Last football season, I watched American football almost week... Go Vikings! :)
Obviously, now that I've been living in France, my options of tuning in to Sunday football are quite limited. I've been able to watch one game this season from beginning to end and bits of 2 others. My first encounter with the sport since being here was on Halloween. I was at an English speaking bar in Paris when I saw the purple and yellow jerseys I know so well. That's right! The Vikings were playing! If I remember correctly, we lost... but it was nice to watch a little bit of the game.
Then, a mere two weeks ago, my American friend, Sara asked the local English speaking pub to play the Packers-Bears postseason game. We have become friends with the owner and bartenders there, so they did us a favor and put the game on the big screen. You have to imagine the looks and stares we received as we shouted at the screen, clapped, and gave each other high fives. One of our bartender friends told us that it was not only a foreign sport to them, but extremely strange to see women watching a sport like that and enjoying themselves! Although the Bears lost (Sara's from Chicago), it was so nice to watch the game... and I had a really fun time explaining the rules to a bunch of men! :)
After the game concluded, Sara and I decided we HAD to watch the Super Bowl. It felt nice to participate in something so American... I'm not gonna lie! I found some bars that were showing the game in Paris, but since it didn't begin till 12:30am here and the RER (train) stops then, we wouldn't be able to get home till about 6:30am. We both had to work the next morning, so it just didn't seem possible. I ended up texting one of the other bar owners in town (I know... it sounds bad... but I have a lot of friends, ok?) to see if they were going to show the game. She told me they were hosting a private party but Sara and I could join them. We showed up to the private party on Sunday to find we were practically the only women there! My friend explained to us that the private party was for an American football team in France. As we looked around the room, I couldn't help but want to laugh. I could have tackled any of these men. They were all so short and skinny!
As we took our seats, we each got a French guidebook to American football. What a great souvenir! Because the party did not include little weenies, jalapeno poppers, meatballs, chicken fingers, queso dip, or anything close... we split a plate of fries. As our National Anthem began, naturally, I stood up. Wow, the stares I received. *** Days later my host mother explained that the French rarely do that and most don't sing or know all the words (Maybe Christina Aguilera should move here).
Although these men played the same sport, their reaction to the game was pathetic. Sara and I naturally would interact with each other, yell, and clap after a good play. These men sat there with blank stares on their faces. Occasionally they would groan. I told the quarterback (who was about 5'9 and 120lbs) that we Americans clap and yell after a good play....and only God knows what we do after a touchdown! Our reactions become infectious. After the first quarter, the game felt a little more like home. I hope those guys remember the "proper" etiquette for their next game!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Cooking for One- Part 2
One extremely "French" food that I love is boudin blanc. Boudin Blanc is a sausage made of ground pork meat (often including parts of the liver and heart), eggs, and milk. Yes, I know what you're thinking, "Are you crazy!?!" But trust me, c'est tres bien! I haven't had the nerve to try the rouge version b/c it is red for a reason. The red sausages contain blood... um... yeah...I can't handle blood.
I buy boudin blanc often at the market, which makes cooking for myself much easier seeing how I can buy as few or as many as I wish.
My friend Jenna visited for Thanksgiving and I made boudin blanc as her first meal in France (well, for this visit at least). She thoroughly enjoyed it. I don't think I ever told her it contains liver and heart meat... hmm... guess she'll find out soon enough. Hi Jenna. :)
I haven't taken a picture of boudin blanc, so I had to borrow one from saveurdujour.com. I normally saute mine with mushrooms!
I buy boudin blanc often at the market, which makes cooking for myself much easier seeing how I can buy as few or as many as I wish.
My friend Jenna visited for Thanksgiving and I made boudin blanc as her first meal in France (well, for this visit at least). She thoroughly enjoyed it. I don't think I ever told her it contains liver and heart meat... hmm... guess she'll find out soon enough. Hi Jenna. :)
I haven't taken a picture of boudin blanc, so I had to borrow one from saveurdujour.com. I normally saute mine with mushrooms!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Cooking for One - Part I
One of the downsides of living in a big city, like Paris, is paying more for less when it comes to living accommodations. You pay for the location... "Location, location, location."
My little studio looks like a closet in comparison to ones I've seen in Duluth, MN, Atlanta, GA or Chicago, IL. After visiting several of my friends' apartments here, I now feel as though I live in a mansion... well...you get the idea.
I eat with my host family Monday-Friday for dinner, and MWF for lunch. That leaves me with 13 meals a week to fend for myself. In my little kitchen I have one working stove-eye, a mini-fridge (without a freezer), a microwave, and absolutely zero counter space. Needless to say, cooking can be difficult... not to mention, cooking for one person. If I cook a "normal" meal, I often have a lot of leftover food. I get so sick of eating the same things all the time, or throwing out food. With my au pair salary, I can't afford to waste my money. I have decided to make more of an effort to cook creatively, while staying healthy. The next several posts will be some of the recent dishes I've enjoyed. They won't all be "French," but good nonetheless, and perfect when cooking for one! Don't worry... this is not going to become another food blog...
The first one I've chosen is an endive salad. This dish is not necessarily French, but one I've eaten several times since being here. Endives are fantastic! Because they last 10-14 days in the fridge (much longer than other types of lettuce) I don't have to worry as much about them going bad before I get around to consuming them! For information and other endive recipes, go to http://www.endive.com/
Endive Salad
2 endives
Salt
Pepper
Go-To Dressing
1 Part Olive Oil
2 Parts Balsamic Vinigarette
Touch of honey or dijon mustard
Trim the stems off the endives. Pull apart the leaves and put them in boiling water until cooked. Drain and mix in Go-To-Dressing. Refrigerate until chilled.
You can also eat this salad with raw endives. Mix your other favorite chopped veggies, and voila!
My little studio looks like a closet in comparison to ones I've seen in Duluth, MN, Atlanta, GA or Chicago, IL. After visiting several of my friends' apartments here, I now feel as though I live in a mansion... well...you get the idea.
I eat with my host family Monday-Friday for dinner, and MWF for lunch. That leaves me with 13 meals a week to fend for myself. In my little kitchen I have one working stove-eye, a mini-fridge (without a freezer), a microwave, and absolutely zero counter space. Needless to say, cooking can be difficult... not to mention, cooking for one person. If I cook a "normal" meal, I often have a lot of leftover food. I get so sick of eating the same things all the time, or throwing out food. With my au pair salary, I can't afford to waste my money. I have decided to make more of an effort to cook creatively, while staying healthy. The next several posts will be some of the recent dishes I've enjoyed. They won't all be "French," but good nonetheless, and perfect when cooking for one! Don't worry... this is not going to become another food blog...
The first one I've chosen is an endive salad. This dish is not necessarily French, but one I've eaten several times since being here. Endives are fantastic! Because they last 10-14 days in the fridge (much longer than other types of lettuce) I don't have to worry as much about them going bad before I get around to consuming them! For information and other endive recipes, go to http://www.endive.com/
Endive Salad
2 endives
Salt
Pepper
Go-To Dressing
1 Part Olive Oil
2 Parts Balsamic Vinigarette
Touch of honey or dijon mustard
Trim the stems off the endives. Pull apart the leaves and put them in boiling water until cooked. Drain and mix in Go-To-Dressing. Refrigerate until chilled.
You can also eat this salad with raw endives. Mix your other favorite chopped veggies, and voila!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Do I Know You?
Okay... it's been too long since my last post. I apologize!
One of my favorite things about living in France is how quickly I am learning the language. I am extremely stunned at my progress. Although I am far from being bilingual, I can already hold conversations after 2.5 months. I look forward to my classes each week. I practice and study all the time, in an effort to soak up as much information and new vocabulary as possible.
To be an au pair in France, it is a requirement to learn French. Some au pairs came mainly for the experience of living abroad. I came solely to learn French as quickly as possible and hopefully to make more opera connections along the way. It is very apparent which students wish to learn the language and those who are merely fulfilling the requirement to keep their visa.
My language class is fairly diverse, with people representing Germany, England, Nepal, South Africa, Poland, and of course America. Last week, we discussed the differences between French manners and those of our respective countries. It was really neat to hear the differences between them.
Some interesting French customs:
- The well-known double air kiss: upon greeting someone or saying good-bye, you kiss each of their cheeks. I have grown accustomed to this tradition... but I must say, at first it seemed a little too personal to kiss someone I was meeting for the first time. Interestingly enough, my professor feels as though hugging is too personal.
-Both hands on the table: While dining in the US, it is polite to put the hand you are not using in your lap. In France, you must keep both hands visible and on the table at all times.
-You put your bread where??? : Bread remains directly on the table near your plate, not on your plate
-Host/Hostess gift- You never bring wine as a host/hostess gift if you are attending a dinner party. If wine is given as a gift, they feel obliged to drink it then... and the problem with that is the hostess has most likely planned which wine you will consume based on what he/she is serving.
-You don't greet someone you don't know: I say "Bonjour" and smile at people all the time, even though it's not a custom here... I can't help my Southern ways. Funny story: When we were discussing the differences in greeting customs, my teacher used me as an example. Especially if I have met someone before, I will ask them "How are you?" when I see them- in French of course. My professor told the class that another teacher asked if she knew me from somewhere because I always greet her in the morning. I thought this was hilarious. Although it's not a custom in France I love talking to random people: the clerk behind the cash register, the vendors at the market, the waiters at restaurants, elderly people walking by... it's amazing the looks I receive. Without a doubt, at first they are taken off guard, and then always seem genuinely grateful that I care. This is one American custom I will shamelessly bring to France
One of my favorite things about living in France is how quickly I am learning the language. I am extremely stunned at my progress. Although I am far from being bilingual, I can already hold conversations after 2.5 months. I look forward to my classes each week. I practice and study all the time, in an effort to soak up as much information and new vocabulary as possible.
To be an au pair in France, it is a requirement to learn French. Some au pairs came mainly for the experience of living abroad. I came solely to learn French as quickly as possible and hopefully to make more opera connections along the way. It is very apparent which students wish to learn the language and those who are merely fulfilling the requirement to keep their visa.
My language class is fairly diverse, with people representing Germany, England, Nepal, South Africa, Poland, and of course America. Last week, we discussed the differences between French manners and those of our respective countries. It was really neat to hear the differences between them.
Some interesting French customs:
- The well-known double air kiss: upon greeting someone or saying good-bye, you kiss each of their cheeks. I have grown accustomed to this tradition... but I must say, at first it seemed a little too personal to kiss someone I was meeting for the first time. Interestingly enough, my professor feels as though hugging is too personal.
-Both hands on the table: While dining in the US, it is polite to put the hand you are not using in your lap. In France, you must keep both hands visible and on the table at all times.
-You put your bread where??? : Bread remains directly on the table near your plate, not on your plate
-Host/Hostess gift- You never bring wine as a host/hostess gift if you are attending a dinner party. If wine is given as a gift, they feel obliged to drink it then... and the problem with that is the hostess has most likely planned which wine you will consume based on what he/she is serving.
-You don't greet someone you don't know: I say "Bonjour" and smile at people all the time, even though it's not a custom here... I can't help my Southern ways. Funny story: When we were discussing the differences in greeting customs, my teacher used me as an example. Especially if I have met someone before, I will ask them "How are you?" when I see them- in French of course. My professor told the class that another teacher asked if she knew me from somewhere because I always greet her in the morning. I thought this was hilarious. Although it's not a custom in France I love talking to random people: the clerk behind the cash register, the vendors at the market, the waiters at restaurants, elderly people walking by... it's amazing the looks I receive. Without a doubt, at first they are taken off guard, and then always seem genuinely grateful that I care. This is one American custom I will shamelessly bring to France
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Thankfulness
I have always loved Thanksgiving for many reasons. The most important, however, is the fact that this particular holiday is all about the act of gratitude. Other reasons include: spending quality time with my family, American football (Goooo Jackets, Sting Em!), the awesome food, the nap after the awesome food, time off from school, Black Friday shopping, and kicking off the countdown to Christmas! Many of my reasons for loving Thanksgiving are missing this year: I'm not with my family, I didn't get time off from work or school, I couldn't watch American football, I had normal French food**, I didn't have a nap, and no Black Friday shopping! Although one would think that missing all of these vital and wonderful aspects of Thanksgiving would leave one sad, lonely, homesick, and perhaps ungrateful, that is not the case. The realization of my countless blessings have become more apparent with each passing year....and this year is no different.
Both of my host parents work late in Paris on Thursdays... so every Thursday it's just me and the 4 kids from morning till they go to bed. Tonight at dinner, while eating our pasta with sausages and spinach, I had each of the kids go around the table and tell us one blessing in their life. As each one spoke, they really thought about what they wanted to say and were very excited to voice their gratitude. Unexpectedly, when it was my turn, I choked up. As tears began to stream down my face, I couldn't help but think about how lucky I am. I have been blessed with so much. It was almost as though missing all of the normal activities of Thanksgiving helped me realize the importance of the holiday.
First of all, I am so grateful for my family. Although it has been by far the toughest year for us, we have grown stronger together. We know we can get through anything! I am grateful for my vocal talent and the amazing vocal teachers/ coaches and professors who have nurtured my passion for music. I am thankful for my health and my family's health. I am grateful for my friends near and far. I'm thankful I've been able to experience many different countries/cultures (Mozambique, South Africa, England, Italy, Mexico, Canada, France, Turkey, Ireland, and China) and I hope to add a few more to the list this year. Last of all, I am thankful for my baby brother who turns 21 today! Happy Birthday Jacob!
**Note: Don't fret! I'm having a Thanksgiving meal with my friends this weekend! Also, my friend Jenna is visiting me for the weekend!! :)
Both of my host parents work late in Paris on Thursdays... so every Thursday it's just me and the 4 kids from morning till they go to bed. Tonight at dinner, while eating our pasta with sausages and spinach, I had each of the kids go around the table and tell us one blessing in their life. As each one spoke, they really thought about what they wanted to say and were very excited to voice their gratitude. Unexpectedly, when it was my turn, I choked up. As tears began to stream down my face, I couldn't help but think about how lucky I am. I have been blessed with so much. It was almost as though missing all of the normal activities of Thanksgiving helped me realize the importance of the holiday.
First of all, I am so grateful for my family. Although it has been by far the toughest year for us, we have grown stronger together. We know we can get through anything! I am grateful for my vocal talent and the amazing vocal teachers/ coaches and professors who have nurtured my passion for music. I am thankful for my health and my family's health. I am grateful for my friends near and far. I'm thankful I've been able to experience many different countries/cultures (Mozambique, South Africa, England, Italy, Mexico, Canada, France, Turkey, Ireland, and China) and I hope to add a few more to the list this year. Last of all, I am thankful for my baby brother who turns 21 today! Happy Birthday Jacob!
**Note: Don't fret! I'm having a Thanksgiving meal with my friends this weekend! Also, my friend Jenna is visiting me for the weekend!! :)
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Paris: la ville de l'amour
Paris is known for being "The City of Love." I have to admit, when I first arrived, all of the PDA (public displays of affection) made me a little sick to my stomach. I mean, it seemed sooo overboard. I thought to myself, "Well, my parents would fit right in!" Couples here can't keep their hands off each other and kiss all the time in public... it's hard not to feel slightly uncomfortable. I've noticed it the most in very touristy areas/ romantic sites and while on the Metro. The large amounts of PDA was a little foreign to me and caught me off guard. If you ever get to visit this wonderful city, be prepared!
When I see PDA here, I am often reminded of the movie "Paris je t'aime." One of my favorite segments from the movie is when American tourist (Steve Buscemi) accidentally stares at a couple making out in the metro station. The couple end up fighting and to make her boyfriend jealous, the girl kisses Buscemi. The boyfriend beats him up, which in turn makes the girlfriend forgive him because he "fought for her love." Great scene.
You can watch the scene here: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x15uyv_paris-je-taime-tuileries_shortfilms
One night I had a very interesting discussion with a Frenchman on the topic of PDA. I told him that all of it made me a little queasy. He totally did not understand my thought process. He responded, "If I like a girl, I want the world to know I'm with her." When you think of it that way... it sounds, well... romantic.
After living here for two months (yes, I've been here 2 months), I'm definitely becoming more accustomed to their "romantic ways." This past week, I went on my first date since being here (Mom, stop freaking out...). It was so different than any date I have ever been on. First of all, it reminded me of the stories us southern girls have been told for years: The Tales of the Good Southern Gentlemen. After 25 years, I've begun to think that this tradition has either died, or the stories were just a mean joke older, wiser people like to play on poor, gullible girls. He was incredibly charming. He even ended our date by showing me the Parisian skyline at night. As we stood there watching the Eiffel Tower glowing from afar, and I thought, "This is how I'm supposed to be treated." I don't think anything will come of the date, but I learned a lot about myself and what I deserve from a relationship in those few hours.
I have to add, the first time he showed me any kind of affection... I pulled away. I think I actually said to him, "I'm an American," which was implying, "I don't do PDA." I remember looking around me and noticing that no one was staring at me or thought it was "over the top" that he wanted to hold my hand in public. I was the only person who was freaking out. So, I held his hand and gave in to the French way.
On Sunday I went to Paris to have a coffee with my friend Isabelle. We stopped by this Turkish restaurant to look at the menu. Ever since my trip to Istanbul in the summer of 2009, I've wanted this traditional Turkish dish I ate during my stay. It's this sort of kebob made of pita bread with sliced lamb and tomato sauce, cooked in a porcelain dish. As I was looking at the menu, one of the Turkish men working walked out of the restaurant to ask if we wanted to eat inside. I spoke the little bit of Turkish I know (Hello, how are you, etc...) and then asked him if they had the dish. He said, "un minute" and walked inside. When he came back, he had a humongous rose in his hand, and wrote down his email address for me. He gave me the rose and then said, "let me know when you plan to eat here and I'll cook you whatever you want."
If that happened 6 months ago, I would have thought, "omg, so cheesy." But this time, it struck a different chord with me. I thought it was so kind. The rest of the night, I couldn't wipe the smile off my face.
When I see PDA here, I am often reminded of the movie "Paris je t'aime." One of my favorite segments from the movie is when American tourist (Steve Buscemi) accidentally stares at a couple making out in the metro station. The couple end up fighting and to make her boyfriend jealous, the girl kisses Buscemi. The boyfriend beats him up, which in turn makes the girlfriend forgive him because he "fought for her love." Great scene.
You can watch the scene here: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x15uyv_paris-je-taime-tuileries_shortfilms
One night I had a very interesting discussion with a Frenchman on the topic of PDA. I told him that all of it made me a little queasy. He totally did not understand my thought process. He responded, "If I like a girl, I want the world to know I'm with her." When you think of it that way... it sounds, well... romantic.
After living here for two months (yes, I've been here 2 months), I'm definitely becoming more accustomed to their "romantic ways." This past week, I went on my first date since being here (Mom, stop freaking out...). It was so different than any date I have ever been on. First of all, it reminded me of the stories us southern girls have been told for years: The Tales of the Good Southern Gentlemen. After 25 years, I've begun to think that this tradition has either died, or the stories were just a mean joke older, wiser people like to play on poor, gullible girls. He was incredibly charming. He even ended our date by showing me the Parisian skyline at night. As we stood there watching the Eiffel Tower glowing from afar, and I thought, "This is how I'm supposed to be treated." I don't think anything will come of the date, but I learned a lot about myself and what I deserve from a relationship in those few hours.
I have to add, the first time he showed me any kind of affection... I pulled away. I think I actually said to him, "I'm an American," which was implying, "I don't do PDA." I remember looking around me and noticing that no one was staring at me or thought it was "over the top" that he wanted to hold my hand in public. I was the only person who was freaking out. So, I held his hand and gave in to the French way.
On Sunday I went to Paris to have a coffee with my friend Isabelle. We stopped by this Turkish restaurant to look at the menu. Ever since my trip to Istanbul in the summer of 2009, I've wanted this traditional Turkish dish I ate during my stay. It's this sort of kebob made of pita bread with sliced lamb and tomato sauce, cooked in a porcelain dish. As I was looking at the menu, one of the Turkish men working walked out of the restaurant to ask if we wanted to eat inside. I spoke the little bit of Turkish I know (Hello, how are you, etc...) and then asked him if they had the dish. He said, "un minute" and walked inside. When he came back, he had a humongous rose in his hand, and wrote down his email address for me. He gave me the rose and then said, "let me know when you plan to eat here and I'll cook you whatever you want."
If that happened 6 months ago, I would have thought, "omg, so cheesy." But this time, it struck a different chord with me. I thought it was so kind. The rest of the night, I couldn't wipe the smile off my face.
Friday, November 5, 2010
J'aime l'automne! (I love Autumn)
Spring and Fall have always been my favorite times of year. Without fail, I am always so excited as those glorious seasons approach. I love Fall in Georgia, not only for its beauty, but it's a perfect time to cool off from the summer heat. In Minnesota, Spring is such a relief from the harsh, brutal, sub-zeros temps. In both places, however, I've never felt as though I experienced a proper Fall season. The leaves turn, and within two weeks, it feels like winter. That's not been the case, however, this year in Saint Germain!
This afternoon, I went for a walk in the woods to take pictures of my beautiful surroundings.The leaves are vibrant colors of yellow and red...seriously gorgeous. Here are some of my favorite pictures from the day:
After I picked up the kids from school, Faustine made me a leaf bouquet. Isn't it adorable!?!
The only thing that's been better in the US, in regards to Fall, was Halloween! I mean, I had fun... don't get me wrong, but no one here celebrates! My friends and I met up to get ready together. We pumped ourselves up for a good time. Seeing as my costume budget is non-existent, I put together a "hippy" outfit from my everyday clothes. It wasn't hard... I lived in Duluth, MN for two years! I drew a peace sign on my face, and voila! Costume complete! As my friends and I walked through the city, we received some pretty interesting stares. We thought things would be better in Paris.... nope. We were pretty much the only people dressed up. Talk about sticking out like a sore thumb. We took the train to an english speaking pub in Paris. I had some pretty great conversations with some of the locals. All was well until the guy I was speaking with asked me, "Why do you have a Mercedes sign on your face?" Are you kidding me!?! I totally painted a Mercedes-Benz sign on my face instead of a peace sign. In my defense, I live in a rich town, filled with wealthy people who drive expensive cars. I see that sign 30 times a day. Must have been on the mind...Oh well... :)
To end this fabulous post, you must listen to this recording of Edith Piaf singing "Autumn Leaves." Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2s2tPORlW4
This afternoon, I went for a walk in the woods to take pictures of my beautiful surroundings.The leaves are vibrant colors of yellow and red...seriously gorgeous. Here are some of my favorite pictures from the day:
After I picked up the kids from school, Faustine made me a leaf bouquet. Isn't it adorable!?!
The only thing that's been better in the US, in regards to Fall, was Halloween! I mean, I had fun... don't get me wrong, but no one here celebrates! My friends and I met up to get ready together. We pumped ourselves up for a good time. Seeing as my costume budget is non-existent, I put together a "hippy" outfit from my everyday clothes. It wasn't hard... I lived in Duluth, MN for two years! I drew a peace sign on my face, and voila! Costume complete! As my friends and I walked through the city, we received some pretty interesting stares. We thought things would be better in Paris.... nope. We were pretty much the only people dressed up. Talk about sticking out like a sore thumb. We took the train to an english speaking pub in Paris. I had some pretty great conversations with some of the locals. All was well until the guy I was speaking with asked me, "Why do you have a Mercedes sign on your face?" Are you kidding me!?! I totally painted a Mercedes-Benz sign on my face instead of a peace sign. In my defense, I live in a rich town, filled with wealthy people who drive expensive cars. I see that sign 30 times a day. Must have been on the mind...Oh well... :)
To end this fabulous post, you must listen to this recording of Edith Piaf singing "Autumn Leaves." Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2s2tPORlW4
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