Part 72: Au Revoir

Oh shit.

I just finished my last day in France. I leave tomorrow bright and early. So, its quite odd saying goodbye to people here, I am not good at it - but I'll get to this.

So this morning I woke up at 6am and stared at the roof sad, knowing that I had to pack up all my stuff and have an empty room. I got up at around 9.30 and had a shower and had breakfast, my last time tidying up the table after everyone... I then hung around with Carole and chatted to her for a while before going upstairs and packing. It was a slow and sad process but its done now, and my room is actually clean!

I then went back downstairs and talked to Carole some more and then we had lunch and she gave me a list of French movies to download and watch which I will get on to ASAP, I dont want to lose all my French before I ge back to Aus, so I am going to watch them and keep it up. It was a nice lunch talking about n'importe quoi, staring out at the miserable weather that France decided to leave me with.

Later, we went and picked up Bastien (about 1.30) and took him to Allevard so he could get braces. It was lol. I spent a fair bit of the time exploring Allevard but because most of the shops were closed I went back and talked to Carole in the waiting room some more and read some magazines.. well, comics. Eventually Bastien was done and he was the worlds newest braceface. Good times.

We drove back to Sainte Marie d'Alloix and I then had my last English lesson with Antoine which flew by then I came back home and played with Tim for a while before going to watch the start of a film with Bastien and Tim, then joined by Fanny (which I never finished!) At 7ish we all drove out to Airstars headquaters AKA where Benoit works and I checked it out, its a pretty cool place and his balloons are so weird, but cool. I also saw them making the big balloon they're doing for Fed Square in Melbourne! So now, when its up, I want everyone to go see it so that you can be like: Wow, Doug's French Family was totes in charge of that (well, Benoit) and he saw this long before it was up and ready to go all the way back in France. DO IT.

After the 6 of us went out to a restaurant in Grenoble for tea which was really nice to do. It was fun reflecting on my time here and just chatting away, but also sad. It makes me sad. I can however, (because by the time Carole reads this, if she does, I'll be gone) write what I want to say about the Beyliers completely honestly without consequence! They are horrible! KIDDING! They are such an amazing bunch of people and having this dinner really made me realise that I am going to really miss them all a hell of a lot. They taught me so much in such a little amount of time its ridiculous and I cannot WAIT to come back to France (or better yet[?], them come to Australia!) so we can catch up again - it will happen. Sorry Beyliers, but you're stuck now!

So, after dinner I came home and said my goodbyes to the kids who went to bed and who probably wont be up whe I am gone tomorrow. It was sad. I cant believe I wont see them for a long while, its just not clicked 100% yet. I then went out and caught up with Vincent for a while and talked to him and and his parents for a while until I wanted to come back and do some last minute errands that I needed to do.

Its such an odd day.

Its 11.40 now and I ave to be up at 6, I still have some things to do but thank God I can sleep on the plane/train.

I shall say it now, in case I can't blog for a while:

Au Revoir, France, I'll miss you! Uber special huuuge thanks to the Beyliers for being amazing. You are brilliant people and even better friends! See you....eventually! Your crappy haired, 2 armed Australian ex-housmate, Doug x

Part 71: Farewell No. 2

Hey,

Today was nice. I woke up at 8ish then lay in bed thinking for a while - today was my last day with all the Beyliers at home as tomorrow there is school and work and such. It makes me sad. I had a shower and went downstairs and for the second time, all of us were down there as breakfast was eaten which made me happy.

Everyone had things to do, except me of course, so I just kinda bummed around in the morning and drew more desings on Tim an listened to Fanny talk about her homework. It was a nice morning, very normal, which was good. I tried to avoid going upstairs to my computer which lasted a while but then Fanny started homework and Tim went and did something, so everyone was busy so I went upstairs and stared at my mess of a room when it hit me, by the end of tomorrow all of it has to be packed up in a bag and ready to take elsewhere so I started. I tidied up everything and emptied my cupboards putting everything onto one shelf so that tomorrow it would be easier, it looks so empty even now.

Eventually the lunch bell rang, and I went downstairs for my last family lunch which was steak and vegetables. It was a fun lunch with some good discussions about the Loch Ness Monster and Aliens who might even have three arms... Ah, Bastien...Smartest. Comment. Ever. It was good for some laughs and was fun listening to Tim and Fanny get fascinated by the idea of this unseen Monster living in Scotland. Tim asked me if I go to Scotland and see it, if I would come back to France and tell him about it- I said yes.

So, when lunch had finished we did the dishes and then I went upstairs and drew 'The Flash' on Tims arm whilst talking to Bastien who was showing me something on youtube until I got called down because Carole, Tim, Fanny and I were going to the finals of the music thing we saw yesterday for fun. It was pretty good today, there was a raise in standard and thus, it was enjoyable. It was funny because a lot of them sang in English today and some accents were very strong whilst they sang, t'was interesting. We were there for a good 2 hoursish and were impressed by some and bored by others. Then would critique at the end about who was good and who wasn't.

When we got back at 5.30ish we started preparing for my going away party that Carole and Benoit had organised for me. It was meant to start at 6.30 but everyone started to arrive at 6 but it was okay. At the start of the party, I was a little awkward - I'm never good at these things, but eventually I just sat and talked to Vincent and Justine until Vincent went home and then I chatted to Justine. I did socialise with others at various points which was fun, but I didn't really know what to say knowing that I'll probably not see them for at least 2 years, some possible (but hopefully not!) never again...Talking about the weather just doesnt seem suffice for these kind of situations. Oh well, it was still a really fun night and we got lucky because it was raining all day and then it stopped for my party. We had a BBQ and it went very well because everyone could make it that was invited (this consisted of: Vincent and Antoines Family, The Marcoux [who I met a while back at a dinner outing at their place], Anke and her Family, including Justine [who I went out with once when I was sick, met her friends] Letissa and her Family [for about 5 minutes, but they had good reasons] and the Saint Marie Family [whom I stayed with in Lancey whilst the Beyliers were in Dubai]. I think this added to around...26ish + the Bouchards [Letissa] = 29...)

(Yep, photo...MIA would be: Vincent and Antoine, Clara, The Bouchards. However, you can see some frequently mentioned people in there, I guess I should point out - Okay, so next to Carole with the pink scarf is Helene, the family on the right [in white, except Pascale who as orange] is the Saint Marie Family, In the front on the left with a green Jacket is pianoman Corentin, I think I've pointed out Anke and Fred before, but in case I haven't Anke is behind Corentin and Fred is getting the bunny ears [which I think is great!] These are my SMd'A people...win)

It was really nice, Thank you Carole and Benoit.

Sorry I didn't explain much about today, but I am a bit sleepy and nostalgic (how ridiculous!) so, Ima go to bed. I hope tomorrow goes really slow- fingers crossed.

Part 70: Fête du Travail

Oh my God. I cannot believe it is already May! MAY! My brithday is in 19 days. In 19 days I'll be 19 on the 19th of May having been born in 1991. So many 1's and 9's - its crazy. I'll also be in Scotland, most likely - thats kinda cool.

So, having said that its kinda cool being in Scotland whats not cool is that I wont be in France. The first of May in France is Labour Day (Fête du Travail) and is a day where everyone gives and recieves these little white flowers which smell nice but whose name, I forget -La Muguet Google tells me but I don't know how accurate that is. Anyway, its a sweet little tradition which can earn some little street sellers some nice pocket money.

This morning I woke up, had a shower then went downstairs to see all the Beyliers sitting downstairs eating breakfast. This would be the first time ever that the 6 of us where all there at once eating and it was a nice way to start my last Saturday (Nooo!) with them all. Carole and I were discussing this walk thing that we were planning on doing and invited everyone to come but no one wanted to except Bastien so at 10.30 the three of us rushed out to Saint Marie du Mont and met a group of people who were organising it all. Todays walk was a trial and set up for something thats running next Sunday so it was our jobs to put signs up to give directions to the people who will do it later. We were hoping for lovely weather, like the last few days, but were not surprised but disapointed as upon arriving, rain began to spit down. Luckily - we came prepared.

We started the walk with a photo for the newspaper (Yes! I made it into the French newspaper! Thats cool!) and then started the nearly 4 hour hike. Along the way there was much chats to mainly Bastien, rain, sun, really thick fog, puddles and some specky views (that we had to imagine as we couldnt actually see them...) The work was good fun, long, but fun. We also bought food to snack on as we walked and I took some dodgy photos that dont show anything because, well, there wasn't much to see but it was nice all the same. What wasn't nice was that I didn't feel very well for some of it, I still have bloody head aches which isn't good. I dunno.

At 2.30 when we got back from the walk, I saw Fanny and Benoit playing French Scrabble which was odd. Fanny was struggling so I was nominated to give her a hand. Worst. Helper. Ever. I mean, sure I am not bad at Scrabble but I could only really find English words i her letters and when I found French ones, I couldn't put them anywhere. Sigh. Still it was cool and I learnt some knew vocab, so you know, whatever. After Scrabble, I took a shower to freshen up and see if I felt better, I sorta did then went with Carole, Tim and Fanny to a singing competition in Le Touvet. The start was really enjoyable and there was some mad musicians playing but then it slowly got worse and worse until the last guy we watched was almost painful. We may go back tomorrow though for the finals. Good times.

Back home, we had tea (Melon, eggs and toast then Yogurt) and then sat and talked. It was fun, the kids were slightly hyperactive, and I think I wasn't the calmest but it was good, many laughs were had and thus it was a good dinner. I then tidied up the kitchen chatting to Carole and then came upstairs to type this. I am SO catching an early night tonight in hope that my head ache is just fatigue so it will go away.

Headache, please **** off. You're ruining my final days here, its making me annoyed.

Swearing is the only way to deal with headaches.

Ciao

Part 69: Lol...69

Yes, I am a mature one!

I am still feeling a little bit sick today with the sore eyes and such, but I did go to the doctors this morning and they said I was fine after a quick check up, so you know, what can I do but hope its gone by tomorrow?

I woke up at around 9 and talked to Mum on webcam for a bit before going downstairs and requesting a trip to the Docs. I was meant to be meeting Maria in Saint Hilaire today at 11 but I figured I might as well get the doctor business out of the way. So at 10.30 Carole dropped me off and I waited like an hour in the stupid waiting room for the three, THREE people in front of me. It was ridiculous. I eventually did go in and she checked my reflexes, blood pressure and breathing- what that has to do with hitting your head I dont know- but she gave the all clear stating I have 'amazing reflexes' so you know, nothing to respond to that. She said take some paracetamol for the headaches and it'll be fine. Heres hoping.

I finally could leave the doctors at like 11.30 and then I drove myself over to the Funiculaire and then met Maria on the top at 12.30ish or something like that. We made our way back to her house which was cool becuase I got see how she was living and see what her place was like. Its a nice place and has three stories like mine, but I think mine is a little bit bigger, I dunno. They have an amazing view from their window which is cool too.

We started off with some nuts and just chatted about our lives doing the big catch up after 2-3 weeks having not seen each other, both of us had a lot to tell so it was good. We then made omelette, well, Maria made omelett and I stood there. It was good Omelett. After lunch we had this awesome dessert that Maria made which she hadn't had since she was little. It was a cake that her grandma (or Yaya, as the greeks say -Maria is Greek like I am Scottish) used to make before she passed away and Maria finally got a recipe for it and was trying it for the first time- it was really nice. Cheers.

We then chatted some more and cleaned up a little bit then we decided we would watch a movie because it was raining outside and not very exciting looking. We watched 'Amelie' now for my third time and yet, it doesn't get old. We were going to watch it in French with the French subtitles but the subs werent working properly and we had to use English ones which kinda sucked, but oh well. We did talk throughout the film as well. Marias family came home too, which was cool meeting some of them, whom I had heard a bit about. They seem really nice and even gave me a lift back to the Funiculaire. Good times. After a 'goodbye, I'll see you in either a few months or a few years, stay safe' to Maria I got on the train and then wished I was back at Saint Marie and didn't have to drive because I totally could not be bothered and I wasn't feeling all the smashing in my tummy or head.

I got back, watched some of the Hannah Montana movie, some of Braveheart, got Tim ready for bed and then had Tea which was the wonderful word I hate more than any other, quiche (I hate the word, not the food). Yep, then Carole and Fanny rushed out to a play which I decided to give a miss because I really am not feeling all the great atm and so I stayed and takled to Benoit and Bastien for a bit but then went in my room and tried not to fall asleep. Good. Times.

I should totally point out here that Fanny said to Carole, who told me that she 'wished the other volcano would erupt so that the airplanes wouldn't work and he (Me) could stay longer' - that makes me smile. I almost wish that too, but in the same breath - Germany + Jette should be fun. Hmm. Still its nice to know that at least one Beylier will miss me :D

So thats my life story for the final day of April which thus would mean I have to do the whole...summary of the month. Damnit I completely forgot. I could wait until I leave the Beyliers and do a summary of my trip and that, but that would totally ruin the pattern. Last day of the month = Summary so here goes:

Week 1 (April 1st-7th)

• Had my last uni course and got to know Kyra
• Went to Grenoble with Maria and saw Alice in Wonderland
• Went to Paris thus meeting Louisa for the first time in 6 years and Alex
• Versailles as well
• Scaled the Eiffel tower - something I've wanted to do for a looong time. Win.
• Yea all the other Paris touristy stuff, it was golden.
• The SNCF strike began

Week 2 (8th-15th)

• Came back home and had Louisa with me
• Showed Louisa around town
• Funiculaired for the first time
• Saw the Chateau de Touvet
• Watched more movies than I care to count
• Toured around Grenoble three times in one week because Louisa couldnt get to he next desitnation thanks to the strike
• Oh the Beyliers left me for Dubai.
• Translated Lachlans present
• Saw a baby bumble bee
• Meet the Saint Marie family and ate pig foot

Week 3 (16-23rd)

• Finished translating
• Toured around Lancey and the combs du lancey
• Learnt of the Volcano in Iceland
• Went to a fete in Grenoble and walked in to glass walls
• Went to Aix-Les-Bains with Anke and Fredericke
• Had Louisa back over
• Went to Geneva and couched surfed with Jerison for a few days
• Meet some amazing people in the party there
• Got stuck in Geneva and stayed an extra night thanks to the strike
• Visted Annecy

Week 4 (24-30)

• Missed Lachlans 21st but had a drink for him
• The Beyliers got back - late grace to the Volcano
• Created a new plan for the next few years
• Went to go skiing but went swimming outdoors instead
• Went to the Crolles market- in snow gear
• Helped Carole with the Bibliobus
• Cleaned most of the house
• Hit my friggen head, I am so mad about this
• Fell in love with the song 'Letters'
• Went to Grand Place for the last time
• Went to Super U for the last time
• Said goodbye to Maria
• Toured Saint Marie and took some final photos
• Played tennis with Carole and lost
• I dunno, just hung out with the Beyliers and yea...

I think I might leave the things I've learnt and stuff till after I have left.. this blog is ridiculously long.

Catchyas

Part 68: 'Super U' I'll miss you, too.

G'day g'day,

This was my last Thursday in Saint Marie d'Alloix. That makes me sad. What else makes me sad is that there is something caught under my spacebar and thus, it isn't working properly. Stupid spacebar...hold on. Got it, I think.

So! This morning I woke up late and then was in my room working on a new project (so many projects going at once!) I was inside until about 12 when I got up and surprised Carole who forgot I was home. I then gathered all the stuff that I am sending home before I leave France and put them into a box before Carole and I went to Super U in Pontcharra (for the last time...ever. Hear that? Thats my heart breaking. No more French supermarkets) I was assigned the dduty of pushing the trolley around which I can assure you was riveting. Good times were had by all. Carole also bought a new outdoor table which is quite cool. Oh before that we also went to another shop and bought some stuff there too like coushins and stuff. Fact: My eyes are really sore.

Upon getting back home and loving the sun Carole and I went and went in the pool, well, I put my feet in. Carole only went right in to say that she did it at least once in April then she left and read a magazine whilst I enjoyed tapping my feet on the water and drawing patterns in the wood. I listened to music and phased out of all around me for a while- I swear I am getting vaguer and vaguer, it so has something to do with hitting my head... The next thing I recall was Carole going to pick up Tim and his friend.

When they got back Tim and his friend played madly whilst I talked to Carole and Fanny who had just arrived home. The two of them went up and got ready to take Fanny to Pony Club so I tidied up downstairs and in doing so, dropped a bottle of Apple Juice. A large, glass bottle which shattered and spilt juice everywhere. It wasn't fun to clean up and it took the whole time Carole was a way, in which I was meant to be looking after Tim and his friend who were outside on the trampoline. I think I cleaned up okay, the floor isnt sticky and I didn't cut myself walking around in bare feet so, we're in the clear.

Later I played with Basiten and his Helicopter, worked more on a project and basically wasted time until 6 when I had to go to English with Antoine. He is really getting better and remembering what I say, and I am getting better at making the lesson flow, unfortunately, I leave soon just when I am getting the hang of it.

Back home we had tea which was chicken and lentils then I watched an episode of this old superman video with Tim which was in English, so I translated for him, well tried. He understood I think. Fortunately there isn't a lot of talking but a lot of action, so it was easy for me and fun for him. Good times... good times. Mmy eyes really hurt and my brain isn't working so I might just skim the rest:

...Project, talking, thats it... yep.

Worst. Blog. Ever.

Part 67: Letters

Welcome!

I got up really early (okay, well 8am...) this morning and made my way down stairs saying 'g'day' to Carole and then having breakfast and then going back up stairs and passing time on the computer, because thats what I do. That is how I roll, man. During this time I found a song by Matt Corby, former Australian Idol contestant on Youtube, how I found it, I am not sure but I can tell you this: He has grown up and gotten some talent because this young man is on fire. The song is called 'Letters' and if you like indie acoustic guitar (Josh Pyke, Lior, Lady of Sunshine -wow they're all Australian) then definetly check it out! The song is just stunning and I listen to it... a lot. In fact, its what I am listening to right now. My mind is at ease.

So, after that, I went outside and played in the sand pit with Tim who had the day off today -Wednesday. We played for a while and jumped on the trampoline until Bastien got home and then we had lunch which was pasta and ketchup- nice. Then I played with a paper aeroplane I made with Tim for a while (crap! Carole, I totally forgot, again, to teach you the paper crane!) which was quite fun because it was sunny and well, who doesn't love paper aeroplanes? Put your hand down! Yep... My mood is so odd in the last few blogs and things I've written, apologies. So, paper aeroplanes. Tim also has this new stuff which is like crayons which are for the skin, like face paint, so Tim wanted me to draw numerous things including cats, crocodiles, sharks and the peace sign...good times. I then went around town with my camera and took a couple of photos just as momentos with the knowledge that my time is very limited here now. It was a nice walk, I like St. Marie d'Alloix.

-The above image is Tim and I with his 'Tats' that I drew...(I totally just ninjaded down stairs where Carole and Benoit were talking, grabbed the camera and ran upstairs again, probably looking like a total tool... its a good system)

Later, Carole dropped Tim to Letissa's (<- not correct spelling, but easy for me to remember) place and then Fanny, Basiten, Carole and I drove into Grenoble to the Grand Place which is a shopping centre I have mentioned 1 or 2 times. We spent a bit over an hour walking around buying things that they needed (and ice cream. I like ice cream...) It was fun. I didn't get anything myself, but it was fun tagging along for the ride and getting some quality time with some quality people. Except Fanny was attacking me with those stupid Crayon things. Hm.

Back home, I wasted time until dinner and then was late for dinner because.. I dont know, I set the table and knew dinner was like 2 seconds away but completely forgot and just went upstairs then came down and everyone was eating... idiot. I listened to the chats a lot today my brain was just not in function mode, I hade no idea what was going on. So vague. Its not a good system.

After tea I...watched Smallville, listened to this song wrote blog I dunno. normal stuff.

Longer blog than intended. Amazing.

Check out the song. Do it. DO IT. Matt Corby - Letters. Youtube. You have 10 minutes. I will know if you don't do it. How? You don't want to know...

Snappy sign off,

Doug

Part 66: Shower?

Comic No. 2: Aliens in the Shower

D. Sedunary

28-4-10

Hey!

So I said I would do another comic and here it is! It is a slight exaggeration, I didn't actually see the three figures coming towards me, however, I really did have concussion or whatever today after hitting my head because I really had no idea how the hell I got in the shower or for how long I wasn in there for, I think a while as the mirror had fogged up quite a lot.

Now, I apologise first off to Carole who looks nothing like that of which I drew, people are not my forte. This leads me to saying, my drawing of me, my hair isn't actually curly like that anymore, but I find if I dont draw myself with stupid curly hair, I cant tell its me. Finally, Antoine knows what Hello means, he is learning more advanced than that, its just all I could think of without having too much detail - phew!! On a positive note, I really like the shower frame because the steam looks cool... yes.

Um, nothing else happened today that was out of the usual, Lunch with Fanny, Salome and Carole aaand yea, Tennis was good too. We rallied for about an hour (recording a tragic 23) but then played for about 15 minutes where the final scores were, I think, 3 games to 1... yes. I cant serve is the issue...no other reason... haha (I can totes hear Smallville playing upstairs right now...I wonder what episode Carole is watching, might go check it out... then watch an ep of my own..I have a plan)

Natalie Tran occupied my day a fair whack too.

Night!

x