Orientation
So we had our orientation w/ all the English assistants in the region of Nantes today from 930-430. All in all there were about 110 of us! We had pain au chocolat, croissants, coffee, tea and orange juice. It was my 2nd breakfast (I met with Jesse from Seattle for juice and bread this morning since we get it free b/t 710 and 815 at the foyer). Hey, I'm all for scavenging! The orientation was kind of pointless, but I guess we get paid for it; it was basically a review of anything you could have read online and a bunch of foreigners freaking out about paperwork. But we got a free 2 hour lunch at the university which was actually pretty good.
Last night was fun! They have a drama class on Monday nights which I tried with 3 other Americans: Zoe, Courtney, and Jesse. I think there were about 10 of us and we did various exercises and "picture" improvs where you just do a shot or pose. It lasted about an hour and a half, and I think I will make a point to go again. I guess there's yoga too that we get a discounted rate for; it's only 10€ for 4 classes which seems pretty good to me and may be one of my few luxuries.
I'm slowly getting things settled, but I desperately need sheets, a blanket, and some kind of rug or bath mat.... hello IKEA land of discount shopping and 2€ lamps!! Needless to say my first night here was not too cozy, plus I'm achy from being sick. My voice is almost 100 percent gone. I tried to use my curling iron just for my long bangs this morning and... surprise! it didn't work even with the converter and transformer b/c it has automatic shut off... ahh gotta love European outlets. Guess I'm wearing headbands everyday.
I did end up getting a cell phone b/c it made the most sense. It's not at all like home: no manditory contract, you just pay to put minutes on your sim card which I would be doing anyways for a phone card for phone booths (but you have to find one that is free and not broken; I bought a card and called someone for 1 min and it used 4 or 50 credits!). So I got a good deal on a phone and the sim card was free (normally they're 30€) and just put some minutes on it. The really impressive thing is that, unlike the U.S., it's FREE to receive calls!!! So you only use minutes when you make calls (essentially like calling from a phone booth). So Mom and Dad (or anyone else) you can call me whenever you want.
Mom- I love the book you gave me and have enjoyed reading it every night, so thank you! Gotta go get my grub on! A bientot!
Portable 06 85 34 69 12
To dial internationally to my cell: 011 33 6 85 34 69 12
Elizabeth Cloern
Foyer de Jeunes Travailleurs
L' Edit de Nantes Chambre 115
1 et 5 Rue de Gigant
44100 Nantes
FRANCE
Last night was fun! They have a drama class on Monday nights which I tried with 3 other Americans: Zoe, Courtney, and Jesse. I think there were about 10 of us and we did various exercises and "picture" improvs where you just do a shot or pose. It lasted about an hour and a half, and I think I will make a point to go again. I guess there's yoga too that we get a discounted rate for; it's only 10€ for 4 classes which seems pretty good to me and may be one of my few luxuries.
I'm slowly getting things settled, but I desperately need sheets, a blanket, and some kind of rug or bath mat.... hello IKEA land of discount shopping and 2€ lamps!! Needless to say my first night here was not too cozy, plus I'm achy from being sick. My voice is almost 100 percent gone. I tried to use my curling iron just for my long bangs this morning and... surprise! it didn't work even with the converter and transformer b/c it has automatic shut off... ahh gotta love European outlets. Guess I'm wearing headbands everyday.
I did end up getting a cell phone b/c it made the most sense. It's not at all like home: no manditory contract, you just pay to put minutes on your sim card which I would be doing anyways for a phone card for phone booths (but you have to find one that is free and not broken; I bought a card and called someone for 1 min and it used 4 or 50 credits!). So I got a good deal on a phone and the sim card was free (normally they're 30€) and just put some minutes on it. The really impressive thing is that, unlike the U.S., it's FREE to receive calls!!! So you only use minutes when you make calls (essentially like calling from a phone booth). So Mom and Dad (or anyone else) you can call me whenever you want.
Mom- I love the book you gave me and have enjoyed reading it every night, so thank you! Gotta go get my grub on! A bientot!
Portable 06 85 34 69 12
To dial internationally to my cell: 011 33 6 85 34 69 12
Elizabeth Cloern
Foyer de Jeunes Travailleurs
L' Edit de Nantes Chambre 115
1 et 5 Rue de Gigant
44100 Nantes
FRANCE
posted by ecloern | Tuesday, October 03, 2006
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