La Braderie

So I've planned my arrival spectacularly. I arrived one week early. Earlier than what you ask? why The Braderie of course!

It is a city-wide flea market that has its origins in the 12th century! The term Braderie is actually used in Belgium and the Netherlands, which just goes to show you how very flemish Lille is. Lille is one of if not the largest Braderie in the region. People come from all over to get in on the action, whether it be shopping or selling.

Signs have been placed all over the city saying where and where not to set up shop for longer than I've been here. It goes from 2pm on satuday and goes til 11pm on sunday. Straight through. Like those time limits stopped anyone. I woke up at 9am to the sound of hussle and bussle outside my window. People were setting up and selling first thing in the morning. I got dressed and headed out to experience this age-old tradition.

I wandered down the streets just getting oriented to the insanity that is the Braderie. People's goods flooded off the sidewalk and onto the streets, which is why the city center is closed to traffic this weekend. Luckily it's lovely and sunny this weekend, so everyone seems to be in a good mood to haggle a good price.

There are so many antiques! Of course, I know I'm in Europe so it's bound to happen here; but it seems everywhere I turn I see a large guilded mirror or secretary desk. The forever party planner in my head keeps seeing things what would have been perfect for my Steampunk party this summer!

I went in search for the infamous Moule (mussels) piles. Apperently it is tradition for restaurants to compete over selling the most Moules Frites (mussels and fries). I only found one outside of the restaurant Aux Moules.


I'm in the market for 4 things: Cups, Bedside lamp, a Bike and a Sewing Machine. Here's to hoping I can find them!

It’s the little things that make you homesick

Here are some differences I’ve observed that I’ve yet to see mentioned anywhere:

• The pillows are square, not rectangular like in the US.
• Crutches here look more like the ones people with back problems use in the US, with a cuff around the bicep and a handle.
• The paper is lined really weird and is larger than paper in the U.S., more like legal pad size.
• Beer is usually served in 25cl glasses, a normal pint is 47cl.
• Other than the obvious differences, the outlets are usually indented like the pic
  
• Binders come in two or four rings, not three
• Of course the keyboard is AZERTY and not the English QWERTY
• And in reference to the above, you have to hold the shift (or have the caps lock on) to use the numbers.
• You have to use G for bold but even though it is symbolized with an S, you use U for underline
• A burger includes only burger sauce, except for at fancy restaurants and MacDo

Marché de Wazemmes

Well I am currently enjoying my first Guinness on this side of the ocean. It is good but tastes suspiciously watered down… But whatever. I went to the French conversation meeting last night, but ended up hanging out with a different group all night. I tried to meet with the group I found to speak French, but ended up being the resident native in a group of French people who were meeting to speak English. I had a great time and meet a lot of cool people. It was kind of a relief to speak English, but since I knew French it was also nice to help those who wanted to know how to say something in English. It was nice to meet such a large group of Lillois.

Today I experienced the Marché de Wazemmes. It was neat. Lots of booths with anything from fabric (tissues) and shoes (chausseurs) to typical groceries. As soon as I got there is started pouring and I had decided apparently that my little ballet flats were good enough so my feet got soaked; but I was in luck. I found a booth qui vende a nice pair of boots for only 15€. Now I have a pair of black boots for those all-to-often rainy days.

Blog au Café

Sitting at a cafe determined to actually contribute to my blog. I feel much better now after a few days of calm. Stephanie, who is in charge of the students here at the résidence, has been gracious enough to lend me her computer unitl I got my own today. I was able to get a mini one with a camera (for Skyping) for around 250€. Coralie, who is in charge of the 1ere étage (second floor) i think, came with me to help me make sure I didn't get something I didn't need. You know how those sales guys are. So now I have my own computer again, hooray.

I just really want school to start so I at least feel like i have a purpose; after all, that was the purpose of coming here. I am currently waiting for 20h to meet up with a group I found online. We are meeting at the Café de Paris on the rue de Paris. Meh. Just trying to pass the time til then. I need me some potatoes. The French eat too much bread, I need to get me a different carb. Off to McDonalds I go (it’s just on the other side of this building, that’s the only reason why).