Friday, July 8, 2011

Paris of the Plains

Apparently, I have been living in the 'Paris of the Plains'. A sobriquet of Kansas City because of it's vast number of boulevards, claiming to have the most than any city besides Paris. Kansas City is mostly known as the City of Fountains, because of the more than 200 fountains around the city- 2nd to Rome, so I was surprised that it had something in common with my beloved French capital. (ps. can you find a GRE word in that paragraph? good luck. ha!)

I first moved to Kansas City in 1998 from Los Angeles, and I vowed to never love it as much as my hometown. In high school, I met some people that were Kansas City fanatics: In love with with it's sports teams, venues, history, culture, and BBQ- but I still never even considered it. I then moved to Milwaukee in 2007, where I truly first fell in love with the "Midwest". Now that I have returned for an x-number of months, I am opening my heart to possibility that this city might actually be awesome.

But first, I took a trip to Lawrence, Kansas. A college town only 40 minutes away from Kansas City, known for it's Kansas University Men's Basketball Final Four appearances (because they've actually only won 3 titles!). To tell you the truth, I only went to Lawrence, because I was going to see Yeasayer, a Brooklyn based psychedelic pop-ish band. I saw them at Lollapalooza 2010, but I knew that a show at the Granada was not to be missed! And just as expected it was a GREAT show. I don't think I've danced so much. They played a few of their new songs and some of my favorites. It was one of the best concerts I've been to in a while. It was great to enjoy the art of live music again.

The Smith Westerns opened for Yeasayer-- a indie rock band from Chicago wooot! I was surprised that they were really really really good! After the catastrophic performance from HushHush, it was good to hear actual guitars and drums, not electronica weirdness.

I came back to Kansas City and decided to explore the wonders of the city (sarcasm). First stop was the Nelson Atkins Museum, because well... the building is friggin cool. The sculpture park is lovely on a breezy day. Pictured is the front facade and the Roxy Paine's Ferment Tree. Truly marvelous and a little like a monster.

Second, I checked out one of the new-ish venues near the 'ultra cool' Power and Light District: the Crosstown Station Lounge. I went with my good friend Eric to see the much acclaimed Civil Wars. Joy Williams and John Paul White are gods. It's true, their voices are not from this time, they're beautiful. I cannot describe the music they make because sometimes it sounds country, then indie folkish, then just acoustic beautiful, and all I can think of is why John Paul White is so mysterious and if I could possibly be in love with Joy? A truly emotional experience. It was intense. I loved it. My favorite song is 'I've got this Friend' and their cover of MJ's Billie Jean is one of my all time favorite covers of any song. They're great.
The opening artist also had a remarkable voice. Rayland Baxter was his name. What I loved the most from his performance was a song that he had dedicated to a woman he met in Paris. Basically anything that has to do with Paris, I will love. #handsdown (oh I guess this isn't Twitter)
Finally the other thing I dived into the Kansas City scene was First Fridays. Basically every first Friday of the month in the Crosstown Arts District, there are open art galleries, street performers, dancers, car shows [Back2theFuture!], amazing specials at nearby bars and restaurants. A promising good good night. I LOVED IT. I had never seen so much culture and conversations and drinks and people having a great time, not to mention the perfect weather.


The truth is, I think I am liking this place a little too much. Next I will finally discover the night scene at the Power and Light District and hit up some coffee shops in Wesport.

I'm crafting again. Making a t-shirt quilt & 5 scrapbooks. Eeeek I'm turning into a Midwest housewife without the kids and minivan. Whoops!

With hugs,
Mayra.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

turning tables

Checking in for the first time in 2011!

I'm back and happy to finally type away what I've been putting off for more than a year. I am living in Kansas City, Missouri- chez-my parents. A series of events has led me to start blogging: the realization that post-college life sucks a bit, missing my friends dearly, one of my older brothers having life problems, and studying for the GRE that has proved to be dull and not yet intriguing. I hope that blogging will inspire me and create a constant motivational endeavor (again).


Here is a picture taken about a year ago in Udine, Italy w/ Luca Fierro. He is, and will always be my Italian love. I will never forget the two flights that were canceled and the 2 extra days I got to spend him with and the Udine/Italian public transportation, trains, and buses.
With hugs,
Mayra.

Friday, October 29, 2010

en parlant le francais...

(the east coast had me at hello)

i can't keep away from blogging any longer.
expect a jam packed update soon.

"le silence, c'est la mort—
et toi, si tu parles, tu meurs;
si tu te tais, tu meurs.
alors parle et meurs."
-Tahar Djaout
taken from a friends fb quotes.

hugs,
Mayra.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

the World Cup begins!

As I plunge into my last week of classes, I'm excited for "summer", yet so sad because it also marks the end of my stay. Not only does that make me sad, but also because all of the people that have made my Paris experience incredible have left!! Silvia, Gillian, Moriah, Meg, Hatziri (will be leaving), Cris&Tracy&Reina&Luis&Ally (left from their visit) and Joanne, my new Scottish friend is leaving next weekend! Luckily, I decided to spend my last couple of euros on a ticket to Venice. Yes, I am going one last time to the land of Italians to visit the Fierro's! But don't tell them, because it's a surprise!! Only Luca knows at this point.

As I countdown the days left in Paris, my roommate Cristina countsdown the days until she leaves for South Africa!! But before that trip, she came and gave me a visit! I'm going to miss her so much at Marquette next semester. But I am learning to not let the sadness take over. Its going to be a good semester for the both of us, not just one way. ;)

Everyday that goes by, I find out about something new going on in the city and I quickly make plans to add it to my busy schedule. I love it. The week leading up to my departure it's the Foire de St. Germain ( a big street festival that supports all kinds of Art -pottery, photography, painting, light, music, dance, etc. ). Also the 18 of June is the 70th Anniversary of the Appel de 18 Juin from Charles de Gaulle during the time of the Vichy Government in France. He called upon all the French to resist the Vichy Regime and to unite to create a France Libre. There is a big celebration on that night at the Hotel des Invalides with a music & light show. Also, the World Cup has arrived and is very very very present in Paris. Here's a couple pictures to illustrate:
This was during the USA-England game last night. The atmosphere was of course American students chanting "U-S-A" and the jolly Englishmen throwing clothes around. It was just the way it had to be. A good game, but an upset. I am going back for the Mexico-France game! Can't wait!
After the game, Joanne and I saw another stage set up on the Champs de Mars, just on the other side of the Eiffel Tower. So we made our way over. And it happened to be the Russian National Celebration. An orchestra played under the sparkling lights of the Eiffel Tower!!!

About two weeks ago, Gillian and I went to the French Open. Although we didn't have seats in the big courts, we had seats to the other matches, mostly juniors. We got a feel for it though. There was a big screen set up showing the Women's Final, so we were content. I'm not a big Tennis fan, but Rafael Nadal makes me want to change that. Haha!
I had French Thai food for the first time in my life. At the time I thought it was the first time I was having Thai food, but then I remembered for my junior Prom I went to The Thai Place, and I also met up with Mr. Nguyen there during the summer. It was Moriah's Birthday/Goodbye dinner. So sad.
She lovingly let me keep Rosie.

In early May, I went to The Night of Museums, where most of the museums in Paris are open until 1am and are FREE! I chose to go to the Musee de L'Orangerie because I hadn't been there before and it holds Monets Nympheas. What was special about this night was that there was a musical narration in the rooms. I wish there would have been less people, but it was still impressive.

This week was my last Connect! I can't believe it! I met up with an amazing group of people for a year and we discussed the Sunday service. What I loved about our Connect was that we prayed together and everyone genuinely cared about eachother. I am so happy that I was able to meet these individuals, they've taught me a lot about my own relationship with God. Thank You all for that.
Until next time, I can't begin to express how much I am going to miss this city and all that it has done for me.

Going home in 16 days.

with hugs, Mayra.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

May Day May Day May Day

So it's almost June, and I feel guilty that I have not updated since March, but now I am updating and that's all that matters. Let it begin.

Its been almost three months that I traveled to Brussels, Brugges, Amsterdam, and all the cities that were a part of my Spring Break trip (Rome, Athens, Delphi, and the Greek Islands of Poros, Aegina, and Hydra) Last time I checked, it was supposed to be March 1st. What happened!!!?

Brussels
My first time in another francophone country! I traveled with Silvia and Alicia (Silvia's friend from Amherst) and we were on our way! It just so happens that my friend Margaret (from Hamilton College) was on the same bus as us because the TGV from Paris to Brussels was not running due to an accident that happened in early February. What a coincidence! Silvia and I had booked our tickets from Eurolines, the European version of the Greyhound for about 25 euros each. So we arrive in Brussels, and its gloomy, just like my cinematography professor had predicted. It turns out that Belgium in general is a cloudy, wet, and gray country. I'm not making a generalization or anything, but it's the truth! All films that take place in Belgium are in the rain! Its so true! At least Brussels had other things to offer that compensated its downer gloomy weather. Fries, beer, and comic books/cartoons! Jk jk there was the museum that holds the biggest collection of Flemish Art that equally holds an importance. Hmph, I know nothing about Flemish Art so I couldn't appreciate it whoops! Overall it was a good trip. We got our Moules et Frites. Delish!
the sun came out for a few minutes!Bruges
On the same trip, we took a day trip to Bruges, which helped even out the gloomyness of Brussels. Although the city was not very different from Brussels, Bruges had the many many canals that made it look like a Flemish style Venice. Apparently when we went (a week after the start of Lent) they were still celebrating Carnaval and we saw their parade in full uproar throughout the town while we were on a boat ride. Splendid. We visited the Chocolate Museum and saw the relic of the Holy Blood. A few drops of Jesus' blood have been kept in this church (Basilica of the Holy Blood). It's crazy to think about. This relic is actually believed to hold 3 drops of Jesus' blood. AHHHH!! Little did I know that a month later I would see the Crown of Thorns at the Notre-Dame. I have been overwhelmed with the croyance belief that exists in these other coutries. Historians and Theologians might say that Islam will overtake Europe, but I still belive. I'm not saying that Christianity will triumph over Islam, I am saying that both religions will remain strong and the Christian entity will remain, just like it has for the past hundreds of years.
Inside the Basilica of the Holy Blood
Amsterdam
Well, since I have some young readers I won't go into the detail about this city's history and what its known for. It was a beautiful city, don't get me wrong. The unforgettable image of the Neerlandais on their bikes riding next to the canals is like nothing else in the USA (bikes outnumber the number of people in Amsterdam I believe), but I didn't think it was for me. I loved it, I really did. Maybe if I would have done a bit more reading, I would have apprecaited the city more, but I just felt like a little detached from the city. I did see the Van Gogh museum, so that was nice, but I feel like I have seen better Van Gogh collections in Paris. Silvia and I shared our hostel room with some Spaniards and we had fun hanging out and sightseeing with them. Silvia practicing her Spanish and me fighting about the proper way to pronounce words in Spanish, it was a good time. "Ahorita" apparently doesn't exist in Spain's Spanish. Whatever, it does in the rest of the Spanish speaking world. We also visited the Anne Frank House, which is where Anne Frank and her family were in hiding during WW2. It was completely unbelievable. I mean, I was in that apartment and I could feel the fear that draped the walls. The fear of the Germans arriving at any moment. When I was in her room, the pictures that hung on the walls were still in tact. I could see the young and high aspirations she had. It made me want to write in my journal. I'm starting again, I feel like I want to write more and read more. It will only do me good. We also took a look at the making of the Heineken beer, interesting.
Our tour through the red light district. 1% of Milan 25% of Rome 100% of Athens
So after the volcano in Iceland ruined my spring break plans to Italy, I at least made it to Milan & Rome on the same day. We arrived in Milan at 10am in the morning and took the first bullet train to Rome. We met up with Maria Fosarrello (my sorella) and the following day Silvia and I flew out to Athens. A very very crazy weekend indeed. But, before leaving Paris, I was able to have enchiladas de mole with my mexican-french friends (well almost all mexican). Hatziri, Ame, Leo, Guillaume, Martin, and I sipped some wine, maybe some tequila to reminice, accompanied by some traditional guacamole dip. The enchiladas ended up being half tacos de pollo dorados with mole sauce. Yes, that's what it was like. Mmmm I miss the mexican cuisine! It is non-existant in Paris. There are some restaurants, but I have yet to try something outstandingly similar to my mom's cooking. In Rome, we saw the Colloseum and the Vatican (an urgent request of my mother), it was all we could fit in to the day. I did end up meeting with Steph, my POSC study partner who has been studying in Rome for the past semester, it was a good MU meet up!
Hatziri getting the chicken ready and the sauce!On our way to a picnic on Ile de la Cite.

We're not in Paris anymore....Alright so Athens. I was equipped with the Rick Steves Athens Guide book, so pretty much Silvia and I were set. We are happy to say that we did almost everything that he suggested and boy did we have a GREAT trip!! Yes, go write his name on a post it and Google him later! I highly recommend it, thank you Dr. Quade for allowing me to discover his Paris Guide book! Alright so, on the first day we took the walking tour and we were able to see a majority of the city. It is true that the city is dirty and the poverty is present, but I loved it the same. The food was a huge component of this. The kebabs, gyros, greek salads, and feta cheese dips, I'm even craving some now! We actually ate twice at a fast food Greek food place, which was DELISH and a Noodle Cafe which had the most DELISH noodle soup of my life (who would have thought?). I want to go back!! We toured the Ancient Agora, the Acropolis, the New Acropolis Museum (just opened in the Summer of 2009) the following day. I have to say that this museum was my fav. Silvia and I ended the tour by having desert time on their terrace facing the Acropolis. Only in Athens would that be possible. We met a french man, who happened to sit with us because there weren't enough tables and of course he was amazed that we were living in Paris and traveling all over Europe. Our hostel had an amazing view of the Acropolis as well and the staff was great. I would def love to go back with friends some day especially during the time that we are students, because entry into the museums is free!!
Getting my sandals fitted at the Poet Sandal Makers place.
The National Archealogical Museum
The first voting machine ever maybe?
The terrace of the New Acropolis Museum
Poros, Aegina, Hydra
So Silvia and I decided that we wanted to see some of the Greek Islands during our stay in Greece, luckily we ran across a travel agency holding a sale for students and we were able to visit 3 islands in a day. In the end, we should have just chosen one island and explored it, but we agreed that we had fun. Hydra was by far the most beautiful out of the three and my favorite. Our ship was late on a few occasions so we were only able to explore Poros for about 45 mins. Sadness. Silvia and I decided that we would go back. It's been decided! Aegina was a bit cold, so we we didn't spend a lot of time walking around, at that point we were exhausted from sitting and doing nothing on the boat. haha. After a nap, we conversed with our neighbors on the cruise and we met quite a few interesting people, mostly the Italians. Everyone of course, thought we should be in school and not on a cruise ship, because everyone was at least 30 years older. Yeah, we didn't get on the booze cruise as one of them said. I enjoyed talking to the Italian group about my stay in Italy, it only made me miss it even more. Mi manchi!! Mi manchi!! I will always remember the Italy Christmas trip as one of the best of my life. The Athens trip comes in second.
The island of PorosThe Island of HydraRick Steves!!Delphi
Located in the southern center of Greece, Delphi is an interesting town. Its primarily just an archaelogical site, the city itself has about three main roads to give you an idea. We took a bus early in the morning from Athens (surprise right?) and we get to the city. I was already hungry at 10 am and I was fortunate to have the most DELISH gyro of my life. Probably because I was the first one (the meat was still cooking when we arrived at the restaurant, and we had to wait about 30 mins before it was ready). I will never forget that gyro with the feta cheese. MMMM. We then moved on to the archeological site which was the Temple of Apollo, the Sanctuary of Athena, the gymnasium, the Theater used in some of the Olympic Games and the Museum on the site. We were so happy to be out of the city and enjoy the calmness of the small town. I was even able to sit under the sun and bronze for a bit. Unfortunately on our way home I lost my phone. A bad ending to a good day.
So after a week in Greece, I was so ready to come back to Paris. I missed my home. Cristina, Tracy, Luis, and Reina all came and visited Paris this past week and it was great to see familiar faces, but now I'm back to my solitary life in my parisian apartment for three weeks and I'm out of school. For my last week and a half in Paris I will be touring Paris & London with Drew, my Ohioan friend (as I like to call him) who's coming to visit! Its almost over, but for now I know I will come back to this city, it means too much to me now. I've made Paris a part of my life, a big big part. A part that I will remember forever, a part that has changed me.

I just bought two books that I am IN LOVE with: Alice et le pays de langage and Jean Cocteau's Orphee. I'll give a resume later.

As for now, I'm getting ready for a weekend full of work work work. Two papers for my Cinema class on "what is the narrative voice in films". One history exam on Indochine. One paper for my writing class on "being cultivated means being different" and of course two dance classes this week before my membership expires.

I'm almost coming home everyone!

With hugs,
Mayra.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Paris of the Plains

Apparently, I have been living in the 'Paris of the Plains'. A sobriquet of Kansas City because of it's vast number of boulevards, claiming to have the most than any city besides Paris. Kansas City is mostly known as the City of Fountains, because of the more than 200 fountains around the city- 2nd to Rome, so I was surprised that it had something in common with my beloved French capital. (ps. can you find a GRE word in that paragraph? good luck. ha!)

I first moved to Kansas City in 1998 from Los Angeles, and I vowed to never love it as much as my hometown. In high school, I met some people that were Kansas City fanatics: In love with with it's sports teams, venues, history, culture, and BBQ- but I still never even considered it. I then moved to Milwaukee in 2007, where I truly first fell in love with the "Midwest". Now that I have returned for an x-number of months, I am opening my heart to possibility that this city might actually be awesome.

But first, I took a trip to Lawrence, Kansas. A college town only 40 minutes away from Kansas City, known for it's Kansas University Men's Basketball Final Four appearances (because they've actually only won 3 titles!). To tell you the truth, I only went to Lawrence, because I was going to see Yeasayer, a Brooklyn based psychedelic pop-ish band. I saw them at Lollapalooza 2010, but I knew that a show at the Granada was not to be missed! And just as expected it was a GREAT show. I don't think I've danced so much. They played a few of their new songs and some of my favorites. It was one of the best concerts I've been to in a while. It was great to enjoy the art of live music again.

The Smith Westerns opened for Yeasayer-- a indie rock band from Chicago wooot! I was surprised that they were really really really good! After the catastrophic performance from HushHush, it was good to hear actual guitars and drums, not electronica weirdness.

I came back to Kansas City and decided to explore the wonders of the city (sarcasm). First stop was the Nelson Atkins Museum, because well... the building is friggin cool. The sculpture park is lovely on a breezy day. Pictured is the front facade and the Roxy Paine's Ferment Tree. Truly marvelous and a little like a monster.

Second, I checked out one of the new-ish venues near the 'ultra cool' Power and Light District: the Crosstown Station Lounge. I went with my good friend Eric to see the much acclaimed Civil Wars. Joy Williams and John Paul White are gods. It's true, their voices are not from this time, they're beautiful. I cannot describe the music they make because sometimes it sounds country, then indie folkish, then just acoustic beautiful, and all I can think of is why John Paul White is so mysterious and if I could possibly be in love with Joy? A truly emotional experience. It was intense. I loved it. My favorite song is 'I've got this Friend' and their cover of MJ's Billie Jean is one of my all time favorite covers of any song. They're great.
The opening artist also had a remarkable voice. Rayland Baxter was his name. What I loved the most from his performance was a song that he had dedicated to a woman he met in Paris. Basically anything that has to do with Paris, I will love. #handsdown (oh I guess this isn't Twitter)
Finally the other thing I dived into the Kansas City scene was First Fridays. Basically every first Friday of the month in the Crosstown Arts District, there are open art galleries, street performers, dancers, car shows [Back2theFuture!], amazing specials at nearby bars and restaurants. A promising good good night. I LOVED IT. I had never seen so much culture and conversations and drinks and people having a great time, not to mention the perfect weather.


The truth is, I think I am liking this place a little too much. Next I will finally discover the night scene at the Power and Light District and hit up some coffee shops in Wesport.

I'm crafting again. Making a t-shirt quilt & 5 scrapbooks. Eeeek I'm turning into a Midwest housewife without the kids and minivan. Whoops!

With hugs,
Mayra.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

turning tables

Checking in for the first time in 2011!

I'm back and happy to finally type away what I've been putting off for more than a year. I am living in Kansas City, Missouri- chez-my parents. A series of events has led me to start blogging: the realization that post-college life sucks a bit, missing my friends dearly, one of my older brothers having life problems, and studying for the GRE that has proved to be dull and not yet intriguing. I hope that blogging will inspire me and create a constant motivational endeavor (again).


Here is a picture taken about a year ago in Udine, Italy w/ Luca Fierro. He is, and will always be my Italian love. I will never forget the two flights that were canceled and the 2 extra days I got to spend him with and the Udine/Italian public transportation, trains, and buses.
With hugs,
Mayra.

Friday, October 29, 2010

en parlant le francais...

(the east coast had me at hello)

i can't keep away from blogging any longer.
expect a jam packed update soon.

"le silence, c'est la mort—
et toi, si tu parles, tu meurs;
si tu te tais, tu meurs.
alors parle et meurs."
-Tahar Djaout
taken from a friends fb quotes.

hugs,
Mayra.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

the World Cup begins!

As I plunge into my last week of classes, I'm excited for "summer", yet so sad because it also marks the end of my stay. Not only does that make me sad, but also because all of the people that have made my Paris experience incredible have left!! Silvia, Gillian, Moriah, Meg, Hatziri (will be leaving), Cris&Tracy&Reina&Luis&Ally (left from their visit) and Joanne, my new Scottish friend is leaving next weekend! Luckily, I decided to spend my last couple of euros on a ticket to Venice. Yes, I am going one last time to the land of Italians to visit the Fierro's! But don't tell them, because it's a surprise!! Only Luca knows at this point.

As I countdown the days left in Paris, my roommate Cristina countsdown the days until she leaves for South Africa!! But before that trip, she came and gave me a visit! I'm going to miss her so much at Marquette next semester. But I am learning to not let the sadness take over. Its going to be a good semester for the both of us, not just one way. ;)

Everyday that goes by, I find out about something new going on in the city and I quickly make plans to add it to my busy schedule. I love it. The week leading up to my departure it's the Foire de St. Germain ( a big street festival that supports all kinds of Art -pottery, photography, painting, light, music, dance, etc. ). Also the 18 of June is the 70th Anniversary of the Appel de 18 Juin from Charles de Gaulle during the time of the Vichy Government in France. He called upon all the French to resist the Vichy Regime and to unite to create a France Libre. There is a big celebration on that night at the Hotel des Invalides with a music & light show. Also, the World Cup has arrived and is very very very present in Paris. Here's a couple pictures to illustrate:
This was during the USA-England game last night. The atmosphere was of course American students chanting "U-S-A" and the jolly Englishmen throwing clothes around. It was just the way it had to be. A good game, but an upset. I am going back for the Mexico-France game! Can't wait!
After the game, Joanne and I saw another stage set up on the Champs de Mars, just on the other side of the Eiffel Tower. So we made our way over. And it happened to be the Russian National Celebration. An orchestra played under the sparkling lights of the Eiffel Tower!!!

About two weeks ago, Gillian and I went to the French Open. Although we didn't have seats in the big courts, we had seats to the other matches, mostly juniors. We got a feel for it though. There was a big screen set up showing the Women's Final, so we were content. I'm not a big Tennis fan, but Rafael Nadal makes me want to change that. Haha!
I had French Thai food for the first time in my life. At the time I thought it was the first time I was having Thai food, but then I remembered for my junior Prom I went to The Thai Place, and I also met up with Mr. Nguyen there during the summer. It was Moriah's Birthday/Goodbye dinner. So sad.
She lovingly let me keep Rosie.

In early May, I went to The Night of Museums, where most of the museums in Paris are open until 1am and are FREE! I chose to go to the Musee de L'Orangerie because I hadn't been there before and it holds Monets Nympheas. What was special about this night was that there was a musical narration in the rooms. I wish there would have been less people, but it was still impressive.

This week was my last Connect! I can't believe it! I met up with an amazing group of people for a year and we discussed the Sunday service. What I loved about our Connect was that we prayed together and everyone genuinely cared about eachother. I am so happy that I was able to meet these individuals, they've taught me a lot about my own relationship with God. Thank You all for that.
Until next time, I can't begin to express how much I am going to miss this city and all that it has done for me.

Going home in 16 days.

with hugs, Mayra.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

May Day May Day May Day

So it's almost June, and I feel guilty that I have not updated since March, but now I am updating and that's all that matters. Let it begin.

Its been almost three months that I traveled to Brussels, Brugges, Amsterdam, and all the cities that were a part of my Spring Break trip (Rome, Athens, Delphi, and the Greek Islands of Poros, Aegina, and Hydra) Last time I checked, it was supposed to be March 1st. What happened!!!?

Brussels
My first time in another francophone country! I traveled with Silvia and Alicia (Silvia's friend from Amherst) and we were on our way! It just so happens that my friend Margaret (from Hamilton College) was on the same bus as us because the TGV from Paris to Brussels was not running due to an accident that happened in early February. What a coincidence! Silvia and I had booked our tickets from Eurolines, the European version of the Greyhound for about 25 euros each. So we arrive in Brussels, and its gloomy, just like my cinematography professor had predicted. It turns out that Belgium in general is a cloudy, wet, and gray country. I'm not making a generalization or anything, but it's the truth! All films that take place in Belgium are in the rain! Its so true! At least Brussels had other things to offer that compensated its downer gloomy weather. Fries, beer, and comic books/cartoons! Jk jk there was the museum that holds the biggest collection of Flemish Art that equally holds an importance. Hmph, I know nothing about Flemish Art so I couldn't appreciate it whoops! Overall it was a good trip. We got our Moules et Frites. Delish!
the sun came out for a few minutes!Bruges
On the same trip, we took a day trip to Bruges, which helped even out the gloomyness of Brussels. Although the city was not very different from Brussels, Bruges had the many many canals that made it look like a Flemish style Venice. Apparently when we went (a week after the start of Lent) they were still celebrating Carnaval and we saw their parade in full uproar throughout the town while we were on a boat ride. Splendid. We visited the Chocolate Museum and saw the relic of the Holy Blood. A few drops of Jesus' blood have been kept in this church (Basilica of the Holy Blood). It's crazy to think about. This relic is actually believed to hold 3 drops of Jesus' blood. AHHHH!! Little did I know that a month later I would see the Crown of Thorns at the Notre-Dame. I have been overwhelmed with the croyance belief that exists in these other coutries. Historians and Theologians might say that Islam will overtake Europe, but I still belive. I'm not saying that Christianity will triumph over Islam, I am saying that both religions will remain strong and the Christian entity will remain, just like it has for the past hundreds of years.
Inside the Basilica of the Holy Blood
Amsterdam
Well, since I have some young readers I won't go into the detail about this city's history and what its known for. It was a beautiful city, don't get me wrong. The unforgettable image of the Neerlandais on their bikes riding next to the canals is like nothing else in the USA (bikes outnumber the number of people in Amsterdam I believe), but I didn't think it was for me. I loved it, I really did. Maybe if I would have done a bit more reading, I would have apprecaited the city more, but I just felt like a little detached from the city. I did see the Van Gogh museum, so that was nice, but I feel like I have seen better Van Gogh collections in Paris. Silvia and I shared our hostel room with some Spaniards and we had fun hanging out and sightseeing with them. Silvia practicing her Spanish and me fighting about the proper way to pronounce words in Spanish, it was a good time. "Ahorita" apparently doesn't exist in Spain's Spanish. Whatever, it does in the rest of the Spanish speaking world. We also visited the Anne Frank House, which is where Anne Frank and her family were in hiding during WW2. It was completely unbelievable. I mean, I was in that apartment and I could feel the fear that draped the walls. The fear of the Germans arriving at any moment. When I was in her room, the pictures that hung on the walls were still in tact. I could see the young and high aspirations she had. It made me want to write in my journal. I'm starting again, I feel like I want to write more and read more. It will only do me good. We also took a look at the making of the Heineken beer, interesting.
Our tour through the red light district. 1% of Milan 25% of Rome 100% of Athens
So after the volcano in Iceland ruined my spring break plans to Italy, I at least made it to Milan & Rome on the same day. We arrived in Milan at 10am in the morning and took the first bullet train to Rome. We met up with Maria Fosarrello (my sorella) and the following day Silvia and I flew out to Athens. A very very crazy weekend indeed. But, before leaving Paris, I was able to have enchiladas de mole with my mexican-french friends (well almost all mexican). Hatziri, Ame, Leo, Guillaume, Martin, and I sipped some wine, maybe some tequila to reminice, accompanied by some traditional guacamole dip. The enchiladas ended up being half tacos de pollo dorados with mole sauce. Yes, that's what it was like. Mmmm I miss the mexican cuisine! It is non-existant in Paris. There are some restaurants, but I have yet to try something outstandingly similar to my mom's cooking. In Rome, we saw the Colloseum and the Vatican (an urgent request of my mother), it was all we could fit in to the day. I did end up meeting with Steph, my POSC study partner who has been studying in Rome for the past semester, it was a good MU meet up!
Hatziri getting the chicken ready and the sauce!On our way to a picnic on Ile de la Cite.

We're not in Paris anymore....Alright so Athens. I was equipped with the Rick Steves Athens Guide book, so pretty much Silvia and I were set. We are happy to say that we did almost everything that he suggested and boy did we have a GREAT trip!! Yes, go write his name on a post it and Google him later! I highly recommend it, thank you Dr. Quade for allowing me to discover his Paris Guide book! Alright so, on the first day we took the walking tour and we were able to see a majority of the city. It is true that the city is dirty and the poverty is present, but I loved it the same. The food was a huge component of this. The kebabs, gyros, greek salads, and feta cheese dips, I'm even craving some now! We actually ate twice at a fast food Greek food place, which was DELISH and a Noodle Cafe which had the most DELISH noodle soup of my life (who would have thought?). I want to go back!! We toured the Ancient Agora, the Acropolis, the New Acropolis Museum (just opened in the Summer of 2009) the following day. I have to say that this museum was my fav. Silvia and I ended the tour by having desert time on their terrace facing the Acropolis. Only in Athens would that be possible. We met a french man, who happened to sit with us because there weren't enough tables and of course he was amazed that we were living in Paris and traveling all over Europe. Our hostel had an amazing view of the Acropolis as well and the staff was great. I would def love to go back with friends some day especially during the time that we are students, because entry into the museums is free!!
Getting my sandals fitted at the Poet Sandal Makers place.
The National Archealogical Museum
The first voting machine ever maybe?
The terrace of the New Acropolis Museum
Poros, Aegina, Hydra
So Silvia and I decided that we wanted to see some of the Greek Islands during our stay in Greece, luckily we ran across a travel agency holding a sale for students and we were able to visit 3 islands in a day. In the end, we should have just chosen one island and explored it, but we agreed that we had fun. Hydra was by far the most beautiful out of the three and my favorite. Our ship was late on a few occasions so we were only able to explore Poros for about 45 mins. Sadness. Silvia and I decided that we would go back. It's been decided! Aegina was a bit cold, so we we didn't spend a lot of time walking around, at that point we were exhausted from sitting and doing nothing on the boat. haha. After a nap, we conversed with our neighbors on the cruise and we met quite a few interesting people, mostly the Italians. Everyone of course, thought we should be in school and not on a cruise ship, because everyone was at least 30 years older. Yeah, we didn't get on the booze cruise as one of them said. I enjoyed talking to the Italian group about my stay in Italy, it only made me miss it even more. Mi manchi!! Mi manchi!! I will always remember the Italy Christmas trip as one of the best of my life. The Athens trip comes in second.
The island of PorosThe Island of HydraRick Steves!!Delphi
Located in the southern center of Greece, Delphi is an interesting town. Its primarily just an archaelogical site, the city itself has about three main roads to give you an idea. We took a bus early in the morning from Athens (surprise right?) and we get to the city. I was already hungry at 10 am and I was fortunate to have the most DELISH gyro of my life. Probably because I was the first one (the meat was still cooking when we arrived at the restaurant, and we had to wait about 30 mins before it was ready). I will never forget that gyro with the feta cheese. MMMM. We then moved on to the archeological site which was the Temple of Apollo, the Sanctuary of Athena, the gymnasium, the Theater used in some of the Olympic Games and the Museum on the site. We were so happy to be out of the city and enjoy the calmness of the small town. I was even able to sit under the sun and bronze for a bit. Unfortunately on our way home I lost my phone. A bad ending to a good day.
So after a week in Greece, I was so ready to come back to Paris. I missed my home. Cristina, Tracy, Luis, and Reina all came and visited Paris this past week and it was great to see familiar faces, but now I'm back to my solitary life in my parisian apartment for three weeks and I'm out of school. For my last week and a half in Paris I will be touring Paris & London with Drew, my Ohioan friend (as I like to call him) who's coming to visit! Its almost over, but for now I know I will come back to this city, it means too much to me now. I've made Paris a part of my life, a big big part. A part that I will remember forever, a part that has changed me.

I just bought two books that I am IN LOVE with: Alice et le pays de langage and Jean Cocteau's Orphee. I'll give a resume later.

As for now, I'm getting ready for a weekend full of work work work. Two papers for my Cinema class on "what is the narrative voice in films". One history exam on Indochine. One paper for my writing class on "being cultivated means being different" and of course two dance classes this week before my membership expires.

I'm almost coming home everyone!

With hugs,
Mayra.