Greetings from the beautiful Alpine story book land of Chamonix. It feels like I am in line at the Matterhorn and I love it. My favorite place on the tour so far.
Video and picture postings to come soon from the top of the Alps at Aiguille du Midi, but for now, a preview...gondolas, body odor, snowfall, and violent hand gestures.
Peace, love, and snow in summer,
hillstead
Saturday, July 9, 2011
French Etiquette on the Riviera
It has been 10 years since I took French with Monsieur Wrenn, yet I feel like I can communicate semi bien in France. Here are some useful tips I learned from him, not only as his student, but as an excited traveler...
1. Formality is key...saying bonjour monsieur, bonjour Madame as you enter and leave go a long way in any boulangerie, patisserie, or restaurant.
2. S'il vous plait and merci with a smile will get you a return smile 90% of the time (not as effective as the 94% bend and snap return smile, but close)
3. Pardonez moi, excusez moi are useful phrases when passing anyone in a busy subway, street, or marketplace. People will usually respond well to this.
4. It is acceptable to ignore men or gypsies in the street, because if you greet them with eye contact or a smile, it is invitation for them to invade your personal space. But if you are into either one or both, I support you.
5. Apparently is against the law to walk in the streets of the Riviera with your bare torso exposed.
6. Apparently it is also frowned upon to walk into a restaurant wearing hootchie shorts and a camp appropriate one piece in a restaurant (personal experience).
7. When an elderly woman screams behind you, she may startle you to the point where you pee a little, but she could very easily be communicating with her dog who ran around the corner to get in some good snide at the local garbage can. (personal experience)
happy and safe traveling,
hillstead
1. Formality is key...saying bonjour monsieur, bonjour Madame as you enter and leave go a long way in any boulangerie, patisserie, or restaurant.
2. S'il vous plait and merci with a smile will get you a return smile 90% of the time (not as effective as the 94% bend and snap return smile, but close)
3. Pardonez moi, excusez moi are useful phrases when passing anyone in a busy subway, street, or marketplace. People will usually respond well to this.
4. It is acceptable to ignore men or gypsies in the street, because if you greet them with eye contact or a smile, it is invitation for them to invade your personal space. But if you are into either one or both, I support you.
5. Apparently is against the law to walk in the streets of the Riviera with your bare torso exposed.
6. Apparently it is also frowned upon to walk into a restaurant wearing hootchie shorts and a camp appropriate one piece in a restaurant (personal experience).
7. When an elderly woman screams behind you, she may startle you to the point where you pee a little, but she could very easily be communicating with her dog who ran around the corner to get in some good snide at the local garbage can. (personal experience)
happy and safe traveling,
hillstead
Friday, July 8, 2011
Fireworks on the 4th of July
Although the French have no reason to celebrate America's independence, our students in France certainly wanted to...
Nick and I just finished bed checks at midnight, which is an adventure itself. From entering freshmen girls' rooms that look like they have exploded (after only seven hours of occupancy) to students answering their doors in every outfit imaginable, we never knew what we would get (I felt like Forrest Gump just now, and now curiously craving a box of chocolates). After every student was safely in their rooms, watching everything from cartoons to French porn (according to a roomful of boys) Nick and I hear this crazy firework being ignited and thrown out a window, crashing in the courtyard of the quaint hotel. We immediately run to the assumed culprit, who had showed off his impressive firework collection only a few minutes ago. He too, was running to tell us that he did not light off the fireworks. He even showed us his sealed packages...One of the parents found the evidence the next morning, yet no one is willing to admit who showed their love for America last night. I better get out my private investigating notebook and start asking questions...
Happy independence for some, but not for all,
hillstead
Nick and I just finished bed checks at midnight, which is an adventure itself. From entering freshmen girls' rooms that look like they have exploded (after only seven hours of occupancy) to students answering their doors in every outfit imaginable, we never knew what we would get (I felt like Forrest Gump just now, and now curiously craving a box of chocolates). After every student was safely in their rooms, watching everything from cartoons to French porn (according to a roomful of boys) Nick and I hear this crazy firework being ignited and thrown out a window, crashing in the courtyard of the quaint hotel. We immediately run to the assumed culprit, who had showed off his impressive firework collection only a few minutes ago. He too, was running to tell us that he did not light off the fireworks. He even showed us his sealed packages...One of the parents found the evidence the next morning, yet no one is willing to admit who showed their love for America last night. I better get out my private investigating notebook and start asking questions...
Happy independence for some, but not for all,
hillstead
Forty Teenagers and an Autobus
It feels good to be back on blogger. For the past six days, I have been on tour with forty teenagers, four parents, four teachers, one guide, one bus driver, and an autobus. We started in the medieval walled city of Carcassonne.
Fun history fact: the starving townspeople of Carcassonne prevented invasion by feeding a pig to its maximum limit, then hauling this full-bellied pig over the ramparts. This showed the invaders that their town was thriving so much that they could afford to feed their animals these giant meals. The invaders turned around, intimidated by the assumed strength, wealth, and power of Carcassonne.
Next stop...Les Angles.
Chocolate croissant love,
hillstead
Fun history fact: the starving townspeople of Carcassonne prevented invasion by feeding a pig to its maximum limit, then hauling this full-bellied pig over the ramparts. This showed the invaders that their town was thriving so much that they could afford to feed their animals these giant meals. The invaders turned around, intimidated by the assumed strength, wealth, and power of Carcassonne.
Next stop...Les Angles.
Chocolate croissant love,
hillstead
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Toulouse Top Ten
Bonjour mes amis et ma famille! Left Toulouse this morning at 7am and headed off to pick up the students...Now in Carcassone, a well restored Medieval walled city and popular board game. My top ten list for Toulouse (in no particular order) to wrap up my ten day stay in the South of France...
10. Walking the streets of Toulouse reminds me of Salamanca, Spain.
9. The Place Capitole lit up at night with bustling cafes.
8. The boulangeries on nearly every street corner filled with freshly baked baguettes, tarts, and chocolate croissants.
7. There is an aisle at Auchan entirely devoted to ham.
6. The tango dancing in Place St. Georges at midnight.
5. Cafe au lait in the morning, espresso and hot water at night.
4. Rose wine
3. Skyping with my mom, Christine, and my grandpa
2. Incredibly rich dinners with my fabulously entertaining colleagues and adult chaperones
1. The beauty of Southern France.
Cheers and sword fights,
hillstead
10. Walking the streets of Toulouse reminds me of Salamanca, Spain.
9. The Place Capitole lit up at night with bustling cafes.
8. The boulangeries on nearly every street corner filled with freshly baked baguettes, tarts, and chocolate croissants.
7. There is an aisle at Auchan entirely devoted to ham.
6. The tango dancing in Place St. Georges at midnight.
5. Cafe au lait in the morning, espresso and hot water at night.
4. Rose wine
3. Skyping with my mom, Christine, and my grandpa
2. Incredibly rich dinners with my fabulously entertaining colleagues and adult chaperones
1. The beauty of Southern France.
Cheers and sword fights,
hillstead
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Mission: Detox completed
Like clockwork, I ran upstairs during my cafe and croissant breakfast to complete the mission. Not my best work, but a success!
A "toot" a l'heure
hillstead
A "toot" a l'heure
hillstead
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
No Pics in the Auchan Room
The Auchan is freaking bomb. Think of Auchan as a classy French Super Wal-mart. This palace has everything from a fromagerie to a boulangerie, from boxed wine to boxers...70% off...tis the season of sales. I took some photos, but then found out that it is illegal to take pictures in the Auchan for fear of competitor companies spying on their products and everyday low prices.
Because I am low on funds (thank goodness for payday tomorrow) I purchased nutella and deux en un shampoo for under 5€.
So, because my wallet has been cleansed throughly in France, I decided to cleanse my mind and body with Kusmi Tea...a detox tea courtesy of Nick. You know me and my "plumbing" problems...so I was a bit hesitant to drink this elixir that guarantees a healthy bowel movement or two within twelve hours. I am feeling a slight rumble after only an hour...I will keep you posted, perhaps straight from the source if I get a decent Internet connection in my bathroom.
Happy colons,
hillstead
Because I am low on funds (thank goodness for payday tomorrow) I purchased nutella and deux en un shampoo for under 5€.
So, because my wallet has been cleansed throughly in France, I decided to cleanse my mind and body with Kusmi Tea...a detox tea courtesy of Nick. You know me and my "plumbing" problems...so I was a bit hesitant to drink this elixir that guarantees a healthy bowel movement or two within twelve hours. I am feeling a slight rumble after only an hour...I will keep you posted, perhaps straight from the source if I get a decent Internet connection in my bathroom.
Happy colons,
hillstead
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
I peed in a hole
As we are cruising back from our beautiful weekend in the French countryside, we stop at an auto grille...a nice cafeteria/restaurant on the autoroute. After we finished our meal, which included a glass of rose wine from a type of juice dispenser, we head out. I tell Patricia how nice all of the facilities are on the autoroute.
Then, I had to go to the bathroom...
We stop at a rest stop about 20 minutes down the road. I go into the bathroom stall, where I am greeted by a hole in the ground. I double check the other stalls, which look the same as the first. I go outside to see if I accidentally stepped in the men's room. It was not the men's room.
I assume the position. It was nice that there were these raised foot platforms to help balance and make way for the pee. Apparently they need a splash guard as well, because I had to wash my sandal in the sink after I finished.
Kind regards and damp sandals,
hillstead
Then, I had to go to the bathroom...
We stop at a rest stop about 20 minutes down the road. I go into the bathroom stall, where I am greeted by a hole in the ground. I double check the other stalls, which look the same as the first. I go outside to see if I accidentally stepped in the men's room. It was not the men's room.
I assume the position. It was nice that there were these raised foot platforms to help balance and make way for the pee. Apparently they need a splash guard as well, because I had to wash my sandal in the sink after I finished.
Kind regards and damp sandals,
hillstead
Feeling Chaud Chaud Chaud
The chaperone crew (c squared) had dinner last night at lion d'or restaurant across from our hotel. We had a table in the back corner...windows were open and although the South of France is gorgeous, there was no breeze coming through, no air conditioner, and a lot of flies wanting to get in our dinner action.
Dinner was lovely, full of talking, eating, and drinking.
Speaking of drinking, there was a couple next to us (hairy chested man with his shirt unbuttoned to his navel, not that I'm complaining) that had their escargot, and then just left, leaving behind a half full bottle of a fine red wine. When they had not returned in over 20 minutes, we thought it would be a faux pas to leave a wounded soldier on the table. Nick grabbed the bottle of wine (it was the same label) and placed it in our wine cooler. He took our empty bottle and placed it in their wine cooler. We laughed, taking pictures of his accomplishment.
Before we had the opportunity to indulge in our lucrative find, Michael has this look on his
face and tells us, "they're coming back, they're coming back"...not taking him too seriously,
we laugh it off, until we turn around and see them. I literally could not stop laughing, Nick and I not being able to face the couple. Luckily, we were on the dessert course. Nick switched the bottles back. Meanwhile, tears are rolling down my face...unfortunately the couple did not
find this amusing. Boo.
As we left, in my broken accent, I give a "je suis desolee" and kind of do this awkward bow towards them. Nick stayed and spoke to the couple in much more eloquent French and apologized.
Et voila, the most amusing dinner thus far.
Love, hillstead
Dinner was lovely, full of talking, eating, and drinking.
Speaking of drinking, there was a couple next to us (hairy chested man with his shirt unbuttoned to his navel, not that I'm complaining) that had their escargot, and then just left, leaving behind a half full bottle of a fine red wine. When they had not returned in over 20 minutes, we thought it would be a faux pas to leave a wounded soldier on the table. Nick grabbed the bottle of wine (it was the same label) and placed it in our wine cooler. He took our empty bottle and placed it in their wine cooler. We laughed, taking pictures of his accomplishment.
Before we had the opportunity to indulge in our lucrative find, Michael has this look on his
face and tells us, "they're coming back, they're coming back"...not taking him too seriously,
we laugh it off, until we turn around and see them. I literally could not stop laughing, Nick and I not being able to face the couple. Luckily, we were on the dessert course. Nick switched the bottles back. Meanwhile, tears are rolling down my face...unfortunately the couple did not
find this amusing. Boo.
As we left, in my broken accent, I give a "je suis desolee" and kind of do this awkward bow towards them. Nick stayed and spoke to the couple in much more eloquent French and apologized.
Et voila, the most amusing dinner thus far.
Love, hillstead
La Belvedere
This certainly tops the list as the greatest French meal...the chaperone crew (Patricia, Nick, Michael, and I) had reservations for four in the afternoon in Juillac, a small town in the Bordeaux region, a few hours from Toulouse. We arrived in our swag citroen, dressed for a cloth-napkin dinner that would last four and a half hours...C'etait increiable.
La Belvedere sits high in the hills overlooking the vineyards of Bordeaux, a restaurant Michael had been to 12 years ago with his professor and wanted to return to this quaint establishment owned by a husband and wife in their near seventies.
The menu for the afternoon...
Aperitif-a black currant liquer served with tiny salmon and herb bread slices to get the party started.
Entree-smoked Salmon on a lettuce bed with marinaded vegetables
Fish course-an entire boiled lobster served with a rich creamy champagne sauce
Entree and fish pairing-Chardonnay from Cheblie
Palate cleanse-pear sorbet served with a pear liquer
Main course-steak with black truffle sauce and roasted vegetables
Main course wine pairing-St Emilion (Boardeaux)
Cheese dish-a regional nutty cheese and a triple creme cheese
Dessert-profiteroles drenched in rich chocolate sauce and an espresso.
Best French meal...ever.
Feeling stuffed and loved,
hillstead
La Belvedere sits high in the hills overlooking the vineyards of Bordeaux, a restaurant Michael had been to 12 years ago with his professor and wanted to return to this quaint establishment owned by a husband and wife in their near seventies.
The menu for the afternoon...
Aperitif-a black currant liquer served with tiny salmon and herb bread slices to get the party started.
Entree-smoked Salmon on a lettuce bed with marinaded vegetables
Fish course-an entire boiled lobster served with a rich creamy champagne sauce
Entree and fish pairing-Chardonnay from Cheblie
Palate cleanse-pear sorbet served with a pear liquer
Main course-steak with black truffle sauce and roasted vegetables
Main course wine pairing-St Emilion (Boardeaux)
Cheese dish-a regional nutty cheese and a triple creme cheese
Dessert-profiteroles drenched in rich chocolate sauce and an espresso.
Best French meal...ever.
Feeling stuffed and loved,
hillstead
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Cassoulet in the South of France
We drove 45 minutes to indulge in the best cassoulet in the region...cassoulet is a signature comfort food in the Southern France region. White beans, duck, duck fat, sausage, and spices cooked overnight and served family style. I had two helpings, followed by fresh French bread to soak up the stew's goodness. Dining al freco with nationally renowned cassoulet, two bottles of wine...rose to complement the warm evening.
Completed the course with un cafe with a bit of sugar as Patricia, Nick, and Michael, and I shared stories and laughter. I learned some new vocabulary like twink and bear cub weekends. Travel is the best teacher.
A tout a l'heure,
hillstead
Completed the course with un cafe with a bit of sugar as Patricia, Nick, and Michael, and I shared stories and laughter. I learned some new vocabulary like twink and bear cub weekends. Travel is the best teacher.
A tout a l'heure,
hillstead
La Bonne Vivre
Had the most incredible meal in Toulouse on Friday evening...joined by Patricia, Michael, and Nick in la place de Wilson. Eight o'clock reservations for an evening al fresco. A refreshing champagne aperitif to begin the dinner, followed literally by fresh French bread served a la basket. I was asked if I would like vodka as a starter, and then began to reminisce about Suzette and Mabel's Redbridge party which ended up with me getting picked up by my mom at 10 at night. Good times that party was, oh la la, from drinking to dancing, to activity behind closed doors.
For our entree, a plateful of prosciutto and melon, followed by chorizo, and flavorful salami. I couldn't get enough sausage (that's what she said). The chilled sparkling rose wine came next, such a happy beverage...I absolutely enjoyed this on a warm Southern France evening.
The plat, or main course came a bit later...half a duck breast with French fries and plenty of duck grease to sop up with French bread. The duck breast tasted li,e a juicy tender steak. This plat was paired with a red wine from the Toulousain region.
For dessert, smooth and creamy chocolate Cale with a crunchy layer of vanilla goodness. The chocolate cake was floating in a vanilla cream.
The company was incredible...up to this point, my favorite French meal. We laughed, joked, and Mr. Wren only sshhed me once for being a bit too loud at the dinner table...I was having such anlovely time. Our meal ended after 4 hours. Within this four hour dinner, we saw a man taken away in a coroner's van (he had collapsed earlier in the square), ran in to Michelle and Jerry who we spoke with for an hour as they dined as well, observed a Brazilian musician group proudly march through the square, and locals holding hands, smoking, and laughing.
A bientot,
hillstead
For our entree, a plateful of prosciutto and melon, followed by chorizo, and flavorful salami. I couldn't get enough sausage (that's what she said). The chilled sparkling rose wine came next, such a happy beverage...I absolutely enjoyed this on a warm Southern France evening.
The plat, or main course came a bit later...half a duck breast with French fries and plenty of duck grease to sop up with French bread. The duck breast tasted li,e a juicy tender steak. This plat was paired with a red wine from the Toulousain region.
For dessert, smooth and creamy chocolate Cale with a crunchy layer of vanilla goodness. The chocolate cake was floating in a vanilla cream.
The company was incredible...up to this point, my favorite French meal. We laughed, joked, and Mr. Wren only sshhed me once for being a bit too loud at the dinner table...I was having such anlovely time. Our meal ended after 4 hours. Within this four hour dinner, we saw a man taken away in a coroner's van (he had collapsed earlier in the square), ran in to Michelle and Jerry who we spoke with for an hour as they dined as well, observed a Brazilian musician group proudly march through the square, and locals holding hands, smoking, and laughing.
A bientot,
hillstead
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Day Twolouse
Bonjour mes amis! Just finished a quite eventful day...flew in from San Francisco on an Air France Double decker airbus that seats nearly 500 travelers. I had to use the bathroom upstairs just to go up to the second floor...it felt like I was entering a VIP lounge. The flight went well...how could a flight be dull when you can watch Modern Family, Sex and the City,CSI, NCIS, the Glee pilot, AND play Tetris? Add to this champagne, white wine, and a pear liquer with Monsieur Wrenn and you've got yourself legit flying time.
Rushing to get to our connecting flight to Toulouse, I joked around with a Passport control officer (looking back, perhaps not the best idea I had) and we started speaking in English, French, and Spanish...every time I wanted to say something French, a si or an esta bien would pop out...uff da!
Got to see Nick off the plane in Toulouse which was a special treat, as he has been in Paris this past year. waited and waited for bags to arrive...some of which didn't. stepped outside after not having slept, bathed, or brushed my teeth in nearly 24 hours. And I thought traveling was to be glamourous! It felt great to breathe fresh air and take a nap on the charter bus.
Dropped the students off with their host families...which was incredible to see the exchange of kisses, hugs, and gifts and hear the French and the English languages flowing like sparkling pink wine...love it.
Arriving at our hotel around 9:30, the adults decide to hit downtown...Nick and I take an adventure down the side streets of Toulouse, eating schwarma and drinking limon fanta. I have been craving this combination since my time in Salamanca, circa 2004.
Feeling like I need to pass out (been up since Wednesday morning, 41 hours sounds much more impressive if you include the 9 hour time change.)
A tout a l'heure,
hillstead
Rushing to get to our connecting flight to Toulouse, I joked around with a Passport control officer (looking back, perhaps not the best idea I had) and we started speaking in English, French, and Spanish...every time I wanted to say something French, a si or an esta bien would pop out...uff da!
Got to see Nick off the plane in Toulouse which was a special treat, as he has been in Paris this past year. waited and waited for bags to arrive...some of which didn't. stepped outside after not having slept, bathed, or brushed my teeth in nearly 24 hours. And I thought traveling was to be glamourous! It felt great to breathe fresh air and take a nap on the charter bus.
Dropped the students off with their host families...which was incredible to see the exchange of kisses, hugs, and gifts and hear the French and the English languages flowing like sparkling pink wine...love it.
Arriving at our hotel around 9:30, the adults decide to hit downtown...Nick and I take an adventure down the side streets of Toulouse, eating schwarma and drinking limon fanta. I have been craving this combination since my time in Salamanca, circa 2004.
Feeling like I need to pass out (been up since Wednesday morning, 41 hours sounds much more impressive if you include the 9 hour time change.)
A tout a l'heure,
hillstead
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
SFO...here we go!
Bonjour mes amis! The journey begins...found a great space next to a plug with free wifi...thank you SFO. Waiting to board our Air France double decker Airbus with 38 teenagers and 7 adults. I have my arsenal ready...US Weekly and People magazines, Hershey kisses, dramamene, and benadryl to help me go night night in my aisle coach seat. Attempting to put a picture in this entry of my travel companion Stella (my Vera Bradley duffel). But until then...hasta luego.
Peace and love,
hillstead
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