03 March 2011
A day of wandering with a helpful, friendly guide in Le Mans
I've had the unique pleasure of spending an entire day with my friend and colleague J. Moulin in Le Mans, which is a fascinating little city with vestiges of Roman fortifications, medieval buildings, and Renaissance houses. I felt enlivened just walking down the beautiful cobblestone streets of the Vieux Mans, which is the old city situated on a hill above the depressing monstrosity of the ultra-modern city on the other side of the river. I'm not saying it was altogether unsightly, but sensing the contrast between the two sides of town, you could see that the bits of the old quartier were hanging on for dear life with the surrounding modernism. Yet, as the French do, they enjoy preserving their heritage and patrimony (dite: patrimoine). M. Moulin had much to say about this contrast; however, he was very happy to talk about the historical aspects of the city of Le Mans.
For J. Moulin, this place is his city, a place that calls to his past at the Lycee Montesquieu, which overlooks the Cathedrale St. Julien and lies in the heart of the Vieux Mans (old city). Mr. Moulin recounted to me stories from his jeunesse (youth) at this lycee, talking about his schoolboy days and how he went to the cathedral to decipher the Latin inscriptions on the walls for his Latin teacher and how he would explore the town to garner a sense of the history behind the walls of these buildings some of which date as far back as the ninth century. I felt almost like I was M. Moulin's son a few moments as we walked through gardens, along long stone staircases ascending to the Cathedrale and the old town. It was a wonderful feeling, a blessed feeling as well.
I enjoyed basking in the sunlight through the alleyways of these cobblestone streets with J. He told me about how at sunrise through one such alleyway street, the issuing light creates a beautiful image that can be transcribed to a photograph. Through another at sunset, an issuing red light creates a magnificent glow that also is picturesque. My imagination marveled at these words as I gazed through and saw the remains of medieval and Renaissance architecture. My heart itself glowed. Speaking of lights, J. told me that each December, they illuminate the old city in what appear to be Christmas lights. Apparently, it is a spectacle to be seen. I can only imagine how wonderful it is in the wintertime.
It was a huge treat to be able to talk to J. the entire time in French about his heritage and history in Le Mans and how he has seen the ville change over time. He will admit that his memory is not the best, but it is great to hear him talk about his city in such intimate ways. As he looks at the evolution of the city into an industrialized center, he always will hold dear the Vieux Mans, which, for him, is the coeur (heart) of the city. I can see why, because it certainly is rich and beautiful. I'm thankful to God for this day as I got to experience a unique city with a native. I'll definitely treasure that for a long time.
For J. Moulin, this place is his city, a place that calls to his past at the Lycee Montesquieu, which overlooks the Cathedrale St. Julien and lies in the heart of the Vieux Mans (old city). Mr. Moulin recounted to me stories from his jeunesse (youth) at this lycee, talking about his schoolboy days and how he went to the cathedral to decipher the Latin inscriptions on the walls for his Latin teacher and how he would explore the town to garner a sense of the history behind the walls of these buildings some of which date as far back as the ninth century. I felt almost like I was M. Moulin's son a few moments as we walked through gardens, along long stone staircases ascending to the Cathedrale and the old town. It was a wonderful feeling, a blessed feeling as well.
I enjoyed basking in the sunlight through the alleyways of these cobblestone streets with J. He told me about how at sunrise through one such alleyway street, the issuing light creates a beautiful image that can be transcribed to a photograph. Through another at sunset, an issuing red light creates a magnificent glow that also is picturesque. My imagination marveled at these words as I gazed through and saw the remains of medieval and Renaissance architecture. My heart itself glowed. Speaking of lights, J. told me that each December, they illuminate the old city in what appear to be Christmas lights. Apparently, it is a spectacle to be seen. I can only imagine how wonderful it is in the wintertime.
It was a huge treat to be able to talk to J. the entire time in French about his heritage and history in Le Mans and how he has seen the ville change over time. He will admit that his memory is not the best, but it is great to hear him talk about his city in such intimate ways. As he looks at the evolution of the city into an industrialized center, he always will hold dear the Vieux Mans, which, for him, is the coeur (heart) of the city. I can see why, because it certainly is rich and beautiful. I'm thankful to God for this day as I got to experience a unique city with a native. I'll definitely treasure that for a long time.
01 March 2011
New month, new habits
Today is the first day of March, an indicator of the advent of spring, and a way out of the potentially depressing winter (No more snow this side of the Atlantic.) With spring, you can see the results of your New Year's Resolutions and have at least a little time to plan some new ones. It's still the new year after all.
For the month of March, I have almost spontaneously decided to deactivate my facebook account without letting anyone know I'm leaving. I have email and other media to help me communicate. I'm spending too much time doing NOTHING on facebook as it has become my nothing box for quite some time. Don't know how long that will last, but we'll see... In addition, I continue my walk through the Bible in my year-long plan from the ESV Study Bible, which is edifying and enjoyable. And I'm getting back into reading French literature, something I had all but stopped doing for the longest time. I'm into Marivaux at the moment after reading about Stendhal and reading Stendhal's Italian Chronicles, which are epic, bloody, and wickedly sweet. I'm going to download another one this afternoon through the Bibliotheque Nationale's Gallica resource. And to show you how nerdy I am, this is the resource that archives millions of manuscripts from the National Library in Paris. I've used this resource since my first summer in Middlebury.
The sun is shining delightfully through my room's window. I'm going to take a walk (ballader) in the street, listen to Bruckner, and read Marivaux's "La Vie de Marianne." Sounds like a productive day without the stress. Those are the best.
For the month of March, I have almost spontaneously decided to deactivate my facebook account without letting anyone know I'm leaving. I have email and other media to help me communicate. I'm spending too much time doing NOTHING on facebook as it has become my nothing box for quite some time. Don't know how long that will last, but we'll see... In addition, I continue my walk through the Bible in my year-long plan from the ESV Study Bible, which is edifying and enjoyable. And I'm getting back into reading French literature, something I had all but stopped doing for the longest time. I'm into Marivaux at the moment after reading about Stendhal and reading Stendhal's Italian Chronicles, which are epic, bloody, and wickedly sweet. I'm going to download another one this afternoon through the Bibliotheque Nationale's Gallica resource. And to show you how nerdy I am, this is the resource that archives millions of manuscripts from the National Library in Paris. I've used this resource since my first summer in Middlebury.
The sun is shining delightfully through my room's window. I'm going to take a walk (ballader) in the street, listen to Bruckner, and read Marivaux's "La Vie de Marianne." Sounds like a productive day without the stress. Those are the best.
23 February 2011
On the eve of vacation
(1) An Update on the Future Plans:
As much as I would have loved to go to Middlebury this summer, it won't be happening again, at least, not at the French School. The director of the French School told me that my full funding for this summer will be slashed due to my new status as "non-degree." It's somewhat disappointing, since I wanted to go back to see many of the profs I've enjoyed working with.
On the other hand, it's actually not that disappointing. Last year, I remember being so tired and frustrated of the experience that I was ready to get out of Vermont as soon as it was over. I got tired of being around certain people in the program, and to be honest, I had a much better time the first time I was there. I think to do an MA there is long, tiring, and a little frustrating, because many people do the program in Paris and disappear after the first summer. There are many reasons to enjoy coming back, however. It's a summer graduate program that permits high school teachers or even university professors to come back and do it over the course of several summers. It's perfect for those people. For those who don't have a job in teaching, it proves more difficult. That's the position I'm in and it's part of the reasons why I chose to pursue a PhD in French from Brown.
This is not to say I don't like Middlebury as an experience. I would be happy to come back for another language like German or Russian. I will consider going back maybe even next summer for German as I need another language for Brown.
With a Middlebury-less summer, I will have some time to work (probably retail or in a restaurant) to earn money for Brown and have a little gap time between France and Brown to rest and get ready for grad school.
(2) School this week:
I've been showing my high schoolers episodes from "The Cosby Show." They love them and enjoy laughing at interesting universally recognized jokes. It was something easy for a week after testing. It also gave me permission to sit back and relax after 7 weeks straight of teaching and, did I mention, no long weekends, no snow days, no holidays.
The middle schoolers, on the other hand, have totally defied me when I tried to talk about Hollywood and movies. They almost went on strike, putting their heads down on the table. I was thinking "what on earth are you doing, totally walking out on my authority?!" (Didn't say it quite like that but I was on the verge of yelling in French telling them to listen to me.) It was so frustrating and stressful. Many of the teachers have commented on how bad the misbehavior has escalated this week on the eve of the vacation. What these little gamins (or aka: rugrats) were wanting was for me to talk about Valentine's Day (last week's lesson) and show them the video of "Love Today,"by MIKA. Well, the kids went CRAZY after I put on the video! They were slamming their desks on the floor, attempting to sing along, and some were jumping up and down. I just had to watch and hear the cacophony of their back-up vocals. At least, I half-succeeded, right?
Tomorrow, I get to work with a young man at a private lycee in Laval, something I'm looking forward to. At least I get to spend two hours in the morning tutoring in English to a person that has the maturity level of an adult and not some silly middle-schooler. After that, another class with the middle schoolers (just going to force it into a Valentine's Day lesson) and more Cosby Show fun with the high schoolers. Can you tell I'm ready for a vacation? Phew...
As much as I would have loved to go to Middlebury this summer, it won't be happening again, at least, not at the French School. The director of the French School told me that my full funding for this summer will be slashed due to my new status as "non-degree." It's somewhat disappointing, since I wanted to go back to see many of the profs I've enjoyed working with.
On the other hand, it's actually not that disappointing. Last year, I remember being so tired and frustrated of the experience that I was ready to get out of Vermont as soon as it was over. I got tired of being around certain people in the program, and to be honest, I had a much better time the first time I was there. I think to do an MA there is long, tiring, and a little frustrating, because many people do the program in Paris and disappear after the first summer. There are many reasons to enjoy coming back, however. It's a summer graduate program that permits high school teachers or even university professors to come back and do it over the course of several summers. It's perfect for those people. For those who don't have a job in teaching, it proves more difficult. That's the position I'm in and it's part of the reasons why I chose to pursue a PhD in French from Brown.
This is not to say I don't like Middlebury as an experience. I would be happy to come back for another language like German or Russian. I will consider going back maybe even next summer for German as I need another language for Brown.
With a Middlebury-less summer, I will have some time to work (probably retail or in a restaurant) to earn money for Brown and have a little gap time between France and Brown to rest and get ready for grad school.
(2) School this week:
I've been showing my high schoolers episodes from "The Cosby Show." They love them and enjoy laughing at interesting universally recognized jokes. It was something easy for a week after testing. It also gave me permission to sit back and relax after 7 weeks straight of teaching and, did I mention, no long weekends, no snow days, no holidays.
The middle schoolers, on the other hand, have totally defied me when I tried to talk about Hollywood and movies. They almost went on strike, putting their heads down on the table. I was thinking "what on earth are you doing, totally walking out on my authority?!" (Didn't say it quite like that but I was on the verge of yelling in French telling them to listen to me.) It was so frustrating and stressful. Many of the teachers have commented on how bad the misbehavior has escalated this week on the eve of the vacation. What these little gamins (or aka: rugrats) were wanting was for me to talk about Valentine's Day (last week's lesson) and show them the video of "Love Today,"by MIKA. Well, the kids went CRAZY after I put on the video! They were slamming their desks on the floor, attempting to sing along, and some were jumping up and down. I just had to watch and hear the cacophony of their back-up vocals. At least, I half-succeeded, right?
Tomorrow, I get to work with a young man at a private lycee in Laval, something I'm looking forward to. At least I get to spend two hours in the morning tutoring in English to a person that has the maturity level of an adult and not some silly middle-schooler. After that, another class with the middle schoolers (just going to force it into a Valentine's Day lesson) and more Cosby Show fun with the high schoolers. Can you tell I'm ready for a vacation? Phew...
18 February 2011
Happiness and Peace continue.
I'm a bit tired at this point. There are days when I really am looking forward to leaving my post as an assistant, especially when working with the middle schoolers. Unfortunately, my collaboration with the main teachers is almost non-existent, making my job further challenging as I basically write the script (curriculum) for my lessons. On top of that, I have to add dealing with sorry attitudes and behavior problems. Last week, I reported two students who were completely misbehaving in front of my eyes. I just have to say, "j'en ai marre" (I've had enough). Today, the secretary came to me with a form asking me if I wanted to renew my contract. I happily said, "no, I will not be renewing as I must return to the United States." Seven months is more than enough time with these students, particularly the four hours weekly at middle school, which require twice as much effort and energy as the 8 hours I have at the high school. Fortunately, I get to benefit from the two-week vacations that happen once every 6-8 weeks. One more week to endure before that, though.
Today, the middle schoolers seemed to enjoy talking about Valentine's Day and making valentines. Some of the boys were giving me their valentines at the end. Apparently, I am a role model for them. Rather flattered by this gesture. Some of them even say I'm like a "god" to them, not that I approve of this status. Still, it makes me happy to be liked by the vast majority of the middle schoolers I see. That's not to say they're all angels; certainly not true. Still, I find it cute when they suck up to me, even when I reject their offers of assistance, etc.
Brown on my mind continues to move me to have even greater confidence and to push farther with my courses. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, knowing where I'm going to be for the next six years. It's very reassuring to know that. I feel even happier in front of my high school students. I haven't told all of them my news yet as they were practicing for the Baccaluareat test this entire week. I'm looking forward to telling them about it and encouraging them to reach for their dreams. This would be especially good for the seniors. I'll see what I can do for them next week that is encouraging, easy, and relaxing after their week of testing.
Tomorrow, I have a three-hour rehearsal much to my chagrin. It will be with all the orchestras of the Mayenne and will hopefully be bearable enough to deal with. It's really nothing in comparison with the slave labor that was "West Side Story" last year. Did I mention that the orchestra for that play did not get one cent of compensation from the hours of involuntary work it was? I guess not, and I won't go into a tirade about it. Rachel V. knows what I'm talking about. Another week at the Reformed church.
And then, next week, I have a little job: I'm going to tutor a young man in conversational English on Thursday morning. He has been looking for an American teacher for a year now, since he began studies with an American teacher who left (unsurprisingly, as the Mayenne is not the most attractive place for young Americans who long for something besides country towns). Should be fun and will give me yet something else to add to my resume.
Today, the middle schoolers seemed to enjoy talking about Valentine's Day and making valentines. Some of the boys were giving me their valentines at the end. Apparently, I am a role model for them. Rather flattered by this gesture. Some of them even say I'm like a "god" to them, not that I approve of this status. Still, it makes me happy to be liked by the vast majority of the middle schoolers I see. That's not to say they're all angels; certainly not true. Still, I find it cute when they suck up to me, even when I reject their offers of assistance, etc.
Brown on my mind continues to move me to have even greater confidence and to push farther with my courses. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, knowing where I'm going to be for the next six years. It's very reassuring to know that. I feel even happier in front of my high school students. I haven't told all of them my news yet as they were practicing for the Baccaluareat test this entire week. I'm looking forward to telling them about it and encouraging them to reach for their dreams. This would be especially good for the seniors. I'll see what I can do for them next week that is encouraging, easy, and relaxing after their week of testing.
Tomorrow, I have a three-hour rehearsal much to my chagrin. It will be with all the orchestras of the Mayenne and will hopefully be bearable enough to deal with. It's really nothing in comparison with the slave labor that was "West Side Story" last year. Did I mention that the orchestra for that play did not get one cent of compensation from the hours of involuntary work it was? I guess not, and I won't go into a tirade about it. Rachel V. knows what I'm talking about. Another week at the Reformed church.
And then, next week, I have a little job: I'm going to tutor a young man in conversational English on Thursday morning. He has been looking for an American teacher for a year now, since he began studies with an American teacher who left (unsurprisingly, as the Mayenne is not the most attractive place for young Americans who long for something besides country towns). Should be fun and will give me yet something else to add to my resume.
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