Happy Halloween!!!!

The candy bowl, post-trick or treaters. Yeah, you read that right. 

Starting a couple weeks ago, my Leclerc put out bags of candy at the front. Could it be? Bonbons for a Strasbourg Halloween? I got really excited until I remembered that I would probably not be in town for Halloween, given that Halloween naturally falls during the Toussaint vacation (when I had planned to be visiting friends elsewhere).

Well, plans get made and then plans change. Last minute, I had to change my travel schedule and that change meant I could no longer afford the Ryanair flights to take me to the UK. That sucked, but it was probably for the best because: (1) the generous, sharing child that I babysit passed on his fever/malady and it hit in full force the first day of Toussaint, (2) I saved money, (3) I got to see GORGEOUS snow in Strasbourg and (4) (probably the most important) it has given me time to work on a bunch of school things I'd been putting off. We're now past the halfway point of the semester and I'm probably quite a bit further behind on my reading than I care to admit (it doesn't help that every time I read the reading for a class on time, the professor acts under the assumption that no one has read it yet. It's confusing).

I also got to babysit today. Knowing that I'd be babysitting on Halloween, I decided I would buy some candy and a little extra, just in case there were trick or treaters. Babysitting was a lot of fun (I should write more about that at some point, but nothing is certain with me and getting things posted). Just fyi, the kid would be batman for Halloween if he ever did Halloween. And apparently he could've.

Tonight around 7:30pm, I had begun to despair that any trick or treaters would come. I knew from last year, that sometimes the trick or treaters here (and they are not a common occurrence) go into open businesses to ask for candy. I put out the bowl seen above by the front door for my flatmates when they would get back from work/Toussaint. I was a little sad, but not too sad, because on my way home I saw the great sapin de Noël (Christmas tree) of Strasbourg getting put up in Place Kléber. Screw Halloween, it's already Christmas time in la capitale de Noël (the capital of Christmas). Seriously, next to the paltry display of possible Halloween candy were a bajillion advent calendars and the start of a little Christmas toy section.

Le sapin de Noël

So, anyway, I was prepped for a lack of Halloween on my street. A little after giving up, I heard voices in the street. Children's voices. Could it be? Charlie Brown and Linus, could it BE? So when out on the street there arose such a clatter, that I sprang from my desk to see what was the matter! Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. 

And what did I see? The most beautiful sight of all (okay, not really), children dressed up for Halloween. Sadly, they were down the street and walking the wrong direction. So I felt sad again, now convinced that all the children were just going to centre-ville to trick or treat there. Just in case, though, I left my window open. 

After messaging a friend that I thought I had missed my opportunity to give out candy, I heard voices anew! I looked out the window and, sure enough, there were dressed up kids leaving next door! So I ran to mine.  Opening the door, I was greeted with a "BONSOIR!" TRICK OR TREATERS! I was so pleased. After that, there was only another group. But I didn't really care, I was just so happy to help French kids have a Halloween somewhat similar to those of my childhood. 

Since it's 9:20pm now, I'm guessing the trick or treating is over. Ah well. It was fun while it lasted. Now, back to work. 

Bisous, mes amis, and a VERY happy Halloween to you all!!!

MCJ

Having a Bâle (a Sunday in Basel)

Welcome to Switzerland!

Made by the same guy (Jeff Koons) that made Puppy outside of the Bilbao Guggenheim, this here is his dragon head outside of the Fondation Beyeler. Split-Rocker is the name. At the time it wasn't so clear, but now I see that the head is actually split and he has a bit of a rocker vibe. Aha!

The foundation. 

To the left was France. 

To the right was Germany. 

Basel is a German-speaking city in Switzerland. Being clever-like I decided to buy my ticket in German. Sadly, it turns out I'm not that clever. 

Me: A ticket for a student, please. [Awww yeah, lookit that, I can communicate things in German!]

Cashier: 12 Swiss Francs. [Whoohoo! I understood her reply! She replied in German! Things are going well.] 

Me [puts down cash and student card]

Cashier: ?!??!????! 

Me: [Fuck.]

Cashier: [Gestures something to do with the cash.]

Me: [Attempts turning the cycle the money/card has been placed on.]

Cashier: [Hella frustrated.] WHAT LANGUAGE DO YOU SPEAK? FRENCH? ENGLISH? 

Me: [Turns to German friend.]

German friend (in French): You have to take the student card off. 

Me: [Embarrassed, removes card, receives change, runs away.]

There's something very confusing about being in a German speaking place minutes away from France with Francophone companions. As part of my "studying" German this semester, I've been watching copious amounts of German tv. Sadly, none of this passive comprehensive knowledge I've received helped me there. Some people I understood, others I didn't. 

Basel likes its fountains. 

Even though I don't frequent Starbucks in the US, I was still really excited to see all the Starbucks in Basel. They're the closest ones to where I live now. Honestly, I would only really want to go in there if they had the Horizon organic chocolate milk they have in the US ones and I'm pretty sure they do not. Tant pis. 

Lots of roads like this. 

And the cathedral, of course. 

Fall is coming! Autumn is here! Pétanque!

It was a Sunday and people were few and far between on most streets. 

There was even a manif'!

(Speaking of which, I participated in my first a couple weeks ago and it was excellent. Post to come.)

Where a Nobel Prize winner worked. We went into this courtyard because we were promised a talk on the importance of the arts and kids' crafts. We did not actually find said talk (I suspect it was through the doors...) but we were not terribly upset by this. 

The queen says hello on an utterly empty street. 

The Rhine follows me everywhere. 

The Griffin seems to be a symbol for Basel. Haven't looked this up to confirm, but he's EVERYWHERE. 

Along with the symbol on that flag. This is a little ferry that goes across the Rhein, it's operated by a motor that stretches across the river and the poles to which were put into place during the 19th century. 

A friend and I had the same reaction: HARRY POTTER. 

Life is going well. I have a week and a half before the Toussaint holiday and lots to get done in that time (including what is essentially my final in one class). I should get on that.... Last Saturday, we had a debate in class (we were assigned sides randomly) and I saved my team in a heroic fashion. So much so, that when we had another debate in class today my team tried to make me be one of the speakers, despite my not having contributed anything to the prep discussion. I declined today, which I still feel bad about. The fact is, living in another language, some days you have good speaking days and other days you have bad ones. Today happened to be a bad one. It was just hard to focus on things in French today. Given that today's format would be addressing things brought up by the other team it just didn't seem like a great idea for me. And sitting/listening through it, I know I made the right call. My team did great without me speaking. 

For Toussaint, I'm planning on going to the UK to visit some friends and to travel with my dear friend D from last year who is back in Brittany assistant-ing! I just need to buy tickets to get there. 

Big bisous, 

MCJ

Domesticity

My herbs have started sprouting!

Déjeuner. Sautée garlic, onion and bell pepper (orange), add boiling water and a bouillon cube. Verser into the glass pan, add a bit of diced potatoes and seasoned chicken (I used herbes de provence, thyme, cumin and black pepper). In the oven at 210°C (~400°F) for 30 minutes, remove, flip the chicken, add frozen peas, turn the oven to 180°C (~350°F), let cook for another 20 or so minutes. Enjoy delicious, tender chicken with lovely chicken gravy to spare. 

Wall decorations + orchid.

My lovely new futon!

My room is wonderfully bright and now I have a comfortable couch to sit on and enjoy the sunlight. Strasbourg is treating me kindly and I promise to write about it soon. 

Gros bisous

MCJ

Burrrrrritos

There are a lot of things I could be writing about, but I think I'll just write about last night.

A couple weeks ago, I went to Paris to visit a friend living there and a friend that was there for a conference. Prior to leaving, I was speaking with flatmates B (French) and N (Brit) and mentioned that I was really excited to go and try out the first ever Chipotle in France (because, my goodness, burritos!). N was like, "I LOVE Chipotle!" MCJ: "Do you want me to bring you back a burrito?" And B asked what a burrito was. So I decided to bring back Chipotle burritos.

(1) The Chipotle in Paris is a beautiful place. If I were ever to get homesick, I would go there. It looks and smells like every Chipotle ever only its view is excellent for Parisian people watching.
(2) Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Discovery: burritos are even good heated back up.

B really liked his burrito so it was decided we would make burritos (okay, N and I made burritos). The Brits didn't know how easy tortillas were to make (even though I messed them up and N was a lot more gifted at rolling them out into circles). Making tortillas is about a seventh of the price of buying them here, if that.

Ingredients (minus the flour/olive oil/salt/water) 

The cilantro was hunted down for 0,50€ at an Asian supermarket alongside some unnamed hot peppers, black beans and dried hot chili peppers. I love the Asian supermarket. 

The haul. Black beans, chicken, chili tortilla chips, bell peppers & red onions, guacamole (freshly made!), grated cheddar, salsa, cilantro lime rice, beef and (obviously) home made tortillas. To drink: water, cidre doux and apple juice in a cider bottle. 

We had a LOT of leftovers. I think I know what I'll be eating the next few days. 

And then, N, after realizing how easy tortillas are to make, decided to try making churros!

BEST CHOICE EVER. Deep frying. Oh my. 

We were super stuffed but still each managed to have one, except for B who had two burritos despite stomach protests. [B even had a burrito with Brie. Seriously. At first he only claimed it was "mangeable," but later upgraded it to "trop bon!" He's French. ]  The churros were so good (I definitely recommend swapping out a little of the sugar for vanilla sugar -- available in every French grocery store ever). 

Clean up time. 

For recipes:

Tortilla (not the same as I used before and I just used rough amounts: ~1c flour, some shakes of salt mixed together then stir in three spoons of olive oil and ~3/4c water)

Chicken/Steak marinade (a spoon of oil, I used olive, chopped garlic clove, 1/4 a chopped small red onion, chopped cilantro, cumin powder, oregano, black pepper)

Bell pepper + red onions (chop 'em and sauté 'em maybe with some seasoning, your call)

Cilantro lime rice (make rice -- I used brown--, stir in lime juice a little lemon if you have it and chopped cilantro)

Guacamole (except we used a little of the mystery, hella spicy pepper we found at the Asian market)

Extra pepper and red onions were stirred into the store bought salsa. 

Black beans (rinse 'em, and put 'em in a pot with new water, some spices along your choosing. 

La maison rose

And now for some pictures of my new city:

 Strasbourg is a very bike-friendly city.

Spotted: an American flag.

Alsacian folk dancing. 

A little tribute to Alsatian wines. While I was here, a man came up and tasted one of the grapes from the vine. He did not seem to care for it.  

Things can feel pretty deserted on Sundays. 

And now for pictures of the room!

Ikea chic (though my bed is actually from some similar -- undoubtedly cheaper -- German brand).  

Towels hanging everywhere because I don't yet know how to use the washing machine/dryer. Please note my excellent view of un camping, aka, an RV. Also note my Breton cuisine recipe cloths hanging on the wall. They bring a nice little pop and remind me of my wonderful time in Brittany. 

I'm feeling pretty lucky, camping and all. 

MCJ

La Rentrée

Coucou!

Today is September 1st, la rentrée, the first French day of the working year. Granted, this year it landed on a Saturday, so for most the real rentrée is Monday the 3rd. 

I arrived in Strasbourg last Tuesday, which was still les vacances d'été. It's almost funny how different Strasbourg looked today versus the day arrived. When I arrived, the sun was shining, it was warm and people were strolling about in their light, summer gear. I saw many a floral sundress. Today (alongside a recent downturn in temperature), not a dress was to be seen and most people were in darkly colored jackets. Oh, what a difference. Today was decidedly not part of the summer vacation. 

Today, I moved my things into my new digs -- more to come on that. I haven't met two of my roommates yet, but the one I did meet is nice. 

It feels great to be back. 

GROS BISOUS

MCJ

Big news, everyone

Oh hey guys! Remember me? MCJ? American? Francophile?

Yeah, so, I've been more than a little absent. I apologize for that. Since returning to the US of A, I immediately spent three weeks on the road hitting up three awesome weddings. And then, quite out of nowhere, I started working at a camp for refugee children. These kids, quite simply, stole my heart (they can steal your hearts, too, if you'd just click here).

I had started thinking that for the next year, I might just try to go abroad somewhere, not necessarily back to France. When something arrived in the mail to remind me that...

I, MCJ, love France.

You may recall that at the end of April, I took the TCF. Well, in my last week of working at the camp, I got the results! I had clearly been too hard on myself as I didn't get a B2, I got a C1! And a high one, at that. Suddenly, I had the possibility of applying for a masters in France and the one I had in mind was still accepting applications.

So, I spent a week staring at the list of justicatifs I would need to send in, most particularly the lettre de motivation and projet de recherche. Applying for an Ethics program and having just spent all my time with refugees, I decided to write my projet de recherche (more or less a research proposal) on immigration with respect to human rights. While trying to get motivated, I ran across a couple dates hidden on the master's website. The application, I knew, was due August 31st. I had decided to get mine in by early July in the hopes of having a response in time to get a visa for the early September start-date. The dates I ran across were the days that the admissions committee would be getting together to select candidates. The dates? July 5th and September 3rd. The date I ran across this? June 30th. The amount I had done at that point? A paragraph of the letter and a vague outline for the proposal. Everyone, let me tell you something, I got that shit done. July 2nd, around 2pm, I was in Fedex, utterly sleep-deprived and grinning ear to ear.

MCJ: "Hi! I need to get this envelope to France as quickly as possible." I gasped out, beaming, crazy look undoubtedly in my eye.
Fedex guy: "Okay!... Just fill this out."
MCJ: Stares at paper, tries to remember how to write, what her name is, etc.
Fedex guy: "So uh... you seem pretty excited. What's this for?"
MCJ: "Ahhhh I'm applying to grad school. By the way, when will this get there?"
Fedex guy: Types things and replies "July 4th by noon."
MCJ: "Oh THANK GOD."

The dossier got all packaged up, declared as being valued $1 and shipped out and I spent the next 36 hours clicking refresh on my package tracking.

July 4th (happy Independence day!), I woke up and saw my package had been delivered at 9:30am French time. Yayyyy! I decided to call their office before closing time to check and make sure they had seen my dossier and that it would be reviewed the next day.

Secretary: "Bonjour, CEERE."
MCJ: "Bonjour, c'est MCJ, je suis une candidate pour le master en Éthique. Je voudrais confirmer qu'on a reçu mon dossier?"
Hello, it's MCJ, I'm a candidate for the masters in Ethics. I just wanted to confirm that you've received my application?
Secretary: "D'accord... votre nom encore, s'il vous plaît?"
Okay, your name, please?
MCJ: "MCJ"
Secretary: "Uhhh... non."
NO. 
MCJ: breathes. "Ah, bon? Fedex m'a dit que c'était arrivé ce matin. Ce n'est pas là encore?"
Uh, really? Fedex told me that it arrived this morning. It's not there yet??
Long story short. My dossier had not made it from the postal address to the office. I called again right before the office closed to check again. The secretary, clearly amused by my crazy, apologized and said no, but assured me it would probably arrive the next morning.

Sure enough, at 3:30am, I got the following email:

"J'ai reçu ce matin votre dossier qui est examiné en ce moment par la commission. Vous aurez une réponse courant de l'après-midi déjà par email."

I received your application this morning and it's currently being examined by the admissions committee. YOU WILL HAVE A RESPONSE THIS AFTERNOON BY EMAIL. (Emphasis mine)

Another long (boring and angst-filled) story short, the response did not arrive that day. The next day (today, Friday), I woke up at 4:30am to find this in my inbox:

Objet: Avis de la commission pédagogique Master éthique 2012-2013

Subject: Decision of the admissions committee for the Master in Ethics 2012-2013.  

And what was inside? You might ask.

Guess what, y'all, MCJ is heading back to France! I will be a Masters student at the Université de Strasbourg studying Ethics.

Adventure awaits, and I'll be sharing with you all the nitty gritty details on navigating the French university system. Should be fun! You can also expect to find my exasperation at finding housing, doing laundry in the very, very cold, switching banks and any number of other things I haven't thought of yet. I can't wait!

Bisous, mes amis, France m'attend.

MCJ