First post in over 20 years

Hey everyone, happy belated new year and good tidings. I originally thought I might keep a written journal of my experiences in Strasbourg as an abroad student (étudiant ERASMUS as they say in France), but I realized that it was much more practical to make a blog, I guess the modern equivalent of a journal. Plus my brother made one, and I figured why not. I used to think they were stupid, but now that I'm plunged into a crazy unprecedented experience I realized I might have some interesting things to share with any who care to read along. Also, it seemed more efficient than trying to e-mail people constantly.

So far, my experience in Strasbourg has been good. I'm almost finished with my first week here, and still tying up the most annoying loose ends possible - Internet (just got it today), bank accounts, cell phones, class schedule, academic calendar, etc. My apartment is tiny and fairly threadbare, but it's fine (although I will say that all BC housing options are not created equal). I start classes at the Université de Strasbourg Marc Bloch this Monday. Some of my classes will also be held at the Institut d'Études Politics (IEP). Both campuses are located quite close to my apartment, which is not far from the beautiful downtown area of Strasbourg. Right now myself and other kids in the program are taking a stage de Français at the IEP as a sort of warm-up for the beginning of classes. It is a three-day, fifteen hour experience: six hours on Monday, six on Tuesday, and three on Wednesday. I mention it because it is taught by an awesome professor, a Frenchman to the core named Jean-Christophe Meyer. He seems kind of severe, but it's probably because he speaks rapid, native French, something no class has every prepared me for. He's the man. Has long hair, crazy leather shoes, nice sweaters - an academic heavyweight. It is fascinating to listen to his view of French and American politics, government, current events, you name it. He was no fan of the previous U.S. administration, I can tell you that.

The city will be much more aesthetically appealing when the temperature warms and it stops snowing/the sun comes out. Apparently the weather throughout France is uncharacteristically cold right now. It hardly ever snows in Strasbourg, yet it has snowed the majority of the days I've been here. Zut, mais ça va changer.

The city is picturesque, and it has been great to do some initial exploring with fellow BC in Strasbourg students. It's comforting to have some sort of American anchor, because I've only been out of the country once (in eighth grade, on a family trip to England). Of course it has been fun to explore the bars as well, though we haven't gotten into much of that yet. Interestingly enough, at most places they play mostly American music. Forget getting carded - pretty obvious, this is Europe, but still quite a novelty to me. Many stores sell 16-20 oz. cans of Amsterdam beer, the strongest of which is MAXIMATOR, with an astounding 11.6% alcohol content. The Maximator puts Steel Reserve to shame, and does the trick, to say the least.

There are many cultural differences, which are always fun to see. Some are intriguing - many French advertisements contain sexual references, even ads for laundry detergent; others are disconcerting - it's great to see dog lovers with their canine companions everywhere, but they don't pick up after them hardly at all. Thus, walking on a sidewalk can sometimes literally be shitty. A sort of minefield if you will. Also, there are bicyclists everywhere, and one can't expect them to slow down much, even if you're ahead of them. Makes for some interesting encounters.

I guess that's all for now. When the weather improves I'm going to bring my camera around the city with me - so many good photo ops. As a final word, here's a quote from Professor Meyer (or at least the gist of it), uttered not more than three hours ago local time:

Il faut que les riches vivent plus simplement, pour que les pauvres puissent simplement vivre - Gandhi.

Dad, I knew you'd like this. It basically means "The rich must live more simply, so that the poor can simply live." I'm not into political preaching or anything, but something about the quote resonated for me.

Again, sorry for the lack of photos on this first post. There will be many, all in good time.

À Bientot!