so, because I can't seem to stay away from traveling when I started my graduate program at Columbia College Chicago this semester I was thrilled to find that they offered a travel course to Vienna and Prague in International Arts Management. The course consisted of 10 days of traveled with a few classes and 1500 pages of reading prior to the trip as well as a 10 page paper and "teach the class" assignment after the trip. Overall the trip still seemed fantastic and a wonderful way to see the inner workings of arts managers working in Europe. As one day I wouldn't mind working in Europe or at least traveling there often. So, after lots of reading and 2 class lectures I found myself on a plane to Europe... and this is where my story begins!so, also because I had a chunk of time before and after the trip and friends that live all over Europe, I planned some side adventures!
after a wonderfully calm New Years Eve, the next morning I was on a flight to Paris France to meet my friend Becca. She is currently teaching english in the South of France in Valence and happened to be in Paris for New Years. I had the late afternoon and evening in Paris where i watched the sunset over the Louvre sculpture gardens and a fantastic meal of fondue and French wines!
Early the next day Becca and I were off to Valence by train!
As much as Paris is glamorous, Valence is as charming. The streets still had their Christmas lights and the streets were tiny and winding, filled with little shops and cafes. My days there were spent climbing an old chateau at the top of a cliff, where I could only
As much as Paris is glamorous, Valence is as charming. The streets still had their Christmas lights and the streets were tiny and winding, filled with little shops and cafes. My days there were spent climbing an old chateau at the top of a cliff, where I could only
imagine what this could have looked like looking over the small town centuries ago. During the time Becca had to teach I made my way around the city exploring
and trying to learn as much French as I could (which sadly is not much).
We spent a fabulous evening in the next town over, Tain, where we sampled chocolate at perhaps the best chocolate shop I have been to.. as well as a wine tasting where we got to sample the wine of the region! Wine and chocolate is the best combination!! Apparently I also sound like I know wines, cuz our server asked if I worked in the wine industry...
The next day unfortunately Becca had to spend most of the day working, so she arranged a "babysitter" for me, her friend Patrick who lives 40minutes away in a town called Die. Which was hilarious to say that I was going t
The next day unfortunately Becca had to spend most of the day working, so she arranged a "babysitter" for me, her friend Patrick who lives 40minutes away in a town called Die. Which was hilarious to say that I was going to Die (but its pronouned Dee). This town is right in the middle of huge mountain peaks and looks like it hasn't changed for 100's of years.
We had originally planned to do some hiking, but as it was a snow storm by the time I got there we decided to stick to the easier trails. The snow was extremely pretty even though it hid some of the mountain peaks... Patrick was a great host and knew so much about the area. We took a beautiful trail that took us past some gorgeous views and pretty countrysides.. I really want to go back in fall I can only imagine how amazing that must be!!
My time in France was great, I'm so glad I got out of Paris and saw a
My time in France was great, I'm so glad I got out of Paris and saw a
different part of the country!! Everyone I met was so nice and friendly and even without speaking a word of French very patient and wonderful!! Thank you again to Becca and her roommates for letting me stay at the flat!!
