Thanksgiving

While I was sad to not be with my family for Thanksgiving, I have to say that I had one of the most memorable Thanksgivings of my life this year. It was a two-parter, and it was fantastic!

It all began on Wednesday, when Lisenn loaned me her lovely Peugeot 206 to go shopping and pick up the bird. We went to Géant, which is like Kroger Plus or Meijer's. The first thing we (Sarah and I) saw was a group of dairy farmers who had emptied the shelves of all of the butter and piled it into a shopping cart to protest how little they are paid for the product and how much stores charge! Gotta love France. We bought our necessary groceries and then headed for the country to go to the farm and pick up our turkey. We got lost, and after driving around for around 20 minutes, I called the woman and she got us to the farm. From there, we went to Cynthia's (to begin cooking for the next day.

The next day was stressful, since we all had to work and then go directly to Cynthia's to cook more. She was nice enough to host, which was amazing. Our menu included: Bean dip, Deviled Eggs, Turkey, Corn Bread Stuffing, Corn Bread, Creamed Shallots, Brussel Sprouts, Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin Cake, Apple Pie. Not bad! We ate with Mathieu (Cynthia's boyfriend), Sarah and her friend Hélène, Hélène, Perrine, Lisenn, and Nina (former lecturer, Judo champion). We ate well, drank well, had a blast.

The next day, I went to Saint Cyr en Arthies, outside Paris, to spend Thanksgiving weekend with Candice's parents, Patricia and Claude. They were great, as always, and I was put to work Saturday peeling potatoes, making more sweet potatoes, and more deviled eggs. I took a walk around the village and took some cool pictures, which I posted on my picasaweb site. The dinner was great, and I met some very nice and very interesting people! I've gotten to know Babette and Dan, a franco-american couple, who were there, and it was good to spend an evening with them. All in all, we were up eating, drinking, dancing until 4:30am, so Sunday was the trip home and then bed for me. I fell asleep at 5:30pm and woke up today at 7:30. I needed the rest! All in all, I had a great week and weekend. Thanks to everyone that made this Thanksgiving special!

Looking up

While the beginning of the week was a bit rough, the week ended on a high note! Thursday evening I went to see "Riders to the Sea," an opera by Ralph Vaughn Williams, with my friend and fellow lecturer Sarah. It was preceded by Williams' "Travel Songs." I enjoyed them both, but Sarah doesn't really get into atonal or dissonant music, so the opera was a bit much for her.

After the show, we went to a little bar à vin called La Grappe, which is rapidly becoming our haunt in Rennes. It is owned and run by a very fun middle-aged couple who always treat us well and give us good advice on what to drink. We sat and talked about love, friendship, people we miss, why we love France, why we hate France (basically anything and everything that could be discussed). She is a great person who is fun to hang out with and we get along quite well. I'm glad she's here.

Today was, as you may or may not know, my day off. We each have a day off during the week, and mine is Friday. I went out to lunch with my friend (and boss) Perrine. She is adorable and I always enjoying spending time with her. We went to a little restaurant called La Cerise sur le gateau (The Cherry on the Cake). It is a tiny little restaurant owned and run by an adorable and sometimes hilarious gay couple. I'll definitely be going back for more dessert (we shared Pecan Pie and Apple Cake, both of which were delicious!).

After lunch we went shopping for her husband, who is evidently the same size as me, so I tried things on and modeled for Perrine. It was pretty hilarious. My other boss, Lisenn, met us for coffee not long after. She is also fantastic, though I don’t see her very often. She is taking us to la Forêt de Brocéliande tomorrow to visit more sites. I'm excited since this time we'll be going in a car, which means we will be able to see a lot more of the cool enchanted forest! The weekend should be fun, but for now I have to grade and do laundry, which seems to be a constant struggle to keep up with these days. The laundry, not the grading, though I have been putting that off too. I miss having my machine in the basement. Oh well! I'm in France, so I really shouldn’t complain! Bon week-end!

Rien

An update to state that there isn't much to update! Things continue, preparations are taking place for Thanksgiving in Rennes and the weekend Thanksgiving dinner at Candice's parents in Saint Cyr en Arthies! I may be going to the enchanted forest again this weekend. I should have more to say soon.

This week has been one of odd ups and downs. Probably the grey weather and the routine setting in. Hopefully things will clear up soon. Know that, regardless of my inability to stay in touch, I miss you. Just remember, I'll be home in just over a month for two weeks!

An Important Message from Keith Olbermann

Another Day Off

As is the case in the United States, November 11th is a holiday is France. Here, it is known as l'Armistice, since it was on this day in 1918 that WWI ended. Contrary to Veteran's Day in America, all of the stores here are closed. No big Galeries Lafayette 36-hour sales. I've done nothing all day except eat, watch TV, and waste time on the internet. It was lovely!

Sunday was a good day for me as well. As usual, not much was accomplished, but my friend Hélène invited me to come to her parents' house for dinner. Not one to turn down a free meal, I accepted. They were very welcoming, and it was nice to have dinner on a Sunday night with a family, even though it wasn't my own. I do miss the Sunday night meals at home.

Otherwise, not much to report. Stay in touch, send a letter, an email, a pigeon...

Even the dogs in France love America

On November 4th, I have to admit that I was a bit sad to not be back in Ohio, experiencing the elections first-hand, but being here has afforded me a fascinating view of the French reaction to the elections.

The evening of the elections, the Institut Franco-Américain in Rennes hosted a soirée élection where the local Consul spoke about the electoral system in the United States and how it compares to its French counterpart. What was really interesting to see was how interested the French were in learning more about their paradoxal, sometimes incomprehensible ally. While we've had rough spots, watching these ordinary French citizens in this setting demonstrated their continued interest in and fascination with our country and our culture.

The morning of November 5th, the same institute held a petit-déjeuner at 7:30am to celebrate the results. The atmosphere was electric! Americans were hugging one another! Everyone was smiling (And when I say everyone, I mean everyone...even the French)! The joy was, of course, because Americans chose to decisively break with the past 8 years, but also because of the historical importance of the first black (technically biracial) President of the United States. I have to admit, that I have never been more proud of my country than that morning. We not only had an amazing election, but we put the stereotype of the US as a "racist nation" to rest.

Walking through the streets and sitting on the bus, I couldn't help but notice that everyone was talking about it. How excited they were, and how impressed they were that "ils ont osé le faire!" They dared to do it! Even the French Secretary of State for Human Rights, who is black, praised the US and called for France to take this event as a "delicious provocation" by the US. In other words, prove Americans wrong when they say that it is only possible in America. "Si les Américains peuvent le faire, on peut également le faire!"

Today, a professor told me and the other lecturers that she was organizing a cocktail hour tomorrow in our honor and in honor of the Obama victory. She came in today with her Yorkshire Terrier, who was wearing an American flag hat! Honestly, I never thought I would see that in France! Of course, I never really thought I'd see a black President in America, so I guess that just goes to show you that anything is possible!

The New, Old America

I am so proud of America today. I stayed up all night watching the results online and at 5:00am, I heard the great news. I was overwhelmed by the impressive victory and the powerful message that it sends not only to the world, but also to parts of our country that continue to resist change and the natural evolution of our society.

Just after MSNBC declared him the projected winner, the panel began reflecting on what the election of Barak Hussein Obama means for America. I was struck by all of the panellists' reflections, but Eugene Robinson brought me to tears. That's right, tears! I knew that this election would be important to black Americans, but hearing first-hand how it impacted this journalist who grew up under segregation, who doubted that this day would ever come, who was brought to tears when speaking about his really hit home. He said, “I’m no longer lying when I tell him he can be anything he wants to be.” This moment in history is one for everyone who believes in equality or has ever experienced discrimination. While we have come a long way, we still have a long road ahead of us before we reach real, honest equality for all Americans. Nothing underscores this point more than the fact that two, and possibly three states passed bills banning gay marriage, which deprives one part of the population of a right that others have. While it may be unpopular or difficult, we MUST confront this type of inequality: not for the sake of gay or straight people, but for the sake of our quest toward ending discrimination of any and all kinds.

Barak's speech was inspiring and honest. He talked about our country’s past failings and spoke honestly to the American people about the challenges that confront our country and our world in the months and years ahead. He spoke of hope, but demanded responsibility and sacrifice. He spoke to Americans' hearts AND minds: something that has been sadly absent from the politics of late. Now it is up to us; we need to work together and make sure we stay engaged. I'm already mulling over my return to the USA and what I will do to make a difference. Seriously, let's stop talking, get off our asses, and get shit done!

Election Day

I'm holed up in my apartment reading articles and watching clips on MSNBC's website. I''m so excited, nervous, proud, adjective, adjective, adjective! I'm off to E.Leclerc, the French equivalent of Meijer, to stock up on food and then tonight I will be at the Institut Franco-Americain in Rennes for an election party. I doubt I'll sleep tonight. If you haven't voted, for the love of GOD go vote!

Great vacation, long trip home!

I’m writing this in the train station of Le Mans, which is an hour east of Rennes. I left Dijon at 11:25am and arrived here in Le Mans at 6:15pm. Normally I would already be home, but I took the slow train to save money and I’m wondering if it was really worth it. I did get all of the rest of my grading done while on the train, so that is a good thing, but otherwise it kind of sucks. I have just under an hour between trains here, which means I leave Le Mans at 7pm and get to Rennes at 8:10pm. It is cold and rainy here and the train station in Le Mans is under renovation, which evidently means that there is no heat! Oh well! I had a great week of vacation and I am excited to get back to work tomorrow, though not so excited that I have to be there at 8am. This week should be exciting with the elections, so I’m sure I’ll be posting things like crazy. I’ll also have some photos to add soon too. Stay tuned and, most importantly, stay in touch!

The Election, or Todd on His Soapbox

While I am in France, I'm not completely cut off from what is going on with the elections in the US. For one, there is a miraculous thing they call the "internets" that enables you to watch news and read papers from around the world. Sen. Stevens of Alaska explains that it is a series of tubes. I'm not sure how it works, but it is GREAT!!
Secondly, the French, like most Europeans, are OBSESSED with this election so it is all over the news here. This phenomenon is understandable for many reasons, but one explanation for their interest is really telling: they want to believe that the real America is not really what they have seen over the last eight years. Most Americans, while aware of some of what goes on in the world, are completely unaware of the omnipresence of America in the lives of people around the world. Having spent a substantial part of the last three years in France, I can attest to this reality.
When you turn on the radio, you hear American music. When you turn on the TV, you see American TV shows. When you walk into the streets, you see American cars. Coca-Cola and MacDonalds are everywhere. But now, our latest successful export here is "la crise." The global financial crisis, which is largely the result of lax enforcement of regulations or the lack thereof in the US, is crippling the world economy. While most Americans are worried and outraged about how this crisis is impacting the United States, they neglect to see that the impact is not simply national, but international. In other words, what we do has an impact on the daily life of a Français, Italiano, etc.
We are, at least for now, the most powerful country in the world, but the previous eight years have had disastrous effects on our image in the world. While some of the negative opinions of America around the world may be unjustified, the fact is that the way we are perceived in the world has far reaching consequences on our economy and our national security. For these reasons alone, we should be accutely aware of what we do in the world and, perhaps more importantly, how we do it. And yet, despite the dark clouds looming over our reputation, Europeans still respect us and have a renewed faith in the American people, largely thanks to the Obama candidacy.
They see the possibility of an Obama presidency as a return of the America that the world loved and respected during the twentieth century. The French Defense Minister, Hervé Morin, recently explained that the French obsession with the current elections is the result of a deep admiration for the hope that America still represents. He explained that, in spite of inequalities that persist in America, it shows that the social elevator in the US works and makes things possible that are still far from attainable in France. That is to say, a minority president.
If Obama is elected, we will have once again shown the world what makes America so great. If John McCain wins, he will have an uphill battle to reunite the country and regain the trust and respect of some of our historic allies. It may not be impossible, but it seems improbable that McCain could effectively repair the damage done by the Bush administration.
On November 5th, I will hopefully know who the next president will be. I hope that Americans will choose hope and not fear. Thought and not gut. Equality and not injustice. If this is the case, Americans will be greeted with open arms and open hearts all over the world, save a few predictable exceptions (and no, France is not one of those exceptions!). If not, whether you think it justified or not, we will be seen by many as ignorant, close-minded frauds. I really hope people don't treat me like a leper on Nov. 5!

Vacances de Toussaint

So, as most of you know, France is a country where vacation is nearly as important as good food and good wine. It may be even more important. Well, I'm taking full advantage of my first week of vacation in France. This week is thanks to the Toussaint holiday (All Saints Day). While November 1st is a Saturday, we get an entire week off to recharge our batteries until the Vacances de Noël, which begin on December 19th.

This week brought not only vacation, but also the definitive arrival of fall weather and the time change, which, as you may have noticed, takes place a week earlier in Europe than in the USA. Parts of France were covered in snow yesterday, but I only got to experience a very, very cold rain.

Monday, I went to the Forêt de Brocéliande with Sarah and Cynthia, the other two English lecturers. The forest is where the legend of King Arthur takes place and it is around 30km southwest of Rennes. It is also where you can find the fountain of youth and Merlin's grave. Unfortunately, I didn't have the time to get to either of those two places, but I plan on going back soon.

I'm spending the rest of the week in Dijon, which is kind of my "hometown" in France, since I've spent the last three summers here and have quite a few friends here. The train ride down to Dijon from Paris was absolutely amazing. The sky was mostly grey, but the sun made a habit of regularly peaking through the veil to shine down onto the gorgeous landscape that is Bourgogne. In the summer, the rolling hills, covered in trees and pastures, are a vibrant green. The fall, however, is even more gorgeous. The leaves are bright orange and yellow and the pastures still green, though now with hints of gold. Absolutely spectacular!

It is good to be here and see the city in a different season and catch up with my friends and colleagues at the university. I'm staying with my friend Julien, who I've known for three years now. Tonight, I'll have dinner with Stéphane and Sabine, who I would have liked to have seen more, but a little time is better than nothing. That just means I will have to come back in the winter.

Something New

I've realized that I haven't been in touch with my friends and family as much as possible as far as what is going on in my daily life in France. I've decided to try a blog to keep people up-to-date. While I know this is a less personal way of sharing my stories, it is a better way for those who are interested to see what I'm up to. Feel free to visit often and leave comments/send messages.