Day 25 - mercredi

Click here: works of Chagall; pictures of Nice

23 fevrier 2011

Class was in the morning and early afternoon today, so there was time to visit the Marc Chagall museum, just a short walk away and up, up, up a hill. Elisabeth and I made our way there, arriving about 3:30. We bought our tickets and went into the galleries. Each of us was able to get the audio information in our own language – English and German.

The building was designed to hold Chagall’s large works depicting biblical scenes. I have a few photos to share with you, but they capture only a meager essence of works. Size and texture and the vibrant colors are diminished by my photos. Chagall worked not only with paint, pencil and glass, but sculpture and tapestry, too.

On the way home, Elisabeth went searching for the chickpea flour to make socca. After three stops at small shops, she found it!

Once home, after tea with Michele, I attempted to write about my experience at the museum in French. Michele was willing to correct my mistakes, which was very nice of her.

Thought for the day: when I look back at all the dialogues, sketches and practice sentences that I have written, will I believe that I was able to do this, or will I smile at my apprentice-attempts? Only time will tell.

Have a good night, Dear Reader.

Day 23 - lundi

School pictures - click here21 fevrier 2011

Today marks the beginning of the fourth week in Nice. It was a beautiful day with a clear blue sky. It was warm enough to sit outside for lunch. Class began early in the day. There was a good energy in the classroom today.

Each class we listen to one or two dialogues and need to determine what we have heard and what it is about. This has been very tricky. Today, the first one went fairly well for me, so I was patting myself on the back. Then came the second dialogue, and I had to admit that I understood very little of what was being discussed. Humility is a virtue, and helps one get past the awkward moments.

After classes, I stayed at school to complete our assigned exercises with Elisabeth. She left to catch the train to Antibes. I finished up and decided to walk to the Chretien librairie, i.e. Christian bookstore, around the corner. It wasn’t open today, but I will return another day to look around. The other bookstore near the Church may be more specifically Catholic - I’m not sure. Tomorrow it is supposed to be raining again, so that trek will be scheduled for another day.

When the bookstore was not open, I decided to go to the papeterie, the office goods store. It is quite close to the school. It is very modest compared to Staples, but you know, it had everything I was searching for: BIC mechanical pencils (sold individually), a notebook for class, and a smaller one for my purse. They also had un perforateur – a hole punch. I’ve been looking for one in order to organize all the worksheets I get in the classes. In France and around Europe, as I understand, four (or two) holes are the standard. Hence, this device makes 4 holes. It will stay in France with Michele when I leave.

For such a lovely day, there is not much else to report. Have a good night, Dear Reader.  

Day 20 - vendredi

Carnaval pictures

18 fevrier 2011

It was the first sunny day since last Sunday. It feels very nice.

Afternoon school today, so I took the morning to study. Since we were going to work on restaurant skits, I started a French-style menu. Once at school to meet Marina, we completed the menu with three “plats du jour”.  It gave us a chance to practice.

After class, Mariette, our intensive course teacher, led a group of 12 of us by tram to the old city. There we ate at a little restaurant that was situated on the two corners of the street – one side was for the food, the other for indoor seating and drinks. This was my first taste of “socca”, a local dish made from eggs and chickpeas. It is like a thin, fried pancake – not unlike a salty crepe. It was very good and filling. After Mariette treated us to a nicoise pastry treat, and we had finished our drinks of choice (mine was a Coke, but many people had sangria), we walked back toward Place Massena where the Carnaval event was to take place.

We were able to find enough seats for the group near the top of the stands, just in front of the speakers. I estimate about 10,000 people were there tonight.  The theme of the Carnaval this year could be “Under the Sea.” The story played out by the balloon characters seemed to be that Nepture was asking the fish and sea creatures, including a mermaid, to retrieve a pearl from a clam, which the clam was happy to give. The tension mounted a bit when two sea serpents came head to head. All in all, the balloons were magical and the floats were colorful, but it was over way too soon. I’ve included some pictures and a video for your viewing pleasure.

Afterwards, I walked with Elisabeth (Austrian, from my class) to the train station, and then completed my walk home, another 15 minutes or so. I got home right at 10:00. Michele and I chatted briefly, but I was looking forward to a little alone time after the long day at school and the crowds.

Happy Carnaval, Dear Reader. How will you celebrate?