12-30-10 (Rueil-Malmaison, France)
I decided to get out of my hotel room and walk down the street about 500 meters or so just to see what is all around me. There is a corner store that has some fresh produce (mostly fruit but a few veggies), a Chinese restaurant and an Indian restaurant. I checked out the prices for the Indian food and they were pretty reasonable at around 6 Euro or so. The Chinese restaurant was closing by the time I decided to venture out so I wasn't able to see their menu. As long as I have some ethnic food places to go to around where I live, I shan't go hungry! I guess places in Rueil-Malmaison don't stay open as late as in Paris. I wasn't able to eat a proper dinner tonight, but I got some delicious fruit from the corner store.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Why the Hell Did I Come Here?
12-30-10 (Rueil-Malmaison, France)
Where to start? Maybe the good news first. I got first row business class coming over on the plane. I had three glasses of wine and two pretty decent meals. For dinner I had shrimp with bamboo shoots, tomato soup, sweet potatoes, squash, and a beef fillet. For break fast I had eggs, hash browns, fruit, tea, and a roll with jelly. French customs took about 30 seconds to go through and I got both of my checked bags. The cab cost around 50 Euro to get from the airport to my destination.
That was pretty much the only good news of the day. Once I arrived at my apartment complex, the doors were locked and no one was in the front office. I had to wait until people exited the building so I could sneak in with all my luggage. I waited around in a fume-filled lobby for about 30 minutes before one of the owners happened upon me. She didn't speak a word of English and she was incredibly dismayed that I was there. I tried to explain to her that I was supposed to move in two days ago, but that my flights were canceled or delayed due to weather. That wasn't the issue however as it seems as though no one EVER told her who I was or that I was even assigned a place to live. Another employee came down to help, but his English was also extremely limited. They let me camp out in the downstairs cafeteria room while they both were yelling into the phone, frantically trying to find someone at IFP who knew what the hell was going on.
After about an hour I was told to take a taxi or walk down to IFP. It is only a mile or so away so I decided to take a stroll. It was only about a 20-30 minute walk and the weather is nice so I decided to walk. I arrived at IFP to find more non-English speakers who were just as perplexed that I was even there today. Two nice gentlemen took me to another residence building where finally someone was able to speak to me and help me resolve the situation. She said that something was screwed up and that there was no record of my arrival or confirmation. She claims that this was OU's fault. After a few phone calls she told me that the room would be ready tomorrow and that I would need to stay in a hotel tonight. At that point, I couldn't care less so long I as knew that I would have a damn bed and a GD toilet.
I walked back to the original apartment complex where I started but lo and behold, no one was there. I waited patiently for another person to open the doors so I could sneak inside. There, I waited around until the owner showed up again. She tried to explain to me that I would have a room tomorrow at 10am. She didn't really need to speak English, I got the message. Luckily, she was nice enough to walk me down to a hotel about 50 feet away and help me check into a room. The hotel clerk spoke English so he was able to translate what she was saying to me. Now, here I am. Laying in a bed, typing this story to you. I'm not sure who screwed the pooch, but I'm plenty pissed off. I have confirmation emails saying I was ok to move in and that I was assigned a spot, etc. There were at least three damn people at IFP who got the message since not a damn one of them works during the holidays full-time. Maybe it is just the time of year, but this situation doesn't speak kindly toward French work-ethic. Guess what IFP, if new students are going to be arriving for the new semester a few days before it starts, get your shit together and be ready for them. Is that just too much to ask? God forbid someone has to work a few days after Christmas and before New Year's.
Song of the Day: We Hate You Please Die by Crash and the Boys (via Scot Pilgrim vs. the World)
Where to start? Maybe the good news first. I got first row business class coming over on the plane. I had three glasses of wine and two pretty decent meals. For dinner I had shrimp with bamboo shoots, tomato soup, sweet potatoes, squash, and a beef fillet. For break fast I had eggs, hash browns, fruit, tea, and a roll with jelly. French customs took about 30 seconds to go through and I got both of my checked bags. The cab cost around 50 Euro to get from the airport to my destination.
That was pretty much the only good news of the day. Once I arrived at my apartment complex, the doors were locked and no one was in the front office. I had to wait until people exited the building so I could sneak in with all my luggage. I waited around in a fume-filled lobby for about 30 minutes before one of the owners happened upon me. She didn't speak a word of English and she was incredibly dismayed that I was there. I tried to explain to her that I was supposed to move in two days ago, but that my flights were canceled or delayed due to weather. That wasn't the issue however as it seems as though no one EVER told her who I was or that I was even assigned a place to live. Another employee came down to help, but his English was also extremely limited. They let me camp out in the downstairs cafeteria room while they both were yelling into the phone, frantically trying to find someone at IFP who knew what the hell was going on.
After about an hour I was told to take a taxi or walk down to IFP. It is only a mile or so away so I decided to take a stroll. It was only about a 20-30 minute walk and the weather is nice so I decided to walk. I arrived at IFP to find more non-English speakers who were just as perplexed that I was even there today. Two nice gentlemen took me to another residence building where finally someone was able to speak to me and help me resolve the situation. She said that something was screwed up and that there was no record of my arrival or confirmation. She claims that this was OU's fault. After a few phone calls she told me that the room would be ready tomorrow and that I would need to stay in a hotel tonight. At that point, I couldn't care less so long I as knew that I would have a damn bed and a GD toilet.
I walked back to the original apartment complex where I started but lo and behold, no one was there. I waited patiently for another person to open the doors so I could sneak inside. There, I waited around until the owner showed up again. She tried to explain to me that I would have a room tomorrow at 10am. She didn't really need to speak English, I got the message. Luckily, she was nice enough to walk me down to a hotel about 50 feet away and help me check into a room. The hotel clerk spoke English so he was able to translate what she was saying to me. Now, here I am. Laying in a bed, typing this story to you. I'm not sure who screwed the pooch, but I'm plenty pissed off. I have confirmation emails saying I was ok to move in and that I was assigned a spot, etc. There were at least three damn people at IFP who got the message since not a damn one of them works during the holidays full-time. Maybe it is just the time of year, but this situation doesn't speak kindly toward French work-ethic. Guess what IFP, if new students are going to be arriving for the new semester a few days before it starts, get your shit together and be ready for them. Is that just too much to ask? God forbid someone has to work a few days after Christmas and before New Year's.
Song of the Day: We Hate You Please Die by Crash and the Boys (via Scot Pilgrim vs. the World)
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Bon Voyage!
12-28-10 (Colleyville, TX, USA)
I'm about to walk out the door and go to the airport. Flight leaves at 11:35am central. Wish me luck!
12-28-10 (Cincinnati, OH, USA)
Update: I made my flight to Cincinnati, OH, but I was unable to catch the flight to Paris today. I am going to try again tomorrow. There are about 40 open seats so it looks like I'll get out. We'll just have to see.
Dealing with people at the airport made me realize how obnoxious people from the northeast are. Guess what people from New York, things don't automatically go your way just because you start raising your voice! I was really polite with the lady from baggage services and she slipped me 3 free drink coupons because of my positive attitude. I won't really need the coupons tomorrow in business class, but it will be nice for the future to have a few free drinks.
Speaking of free stuff, Holiday Inn rocks. I joined their loyalty program for free and got a complimentary appetizer and two beers out of it. I had a two course meal and two beers for a total of $15 (including tip.) Now I'm kicking back, watching Family Guy, and updating the ol' blog. Wish me luck for tomorrow's flight.
Song of the day: Les Champs Elysees by Joe Dassin
I'm about to walk out the door and go to the airport. Flight leaves at 11:35am central. Wish me luck!
12-28-10 (Cincinnati, OH, USA)
Update: I made my flight to Cincinnati, OH, but I was unable to catch the flight to Paris today. I am going to try again tomorrow. There are about 40 open seats so it looks like I'll get out. We'll just have to see.
Dealing with people at the airport made me realize how obnoxious people from the northeast are. Guess what people from New York, things don't automatically go your way just because you start raising your voice! I was really polite with the lady from baggage services and she slipped me 3 free drink coupons because of my positive attitude. I won't really need the coupons tomorrow in business class, but it will be nice for the future to have a few free drinks.
Speaking of free stuff, Holiday Inn rocks. I joined their loyalty program for free and got a complimentary appetizer and two beers out of it. I had a two course meal and two beers for a total of $15 (including tip.) Now I'm kicking back, watching Family Guy, and updating the ol' blog. Wish me luck for tomorrow's flight.
Song of the day: Les Champs Elysees by Joe Dassin
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Delayed Departure until Tuesday
12-26-2010 (Colleyville, TX, USA)
It seems that the winter storms in the Northeast as well as some bad weather in Europe has pushed many holiday travelers back a few days. I was all set to try and get out to France tomorrow but now it looks like I'll have to delay my departure until Tuesday. This will put me in Paris on Wednesday morning.
My dad came up with a simple, yet genius, way to string my bags together like a train. This includes my two duffel bags as well as the hang-up back. This should make it easier to get to and from the airport when it comes time to pull all my luggage around. Everything is packed and ready to go. I'm really glad I didn't pack all my underwear since I'll need a clean pair for tomorrow as well as for my travel day.
Although I'm ready to make the transition, it will probably be nice to have one more day at home to relax and hang out with Leroy. He and Koala are making progress, and even touched noses a few times during the day to greet each other. There was only one scuffle when I set up their cat condo and Koala wanted to be king of the castle. Leroy was concerned....
Song of the day: Swallowed by Bush
It seems that the winter storms in the Northeast as well as some bad weather in Europe has pushed many holiday travelers back a few days. I was all set to try and get out to France tomorrow but now it looks like I'll have to delay my departure until Tuesday. This will put me in Paris on Wednesday morning.
My dad came up with a simple, yet genius, way to string my bags together like a train. This includes my two duffel bags as well as the hang-up back. This should make it easier to get to and from the airport when it comes time to pull all my luggage around. Everything is packed and ready to go. I'm really glad I didn't pack all my underwear since I'll need a clean pair for tomorrow as well as for my travel day.
Although I'm ready to make the transition, it will probably be nice to have one more day at home to relax and hang out with Leroy. He and Koala are making progress, and even touched noses a few times during the day to greet each other. There was only one scuffle when I set up their cat condo and Koala wanted to be king of the castle. Leroy was concerned....
Song of the day: Swallowed by Bush
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Last Day to Prepare is Tomorrow
12-25-10 (Colleyville, TX, USA)
It was a fairly slow Christmas this year, but for good reason. My time living abroad will probably cost more than I think since I am not used to exchange fees and rates. I am extremely grateful for the help my parents are giving me in funding this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Christmas was not entirely without a few great presents however. I got a large bottle of Burberry Brit cologne as well as some pretty interesting ear-muffs that fit behind one's head instead of over it. My mom also found me a frame that would accommodate my UT ID card with Mack Brown's signature on it.
Tomorrow (Sunday the 26th) is the last day I have to get my luggage in order and make sure everything I need is packed. So far I have all of my dress shirts, ties, sweaters, t-shirts, underwear and shorts in one duffel bag. I plan on putting shoes (with socks stuffed inside), polos, and misc items into my other duffel tomorrow. My dad was kind enough to loan me his ultra-roomy laptop backpack, which is large enough to fit my computer gear, files, and school supplies (including extra batteries for the calculator.)
For those readers who have traveled oversees before, please feel free to make comments about what items you would pack or leave. Most of my stuff revolves around items of clothing so I'm trying to bring outfits that will work in layers for each weather season. I'll have two medium/large size duffel bags, one backpack, and one hang-up bag for my suits and sport coats.
Sitting down for Christmas dinner tonight reminded me of all the things I am leaving behind and all the people I am going to miss. It feels like my entire life has drastically been altered in a surprisingly short amount of time so I hope that I am mentally prepared to make the transition. A few weeks ago I was sitting on my couch with the woman I love, watching sci-fi on netflix and playing with my cats. Today I was still watching sci-fi, but Leroy (my youngest cat) was my only company. I can't help but think of the empty apartment in Norman, Oklahoma where I once had a pretty stable, comfortable life. Although I won't let the past get in the way of an amazing journey in Europe, I'll always look back fondly at my time in Oklahoma and always hope that parts of that life are not entirely gone forever.
Lastly, I didn't realize how hard it would be for me to leave my cat, Leroy, behind. He is pretty dependent on me and follows me around the house looking for attention. When I am not in his line of site, he tracks me down, howling to me to come find him. I'm glad he will be living with my parents and brother as well as our family cat, Koala. The two cats seem to be getting along pretty smoothly, despite Koala's old age and stubborn ways. Leroy has been very respectful of Koala's territory and has not tried to attack him. Koala has been good so far, with very minimal growling. I think he is actually more interested in going into my room when Leroy is out and about so that he (Koala) can eat Leroy's canned food.
Song(s) of the Day: Christmas music!
It was a fairly slow Christmas this year, but for good reason. My time living abroad will probably cost more than I think since I am not used to exchange fees and rates. I am extremely grateful for the help my parents are giving me in funding this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Christmas was not entirely without a few great presents however. I got a large bottle of Burberry Brit cologne as well as some pretty interesting ear-muffs that fit behind one's head instead of over it. My mom also found me a frame that would accommodate my UT ID card with Mack Brown's signature on it.
Tomorrow (Sunday the 26th) is the last day I have to get my luggage in order and make sure everything I need is packed. So far I have all of my dress shirts, ties, sweaters, t-shirts, underwear and shorts in one duffel bag. I plan on putting shoes (with socks stuffed inside), polos, and misc items into my other duffel tomorrow. My dad was kind enough to loan me his ultra-roomy laptop backpack, which is large enough to fit my computer gear, files, and school supplies (including extra batteries for the calculator.)
For those readers who have traveled oversees before, please feel free to make comments about what items you would pack or leave. Most of my stuff revolves around items of clothing so I'm trying to bring outfits that will work in layers for each weather season. I'll have two medium/large size duffel bags, one backpack, and one hang-up bag for my suits and sport coats.
Sitting down for Christmas dinner tonight reminded me of all the things I am leaving behind and all the people I am going to miss. It feels like my entire life has drastically been altered in a surprisingly short amount of time so I hope that I am mentally prepared to make the transition. A few weeks ago I was sitting on my couch with the woman I love, watching sci-fi on netflix and playing with my cats. Today I was still watching sci-fi, but Leroy (my youngest cat) was my only company. I can't help but think of the empty apartment in Norman, Oklahoma where I once had a pretty stable, comfortable life. Although I won't let the past get in the way of an amazing journey in Europe, I'll always look back fondly at my time in Oklahoma and always hope that parts of that life are not entirely gone forever.
Lastly, I didn't realize how hard it would be for me to leave my cat, Leroy, behind. He is pretty dependent on me and follows me around the house looking for attention. When I am not in his line of site, he tracks me down, howling to me to come find him. I'm glad he will be living with my parents and brother as well as our family cat, Koala. The two cats seem to be getting along pretty smoothly, despite Koala's old age and stubborn ways. Leroy has been very respectful of Koala's territory and has not tried to attack him. Koala has been good so far, with very minimal growling. I think he is actually more interested in going into my room when Leroy is out and about so that he (Koala) can eat Leroy's canned food.
Song(s) of the Day: Christmas music!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Christmas Countdown
I finally received my passport complete with student visa in the mail today. This was good news since it was literally the last day the mail would have been delivered before my scheduled departure date. Present crisis averted. I also got my scholarship check from OU today. I'll deposit it at the ATM tomorrow after all my presents have been opened.
I spent last night at a house party with old friends from high school. Needless to say it was a fun time but it was also very depressing to see all the happy married couples and people getting engaged. I still find it strange to see people my age living in nice homes, working good jobs, and spending their life with someone. Hopefully after my studies in France are concluded I can find a great job and begin paying off loans and saving for a new car and a home.
Although I have enjoyed my time spent living around the country, working, and going back to school, I feel very unaccomplished in my life. I guess the realization that I am entering my late twenties (27) in a few weeks has got me thinking about wanting something more for myself and my life. I have a feeling that my second master's degree in Paris will be the most important step in beginning this process. It is definitely the time to focus on my goals and work as hard as possible in order to have options when I move back stateside.
I spent last night at a house party with old friends from high school. Needless to say it was a fun time but it was also very depressing to see all the happy married couples and people getting engaged. I still find it strange to see people my age living in nice homes, working good jobs, and spending their life with someone. Hopefully after my studies in France are concluded I can find a great job and begin paying off loans and saving for a new car and a home.
Although I have enjoyed my time spent living around the country, working, and going back to school, I feel very unaccomplished in my life. I guess the realization that I am entering my late twenties (27) in a few weeks has got me thinking about wanting something more for myself and my life. I have a feeling that my second master's degree in Paris will be the most important step in beginning this process. It is definitely the time to focus on my goals and work as hard as possible in order to have options when I move back stateside.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Nervous/Anxious and Heartbroken/Confused
12-22-2010 (Colleyville, TX, USA)
I'm definitely feeling some trepidation about leaving the country and moving to Paris for seven months. I just left Norman on Monday night and the week seems like it is flying by. It feels like there is so much to do and so many loose ends to tie up before leaving. All of my belongings are clogging up my parents garage and all my clothes are sporadically thrown about on the dining room table waiting to be folded, sorted, and packed. I still have no idea how to pay my first month's rent or deposit before I move in and I need to be able to stay in my apartment the day I arrive. Also, I'm clueless as to what credits from OU will be able to transfer to IFP. Needless to say, I think I could do without another organization behavior class. Ick....
My recent ended relationship is definitely taking a toll on my ability to be excited or happy. I feel as though I could cry at any minute due to the significant feeling of loss I am experiencing. I'm still so confused as to what happened or why. Although I don't think it was anything I did or didn't do in the course of the relationship, I can't help but feel like I am lacking somehow or that it was possibly my fault. I am also having paranoid feelings that my ex left me for someone else or the possibility of being with someone else. My sense of worth is in shambles as I try to clutch the last remnants of what was lost close to my heart. The recent memories of lying next to my love in bed, stroking her skin as she listened to my heartbeat stings me like an open wound that won't heal. Just when I think I have a handle on the situation, tears flow like blood from the cut.
Readers might be asking themselves, "Hey Chris, isn't this a travel blog? Why are you boring me with your stupid feelings and what not?" I guess the reason is that I feel like my relationship might not have ended if I hadn't made the choice to travel to France. I'm feeling guilty and confused about my decision even though I know it is too late to change things. I am going to try my best to enjoy my time in France, but I'm sure that it will take more of an effort now than it ordinarily would. My sadness is deep and relentless. I hope that writing these posts, while heart-wrenching, will help me explore my own thoughts on the situation. Also it will give you, the reader (if you so desire,) an insight into what I am going through at the moment.
People say that time heals all wounds, but how can you recover from a love that transcended time and distance? Though they say that true love comes once in a lifetime, I can attest to the fact that I continually fell in love, again and again, with the same person each day. I felt like my love was still growing, it had not diminished, and it had not been fully experienced or explored. I'll always regret (if in fact this is forever) that I will never know the full depths, dimensions, and aspects of giving and receiving love to/from her. As always, to my friends, family, and well-wishers, your friendship and support are much appreciated.
Song of the Day: Vibrate by Ghostland Observatory (the groove cheers me up)
I'm definitely feeling some trepidation about leaving the country and moving to Paris for seven months. I just left Norman on Monday night and the week seems like it is flying by. It feels like there is so much to do and so many loose ends to tie up before leaving. All of my belongings are clogging up my parents garage and all my clothes are sporadically thrown about on the dining room table waiting to be folded, sorted, and packed. I still have no idea how to pay my first month's rent or deposit before I move in and I need to be able to stay in my apartment the day I arrive. Also, I'm clueless as to what credits from OU will be able to transfer to IFP. Needless to say, I think I could do without another organization behavior class. Ick....
My recent ended relationship is definitely taking a toll on my ability to be excited or happy. I feel as though I could cry at any minute due to the significant feeling of loss I am experiencing. I'm still so confused as to what happened or why. Although I don't think it was anything I did or didn't do in the course of the relationship, I can't help but feel like I am lacking somehow or that it was possibly my fault. I am also having paranoid feelings that my ex left me for someone else or the possibility of being with someone else. My sense of worth is in shambles as I try to clutch the last remnants of what was lost close to my heart. The recent memories of lying next to my love in bed, stroking her skin as she listened to my heartbeat stings me like an open wound that won't heal. Just when I think I have a handle on the situation, tears flow like blood from the cut.
Readers might be asking themselves, "Hey Chris, isn't this a travel blog? Why are you boring me with your stupid feelings and what not?" I guess the reason is that I feel like my relationship might not have ended if I hadn't made the choice to travel to France. I'm feeling guilty and confused about my decision even though I know it is too late to change things. I am going to try my best to enjoy my time in France, but I'm sure that it will take more of an effort now than it ordinarily would. My sadness is deep and relentless. I hope that writing these posts, while heart-wrenching, will help me explore my own thoughts on the situation. Also it will give you, the reader (if you so desire,) an insight into what I am going through at the moment.
People say that time heals all wounds, but how can you recover from a love that transcended time and distance? Though they say that true love comes once in a lifetime, I can attest to the fact that I continually fell in love, again and again, with the same person each day. I felt like my love was still growing, it had not diminished, and it had not been fully experienced or explored. I'll always regret (if in fact this is forever) that I will never know the full depths, dimensions, and aspects of giving and receiving love to/from her. As always, to my friends, family, and well-wishers, your friendship and support are much appreciated.
Song of the Day: Vibrate by Ghostland Observatory (the groove cheers me up)
Monday, December 20, 2010
The token first post welcoming you to my blog
12-20-2010 (Colleyville, TX, USA)
Greetings friends, family, acquaintances, well-wishers, fellow students, and curious web surfers. As many of you know, I am about to depart on a fantastic study-abroad trip to Paris, France starting December 27th, 2010. I will be living in a small studio apartment at the French Institute of Petroleum campus in Rueil-Malmaison, France for approximately seven months while I am studying for my second masters degree in petroleum economics and management. A very special thanks goes out to the University of Oklahoma MBA program for allowing me the opportunity to take part in this unique, and prestigious exchange program.
My goal for this blog is to keep you all (or anyone who is interested anyway) appraised of my life, studies, and travels in France and Europe as a whole. I have never lived abroad before and this will be the first time where I will face a significant language barrier trying to navigate day-to-day activities. I'm sure there will be plenty of adventures and mishaps along the way. I hope to visit Italy, Germany, the UK, Spain, and Greece while I am living oversees.
Although I am excited about this wonderful opportunity, I also depart with a heavy heart and a tremendous sense of loss, confusion, and sorrow. While the details of these feelings are not worth going into at this time, just know that keeping in touch with me via this blog, facebook, email, and skype will be extremely helpful to me in terms of me feeling supported and cared for while I am away. While life is about responding to a series of unpredictable events and changes, some circumstances in life are harder to deal with than others. I'm not sure what the future will bring, but I know that this program will be an important step in maintaining adequate flexibility in my life to find the best possible career where I am needed or wanted most.
Song of the Day: Nitro by The Offspring (Smash is an excellent album all around)
Greetings friends, family, acquaintances, well-wishers, fellow students, and curious web surfers. As many of you know, I am about to depart on a fantastic study-abroad trip to Paris, France starting December 27th, 2010. I will be living in a small studio apartment at the French Institute of Petroleum campus in Rueil-Malmaison, France for approximately seven months while I am studying for my second masters degree in petroleum economics and management. A very special thanks goes out to the University of Oklahoma MBA program for allowing me the opportunity to take part in this unique, and prestigious exchange program.
My goal for this blog is to keep you all (or anyone who is interested anyway) appraised of my life, studies, and travels in France and Europe as a whole. I have never lived abroad before and this will be the first time where I will face a significant language barrier trying to navigate day-to-day activities. I'm sure there will be plenty of adventures and mishaps along the way. I hope to visit Italy, Germany, the UK, Spain, and Greece while I am living oversees.
Although I am excited about this wonderful opportunity, I also depart with a heavy heart and a tremendous sense of loss, confusion, and sorrow. While the details of these feelings are not worth going into at this time, just know that keeping in touch with me via this blog, facebook, email, and skype will be extremely helpful to me in terms of me feeling supported and cared for while I am away. While life is about responding to a series of unpredictable events and changes, some circumstances in life are harder to deal with than others. I'm not sure what the future will bring, but I know that this program will be an important step in maintaining adequate flexibility in my life to find the best possible career where I am needed or wanted most.
Song of the Day: Nitro by The Offspring (Smash is an excellent album all around)
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