Biarritz, France, and more!

A sample of the home structures in France
Typical trees of this region....I find them fascinating-Biarritz
Mary, Rachel, myself, and Laura-Biarritz
Biarritz, France
Biarritz, France

1/29/10

After just about three weeks, I am beginning to no longer feel like a tourist in this town, yet someone who lives here. I am learning the names of (some) restaurants, streets, plazas, bus numbers, and can somewhat fumble my way through directions using the proper names. I’ve got a few more categories of information I’d love to share this week!

Mi trabajo:

As a person coming from a 24 hour a day, do something at all times because you have so much to do, and never rest because that’s only what you do at night if you can-culture (or maybe that’s just my life? J), having downtime can be somewhat challenging. Therefore, I’ve looked for some things to keep myself busy, and no, I cannot remember the last time that thought even crossed my mind! As an exchange student, we are allowed to work either babysitting or teaching English, and USAC helps to hook us up with a job. On Tuesday, I sent Aizpea, one of the office staff, an email inquiring about an internship and a job. On Wednesday, I was starting my job! All I was told was that I would be working with a 9 year old Basque girl named Helene from five to eight on Wednesday night. THREE HOURS????? Almost my nightmare, to have to entertain a child for three hours…..so needless to say, I was a little hesitant going in. Upon arrival at their piso, about three or four blocks from school, I met Xavier, Helene’s father who gave me a quick introduction to Helene and their home before asking me if I’ve been told what I’m going to do with her. My first thought is..ummm…what do you mean, “what I am going to do with her?” Not a clue. So he, in English, although we spoke mostly Spanish after that, politely told me that I was going to walk her to English class at 5:30 and pick her up at 6:30 when I would walk her to Ballet class at 6:30 and pick her up at 7:30 and then accompany her back to their piso and wait until about 8:00 when the mother got hom. SWEET! My type of job! So, after a five minute speed introduction, Xavier left me with Helene…which, thinking about later was pretty trustworthy! I’m not sure that I would leave my child with a complete stranger only after five minutes!

Helene is a sweet habladora (talker!) that has no problem speaking in English, Spanish, or Basque (if I had that talent as well). As we walked from place to place, she asked me questions about my home, animals, and sports. She loves to ride horses, although she doesn’t get the opportunity very often, and she loves cats and dogs. Also…she is a fanatic of Miley Cyrus and her brother loves Kobe Bryant! Then, the topic of sports came up, as I had seen some basketballs in their home. She told me that her Dad works for the television, and is a commentator for the local professional basketball team. EXCUSE ME? Did you just say that? Oh, and not to forget that he went to Beijing to cover basketball and tennis as well. This is where I realize that I got in with a great family J.

While Helene worked on her English skills, I indulged in a tea from a nearby café, and tried to complete some homework; while she was at ballet, I went to another café and completed my homework. Nothing like killing two birds with one stone. When we arrived back to her home about 8:00….no one was there yet, so she started on her homework, we played a Miley Cyrus video game, and listened to some of her music. The clock ticked, and ticked, and ticked, and ticked until 9:00 rolled around and her Dad arrived again, shocked that the Mom was not home yet. He apologized immensely, and then paid me for the fourth hour as well. I was fine, walking away with fourty euro…for doing this? It almost feels like stealing!

Mi intercambio:

Another way for us to get involved in the Spanish culture and become more integrated into the daily lives of those around us is to choose to have an intercambio, or exchange partner where we essentially “exchange ideas,” or English and Spanish. Last Friday, I got to meet my intercambio, María. I sent her a picture por email so it wouldn’t be too awkward meeting at the cathedral when we are both looking around for some stranger. She showed up, and without trying to be too obvious, we both kind of gave each other the head nod signifying, “this is you, right?” Maria is 34 years old and studying to be an elementary school teacher. I think that she worked in something else before, but decided to go back to school. We went to one of her favorite cafes, because of the jazz music and atmosphere found inside, and spent several hours over one cup of coffee. Another example of the sobremesa. We spent the first hour or so speaking in Spanish; I got to ask her a lot of questions about the Basque Country and their customs, and what are good things to do around these parts of the country. We then finished the last hour or so in English, in which I noticed a transition in myself. I was able to be more expressive, and I felt as though I “lit” up and was more myself. Goal #1: By the end of the trip, I want to have the same “personality” in Spanish as I do in English. I actually intrigued myself with this discovery because although I was very confident and thought I did a good job with my Spanish….it is always much more natural with the native language. I even felt myself smiling more, noting the physical change as well. During the conversation, I discovered that María is studying to become a teacher, but she also does voice dubbings as well for movies and radio. She is from a small town outside of SS, is single, and lives here now in San Sebastián. We talked extensively about her recent trip to Egypt….which is on my top five list….and gets my mind spinning, among many other things. We are going to try to get together at least once a week after next week because she has final exams. Looking forward to getting to know her more, and through her, more about the language/s (she speaks Basque too), and culture as well.

Monte Urgall:

A few girls and I hiked, or rather walked, would be a more appropriate term, to the infamous Monte Urgall, or Jesus statue, that overlooks Donostia. With precious views of the entire city, it really became apparent once reaching the top, that I am living in a uniquely beautiful city. I would not guess that mountains surround beach towns in many cities of the world. Stunning. Gorgeous. This, I vow, will be my refuge when needed once the weather improves a bit. Not only is the view impressive, but there is an extensive museum for those history buffs, or those who try to be (huhmmm….me) on top of the mountain. I am looking forward to returning by myself at some point to spend some time reading and absorbing the history of this place I now call home (for a few months…).

Doctor:

After a few days of sniffling, not tasting food, and hacking up a lung, I decided to visit the doc. Mostly, it was not tasting what I was eating that killed me (and my Mom’s encouragement) One of the office staff, Aizpea, accompanied me just to make sure that I knew what was happening. Turns out, I can definitely hold my own at the doctor, but I was glad she was there. Would have been a little sketch to show up to some random doctor’s office, not in a hospital, where upon entering there was a curtain a desk with books lining the shelves, two chairs, and a patient’s bed. Kinda creepy thinking about it, but the doctor himself seemed like a nice guy. If necessary, I would go again on my own. After a little questioning, and taking of the temperature (under the armpit?-apparently I didn’t have it positioned correctly the first time…um, it’s been about 25 years since I’ve had my temperature read under my armpit haha), he determined that I simply had a catarro, or the common cold. Although convinced I had a sinus infection, what was I to say? Aizpea and I took the prescription to the pharmacy nearby, and on the way she told me that he was a unique doctor in that he doesn’t like to prescribe antibiotics. So, two days later when I was in France, and still couldn’t breathe or taste, I bought a decongestant that has helped although I still have coughing fits every once in a while. Feeling good though!

Biarritz, France:

And the travels begin! In the year 2000, when I first visited San Sebastián with Señor Cole and the rest of the Corning crew, we took a little side trip to a town in France called Biarritz, France. Ten years later, I find myself there again. However, this time with just three other gals from the U.S., and in the midst of a storm! We left San Sebastián, buying our bus tickets on the bus itself for just under seven euro, and relaxed while turning through each round-about and weaving our way down the road along the coast for about an hour and ten minutes. Immediately, it was evident that we were in a different country because of the architecure. On the French side, I would describe them as more of the stereotypical French Chalet style, with window shutters outlining the windows of the white plastered homes, residing on rolling green hills along the coast of the Bay of Biscay. We arrived in Biarritz and immediately determined that yes, we needed to indulge in some French delacacies. Breakfast was consumed at a pastry type restaurant where I officially ate my first real French Crossiant, being happy to at least taste one bite, and realizing that it was really pointless to continue eating if I couldn’t enjoy. However, with my food addiction, I couldn’t cut myself off, but rather, I needed to search for some decongestant medication. After spending a good hour an a half at the little restaurant reminiscent of a Victorian mansion, decorated in pink velour, we decided to brave the town because the weather had succeeded a bit. Exploring we did. Getting cought in a storm, we did. Soaking our shoes, but advancing on, we did!!! Stopping for a café in a small restaurant, only to spend another hour and a half, we did!!! Searching for Mary’s special soap, we did! The other three girls, crazily walking along they beach, they did! I, looking like a terrorist with my scarf wrapped around my face and ears, watched from the boardwalk, and tried to stay dry. We ended up at the far end of the beach, and decided that we wanted to return back to more of the “town” part, by taking the stone tunnel that ran along the water. Cool! Until we had to run through it because the waves were splashing in it. When I made the decision, as I do when I make decisions, I made it and ran. Literally! The other three girls were caught laughing at how fast I ran because I booked it through the tunnel, timing the wave, so as to not get drenched. Although out of breath upon arriving on the opposite side, I was dry! (Kind of). So, what to do after that? Return to the restaurant where we enjoyed our café so much, and eat lunch! This, this was impressive. The first meal in several days I could taste; the decongestant worked! I ordered an omelette style dish, with French fries. Delish! Therefore, although the weather was not in our favor, we got to dabble in the beautiful resort (hence, best in the summer) town of Biarritz, France! J

NOTE: One of my teachers, Mari Mar, explained the difference in culture to us between Spain and France. She noted that in France, not as many people are seen on the streets walking, drinking coffee, reading the paper, etc. Es decir, the French are more closed off than the Spanish people. This didn’t become evident to me until returning to San Sebastian, where although raining just like it had in Biarritz, the first thing I noticed were the hundreds of umbrellas covering the sidewalks. PEOPLE! We saw nearly no one in Biarritz out and about….interesting observation Mari Mar!