Parlez-vous français

I just got back from my first tutoring session for the French language.  I must say, I am glad I chose the instructor that I did.  She reminds me of my French 1 teacher, who spoke nothing but French during the first 2 days of class.  Today's lesson wasn't much of a lesson per se, but more of a information gathering.  She wanted to see how much I remembered from my high school days (8 years ago).  My tutor spoke mostly in French, with a little English in between.  When she figured out that I could 'understand' most of what she was saying, she switched to 90% French.  Realistically, I probably understood only 60% of what she was saying.  Most of the time I was able to deduce the meaning of a sentence by picking out a word or two.  I would hardly consider this 'good comprehension,' or as she said, "je pense tu comprends beaucoup."  Sorry madame, I do not!

I was given a homework assignment, where I have to write a short essay about myself.  Things I enjoy doing, my family, etc.  I am somewhat confident in my writing ability. . .on a kindergarten level!!!  The grammar might not be perfect, but I think I can get my point across.

Madame, made me some coffee with a French press (which I thought was very 'highbrow' in a good way), and she also brought out a French cook book, which she says she will use to help me with my food/cooking vocabulary.  I really admire her for accommodating my needs.  Can't wait for my next lesson! 

Until next time, À tout à l'heure.

Struggles with CampusFrance

I don't really understand the purpose of CampusFrance.  If I had to explain it, I would say it seems like a department of the French consulate (they share the same address), whose sole purpose of existence is to extort money from prospective students.  Allow me to explain: I registered myself on their website, filled out my personal info, and then I had to mail them a copy of my acceptance letter, along with a $140 money order for a 'processing fee,' which I feel is bribe money.  Then I have to wait to be accepted by CampusFrance, before I can proceed to schedule my visa interview with the consulate.

"Hey guys, here is my letter of acceptance, it proves that I am legit. . .No?  maybe my pal Benjamin can persuade you?  oh look! the Jackson twins are following right behind him!"

Anyways, my bribe money didn't work because I got this follow up email:

"Dear Raymond,

We received your money order and acceptance letter. It is too soon for us to process your file since your program doesn't begin until February 2013.  Please recontact us is mid October and we will process your file then. 

Sincerely, 

CampusFranceUSA "

Bollocks! I say! 


I have started my search for a French language tutor as well as a place to live in Paris.  No luck with either yet.  I am debating the pros and cons of living in my own apartment versus living with a host family.  In the end I feel like I may lean towards a host family, with the hopes of elevating my French comprehension.  Damn, I sure will miss the days where I could run around the house in my underwear, re-enacting Tom Cruise's 'Risky Business' dance.  Quel dommage (what a pity).

Well before I end for the day, let me present you all with a picture of my dessert during lunch today.  I got the recipe off the Washington Post.

Peaches with Rosemary-Mascarpone Whipped Cream

I HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED! (Click on picture to zoom in)  I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me over the past few months/years.  I’ll make you all proud or die trying.

I created this blog to keep friends and family updated with my progress as I prepare for my departure to Paris, as well as my experiences, travels, and life in France.  This blog will be open to the public as well.  I found that most of the blogs I read, did not have adequate information on how to proceed after obtaining an acceptance letter from the school.  If any prospective students are reading this, and  have questions, feel free to ask and I will respond ASAP.

Now for a long story about my background.  I would say that I’ve been cooking my whole life.  It’s hard not to in a Chinese household.  The whole culture revolves around massive potlucks, sometimes on a weekly basis.  BBQ cat, grilled dogs, deep fried rat in a sweet and spicy sauce, I can’t help but to salivate at the thought.  I was put on rice cooking duties before I was out of diapers, so to say that cooking is in my blood would be an understatement.  By the way, I was joking about the cats, dogs, and rats.  The correct names for those dishes are really called: General Tso’s Chicken, Sesame Chicken, and Orange Chicken to fool you all. . . . HAHAHA!

I never realized I had a passion for cooking until my high school years.  I was at a friend’s house for a sleepover one weekend.  We were starving, so he said he’d make some soup and rice.  My friend served me the soup and asked my thoughts on how it tasted.  What ensued next was, well, a huge argument because I said, “It tastes like SH**.”  Long story short, he challenged me to do better, so every weekend after, and holiday breaks, we would get together and cook.  Flash forward about 10 years and here I am, still passionately cooking away.

“Why throw away a stable job in such bad economic times?” is a question that I get asked a lot.  
I hate to use the term ‘YOLO,’ (You Only Live Once)
  Actually, scratch that, I’m not using that stupid acronym.  Here is a movie clip that explains everything.

http://www.infinitelooper.com/?v=TkX-TPaodoM&p=n#/58;130

Well, that’s all I have for now.  Thanks for reading.  Shout out to my former boss Donny for everything you’ve done, and being super supportive.
à bientôt