Finally met the person I contacted 10 or 11 days ago. She ended up needing to visit Australia to take care of various responsibilities and just got back today.
So this week I will be doing work both for her and for the family who own the property. Today me and the other workaway got to do a full days work with no supervision which was fun. We just cleaned some lights and painted three doors. Then we threw out a giant carpet out of the pigeon shit covered attic and then had to clean up the mess it created. After that, we were able to hang out from 4:30 on and had a really nice dinner.
Monday, April 30, 2018
Sunday, April 29, 2018
Rainy Sunday
Today was a lovely rainy, lazy day. I went to bed super late last night reading, writing, and then analyzing everything and just stayed in bed til some time after nine. Despite the rain, I did include another run and then just hung out until lunch with the family we did work for this past week. They cooked us a great meal with white asparagus and a creamy sauce of mayonnaise and coriander as the first dish, then a meat with spicy Dijon mustard and fantastic greasy potatoes. They were apparently cooked in goose fat/grease. Then we had a tasty cake of whipped cream, custard and a crispy pastry. After the meal, they showed us what other work they want us to do this coming week while they're are in Paris.
When all that was over, we just hung out in front of the fire and read and two of us napped. I listened to my iPod and read a book called The Teaching of Buddha and wrote some notes. I kept replaying a Native American piece from Spiritlands since my iPod shuffle is incapable of playing one album at a time. Instead all of its songs are in alphabetical order.
By 7:00 pm I called home to wish my grandfather a happy birthday and finished the day with a light meal of soup and salad.
When all that was over, we just hung out in front of the fire and read and two of us napped. I listened to my iPod and read a book called The Teaching of Buddha and wrote some notes. I kept replaying a Native American piece from Spiritlands since my iPod shuffle is incapable of playing one album at a time. Instead all of its songs are in alphabetical order.
By 7:00 pm I called home to wish my grandfather a happy birthday and finished the day with a light meal of soup and salad.
Saturday, April 28, 2018
First Saturday in Sarlat
Today had it's ups and downs. I got to visit Sarlat and see much of the outdoor market. It went on for several blocks and I don't think we were able to see all of it in the 2 hours we spent wandering. Afterward, we came back for lunch, and then went to Domme and met a friend of one of the two other workaways. We were invited onto her porch for some tea and played with her dog during a pleasant conversation. Then we went to the top of Domme where the overlook is and bought some ice cream.
The hard part of the day was that there was a fair amount of emotional release which is always good even though we never want to go through it. Hormones finally got the better of me and I got wound up by something small. I went for a brief run and then walked a bit with the journal in hand to finish writing it all out. There is always more to let go of and I've been working on healing the emotional wounds inflicted by my biological parents. Of course it was always one step forward, two or three steps back. Even though my adoptive parents gave me the building blocks to build positive self-esteem, my classmates often tore my efforts apart by excluding me and using the commonly used saying "Life isn't fair" as an excuse. Anyway, enough negativity for one day, time for bed.
The hard part of the day was that there was a fair amount of emotional release which is always good even though we never want to go through it. Hormones finally got the better of me and I got wound up by something small. I went for a brief run and then walked a bit with the journal in hand to finish writing it all out. There is always more to let go of and I've been working on healing the emotional wounds inflicted by my biological parents. Of course it was always one step forward, two or three steps back. Even though my adoptive parents gave me the building blocks to build positive self-esteem, my classmates often tore my efforts apart by excluding me and using the commonly used saying "Life isn't fair" as an excuse. Anyway, enough negativity for one day, time for bed.
Friday, April 27, 2018
Thank God It's Wineday
The title is a play on words because the young Frenchman working here has been curious about the phrase "Thank God it's Friday" and because I had a slightly larger amount of red wine this evening which left me feeling a little high for a bit.
So today has been quite a Friday. I didn't get a whole lot of sleep last night...at least compared to how well I have been sleeping. But I was lucky because I was told yesterday evening that I wouldn't have any work to do until 2:30. Of course, being the obsessively active person I am, I did some weeding this morning and then decided to do some running. For me, it is important to get the same amount of activity done each day no matter how refreshed I feel in the morning.
None of you are going to envy the next part of my day. They had me clean pigeon shit out of one of the attics, then mop the stairs to the attic. After an hour or 90 minutes of that, I vacuumed, washed and waxed a wardrobe. When done, I had a good amount of red wine when someone brought out clippers for me to use and, after explaining what needed doing, she had said I could do the job when I want.
After enjoying a good conversation with the 2 Workaway people and one of the daughters of the family, me and the daughter were called away to help in the field. On the way there I was laughing at how they were asking a tipsy person (me) to try to do work. It ended up going well and was easy but when I returned the older guy working here said I look a bit "peaky" and told me to lie down until dinner. So, here I am blogging in bed. It's possible this is all gibberish and that between the wine and the extra work, I've lost my mind altogether. Mind you, for most, it wasn't a lot of wine, just one decent sized glass of French red wine.
So today has been quite a Friday. I didn't get a whole lot of sleep last night...at least compared to how well I have been sleeping. But I was lucky because I was told yesterday evening that I wouldn't have any work to do until 2:30. Of course, being the obsessively active person I am, I did some weeding this morning and then decided to do some running. For me, it is important to get the same amount of activity done each day no matter how refreshed I feel in the morning.
None of you are going to envy the next part of my day. They had me clean pigeon shit out of one of the attics, then mop the stairs to the attic. After an hour or 90 minutes of that, I vacuumed, washed and waxed a wardrobe. When done, I had a good amount of red wine when someone brought out clippers for me to use and, after explaining what needed doing, she had said I could do the job when I want.
After enjoying a good conversation with the 2 Workaway people and one of the daughters of the family, me and the daughter were called away to help in the field. On the way there I was laughing at how they were asking a tipsy person (me) to try to do work. It ended up going well and was easy but when I returned the older guy working here said I look a bit "peaky" and told me to lie down until dinner. So, here I am blogging in bed. It's possible this is all gibberish and that between the wine and the extra work, I've lost my mind altogether. Mind you, for most, it wasn't a lot of wine, just one decent sized glass of French red wine.
Thursday, April 26, 2018
A Beautiful Day
Another beautiful day here outside of Sarlat. Blue skies, low humidity, and hot sun. This morning I got to see a bit of the sunrise and watched the mists shift from rosy pink to orange. I don't know if its the fresh air or the energy of the place itself, but I've been having wild dreams and deep sleep here. Ironically, even after 9 hours of good sleep I feel tired by 5:00 sometimes.
I love it here in France and specifically in this town, the coffee is great, the tea is great, the food here is real and cooked amazingly well. Everything is being enjoyed to the fullest, even when working. To me, the fresh air feels fresher than anywhere else I've been. The people really appreciate the help which is always a big plus when you're working hard on a major project.
I love it here in France and specifically in this town, the coffee is great, the tea is great, the food here is real and cooked amazingly well. Everything is being enjoyed to the fullest, even when working. To me, the fresh air feels fresher than anywhere else I've been. The people really appreciate the help which is always a big plus when you're working hard on a major project.
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Three Down, One to Go
More of the same today but with more time waxing furniture which I enjoy. It's fun to make things shiny. I get satisfaction from doing tasks in which I can visibly see the difference I'm making. After the 5 hours of work, I went for an hour long walk.
Tomorrow, I will be working on the last of the four houses which means Friday will be a surprise. I'm sure there is more to do, but I have no idea what it will be. Next week, there will be gardening to do! Can't wait to work in the dirt!
Tomorrow, I will be working on the last of the four houses which means Friday will be a surprise. I'm sure there is more to do, but I have no idea what it will be. Next week, there will be gardening to do! Can't wait to work in the dirt!
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
Une Autre Grande Maison (Another Big House)
Today I did all the same chores in a different house. This one was 100 years old and upstairs it had a bathroom by each bedroom. It literally went, bedroom, bathroom, bedroom, bathroom, bedroom, bathroom and there were actually three bedrooms off of the middle bathroom. Perhaps it's a sign of wealth to be able to create a space where no one in your large family will be forced to hold their pee.
I know this might only be interesting to me but this daily writing regimen is just for me anyway. I found it crazy yet impressive since these were not tiny bathrooms with the smallest showers ever and nor were they half bathrooms. (Yes, I am aware of the overuse of this word right now.)
It was a more challenging house in some ways because the ceilings were higher and held more cobwebs and dust. In fact, at one point I was half convinced that I had vacuumed up a mouse; it is more probable that it was just the largest, tan dust-ball ever, but I honestly have no idea. Throughout the process of dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping I would occasionally remind myself that although the work is dull, at least I get to clean a French mini-mansion. I would never have laid eyes on these places by renting the space, not anytime soon anyway. It's been good fun here. I get to practice my French with one person and enjoy great food cooked by a Scotsman. I've been over-eating often but last night I was able to say no when they offered me more of the best dish I've ever tried. It was sausage with a red wine sauce in which he added a bit of flour and a little sugar and then that was spread over buttered mashed potatoes. Temptation was successfully fought off last night but the true answer to whether or not I wanted any was 'yes'.
I know this might only be interesting to me but this daily writing regimen is just for me anyway. I found it crazy yet impressive since these were not tiny bathrooms with the smallest showers ever and nor were they half bathrooms. (Yes, I am aware of the overuse of this word right now.)
It was a more challenging house in some ways because the ceilings were higher and held more cobwebs and dust. In fact, at one point I was half convinced that I had vacuumed up a mouse; it is more probable that it was just the largest, tan dust-ball ever, but I honestly have no idea. Throughout the process of dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping I would occasionally remind myself that although the work is dull, at least I get to clean a French mini-mansion. I would never have laid eyes on these places by renting the space, not anytime soon anyway. It's been good fun here. I get to practice my French with one person and enjoy great food cooked by a Scotsman. I've been over-eating often but last night I was able to say no when they offered me more of the best dish I've ever tried. It was sausage with a red wine sauce in which he added a bit of flour and a little sugar and then that was spread over buttered mashed potatoes. Temptation was successfully fought off last night but the true answer to whether or not I wanted any was 'yes'.
Monday, April 23, 2018
Spring Cleaning on a Grand Scale
Today, the work, which started at 9, consisted of cleaning a three story house top to bottom. Don't worry, I had help. I spent the morning dusting, then vacuuming, then mopping the rooms. I would complete the three chores on the third floor, then move to the second floor, then the first. By lunch time, we just had one more floor to do. Lunch was a wonderful 2 hours long, so I ate a lot. While here, I will be working 5 hours a day, 5 days a week. So we still get weekends free which is nice.
After lunch, I vacuumed and swept the ground floor. They didn't have me mop the flagstones but there were picture frames to dust outside and to finish the job we waxed the dining room table.
We were preparing this grand house for vacationers to rent. There seemed to be at least one bathroom on each floor. This house is just as ancient as the rest of the buildings on this property and I found it impressive because I have never seen anything like it before. We don't have comparable architecture in the US.*
In other news, a new arrival came today from Nice, so there are 3 of us now working with the family who owns the place.
*What I mean by this is that when these structures were built, Native Americans were roaming the lands. I hope that doesn't sound too crude because I love how they were able to be a part of nature instead of tearing nature apart.
After lunch, I vacuumed and swept the ground floor. They didn't have me mop the flagstones but there were picture frames to dust outside and to finish the job we waxed the dining room table.
We were preparing this grand house for vacationers to rent. There seemed to be at least one bathroom on each floor. This house is just as ancient as the rest of the buildings on this property and I found it impressive because I have never seen anything like it before. We don't have comparable architecture in the US.*
In other news, a new arrival came today from Nice, so there are 3 of us now working with the family who owns the place.
*What I mean by this is that when these structures were built, Native Americans were roaming the lands. I hope that doesn't sound too crude because I love how they were able to be a part of nature instead of tearing nature apart.
Sunday, April 22, 2018
Another Dordogne Day
Dordogne is the name of the river valley I'm in outside of Sarlat, France.
I woke up at 6:50 this morning and made breakfast for me and the other person staying here. Then I went on a couple walks and explored the properties. I was shown a family chapel that was carved out of a rock cliff face which was spectacular. During the second excursion, I went barefoot to try to toughen my feet up some. There were plenty of new photos taken as is my habit.
After a shower and a nice filling lunch, I laid in bed for a couple of hours listening to my music. Before dinner, a couple of people here took me for a short car ride to the incredible little bastide* of Domme built in the 13th Century.
If you are interested in learning more about the place and seeing some photos visit
http://www.northofthedordogne.com/domme.php
I can't wait to return for more photos; it was a short trip.
*fortified village in France
I woke up at 6:50 this morning and made breakfast for me and the other person staying here. Then I went on a couple walks and explored the properties. I was shown a family chapel that was carved out of a rock cliff face which was spectacular. During the second excursion, I went barefoot to try to toughen my feet up some. There were plenty of new photos taken as is my habit.
After a shower and a nice filling lunch, I laid in bed for a couple of hours listening to my music. Before dinner, a couple of people here took me for a short car ride to the incredible little bastide* of Domme built in the 13th Century.
If you are interested in learning more about the place and seeing some photos visit
http://www.northofthedordogne.com/domme.php
I can't wait to return for more photos; it was a short trip.
*fortified village in France
Saturday, April 21, 2018
Time Travel
This place is so picturesque and the smells here are bringing me all the way back (12 years) to life in Boonsboro. The smell of freshly cut grass, gardens, and the occasional whiff of manure. On Monday I will be helping with cleaning and preparing a place for renovations and there is a good chance that I will get to garden here which will be wonderful. I can't wait to get started. This will be a good break from all the buses and trains and hostels. Here I should be able to get good sleep consistently and do some good work in the country side.
I almost feel as if I'm in "The Secret Garden"... Not because it looks exactly like the place in the movie but because the same feelings arise here as when enjoying all the nature (second hand, I know) in the film. I did also read the book in case you're wondering. The sunset this evening was idyllic. Not because of the colors in the sky this time, but because of how the sunlight muted the greens and browns in the valley. It wasn't hazy, it just seemed like the light itself, since it was softened a little by a thin cloud, turned the rich colors into pastel shades like a painter adding white. The sight was absolutely fabulous.
Well, time to get ready for bed.
I almost feel as if I'm in "The Secret Garden"... Not because it looks exactly like the place in the movie but because the same feelings arise here as when enjoying all the nature (second hand, I know) in the film. I did also read the book in case you're wondering. The sunset this evening was idyllic. Not because of the colors in the sky this time, but because of how the sunlight muted the greens and browns in the valley. It wasn't hazy, it just seemed like the light itself, since it was softened a little by a thin cloud, turned the rich colors into pastel shades like a painter adding white. The sight was absolutely fabulous.
Well, time to get ready for bed.
Friday, April 20, 2018
Bordeaux Hostel 20
This hostel has been my favorite place so far! They offered bikes, they cook breakfast and dinner for just €5 each and the dinner comes with a glass of fantastic wine. (I am in 'Wine Country' after all.) The towels are free and the sites are gorgeous if a bit crowded. When the weather is great, everyone is outside along the riverside with it's parks, bike paths and a reflection pool. I might have to come back at some point.
Today was another great day with a good long walk. I got to hang out a little with a new friend and experience new coffee shops although I only bought lunch at the first one and no extra coffee at any of them because I try to stick with just a couple cups from the hostel in the morning. (I take whatever is offered after giving them the €5 since they often give you just 4 oz of coffee for a crazy price.) I buy myself a coffee occasionally but for the most part I've been able to get coffee at the hostels and just split a cheap sub sized sandwich into two meals.
Anyway, tomorrow I take the train to my new Workaway host and start work on Monday.
Today was another great day with a good long walk. I got to hang out a little with a new friend and experience new coffee shops although I only bought lunch at the first one and no extra coffee at any of them because I try to stick with just a couple cups from the hostel in the morning. (I take whatever is offered after giving them the €5 since they often give you just 4 oz of coffee for a crazy price.) I buy myself a coffee occasionally but for the most part I've been able to get coffee at the hostels and just split a cheap sub sized sandwich into two meals.
Anyway, tomorrow I take the train to my new Workaway host and start work on Monday.
Thursday, April 19, 2018
More Cathedrals and Too Many Pictures
This hostel in Bordeaux is fantastic. It's an old structure in the process of some modern renovations. The bunk beds don't even creak which is a wonderful surprise. I'm going to continue to pay for breakfast and dinner here because €5 is pretty cheap for a meal here.
I biked through much of Bordeaux today. Still have to wander through the Cité de Vin portion, but I got tired and a bit concerned about sunburn so I came back to the hostel around 3:00 after being out for five hours. After spending more than half a day on a bus yesterday, it was a relief to get exercise and fresh air. It was another gorgeous day and I probably took over a hundred photos. I visited 2 Cathedrals, a church and a wonderful garden.
I biked through much of Bordeaux today. Still have to wander through the Cité de Vin portion, but I got tired and a bit concerned about sunburn so I came back to the hostel around 3:00 after being out for five hours. After spending more than half a day on a bus yesterday, it was a relief to get exercise and fresh air. It was another gorgeous day and I probably took over a hundred photos. I visited 2 Cathedrals, a church and a wonderful garden.
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Bus to Bordeaux
After an 8 hour bus ride I got to Bordeaux! The hostel I'm at serves breakfast and dinner! Plus they rent out bikes! Can't wait to bike through this beautiful city tomorrow! Anyway, time for bed.
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
Beautiful Sites and Great Food
I got to explore a wonderful garden today for at least an hour and took plenty of pictures as I always do. Afterward I tried the churches I was hoping to go to but one was closed due to some sort of work that they anticipate will last the whole of this year and the other one wasn't open but I didn't see a sign explaining why. It was a beautiful warm day here and I got to enjoy a wonderful lunch of pesto pasta. I wandered around a lot and when I got too tired and hot I came back to my room to relax. More to come tomorrow.
Monday, April 16, 2018
A New Experience Awaits
I left out some good news yesterday. I started looking at "Workaway" options and found someone to work for next week. I sent out about 4 messages to different people after completing my profile and this morning I got a couple responses and committed to one. So in less than 24 hours I not only accomplished finding someone to work for but also figured out my plans for the rest of the week. I bought a bus ticket to Bordeaux, booked a hostel there, and found a train that will get me within 10 minutes of my soon to be new work place.
As for all the negativity in the last post, even though I provided a list of visible reasons not to stay, the main one was that even feeling certain that it was a safe space, the energy of the place influenced my energy in such a powerful and uncomfortable way that it would have been difficult to sleep.
Anyway, as for today, I finally got the courage to branch out with my method of exploration and bought a day pass for the tramway and visited some great sites. There is one garden that I need to go back to tomorrow because they were closed today and it looked beautiful from the street. There is also I church I want to find again for a similar reason. It only opened at 2 and I came about 4 hours too early. There are a number of places on the map I would love to visit tomorrow but I also need to find a way to do laundry...I went into a French laundromat this evening and discovered I'm a little in over my head. There were numbers 1-10 on the soap dispenser and I have no idea if the buttons beside them were to indicate how many loads worth of soap you might need or what. I pressed four and saw 5.50 show up as the indicated price but then nothing happened and I realized it was a bit too late to start anyway. They would have probably tried to close up before I was done (they close at 9).
As for all the negativity in the last post, even though I provided a list of visible reasons not to stay, the main one was that even feeling certain that it was a safe space, the energy of the place influenced my energy in such a powerful and uncomfortable way that it would have been difficult to sleep.
Anyway, as for today, I finally got the courage to branch out with my method of exploration and bought a day pass for the tramway and visited some great sites. There is one garden that I need to go back to tomorrow because they were closed today and it looked beautiful from the street. There is also I church I want to find again for a similar reason. It only opened at 2 and I came about 4 hours too early. There are a number of places on the map I would love to visit tomorrow but I also need to find a way to do laundry...I went into a French laundromat this evening and discovered I'm a little in over my head. There were numbers 1-10 on the soap dispenser and I have no idea if the buttons beside them were to indicate how many loads worth of soap you might need or what. I pressed four and saw 5.50 show up as the indicated price but then nothing happened and I realized it was a bit too late to start anyway. They would have probably tried to close up before I was done (they close at 9).
Sunday, April 15, 2018
The Adventure Continues
Well, today was pretty eventful for one that included a 5 hour bus ride. After waking up at 5:30 for my 8:00 bus, I got lucky and was able to split the cost of a taxi to the airport (don't ask why there are buses at the airport instead of the train station). Oddly, three buses came before mine. There was an 8:30 bus that arrived 20 minutes early and when the driver said that it wasn't our bus, I thought he might be joking. It's hard to tell when it's a foreign language and the person appears to be amused by the expectant crowd he had unintentionally drawn in. The second bus was "retired" meaning they were taking anyone anywhere and the third had yet another destination. Anyway, it came thirty minutes late and we were all happy to be getting on board in the hopes of catching a few extra z's.
When I arrived, it wasn't at a train station like I had anticipated but I got directions for the tramway we were close to and got an easy ride into town. Now, the hostel I had chosen was literally the only hostel in Montpellier but it ended up feeling super sketchy for me. To start, the alley it was in smelled like piss. The manager assured me that it was quite safe there and that he can be sure everyone is quiet but I couldn't shake the feeling that something terrible went down in that place at some point and everything just had this look about it that made me think, "No, I don't think I can stay here". The beds were too low and lumpy looking, the bathroom looked highly questionable, there were two "separate" rooms but there was only a door between the two and I was certain that if anyone of the 7 other people there snored, I would hear it from where I would sleep. It was tight living quarters for 8 people. Also, everyone there smoked and I have a rough time just thinking about falling asleep with that smell around.
Even after camping in the woods for six months, it all felt like too much for me so I paid the cancellation fee and booked a cheap hotel for 48€ a night. Not to worry, I took it all in stride this time and tomorrow is a new day that I can fill with tons of new awesome adventures!
When I arrived, it wasn't at a train station like I had anticipated but I got directions for the tramway we were close to and got an easy ride into town. Now, the hostel I had chosen was literally the only hostel in Montpellier but it ended up feeling super sketchy for me. To start, the alley it was in smelled like piss. The manager assured me that it was quite safe there and that he can be sure everyone is quiet but I couldn't shake the feeling that something terrible went down in that place at some point and everything just had this look about it that made me think, "No, I don't think I can stay here". The beds were too low and lumpy looking, the bathroom looked highly questionable, there were two "separate" rooms but there was only a door between the two and I was certain that if anyone of the 7 other people there snored, I would hear it from where I would sleep. It was tight living quarters for 8 people. Also, everyone there smoked and I have a rough time just thinking about falling asleep with that smell around.
Even after camping in the woods for six months, it all felt like too much for me so I paid the cancellation fee and booked a cheap hotel for 48€ a night. Not to worry, I took it all in stride this time and tomorrow is a new day that I can fill with tons of new awesome adventures!
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Brief Update Before Montpellier
So last night there was snoring but there were two lucky things about the situation. One, it wasn't as loud as a train and two, I was able to listen to a couple guided meditations with accompanying music and fell asleep. It was still only another 6 hour nights rest but it was beneficial. I woke up feeling refreshed but also unfinished in catching z's, which made this morning entertaining. I was taking forever to wake all the way up and couldn't find any French words. I would spend 5 minutes searching and then when I had my whole sentence in order and started talking it was suddenly gone. This happened until I finally got a couple cups of free coffee in me from the hostel.
Over all there's not much to write about today except that I walked a number of miles again. I kept thinking about seeing a French film but didn't end up doing it yet. Then, I almost made it to this park I heard was really gorgeous but when I got fairly close, I couldn't find my map so I turned back and later found it in my pocket.
Over all there's not much to write about today except that I walked a number of miles again. I kept thinking about seeing a French film but didn't end up doing it yet. Then, I almost made it to this park I heard was really gorgeous but when I got fairly close, I couldn't find my map so I turned back and later found it in my pocket.
Friday, April 13, 2018
Re-Cap of the Speed Dating and A Sunset Over the Water
Last night I attempted the speed dating thing and felt like I was probably just about the youngest person there so that was a little strange and unexpected but it was good practice and fun. It might have been twice as fun since I was feeling a little punch drunk from exhaustion. There were games at each table and sometimes we were placed at a ping-pong table or even Foosball. I'm good with the former and terrible at the latter but there's no room for talking when you're engaged in a game that's loud or when you're 10 feet away from the other person.
I ended up eating dinner in my room and fell right into a conversation with a roommate. My roommates last night were surprisingly open to long conversations so that also proved to be a good time although we ended up going to bed after 11. Sometimes it's hard to find people my age who are up for and capable of maintaining a conversation since now so many of us prefer the internet over face-to-face interactions.
So this evening, after wandering the town a bit, getting temporarily addicted to Facebook while my phone was charging and then wandering some more found a marvelous place to watch the sunset if they keep the place open to visitors. It's high over the water and close to a waterfall and I can't wait to surround myself with the sounds of the sea, the cascade and the colors of the sunset. I anticipate colors because there are still plenty of clouds over the horizon, but we shall see.
I ended up eating dinner in my room and fell right into a conversation with a roommate. My roommates last night were surprisingly open to long conversations so that also proved to be a good time although we ended up going to bed after 11. Sometimes it's hard to find people my age who are up for and capable of maintaining a conversation since now so many of us prefer the internet over face-to-face interactions.
So this evening, after wandering the town a bit, getting temporarily addicted to Facebook while my phone was charging and then wandering some more found a marvelous place to watch the sunset if they keep the place open to visitors. It's high over the water and close to a waterfall and I can't wait to surround myself with the sounds of the sea, the cascade and the colors of the sunset. I anticipate colors because there are still plenty of clouds over the horizon, but we shall see.
Thursday, April 12, 2018
Lots of Verbal French Practice
I got to practice more French this morning with a group. We chatted from about 9 to 12:15 when I went to the train station to catch my ride to Nice. Got to a pretty nice hostel that hosts some good events that will help me immerse myself more easily. It's been harder than I thought to strike up conversations with others for a couple reasons; one my confidence waxes and wanes and I've run into people, who when I start speaking French to them want me to resort to English. However, when I do get to have a full conversation with French speakers, they don't have an issue understanding me like a few would have me believe. So I don't know if it's thin patience or a moment of severe errors on my part that makes some people prefer to use English but every now and then I get to enjoy the challenge of extended conversation with a little help now and again from Google Translate.
There's going to be a speed dating thing tonight although the event was mistakenly written under Friday. I'm planning to give it a shot even though it will be more for the positive experience and a good story than high hopes. I do hope to meet someone, but I never feel like it will be when I am actually looking or trying... We'll see how the night goes.
Tomorrow, I plan to go on a free walking tour after breakfast and I can't wait to explore the city with others and not get lost! I know I talk too much about it but I can enjoy the place more when I know I can make my way back to the hostel without an hour long detour.
There's going to be a speed dating thing tonight although the event was mistakenly written under Friday. I'm planning to give it a shot even though it will be more for the positive experience and a good story than high hopes. I do hope to meet someone, but I never feel like it will be when I am actually looking or trying... We'll see how the night goes.
Tomorrow, I plan to go on a free walking tour after breakfast and I can't wait to explore the city with others and not get lost! I know I talk too much about it but I can enjoy the place more when I know I can make my way back to the hostel without an hour long detour.
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
The Great Purge
So this entry is a bit more serious but I had to write this out this morning as a way to process a crazy dream... There will be more fun stories to come after this, I assure you.
One thing I've omitted in my trail stories and here is that there seems to be a period of adjustment that for me include massive highs and lows. On the trail it was more noteworthy because the lows were influenced by the breakup I went through just a couple weeks before setting out. One day I'd want to dance with joy and the next day I was sour about blisters not getting sleep.
This time around, both feelings are hitting at once. It seems that I'm always just as close to crying with joy as with sadness or anger or frustration. To me, both when on the trail and what's occurring now, represent some sort of purging because even after successfully hiking the trail I still seem to have a fair amount of healing to accomplish.
If you know my whole story you might think I'm running from something, but I'm not. I've managed to successfully shift the perspective I had of the event and turned it into what I call "re-purposing pain"; due to my past, I know with more certainty what to do with my future. So, if anything, I am running toward and searching for the version of myself that is completely comfortable with everything life has given me.
Don't think I don't count my blessings, I thank God every day that my siblings and I got rescued from the abuse and neglect inflicted upon us by our biological parents. But all of those experiences that I don't even remember have shaped my insecurities and I've been focusing on healing all of that since I found out how deep the rabbit hole went back in 2010. So, here I am traveling the world again, hoping to feel comfortable in my own skin, purging the negativity again. Bipolar me is back for a time but soon I'll back on the up and up.
I'm meditating and working on myself every day hoping that the added intention will speed up the process. Anyway, wish me luck!
If you're curious about the trail stories they were written in September of 2016.
One thing I've omitted in my trail stories and here is that there seems to be a period of adjustment that for me include massive highs and lows. On the trail it was more noteworthy because the lows were influenced by the breakup I went through just a couple weeks before setting out. One day I'd want to dance with joy and the next day I was sour about blisters not getting sleep.
This time around, both feelings are hitting at once. It seems that I'm always just as close to crying with joy as with sadness or anger or frustration. To me, both when on the trail and what's occurring now, represent some sort of purging because even after successfully hiking the trail I still seem to have a fair amount of healing to accomplish.
If you know my whole story you might think I'm running from something, but I'm not. I've managed to successfully shift the perspective I had of the event and turned it into what I call "re-purposing pain"; due to my past, I know with more certainty what to do with my future. So, if anything, I am running toward and searching for the version of myself that is completely comfortable with everything life has given me.
Don't think I don't count my blessings, I thank God every day that my siblings and I got rescued from the abuse and neglect inflicted upon us by our biological parents. But all of those experiences that I don't even remember have shaped my insecurities and I've been focusing on healing all of that since I found out how deep the rabbit hole went back in 2010. So, here I am traveling the world again, hoping to feel comfortable in my own skin, purging the negativity again. Bipolar me is back for a time but soon I'll back on the up and up.
I'm meditating and working on myself every day hoping that the added intention will speed up the process. Anyway, wish me luck!
If you're curious about the trail stories they were written in September of 2016.
Rain Rain Go Away
So today I mostly stayed inside and practiced my French songs, made reservations for Nice and got a train ticket for tomorrow. I did go out and about and practically ruined my map from referencing it so often in the sprinkling rain. Sometimes the wind was really blowing too so even though it was mostly a light rain, the map was getting wet pretty fast. It's been raining on and off all day and I only made it to a cathedral two metro stops away. I challenged myself to get there by walking and then come back via the metro. I say challenge because I did do another random loop today despite the map and following road signs...must have spaced out or blacked out for a time because it should be impossible to go in a circle when you're following all the signs for Joliette (the metro stop closest to the cathedral). Anyway, I made my way there and got a super cheap couple of meals on the way. Spent only half an hour or 45 minutes there taking pictures as always and then successfully walked back to the Joliette Metro stop and got back to the hostel.
And just as I'm typing this the ceiling in my room started leaking a bit. Good thing I'm being rebellious and am not typing on the desk that is now nice and wet. Over all I've been lucky. Both in Lyon and here, they were calling for rain for all three days of both visits and this was the first time it rained in the 6 day prediction. The clouds obscuring the sky yesterday made for some really cool pictures so I didn't fully object to the overcast weather. It did make the wind feel extra cold but it was worth it.
Next time I write I should be in Nice!
And just as I'm typing this the ceiling in my room started leaking a bit. Good thing I'm being rebellious and am not typing on the desk that is now nice and wet. Over all I've been lucky. Both in Lyon and here, they were calling for rain for all three days of both visits and this was the first time it rained in the 6 day prediction. The clouds obscuring the sky yesterday made for some really cool pictures so I didn't fully object to the overcast weather. It did make the wind feel extra cold but it was worth it.
Next time I write I should be in Nice!
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
Sleepless in Marseille
Had a busy day today. I took the metro to a bus stop. After getting onto bus 21, a passenger told me I needed bus 23 and after getting on bus 23 another person told me I needed 21. Which I KNEW! Anyway, I have no idea how that went down, but I somehow got the gumption to change back to bus 21. I finally got to Luminy to see the cliffs overlooking the sea and took about 100 pictures while walking through the National Park there. Then I found my way back into town with another bus and walked all the way to the Notre Dame de la Gard, which by the way, included more uphill climbing and a few dozen steps. After wandering around a bit inside, I made my way back towards my hostel.
The whole excursion lasted from 8 or 8:30 to about 2:20 and I'm now dead on my feet. I didn't sleep enough last night even though I made a valiant effort by going to bed at 9:15 but my brain just wasn't tired enough to shut up and there were spontaneous noises throughout the night that just happened to keep coinciding with my REM sleep so I kept waking up from things I would normally sleep through in a deeper part of the cycle. To get myself going this morning I had two cups of coffee, which increases my stress response but I fared okay overall today. Just starting to feel like I'm floating a bit.
The whole excursion lasted from 8 or 8:30 to about 2:20 and I'm now dead on my feet. I didn't sleep enough last night even though I made a valiant effort by going to bed at 9:15 but my brain just wasn't tired enough to shut up and there were spontaneous noises throughout the night that just happened to keep coinciding with my REM sleep so I kept waking up from things I would normally sleep through in a deeper part of the cycle. To get myself going this morning I had two cups of coffee, which increases my stress response but I fared okay overall today. Just starting to feel like I'm floating a bit.
Monday, April 9, 2018
Dreaming Big
As you've noticed from yesterday's post, I'm fond of free-writes and am often surprised at what direction these entries take. Anyway, if you enjoy stream of consciousness, then you've found the right blog. Today is my last day in Lyon and I'm spending my morning inside waiting for my roommate to wake up before packing although, I might start in half an hour either way so that I'm packed and ready by 11. I had a really good conversation with some other people in the hostel this morning during breakfast and got to share some of my life goals and dreams with them. They recently (within the last year) came into better focus and got bigger.
Now instead of simply teaching, I want to find a school with a good behavioral science program and classrooms for practical experiments so I can test my hypotheses on how to create a classroom in which the students not only want to learn but are supporting each other through the journey. Between my experiences in the classroom and recognizing that many are growing up without having to learn basic socializing skills, this is the direction I want education to take. Students should learn early on that we have something to learn from every person we meet regardless of varying IQ and the value of helping and supporting one another.
I recently read that most Americans feel lonely to the extent that many don't even feel like they have one person to call when things are rough. We've isolated ourselves behind screens, texting or Facebook chatting our friends and calling it a social life. I want school to become a support system that includes a child's peers. Children should be able to create good, strong relationships with their peers and if we focus on the importance of empathy by creating an environment in which it can thrive, we could take a large step in eliminating bullying. If school can start feeling like a second family in which the child feels loved, supported, and challenged they'd actually want to go. There's a quote that states if you take away a child's struggle, you take away their learning opportunity so there's a balance of difficulty to maintain.
I'm hopeful that by the time I'm done with the 2 more years of schooling and some personal experiences in teaching that I'll be able to help other teachers implement/integrate the new program, if I can successfully write up and prove the study. I've already hiked for six months on the Appalachian Trail and then saved up for this new trip so, I might be able to manifest this...with lots of help of course.
Now instead of simply teaching, I want to find a school with a good behavioral science program and classrooms for practical experiments so I can test my hypotheses on how to create a classroom in which the students not only want to learn but are supporting each other through the journey. Between my experiences in the classroom and recognizing that many are growing up without having to learn basic socializing skills, this is the direction I want education to take. Students should learn early on that we have something to learn from every person we meet regardless of varying IQ and the value of helping and supporting one another.
I recently read that most Americans feel lonely to the extent that many don't even feel like they have one person to call when things are rough. We've isolated ourselves behind screens, texting or Facebook chatting our friends and calling it a social life. I want school to become a support system that includes a child's peers. Children should be able to create good, strong relationships with their peers and if we focus on the importance of empathy by creating an environment in which it can thrive, we could take a large step in eliminating bullying. If school can start feeling like a second family in which the child feels loved, supported, and challenged they'd actually want to go. There's a quote that states if you take away a child's struggle, you take away their learning opportunity so there's a balance of difficulty to maintain.
I'm hopeful that by the time I'm done with the 2 more years of schooling and some personal experiences in teaching that I'll be able to help other teachers implement/integrate the new program, if I can successfully write up and prove the study. I've already hiked for six months on the Appalachian Trail and then saved up for this new trip so, I might be able to manifest this...with lots of help of course.
Sunday, April 8, 2018
Lost and Found in Lyon
Had two more long excursions today and in the last one I got temporarily lost and found myself on the far side of the tunnel I discovered yesterday. For no reason that comes readily to mind, I decided to run the whole 1700 meters of the tunnel. If any of you have ever run track or went to any track meets with your friends, siblings, or kids you'll know that they consider the 1600 m run a mile. (I went into it knowing it was a mile because I did end up walking the whole length of it twice yesterday.) I managed to keep the same pace all the way through. Actually, two thirds of the way in, I started racing another runner who was behind me and sped up. All I know is I finished in under 8 minutes with a relatively steady pace and that I'm going to be sore tomorrow no matter how much I stretch.
Tomorrow, I'm going to go back to the awesome place I saw before ending up next to the wrong river. (I'm at a hostel in Lyon with the Seine on one side and the Rhône on the other.) I was going to head back to the hostel for my phone so I could take pictures but I had stopped looking at things specific to orienting yourself in space. I'm great at looking at all sorts of things, but when I'm admiring how cool the branches look against the clouds or how intricate the Corinthian style pillars are and that there are faces sculpted into the architecture, I am 100% going to get lost. When I get carried away with incredibly absorbing details, I forget to take the time to pay attention to how things will look when I turn around to head back. Whenever I make a turn I have to take a look at what I will be seeing when I come back to that intersection. And I remembered to do that for all the turns in my 45 minute walk this morning.
Anyway, that was a bizarre little detour into the inner workings of my mind. Now you all know why I get lost; I'm too busy acting high, gazing at all the random things that some people just don't see.
Tomorrow I am boarding another bus and heading to Marseille! More adventures on the way!
Saturday, April 7, 2018
Early Morning Exploration
Friday, April 6, 2018
Leaving for Lyon
7 AM Today's the day I get to lay eyes on a new French town! Can't wait to try the best food in France!
12 hours later I'm finally here, my bed is made and I have gotten some dinner! It was a very rough start this morning because my train was an hour late which wouldn't have been worrisome if I hadn't had a 6+ hour carpool arranged all the way to Lyon.
In the end, I was only about 20 minutes late for the ride and she was willing to wait up but there was a time that I thought my 9:16 train had become an 11:36 train so...I was pretty panicky. Those of you who know me know that I don't enjoy a sudden change in plans from events outside of my control. Hopefully one day I won't freak out over something like that but today I was looking forward to new sights and had already made reservations. Plus I didn't want to overstay my welcome with the amazingly nice couple who set me up after Paris and again after Angers. Once it's laid out, I have a really rough time pulling a hairpin turn with my plans. Anyway, obviously I made it and it's really nice at this hostel. Much more spacious than the one in Paris. Even as small as I am, I was starting to feel a little claustrophobic in the smallest shower ever. (I had to stand in the corner and keep my elbows in to shampoo my hair, the space was so tight.)
So, things are looking up again! And I might be heading towards Marseille next.
12 hours later I'm finally here, my bed is made and I have gotten some dinner! It was a very rough start this morning because my train was an hour late which wouldn't have been worrisome if I hadn't had a 6+ hour carpool arranged all the way to Lyon.
In the end, I was only about 20 minutes late for the ride and she was willing to wait up but there was a time that I thought my 9:16 train had become an 11:36 train so...I was pretty panicky. Those of you who know me know that I don't enjoy a sudden change in plans from events outside of my control. Hopefully one day I won't freak out over something like that but today I was looking forward to new sights and had already made reservations. Plus I didn't want to overstay my welcome with the amazingly nice couple who set me up after Paris and again after Angers. Once it's laid out, I have a really rough time pulling a hairpin turn with my plans. Anyway, obviously I made it and it's really nice at this hostel. Much more spacious than the one in Paris. Even as small as I am, I was starting to feel a little claustrophobic in the smallest shower ever. (I had to stand in the corner and keep my elbows in to shampoo my hair, the space was so tight.)
So, things are looking up again! And I might be heading towards Marseille next.
Thursday, April 5, 2018
A New Song
I spent a good portion of the day practicing a new song via YouTube. I've been lucky that I'm progressively choosing harder songs. It's been a real laugh but I've made some progress. I can get through the first 2/3rds...well...inconsistently. Eventually, I ran out of concentration. Anyone who has practiced, with deliberation, an instrument or a language will know what I'm talking about. After 2 or 3 hours of intense concentration there just isn't enough will power left in your brain to help you and you start declining a bit. The first 90 minutes you continue to improve bit by bit, but then you start getting just about as bad as you were at the start. It just means you need food and sleep. Not long ago I read (or heard a podcast) that said sleeping after intense practice or training can really help you the following day. Musicians say that when they go to bed frustrated by their music, they wake up in the morning to find they have no problem figuring it out. I had that experience with at least 2 of the French songs I have memorized.
Anyway, I also went for a couple very brief runs because I'm not in running shape but I've been realizing that the main reason I've been unreasonably tired is due to inactivity. I just haven't been doing enough. But that's about to change tomorrow!
Here's the new song if you're curious.
Tout le Bonheur du Monde (All the Happiness in the World): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vfpv37FS7Ho
Anyway, I also went for a couple very brief runs because I'm not in running shape but I've been realizing that the main reason I've been unreasonably tired is due to inactivity. I just haven't been doing enough. But that's about to change tomorrow!
Here's the new song if you're curious.
Tout le Bonheur du Monde (All the Happiness in the World): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vfpv37FS7Ho
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
Weekend Plans
During this beautiful day of sun, clouds and a little rain, I finalized my plans for the weekend. This Friday I am taking another carpool to Lyon, 5 or 6 hours south-east of here. I know some people who live a train ride away from there but I don't know yet if I can visit them. In the mean time, I have reserved nights at another hostel. After 3 nights or so, I plan to head to Marseille if there is indeed a high-speed train available. I want to see all the sights at both Marseille and Montpellier and they are practically side-by-side along the Mediterranean. I've already traveled about that far to get from Gaillon to Angers.
Anyway, I had heard that Lyon has the best food which sounds strange to foreigners like me who believe that all of France has the best food. Of course, all European food wins against most of the things available in the US because it's all super fresh and without preservatives. Maybe it's just that more people know how to cook over here. We no longer have home-ec classes that teach us things like sewing and cooking and we rarely learn from our parents. I have been getting spoiled by the food here and pretty consistently over-eating. It's been hard to rein myself in when it all tastes amazing. Except for the blood-sausage, the texture was just as off-putting to me as the taste and the name. In French it's Boudin Noir.
Looking forward to seeing a new city!
Anyway, I had heard that Lyon has the best food which sounds strange to foreigners like me who believe that all of France has the best food. Of course, all European food wins against most of the things available in the US because it's all super fresh and without preservatives. Maybe it's just that more people know how to cook over here. We no longer have home-ec classes that teach us things like sewing and cooking and we rarely learn from our parents. I have been getting spoiled by the food here and pretty consistently over-eating. It's been hard to rein myself in when it all tastes amazing. Except for the blood-sausage, the texture was just as off-putting to me as the taste and the name. In French it's Boudin Noir.
Looking forward to seeing a new city!
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
A Day of Rest
After yesterday, I didn't feel much like moving today. My shoulders got sore from the pack and I was just yawning all day even with a couple cups of fresh coffee. I did get to visit une marche en plein air which was pretty fun. It's a farmers market but a bit more impressive because some people are cooking with enormous pans that must have been at least 3 ft in diameter and those who weren't cooking had a set-up I haven't seen in farmers markets in the US. It's seems as if they fit refrigerated display cases into food-trucks that have siding which can be pulled out of place. I don't know how else to describe it...
Anyway, I got to pull out a new word for a conversation today...well I had picked it up in a Paris maybe 10 days ago; "agrume"- citrus.
One of the things I'm enjoying the most is a benefit of being so close to Italy. They sell Tiramisu in pudding sized containers over here! One time I did get a big container to share but typically they come in packs of 4, each one being a reasonable serving. It's risky buying a big one because you might just eat the whole thing in one sitting. Which isn't necessarily a problem unless you already overate during dinner and you're feeling the uncomfortable fullness we typically reserve for Holidays involving feasts.
Anyway, I got to pull out a new word for a conversation today...well I had picked it up in a Paris maybe 10 days ago; "agrume"- citrus.
One of the things I'm enjoying the most is a benefit of being so close to Italy. They sell Tiramisu in pudding sized containers over here! One time I did get a big container to share but typically they come in packs of 4, each one being a reasonable serving. It's risky buying a big one because you might just eat the whole thing in one sitting. Which isn't necessarily a problem unless you already overate during dinner and you're feeling the uncomfortable fullness we typically reserve for Holidays involving feasts.
Monday, April 2, 2018
Lots of Walking and Driving
Today was a pretty long day. I had my breakfast at 7 AM and after packing up my room I walked the same 45 minute walk into Angers (with my backpacking pack) to get to the train station. I had planned on going in early and hanging out at the same café I went to Friday and Saturday but it wasn't open and it was starting to rain. So instead, I made my way to the train station which was another 10 minutes away. I found the place where my bus was going to arrive and then went into the building to buy a couple croissants and a small coffee.
The ride was just under 2 hours long and I got to Tours, France with dry cloudy weather. I spent another good 30 to 45 minutes walking with all my stuff looking for a place where I could sit and eat. Many places were closed and some offered food but no seats so it turned out to be harder than I thought. I finally found a tiny place called Delices and ordered 2 tacos. (It's almost a habit to buy two meals in one stop.) There was a TV in there so after eating one of the tacos, I sat and watched some funny French commercials for a good hour. At some point during that time, I got a text from the friend I was meeting in Tours saying they were at the Jardin de Boutanique.
Well, after making a couple of circles, I ended up with a map in hand and finally found my way there. It was at least a mile and a half from where I was eating lunch, but with my unintentional detours, I might have walked a bit over two and a quarter. (I'm going based on time since I know I typically walk 3 mph.) When I arrived at the garden, I just had to change my socks since I had stuffed my feet into water proof hiking boots this morning. FYI: water-proof inherently means non-breathable so it creates a sweaty situation and I have experience with rubbing the skin off my toes after ignoring wet socks.
After meeting them in the garden we wandered a bit then ended up buying a few hot drinks before starting on our way back toward Gaillon (another 3 hours or so away).
The ride was just under 2 hours long and I got to Tours, France with dry cloudy weather. I spent another good 30 to 45 minutes walking with all my stuff looking for a place where I could sit and eat. Many places were closed and some offered food but no seats so it turned out to be harder than I thought. I finally found a tiny place called Delices and ordered 2 tacos. (It's almost a habit to buy two meals in one stop.) There was a TV in there so after eating one of the tacos, I sat and watched some funny French commercials for a good hour. At some point during that time, I got a text from the friend I was meeting in Tours saying they were at the Jardin de Boutanique.
Well, after making a couple of circles, I ended up with a map in hand and finally found my way there. It was at least a mile and a half from where I was eating lunch, but with my unintentional detours, I might have walked a bit over two and a quarter. (I'm going based on time since I know I typically walk 3 mph.) When I arrived at the garden, I just had to change my socks since I had stuffed my feet into water proof hiking boots this morning. FYI: water-proof inherently means non-breathable so it creates a sweaty situation and I have experience with rubbing the skin off my toes after ignoring wet socks.
After meeting them in the garden we wandered a bit then ended up buying a few hot drinks before starting on our way back toward Gaillon (another 3 hours or so away).
Sunday, April 1, 2018
Plus Entraînement
Aujourd'hui, j'ai marché très loin, mais peut-être que c'était a peu près le même montant que Vendredi. J'ai traversé le parc encore pour arriver à Angers. Après avoir acheté une part de quiche, j'ai décidé acheter un billet pour le Château D'Angers et passé plus d'une heure à l'intérieur de prendre des photos. Ensuite, j'ai mangé ma quiche dehors de Château et utilisé le WiFi a L'Office de Tourisme partager mes nouvelles photos avec ma famille. Prochain, j'ai acheté plus de nourriture pour dîner ce soir et commencé marcher a l'auberge de jeunesse. En chamin, j'ai vu quatre loutres a côte de l'eau et j'ai pris plus photos.
Traduction: Today i walked very far, but maybe it was about the same amount as Friday. I crossed through the park again to get to Angers. After buying a slice of quiche, I decided to buy a ticket for the Castle of Angers and spent more than an hour inside taking photos. Then I ate my quiche outside the Castle and used the WiFi at the Office of Tourism to share my new photos with my family. Next I bought more food for diner this evening and started walking to the youth hostel. On the way, I saw 4 otters next to the water and took more photos.
I had also bought 3 post cards for under 1€ each but forgot them until after crossing the bridge on my way back. When I finally made it all the way back to the Office of Tourism, they were locking the place up. They were nice enough to take a look for me but they were already gone. I got to practice more French during all this and said "Je suis désolé, mais j'ai oublié mes cartes postales."(I am sorry, but I forgot my post cards.) They asked where and I added "sur le sèche mains a côte des toilettes." I had been washing and drying my hands outside the bathrooms (that's where the sink was) and left them on top of the hand dryer.
Traduction: Today i walked very far, but maybe it was about the same amount as Friday. I crossed through the park again to get to Angers. After buying a slice of quiche, I decided to buy a ticket for the Castle of Angers and spent more than an hour inside taking photos. Then I ate my quiche outside the Castle and used the WiFi at the Office of Tourism to share my new photos with my family. Next I bought more food for diner this evening and started walking to the youth hostel. On the way, I saw 4 otters next to the water and took more photos.
I had also bought 3 post cards for under 1€ each but forgot them until after crossing the bridge on my way back. When I finally made it all the way back to the Office of Tourism, they were locking the place up. They were nice enough to take a look for me but they were already gone. I got to practice more French during all this and said "Je suis désolé, mais j'ai oublié mes cartes postales."(I am sorry, but I forgot my post cards.) They asked where and I added "sur le sèche mains a côte des toilettes." I had been washing and drying my hands outside the bathrooms (that's where the sink was) and left them on top of the hand dryer.
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