These are some pretty church bells.  They sounded neat to me and rang every time there was a baptism.

Monaco Aquarium

Today we went to Monaco.  The main attraction for me was the aquarium.  I've been to many aquariums back in California, but this one is something very special.  

This Aquarium is very condensed, you dont have to walk far to get places, and there isnt anywhere you can go without seeing some kind of fish.  Unlike Aquariums in CA, where there are lots of filler exhibits, or exhibits that are closed, this one was built fully to amaze people.  It does that very well.

There are tanks with hundreds of tiny fish like this one, and there are also tanks with a few giant and very interesting fish.  The entire day was incredible.  There was a tank that had only dangerous fish like the Lion Fish, and the Japanese Puffer fish.  This tank was crowed around, because the fish inside are so very interesting.  There were many other tanks with giant and interesting fish... it was just interesting and fun!  I hope to return there again sometime because it would be easy to spend a day looking at all the interesting things that live in the ocean.

Snorkeling

Today we went snorkeling in Villefranche.  The water was beautiful as it always is in the Mediterranean.  The guides showed us neat sea life like urchins and Sea anemones.  We saw lots of fish, from the size that you could barely see to fish bigger than my head.  It was quite an awesome experience.  We also had fun with each other, splashing and playing.  It is definitely something I hope to be able to to sometime in the future.

Today in Antibes

Today, we went to Antibes.  Antibes is a city not unlike Nice, but smaller and more intimate.  Somehow the town seemed more familiar, though I have never been there before.  First we went shopping in a little farmers market type of thing.  Then we got lunch, we all had some kind of sandwich.  We sat in a little courtyard between the Picasso Museum and a church, which was actively performing baptisms. (there were at least 3 while we were there)

After lunch, we went to the Picasso museum.  I would share my opinion on his art, but some may not agree with it.  Some of the other artists that were included in the museum were interesting.

Once we left the museum we walked about a half an hour to a beautiful beach town, where we boarded a boat with windows in the hull and watched underwater or about an hour.  It was quite interesting.  Then we went to the beach, and swam in beautifully warm water, however, the beach was very crowded.
Finally, we went to dinner at a very nice restaurant.  I was not courageous enough to get muscles like several others, but enjoyed the meal nonetheless.  After that we walked around for 45 minutes to kill time before the train arrived.  There was lots of jewelry and souvenirs on a temporary market along the  closed street.  On the train ride back we told jokes and enjoyed the down time, which brought us home.
Goodnight.

Goodmorning from Nice!

Goodmorning from Nice!  My first day here was long, especially after our long flight.  Airplane food is gross, and not moving for 9 hours does not make it taste any better.  I was avenged with an awesome dinner at a restaurant just around the corner from the residence.  I was so tired there after eating I almost fell asleep there.  When I got back here I found my self with more energy (unfortunately) and couldn't sleep, so I looked around my room and sent messages home to family and friends.  Now that I have slept it is time to start experiencing Nice.

Pre-Departure Video

Pre-Departure Thoughts

In about a week and a half I will be departing from LAX to JFK to meet up with the group of students who I am going to be spending the month with in Nice.  I was lucky enough to find that the group flight actually starts in LA, so I may not even have to get off the plane! I have never left the country before, so this will be a new experience for me in many ways.  My first international travel; all the way to Europe.  Getting prepared for the trip has been a journey in its own, from searching for the tickets to making sure I have everything I’ll need.

Everybody I have talked to about the trip has told me how incredible Nice is and told me all their stories about traveling abroad.  Everyone has shown so much support for me from the moment I first applied to when I was accepted and continue to support me.  I am so grateful for all the people who helped me get here.  I cannot wait to see all the sights and learn about the city and country. 

I have enjoyed learning French in school and I cant wait to use what I know and expand my knowledge.  I know many people who speak French fluently and they tell me that immersion is the best way to learn.  I also enjoy digital photography, and I can’t wait to learn how to use a camera better and all the techniques associated with photography and hopefully apply them to my other hobbies like videography.  I hope to take lots of pictures and video while I’m there to share with everyone at home.

I cannot wait to experience France for a whole month.  It promises to be exciting and fulfilling in every aspect.  See you later this summer.