A day in Grenoble

Today was a very good day.

Nothing particularly amazing happened to me. I didn't have any big adventures. I didn't even have my camera to document each moment. Yet, somehow, today has placed within me a "lightness" that hasn't been there for quite some time. I think that this particular feeling is reserved for perfectly-average days where nothing spectacular happens but everything goes perfectly. :)

After class I scheduled an appointment to get my hair cut. It was a bit of an interesting visit as I  tried to explain what I wanted with a combination of french and charades, but overall the result is pretty nice. My stylist at home may have a heart-attack when she sees it. (Technically speaking it isn't the best, my stylist wasn't a big fan of using a razor), but all in all I like it! Besides, it's much easier to deal with when it's short.

I actually had an hour and a half to fill before the stylist could get me into a chair. So, I sat on a bench and proceeded to test out my new oil pastels (which I bought yesterday on sale for less than 2 euro!). While I was sketching away, a little boy stopped to look over my shoulder and commented "Tres jolie", very pretty. Even though it isn't a masterpiece by any means, I will be forever proud of this sketch. Thank you nice little french boy!

Sorry about the bad quality photos! My webcam is not the best, and I need to buy some more batteries for my regular camera. Oops.

After that, I sat in a cafe and had a cup of coffee. Aka: espresso. For some reason my french culture skills temporarily went down the tube and I couldn't follow French cafe social conduct to safe my life (read: walking up to the counter to order instead of waiting to be served, not understanding numbers and giving the waitress too much money). To apologize for the hassle, I drew the server a picture of my cup of coffee. I hope she liked it.

Anyway, I'm happy to share my perfectly-average day with you readers. Thanks for taking time to read. I do, however, have something a little more interesting to talk to you about!

Fact or fiction? French edition!

I wanted to take some time and discuss popular french stereotypes. Don't pretend you aren't curious. ;)

1. The french eat a lot of bread. Fact.
   I have never eaten so much bread in my life! Breakfast for most french people is some sort of pastry with jam or Nutella and lunch, if they are in a hurry, is a sandwich made of an entire baguette. However if you're eating a traditional meal bread is used to help you eat the food. You rarely eat bread all by itself and also, the proper place for a piece of bread at a meal is ON the table, not on your plate.
2. They drink wine all the time. Fact. (mostly)
   Really, wine is served with food. It's not intended to be drunk all on it's own, so you don't typically see people drinking it at bars (although it is available). It is very popular at meal times, but that depends on the family. We only drink wine in my household if we have guests over, or if we go out to eat.
3. Smoking is popular. Fact.
   More so than in America, yes, and especially among  young people. Electronic cigarettes are becoming very popular and stylish here as well.
4. French women don't shave. Fiction.
   It's hard to tell you for CERTAIN, but I haven't noticed any unusually hairy legs or underarms here. However, if they have a military shower like me, I wouldn't blame them for giving up on regular shaving. It's supremely difficult.
5. The french smell bad. Depends.
   The women here wear a lot of perfume, and typically everyone smells pretty nice. However deodorant here is a little bit different. It usually is sold in travel-sizes and there aren't as many brands. Occasionally you do end up next to someone on the tram who is a bit, uh, smelly. 
6. France is dirty. Fiction.
   Of course it largely depends on WHERE you are in France, but Grenoble is very clean. Much more so than say, New York. I will let you know that people don't clean up after their dogs, and people pee in the streets way too much. 
7. Everyone wears berets and stripes. Fiction.
   Stripes are in right now in the same way that they are in America. Berets are not terribly popular, but you do see them from time to time. However they are pretty stylish and cute, not just black and flat.
8. The french are very stylish. Fact.
   Not that everyone wears Ralph Lauren or Chanel, but people here care about their appearance. Fashion isn't much different than in the states, though. Imagine if EVERYONE got up in the morning and actually spent time getting ready for the day. No pajamas. No "I'll wear this t-shirt because it's easy" kind of outfits. That's french people every day.
9. The french are rude. Fiction.
   Even when I struggle with the language, or do something stupid, the people here are very nice to me. Sometimes they are in a hurry, or speak very directly, but it's never to be rude or impatient. They like to give people their personal space too, so sometimes it might seems as if they are being distant or cold- not true! If you initiate conversation they are very accommodating and talkative. 

That's all for tonight everyone. Until next time!