Couple of Crumbs

Summer Lovin’: Culture Shocked

By: Red Velvet

Like many, many other people (including our very own guest bloggers), I too vacationed in London and Paris this summer (does September still count as summer?).  I could go on and on about how beautiful both cities were, particularly Paris.  How the sight of the Eiffel Tower lighting up the night sky took my breath away, how I marveled at the architecture of St. Paul’s Cathedral and Notre Dame, how excited I was to see the Shakespeare and Company book store from my favorite movie, Before Sunset.  I mean the list of things to rave about when it comes to Europe is endless.  There’s just so much to see and do.  No matter how many days you spend there (in my case, it was 10 days with one of my BFFs, Giggles), it never feels like enough.  So instead, I’m going to talk about what I experienced during my first trip outside the US - which was a whole lot of culture shock.

I haven’t travelled much but even I know you’re bound to notice differences between your home town and your vacation spot.  The weather, people, atmosphere, the prices.  Everything! And going to London and Paris was no exception.  
 
London, surprisingly enough, felt a lot like New York.  It was trendy and metropolitan but it felt more cultured and artsy, cleaner and people were a lot nicer.  We had more than one person gladly offer us help without us asking (whether it was directions or dragging a suitcase up a flight of stairs).  We took “the tube” (their subway) every day and I am proud to say that I successfully navigated us around.  I really felt at home in London.  During one of our day trips to the town of Bath, we were aimlessly walking around while eating our British pasties when I told her - you know, I could see myself living here.  I wouldn’t mind taking the tube to work every day and shopping at stores like Harrod’s and Topshop.  I just needed to remember little things - that people call buses coaches, chips are french fries and the loo refers to the bathroom.  Easy enough! (This is all mindless rambling by the way, I doubt I’d ever make that drastic of a move although I like to daydream about it.)
 
 
(At the Roman Baths.  And I promise, this is not the spot where I told Giggles that I could see myself living in London.)   

Paris, on the other hand, was a whole other beast (and I do mean that nicely).  Right off the bat, I fell in love with its beauty.  The architecture, the history you see at every corner and of course, the Eiffel Tower.  The whole time I was in Paris, I loved being able to see the Eiffel Tower, whether it was during the day or lit up at night.  It’s truly a sight to behold.  But I had a lot to learn about Parisian culture.  For one thing, they don’t like when you speak to them in English (and they really are a bit grumpy).  So despite my 8+ years of studying Spanish, I attempted to speak French by learning three important phrases: bon jour (good day), merci (thank you) and parlez-vous anglais (do you speak English).  It didn’t get me far but hey, at least I tried!


(My first up-close view of the Eiffel Tower.  Imagine getting off a bus and seeing this.  So amazing!)

Like London, I successfully navigated us around the city but it wasn’t always easy (since the Paris Metro is kind of a mess).  Plus, did you know that if you want to get on or off the subway, you have to open the door yourself? It doesn’t do it automatically! If not for another passenger getting off at our same stop, we probably would’ve just stood there (in panic).  They also don’t believe in coffee-to-go.  One morning, we must have stopped at 5 different cafes and they all said no (you can imagine my shock and teeny tiny bit of heartbreak).  Everywhere I turned, I saw people sitting outside of restaurants, leisurely drinking their coffee and wine.  If only we had more time, I would’ve loved to do the same.  Just observing the culture around me and how these people lived there made me want to ride a bike or sit along the River Seine while eating a baguette.  Everyone seemed so relaxed with none of that constant on-the-go vibe you get from New Yorkers.  It was so refreshing.  


(The River Seine, near Notre Dame.  See the people along the edge? I wanted to sit there and join them.. imagine that I did this every day too.)

Now it’s back to the real world and I’m going through Europe withdrawal.  In a way, I think that’s why I’ve been having a hard time finishing this entry - I don’t want to stop talking about it yet! It was exactly the kind of experience I wanted for myself this year and while my bank account may hate me now, I’m glad I finally did this.  

I can’t wait for my next adventure!

* * *

Culture Shocked is part of our Summer Series.

Summer Lovin’: One Girl. Four Countries. Twenty-Five Days. (Part 2)

”Fight the future” is a shy cupcake who lives in her own little world. A pop culture geek, lover of languages and different cultures, and professional daydreamer, her mind usually takes her to mind-blowing places. She is fearless. If she sets her heart on something, she knows she will get it… or that’s what she likes to believe. Did you miss part one of Fight the future’s travel journal? Check it out here.

Spain

After spending our last hours in Brussels in search of Manneken-Pis, we got back on a bus heading to Bilbao. There was another music festival to head to and we were looking forward to finally seeing Coldplay in action. This time we would go as the doors opened, late in the afternoon, so we had time to go to the beach in the morning. We were able to enjoy some sunny days, though the water was too cold for swimming.

At the second music festival, Beady Eye, Liam Gallagher’s new band, and Coldplay were playing first. The crowd was really well-behaved – which as a South American never ceases to amaze me – but still, passionate. I could hear Back to the Future’s theme song as the guys were making their way to the center of the stage, right in front of us. I sang as loudly – and out of tune — as I could, stripped of any self-consciousness that may have restrained me. I was a part of that magical moment; somehow I needed to show my appreciation. We had so much fun, dancing and fooling around with the balloons that were tossed at the audience during Violet Hill. It took us awhile to realise that, once burst, hundreds of green and pink paper butterflies were going to fly over our heads. Yes, there’s only one word to describe that night: magical.

And when I thought nothing was going to top that, Suede took the stage the following evening. Brett Anderson is an out-of-this-world performer, he danced and jumped around non-stop; he got off the stage and sang among the audience. His energy and enthusiasm won us over in a second.

France

I missed the last day of the festival because of Paris. A sacrifice I was willing to make.

However, it was bittersweet.

My sister had to start working on her thesis; her holidays were now over and we had to go our separate ways. Once again, we said goodbye. She would be home for Christmas, so it wouldn’t be very long before we saw each other again, yet there was something different about this farewell. We both knew that it was the first of many to come. Her job would probably take her to far away places and, perhaps, I’ll get to visit her once a year. But we’ll never share the same bedroom nor vent our daily frustrations with each other before going to bed thanks to sisterly advice.

In a way, it felt like the beginning of the rest of our lives. And, like any change, it’s hard to come to terms with — though the unknown felt kind of good. The adrenaline rush was empowering. For the first time since I was on European soil, I felt like a bird whose cage had been accidentally left ajar. From then onwards, I had no one to rely on but me.

Back to Paris. I arrived first thing in the morning. I took the metro on my own and feared taking the wrong train, ending up in the wrong side of town. Can you tell I had never set foot in such a big city before? As usual, my concerns were unnecessary. The hostel was only three blocks away from Amelie’s metro station, Lamark-Caulaincourt in Montmartre. As I stood between a little cafe and a boulangerie – I was staying at the end of that street – I took a deep breath, exhaled and thought, “Well, this is real. I’m actually in Paris.”

I left my backpack in the hostel’s luggage room, bought enough metro tickets to last for my entire stay and chose the first stop in my journey of discovery; the Tulleries gardens and the Louvre. It felt as if I had already been there; I’ve got so many filmmakers to thank for that. The Parisians seemed to have taken time off work to enjoy the green areas, sitting around the fountains, having a snack and reading the paper.

The Louvre Museum was overcrowded with tourists so I decided to see the Mona Lisa at the beginning of my visit. It’s undeniable that Leonardo Da Vinci’s piece is magnificent, but the whole experience is ruined by having to move along as if we were cattle because more and more people are trying to enter the room.

Not only were the paintings and sculptures breathtaking, but the Louve building itself was a work of art. I was fascinated by the doors, the ceilings and the large staircases. In four hours I was able to learn more about Greek, Roman and Egyptian civilizations than I had in a lifetime and by the end of the afternoon I felt my head was going to explode. Just imagine being able to take a school trip to a museum as such when I was a high school student! It would have been easier to study for my history lessons, that’s for sure.

My first day in Paris ended at the top of the Eiffel Tower. It may sound like a cliché, but the view was astonishing and I understood what made the city romantic… I wanted to share that moment with someone and looked at the couples who walked pass me with envy.

I wasn’t alone for long. Back at the hostel having dinner with my roommates, we began a small tradition of talking about our day before going to bed. For four nights, we held a multicultural assembly in that six-bedded room, where Uruguay, Poland, the States, Switzerland, Australia and Mexico were represented.

…for more of Fight the future’s Parisian adventure, check in tomorrow!

* * *

One Girl. Four Countries. Twenty-Five Days. is part of our Summer Series.

Summer Lovin’: One Girl. Four Countries. Twenty-Five Days. (Part 1)

”Fight the future” is a shy cupcake who lives in her own little world. A pop culture geek, lover of languages and different cultures, and professional daydreamer, her mind usually takes her to mind-blowing places. She is fearless. If she sets her heart on something, she knows she will get it… or that’s what she likes to believe. 

This summer, I decided to make one of my wildest dreams come true.
 
It started when my sister and I bought tickets for not one, but two music festivals - one of which included sleeping under the stars for three nights. But a suggestion from my sister turned it into something much different. I took the plunge and decided on a detour. Or a series of them.
 
Going on an adventure throughout Europe to see the sights I’ve always longed to see.
 
Solo.

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Waiting Anticipating

By: Red Velvet

I had a bit of a meltdown last week.  Even though the new year just started, I was hit with this fear that nothing would be different.  It didn’t come completely out of nowhere.  But it seemed like everyone I was talking to lately was going through some sort of change - marriage, getting a new job, going back to school, having kids or traveling.  

And what was changing for me? None of the above.

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thursday 3.

Red Velvet:

1. I used to really love dancing (I still kind of do but I don’t feel as comfortable).  My dad taught me how to swing dance when I was little.  I used to watch music videos and learn the choreography.  Plus I took ballet, jazz and point from 7th grade until junior year of high school.  I wish I could get back into it. 
2. I might be a little too old for these books but I really enjoy reading young adult series.  My favorites include: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (Ann Brashares), The Wrinkle in Time Quintet (Madeleine L’Engle), Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery) and of course, Harry Potter (J.K. Rowling).  
3. I have never been out of the country, unless you count Canada.  I really want to go to Europe some day (especially Paris!).

Funfetti:

1. I got my first “real” pet when I was in fourth grade. My parents actually put a cat under the Christmas tree in a carrying case. I called her “Candy”, short for “Candy Cane.”
2. My dad taught me to keep score at ballgames when I was 7 years old. The man who sat behind us at Yankee games made me my own scorecard book. I have that, and a few others filled from those ballgames.
3. I used to collect trading cards of the Presidents. They were on the back of Little Debbie boxes at one time. That was a lot of dessert!