Just got back from holidaying in Germany. It's quite late (or early) and my room is a semi-packed mess as I'm getting ready to leave Lyon on Tuesday. This will have to be my last post as I really don't think I'll have much time in the next few days!!!
Seeing Fred (my godfather) again was pretty cool. He lives just half an hour or so south of Lyon near Valence. It's a country town so there was a lot sleeping, reading, eating and general relaxing. Watched my second game of rugby in my life (Ireland-France, the irish won!). It was fun to watch because Fred's step-son plays in a local rugby team. He invited all his mates to watch the match and...well...boys will be boys, it was very funny.
Had a day in the snow, catching up with more family friends. Went skiing this time so I didn't spend all day on my bum on the baby slopes ;) There was so much snow that they were causing avalanches to clear some of the slopes!!! I've never seen an avalanche before, very impressive. So that's why you should be careful off piste!!!
Back at Lyon, have been ticking a few things off my "Must do in Lyon" list which consists mainly of museums and galleries.
Germany was great! Flew to Munich where I met up with Sandra, Yvi and Yunni. Had dinner and then trained down to Allgau to stay with Sandra, Peter and her parents for a few days. There was lots of snow...LOTS of snow. Sunday was gorgeous. We went tobogganing in Steibis (a ski station just round the corner from Sandra). SOOOOO much fun, I'd only done it once before (where I took a wrong turn and got very lost in some village...this was 3 years ago). Also, had my gluhwein at the top of the mountain, always important! Caught up with Svenja too. We ended up watching movies because it snowed ALL day. There was already LOTS of snow...this was just getting ridiculous!
Decided to make my way to Berlin and discovered that a friend of mine I made at school on exchange is studying there so I was lucky enough to have a guide and a place to stay at the last minute!!! It was fantastic, cold and snowy. Apparently it rarely snows in Berlin, except for the three days I'm there, when it just doesn't stop. Jam packed few days...Reichstag building, Checkpoint Charlie, Stasi Museum (quite creepy) and so much more!!! We even managed to fit in a bit of Berlin clubbing AND the totally insane BLUE MAN GROUP http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsdTeCnnRO4 Trained back to Munich today, stretched my legs around Marienplatz and eventually made it back here. I'm pretty tired but I'm not yet going to stop!!!
A bit more visiting Lyon, catching up with people before I leave and packing (a very scary thought, 20 kilos is not looking good!)
I think that is all!!!
It's been a crazy 6 months or so! Many good memories. I'm definately going to miss the cheese and the wine :( Looking forward to seeing you all when I get back!
Bis bald!
Love from Alex xoxo
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Goodbye Porpoise Spit!
Hello!!!
Am super excited as I have FINALLY finished this week of hell (consisiting of 4 exams and a project presentation!) and am ready to party!!! Don't know how I went...some were total flunks but I'll get my results hopefully in the next few weeks so no point in worrying about it for now.
So, last week...Australia Day was loads of fun (Kings of Leon at number 1 of the hottest 100). Unfortunately I managed to catch another cold (I've been sick so often here it's ridiculous). Nuclear visit was cool. Ended up not being an actual plant but where they make the reactors and piping for the plant. Quite impressive and got a free feed so I was happy! Alice's 21st...Pad Thai at her place with cake. A lovely evening. I've been pretty lucky as she has had a few australian visitors in the last few days and I managed to score a few invites for dinner. Always lovely after a hard day of study/exams/stress and it's always amazing food (Jamie Oliver to be precise)! Went back to Michel and Maryline's for one last intensive study weekend. Now it's all over and after the LONGEST week of my life, I am sure this last stint is going to fly by!!!
Here's the plan:
Going shopping this afternoon with Alice. She leaves on Tuesday but as I'm going away this weekend I won't get a chance to see her again. Lucky she lives closer to home so we can still keep in touch (she's a gorgeous gal, a great friend and I'm really gonna miss her)! Also, hoping to get out and shake my booty tonight (it's been too long).
As I mentioned, going south for 4 days to see my long-lost godfather, Frederic! He's not really long-lost but we haven't seen each other in 15 years so there'll be plenty to talk about! He mentioned maybe even going to the Alps for a day in the snow...very excited!
Then, a few days in Lyon to pack up and sort out stuff (so much stuff!) followed by a week in Deutschland! Flying to Munich (found crazy cheap flights) to catch up with all our friends we made on exchange back at school. I'm hoping to possibly even get to Berlin with Sandra (another dream fulfilled, I'm a very lucky gal).
Finally, just a couple of days back at Lyon before making my way to Paris for a final "adieu" with Mamie (I hope it doesn't get too teary) and the final leg of the trip...home!
So it's all happening, plenty to look forward to and definately keep me busy!
Hope you didn't all die in the heatwave!!!
Love from Alex xoxo
Am super excited as I have FINALLY finished this week of hell (consisiting of 4 exams and a project presentation!) and am ready to party!!! Don't know how I went...some were total flunks but I'll get my results hopefully in the next few weeks so no point in worrying about it for now.
So, last week...Australia Day was loads of fun (Kings of Leon at number 1 of the hottest 100). Unfortunately I managed to catch another cold (I've been sick so often here it's ridiculous). Nuclear visit was cool. Ended up not being an actual plant but where they make the reactors and piping for the plant. Quite impressive and got a free feed so I was happy! Alice's 21st...Pad Thai at her place with cake. A lovely evening. I've been pretty lucky as she has had a few australian visitors in the last few days and I managed to score a few invites for dinner. Always lovely after a hard day of study/exams/stress and it's always amazing food (Jamie Oliver to be precise)! Went back to Michel and Maryline's for one last intensive study weekend. Now it's all over and after the LONGEST week of my life, I am sure this last stint is going to fly by!!!
Here's the plan:
Going shopping this afternoon with Alice. She leaves on Tuesday but as I'm going away this weekend I won't get a chance to see her again. Lucky she lives closer to home so we can still keep in touch (she's a gorgeous gal, a great friend and I'm really gonna miss her)! Also, hoping to get out and shake my booty tonight (it's been too long).
As I mentioned, going south for 4 days to see my long-lost godfather, Frederic! He's not really long-lost but we haven't seen each other in 15 years so there'll be plenty to talk about! He mentioned maybe even going to the Alps for a day in the snow...very excited!
Then, a few days in Lyon to pack up and sort out stuff (so much stuff!) followed by a week in Deutschland! Flying to Munich (found crazy cheap flights) to catch up with all our friends we made on exchange back at school. I'm hoping to possibly even get to Berlin with Sandra (another dream fulfilled, I'm a very lucky gal).
Finally, just a couple of days back at Lyon before making my way to Paris for a final "adieu" with Mamie (I hope it doesn't get too teary) and the final leg of the trip...home!
So it's all happening, plenty to look forward to and definately keep me busy!
Hope you didn't all die in the heatwave!!!
Love from Alex xoxo
Monday, January 26, 2009
Happy Australia Day!
Hello there!
Happy Australia Day…Wish I had the day off! Instead… Plenty of study. In fact I hid away the whole weekend at Michel et Maryline’s to get away from it all and try to concentrate! Not complaining though, it’s really lovely and calm there. And I get a double bed, a bath and home cooked goodies, so I’m very happy! It’s a nice change of scenery.
Had my first exam this afternoon. Was OK. Another one on Friday and 4 next week, plus a project so there’s plenty to keep me busy.
Otherwise, on Thursday I will be visiting a nuke power plant with JAL! Go nuclear power! I’m really looking forward to it, should be interesting. I wonder if it’s anything like the Simpsons? Also, it’s Alice’s 21st this week (always a big event).
But tonight I’m gonna relax a bit and celebrate Australia Day. Alice, James and I have organised cheese and vegemite sandwiches (yes we found vegemite in the world culinary aisle in Carrefour!), fairy bread, Milo, JJJ hottest 100 and beer. Here’s the invite we wrote. It was fun to write so I thought I’d share it.
Love from Alex xoxo
G'day shielas and blokes,
Holy Dooley! Fair dinkum, it's that time of year you've been waiting for – Australia Day! And we're ready to have a bonza of a night.
We know exams haven't been a piece of piss, and that we're all as busy as a cat burying shit, but you'd have to be a drongo to not take a break from being flat out like a lizard drinking. Some of you ankle biters have exams, but feel free to swing by, even for a few minutes (just enough time for a coldie or a milo).
So let's give it a burl, cobbers, no worries, she'll be sweet… Make sure you invite all your mates!
Milo, cheese and vegemite sandwiches, fairy bread, Triple J Hottest 100. BYOG. It'll be grouse.
Rock up to mine (Alice's, J021) about 9:30pm, Monday, 26 Jan, we'll have a ripper of a time. It'll be so ozzie ocker, if we had a barbie we'd be throwing shrimps on it! Remember to wear your thongs! It is the lucky country after all.
No bailing! We'll be mad as cut snakes if any of you are bludgers and don't show up!
Hooroo!
From James, Alex and Alice
Sunday, January 18, 2009
One month later...
Hi all!
So I'm in my room with Jase & Sian and they pointed out that it's been a while since I last updated. Lots has happened, been very busy but will try to be quick coz it is bed time after all.
Christmas was lovely. I was in London with my uncle Claude & Mamie, staying with Geraldine, my cousin, and her partner. I really loved London. Didn't get to visit much as we were there just a few days over Christmas but we still managed to drag Mamie on the tube to visit Towerbridge, Westminster and Buckingham Palace. Lots of Christmas lights and decorations too and plenty of eating (foie gras, champagne yum yum!). Also managed to get down to Westend to see Chicago. It was fantastic (sorry to those who aren't into musicals...but it was).
So the rest of the holidays I spent in Paris, studying, eating, sleeping AND....visiting with Sian and Jase!!! It's been really nice to have them around, especially as they came packed with Milo and TimTams! It was pretty crazy with tourists, lots of REALLY long queues so we didn't actually visit much but we SAW plenty and they have the photos to prove it. Sacre Coeur, Notre-Dame, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Montparnasse, Versailles...we did it all in below zero, snowing weather. Quite memorable, especially the three way snuggle on New Years Day, where afterwards I left them for dinner only to find out the next day that they never left the bed (that's a 14 hour nap!). After a wholesome lunch with Mamie with foie gras and guinea fowl (apparently the most stupid birds in South Africa) they were off to the Alps in Italy and would later come to visit me in Lyon.
Came back to INSA. Lots of study at the moment as exams are coming up soon. Went snowboarding last weekend. Was a bit of a disaster as I had a bit of a flu and the snow was really icy. Quite a few hard falls on my bottom. I honestly couldn't sit down for the next couple of days and I still have bruises all over my legs. Also had my first assessment last week!!! I don't know many people who would be happy to have an exam but it was Spanish so no pressure. I do hope I did OK though, with a surname like RODRIGUEZ and all.
Big news, I've decided to cut my exchange shorter than originally planned. It's been a great experience but I just miss those summer days too much ;) So I'll be coming home soon, after exams, incase anybody wants to throw a party...you can't get rid of me that easily.
Sian & Jase arrived just this afternoon from Geneva. Staying for a couple of nights. Went up to Fourviere tonight. It was really pretty, as always. Now we're going for another three way snuggle, that's after I do Jason's hair and have a pillow fight with Siany.
OK, good night my dears. Will try to be more disciplined with the updates in future!
Love from Alex xoxo
So I'm in my room with Jase & Sian and they pointed out that it's been a while since I last updated. Lots has happened, been very busy but will try to be quick coz it is bed time after all.
Christmas was lovely. I was in London with my uncle Claude & Mamie, staying with Geraldine, my cousin, and her partner. I really loved London. Didn't get to visit much as we were there just a few days over Christmas but we still managed to drag Mamie on the tube to visit Towerbridge, Westminster and Buckingham Palace. Lots of Christmas lights and decorations too and plenty of eating (foie gras, champagne yum yum!). Also managed to get down to Westend to see Chicago. It was fantastic (sorry to those who aren't into musicals...but it was).
So the rest of the holidays I spent in Paris, studying, eating, sleeping AND....visiting with Sian and Jase!!! It's been really nice to have them around, especially as they came packed with Milo and TimTams! It was pretty crazy with tourists, lots of REALLY long queues so we didn't actually visit much but we SAW plenty and they have the photos to prove it. Sacre Coeur, Notre-Dame, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Montparnasse, Versailles...we did it all in below zero, snowing weather. Quite memorable, especially the three way snuggle on New Years Day, where afterwards I left them for dinner only to find out the next day that they never left the bed (that's a 14 hour nap!). After a wholesome lunch with Mamie with foie gras and guinea fowl (apparently the most stupid birds in South Africa) they were off to the Alps in Italy and would later come to visit me in Lyon.
Came back to INSA. Lots of study at the moment as exams are coming up soon. Went snowboarding last weekend. Was a bit of a disaster as I had a bit of a flu and the snow was really icy. Quite a few hard falls on my bottom. I honestly couldn't sit down for the next couple of days and I still have bruises all over my legs. Also had my first assessment last week!!! I don't know many people who would be happy to have an exam but it was Spanish so no pressure. I do hope I did OK though, with a surname like RODRIGUEZ and all.
Big news, I've decided to cut my exchange shorter than originally planned. It's been a great experience but I just miss those summer days too much ;) So I'll be coming home soon, after exams, incase anybody wants to throw a party...you can't get rid of me that easily.
Sian & Jase arrived just this afternoon from Geneva. Staying for a couple of nights. Went up to Fourviere tonight. It was really pretty, as always. Now we're going for another three way snuggle, that's after I do Jason's hair and have a pillow fight with Siany.
OK, good night my dears. Will try to be more disciplined with the updates in future!
Love from Alex xoxo
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Holidays next week!
Hello there!
So, what's new?
Will try to keep it short and sweet!
Snow day was fantastic. There was so much snow, very exciting. It was only the second time I've tried snowboarding (the last time being one day at Baw Baw 3 or 4 years ago so i think i can still call myself a begginer) but I had a lesson in the morning and spent the afternoon with Alice (who was skiing for the first time) and another beginner skier. We were a very funny bunch I think. I was pretty happy though, my "time spent on bum" to "time spent standing" ratio was pretty good :) . Am looking forward to going again after christmas holidays!
Last weekend was also the "Fete des Lumieres" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F%C3%AAte_des_lumi%C3%A8res. It started out as a religious tradition, lighting candles on the window sill on the 8th of december to thank Mary for stopping the plague from reaching Lyon. It's turned into quite a tourist attraction! So I spent Sunday evening strolling around the town. It was quite impressive. There are some really spectacular light shows but it gets very crowded.
Decided to run away this weekend for a bit of R & R. I went to visit some family friends from dad's work, Maryline et Michel. They live about an hour north of Lyon in the french countryside. It was so lovely to get away for a bit not to mention all the cosy comforts - sitting beside the fireplace, a nice warm bath, a massive double bed with a nice warm doona and of course Maryline's delicious cooking! Lots of cheese and plenty of local products. She even made me a "raclette"! We also were babysitting the little 2 year old neighbour for the weekend. She was very sweet, especially when we were putting up the christmas decorations!
Just got back. Have a busy week ahead. Waterpolo match against Grenoble on Tuesday, JA thing on Wednesday, a few classes, plenty of study and then off to Paris on Friday night for Christmas holidays!!!
Have been a bit lazy photo wise, might get another album up this week.
Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Miss you lots
Alex xoxo
So, what's new?
Will try to keep it short and sweet!
Snow day was fantastic. There was so much snow, very exciting. It was only the second time I've tried snowboarding (the last time being one day at Baw Baw 3 or 4 years ago so i think i can still call myself a begginer) but I had a lesson in the morning and spent the afternoon with Alice (who was skiing for the first time) and another beginner skier. We were a very funny bunch I think. I was pretty happy though, my "time spent on bum" to "time spent standing" ratio was pretty good :) . Am looking forward to going again after christmas holidays!
Last weekend was also the "Fete des Lumieres" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F%C3%AAte_des_lumi%C3%A8res. It started out as a religious tradition, lighting candles on the window sill on the 8th of december to thank Mary for stopping the plague from reaching Lyon. It's turned into quite a tourist attraction! So I spent Sunday evening strolling around the town. It was quite impressive. There are some really spectacular light shows but it gets very crowded.
Decided to run away this weekend for a bit of R & R. I went to visit some family friends from dad's work, Maryline et Michel. They live about an hour north of Lyon in the french countryside. It was so lovely to get away for a bit not to mention all the cosy comforts - sitting beside the fireplace, a nice warm bath, a massive double bed with a nice warm doona and of course Maryline's delicious cooking! Lots of cheese and plenty of local products. She even made me a "raclette"! We also were babysitting the little 2 year old neighbour for the weekend. She was very sweet, especially when we were putting up the christmas decorations!
Just got back. Have a busy week ahead. Waterpolo match against Grenoble on Tuesday, JA thing on Wednesday, a few classes, plenty of study and then off to Paris on Friday night for Christmas holidays!!!
Have been a bit lazy photo wise, might get another album up this week.
Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Miss you lots
Alex xoxo
Friday, December 5, 2008
More about the design festival...
So, as I mentioned, the design festival at St Etienne was really interesting. Just wanted to share a few websites with you, incase you ever have time to surf the net...very green of me, I know. There was heaps to see, we just happened to start at the Eco Lab and spend LOTS of time there...anyways, here you go
and you should also google/youtube 'The Meatrix' (with Moofius and Mr Hamderson hehehe)
Have fun!
Alex
P.S. Going to the snow tomorrow!!! Alpe d'Huez...gonna try snowboarding as I'm able to get lessons with the INSA sports department :) weather forecast? -15 0C and snow!!!
- http://landshare.channel4.com/
- http://gizalift.com/
- http://worldwithoutoil.org/awards.aspx
- http://storyofstuff.com/
and you should also google/youtube 'The Meatrix' (with Moofius and Mr Hamderson hehehe)
Have fun!
Alex
P.S. Going to the snow tomorrow!!! Alpe d'Huez...gonna try snowboarding as I'm able to get lessons with the INSA sports department :) weather forecast? -15 0C and snow!!!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
What time is it???
CHRISTMAS TIME!!! Get excited! My room is looking so cozy and warm. Will actually be spending Christmas with Geraldine, Tonton Claude et Mamie in London! Am also looking forward to a New Years visit in Paris from Jase and Sian!!! (That's a pretty awsome Christmas gift if you ask me!)Didn't end up snowing but it has rained a lot (got caught in a heavy fall last night on my way home from church, not cool) and it's been absolutely freezing. Was funny when I checked the weather forecast for today...10 degrees..."How warm!", I thought, "I might not even have to wear a beanie today!"
Advent wreath, Santa's hat, Magnus underwear (yes, magnus underwear) and random socks (can you spot Mathew's?)...
Tinsel and curtains (am very proud of my curtains!)
There's a little spinning christmas tree with candles on the shelf...
OK. Quick summary of another wonderful weekend. Had Friday afternoon off so went to a silk market in Lyon with Alice. So much silk and scarves and beautiful things we can't afford to purchase! Saturday, I had a study date. A couple of frenchies in my class have befriended me and are helping me out with the studies (the help is much needed!). So it wasn't so much a date as just studying all day with Victor and having quenelles for lunch (my request). The work is so hard, we worked so much but I felt like we got through hardly anything! Cooked some wicked pasta carbonara when I got home and then had hot chocolate with Anton and Alice (more like melted chocolate and milk...delicious!). Sunday, Alice and I went to St Etienne to the biennale design festival. It was great, so many things to see. My favourite was in the eco city lab exhibition. It's called an aquapony...basically it uses fish poo as feritliser to grow a vegie patch. There was also the Urban Loo and the Eco Toilet, some really great ideas. http://biennalesaint-etienne.citedudesign.com/fr/#/programme We also found a Christmas market, too much fun!
Alright, getting late. Must be off
Bonne nuit
Alex xoxo
Advent wreath, Santa's hat, Magnus underwear (yes, magnus underwear) and random socks (can you spot Mathew's?)...
Tinsel and curtains (am very proud of my curtains!)
There's a little spinning christmas tree with candles on the shelf...
OK. Quick summary of another wonderful weekend. Had Friday afternoon off so went to a silk market in Lyon with Alice. So much silk and scarves and beautiful things we can't afford to purchase! Saturday, I had a study date. A couple of frenchies in my class have befriended me and are helping me out with the studies (the help is much needed!). So it wasn't so much a date as just studying all day with Victor and having quenelles for lunch (my request). The work is so hard, we worked so much but I felt like we got through hardly anything! Cooked some wicked pasta carbonara when I got home and then had hot chocolate with Anton and Alice (more like melted chocolate and milk...delicious!). Sunday, Alice and I went to St Etienne to the biennale design festival. It was great, so many things to see. My favourite was in the eco city lab exhibition. It's called an aquapony...basically it uses fish poo as feritliser to grow a vegie patch. There was also the Urban Loo and the Eco Toilet, some really great ideas. http://biennalesaint-etienne.citedudesign.com/fr/#/programme We also found a Christmas market, too much fun!
Alright, getting late. Must be off
Bonne nuit
Alex xoxo
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