I feel like a lot has happened since my last post. Let's see...
Well, for starters, last weekend was definitely epic. And I mean epic at it's most truest, non-overused state. Such as: "Surpassing the usual or ordinary, particularly in scope or size" (from freedictionary.com by the way). It definitely 'surpassed the usual or ordinary'.
This past Friday, I went on my first excursion from l'Catho with a bunch of of other CIDEF students. This was the Puy du Fou. It was absolutely spectacular! A history tale taught with hundreds of players, wonderful acts with lights and water and of course that medieval Lord-of-the-Rings-like music that was especially beautiful. We got back to the university a bit later than expected (about 2 a.m.) because of the traffic leaving Puy du Fou. However, the bus ride was quite fun playing "2 lies and a truth" so early in the morning :)
The next day, two friends (Matt and Keisuke) and I tried to find the city library which took a little while. We eventually just studied at the school. After a bit, I went back to chez moi (my house) had dinner and dealt with whatnot. Around 9 or so, I headed into town and met up with Adam and some other students who were going to this music festival that was happening in Angers that weekend. This too was most extraordinary. It took a little while to get into it, but eventually we made ourselves up to the front of the crowd and we were dancing our souls away to this wicked kind of music. It's really hard to describe...it was sort of a rock/string/soul-like/tribal genre. Like I said...hard to describe. But it was moving. We met some Parisians who were also in the front and made great acquittances.
We couldn't stay up too late (even though we did) because we had to be at the university at 7:45 to leave for Mont. St. Michel and St. Malo. I did not receive much sleep the night before, but I made up for it on the 3 hour bus ride. St. Michel was absolutely wonderful. The scenery was gorgeous and the gothic architecture was superb. Not to make another Lord of the Rings reference, but it sort of reminded me of Minas Tirith. Even though Minas Tirith is not on an island (unlike St. Michel), it still has that similar kind of layout. It was neat to go through all the rooms and think of all the history that had happened there for hundreds and hundreds of years. St. Malo was also memorable. This walled city had a more modern architecture but still contained lots of history. There was a pool right by the sea which seemed kind of silly. But the water was dazzling (just like at Mont. St. Michel's) and the view was so serene. I loved that day. After we walked a good portion of the wall, some friends and I went to the Bar de Soleil (Sun Bar) and got a drink. We were so at peace and so happy. It was truly bliss. We went to the Church of St. Vincent afterwards, where Jacoves Cartier is rested. We walked around a lot and got some food at the local stand.
Something pretty interesting that happened though, was that when we were approaching more the beach area, there were lots of people laying out and swimming. I thought that was cool that people were laying out right by the wall, where on the other side, people were driving around, doing their daily routine. So I took a picture. Harmless enough right? Well a few moments later, one of my friends said, "I don't think that woman...oh wait...that's a man. I thought...wait...that woman doesn't have a shirt on!" And sure enough, she did not. Us Americans were not used to this kind of freedom being expressed. Needless to say, that picture is not going on Facebook ;)
While last Sunday was probably the best day I've had, last night was probably the best evening I've had since I've arrived in France. Another soirée was happening at a local bar, where the theme was "Chic et Choc", where we were supposed to dress up with something stylish and classy but also wear a garment that completely clashed with it. Such as, a girl wore a very nice dark dress, with a showercap. I, not sure how long I wanted to stay since I was getting over a cold, wore my orange and yellow striped shirt with my pink tie. However, my friend had brought a leather jacket and some aviators. I never had a leather jacket and thought, why not try it on? So I put on the jacket (she's a decent size smaller than me so it was sort of a tight fit) and the aviators and I felt completely chic. After a bit we went over to my favorite bar thus far, L' Calypso, and had a wonderful time dancing for hours. I did not take off the jacket once that night and I yet have to give it back to her. After last night, we decided that I definitely need a leather jacket (Perhaps a faux one though?).
Tomorrow I only have a half day and am going to another excursion, L'Anjou Troglodytique, which is some sort of cave dwelling I believe. On Saturday, I'm going to the château in Angers, going shopping, and going to study. On Sunday, I'm going to wide range of châteaux in the area, s so I'm sure I will enjoy myself. I'm charging my batteries (for my camera) as I type.
Today, however was somewhat strange. I think my sickness is contributing somewhat to it. But I felt like I was battling some inner demons today. But after some quiet thinking and searching for the source, I believe I became victorious. My bed is welcoming me with open arms and I am looking forward to going to sleep very much tonight :)
Thanks for reading this longer-than-usual post. Look for the pics on facebook (well most of them ;)) and I hope you have a wonderful day. Remember: you're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think (Christopher Robin).
Bonne nuit!
Vince
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