Cats, Owls, and Goats. Oh my.

"Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends." ~Maya Angelou

Well it's finally the weekend. I don't think I'll get used to having M-F classes back at Arkansas next semester. I'm definitely spoiled here in France. I came home from class to find my roommates gone, so I decided to tackle the pile of dishes that slowly accumulated over the past few days. I was just jamming out to some One Direction (shout out to my roommate Sam- it's kind of our thing), when I heard a noise and saw some movement out of the corner of my eye.

I should probably preface this by saying I had opened the door because it was absolutely beautiful here today... anyway. 

I don't know what I expected to see, but a cat staring back at me was not my first guess. It was all I could do to not immediately throw the cup I was washing at it... I think I remember saying "Oh no. What the heck." What was I supposed to do if that cat just decided to walk upstairs? What if the thing had rabies? I'm not a cat person in any way shape or form. I guarantee if it had been a puppy that thing never would've left my house. Thankfully the cat looked around, decided maybe he didn't want to stay, and walked back out the front door. I shut the door not long after...

Eh, at least things are never dull around here. I swear something happens every day where I just sit back and say "what the heck."After all that excitement, I went to the Picasso Museum here in Antibes. It's one of only four museums dedicated to Picasso in the world- I would say that's quite impressive. Picasso actually worked in a studio in the museum for a long time and donated a lot of his work to be shown there. My first thought as I looked at some of his work was "why can't I be famous too? My doodles look exactly like his expensive painting." Some people just get lucky I guess.

I learned that Picasso had two wives his whole life, but had children through four different women. Talk about being a busy guy... He gained a lot of inspiration through a pet owl he had (which, is really legit if you ask me), and had a weird thing for goats. I mean, they don't really get me going, but whatever works for you Picasso. As I walked around the rest of the museum by myself I couldn't help but wonder what inspired him. HIs painting were slightly odd and as I stood squinting looking at the paintings, I realized that his paintings are a lot like my life. Track with me here...

Picasso started painting something because he was inspired to create. He saw beauty in objects, albeit some really strange ones, but nevertheless, beauty. He drew from his heart, and his finished product represents just a glimpse into his life. Maybe I don't know what that is supposed to mean, but it's almost poetic. My life is incomplete. God started out with an idea, an inspiration of who I am going to be and every day he adds a new stroke to my life. Each line, each color is simply building to one day when I will finally be complete. God doesn't look at me and see an ordinary object. God looks at me and sees a priceless painting. An object inspired by the beauty he created. And I tend look at myself and say he hasn't don't a good enough job. I am a reflection of God. Maybe my life doesn't make sense. Maybe I won't know why certain things happen. But hopefully at the end of this all, I can stand back, squint my eyes and tilt my head, and see what I've become.

Cannes I get a woo woo?

"Feels like I'm constantly playing a game that I'm destined to lose. Cause I can't compete with your boyfriend, he's got 27 tattoos." - One Direction

I know, not a song lyric you would normally pick out as inspirational or anything, I just happen to think this line of the song is funny, especially since each member of One Direction probably has 27 tattoos. And it's appropriate since I was recently in the same place as One Direction. Saw the tops of their heads, so I feel like I almost met them. This past weekend was the SKEMA ski trip, so three of the four roommates were gone, leaving me and my roommate Sam to hold down the fort here in Antibes. I declined going to the ski trip because it was expensive, and knowing me, I probably would've come back with a broken leg or something. But, as luck would have it, we found of the NRJ Music Awards were here in Cannes (a town about 10 minutes away) and suddenly we were on the better end of the deal. Celebrity spotting while everyone else was trapped in the Alps? Sounds great to me. We made our plans and made our way to Cannes prepared to meet our newest celebrity crushes, One Direction. We managed to stumble across their hotel, saw them getting into their cars to go walk the red carpet, witnessed Psy walk up the red carpet while everyone danced to Gangnam Style, and saw hundreds of little girls serenade One Directions car with their songs. Chants of "Harry! Harry! Harry!" started down the street. These girls were obsessed. All we wanted was to eat, so we left. In retrospect, maybe we should've waited until they had walked the red carpet but when your stomach speaks, you move. 

After a great dinner, a relaxing after dinner drink at Morrison's pub, we ended up back at the convention center in time to see Taylor Swift perform We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together- slightly awkward considering the big "Haylor" split, but hey, you go girl. They were broadcasting the events inside on a screen outside so it was ALMOST like we were inside... almost. They opened up the red carpet, we took a picture and walked around a bit more. Seeing as any club we would've wanted to go to had a cover we decided we'd just head home to Antibes by catching the Noctumbus, which turned out to be the sketchiest thing ever.

While witnesses a possible prostitute and pimp work the street, we climbed onto a bus full of French... gangsters. There's no other way to describe it. With one step we were suddenly on Sketchville francais. Screaming was the noise level of the whole bus home and they yelled back and forth to each other, one woman got spit on, the security guard got told to "Go back to Africa" and I really didn't know if I'd make it home to Antibes. When we finally pulled up to our stop I was never more relieved, and as we walked away, the police pulled up and I was told they gave tickets to all the people on the bus. Score one for us. My friend Jennifer ended up sleeping over at our house because all her roommates were gone and after such a horrifying display of France's finest we decided it'd probably be the best thing. After all that, I fully embrace never going to Cannes at night again, not unless I want to walk home. Or maybe splurge for a cab. Funny how such glamour was simply a five minute walk away from the hooligans that were on the bus with us... All in all, it was an interesting night, one that I won't forget anytime soon. But that's why I came here! To make memories, to experience new things (albeit not something I would've asked to experience) and to broaden my perspective. It's easy to look at the French riviera and see glamour and beauty, but within each city there's always a rough side lurking somewhere. Kind of like with people.

You can look at someone and judge them from the outside and never actually know what's going on inside. They might look perfect and put together but they could be falling apart, struggling and just desperate on the inside. Yet how often do I brush off people simple by judging what's on the outside? Knowing someone, knowing somewhere and loving it means embracing all parts of it. The ugly parts, the beautiful parts and the parts in between. I'm learning to enjoy each experience. Maybe it wasn't what I wanted or what I expected but it was an experience worth having. That's what I love about being here. The opportunity to go out and see beauty, and then the ability to go and see the not so glamourous parts of France. That's why I love being able to live here, not just visit. My eyes are being opened and I truly enjoy every second of seeing life in the French Riviera! 

For Tony

I'm taking a break from keeping you all updated about my study abroad adventures to dedicate a post to a friend who I miss terribly.

I recently had a friend pass away, and it really shook me. I've had people close to me die, but never a friend who I knew so well. Tony was like a brother to me. He was always there for me and even when we split ways going to college we managed to stay in touch. He was, and is, one of my best friends. I had written this a few weeks ago but just couldn't bring myself to post it until today. Actually, I was reading in my quiet time today and a verse really hit me. 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth." That probably makes no sense to you, but I've been struggling for a long time with a guilt that I never knew 100% that Tony was a Christian. After reading that, I felt God say "You did what I called you to do. You loved him, you prayed for him, and I took care of the rest." So here's some reflections I had when I was thinking about Tony.

(Tony and I at prom 2009)

I still remember the first time I met you. I was just a little freshman at Parkview, and I had no idea why this weird Asian kid wanted to know who I was and be my friend. Holly and Jasmine convinced me you were a great guy and that I should get to know you, so I did. Soccer practices, games, bus rides and memories filled freshman and sophomore year. I wish you had taught me how to do that flip throw-in, although you always joked I'd probably break something trying. You were right. 

I remember when you got elbowed during a game and you had a scar by your eye after that. You were so accident prone. You hurt your ankle and I always told you to take care of yourself... you didn't listen to me. Instead you just had your little gangster walk to compensate. It always made me laugh. :) I remember how supportive you were of the girls soccer team, and most of all how supportive you were of me. You were Coach Berjot's monitor but if you showed up, all you did was sit and joke around and talk to me. I still don't know how you managed to pass high school when you missed school so much. You always said it was because you were Asian. I think you're right. 

You knew how to have fun Tony, you were always laughing, joking around, always having fun, and always around for me. You had the security guard open my locker to leave me a teddy bear and chocolate for Valentines day. I'm sorry I was so freaked out by that. In my defense, I thought I was getting suspended that day. :) You would drop anything for me. Even in the middle of getting your window fixed after your car was broken into you left the body shop to come help me fix the SUV when it wouldn't run. You helped me fix my Camry after my wreck- you even paid for the parts and helped put them on my car. You were a friend through everything. 

You asked me to prom over text, and I told you to ask me in person. In English the next day you said "Jackie, are you gonna go with me?" I said, "Go with you where?" And you said "My senior prom. This is me asking you." Of course I said yes. I was so excited to be going to prom with you. You wrecked your car on the way home from the state soccer tournament on prom day, and even with a totaled car, you managed to have fun. You even fit a whole meatball from Macaroni grill in your mouth... talent. You also managed to wreck your car on your way to the new Twilight movie with me and Brianna. But you still came, paid for our tickets and got us popcorn and even though we had to sit on the floor that's a memory I'll always hold onto.

You came and had dinner with my family, you went to coffee with my dad, we walked across the bridge together and we just sat and talked for hours. You came to visit me at Maggie Moo's, even though it was all the way across town. You always made me laugh. You also always kept me worried about what new crazy thing you were gonna do. I still wish I could've learned how to drive a standard from you. You always made fun of how nerdy I was. But you always told me to keep going and that you were proud of me. You told me how excited you were for me to go to France and told me to take you with me. You'll always be with me Tony.

I miss your laugh. Your crazy stories about old women in your cell store. Your gangster walk. Your Asian jokes. Your company. Our easy friendship. You were like my brother Tony, and I love you/ I miss you and I can't believe you're gone. I can't believe that the Tonester isn't in my life anymore. You said when you see a jack-in-the-box you think of me. When I look around me, there's always something that reminds me of you. I miss you, and I love you friend.

The Joys of Starting School

This week marks our first week of classes, which is an exciting thing except when I realize that I have five, three hour classes a week. Let me tell you, three hours is a long time to sit and listen to a professor who doesn't speak English very well... It gets a little confusing.

Monday was a restful day after a long Sunday of traveling through Nice, Eze and Monaco. We got to tour a perfume factory, go to the Casino Monte Carlo, see an open-air flower and fruit market, and explore the region around us! The view of the Alps was beautiful and we could see Italy only a short ways away. I still continually pinch myself so I can make sure this is all real!

Here's a great picture looking down on Monaco and the road where the Grand Prix is run!

And here's my beautiful roommates that I get to spend this semester with! From the left to right, Lindsay, Courtney, me, Samantha and Theresa! Our house is precious. The kitchen and bathrooms are tiny- good thing no one is over 300 pounds because we wouldn't be able to wash ourselves in the tiny little shower we have. It's definitely an adjustment, but it's one I've enjoyed trying to make! 

Classes are super interesting. You go for three hours once a week, and since I'm taking 15 hours I'll be at school for five different classes. They all seem interesting though so at least they won't be total snooze fests! I go to school with not only Americans with CEA but Americans here through other schools and international students from around the world. Also, I get to study alongside French students so this experience has been amazing meeting people from so many other places! I can't wait to start planning trips with my friends. Hopefully London, Paris and Barcelona will all be on the agenda very soon- thanks to Rick Steve's I have a helping hand in planning these trips! Oh! One interesting thing that's vastly different from the U of A and SKEMA is that students here just chill outside smoking cigarettes and the student organization that's in charge of I guess welcome stuff and sign up for the ski trip just passes out free alcohol. That would never happen on my campus. It's so funny to me how much those things don't matter to the French. And you don't ever seen a French person walking around completely smashed. Something makes me wonder if we have it all wrong in the United States.

Well, it's getting late here (I still haven't gotten used to all my friends and family being so far behind me) so I guess in order to actually look presentable tomorrow for my class I should catch some sleep soon! Miss you all in the States and wish you all could come out and visit me in this spectacular place! 

Au revoir!

Jackie

Bonjour from France!

Well, day 2 in France and I couldn't be more excited at what this semester can hold! I feel like I've been awake for 12 days straight, traveling took so much out of me. But, after a few days, I'm sure the jet lag will die down! :) After only spending 24 hours in France, I've made a few observations:

*Wine is cheaper than water.

*The French never look bad.

*I take having cell phone reception for granted.

*Euros look like play money.

*Shops/Restaurants don't open until 7 at night.

*Everything is in French.

The last one might seem like a dumb observation but let me tell you- it's hard trying to figure out exactly what something says at the supermarket. Also, we don't know how to work our washer yet. That's also in French. So, laundry will be interesting the first time!! We had school orientation today, which made me excited to actually start classes and get to know everyone in my class- the French and other international exchange students! Classes start Monday, but I don't have class until Tuesday so I'll it'll give me a good chance to go to campus and visit on Monday and orient myself. Tomorrow is CEA orientation and a walking tour of Antibes, which I'm excited for. Also, on Sunday we're heading to Nice and then Monaco! So much fun. I can't wait to see all the semester has in store. I'm gonna go make myself some dinner- Can't wait to keep this blog updated (hopefully!) and I'll talk to you all soon!

Till next time,
Au Revoir!
Jackie