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).

Cambriolage

It means burglery.

Yeah, I was broken into early this morning. Woke up to a guy standing in my window. He ran off but when I realized he or someone else took my purse and computer I was absolutely furious. I don't care that he took my cash. My computer was the only way for me to stay in touch with family and friends, something much more dear to me than cash, and he took it away.

I'll write again when I'm not so upset.

À la Marché

I am currently sitting in a café in the Place du General de Gaulle writing on an advertisement in the Lillois version of the New Times (Direct Lille) because I left my notebook at home. An accordion player is sitting on the steps of the Théàtre du Nord. I am always going to love that. In America, all the street musicians play guitars, but so far here all I’ve seen are accordion players.
Had my first experience at a French Market today, and it was lovely. I bought two cheeses I’ve never heard of and it cost me all of 3€. Some things out here might be more expensive, but produce definitely isn’t. And thank god for Globalism; I found avacados AND cactus flowers in the market. Good to know I’m never too far from home.

One thing I keep seeing at the markets are these long, rolly grocery bags (poussette). They’re great! The Lillois use them so they wont have to walk home with arm loads of grocery bags (a feat i’ve undertaken all too many times). I think I should bring them home and market them towards college kids.

<-- OMG. Look at the wheels on this thing! This is perfect for taking up stairs! I need one.

Making the Move

I am currently on the flight to Chicago, from where I fly into France. Other than having to spend about 20 mins rearranging my luggage to avoid the grotesque excess baggage fee, things have gone by smoothly. I was able to get a cheap MP3 player for $25 which hold 1000 songs, 260 of which I have already put on should last me the entire flight. I am currently listening to Cloud Cult but I have songs by Duffy; Loreenna McKennitt and Sigur Ròs to set the mood for the long flight. I’ve managed to find myself amidst a large group of sales men (and women)/inspiration speakers, je ne sais pas. As I watch them pitching to fellow passangers I am glad I have by headphones to help keep them at bay (not to mention drowning out the woman in the window seat determined to chat with her sales friend over me and across the aisle). I hope I get a window seat in Chicago so I can watch France rise beneath the plane in the morning light.

Anxiety is finally setting in.

I am on my way to live a dream I’ve had for 12 years.