Fine French Food

Julie and all of you who wonder about French food, this one is for you!

I was invited to a French culinary school for dinner last night. It was a fantastic 5 course meal. Finally, I understand the reputation of French cuisine.

The appetizers, well, I have no idea what they were, except for a smoked fish in cream and more cream. But cream is a good thing. It was followed by veal with a tomato puree which wasn't very good.

However, my main course was awesome! I had veal with liver, baby onions, eggplant and basil in a light cream sauce. The veal was perfectly cooked. Personally, I liked this part of the meal the best, but the cheese and dessert part was good, too.

For those of you who don't know, the French serve cheese between the main course and dessert. I love cheese. It is one of my favorite things in life, so I liked being able to choose from 8 different varieties.

And they certainly didn't slouch on the desserts. There was a strawberry tart, chocolate tart, chocolate cake, banana soup, and about 10 more choices I can't remember. The banana soup one of the most unique flavors I have ever tasted and it was heavily spiked with rum. Alcohol in the dessert is always a good combination.

It was a really nice experience!

Hail + Running = Pain

I went running today and it started hailing when I had about a mile and a half left. At first it just seemed like a massive thunderstorm (usually a pleasant surprise because I haven't heard thunder very much in France), but the hail wasn't far behind. I must say it was a first. I have never been exercising outside when it started hailing and it is not an experience I would like to repeat. It felt like a million large needles where being hurled at me. Take my advice, don't run in hail, trust me.

And for those wondering, the picture is of the object that will eventually kill me. This is a pole in the metro. Said pole is home to a billion fingers a day and then mine. I am sure I am going to get some terrible disease from these cursed poles and die in France.

I Want To Be A PRINCE

Originally I wanted to be a princess, because, well, it would be cool. Especially since I have seen a lot of castles and a lot of royal gardens (my personal favorite of the two). However, after thinking about it for a while, being a princess seems like a really bad idea.

First of all, back in the day, they had to get married very young. Secondly, they had and still have to wear horrible outfits. Finally, if they don't produce an heir, they are in deep trouble. On the other hand, princes have it made. Just look at prince Harry. He parties all the time! Nodody wants him to get married or have babies. Yup, I think I want to be a prince.

Monday, I went to Versailles with Sasha (an American student studying at Cergy) with every intention of finally viewing the castle. I almost did it too, but the 20 euro fee turned me off. Instead we just walked around the gardens, which are immense to say the least, and ate a cafe on the grounds.

It was a beautiful day, except for the wind. Mon Dieu, the wind. I have been told several times by many people the wind is amazing at Versailles, but for some reason I never gave it a second thought...until I felt it for myself. I have no idea what atmospheric or climate conditions cause this phenomenon, but it is truly unbelievable. Most of my pictures are blurry because I could not hold my camera still long enough to capture the shot. I know why the royality wanted to build a palace there-to escape the summer heat. Well, they're not the only smart ones; I know where I will be in July!

I'm So Exciting

I did almost nothing this weekend and it felt great! I know I don't work much, but I do "go" a lot and I think I just needed a small break. Friday night I went out for curry with Dan and Marion and their friends Charlotte and Florian. I always have a good time with them, but I think I need to apologize to Marion. We were talking about politics and we all sort of ganged up on her. I felt bad the next day sans alcohol.

Saturday I slept until 11 and then sat at my computer all day looking through jobs and trying to adjust my c.v. I hate looking for jobs! I seem to do it very often and I am tired of it. If anyone reading this would like to give me a job, I would be extremely thankful. I still don't know if I will stay here for another year or not. If I can find a decent PERMANENT job in the U.S. I would be home in a heartbeat, but I just don't want to arrive without some security.

Sunday I cooked dinner for the American students because they came to my classes and spoke about American students. I thought I owed them as much.

Well, that's it. I know, you are jealous.

By the way, it is warm here! I got to wear flip flops for the first time since November. Warm weather is such a wonderful thing.