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September 30, 2002

J'ai besoin de sommeil.

It’s almost two o’clock in the morning and I’m about to go to sleep. I had forgotten that I have a French homework assignment due in the morning. But instead of being reasonable and just writing, I decided to get online and listen to BBC Radio Scotland. Don’t ask me why, maybe it’s just that Scotland’s on my mind at the moment.

My digital camera is partially disabled at the moment (I’ve lost the zoom button) so no new photos will be posted for at least the next few days. Yes, it’s quite sad.

September 22, 2002

Journées du Patrimoine

As part of the Journées du Patrimoine, fellow architecture student Catie and I went to visit the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) today. The interiors are nearly unbelievable - filled with marble, gold, exotic woods, paintings, sculpture, etc. Earlier we had attended one of the morning service at the American Church in Paris and afterwards enjoyed walking through the streets of downtown Paris sans cars courtesy of International Car Free Day.

Tomorrow “real’ classes start. Our intensive French language study is over so now it’s time for architecture studio, a visual communications class, another one covering French architecture, and continuing “non-intensive” (3 hr/week vs. 15 hr/week) language classes.

As for other news, I’m just finishing reading Word Freak, a book about competitive Scrabble®. Interesting fact #173: The game was invented by an out-of-work architect during the Great Depression. I’ve played team Scrabble® twice while here in Europe - using the French version but playing in English - and have amassed an amazing 1-1 record! Not that I’m competitive, but we should have won the second game but the other teams didn’t think “et” was a word although Merriam-Webster lists it as a past tense of “eat.” Who are you going to believe?

September 19, 2002

la Vallée de la Loire

Today we’re leaving on an overnight class trip to the Loire Valley. We’ll be visiting various châteaus along the way and even be spending the night in one!

Last weekend’s trip to Switzerland was wonderful! Diller & Scofidio’s “Blur Building” didn’t disappoint, although I was upset we weren’t able to visit it again at night. We didn’t have nearly enough time to visit all the exposition pavilions and exhibits, but I - at least - got to see everything I really wanted. And Geneva really surprised me on Sunday - a gorgeous day relaxing, reading, and playing games in a park along Lake Geneva looking towards the Alps. Unforgettable!

September 12, 2002

Bon voyage

After French class tomorrow, I’m heading off with a few of the other Tech students to the Expo.02 - Swiss National Exhibition. I’m excited for a number of reasons. 1) We’re taking the TGV, France’s high speed train, to get to Geneva. 2) It’s probably “the” architectural event of the year - including a building constructed out of an artificial cloud (trust me). 3) I really like Switzerland; I mean, who doesn’t like the Swiss?

But right now I’m doing laundry… it doesn’t get much worse than packing dirty socks and underwear for a trip!

September 11, 2002

Solidarité

One year ago…
and today the French will also be commemorating last year’s attacks with a series of remembrance services.
View along the River Seine towards City Hall - 11 Sept. 2002

September 10, 2002

Les commissions

The past couple days have mainly been spent doing what needs to get done - buying groceries, opening a bank account, etc. Nothing too exciting, even in Paris. Sure, it’s nice going to the boulangerie for a loaf of bread and to the street market for fresh fruit, but I still have my cravings for good ol’ Coca-Cola® and Peanut M&M’s®. And the Champion supermarket just around the corner stocks plenty of both!

September 09, 2002

Voilà !

So I’ve finally gotten this site looking halfway how I like it. I’ve employed the KISS method so things will be easier to update and maintain - allowing me to out and about in Paris more while still keeping y’all posted on what I’m up to. And speaking of updated websites, check out the new Georgia Tech one! It too has been a long time coming, but looks well worth the wait.

And now starts my first full week here in Paris! The agenda includes setting up my bank account, trudging through our intensive French language classes, and visiting key architectural sites such as the Pompidou Centre, Villa La Roche, and Villa Savoye.

Be sure to check out the photos, featuring shots from our welcome party and a view of my apartment.

September 06, 2002

Bienvenue à Paris !

Greetings from Paris! I’ve been here for a few days now - started intensive French classes this morning. Don’t let people tell you that the French hate Americans or more generally English-speakers. It’s just not true.