I can't believe I'm actually in my last full day in Paris. I'll tell you what, time sure passes by fast.
I forgot to mention that the day before yesterday we went to the Holocaust Memorial on the island that Notre Dame is on, and it is actuallylocated right behind the cathedral. It's designed so that you get the crampness and stuffiness of a concentration camp. You walk down these cement stairs into an area where you're completely surrounded by really high cement walls. All you can see now is the sky and a little water, but there's a spiky fence in front of it. There's a tight narrow entranceway into this cave. You enter. Inside there is a tomb of the unknown deportee, for those who were unknown and deported during this time. There's a long corridor with 200,000 crystals, each representing the 200,000 French that were deported. At the end of the corridor there is the light of eternal hope. On either side, there were tiny enclosures which represented the cells they would have been kept in. Along the walls, etched in red and looked like scratchmarks of blood, were quotes. Above the door before you left was "Forgive, but never forget," which is above every exit at the concentration camps now. This was such a different memorial than anything I've seen before, but it was so meaningful and deep. It really hits you hard.
Yesterday, we travelled over to the Chateau Versailles. You can apparently get a pass at the metro that covers round trip metro fare, the ticket inside so you can skip the lines, and free audio guides. It was a good buy because we missed the huge lines and because it was cheaper.
So, we arrived at the huge Palace of Versailles. Louis XIV built this palace for himself and it is lai out East to West so that he can see the sun rise and set. The decorating was pretty similar to the palaces in St. Petersburg in regards to the gold carvings around the framing, murals on the ceiling, large paintings on the walls. However, most of Louis's paintings were that of the family and not so much other things. Except for the hall of battles, which had a picture for each battle fought during French history and Napoleon kept it up when he was emperor.
We saw the King's bedroom which was attached to the Hall of Mirrors, which was amazing to stand in. There are 17 windows and with each window is a mirror corresponding to it directly across from it. There were three rows of chandeliers. Candellabras with gold statues of woman or babies holding them up all along the corridor. This corridor looked onto the main gardens, as well. It housed parties, balls, special events. The Hall of Mirrors was where the Treaty of Versailles was signed. Beautiful.
We went out into the gardens which was HUGE! There was a fountain when you first came outside (none of the fountains were on, though, while we were there. And actually, most of the 1500 fountains (only 300 still remain) never turned on except for when the king was passing them), and the symmetrical tree lines, shaped shrubbery, and flowers. At the end of the fountain was a grand staircase that led into the garden. To the right and left were symmetrical with the shrubbery, flowers, and Roman statues lining the side walkways. You continued forward until you'd hit a long area of grass. At the base of the grass was the grand canal, which was shaped as a cross and was one mile long one way. (In Louis's time, he would have gondoliers row him in gondolas on this canal.) To either side were a few of the "maze" type decorations of trees where the trees/bushes are so high you can't see anything else, and if you didn't have a map, you'd probably get lost. In the center of these were other fountains.
We continued down because on the right side of the gardens (a half an hour walk through the gardens - it's massive) was more of the palace - additions. We arrived at the Grand Trianon which is the smaller palace that Louis built for himself so that he could retreat from the Palace for a while. It overlooked a grand meadow and they changed the flowers everyday so that he could get a different floral smell and view. Continuing down this road, you hit the Petit Tieranon. This is Marie Antoinette's little estate area. She wanted the simple life of a peasant, so Louis XVI sacrificed part of his gardens for her. There was a love temple, a French Pavilion, Theatre (where and her friends would put on plays), Grotto (where she supposedly took her lovers, but that's just a legend), and here little village called the Queen's Hamlet.
The Queen's Hamlet was my favorite part and was seriously like walking into a storybook fairytale. There was a farm, with pigs, donkeys, cows, goats, and horses. There was a little cottage, which looked like it could belong to Snow White and the seven dwarfs. She would have the cows milked here, and serve over in her Refreshment Dairy house, a two minute walk away. Two minutes away was her little village which overlooked a little man made lake called the Grand Lac. There was a tower called the Marlborough Tower. Down a little more was a building and on the left side was the billiard room, and on the right was the Queen's House. Behind it was a little garden of flowers and a Warming House. Next to the Queen's House was the Boudoir or kitchen. Next to that was the mill. To leave, you have to cross over this little bridge over a little canal (you had to cross a different one to enter on the other side, but you can enter or exit from either side). Looking back at it from the other side of the lake, it looks like something built for Disneyworld because of how storybook it looks and feels, but she actually lived out here. She wanted to escape the pressures of the palace and the etiquette involved. I don't know how else you can feel farther away from that with your own storytale village, and yet only maybe a half an hour walk to the palace, because I felt like I was in a foreign palace and that the Grand Palace was so far away and a different country in itself. All in all, mad props to you Marie Antoinette, you're place was beautiful and humble. It makes you wonder what kinds of people these royalty were because what kind of queen wants to hang out by a farm and live like a peasant. The way it was set up kind of made me think her personality was more like Cinderella from Disney's version, but I could obviously be way off because I don't know much about Marie Antoinette.
Versailles was incredible and I can't wait to get some books and read more about its history when I get back. Who ever thought that I would be excited and looking forward to reading a history book? History is not my subject, but it's all good.
On our way out, the entrance area was blocked off because a private party was entering, so we walked around and were watching some people walk in, all very rich people. They were entering inbetween men dressed in old war uniforms and the white wigs playing the snare drums and trumpets. There was this one woman in a gold pantsuit that I swear had to have been a designer, she looked like a diva. ha ha. We had fun guessing in the husband and wife situations, who's the one that makes the money, who's happy in their relationship, etc. It was kind of entertaining and blatantly obvious because one would have their head up higher or be more confident.
We got back and went to a little chinese restaurant. Not as good as the other place, but still really good. Then we just kind of chilled and went to bed because it was around midnight.
Today we're going to see a few of the things we haven't seen around Paris yet and walk around and shop a little more.
I'll be home in Michigan tomorrow! Have a great day!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Wow.
The Palace of Versailles is absolutely incredible and beautiful.
I'll update tomorrow morning because I'm tired.
To be continued...
I'll update tomorrow morning because I'm tired.
To be continued...
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
I think it's rain season here.
Well, it's raining again. It usually rains every morning and then kind of clears up a little later here. Kind of annoying, but oh well. I can't wait to sit out in the sun. :)
Ok. Yesterday.
We started our day with a huge omelette that Beth made for all of us. it was scrumptious and had tons of vegetables in it. We went to Starbucks and then walked down Rue de Monge. Our first stop for the day was going to be touring the inside of Notre Dame Cathedral. Along the way we stopped at some shops. I was waiting outside one of them on a corner and so many french people came up to me asking me fore directions, I could help a few, but the others I just said "I don't speak french, I speak english" in french. I didn't know what else to do. Then some guy asked if he could buy my umbrella off me. What? No. Go away. Weirdo.
So, we reached Notre Dame and entered in the front of the cathedral, but in the doors to the right. What a magnificent building. The architecture and carvings on the door frames alone. Astounding. We walked inside to huge archways and peaks on the right side of the church. You can travel to the center and a view all down the center of it to the altar. It's enormous, it was like the ceiling was never ending. The stone and the way it was shaped and met together with the other archways was beautiful. We traveled down the right side. Along the right were alcoves. In each alcove was something different - some were confessionals (which you can still have confession at - it's like 2:30-6 or something), some were prayer areas, others were little altars and areas honoring saints. You walked around the back of the altar area and they had another bigger prayer section in an alcove with it's own altar and then a diaramma of the process of building the church. Along the left side of the church was the same with the alcoves.
I decided to go sit and see if it was different and churchlike from there because there were so many tourists everywhere, it kind of lost the sense of feeling a church brings you. Well, once I sat down, that feeling was there; there's no way it could not have been. Looking over to the altar area with stained glass windows high above it on all sides letting in light conflicting with the dark of the stone was just...heavenly. So, I prayed - for what seemed like forever, but I think it was only 10 minutes. It was really nice and peaceful and it really seemed like no one else was there, even though the cathedral on either side was packed with people. This was a really cool experience.
We left Notre Dame to head to the Musee D'Orangeree. Here, there were two circular rooms with paintings from Monet on each wall - huge mural paintings which were actually painted for this museum. They were pretty cool and were of nature - trees and water with reflections. I loved his use of scumble painting and colors. He would use so many colors to make something such as a brown, instead of using just a brown for the tree bark. This made it stand out, seem more life like, and appeal to the eye more. In the basement were paintings by Picasso, Matisse, Renoir, and an artist I don't remember seeing before, but really caught my attention - Soutine. The paintings of his that I liked were of landscapes - hills or houses or cottages, but they they were wavy. It was like if you took an image straight on and then altered it so that the picture wasn't clear - kind of like a flag looks like when it's waving in the wind. The image is there, just altered. These were really cool so I took pictures of them.
That was pretty much it for that museum, it was really small. So we headed to la place au concorde; this is where Marie Antoinette, among others, were beheaded. It's just a square in front of the Palais de Concorde. Pillars with gold at the top, green marble-like streetposts. That was pretty much it.
We headed toward the Champs d'Elysee next. We thought it'd be a lot different though. This was a strip similar to Times Square in New York or Michigan Ave. in Chicago. It was all stores and CROWDED with people. These were not the nice happy french people I've encountered every other day during my stay, nor was this street the Paris I was familiar with. People were pushy, not the nicest - I didn't like it. So, we rushed down the street to get to the Arc de Triomphe.
You have to walk underground througha tunnel to get to the Arc de Triomphe because it's in the center of a busy circular drive. Etched on the arc are names of the generals from the different wars and the ones that are underlined are the ones that died in battle. The detail here with the carvings was quite incredible, as well. We noticed some army people and got interested. In Beth's little tour guide book it said that everyday at 6:30, they change the flowers or flame for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for WWI. So, we stayed because it was about that time.
Finally, it began. There was a band playing some music and there were some veterans that walked in carrying the French flags. Families and other army personnel walked over to either side of the little grave for the unknown soldiers. Three military personnel were kind of heading what was going on and making speeches and shaking the hands of everyone. It was really cool to see, and I'm glad that by chance, we were here and able to see it. It reminded me of Grandpa and the ceremonies we go to for him and his parades and the ceremony afterward. You never really think about the fact that other countries have had the same losses in wars, have the same ceremonies; at least I never really actually sat down and thought about it. It was nice to see how similar it was. I think this was one of my favorite moments on this trip, actually. Maybe because of the ceremony and how familiar I am with it, maybe because it reminded me of what Grandpa does, maybe because of how respectful and honorable the ceremony was - I don't know. Either way, hitting this by chance was really awesome.
We headed home in the crazy wind that had been brewing and getting worse all day and hopped on the metro. We arrived home a little bit later and decided to head to the Italian restaurant located just below our apartment. We sat down at the table and the people next to us ended up being from Kansas City. How crazy is that? I ended up helping them read the menu, too. I don't know much, but I guess I know enough. So, we all ordered; Sarah and I split a ham and cheese pizza and Beth and Cathie got these huge salads. Seriously - the best food I've had in a long time and it was just pizza! They gave us little baguette slices also, which I dipped into olive oil, and then added the red wine vinegar to. Simply amazing combination - the olive oil, vinegar, and baguette. So good. For dessert, I got this ice cream with citron vodka on it or something; it tasted like lemon ice with a kick and a little more melted. It was so good. Sarah got these little cream puff things with fudge, really good too.
We got some wine and chilled the rest of the night and talked. We were going to go to Versailles today, but those plans were up in the air, and today wasn't the best for it. So, either tomorrow or Thursday for sure because that's something I don't want to miss. Today we're just going to hit up shops and visit some churches that are supposed to be really beautiful see.
Alright, well I'm going to make some breakfast and hop in the shower. Friday's approaching really fast! Have a great day!
Ok. Yesterday.
We started our day with a huge omelette that Beth made for all of us. it was scrumptious and had tons of vegetables in it. We went to Starbucks and then walked down Rue de Monge. Our first stop for the day was going to be touring the inside of Notre Dame Cathedral. Along the way we stopped at some shops. I was waiting outside one of them on a corner and so many french people came up to me asking me fore directions, I could help a few, but the others I just said "I don't speak french, I speak english" in french. I didn't know what else to do. Then some guy asked if he could buy my umbrella off me. What? No. Go away. Weirdo.
So, we reached Notre Dame and entered in the front of the cathedral, but in the doors to the right. What a magnificent building. The architecture and carvings on the door frames alone. Astounding. We walked inside to huge archways and peaks on the right side of the church. You can travel to the center and a view all down the center of it to the altar. It's enormous, it was like the ceiling was never ending. The stone and the way it was shaped and met together with the other archways was beautiful. We traveled down the right side. Along the right were alcoves. In each alcove was something different - some were confessionals (which you can still have confession at - it's like 2:30-6 or something), some were prayer areas, others were little altars and areas honoring saints. You walked around the back of the altar area and they had another bigger prayer section in an alcove with it's own altar and then a diaramma of the process of building the church. Along the left side of the church was the same with the alcoves.
I decided to go sit and see if it was different and churchlike from there because there were so many tourists everywhere, it kind of lost the sense of feeling a church brings you. Well, once I sat down, that feeling was there; there's no way it could not have been. Looking over to the altar area with stained glass windows high above it on all sides letting in light conflicting with the dark of the stone was just...heavenly. So, I prayed - for what seemed like forever, but I think it was only 10 minutes. It was really nice and peaceful and it really seemed like no one else was there, even though the cathedral on either side was packed with people. This was a really cool experience.
We left Notre Dame to head to the Musee D'Orangeree. Here, there were two circular rooms with paintings from Monet on each wall - huge mural paintings which were actually painted for this museum. They were pretty cool and were of nature - trees and water with reflections. I loved his use of scumble painting and colors. He would use so many colors to make something such as a brown, instead of using just a brown for the tree bark. This made it stand out, seem more life like, and appeal to the eye more. In the basement were paintings by Picasso, Matisse, Renoir, and an artist I don't remember seeing before, but really caught my attention - Soutine. The paintings of his that I liked were of landscapes - hills or houses or cottages, but they they were wavy. It was like if you took an image straight on and then altered it so that the picture wasn't clear - kind of like a flag looks like when it's waving in the wind. The image is there, just altered. These were really cool so I took pictures of them.
That was pretty much it for that museum, it was really small. So we headed to la place au concorde; this is where Marie Antoinette, among others, were beheaded. It's just a square in front of the Palais de Concorde. Pillars with gold at the top, green marble-like streetposts. That was pretty much it.
We headed toward the Champs d'Elysee next. We thought it'd be a lot different though. This was a strip similar to Times Square in New York or Michigan Ave. in Chicago. It was all stores and CROWDED with people. These were not the nice happy french people I've encountered every other day during my stay, nor was this street the Paris I was familiar with. People were pushy, not the nicest - I didn't like it. So, we rushed down the street to get to the Arc de Triomphe.
You have to walk underground througha tunnel to get to the Arc de Triomphe because it's in the center of a busy circular drive. Etched on the arc are names of the generals from the different wars and the ones that are underlined are the ones that died in battle. The detail here with the carvings was quite incredible, as well. We noticed some army people and got interested. In Beth's little tour guide book it said that everyday at 6:30, they change the flowers or flame for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for WWI. So, we stayed because it was about that time.
Finally, it began. There was a band playing some music and there were some veterans that walked in carrying the French flags. Families and other army personnel walked over to either side of the little grave for the unknown soldiers. Three military personnel were kind of heading what was going on and making speeches and shaking the hands of everyone. It was really cool to see, and I'm glad that by chance, we were here and able to see it. It reminded me of Grandpa and the ceremonies we go to for him and his parades and the ceremony afterward. You never really think about the fact that other countries have had the same losses in wars, have the same ceremonies; at least I never really actually sat down and thought about it. It was nice to see how similar it was. I think this was one of my favorite moments on this trip, actually. Maybe because of the ceremony and how familiar I am with it, maybe because it reminded me of what Grandpa does, maybe because of how respectful and honorable the ceremony was - I don't know. Either way, hitting this by chance was really awesome.
We headed home in the crazy wind that had been brewing and getting worse all day and hopped on the metro. We arrived home a little bit later and decided to head to the Italian restaurant located just below our apartment. We sat down at the table and the people next to us ended up being from Kansas City. How crazy is that? I ended up helping them read the menu, too. I don't know much, but I guess I know enough. So, we all ordered; Sarah and I split a ham and cheese pizza and Beth and Cathie got these huge salads. Seriously - the best food I've had in a long time and it was just pizza! They gave us little baguette slices also, which I dipped into olive oil, and then added the red wine vinegar to. Simply amazing combination - the olive oil, vinegar, and baguette. So good. For dessert, I got this ice cream with citron vodka on it or something; it tasted like lemon ice with a kick and a little more melted. It was so good. Sarah got these little cream puff things with fudge, really good too.
We got some wine and chilled the rest of the night and talked. We were going to go to Versailles today, but those plans were up in the air, and today wasn't the best for it. So, either tomorrow or Thursday for sure because that's something I don't want to miss. Today we're just going to hit up shops and visit some churches that are supposed to be really beautiful see.
Alright, well I'm going to make some breakfast and hop in the shower. Friday's approaching really fast! Have a great day!
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Beth likes pasta.
Beth's favorite food is pasta and she makes many different kinds. Today, she enlightened my life by making me lunch which was a pasta with different veggies and dressings and spices. soooo good. She's eating pasta next to me right now as we speak. :)
Yesterday, Beth and I had kind of a later start than everyone else, and they left for the Musee d'Orsay before us. Beth and I, of course, stopped at Starbucks on the way. She got a green tea latte with soy and I got the best caramel latte that I have ever had (even better than my GP peeps. Crazy, I know). I had to throw out the french word for green because they didn't understand what she wanted. How I remembered the word for green, I don't know, but it's all good.
So, we headed down a few streets to catch the C train. What a complicated station because it was where a bunch of transfers ovvur so there were many trains. Who would have thought to get onto Platform A to catch a C train? Oh, well. We made it there anyway.
I really liked the Musee d'Orsay; it had more of my type of paintings and art work - landscapes and bright colors. It was crazy to look directly at famous paintings from Monet, VanGogh, Pissaro, being able to see the brushstrokes, the paint differentiation, the vivid colors. It was such an unbelievable experience. Also, the energy in this museum was very creative, imaginative, inventive, and it kind of bled through to the patrons. I felt very in tune with myself while here, as did Beth. We found paintings that interested us, also, so we wrote them down so we can research them later. :)
After the museum, we headed down the Seine River to find tickets for a boat tour. We eventually found it, bought the tickets, and wanted food. We started walking and realized we were in the 8th district - the rich Beverly Hills-esque district with Prada, Louis Vuitton, Versace stores. Yea, so we crossed the bridge to nthe 7th District and instantly the atmosphere was different, more calm and more relaxed. We walked and found a Restaurant Chinoise - Chinese Restaurant. We all had been craving Chinese food for a bit now. We sat in a restaurant and you could see the Eiffel Tower from there. We got these spring rolls which were about the size of your middle finger and it came with this sauce - it was so good. I got sesame chicken, of course. It was very sweet, but very good.
We headed back to the boat tour and found a spot all the way in the back of the boat facing the rear. We realized there wasn't a bar, so Kennikki and I ran off and grabbed a beer for all 5 of us, and ran back on. It's important to have one while on the boats. So, the boat headed off. Pictures a sunset of purples, oranges, and pinks with the Eiffel Tower in front and the sound of the waves below you - that's how we began our tour. It was absolutely breathtaking. We ventured for an hour and ten minutes down the Seine River. We saw the Eiffel Tower light up again, so cool to see from a different angle this time. Did you know that France has a mini version of the Statue of Liberty? Well, they do and it's in the river by the Eiffel Tower.
Oh, also in our walks, we came across this flame that looked like the tip of the Statue of Liberty's torch, so we went to look at it. This was a memorial to Princess Diana because right underneath was the tunnel that her car crashed in and she died. It was so crazy and random that we ran into it, and very sad. The visions of the news specials and the funeral on TV came flooding through my mind at that moment, as well as the image of Danielle bawling because Princess Diana had passed away.
Today, I blew a fuse. However, normal people blow fuses, I blow whole circuit boxes. The super had to come over, somehow got two electricians out (Sundays are their holiday and no one works), and eventually, they replaced the box and everything was ok and we had electircity. All I did was plug in my camera charger. However, I plugged it into a plug none of us have used before and has been kind off iffy and tempermental. Yea, stupid me tries to still use it. I was really upset, but within 3 hours it was all taken care of.
We went to a cemetary and saw Jim Morrison's grave, as well as Chopin's. We wanted to see Oscar Wilde's also, but the cemetary was closing. This cemetary opened in 1832 and was one of the coolest cemetaries I've ever seen. There were cobblestone walking paths winding in and out making little walking streets. Instead of just a little square with your name on it like in America, each family had like a little temple - some the shape of outhouses, but obviously beautiful and made of cement. These were popped all over the place - or there were would be a giant chunk of marble or cement to denote a family, also. It was such a pretty cemetary with all of these, and it was like something you see in movies because of all of the old graves, headstones, and names. It was such an interesting place to walk around in.
Afterward, we headed back to the apartment and chilled for a bit and then wandered to find some food. Well, today is Sunday, which means everything is closed. Really, though; everything was closed. We found one place after an hour of walking around, but they wouldn't let us split a pizza and wouldn't let Beth just have a drink or me just a drink when I decided not to eat. So, we left. So weird to get denied service because two of us weren't going to eat. We ended up just going to McDonald's because we were too hungry. ha ha. Oh Micky D's. Beth and I also wanted Starbucks, but, oh, what do you know, it's closed. grr. Oh well, tomorrow morning.
We're just chilling at the apartment now. Kennikki left this morning which was pretty sad. It's crazy not to have her here because I'm so used to the 5 of us. She had a great time, though, and so did we. It's crazy to think my travels are almost over...but I won't think of that. I still have four more full days.
Alright, well I'm out. We're talking about our plans for the rest of the week. Have a good night!
Yesterday, Beth and I had kind of a later start than everyone else, and they left for the Musee d'Orsay before us. Beth and I, of course, stopped at Starbucks on the way. She got a green tea latte with soy and I got the best caramel latte that I have ever had (even better than my GP peeps. Crazy, I know). I had to throw out the french word for green because they didn't understand what she wanted. How I remembered the word for green, I don't know, but it's all good.
So, we headed down a few streets to catch the C train. What a complicated station because it was where a bunch of transfers ovvur so there were many trains. Who would have thought to get onto Platform A to catch a C train? Oh, well. We made it there anyway.
I really liked the Musee d'Orsay; it had more of my type of paintings and art work - landscapes and bright colors. It was crazy to look directly at famous paintings from Monet, VanGogh, Pissaro, being able to see the brushstrokes, the paint differentiation, the vivid colors. It was such an unbelievable experience. Also, the energy in this museum was very creative, imaginative, inventive, and it kind of bled through to the patrons. I felt very in tune with myself while here, as did Beth. We found paintings that interested us, also, so we wrote them down so we can research them later. :)
After the museum, we headed down the Seine River to find tickets for a boat tour. We eventually found it, bought the tickets, and wanted food. We started walking and realized we were in the 8th district - the rich Beverly Hills-esque district with Prada, Louis Vuitton, Versace stores. Yea, so we crossed the bridge to nthe 7th District and instantly the atmosphere was different, more calm and more relaxed. We walked and found a Restaurant Chinoise - Chinese Restaurant. We all had been craving Chinese food for a bit now. We sat in a restaurant and you could see the Eiffel Tower from there. We got these spring rolls which were about the size of your middle finger and it came with this sauce - it was so good. I got sesame chicken, of course. It was very sweet, but very good.
We headed back to the boat tour and found a spot all the way in the back of the boat facing the rear. We realized there wasn't a bar, so Kennikki and I ran off and grabbed a beer for all 5 of us, and ran back on. It's important to have one while on the boats. So, the boat headed off. Pictures a sunset of purples, oranges, and pinks with the Eiffel Tower in front and the sound of the waves below you - that's how we began our tour. It was absolutely breathtaking. We ventured for an hour and ten minutes down the Seine River. We saw the Eiffel Tower light up again, so cool to see from a different angle this time. Did you know that France has a mini version of the Statue of Liberty? Well, they do and it's in the river by the Eiffel Tower.
Oh, also in our walks, we came across this flame that looked like the tip of the Statue of Liberty's torch, so we went to look at it. This was a memorial to Princess Diana because right underneath was the tunnel that her car crashed in and she died. It was so crazy and random that we ran into it, and very sad. The visions of the news specials and the funeral on TV came flooding through my mind at that moment, as well as the image of Danielle bawling because Princess Diana had passed away.
Today, I blew a fuse. However, normal people blow fuses, I blow whole circuit boxes. The super had to come over, somehow got two electricians out (Sundays are their holiday and no one works), and eventually, they replaced the box and everything was ok and we had electircity. All I did was plug in my camera charger. However, I plugged it into a plug none of us have used before and has been kind off iffy and tempermental. Yea, stupid me tries to still use it. I was really upset, but within 3 hours it was all taken care of.
We went to a cemetary and saw Jim Morrison's grave, as well as Chopin's. We wanted to see Oscar Wilde's also, but the cemetary was closing. This cemetary opened in 1832 and was one of the coolest cemetaries I've ever seen. There were cobblestone walking paths winding in and out making little walking streets. Instead of just a little square with your name on it like in America, each family had like a little temple - some the shape of outhouses, but obviously beautiful and made of cement. These were popped all over the place - or there were would be a giant chunk of marble or cement to denote a family, also. It was such a pretty cemetary with all of these, and it was like something you see in movies because of all of the old graves, headstones, and names. It was such an interesting place to walk around in.
Afterward, we headed back to the apartment and chilled for a bit and then wandered to find some food. Well, today is Sunday, which means everything is closed. Really, though; everything was closed. We found one place after an hour of walking around, but they wouldn't let us split a pizza and wouldn't let Beth just have a drink or me just a drink when I decided not to eat. So, we left. So weird to get denied service because two of us weren't going to eat. We ended up just going to McDonald's because we were too hungry. ha ha. Oh Micky D's. Beth and I also wanted Starbucks, but, oh, what do you know, it's closed. grr. Oh well, tomorrow morning.
We're just chilling at the apartment now. Kennikki left this morning which was pretty sad. It's crazy not to have her here because I'm so used to the 5 of us. She had a great time, though, and so did we. It's crazy to think my travels are almost over...but I won't think of that. I still have four more full days.
Alright, well I'm out. We're talking about our plans for the rest of the week. Have a good night!
Saturday, July 5, 2008
It's raining.
Well, it's raining again today, which is fine. Perfect day for a museum. :) It's supposed to stop by 6 though, so it's all good.
Yesterday we left at around 12 and took a long, long leisurely walk over to the Eiffel Tower. (It wouldn't have taken so long, but it was a very leisurely walk. ha ha) We stopped in some stores on the way, and took in more of the sights on the Paris streets. It really feels like we live here because we're walking the streets to get places, living in an apartment, goinjg grocery shopping. To those interested in coming here - I highly suggest it. It takes you away from feeling like a tourist, and puts you into a more relaxed residential state of mind with tourist ideas, but not the hustle and bustle that comes with it.
On the way, Sarah and I wanted a beer. We happened to stumble across L'Academie de biere. Academy of Beers. We figured they'd have some good beer. Man, were we right. The best beer I have ever had. The girls all got different fruit flavored beer - berry, raspberry, peach, and strawberry. I got L'ambrusa - a french brewed beer. It sort of was a combination of Blue Moon and Oberon, but a little different. However, if an orange slice was thrown in, it would have been heaven. ha ha. We had great french fries there, too. We couldn't figure out if it was the oil they used or the actual fries that were so delicious. No biggie, amazing none the less.
We continued walking and eventually got to the Eiffel Tower. What a sight to see. It was so surreal. Here I am, boy from St. Clair Shores, standing in front of the Eiffel Tower. I don't know if I ever thought I'd be doing that. So, we of course got in the line to go up it. There's three floors, and you can either get a pass for the first, second, or all three; we got all three and it was only 12 Euros. So, we took the elevator to the second floor, checked out the sights, took some pictures, chilled, grabbed a sandwich and then got onto the other elevator to take us to the very, very top. We arrived up there, and I thought it would be cold, but it really wasn't. You could see soooo far into the horizon from here, apparently it's supposed to be 55 miles all around that you can see. Sidenote: we lucked out because it was a gorgeous day in the 70's with the sun out, not many clouds. Perfect day to go to the Eiffel Tower. It was cool because you could see so many things from up there - Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, Musee de Louvre, some church on a hill, Palace des Invalides - so cool to see things you recognize. We actually met a man, woman, and her child, and the woman graduated from Wayne State's biology graduate program back in the day and they now live in Sacramento. How cool is that to meet someon from Wayne State at the top of the Eiffel Tower? Love it.
(Random note: For those who don't know, the person we're renting the apartment from is also from Wayne State. Beth randomly found this apt. online, called him, and in talking found out he was from wayne state's med. school. He got excited we were from Wayne State, so we ended up getting the family discount. Pretty sweet, right? Wayne State's all over. Pretty sweet.)
In the Eiffel Tower there are some videos about the history, painting it, and the events that occured there. We went to leave the Eiffel Tower and took the elevator from the top to the second floor and then walked the 704 steps downt to the ground. Sweet!
We left the Eiffel Tower to go sit on the grass to watch it light up because it was now nightfall - which is when the lights start. The lights turn on for ten minutes every hour until midnight. The Eiffel Tower was accented witha blue light because of the presidential election here. It'll be lit that way for the next two months. Then the lights began. I thought the whole Eiffel Tower was going to light up, but instead, like a million little strobe light things were going off from all over the Eiffel Tower. It was so cool. it looked like tons of people were all over it taking pictures. I took pictures, but it didn't capture how cool it was, so I took a 6 second video of it so you could see also. :) I, of course, took some pictures next to it. Then, Beth and I decided to do our acrobatics stuff we learned in Russia in front of it too. Those pictures turned out sweet, but are on her mom's camera because mine was being dumb. They're pretty sweet. We're going to need to send them to our instructors in Russia.
It was a cool atmosphere on the lawn in front of the Eiffel Tower. People scattered all over with picnic baskets, wine, baguettes, pasta, just having a good old time. Can you imagine just getting some friends together and heading over to the Eiffel Tower on a random night and having a picnic? Must be nice, right? But that'll be me next year, but with Central Park instead. I already found my favorite place there. :)
So, we left the Eiffel Tower and headed back. Sarah and I thought we should go one way, but everyone else thought the other way, so we went the other way...which was the wrong way. So, we ended up back near the Eiffel Tower. We then decided to take the Metro, their version of the subway. So, we went over to the Metro, which just happned to be the train we needed (lucky), and I figured out how to read and use the machine to get the tickets (it was all in french). I then checked out the metro map hanging therea nd figured out which stop we needed - which was only 13 away (20 minutes). So, we went up the escalator and headed onto the metro once it arrived. We got off at the Place d'Italie stop. We could've transferred to the 7 train, but I didn't feel like dealing with a transfer for only a couple of blocks, so we walked. Cathie, Sarah, and kennikki didn't think we knew where we were going so they kept asking for directions. All we had to do, though, was go straight down the street and turn right. Well, Beth and I did it, but apparently everyone else fell behind. I don't know how that happened. When they arrived a half an hour later, upset because they got lost and we ditched them (which we didn't do), they jst wanted a beer. They were right behind us, Beth and I were honestly baffled as to how they lost us. However, everyone likes to stop and check things out without the people in front knowing, so that may happened. Oh well, they weren't really that mad, and they got back fine.
But, the moment I was most proud of yesterday: i navigated us on a metro in a different country in a different language, and got us back to where we needed to be. Beth also knew what she was doing too. I feel so cultured. And the funny thing is that I have never felt nervous or anything. It's actually exciting and exhilerating to search and find your way around. It's like an adventure, and it's amazing that I was actually correct in getting us around.
When we got back, we made some pasta, chilled, and I went to right to bed. It was an exhausting day with so much walking and everything.
Today, we're heading over to the Musee d'Orsee and the aftwerward taking a boat ride down the Seine River, which should be pretty cool.
Alright, well, I'm out. Hope you all had a great 4th of July!! :) Have a good day!
Yesterday we left at around 12 and took a long, long leisurely walk over to the Eiffel Tower. (It wouldn't have taken so long, but it was a very leisurely walk. ha ha) We stopped in some stores on the way, and took in more of the sights on the Paris streets. It really feels like we live here because we're walking the streets to get places, living in an apartment, goinjg grocery shopping. To those interested in coming here - I highly suggest it. It takes you away from feeling like a tourist, and puts you into a more relaxed residential state of mind with tourist ideas, but not the hustle and bustle that comes with it.
On the way, Sarah and I wanted a beer. We happened to stumble across L'Academie de biere. Academy of Beers. We figured they'd have some good beer. Man, were we right. The best beer I have ever had. The girls all got different fruit flavored beer - berry, raspberry, peach, and strawberry. I got L'ambrusa - a french brewed beer. It sort of was a combination of Blue Moon and Oberon, but a little different. However, if an orange slice was thrown in, it would have been heaven. ha ha. We had great french fries there, too. We couldn't figure out if it was the oil they used or the actual fries that were so delicious. No biggie, amazing none the less.
We continued walking and eventually got to the Eiffel Tower. What a sight to see. It was so surreal. Here I am, boy from St. Clair Shores, standing in front of the Eiffel Tower. I don't know if I ever thought I'd be doing that. So, we of course got in the line to go up it. There's three floors, and you can either get a pass for the first, second, or all three; we got all three and it was only 12 Euros. So, we took the elevator to the second floor, checked out the sights, took some pictures, chilled, grabbed a sandwich and then got onto the other elevator to take us to the very, very top. We arrived up there, and I thought it would be cold, but it really wasn't. You could see soooo far into the horizon from here, apparently it's supposed to be 55 miles all around that you can see. Sidenote: we lucked out because it was a gorgeous day in the 70's with the sun out, not many clouds. Perfect day to go to the Eiffel Tower. It was cool because you could see so many things from up there - Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, Musee de Louvre, some church on a hill, Palace des Invalides - so cool to see things you recognize. We actually met a man, woman, and her child, and the woman graduated from Wayne State's biology graduate program back in the day and they now live in Sacramento. How cool is that to meet someon from Wayne State at the top of the Eiffel Tower? Love it.
(Random note: For those who don't know, the person we're renting the apartment from is also from Wayne State. Beth randomly found this apt. online, called him, and in talking found out he was from wayne state's med. school. He got excited we were from Wayne State, so we ended up getting the family discount. Pretty sweet, right? Wayne State's all over. Pretty sweet.)
In the Eiffel Tower there are some videos about the history, painting it, and the events that occured there. We went to leave the Eiffel Tower and took the elevator from the top to the second floor and then walked the 704 steps downt to the ground. Sweet!
We left the Eiffel Tower to go sit on the grass to watch it light up because it was now nightfall - which is when the lights start. The lights turn on for ten minutes every hour until midnight. The Eiffel Tower was accented witha blue light because of the presidential election here. It'll be lit that way for the next two months. Then the lights began. I thought the whole Eiffel Tower was going to light up, but instead, like a million little strobe light things were going off from all over the Eiffel Tower. It was so cool. it looked like tons of people were all over it taking pictures. I took pictures, but it didn't capture how cool it was, so I took a 6 second video of it so you could see also. :) I, of course, took some pictures next to it. Then, Beth and I decided to do our acrobatics stuff we learned in Russia in front of it too. Those pictures turned out sweet, but are on her mom's camera because mine was being dumb. They're pretty sweet. We're going to need to send them to our instructors in Russia.
It was a cool atmosphere on the lawn in front of the Eiffel Tower. People scattered all over with picnic baskets, wine, baguettes, pasta, just having a good old time. Can you imagine just getting some friends together and heading over to the Eiffel Tower on a random night and having a picnic? Must be nice, right? But that'll be me next year, but with Central Park instead. I already found my favorite place there. :)
So, we left the Eiffel Tower and headed back. Sarah and I thought we should go one way, but everyone else thought the other way, so we went the other way...which was the wrong way. So, we ended up back near the Eiffel Tower. We then decided to take the Metro, their version of the subway. So, we went over to the Metro, which just happned to be the train we needed (lucky), and I figured out how to read and use the machine to get the tickets (it was all in french). I then checked out the metro map hanging therea nd figured out which stop we needed - which was only 13 away (20 minutes). So, we went up the escalator and headed onto the metro once it arrived. We got off at the Place d'Italie stop. We could've transferred to the 7 train, but I didn't feel like dealing with a transfer for only a couple of blocks, so we walked. Cathie, Sarah, and kennikki didn't think we knew where we were going so they kept asking for directions. All we had to do, though, was go straight down the street and turn right. Well, Beth and I did it, but apparently everyone else fell behind. I don't know how that happened. When they arrived a half an hour later, upset because they got lost and we ditched them (which we didn't do), they jst wanted a beer. They were right behind us, Beth and I were honestly baffled as to how they lost us. However, everyone likes to stop and check things out without the people in front knowing, so that may happened. Oh well, they weren't really that mad, and they got back fine.
But, the moment I was most proud of yesterday: i navigated us on a metro in a different country in a different language, and got us back to where we needed to be. Beth also knew what she was doing too. I feel so cultured. And the funny thing is that I have never felt nervous or anything. It's actually exciting and exhilerating to search and find your way around. It's like an adventure, and it's amazing that I was actually correct in getting us around.
When we got back, we made some pasta, chilled, and I went to right to bed. It was an exhausting day with so much walking and everything.
Today, we're heading over to the Musee d'Orsee and the aftwerward taking a boat ride down the Seine River, which should be pretty cool.
Alright, well, I'm out. Hope you all had a great 4th of July!! :) Have a good day!
Friday, July 4, 2008
Happy Independence Day Americans!
Aww man, I'm missing the best bbq of the year with mom's amazing cooking! I hope you guys have amazing weather today!!! That should make up for all of the rain you've been having that I've heard of. Well, have fun and think of me while eating some great grilled something. ha ha.
Well, yesterday we kind of got a late start because Kennikki, Beth, and I are all about taking our time and chilling and then going, just because we were on the run every single day nonstop for a month - waking up, walking 40 minutes to school, rushing to a show, etc. So, now that we can sit and still enjoy the sites, that's kind of the mode we're in. However, if I just got here, I'd be exatly where Cathie and Sarah are, where they just want to keep going. It's interesting how that kind of thing happens - you're mentality changes because of a certian event (us being in Moscow for a month).
So, the three of us were going to meet up with them at the Catacombs. We kind of got lost on the way. Usually, I'd freak out, but it didn't bother me. I stopped and asked for directions in French. I sort of understood him. We found a map and used that instead. So, we figured it out and ended up there. We thought the Metro station was the Catacombs however, and then had to cross the street to the actual building. Sticking us three together is a mess waiting to happn, but a lot of fun. So, we went into the Catacombs after a half hour wait in line. It was very creepy to begin with. This 20 meter deep spiral staircase that took us underground to what used to be a mine shaft. Then, you had to walk 500 meters underneath the streets (which were marked underground), the river, the homes. When you arrived, oh man. Millions and millions of bones and skulls made into shapes on the walls - hearts, arches and crosses; it was quite creepy. There was a large vase formed around a pillar. Millions of unidentified people were down here. Insane. There were randomly little poems or quotes around, also. One said "Silence, the dead are listening." eery.
Anyway, got kind of creeped out down there. And the energies were just in high intensity too. So, we got to the end and had to walk up a narrower spiral staircase. We got out into the sunlight, pretty far away from where the beginning of it was and couldn't find Cathie and Sarah. So, we decided to head back to the apartment (the original plan was to head to the Eiffel Tower). We ended up stopping at this little cafe and grabbing a beer bcause we all had to use the bathroom. So, we chilled at this outside cafe, talked, people watched. It was very Paris. ha ha. We left there and walked past a Boulangerie (Bakery) and we were all kind of hungry, so we decided to get abaguette and split it (they're huge). So, we walked in and I said everything to the woman in french, "Bonjour. Je voudrais un baguette s'il vous plait...Merci." = "Hello. I would like one baguette please....Thank you." Kennikki starts laughing because apparently I said it so fast and fluent she was taken aback like whoa where did that come from. I was so excited because I was able to order in french. Two years of french in high school paid off. I was able to order a baguette in french. :) By the way, best piece of bread I've ever eaten, and the best 80 cents I've ever spent on food in my life - no joke.
So, we continued home and stopped at some shops along the way. We got back, and they were waiting for us. We made some dinner, it began to rain. We were all pretty tired, so we decided to stay in for the evening. We talked, drank some wine. We were going to watch the movie Amelie, but we were all falling asleep, so we didn't. Kennikki, Sarah, and I went downstairs to grab a beer at the restaurant below us. I was tired, so I came back up after one, they stayed. Beth, Cathie, and I talked for a while. Then, Beth and I were up until like 2am talking to Steve online. ha ha. I was able to talk to him yesterday too and we talked for like 30 minutes and yelled at each other because we can't be roommates next year again. He needs to graduate and he wants me to stay another year. ha ha, yea, ain't gonna happen. We talked to Mo and MJB online also. Very cool. We were going to try and catch up with our Canadian friend Catherine who went to Moscow with us, but that didn't work out yesterday and she leaves today.
Today we are going to shop along the Champs D'Elysse. Then possibly end up at the Eiffel Tower because it is supposed to be nice today with a high of 73. Apparently at night for the next two months, when it lights up, it's the colors of the flag because of the presidential stuff. Cool.
Apparently, Jack Johnson is going to be in concert not too far away in some park on the 9th, so we're going to go and try to do that. How amazing would that be?! So cool!
Anyway, I'm going to go make breakfast. You guys have a wonderful, beautiful, and fun day!!!
Happy Independence Day!!!
Well, yesterday we kind of got a late start because Kennikki, Beth, and I are all about taking our time and chilling and then going, just because we were on the run every single day nonstop for a month - waking up, walking 40 minutes to school, rushing to a show, etc. So, now that we can sit and still enjoy the sites, that's kind of the mode we're in. However, if I just got here, I'd be exatly where Cathie and Sarah are, where they just want to keep going. It's interesting how that kind of thing happens - you're mentality changes because of a certian event (us being in Moscow for a month).
So, the three of us were going to meet up with them at the Catacombs. We kind of got lost on the way. Usually, I'd freak out, but it didn't bother me. I stopped and asked for directions in French. I sort of understood him. We found a map and used that instead. So, we figured it out and ended up there. We thought the Metro station was the Catacombs however, and then had to cross the street to the actual building. Sticking us three together is a mess waiting to happn, but a lot of fun. So, we went into the Catacombs after a half hour wait in line. It was very creepy to begin with. This 20 meter deep spiral staircase that took us underground to what used to be a mine shaft. Then, you had to walk 500 meters underneath the streets (which were marked underground), the river, the homes. When you arrived, oh man. Millions and millions of bones and skulls made into shapes on the walls - hearts, arches and crosses; it was quite creepy. There was a large vase formed around a pillar. Millions of unidentified people were down here. Insane. There were randomly little poems or quotes around, also. One said "Silence, the dead are listening." eery.
Anyway, got kind of creeped out down there. And the energies were just in high intensity too. So, we got to the end and had to walk up a narrower spiral staircase. We got out into the sunlight, pretty far away from where the beginning of it was and couldn't find Cathie and Sarah. So, we decided to head back to the apartment (the original plan was to head to the Eiffel Tower). We ended up stopping at this little cafe and grabbing a beer bcause we all had to use the bathroom. So, we chilled at this outside cafe, talked, people watched. It was very Paris. ha ha. We left there and walked past a Boulangerie (Bakery) and we were all kind of hungry, so we decided to get abaguette and split it (they're huge). So, we walked in and I said everything to the woman in french, "Bonjour. Je voudrais un baguette s'il vous plait...Merci." = "Hello. I would like one baguette please....Thank you." Kennikki starts laughing because apparently I said it so fast and fluent she was taken aback like whoa where did that come from. I was so excited because I was able to order in french. Two years of french in high school paid off. I was able to order a baguette in french. :) By the way, best piece of bread I've ever eaten, and the best 80 cents I've ever spent on food in my life - no joke.
So, we continued home and stopped at some shops along the way. We got back, and they were waiting for us. We made some dinner, it began to rain. We were all pretty tired, so we decided to stay in for the evening. We talked, drank some wine. We were going to watch the movie Amelie, but we were all falling asleep, so we didn't. Kennikki, Sarah, and I went downstairs to grab a beer at the restaurant below us. I was tired, so I came back up after one, they stayed. Beth, Cathie, and I talked for a while. Then, Beth and I were up until like 2am talking to Steve online. ha ha. I was able to talk to him yesterday too and we talked for like 30 minutes and yelled at each other because we can't be roommates next year again. He needs to graduate and he wants me to stay another year. ha ha, yea, ain't gonna happen. We talked to Mo and MJB online also. Very cool. We were going to try and catch up with our Canadian friend Catherine who went to Moscow with us, but that didn't work out yesterday and she leaves today.
Today we are going to shop along the Champs D'Elysse. Then possibly end up at the Eiffel Tower because it is supposed to be nice today with a high of 73. Apparently at night for the next two months, when it lights up, it's the colors of the flag because of the presidential stuff. Cool.
Apparently, Jack Johnson is going to be in concert not too far away in some park on the 9th, so we're going to go and try to do that. How amazing would that be?! So cool!
Anyway, I'm going to go make breakfast. You guys have a wonderful, beautiful, and fun day!!!
Happy Independence Day!!!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Paris.
Well, I'm officially in love with the "City of Love." The tempo/rhythm of this city is so calm and relaxing. What a nice getaway after a month of intense training is a hustle and bustle city. Love Moscow, but this is a nice change.
Well, yesterday we all woke up, made some breakfast, chatted, told stories, and figured out what we would do for the day. The decision was to go to the Musee de Louvre. We also decided to walk there because it only looked like it was a mile down, which is nothing compared to all the walking we did in Moscow. Plus, we wanted to see a little more of Paris on the way. So, we walked. It was strange because I felt like I knew where I was going, where I was heading, and the streets are strange and curve all different ways. Somehow I became the leader, which is fine. It's just weird how natural I feel here; I feel so comfortable.
On the way, we saw everything you'd expect to see in Paris, the apartments with the balconies and flowers, the little restaurants, bakeries, small streets, one way streets, beautiful churches. We stopped into some of the little shops. Then it began to rain. Pretty hard. The funny thing about it is that it didn't really even phase us. We had umbrellas. At one point, Sarah and I were waiting on a corner by a canal we had to cross, for everyone else, and I look across the canal and go "Hey, Sarah, look to your right. There's Notre Dame." And there it was. Out of nowhere, we just happened to run into it. It's so cool how that can happen and how we just ran into one of the famous churches. It's so magnificent and such a sight to see. So beautiful and so gigantic.
We continued on and on the way we saw the intersection that Princess Diana had her car accident at...well, not the tunnel, but above the tunnel. That was surreal.
We went further and finally arrive at the gigantic Louvre. We walked through to the other side and there were the pyramids everyone knows about. It was so weird to actually see them in real life because you hear about them so often and see pictures and here I am standing right in front of them. We entered the museum and began our 8 hour adventure around this large and enticing museum. Here's a small rundown of the things I saw: The Mona Lisa (which is a lot smaller than I thought it'd be), Venus de Milo, Victorie de Samthonique (might have that last part wrong), paintings of Michaelangelo, Donatello, mummies, the coffin thing that mummies get placed into, Egyptian/Greek/Roman artifacts, Greek Vases, Roman Vases, Napoleon's Apartments, Greek/Italian sculptures, paintings from all over Europe. The list is extensive. So much to take in in such a small amount of time. After 6pm, it's free, so we're going to try to come back a couple times after 6 when we're not doing something else, just to check out some more. Beth said she saw Commedia masks, which I would LOVE to see.
On our way back to the apartment, we crossed the canal with people just having picnics - wine, beer, noodles, baguettes - I'm totally doing this before I leave. We went down a side street instead of the main street on the way home and passed some break dancers, little bars and clubs, restuarants. The city was so alive and so lit up and it was so late. We stopped at Shakespeare and Company, a bookstore that Hemingway and others used to come to to chill at. A tiny quaint bookstore loaded with old, old books. It was pretty neat to see. I looked straight ahead while Sarah and I were waiting outside for Beth and Cathy to finish shopping and again, there was Notre Dame - all lit up. What a sight to see at night as well. (P.S. I forgot to mention, you can pretty much see the Eiffel Tower from everywhere as long as there's some open space - from the Lovre windows, the bridges, etc.) We continued walking and stopped at this wine store. The guy began talking to Beth and I outside because we weren't getting anything and he was telling us we need to stay up and out all night one night in Paris when the moon is out. Then at 5am when the cafes open, grab a coffee and watch the sunrise. That is how you truly experience Paris. So, one night, we're definitely going to do that. I'm pretty excited.
We got home and were all exhausted. I made some dinner (GNOCCI!), we each had a glass of wine, and then off to bed we went. First day around Paris was a success and an amazing time.
Today, we're going to get ready and head off to the Catacombs and then over to visit the Eiffel Tower to see it while it's daylight, eat some dinner, then see wait to see it all lit up, as well. Another long, but cool day.
Have a good day!
Well, yesterday we all woke up, made some breakfast, chatted, told stories, and figured out what we would do for the day. The decision was to go to the Musee de Louvre. We also decided to walk there because it only looked like it was a mile down, which is nothing compared to all the walking we did in Moscow. Plus, we wanted to see a little more of Paris on the way. So, we walked. It was strange because I felt like I knew where I was going, where I was heading, and the streets are strange and curve all different ways. Somehow I became the leader, which is fine. It's just weird how natural I feel here; I feel so comfortable.
On the way, we saw everything you'd expect to see in Paris, the apartments with the balconies and flowers, the little restaurants, bakeries, small streets, one way streets, beautiful churches. We stopped into some of the little shops. Then it began to rain. Pretty hard. The funny thing about it is that it didn't really even phase us. We had umbrellas. At one point, Sarah and I were waiting on a corner by a canal we had to cross, for everyone else, and I look across the canal and go "Hey, Sarah, look to your right. There's Notre Dame." And there it was. Out of nowhere, we just happened to run into it. It's so cool how that can happen and how we just ran into one of the famous churches. It's so magnificent and such a sight to see. So beautiful and so gigantic.
We continued on and on the way we saw the intersection that Princess Diana had her car accident at...well, not the tunnel, but above the tunnel. That was surreal.
We went further and finally arrive at the gigantic Louvre. We walked through to the other side and there were the pyramids everyone knows about. It was so weird to actually see them in real life because you hear about them so often and see pictures and here I am standing right in front of them. We entered the museum and began our 8 hour adventure around this large and enticing museum. Here's a small rundown of the things I saw: The Mona Lisa (which is a lot smaller than I thought it'd be), Venus de Milo, Victorie de Samthonique (might have that last part wrong), paintings of Michaelangelo, Donatello, mummies, the coffin thing that mummies get placed into, Egyptian/Greek/Roman artifacts, Greek Vases, Roman Vases, Napoleon's Apartments, Greek/Italian sculptures, paintings from all over Europe. The list is extensive. So much to take in in such a small amount of time. After 6pm, it's free, so we're going to try to come back a couple times after 6 when we're not doing something else, just to check out some more. Beth said she saw Commedia masks, which I would LOVE to see.
On our way back to the apartment, we crossed the canal with people just having picnics - wine, beer, noodles, baguettes - I'm totally doing this before I leave. We went down a side street instead of the main street on the way home and passed some break dancers, little bars and clubs, restuarants. The city was so alive and so lit up and it was so late. We stopped at Shakespeare and Company, a bookstore that Hemingway and others used to come to to chill at. A tiny quaint bookstore loaded with old, old books. It was pretty neat to see. I looked straight ahead while Sarah and I were waiting outside for Beth and Cathy to finish shopping and again, there was Notre Dame - all lit up. What a sight to see at night as well. (P.S. I forgot to mention, you can pretty much see the Eiffel Tower from everywhere as long as there's some open space - from the Lovre windows, the bridges, etc.) We continued walking and stopped at this wine store. The guy began talking to Beth and I outside because we weren't getting anything and he was telling us we need to stay up and out all night one night in Paris when the moon is out. Then at 5am when the cafes open, grab a coffee and watch the sunrise. That is how you truly experience Paris. So, one night, we're definitely going to do that. I'm pretty excited.
We got home and were all exhausted. I made some dinner (GNOCCI!), we each had a glass of wine, and then off to bed we went. First day around Paris was a success and an amazing time.
Today, we're going to get ready and head off to the Catacombs and then over to visit the Eiffel Tower to see it while it's daylight, eat some dinner, then see wait to see it all lit up, as well. Another long, but cool day.
Have a good day!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Bonjour
Well. I'm in Paris. What a night/day yesterday. Well, he headed off to the airport around 3:30am. Everyone was in a different state - happy, sad, tired, confused, drunk, everything. So that was obviously interesting. We got to the airport earlier than they would let us in, so we had a little bit of sitting around to do. Then they said that everyone's bags had to be 23kilos (50 lbs.) so everyone was frantically going through their bags throwing stuff in other people's so that it wouldn't be too heavy. On the way home, if it's over, I'm just paying whatever it is. lol. I was fine though because I have two bags already.
So, I get on the plane and pass out. Woke up later and the clouds were so heavy it looked like snow. You couldn't see anything underneath. Aboveit was the bright blue sky. Really quite amazing. Of course I took a picture.
We landed and had to find Beth's mom and sister. The airport in Paris is really not that easy to navigate, but we made it. Then we found a cab and took it to our apartment. It's in the 6th district, beautiful. There's a main bathroom which is big, a master bedroom and bathroom with a jacuzzi tub, a yellow dining room and kitchen, a living room with blue furniture and peach walls and another bedroom with two twin beds. The streets outside are so nice also. Nice apartment buildings, little stores, random fountains. What you would expect Paris to be I guess.
Kennikki and I went to a little restaurant for lunch across the street while we were waiting for the others so we could go grocery shopping because we were STARVING! so, we got chicken and fries. ha ha. (Kennikki: "We have to get french fries. we're in FRANCE!" yea, she's a dork just like me.) It was cool because I was able to read the french menu. It's been a while since I've taken french, and I only took two years, but its cool to see what's coming back. We went to the grocery store which was laid out weird. They had a downstairs too, which is where you checked out. To get your cart downstairs, carts had their own escalator that grabbed onto their wheels. so crazy. Then you had to pay 3 cents for bags. lame but it's all good.
We came back and Kennikki and I went to get a phone card because everyone else didn't feel like going they just wanted to chill. So we walked and picked random streets. Found a McDonalds, Starbucks, an amazing smelling bakery. Met some really nice people. It's so interesting because, yes, people are rude here I guess but everyone seems like angels after leaving Moscow lol. The few people we stopped and talked to were really friendly and wanted to help us out and to talk to us. Such a nice atmoshere here.
It was definitely sort of a culture shock to be here because within a two hour span we're in a different country with a different language, new streets, and new everything. Its like the first 2 days in Moscow where you have to learn everything all over again. It'll be ok though. The pace here is a little slower...amongst the walkers. The driving is insane, there's no lanes!!! But people aren't speeding past you as you walk, knocking your shoulders, they're just chillin enjoying life. I really like that.
So, Kennikki and I got back and I fell asleep; it's 5pm. I woke up at midnight - took out my contacts and went back to sleep. I woke up at 7:40am this morning. That's a ton of sleep, but I was exhausted. Mom can attest for me because I sounded like crap on the phone yesterday. ha ha.
Anyway, right now it's a little gray outside, so hopefully it'll turn around and be as beautiful as it was yesterday. I'm off to take a shower and get ready for the day. Have a great one! Love and miss you all. A bientot!
So, I get on the plane and pass out. Woke up later and the clouds were so heavy it looked like snow. You couldn't see anything underneath. Aboveit was the bright blue sky. Really quite amazing. Of course I took a picture.
We landed and had to find Beth's mom and sister. The airport in Paris is really not that easy to navigate, but we made it. Then we found a cab and took it to our apartment. It's in the 6th district, beautiful. There's a main bathroom which is big, a master bedroom and bathroom with a jacuzzi tub, a yellow dining room and kitchen, a living room with blue furniture and peach walls and another bedroom with two twin beds. The streets outside are so nice also. Nice apartment buildings, little stores, random fountains. What you would expect Paris to be I guess.
Kennikki and I went to a little restaurant for lunch across the street while we were waiting for the others so we could go grocery shopping because we were STARVING! so, we got chicken and fries. ha ha. (Kennikki: "We have to get french fries. we're in FRANCE!" yea, she's a dork just like me.) It was cool because I was able to read the french menu. It's been a while since I've taken french, and I only took two years, but its cool to see what's coming back. We went to the grocery store which was laid out weird. They had a downstairs too, which is where you checked out. To get your cart downstairs, carts had their own escalator that grabbed onto their wheels. so crazy. Then you had to pay 3 cents for bags. lame but it's all good.
We came back and Kennikki and I went to get a phone card because everyone else didn't feel like going they just wanted to chill. So we walked and picked random streets. Found a McDonalds, Starbucks, an amazing smelling bakery. Met some really nice people. It's so interesting because, yes, people are rude here I guess but everyone seems like angels after leaving Moscow lol. The few people we stopped and talked to were really friendly and wanted to help us out and to talk to us. Such a nice atmoshere here.
It was definitely sort of a culture shock to be here because within a two hour span we're in a different country with a different language, new streets, and new everything. Its like the first 2 days in Moscow where you have to learn everything all over again. It'll be ok though. The pace here is a little slower...amongst the walkers. The driving is insane, there's no lanes!!! But people aren't speeding past you as you walk, knocking your shoulders, they're just chillin enjoying life. I really like that.
So, Kennikki and I got back and I fell asleep; it's 5pm. I woke up at midnight - took out my contacts and went back to sleep. I woke up at 7:40am this morning. That's a ton of sleep, but I was exhausted. Mom can attest for me because I sounded like crap on the phone yesterday. ha ha.
Anyway, right now it's a little gray outside, so hopefully it'll turn around and be as beautiful as it was yesterday. I'm off to take a shower and get ready for the day. Have a great one! Love and miss you all. A bientot!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Goodbye Moscow.
Well, tonight I had the perfect goodbye to Moscow. Kennikki, Beth, Mo, Dave, and I went to my pond. We sat there and listened to music, looked at the stars, the water, and had a half an hour before the dorm closed. It was beautiful and amazing. We each then stood at the water's edge and said our last words to Moscow and did a curtain call. It was such an amazing moment, and one I think I'll hold dear forever. The look of my friends, the water, the moon, the stars, the clouds, the buildings, the trees. Such a vivid picture emblazened in my mind. Perfect.
This morning we went to the most beautiful cemetary I've ever been to. We saw Anton Chekhov's grave, Nemirovich-Dachenko's, and Stanislavsky's. It was definitely really cool and I'm glad we were able to go. Afterward, Beth, Ted, Mo, and I went to eat. We went to this place called Temple Bar, which I think is amazing because that is the name of the hole in the wall bar in Detroit by the Masonic Temple that we go to. It's cool that we went to it, but a lot nicer of a version, in Moscow. P.S. When you order a salad, it's like shredded beets, not the green lettuce we get home. FYI. I got a salad and chicken in marinara. Chicken = good. Salad = disgusting.
Matt, Beth, Mo, and I went to the Banya after. The Banya is like a spa. Apparently, it's the thing you do in Moscow. There's this sauna, which is sooooo hot and wonderful. In it, you take these birch sticks/leaves and whack yourself with them. It doesn't hurt, it's actually very relaxing. You soak them in water and they wrap around you and loosen up. It feels so good on your muscles in the sauna. Then you go outside of it and there's a cord you can pull for a bucket of water to dump on you to cool you off, or you can go into a tub of cold water. There's also a pool there to swim in and cool off in which was so cool. I felt like I was an Emporer or something because of how magnificent this place was. In the pool there were white columns surrounding it, a fountain which squirted into the pool, a skylight which was all stained glass, and black and reddish marble on the walls. I felt like I was royalty. Matt and I repeated this maybe four times. So worth it, and a nice reward for ourselves after a crazy month. I seriousl felt high afterward. The girls had a good time, too. They ended up getting body mud masks, though, which they enjoyed.
Afterward, I headed over to Red Square and got my last looks at Red Square, the Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral. I saw a park to the side of it and went in. There was this really cool horse fountain, and a little canal with statues in it of fairytales. I'm so glad I was able to go here one last time and while the sun was setting. I got some great pictures. I really wish you could be here to enjoy it with me.
In Russia, it's custom to give gifts. Well, as I had said earlier, I gave the Wayne State bracelets to our favorite Russians - Polina and Sasha. Today, they gave me this little tiny book with dolphins on the front and seashells and it's in Russian. On the front of it, it says Good Luck. It was just really cool that they thought to give it to me. Also, that they saw this and thought of me because dolphins are my favorite animals and I obviously love the beach. I'm going to miss them.
So, in a couple hours we leave for Paris. Moscow was great, but it's time to move on. Thank you for everything. Bonjour Paris.
Well, I need to finish packing. Have a good night. Love you all.
This morning we went to the most beautiful cemetary I've ever been to. We saw Anton Chekhov's grave, Nemirovich-Dachenko's, and Stanislavsky's. It was definitely really cool and I'm glad we were able to go. Afterward, Beth, Ted, Mo, and I went to eat. We went to this place called Temple Bar, which I think is amazing because that is the name of the hole in the wall bar in Detroit by the Masonic Temple that we go to. It's cool that we went to it, but a lot nicer of a version, in Moscow. P.S. When you order a salad, it's like shredded beets, not the green lettuce we get home. FYI. I got a salad and chicken in marinara. Chicken = good. Salad = disgusting.
Matt, Beth, Mo, and I went to the Banya after. The Banya is like a spa. Apparently, it's the thing you do in Moscow. There's this sauna, which is sooooo hot and wonderful. In it, you take these birch sticks/leaves and whack yourself with them. It doesn't hurt, it's actually very relaxing. You soak them in water and they wrap around you and loosen up. It feels so good on your muscles in the sauna. Then you go outside of it and there's a cord you can pull for a bucket of water to dump on you to cool you off, or you can go into a tub of cold water. There's also a pool there to swim in and cool off in which was so cool. I felt like I was an Emporer or something because of how magnificent this place was. In the pool there were white columns surrounding it, a fountain which squirted into the pool, a skylight which was all stained glass, and black and reddish marble on the walls. I felt like I was royalty. Matt and I repeated this maybe four times. So worth it, and a nice reward for ourselves after a crazy month. I seriousl felt high afterward. The girls had a good time, too. They ended up getting body mud masks, though, which they enjoyed.
Afterward, I headed over to Red Square and got my last looks at Red Square, the Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral. I saw a park to the side of it and went in. There was this really cool horse fountain, and a little canal with statues in it of fairytales. I'm so glad I was able to go here one last time and while the sun was setting. I got some great pictures. I really wish you could be here to enjoy it with me.
In Russia, it's custom to give gifts. Well, as I had said earlier, I gave the Wayne State bracelets to our favorite Russians - Polina and Sasha. Today, they gave me this little tiny book with dolphins on the front and seashells and it's in Russian. On the front of it, it says Good Luck. It was just really cool that they thought to give it to me. Also, that they saw this and thought of me because dolphins are my favorite animals and I obviously love the beach. I'm going to miss them.
So, in a couple hours we leave for Paris. Moscow was great, but it's time to move on. Thank you for everything. Bonjour Paris.
Well, I need to finish packing. Have a good night. Love you all.
Speciba Moscow.
Speciba = Thank you in Russian. That's the only word I can really think of saying right now in response to us leaving late late this evening (3:30am). Moscow has given me so much, I wish I could give something back. But, maybe I have and I just haven't realized it. I'm sure I've affected or made an impact on someone's life here. It's a beautiful thing. I feel like I've become a different person...well, maybe not different, but definitely more mature, more grown up, more intelligent, more independent, more artistic, more creative, more me. And I love that. Something about this place sparks every sense in you and makes you completely aware of every emotion, every detail, every smell, touch, and sight. Everything. I'ver said this before, but experience has been more than I could have ever hoped for.
Today is my final day in Moscow as I've said. Last night we had our last group meeting/pot luck. We ate gorsche (sp?), drank some chamaigne, made some toasts to each other, and hung out all night. Polina and Sasha (our favorite Russians from the MXAT) came downstairs and hung out with us. I gave them each a Wayne State Green Bracelet (I've been giving those out to my Russians, Nicole. Thank you.) and they absolutely loved it. It's so nice how a simple gift can really make someone feel. In Russia, it's their culture to give small gifts or tokens or whatever. Nice. I got Mariana a necklace from the market we were at yesterday that she absolutely loves. it was to thank her for being such an amazing second mother to us all this month.
Yesterday we went to Stanislavsky's old apartment which is now a museum. Beautiful apartment which was built in thr 1700's with painting on the ceiling and everything. Aunt Jenny - you and my dad will really appreciate the architecture and old historic buildings I've been taking pictures of. Oh, and the paintings that I've taken pictures of too. Amazing. Anyway, so we were there and it was really fascinating to see where he first put on performances, where he wrote "To the Actor." Really cool.
We went to this market afterward where you bargain them for prices and everything. I was really good at it because I was serious and wouldn't budge and would begin to walk away and they'd bring it down more...I got one guy to go from 2000 rubles to 800 rubles for something. ha ha. So cool. That was fun and I got some really cool stuff.
After that we went and saw this horrible play. It was so bad. Most of us left at intermission and everyone else trickled out during the second act. Out of 24 people in our group, by the end of the show there was only 4. ha ha. It was that bad. They had no connection to what they were saying, no understanding, no energy, they were just saying lines, no feeling, inner motivation, no radiation with each other. It was very superficial. Oh well.
Anyway, sorry this is kind of short, but we have to head out. We're going to a cemetary to see Stanislavsky's grave. Then Beth, Kennikki, Mo, and I are going to head over to Red Square and try to get into the Kremlin and Lenin's tomb possibly. Then we want to head over to our favorite pond. Love it.
Have a good day! Maybe I'll update again today, maybe IO'll update in Paris. Love you all!
Today is my final day in Moscow as I've said. Last night we had our last group meeting/pot luck. We ate gorsche (sp?), drank some chamaigne, made some toasts to each other, and hung out all night. Polina and Sasha (our favorite Russians from the MXAT) came downstairs and hung out with us. I gave them each a Wayne State Green Bracelet (I've been giving those out to my Russians, Nicole. Thank you.) and they absolutely loved it. It's so nice how a simple gift can really make someone feel. In Russia, it's their culture to give small gifts or tokens or whatever. Nice. I got Mariana a necklace from the market we were at yesterday that she absolutely loves. it was to thank her for being such an amazing second mother to us all this month.
Yesterday we went to Stanislavsky's old apartment which is now a museum. Beautiful apartment which was built in thr 1700's with painting on the ceiling and everything. Aunt Jenny - you and my dad will really appreciate the architecture and old historic buildings I've been taking pictures of. Oh, and the paintings that I've taken pictures of too. Amazing. Anyway, so we were there and it was really fascinating to see where he first put on performances, where he wrote "To the Actor." Really cool.
We went to this market afterward where you bargain them for prices and everything. I was really good at it because I was serious and wouldn't budge and would begin to walk away and they'd bring it down more...I got one guy to go from 2000 rubles to 800 rubles for something. ha ha. So cool. That was fun and I got some really cool stuff.
After that we went and saw this horrible play. It was so bad. Most of us left at intermission and everyone else trickled out during the second act. Out of 24 people in our group, by the end of the show there was only 4. ha ha. It was that bad. They had no connection to what they were saying, no understanding, no energy, they were just saying lines, no feeling, inner motivation, no radiation with each other. It was very superficial. Oh well.
Anyway, sorry this is kind of short, but we have to head out. We're going to a cemetary to see Stanislavsky's grave. Then Beth, Kennikki, Mo, and I are going to head over to Red Square and try to get into the Kremlin and Lenin's tomb possibly. Then we want to head over to our favorite pond. Love it.
Have a good day! Maybe I'll update again today, maybe IO'll update in Paris. Love you all!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Last Day Part 2
Well, as I said previously, today was the last day. Beth and I started off by going to our favorite park on the way to school and sitting by the fountain, just relaxing. We listened to couple of songs that were kind of meaningful for the moment and Russia also. We then continued onto our last walk to school down Traveskya.
Our first class today was movement. We did a new exercise called the sheep. One person is laying on their back on the floor. The other crouches over them on all fours, hands in between legs. The person on the floor wraps around the person that's crouching and then person that's crouching lifts knees and starts walking. An extension of this is the flying sheep where you stand and the perosn on the floor ends up arching their back and looking their flying and the other walking with them like this. We had evaluations also. Vladimir said I had good flexibility, hard worker, I can push myself even further. Also, I'm great with balancing weight and being a good partner. rock on.
Acting. My evaulation was that I'm always in a good mood. lol. First thing he said. Then he asked if I'm from the South because I have this Mediterranean/Carribean feel to me. The temperment I have is free going and relaxing. Everyone laughed at that because, as you know, i'm obsesses with the beach. So, it's funny that I give off those feelings. I just need to work on my specificity and detail, which I knew. Sweet.
We had the farewell party afterward and had champaigne, crackers, cheese, and grapes. We also gave the gifts to the instructors. We recieved a certificate saying we completed our work there and everything. We had some music on and Marianna (our mother for the month) grabbed me to dance with me. Back story: She's very honest and blunt...because she's Russian. Anyway, she whispers in my ear "Thank you. Thank you. You're perfect. You're great with movement, with dance, with talent. You have it all. Don't stop yourself. Don't ever stop. Keep going. You're going places. You have everything you need. You're perfect." That meant a lot to me because she doesn't say something if she doesn't mean it, or she won't say it all or will knock you for it. ha. It really touched me.
It's so crazy that today was our last day of classes. Time really flew by. Can't even tell you where this past month went, but man am I a different person. First off, I eat scrambld eggs for breakfast every morning. ha ha. I need to start the day off wioth a good breakfast since it's such a long day.
Anyway, we're all going to a club I guess soon so I'm peacing out. Tomorrow, we're going to the Stanislavski museum, the market, and then a show. whoo. Have a good night!
Our first class today was movement. We did a new exercise called the sheep. One person is laying on their back on the floor. The other crouches over them on all fours, hands in between legs. The person on the floor wraps around the person that's crouching and then person that's crouching lifts knees and starts walking. An extension of this is the flying sheep where you stand and the perosn on the floor ends up arching their back and looking their flying and the other walking with them like this. We had evaluations also. Vladimir said I had good flexibility, hard worker, I can push myself even further. Also, I'm great with balancing weight and being a good partner. rock on.
Acting. My evaulation was that I'm always in a good mood. lol. First thing he said. Then he asked if I'm from the South because I have this Mediterranean/Carribean feel to me. The temperment I have is free going and relaxing. Everyone laughed at that because, as you know, i'm obsesses with the beach. So, it's funny that I give off those feelings. I just need to work on my specificity and detail, which I knew. Sweet.
We had the farewell party afterward and had champaigne, crackers, cheese, and grapes. We also gave the gifts to the instructors. We recieved a certificate saying we completed our work there and everything. We had some music on and Marianna (our mother for the month) grabbed me to dance with me. Back story: She's very honest and blunt...because she's Russian. Anyway, she whispers in my ear "Thank you. Thank you. You're perfect. You're great with movement, with dance, with talent. You have it all. Don't stop yourself. Don't ever stop. Keep going. You're going places. You have everything you need. You're perfect." That meant a lot to me because she doesn't say something if she doesn't mean it, or she won't say it all or will knock you for it. ha. It really touched me.
It's so crazy that today was our last day of classes. Time really flew by. Can't even tell you where this past month went, but man am I a different person. First off, I eat scrambld eggs for breakfast every morning. ha ha. I need to start the day off wioth a good breakfast since it's such a long day.
Anyway, we're all going to a club I guess soon so I'm peacing out. Tomorrow, we're going to the Stanislavski museum, the market, and then a show. whoo. Have a good night!
Friday, June 27, 2008
Last Day
Well, today is the last day of classes. It's crazy to think a month went by so fast. Every acting class we start off by sharing observations, impressions of being here wither it's theatre, cultural, people we see, events that occur, things we do after class, whatever. Yesterday, I really looked at everyone around the room. We've grown into one emsemble, one company. Oleay was saying that what we have is rare - to take two completely seperate groups (Wayne State and Univ. of Windsor) and throw them together without knowing each other, and in the end, not know the different between the two because it's so interconnected and one. I thought that was really cool. Everyone talked about how much they've changed and grown up as individuals and artists.
Yesterday we had our last chekhov class. It was so sad. We leared a Russian melody that is supposed to give us good luck, I'll sing it to you when I get home, it's pretty - like a lullaby. Mischa commended us on our hard work and said that our teachers have taught us well because we've opened ourselves, used our imagination, and were free and willing to try new things. What an amazing class. I'me so luck to have had Mischa, as well as James Luse, teach me.
In acting, our etude was kind of sprung off of my individual one from the day before. We were at Konstantin's funeral, and we had told the priest it was an accident, not a suicide. Medvedenko comes out and says that it was not an accident, but instead a suicide and we were hiding it. The priest says he will not conitnue the service because it is against the religion to hold a service for a man who committed suicide. Holy change of atmosphere! ha. The comments afterward was that it was so compelling and real when we were standing around the dead body and going up to it and touching it (it's under a sheet), that they completely forgot that there was supposed to be an event. Our imagination was being used so well, and we were completely invested in every moment, so when the event happened, it through everyone for a loop because they forgot that there was supposed to be one. Oleeay commended us on that also, that we were able to have the audience live with us at the moment so well they weren't thinking about anything else. It was a great etude. Awesome.
We saw The Seagull last night. It was alright. First show I think I can say that for while being here, everything, as you know, has been described as amazing or incredible or whatever. This show was just very slow in pace and didn't keep mine, or many of the people in my group's, attention. Some of the roles were cast too old, I think also. Oh well. I'm glad I saw it. Maybe I built myself up too much for it because I was excited to see it. Meh.
Funny story, today I went to change and put my belt on. When I got here, I was on the first notch. Today, I'm able to do the fourth notch. If I was still in the weight loss competition right now, I think I could be in the lead. ha ha. I don't know, we don't have a scale. And who knows, I may gain it all back in Paris with wine and croissants. ha ha :)
Anyway, I'm off to my last walk to school with Beth and Kennikki, last movement class, last acting class, and our graduation/final party. It's so surreal, I don't even know how to grasp onto it. Incredible.
Oh! Two nights ago, we were in really good moods, kinda hyper, so Beth, Mo, Alex, and I got dressed in disguise and went to the other side of the third floor (the canadian wing as we call it) and pranked them. ha ha. We were all stealthy and put a garbage can in front of one of the rooms, and then saranwrapped the fridge. HILARIOUS. nothing harmful, just funny. I mean, who saran wraps a fridge? Mo and tiff are from the canadian side, but they were all about it too. In the morning, the canadians thought it was hilarious and were just a little confused. so funny. they enjoyed it. Thought you'd find that funny too. :)
Love you all. Off to class!
Yesterday we had our last chekhov class. It was so sad. We leared a Russian melody that is supposed to give us good luck, I'll sing it to you when I get home, it's pretty - like a lullaby. Mischa commended us on our hard work and said that our teachers have taught us well because we've opened ourselves, used our imagination, and were free and willing to try new things. What an amazing class. I'me so luck to have had Mischa, as well as James Luse, teach me.
In acting, our etude was kind of sprung off of my individual one from the day before. We were at Konstantin's funeral, and we had told the priest it was an accident, not a suicide. Medvedenko comes out and says that it was not an accident, but instead a suicide and we were hiding it. The priest says he will not conitnue the service because it is against the religion to hold a service for a man who committed suicide. Holy change of atmosphere! ha. The comments afterward was that it was so compelling and real when we were standing around the dead body and going up to it and touching it (it's under a sheet), that they completely forgot that there was supposed to be an event. Our imagination was being used so well, and we were completely invested in every moment, so when the event happened, it through everyone for a loop because they forgot that there was supposed to be one. Oleeay commended us on that also, that we were able to have the audience live with us at the moment so well they weren't thinking about anything else. It was a great etude. Awesome.
We saw The Seagull last night. It was alright. First show I think I can say that for while being here, everything, as you know, has been described as amazing or incredible or whatever. This show was just very slow in pace and didn't keep mine, or many of the people in my group's, attention. Some of the roles were cast too old, I think also. Oh well. I'm glad I saw it. Maybe I built myself up too much for it because I was excited to see it. Meh.
Funny story, today I went to change and put my belt on. When I got here, I was on the first notch. Today, I'm able to do the fourth notch. If I was still in the weight loss competition right now, I think I could be in the lead. ha ha. I don't know, we don't have a scale. And who knows, I may gain it all back in Paris with wine and croissants. ha ha :)
Anyway, I'm off to my last walk to school with Beth and Kennikki, last movement class, last acting class, and our graduation/final party. It's so surreal, I don't even know how to grasp onto it. Incredible.
Oh! Two nights ago, we were in really good moods, kinda hyper, so Beth, Mo, Alex, and I got dressed in disguise and went to the other side of the third floor (the canadian wing as we call it) and pranked them. ha ha. We were all stealthy and put a garbage can in front of one of the rooms, and then saranwrapped the fridge. HILARIOUS. nothing harmful, just funny. I mean, who saran wraps a fridge? Mo and tiff are from the canadian side, but they were all about it too. In the morning, the canadians thought it was hilarious and were just a little confused. so funny. they enjoyed it. Thought you'd find that funny too. :)
Love you all. Off to class!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Oh, Moscow.
First off, thank you to whoever reads these. I was looking back at posts, and I write a lot. I hope it's intereting.
This morning we had a joint movement class with the other group. We did all of the same exercise, but with 24 people instead of 12, and in an hour and a half. Everything was compacted. It's so exciting to see the results I am getting everytime I go into class. We go every other day, but I'm still improving so much within that day off, without consciously doing anything. It's crazy, but so cool and exciting. You're going to freak when you see me do some of this stuff. Movement went really well. Our final exam/final class is Saturday.
Next, we had the final singing class with both groups combined. We began with a warm up and then jumped right into the showcase. Everyone performed the song they have been working on throughout the month. Some songs were divided into three people to work on, or two people. The would split the verses and make it a duet or whatever, and some had solos. I sang the song "For You, For Me, Forever More." It was definitely the best I had sang it thus far. At one point I grabbed Marina, the vocal instructor, and we swayed and danced to it. It was a lot of fun. I was really impressed with everyone that sang today. So many people improved immensely. I know I've learnd a bit about myself and singing, as well.
Acting was cool. So, I did my individual Chekhov etude from The Seagull today. I did the scene at the end of Act IV where Konstantin is offstage and shoots himself. I knew it was risky and could be a complete failure, but i wanted to explore idea of him going in to kill himself, deciding not to, and then the irony of the gun going off and killing him by accident. Etudes are a great means to explore and discover and possibly uncover answers and developments in stories or in characters. I began be rushing in because Nina had just told me she didn't love me. I ran to the drawer, pulled out the gun, sat at the table, held it to my my jaw, closed my eyes really tight. I opened them and saw out the window the lake. I put the gun down and walked towards the window. The lake calmed me and I decided not to kill myself. I went back to the table, grabbed the gun and went to put it in the drawer when it went off and shot myself in the stomach. I slowly died.
Some of the comments were that it was comedic...it is comedic. The irony of him going to kill himself, deciding not to, and then it going off by accident. It makes sense because he tried to kill himself in Act I, but didn't succeed there either. I wanted to explore this because all it says at the end of the play is that he shoots himself. I thought it left it open ended. He could have shot himself, but still been ok, but everyone assumes he dies. That was another route I was going to take; what if he didn't die? So interesting and so analytical. The etude ended up not being a failure and also not being a success, but I don't regret doing it. I was told it was one of my strongest performances, it was truthful, it raised even more questions because it is very possible that this would happen but no one ever thinks of it, and my imagination was flowing and creating beautiful images - work of a true artist. That stuff meant a lot to me because it was just me going out on a whim and trying something that irked me to go further into it.
Tonight we went to the Russian Circus. I asked Mariana if it is a respected profession because it isn't exactly looked up to in America. She said that Russians are obsessed with the circus. They love it and the performers; it's such a part of Russian tradition. There was this crazy contortionist woman would have her feet by her ears and used them as hands, it was weird, but interesting. Acribatic people in the air barely hanging by anything which was scary, poodles doing dog tricks, a couple clowns, dancing on horses. What I really noticed was how much insane gymnastics was used during almost all of the acts. The whole show was conducted in a theatrical aspect from the lights to the sets to the costumes, the intervals, the storyline. It was in a stationary theatre of its own, also, and was built in like 1886. The circus was very different from anything we've seen, but very interesting to see.
Tomorrow night we're going to see The Seagull. I'm so excited because we've spent so much time discussing it, performing etudes from it, analyzing it, finding questions and searching for answers about it. It's going to be great.
I, again, am exhausted. So, I am off to bed. Have a good evening/day. Whatever it is. :) See you all in 15ish days. PEACE
This morning we had a joint movement class with the other group. We did all of the same exercise, but with 24 people instead of 12, and in an hour and a half. Everything was compacted. It's so exciting to see the results I am getting everytime I go into class. We go every other day, but I'm still improving so much within that day off, without consciously doing anything. It's crazy, but so cool and exciting. You're going to freak when you see me do some of this stuff. Movement went really well. Our final exam/final class is Saturday.
Next, we had the final singing class with both groups combined. We began with a warm up and then jumped right into the showcase. Everyone performed the song they have been working on throughout the month. Some songs were divided into three people to work on, or two people. The would split the verses and make it a duet or whatever, and some had solos. I sang the song "For You, For Me, Forever More." It was definitely the best I had sang it thus far. At one point I grabbed Marina, the vocal instructor, and we swayed and danced to it. It was a lot of fun. I was really impressed with everyone that sang today. So many people improved immensely. I know I've learnd a bit about myself and singing, as well.
Acting was cool. So, I did my individual Chekhov etude from The Seagull today. I did the scene at the end of Act IV where Konstantin is offstage and shoots himself. I knew it was risky and could be a complete failure, but i wanted to explore idea of him going in to kill himself, deciding not to, and then the irony of the gun going off and killing him by accident. Etudes are a great means to explore and discover and possibly uncover answers and developments in stories or in characters. I began be rushing in because Nina had just told me she didn't love me. I ran to the drawer, pulled out the gun, sat at the table, held it to my my jaw, closed my eyes really tight. I opened them and saw out the window the lake. I put the gun down and walked towards the window. The lake calmed me and I decided not to kill myself. I went back to the table, grabbed the gun and went to put it in the drawer when it went off and shot myself in the stomach. I slowly died.
Some of the comments were that it was comedic...it is comedic. The irony of him going to kill himself, deciding not to, and then it going off by accident. It makes sense because he tried to kill himself in Act I, but didn't succeed there either. I wanted to explore this because all it says at the end of the play is that he shoots himself. I thought it left it open ended. He could have shot himself, but still been ok, but everyone assumes he dies. That was another route I was going to take; what if he didn't die? So interesting and so analytical. The etude ended up not being a failure and also not being a success, but I don't regret doing it. I was told it was one of my strongest performances, it was truthful, it raised even more questions because it is very possible that this would happen but no one ever thinks of it, and my imagination was flowing and creating beautiful images - work of a true artist. That stuff meant a lot to me because it was just me going out on a whim and trying something that irked me to go further into it.
Tonight we went to the Russian Circus. I asked Mariana if it is a respected profession because it isn't exactly looked up to in America. She said that Russians are obsessed with the circus. They love it and the performers; it's such a part of Russian tradition. There was this crazy contortionist woman would have her feet by her ears and used them as hands, it was weird, but interesting. Acribatic people in the air barely hanging by anything which was scary, poodles doing dog tricks, a couple clowns, dancing on horses. What I really noticed was how much insane gymnastics was used during almost all of the acts. The whole show was conducted in a theatrical aspect from the lights to the sets to the costumes, the intervals, the storyline. It was in a stationary theatre of its own, also, and was built in like 1886. The circus was very different from anything we've seen, but very interesting to see.
Tomorrow night we're going to see The Seagull. I'm so excited because we've spent so much time discussing it, performing etudes from it, analyzing it, finding questions and searching for answers about it. It's going to be great.
I, again, am exhausted. So, I am off to bed. Have a good evening/day. Whatever it is. :) See you all in 15ish days. PEACE
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Breathe.
"Breathe" is the title of one of the songs I listen to every morning on my way to class. It's from the "In the Heights" soundtrack. I don't know why, but there's some type of connection with it. I need to listen to it at least once a day - usually in the morning. So weird, but hey, whatever, it works. And, honestly, after the last few days fiasco, breathing is all I can do. Just breathe.
Here's the situation with the Bank card. Apparently Russia put an international block on all debit and ATM transactions with National City, which is why I could not use it. After hours of drama, e-mails between Nicholas, me, and mom, phone calls to the bank, to our correspondance at the bank, to another number at the bank - we came up with a solution...well, EJ did. He gave me his account number and mom put money in his account and he withdrew it today. So, I have money. No worries, it was just a rough uphill climb to get there with a lot of stress...and unnecessary and stupid stress because this shouldn't have happened. Stupid banks. ha. Everything works out. Gotta have faith.
Today we had our last ballet class. We combined the class with both groups. We did our warm ups and dances first. They weren't bad. I wish I would have done a little better, but ya know, whatever. I was fine. I'm just too much of a perfectionist...as ALL OF YOU know. Afterwards, I gave Larissa like 5 hugs at different times because this woman is amazing and I didn't want it to be over. She is so brilliant. She told me to keep dancing and make sure I learn these crazy jump spin things. She told me she wanted to get me to jumps and spins, but not enough time, and that she really enjoyed having me in class. P.S. new news about her. Apparently she was prima ballerina at the Bolshoi for 22 YEARS which is twice the normal amount of time a prima ballerina is there. Also, she choreographed for many Russian films and was in some as well. She is such an amazing woman and I feel privileged I was able to learn from her in my life.
I can't believe this is all coming to an end. I've learned so much and have become a whole different person I think. Before I came, I was beginning to get into movement and dance aspects of theatre, but now, I know that that is where I need to be. I need to take classes and keep improving after this trip. I love it all and this is my strongpoint right now so I need to embellish it.
Chekhov class today was neat. Someone would pose on the chair and someone else would have to come up and pose with them and name the picture. Then that person would stay and the previous person would leave, but a new person would come and invent a new story. It was dealing with psychological gestures and how your imagination can work to invent all of these new situations. The next time we did it, you had to keep adding on to build a new picture, however, every picture had to be of different content and name with the same poses, though. Sounds confusing, but it makes sense because you can change the meaning of something or the way something looks because of your interpretation of it.
The next exercise was to go up front and be a character from The Seagull with no words and the class had to pick who you were...no words, just because of the character youbecome. Inorder for the audience to understand you and see the character, you have to live it and embody it. For some this was easy, but for others it was more difficult. You must have an event and a forward motion, gesture - something that makes you live the character instead of just sitting and waiting. This was a very interesting exercise. You could tell the characters by the physicality, rhythm - fast or slow, or song. We had to hum a tune or sing a song that represented the character also. Finding the character's inner song was cool because it connected to their inner motivations and self and kept the character grounded and free.
Acting was good today. We did an etude from The Segull. It was that Arkadina had a closing party for her show and everyone was in attendance and the event was that she was introducing Konstantin and he blew up and yelled and made a big scene. Changed the scene to that of discomfort. We didn't rush right out after, but instead, each character found a way to dealwith this awkwardness whether by taking a sip of the drink, looking other way, conferring with friend, whatever. The response was good change of atmosphere, great character definition/relationships, not rushing.
The interesting thing I'm finding is that I've been trying to figure out what I've learned so far here in Acting because we do the same things everyday. But that's the thing, we do the same thing - perfecting our craft. I've never thought it was useless at all, but I didn't see results like I could in movement, dance, or singing, probably because this was the only class we have everyday. I realized today that I've expanded on the ability to create a character, explore all possiblities of this character, establish relationships with other characters, and live in the moment - all happening organically and naturally and not rehearsed. It's a beautiful thing, but difficult. I used to think way too much when in these situations. You need to let your mind free and go with your soul/gut leads you.
Last night we watched Sergei's (our instructor) 2nd year class's showcase. It was all etudes. ha ha. Go figure, right? It was pretty incredible. They made rain and a thunderstorm with nothing but their hands, fingers, and mouths. It was amazing how believable it was. They then did object and animal etudes (like we have done, also). One that sticks out is that there were 6 girls in a row as guitar strings. There was someone offstage playing guitar. Everytime that string was plucked, that girl would move her body. He played a song and they all moved accordingly, so amazing to watch. Then one string broke. She left and was replaced by a guy string. It was just really cool to see the personalities a guitar string might have because no one thinks of it. Being an actor, it's important to give everything a personality and a story; every object has a story - where it came from, who it was created by, how old it is, where it is now, what it's gone through, what it thinks of the world, etc. So fascinating to think about and get into. Others that were interesting were a pack of wolves, marionettes, bees. For the human parody ones, they parodied auditionees for the MXAT. Hilarious - there the was the gangster, freak, too nervous to speak, and nerdy one. Different variations of teachers - old, intelligent, and eccentric. Then they did famous people. A boy band where they ended up having watering cans pouring water on them, fans flowing their hair - HILARIOUS. Enrique Iglesias with 4 beautiful women and him getting scared. Britney Spears going from somewhat conservative Baby One More Time to stripping clothes off for You Drive Me Crazy. Hilarious to watch, as well. It ended with Gloria Gaynor. The character study these kids must have done on these specific individuals had to have been intense because they had details down to the lip quiver and head nods. So funny to watch and incredible to see where you can be led with the guidance of such exercises as etudes.
On another note, today we were complimenting Sergei on his class and he told us that 25 of them were in the show last night and 6 were dismissed today, so now their class is down to 19. It began at 32 at the beginning of first year. Every year they cut people out that they don't think will make it. They hope for success for these individuals, but the MXAT is not the place for them. I knew it was a serious school, but I didn't know it was like that. It's good because it gets them prepared. "it's the business" - Sergei. It's just intense to think of getting kicked out of your program, not because you don't have talent, but because you're not there yet or whatever the case. Crazy. it's all crazy that I get to study here. Everyday I walk past lines of people in front of the MXAT just t audition to study here. Everday, huge lines, and I just walk by with my little card and go to class with the instructors they're dying to work with. They audition thousands a year and only take maybe 30. I'm extremely privileged to be have been able to have this opportunity. I know I keep saying this, but it's so true. I';ve sent myself here, and it's one of the best decisions I think I could have ever made. I've learned so much through acting, moving, singing, but also through culture, being in a different country and not knowing the language, handling myself in difficult situations, living with so many people, and being ok. :)
I'm about to go to bed. OH, the most important note of the day...I found a Starbucks. The lady of course had no idea what I was saying when I said carmel mocha, so I got a carmel latte, but still. AND...I have a London and Detroit Starbucks mug...well, I now have a Moscow one to join them. I was so excited that they had that. That was one of the only things I wanted to buy myself here, and I did. Lame, I know, but whatever. It's my thing I guess.
Alright, I'm off to bed. I just made chicken for tomorrow for dinner because we wont have time to come back to the dorms. It's done, so now I can go to sleep. Have a wonderful day. :)
Here's the situation with the Bank card. Apparently Russia put an international block on all debit and ATM transactions with National City, which is why I could not use it. After hours of drama, e-mails between Nicholas, me, and mom, phone calls to the bank, to our correspondance at the bank, to another number at the bank - we came up with a solution...well, EJ did. He gave me his account number and mom put money in his account and he withdrew it today. So, I have money. No worries, it was just a rough uphill climb to get there with a lot of stress...and unnecessary and stupid stress because this shouldn't have happened. Stupid banks. ha. Everything works out. Gotta have faith.
Today we had our last ballet class. We combined the class with both groups. We did our warm ups and dances first. They weren't bad. I wish I would have done a little better, but ya know, whatever. I was fine. I'm just too much of a perfectionist...as ALL OF YOU know. Afterwards, I gave Larissa like 5 hugs at different times because this woman is amazing and I didn't want it to be over. She is so brilliant. She told me to keep dancing and make sure I learn these crazy jump spin things. She told me she wanted to get me to jumps and spins, but not enough time, and that she really enjoyed having me in class. P.S. new news about her. Apparently she was prima ballerina at the Bolshoi for 22 YEARS which is twice the normal amount of time a prima ballerina is there. Also, she choreographed for many Russian films and was in some as well. She is such an amazing woman and I feel privileged I was able to learn from her in my life.
I can't believe this is all coming to an end. I've learned so much and have become a whole different person I think. Before I came, I was beginning to get into movement and dance aspects of theatre, but now, I know that that is where I need to be. I need to take classes and keep improving after this trip. I love it all and this is my strongpoint right now so I need to embellish it.
Chekhov class today was neat. Someone would pose on the chair and someone else would have to come up and pose with them and name the picture. Then that person would stay and the previous person would leave, but a new person would come and invent a new story. It was dealing with psychological gestures and how your imagination can work to invent all of these new situations. The next time we did it, you had to keep adding on to build a new picture, however, every picture had to be of different content and name with the same poses, though. Sounds confusing, but it makes sense because you can change the meaning of something or the way something looks because of your interpretation of it.
The next exercise was to go up front and be a character from The Seagull with no words and the class had to pick who you were...no words, just because of the character youbecome. Inorder for the audience to understand you and see the character, you have to live it and embody it. For some this was easy, but for others it was more difficult. You must have an event and a forward motion, gesture - something that makes you live the character instead of just sitting and waiting. This was a very interesting exercise. You could tell the characters by the physicality, rhythm - fast or slow, or song. We had to hum a tune or sing a song that represented the character also. Finding the character's inner song was cool because it connected to their inner motivations and self and kept the character grounded and free.
Acting was good today. We did an etude from The Segull. It was that Arkadina had a closing party for her show and everyone was in attendance and the event was that she was introducing Konstantin and he blew up and yelled and made a big scene. Changed the scene to that of discomfort. We didn't rush right out after, but instead, each character found a way to dealwith this awkwardness whether by taking a sip of the drink, looking other way, conferring with friend, whatever. The response was good change of atmosphere, great character definition/relationships, not rushing.
The interesting thing I'm finding is that I've been trying to figure out what I've learned so far here in Acting because we do the same things everyday. But that's the thing, we do the same thing - perfecting our craft. I've never thought it was useless at all, but I didn't see results like I could in movement, dance, or singing, probably because this was the only class we have everyday. I realized today that I've expanded on the ability to create a character, explore all possiblities of this character, establish relationships with other characters, and live in the moment - all happening organically and naturally and not rehearsed. It's a beautiful thing, but difficult. I used to think way too much when in these situations. You need to let your mind free and go with your soul/gut leads you.
Last night we watched Sergei's (our instructor) 2nd year class's showcase. It was all etudes. ha ha. Go figure, right? It was pretty incredible. They made rain and a thunderstorm with nothing but their hands, fingers, and mouths. It was amazing how believable it was. They then did object and animal etudes (like we have done, also). One that sticks out is that there were 6 girls in a row as guitar strings. There was someone offstage playing guitar. Everytime that string was plucked, that girl would move her body. He played a song and they all moved accordingly, so amazing to watch. Then one string broke. She left and was replaced by a guy string. It was just really cool to see the personalities a guitar string might have because no one thinks of it. Being an actor, it's important to give everything a personality and a story; every object has a story - where it came from, who it was created by, how old it is, where it is now, what it's gone through, what it thinks of the world, etc. So fascinating to think about and get into. Others that were interesting were a pack of wolves, marionettes, bees. For the human parody ones, they parodied auditionees for the MXAT. Hilarious - there the was the gangster, freak, too nervous to speak, and nerdy one. Different variations of teachers - old, intelligent, and eccentric. Then they did famous people. A boy band where they ended up having watering cans pouring water on them, fans flowing their hair - HILARIOUS. Enrique Iglesias with 4 beautiful women and him getting scared. Britney Spears going from somewhat conservative Baby One More Time to stripping clothes off for You Drive Me Crazy. Hilarious to watch, as well. It ended with Gloria Gaynor. The character study these kids must have done on these specific individuals had to have been intense because they had details down to the lip quiver and head nods. So funny to watch and incredible to see where you can be led with the guidance of such exercises as etudes.
On another note, today we were complimenting Sergei on his class and he told us that 25 of them were in the show last night and 6 were dismissed today, so now their class is down to 19. It began at 32 at the beginning of first year. Every year they cut people out that they don't think will make it. They hope for success for these individuals, but the MXAT is not the place for them. I knew it was a serious school, but I didn't know it was like that. It's good because it gets them prepared. "it's the business" - Sergei. It's just intense to think of getting kicked out of your program, not because you don't have talent, but because you're not there yet or whatever the case. Crazy. it's all crazy that I get to study here. Everyday I walk past lines of people in front of the MXAT just t audition to study here. Everday, huge lines, and I just walk by with my little card and go to class with the instructors they're dying to work with. They audition thousands a year and only take maybe 30. I'm extremely privileged to be have been able to have this opportunity. I know I keep saying this, but it's so true. I';ve sent myself here, and it's one of the best decisions I think I could have ever made. I've learned so much through acting, moving, singing, but also through culture, being in a different country and not knowing the language, handling myself in difficult situations, living with so many people, and being ok. :)
I'm about to go to bed. OH, the most important note of the day...I found a Starbucks. The lady of course had no idea what I was saying when I said carmel mocha, so I got a carmel latte, but still. AND...I have a London and Detroit Starbucks mug...well, I now have a Moscow one to join them. I was so excited that they had that. That was one of the only things I wanted to buy myself here, and I did. Lame, I know, but whatever. It's my thing I guess.
Alright, I'm off to bed. I just made chicken for tomorrow for dinner because we wont have time to come back to the dorms. It's done, so now I can go to sleep. Have a wonderful day. :)
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
I hate National City.
Well, the exciting events of yesterday and today have been me not being able to use my ATM card for some reason. We went to the bak beforehand, had everything worked out, my ATM card has been working fine...until Sunday. Now, ever ATM is declining it. Had mom call National City, they said it's the people in Russia's fault. Call the bank in Russia - Citibank (which happens to be a branch off of National City) and they say it's National City's fault. So, Mom is currently trying to figure out what the problem is with our correspondance that helped me get the international thing set up. This is the kind of thing that you do not want to happen when you're not at home, by the way, because there's literally nothing I can do. It'll all work out and everything will be ok. I have faith...and I know my mom won't quit until it's resolved today. ha ha. She's a tough one.
In regards to classes - we started off with movement today. My right leg is pretty much behind my head, and my left is a little more. So of course, in Russia, they push you to the max. So, Vladimir, the instructor, comes over and pushes them behind my head. So, yes, I had both feet behind my head today. CRAZY! Danielle - there's a lot of balancing exercises I think would be fun to with you where we share the weight between each other, you hop up on my legs and lean back with me just standing there. Pretty cool. It'll be fun. Vladimir now does a short warm up because we should be able to get warmed up in that amount of time with everything compacted instead of spreading it out throughout a longer period of time. Then the after-training is more intense.
Acting was good. We did this exercise where you had to hold hands with everyone in a circle. Study their hand by feeling it. Know it. Then run around the room. Freeze. Close your eyes. Find the people that were on either side of you by feeling only hands. It was really cool and really helped to heighten your senses and keep you aware. The specificity and detail involved in finding your partner can be used onstage with a scene partner or even a prop or object. Everything matters in an object - look, size, texture, smell. All of these probably seem like games to some of you - which they are. However, each game has its meaning. He doesn't tell us what the meaning is, I just gather what I've learned from it and that, to me, is the meaning of the game. I'm generally right because you get a good sense of each exercise. We also did this one where three people were along a wall: one in one corner, another in the middle, and one in the other corner, backs facing the fourth person who was down center stage area. This fourth person had to direct sound and energy toward one of those people and if the person thinks it's them, they raise their hand. It's harder than you think because the sound bounces off the walls. You have to direct all of you towards this one person otherwise a couple people raise their hands, or no one does. This exerces deals with directing your energy to your other and not just having it go all over the place. You need to have a direct connection, and this exercise helps to establish that connection.
We went and watched out Acting professors second year students final showcase tonight. It consisted completely of etudes. Here are some highlights. At the beginning, the entire class simulated a thunderstorm and rain. Amazing what sounds you body and mouth can make. I felt like I was in a storm. They also did animal etudes and objects such as marionettes, like we have done so far. My favorite was actually girls in a line being guitar strings. They would roll their body when their guitar string was strum. Then one broke, and a guy replaced her which crated this sexual tension. Hilarious. It's amazing to see what kind of a life a guitar string would have becasue each string had its own distinct and funny personality. Another one that stood out was everyone was seated as if in an orchestra and an instrumental song started playing. Everyone brought up their imagined instruments and each played their instrument as if it was there. You could see the weight and shape of this imagined object. Astonishing to see how they created this image with nothing there. I really felt I was at a concert. I get blown away more and more everyday.
The second part was them doing etudes as people such as teachers (old, cranky, nerdy, stupid ones), auditionees for the MXAT (skanky, ghetto, nerdy ones). So funny how each had their own personality. The last part was people etuding singers, lip synching but with the music on in the background. This included Elton John, a boy band who had cheesy dance moves and did the stereotypical dance moves, rip off the shirt with water ( a watering can actually - really funny), a fan blowing their hair. Then there was Britney Spears who was slightly conservative with baby one more time and did then ripped it off for a lot more a revealing outift for Crazy. Then there was Enrique Iglesias and Gloria Gaynor. They were all great. To study a person or character so intensely to get even the lip quiver down to a T. Amazing the amount of work and effort the students put into things. This attention to detail is what gets actors places. Awesome to watch.
Tomorrow we have our final dance class. I'm really sad about that because that's one of my favorite classes. I love them all, but I really like this one. It's going to be both groups combined so that we can show each other the dances we've been working on. Then Chekhov, Acting, and off to see a show.
I'm going to write in my journal and head to bed. Hope all is well in America. Night!
In regards to classes - we started off with movement today. My right leg is pretty much behind my head, and my left is a little more. So of course, in Russia, they push you to the max. So, Vladimir, the instructor, comes over and pushes them behind my head. So, yes, I had both feet behind my head today. CRAZY! Danielle - there's a lot of balancing exercises I think would be fun to with you where we share the weight between each other, you hop up on my legs and lean back with me just standing there. Pretty cool. It'll be fun. Vladimir now does a short warm up because we should be able to get warmed up in that amount of time with everything compacted instead of spreading it out throughout a longer period of time. Then the after-training is more intense.
Acting was good. We did this exercise where you had to hold hands with everyone in a circle. Study their hand by feeling it. Know it. Then run around the room. Freeze. Close your eyes. Find the people that were on either side of you by feeling only hands. It was really cool and really helped to heighten your senses and keep you aware. The specificity and detail involved in finding your partner can be used onstage with a scene partner or even a prop or object. Everything matters in an object - look, size, texture, smell. All of these probably seem like games to some of you - which they are. However, each game has its meaning. He doesn't tell us what the meaning is, I just gather what I've learned from it and that, to me, is the meaning of the game. I'm generally right because you get a good sense of each exercise. We also did this one where three people were along a wall: one in one corner, another in the middle, and one in the other corner, backs facing the fourth person who was down center stage area. This fourth person had to direct sound and energy toward one of those people and if the person thinks it's them, they raise their hand. It's harder than you think because the sound bounces off the walls. You have to direct all of you towards this one person otherwise a couple people raise their hands, or no one does. This exerces deals with directing your energy to your other and not just having it go all over the place. You need to have a direct connection, and this exercise helps to establish that connection.
We went and watched out Acting professors second year students final showcase tonight. It consisted completely of etudes. Here are some highlights. At the beginning, the entire class simulated a thunderstorm and rain. Amazing what sounds you body and mouth can make. I felt like I was in a storm. They also did animal etudes and objects such as marionettes, like we have done so far. My favorite was actually girls in a line being guitar strings. They would roll their body when their guitar string was strum. Then one broke, and a guy replaced her which crated this sexual tension. Hilarious. It's amazing to see what kind of a life a guitar string would have becasue each string had its own distinct and funny personality. Another one that stood out was everyone was seated as if in an orchestra and an instrumental song started playing. Everyone brought up their imagined instruments and each played their instrument as if it was there. You could see the weight and shape of this imagined object. Astonishing to see how they created this image with nothing there. I really felt I was at a concert. I get blown away more and more everyday.
The second part was them doing etudes as people such as teachers (old, cranky, nerdy, stupid ones), auditionees for the MXAT (skanky, ghetto, nerdy ones). So funny how each had their own personality. The last part was people etuding singers, lip synching but with the music on in the background. This included Elton John, a boy band who had cheesy dance moves and did the stereotypical dance moves, rip off the shirt with water ( a watering can actually - really funny), a fan blowing their hair. Then there was Britney Spears who was slightly conservative with baby one more time and did then ripped it off for a lot more a revealing outift for Crazy. Then there was Enrique Iglesias and Gloria Gaynor. They were all great. To study a person or character so intensely to get even the lip quiver down to a T. Amazing the amount of work and effort the students put into things. This attention to detail is what gets actors places. Awesome to watch.
Tomorrow we have our final dance class. I'm really sad about that because that's one of my favorite classes. I love them all, but I really like this one. It's going to be both groups combined so that we can show each other the dances we've been working on. Then Chekhov, Acting, and off to see a show.
I'm going to write in my journal and head to bed. Hope all is well in America. Night!
Monday, June 23, 2008
St. Petersburg.
First of all, if you ever get the chance to go to St. Petersburg - GO! It is the most beautiful and historical city I've ever been to. Everything about it, all over the place. I was so overwhelmed. Anyway, here's my story about the weekend.
We got onto the overnight train at 1am and headed off to St. Petersburg. The compartments were very tiny, with two benches, a table in between them and then two beds hanging over head - so there were four beds to a compartment. Surprisingly, I fell right asleep and slept the entire way there. It was really nice. We arrived, checked into our hostel and then went to go get some breakfast. We stopped at the donut and coffee place. The donuts were the greasiest but best donuts I've ever had, and the coffee was really sweet and good. We headed off on our bus tour and we got to see many things including many beautiful churches, fountains, St. Peter and Paul Fortress, Tombs of the Czars, and of course recieved a ton of information on all of it too. Don't worry, I have it all written down, I just don't feel like typing the history out right now. I'll tell you about it when I get back and have the pictures for you. :)
Next we went to the Hermitage, which was the Winter Palace. It's a beautiful HUGE green palace. It is beautiful outside as well as inside...another place that I was a little overwhelmed in because there's so much history involved in it that is so interesting to hear. Many, many, many paintings were hanging all over the walls because one of the empresses liked paintings and kept buying them. When she died, her son opened up this section of the palace so that the citizens could see the paintings because there were so many. Such beautiful architecture, and the chandeliers were just outrageously incredible. I was blown away by the building. I took a ton of pictures.
We ate real fast and dashed off to the ballet. It was in a the Marovski Theatre...obviously incredible inside and outside. There was a spot inside also, that was like a box seat for the emperors when they would come and see the show there, which was pretty cool. The ballet was a lot of fun to watch. It was about pirates and Arabians and each act someone stole the girl, stole the girl back, stole the girl, had a huge fight and won the girl back. That's a boring summary, but it was really good because there were sword fights, dance fights, crazy lifts. oh, so beautiful.
We had the rest of the night (it's about 10pm now). Back story: This is the longest night of the year in St. Petersburg - White nights because the sun doesn't completely set. So, there was this shindig over by the bridge. Apparently everybody gathers by the river to watch the bridges open to let the barges through at night. So, a few of us headed over there. It was such a cool environment. SO MANY people. It honestly felt like it was New Years and everyone was waiting for the ball drop. As soon as the bridge opened people screaming, cheering, popping champaigne, a real sight to see and I'm glad I was a part of it. We headed off to a club next...I forgot what it was called. OH, before we went to the bridge we stopped at subway to eat real fast. and by the way they serve beer everywhere...and also subway. So, we had our healthy subs with a glass of beer. It was so cool. Just wanted to throw that in. Ok, so we're on our way to the bar. Well, people are crazy in the streets now with Russian flags, people on cars screaming, dancing in the streets, chanting "RUS-SI-A." Such an intense but excited atmosphere. Why were they acting like this? Because Russia beat the Netherlands in the Quarter Finals that night for Football (soccer) 3-1. I have never seen anything like it. EVERYONE was celebrating. At subway, it was packed like a bar with people watching the game...silent. no noise, eyes glued on the tv. I'm glad I was a part of that too. We weren't Americans this night, people would come right in ourfaces chanting, and we'd chant right back and they'd be so excited. I've never seen anything like it. You'd think a riot were going to start, but not even close.
We got to the club, people still chanting as they're walking into the bar "RUS-SI-A!" They played all english speaking music there. ha ha. It was pretty cool. We stayed there for a few hours and headed back to the hostel. It was pouring, so a few of us got a taxi. and that was the end of Saturday.
Four hours of sleep later, we wake up to go toPeterhoff. Peterhoff was the summer palace with extravagant gardens and fountains, 140 fountains actually. It';s a beautiful yellow palace. Insid was filled with marble solumns, gold around the framing of the room, paintings on the ceiling. Absolutely amazing. I have pictures. We walked around the gardens next. Well, when you walk out the back of the palace, there's the huge staircase fountain that leads into this canal that heads right into the baltic sea. On this gigantic fountain are many gold statues. This would be the type of picture you'd see in movies with the palace in back and then going down a hill is a grandstaircase with water flowing down it and many gold statues. Beautiful sight to see. We walked around more and found many other pretty spectacular fountains - one even being in the shape of an Oak Tree with water coming out of it. We then found a tiny tiny beach and got to stand in the Baltic Sea. That was definitely an incredible thing to do. I felt so free, so good standing in the water. Later, we went to their bicycle musem on the grounds, and there was this picture of Alexander II in the EXACT same spot we were standing in the Baltic Sea. How crazy is that? We took a picture of that picture of course.
Walking around at places like this is just such an enbelievable experience because the time you spend there is literally like taking you back in time for the few hours you're there. Nothing else in the world is happening, you're lost in the moments of the 18th Century. It's a really incredible feeling, and Lord knows I'm not big on history, but all I want to do right now is take a Russian history class because I'm that inspired by everything. Incredible. I lack words to describe.
Apparently, amber is the stone that everybody buys in Russa. It's the big thing. They had a lot of it in St. Petersburg. I guess they get it from the Baltic Sea or something. Really pretty jewelry, not the cheapest. And those little Russian wooden doll things that have like 5 or 10 inside and keep collapsing and making more. Those are cool and everywhere too.
The last thing we did was go on a boat tour. Really relaxing and a nice way to end the trip. It was really cool because I know pretty much everything they were saying because of the past two days. I knew who Peter the Great, Catherine the Great, Mary, etc. were. That was such a great feeling knowing that I'm traveling into their past and accepting and gaining knowledge about them. I was able to expalin stuff to my friends. What a cool feeling. The Boat tour covered a lot we already saw, but summed it all up pretty nicely and was a great finale to the one of the best weekends I can remember.
We got on the train at about 1am. I fell fast asleep. We arrived back in Moscow in the morning and I made some food, wrote in my journal, then went to Acting Class. We got back and I fell asleep at 8pm last night! Didn't wake up until 7:15 this morning when my alarm went off! Crazy! Anyway, hope you sort of got a feel for what the type of weekend I had. Hope you all have a wonderful day. I cannot WAIT to show you pictures and explain everything!!!! Love you al! I have to go to class!
We got onto the overnight train at 1am and headed off to St. Petersburg. The compartments were very tiny, with two benches, a table in between them and then two beds hanging over head - so there were four beds to a compartment. Surprisingly, I fell right asleep and slept the entire way there. It was really nice. We arrived, checked into our hostel and then went to go get some breakfast. We stopped at the donut and coffee place. The donuts were the greasiest but best donuts I've ever had, and the coffee was really sweet and good. We headed off on our bus tour and we got to see many things including many beautiful churches, fountains, St. Peter and Paul Fortress, Tombs of the Czars, and of course recieved a ton of information on all of it too. Don't worry, I have it all written down, I just don't feel like typing the history out right now. I'll tell you about it when I get back and have the pictures for you. :)
Next we went to the Hermitage, which was the Winter Palace. It's a beautiful HUGE green palace. It is beautiful outside as well as inside...another place that I was a little overwhelmed in because there's so much history involved in it that is so interesting to hear. Many, many, many paintings were hanging all over the walls because one of the empresses liked paintings and kept buying them. When she died, her son opened up this section of the palace so that the citizens could see the paintings because there were so many. Such beautiful architecture, and the chandeliers were just outrageously incredible. I was blown away by the building. I took a ton of pictures.
We ate real fast and dashed off to the ballet. It was in a the Marovski Theatre...obviously incredible inside and outside. There was a spot inside also, that was like a box seat for the emperors when they would come and see the show there, which was pretty cool. The ballet was a lot of fun to watch. It was about pirates and Arabians and each act someone stole the girl, stole the girl back, stole the girl, had a huge fight and won the girl back. That's a boring summary, but it was really good because there were sword fights, dance fights, crazy lifts. oh, so beautiful.
We had the rest of the night (it's about 10pm now). Back story: This is the longest night of the year in St. Petersburg - White nights because the sun doesn't completely set. So, there was this shindig over by the bridge. Apparently everybody gathers by the river to watch the bridges open to let the barges through at night. So, a few of us headed over there. It was such a cool environment. SO MANY people. It honestly felt like it was New Years and everyone was waiting for the ball drop. As soon as the bridge opened people screaming, cheering, popping champaigne, a real sight to see and I'm glad I was a part of it. We headed off to a club next...I forgot what it was called. OH, before we went to the bridge we stopped at subway to eat real fast. and by the way they serve beer everywhere...and also subway. So, we had our healthy subs with a glass of beer. It was so cool. Just wanted to throw that in. Ok, so we're on our way to the bar. Well, people are crazy in the streets now with Russian flags, people on cars screaming, dancing in the streets, chanting "RUS-SI-A." Such an intense but excited atmosphere. Why were they acting like this? Because Russia beat the Netherlands in the Quarter Finals that night for Football (soccer) 3-1. I have never seen anything like it. EVERYONE was celebrating. At subway, it was packed like a bar with people watching the game...silent. no noise, eyes glued on the tv. I'm glad I was a part of that too. We weren't Americans this night, people would come right in ourfaces chanting, and we'd chant right back and they'd be so excited. I've never seen anything like it. You'd think a riot were going to start, but not even close.
We got to the club, people still chanting as they're walking into the bar "RUS-SI-A!" They played all english speaking music there. ha ha. It was pretty cool. We stayed there for a few hours and headed back to the hostel. It was pouring, so a few of us got a taxi. and that was the end of Saturday.
Four hours of sleep later, we wake up to go toPeterhoff. Peterhoff was the summer palace with extravagant gardens and fountains, 140 fountains actually. It';s a beautiful yellow palace. Insid was filled with marble solumns, gold around the framing of the room, paintings on the ceiling. Absolutely amazing. I have pictures. We walked around the gardens next. Well, when you walk out the back of the palace, there's the huge staircase fountain that leads into this canal that heads right into the baltic sea. On this gigantic fountain are many gold statues. This would be the type of picture you'd see in movies with the palace in back and then going down a hill is a grandstaircase with water flowing down it and many gold statues. Beautiful sight to see. We walked around more and found many other pretty spectacular fountains - one even being in the shape of an Oak Tree with water coming out of it. We then found a tiny tiny beach and got to stand in the Baltic Sea. That was definitely an incredible thing to do. I felt so free, so good standing in the water. Later, we went to their bicycle musem on the grounds, and there was this picture of Alexander II in the EXACT same spot we were standing in the Baltic Sea. How crazy is that? We took a picture of that picture of course.
Walking around at places like this is just such an enbelievable experience because the time you spend there is literally like taking you back in time for the few hours you're there. Nothing else in the world is happening, you're lost in the moments of the 18th Century. It's a really incredible feeling, and Lord knows I'm not big on history, but all I want to do right now is take a Russian history class because I'm that inspired by everything. Incredible. I lack words to describe.
Apparently, amber is the stone that everybody buys in Russa. It's the big thing. They had a lot of it in St. Petersburg. I guess they get it from the Baltic Sea or something. Really pretty jewelry, not the cheapest. And those little Russian wooden doll things that have like 5 or 10 inside and keep collapsing and making more. Those are cool and everywhere too.
The last thing we did was go on a boat tour. Really relaxing and a nice way to end the trip. It was really cool because I know pretty much everything they were saying because of the past two days. I knew who Peter the Great, Catherine the Great, Mary, etc. were. That was such a great feeling knowing that I'm traveling into their past and accepting and gaining knowledge about them. I was able to expalin stuff to my friends. What a cool feeling. The Boat tour covered a lot we already saw, but summed it all up pretty nicely and was a great finale to the one of the best weekends I can remember.
We got on the train at about 1am. I fell fast asleep. We arrived back in Moscow in the morning and I made some food, wrote in my journal, then went to Acting Class. We got back and I fell asleep at 8pm last night! Didn't wake up until 7:15 this morning when my alarm went off! Crazy! Anyway, hope you sort of got a feel for what the type of weekend I had. Hope you all have a wonderful day. I cannot WAIT to show you pictures and explain everything!!!! Love you al! I have to go to class!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Vacation this weekend!
So. Hope you enjoyed the super long blog from last night. :) Today started off great. I woke up early, made my normal scrambled eggs. Then Monique, Beth, Kennikki, and I headed over to class two hours early so we could grab a coffee a chill. So, we went to this park on Traskya with a beautiful fountain and benches and sat there and talked and relaxed for about an hour before we had to go to class. It was such a nice way to start the day because it gets you in your own groove and your relaxed and ready for the day.
We had Theatre History with Anatoly Smeliansky today. Brilliant man. He gave us the history of Stanislavsky, Meyerhold, and Chekhov, as well as a lot of other important historical facts. Very interesting.
We had our Chekhov class next. We're working on the beginnings of psychological gestures. So, we had a partner and had to sit opposite of them. Then you had to sculpt them into something that you thought represented them. (My partner was Matt. I had one hand on his heart and the other being held out, standing ina relaxed state, with a smile and a head a little tilted forward as if to nod.) We then had to name them and they had to complete gesture. I named him "heartfelt helper." The sculture, by the way, had to be something that we thought defined this person. He completed the gesture by grabbing his heart and holding it out. Exactly what I was thinking. So cool. He did me next. He molded me into sitting on the edge of my seat with my hands/fingers curled on the seat in between my knees, leaning forward with the biggest smile on my face and my eyes kind of squinting out of excitement. He named me "joyful loyalty." I completed the gesture by shooting out of my seat and bowing down.
Psychological gestures are gestures that are added to text to help get the meaning of the words. Sometimes you use them in a show, sometimes you just use them in rehearsal to get a beter understanding and feel for what you are saying so that you are saying it with meaning. Then, once on stage, you have these feelings in your muscle memory and you are able to say it all truthfully and be living in the moment.
Next was acting class. We did more etudes. We're now onto doing etudes from "The Seagull" by Anton Chekhov - both group and individually. They're really helpful by watching,and being a part of, because they help answer questions that may not have been fully looked into before and help with the understanding of the play and certain characters and situations.
In three and half hours (11:30pm) we're heading off to St. Petersburg. I'm really excited for that. That should be an amazing time. Lots of pictures I'm sure. I've already taken over 200 on this trip! Get ready to see many many pictures when I get back! I'll be back in Moscow on Monday morning, and then back to my schedule until Saturday. Then it's done. CRAZY!
Gotta go eat and pack! Peace!
We had Theatre History with Anatoly Smeliansky today. Brilliant man. He gave us the history of Stanislavsky, Meyerhold, and Chekhov, as well as a lot of other important historical facts. Very interesting.
We had our Chekhov class next. We're working on the beginnings of psychological gestures. So, we had a partner and had to sit opposite of them. Then you had to sculpt them into something that you thought represented them. (My partner was Matt. I had one hand on his heart and the other being held out, standing ina relaxed state, with a smile and a head a little tilted forward as if to nod.) We then had to name them and they had to complete gesture. I named him "heartfelt helper." The sculture, by the way, had to be something that we thought defined this person. He completed the gesture by grabbing his heart and holding it out. Exactly what I was thinking. So cool. He did me next. He molded me into sitting on the edge of my seat with my hands/fingers curled on the seat in between my knees, leaning forward with the biggest smile on my face and my eyes kind of squinting out of excitement. He named me "joyful loyalty." I completed the gesture by shooting out of my seat and bowing down.
Psychological gestures are gestures that are added to text to help get the meaning of the words. Sometimes you use them in a show, sometimes you just use them in rehearsal to get a beter understanding and feel for what you are saying so that you are saying it with meaning. Then, once on stage, you have these feelings in your muscle memory and you are able to say it all truthfully and be living in the moment.
Next was acting class. We did more etudes. We're now onto doing etudes from "The Seagull" by Anton Chekhov - both group and individually. They're really helpful by watching,and being a part of, because they help answer questions that may not have been fully looked into before and help with the understanding of the play and certain characters and situations.
In three and half hours (11:30pm) we're heading off to St. Petersburg. I'm really excited for that. That should be an amazing time. Lots of pictures I'm sure. I've already taken over 200 on this trip! Get ready to see many many pictures when I get back! I'll be back in Moscow on Monday morning, and then back to my schedule until Saturday. Then it's done. CRAZY!
Gotta go eat and pack! Peace!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
It's already Thursday?!
So, I typed up a blog this morning, but apparently it didn't save. So, here I go again...I'll go until I feel like I'm going to fall asleep at the keyboard.
Let's see...Sunday...a few of us went to this marketplace where you could haggle for lower prices. I got a Russia Soccer (Football) shirt. Real cool. That's about it. It was a very interesting place with lots of shops and many different smells of bread, gyros, and old clothes. ha ha. We saw Swan Lake at the Stanislavski Opera House that night also. Beautiful Theatre. Marianna said that it was the "treasuer of our country." This sounds cheezy, but it the only word I can think of to describe the show is "magical." The elaborate sets including the forest with the lake backdrop, the elegant palace ballroom in the second act, and back to the lake/forest in the third. Unbelievable. The costumes were also very elaborate with very sparkly jewelry for the queens and vivacious colors for the others. The swans were of course white. I loved being able to see something that wasn't the conventional theatre that we've been seeing. The dancing was absolutely phenomenal. The lifts between the prince and the swan were so amazing to watch, and I wish I could do some of them...well, I can do one of them - where the girl is arching back and the guy has her over his head. A friend and I were goofing around and doing it and it was sweet. I also really enojoyed how much emotion and storytelling can be visible through movement. As you can probably tell from my other blogs, theatre movement is something I'm very interested in. Seeing a ballet - in Moscow, where it's so important to the culture, was just so surreal...just like the rest of this trip. Danielle and Katherine - you would loved it.
As I said in a previous blog, our ballet instructor was a prima ballerina at the Bolshoi Theatre in the 60's. She toured all over the world also. One of the roles she had was the swan in Swan Lake. Apparently, there was this ballerina sculpture that every little girl had in the 60's/70's...well, the model for this sculpture was my instructor, Larissa. How crazy is that?! So cool.
Ballet Monday was good, we were kind of off because we got kicked out of the room because they double booked it, so we had to transfer to a different one. When Larissa was showing us how to do something in the new rehearsal hall, she tripped on the a giant piece of tape on the floor and fell...honestly, it was like watching an angel fall because she's the most graceful, beautiful, happy human being I've ever met. But she was fine. Yesterday she had her wrist wrapped, but she said she was fine. We learned a new dance - a gypsy dance; it's pretty cool. There's a lot of knees bends, twisting, hips, and claps. So energetic and fun though. It's nice to be able to do different kinds of dances to see how versatile you really are.
We saw this show called KI on Monday which was AMAZING. It was pretty much a one woman show, but also with three children. It was a poor, homeless mother who sold her children for prostitution to pay for food. It was the saddest story, but so beautfiul in portrayal. It started off with the audience in the lobby and she would come up to us and talk to us individually...very audience oriented, a lot of audience interation. Eventually we made it into the theatre and some of us sat on the stage at a long table and the rest sat in the rake-seated audience. It was a small studio theatre. The tears this woman emitted, along with the emotion was incredible. The children were also extremely believable. I believed and felt for the poor unfortunate family. Terrific show. After the show, we asked someone if she would meet with us, and SHE DID. She was so excited to meet us (there was only 8 of us) and so happy to talk to us. She told us about how the process with the director was that she would come into the rehearsal at a level of zero and build from there because from starting at neutral you can have higher or lower emotional states, it's easier to get there an doesn't affect you as much as a human being. She told us that when on stage we are in a plane and we are the pilot, we control what we want to do and where we want to go. And most importantly, to be ourselves. It was so cool to be able to talk to the woman who wowed us for an hour and a half and give us advice. She had played this role for 14 YEARS and even toured around the world with it. crazy.
Acting classes are going well. My etudes, as well as everyone elses' individual and group ones, are going a lot better. You don't really realize what you've learned until you sit and think about where you came in at. It's pretty sweet how all of our creative energies are flowing together and making such great work altgother. It's really inspiring because ensemble work is obviously extremely important, and improv is pretty difficult. So, being able to live in the moment as if it happening for the first time, while making it up -great.
Movement - we've been doing a lot of partner balancing exercises. It seems kind of acrobatic, but the benefits are in spatial awareness, weight placement, trust-all of which are important to the stage. One of the exercises is where one person is sitting in a chair and another stands on their thighs above their knees and then the person stands up and the both lean back. Might sound confusing, but I have pictures, so cool, but you must work together or else you will fall.
Tonight we had a tour of the Moscow Art Theatre and the history of it. We kind of knew a lot of it already, but it was pretty cool. I got a picture next to the seat that Stanislavski always used to sit in when he came to the theatre. So exciting. (I know, I'm a nerd.) Also there is a sort of museum dedicated to the MXAT. It had old costumes, set designs, props, etc. from when Stanislavski and Chekhov were in shows there. We got to go into Stanislavski's dressing room. His make-up was there as well as the wig he wore in Ivanov. So cool.
A few of us went on an adventure with the translator, Dasha, who's 22, afterward. We traveled off of Traskiya and onto side streets and she gave us a little mini tour of houses, churches, and a beautiful park with a pond. It was really nice to see Moscow outside of the one big busy street I go down everyday. We then went to the American Bar and Grill. Oh yeah. We wanted to see what their take on America would be...the theme was Wild West with lassos, cowboy boots, saddles - right up my alley. BEST hamburger I think I've ever had. I of course got a hamburger and fries and we splite a pitcher of a Russian beer called Sibitskya - kind of tasted like Miller Lite. It was such a fun atmosphere and we just had a great time relaxing, talking, not having to worry about anything. It was really nice and much needed.
This morning I woke up for class at 7 and left at 8 even though I didn't have class until 10 (it takes 30 mins. to walk to class from the dorms). I went to Primestar - the cafe across the street from the American Studio and got a cappuccino, sat on the patio, and wrote in my journal. It was so peaceful, relaxing, and calm, and such a perfect way to start my day. Apparently there's the park Beth wants to take me to tomorrow morning before class because I am definitely doing this the next week.
Can you believe it? It's already been 3 weeks! I will be leaving in 10 days...9 days tomorrow! Craziness! I feel like time doesn't exist here because it goes by so fast! Tomorrow night we leave for St. Petersburg. We're taking a train through the night and arriving in the morning. I'm excited because I've never taken a train before. I'm totally going to feel like I'm in some old black and white film like Casablanca or something. So cool. We have our weekend filled with tourist stuff and shows, sleeping in a hostel Saturday night, more tourist stuff and shows on Sunday, and then taking the train back on Sunday night to continue classes Monday afternoon. Crazy, but probably amazing weekend ahead of me.
I should get going because I'm real exhausted. By the way - to those who have left me comment, I'm sorry I haven't figured out how to respond to them yet. ha ha. I appreciate the comments, I just don't know how to reply back. oops. Anyway, have a great night. Paris = T - 9 days! ahh. Love and Miss you all! Peace.
Let's see...Sunday...a few of us went to this marketplace where you could haggle for lower prices. I got a Russia Soccer (Football) shirt. Real cool. That's about it. It was a very interesting place with lots of shops and many different smells of bread, gyros, and old clothes. ha ha. We saw Swan Lake at the Stanislavski Opera House that night also. Beautiful Theatre. Marianna said that it was the "treasuer of our country." This sounds cheezy, but it the only word I can think of to describe the show is "magical." The elaborate sets including the forest with the lake backdrop, the elegant palace ballroom in the second act, and back to the lake/forest in the third. Unbelievable. The costumes were also very elaborate with very sparkly jewelry for the queens and vivacious colors for the others. The swans were of course white. I loved being able to see something that wasn't the conventional theatre that we've been seeing. The dancing was absolutely phenomenal. The lifts between the prince and the swan were so amazing to watch, and I wish I could do some of them...well, I can do one of them - where the girl is arching back and the guy has her over his head. A friend and I were goofing around and doing it and it was sweet. I also really enojoyed how much emotion and storytelling can be visible through movement. As you can probably tell from my other blogs, theatre movement is something I'm very interested in. Seeing a ballet - in Moscow, where it's so important to the culture, was just so surreal...just like the rest of this trip. Danielle and Katherine - you would loved it.
As I said in a previous blog, our ballet instructor was a prima ballerina at the Bolshoi Theatre in the 60's. She toured all over the world also. One of the roles she had was the swan in Swan Lake. Apparently, there was this ballerina sculpture that every little girl had in the 60's/70's...well, the model for this sculpture was my instructor, Larissa. How crazy is that?! So cool.
Ballet Monday was good, we were kind of off because we got kicked out of the room because they double booked it, so we had to transfer to a different one. When Larissa was showing us how to do something in the new rehearsal hall, she tripped on the a giant piece of tape on the floor and fell...honestly, it was like watching an angel fall because she's the most graceful, beautiful, happy human being I've ever met. But she was fine. Yesterday she had her wrist wrapped, but she said she was fine. We learned a new dance - a gypsy dance; it's pretty cool. There's a lot of knees bends, twisting, hips, and claps. So energetic and fun though. It's nice to be able to do different kinds of dances to see how versatile you really are.
We saw this show called KI on Monday which was AMAZING. It was pretty much a one woman show, but also with three children. It was a poor, homeless mother who sold her children for prostitution to pay for food. It was the saddest story, but so beautfiul in portrayal. It started off with the audience in the lobby and she would come up to us and talk to us individually...very audience oriented, a lot of audience interation. Eventually we made it into the theatre and some of us sat on the stage at a long table and the rest sat in the rake-seated audience. It was a small studio theatre. The tears this woman emitted, along with the emotion was incredible. The children were also extremely believable. I believed and felt for the poor unfortunate family. Terrific show. After the show, we asked someone if she would meet with us, and SHE DID. She was so excited to meet us (there was only 8 of us) and so happy to talk to us. She told us about how the process with the director was that she would come into the rehearsal at a level of zero and build from there because from starting at neutral you can have higher or lower emotional states, it's easier to get there an doesn't affect you as much as a human being. She told us that when on stage we are in a plane and we are the pilot, we control what we want to do and where we want to go. And most importantly, to be ourselves. It was so cool to be able to talk to the woman who wowed us for an hour and a half and give us advice. She had played this role for 14 YEARS and even toured around the world with it. crazy.
Acting classes are going well. My etudes, as well as everyone elses' individual and group ones, are going a lot better. You don't really realize what you've learned until you sit and think about where you came in at. It's pretty sweet how all of our creative energies are flowing together and making such great work altgother. It's really inspiring because ensemble work is obviously extremely important, and improv is pretty difficult. So, being able to live in the moment as if it happening for the first time, while making it up -great.
Movement - we've been doing a lot of partner balancing exercises. It seems kind of acrobatic, but the benefits are in spatial awareness, weight placement, trust-all of which are important to the stage. One of the exercises is where one person is sitting in a chair and another stands on their thighs above their knees and then the person stands up and the both lean back. Might sound confusing, but I have pictures, so cool, but you must work together or else you will fall.
Tonight we had a tour of the Moscow Art Theatre and the history of it. We kind of knew a lot of it already, but it was pretty cool. I got a picture next to the seat that Stanislavski always used to sit in when he came to the theatre. So exciting. (I know, I'm a nerd.) Also there is a sort of museum dedicated to the MXAT. It had old costumes, set designs, props, etc. from when Stanislavski and Chekhov were in shows there. We got to go into Stanislavski's dressing room. His make-up was there as well as the wig he wore in Ivanov. So cool.
A few of us went on an adventure with the translator, Dasha, who's 22, afterward. We traveled off of Traskiya and onto side streets and she gave us a little mini tour of houses, churches, and a beautiful park with a pond. It was really nice to see Moscow outside of the one big busy street I go down everyday. We then went to the American Bar and Grill. Oh yeah. We wanted to see what their take on America would be...the theme was Wild West with lassos, cowboy boots, saddles - right up my alley. BEST hamburger I think I've ever had. I of course got a hamburger and fries and we splite a pitcher of a Russian beer called Sibitskya - kind of tasted like Miller Lite. It was such a fun atmosphere and we just had a great time relaxing, talking, not having to worry about anything. It was really nice and much needed.
This morning I woke up for class at 7 and left at 8 even though I didn't have class until 10 (it takes 30 mins. to walk to class from the dorms). I went to Primestar - the cafe across the street from the American Studio and got a cappuccino, sat on the patio, and wrote in my journal. It was so peaceful, relaxing, and calm, and such a perfect way to start my day. Apparently there's the park Beth wants to take me to tomorrow morning before class because I am definitely doing this the next week.
Can you believe it? It's already been 3 weeks! I will be leaving in 10 days...9 days tomorrow! Craziness! I feel like time doesn't exist here because it goes by so fast! Tomorrow night we leave for St. Petersburg. We're taking a train through the night and arriving in the morning. I'm excited because I've never taken a train before. I'm totally going to feel like I'm in some old black and white film like Casablanca or something. So cool. We have our weekend filled with tourist stuff and shows, sleeping in a hostel Saturday night, more tourist stuff and shows on Sunday, and then taking the train back on Sunday night to continue classes Monday afternoon. Crazy, but probably amazing weekend ahead of me.
I should get going because I'm real exhausted. By the way - to those who have left me comment, I'm sorry I haven't figured out how to respond to them yet. ha ha. I appreciate the comments, I just don't know how to reply back. oops. Anyway, have a great night. Paris = T - 9 days! ahh. Love and Miss you all! Peace.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Saturday Night
Well, it's Saturday night at around 12:48am and I am doing laundry. ha ha. I needed to do it. I waited til the last second I possibly could, and in the evening is really the only time we have. I have last load in the washer and I just have to throw my other one in the dryer. A bunch of people went out to the club tonight, I wasn't in the mood. So, Ej, Beth, and I are just chilling, and in between, I'm making trips to the basement for the laundry. :)
Two nights ago, I had some crazy dreams. One was about the fall of Russia and the other one I was in the Bahamas and saw Emily and Liam. Weird. Then in Chekhov class when we were getting into our imganation and he was giving us scenarios with out eyes closed, I began floating. Up, up, up to the sun. My body was so light. It was like I was weightless. I talked to my friend Christyna after and after this feeling was the feeling of levitation. So, apparently I levitated. Cool. I wasn't literally off the ground, but all my energy was going up.
We saw this show last night called Country of Love (the Snow Maiden in America). It was so good. The dancing was just phenomenal. Hip hop mixed with contemporary all to tell the story. Also, music, song, and acting were incorporated. It was just a very exciting piece of theatre to see, and also very beautiful. The finale, they were all in gold and then the lights all went gold, coolest spectacle I've seen.
Today we had movement. We did the caterpillar across the floor. Feet, then hips, then upper body, then head. It's kinda crazy, but fun, and difficult. Then the "princess and the elephant." Where the men had their backs straight and the woman would stand on them and you had to walk around with them. Both people had to keep their concentration and balance in order for it to work and someone to not get hurt. It was surprising how light the girls felt.
Acting was next and we discussed the shows and theatre. One of the things is how remarkable everyone here in Moscow in regards to theatre and how much they respect it. Every night the theatre is packed, sold out, whether it's a Tuesday evening or Friday evening. The curtain call is an event in itself. They come out maybe 3 times, sometimes more. Everyone ends up clapping in unison somehow and people can bring flowers to the stage and give them to the actors. It's so great to watch and be a part of. Oh, also the lights come up during the curtain call so that the actors can acknowledge th audience also because the audience is such a big part of their show. It's just so cool how theatre is such a big and important part of these people's lives. America's theatre just hasn't been around as long.
Tonight we saw King Lear. It was really great, yet very abstract. I've noticed in a lot of shows, they keep the sets minimal and use other things such as large pieces of fabric or material...like gigantic pieces. It can used for deaths, beautiful moments, love, or even birth. i just love how every aspect of art is incorporated into everything...every aspect is just as imporant as the next.
Tomorrow I think EJ and I are going to go to the Kremlin adn Lenin's Tomb and maybe some shopping. Then either Ivanov or Swan Lake in the evening. Fun filled day. :)
EJ and Beth are yelling at me because they want to hang out. Gotta go. Love and miss you all.
Two nights ago, I had some crazy dreams. One was about the fall of Russia and the other one I was in the Bahamas and saw Emily and Liam. Weird. Then in Chekhov class when we were getting into our imganation and he was giving us scenarios with out eyes closed, I began floating. Up, up, up to the sun. My body was so light. It was like I was weightless. I talked to my friend Christyna after and after this feeling was the feeling of levitation. So, apparently I levitated. Cool. I wasn't literally off the ground, but all my energy was going up.
We saw this show last night called Country of Love (the Snow Maiden in America). It was so good. The dancing was just phenomenal. Hip hop mixed with contemporary all to tell the story. Also, music, song, and acting were incorporated. It was just a very exciting piece of theatre to see, and also very beautiful. The finale, they were all in gold and then the lights all went gold, coolest spectacle I've seen.
Today we had movement. We did the caterpillar across the floor. Feet, then hips, then upper body, then head. It's kinda crazy, but fun, and difficult. Then the "princess and the elephant." Where the men had their backs straight and the woman would stand on them and you had to walk around with them. Both people had to keep their concentration and balance in order for it to work and someone to not get hurt. It was surprising how light the girls felt.
Acting was next and we discussed the shows and theatre. One of the things is how remarkable everyone here in Moscow in regards to theatre and how much they respect it. Every night the theatre is packed, sold out, whether it's a Tuesday evening or Friday evening. The curtain call is an event in itself. They come out maybe 3 times, sometimes more. Everyone ends up clapping in unison somehow and people can bring flowers to the stage and give them to the actors. It's so great to watch and be a part of. Oh, also the lights come up during the curtain call so that the actors can acknowledge th audience also because the audience is such a big part of their show. It's just so cool how theatre is such a big and important part of these people's lives. America's theatre just hasn't been around as long.
Tonight we saw King Lear. It was really great, yet very abstract. I've noticed in a lot of shows, they keep the sets minimal and use other things such as large pieces of fabric or material...like gigantic pieces. It can used for deaths, beautiful moments, love, or even birth. i just love how every aspect of art is incorporated into everything...every aspect is just as imporant as the next.
Tomorrow I think EJ and I are going to go to the Kremlin adn Lenin's Tomb and maybe some shopping. Then either Ivanov or Swan Lake in the evening. Fun filled day. :)
EJ and Beth are yelling at me because they want to hang out. Gotta go. Love and miss you all.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Wow. It's already Friday!
I can't believe it has already been two weeks here! Time flies I guess.
Last night we went and saw Richard III at the Satiricon Theatre. It was sooo good! The death scenes were all so beautiful too. The first one is the death of Clarence and they killed him by filling up glasses of red wine and throwing them at him and that symbolized them beating him/stabbing him. Another, they wrapped this guy's head up in newspaper and he suffocated. Another, they used material on the ground (like when I was in A Christmas Carol, for the ghost of Christmas Past) and they waved it around and made big air bubbles. Then the killers came in and killed them like that. Richard died by himself onstage and it really felt like he was in the middle of a war anda thousand soldiers and he got stabbed. The whole feel of the show was black and white. It was kind of mobster-esque...They wore the black coats and the fidoras and it was like Richard was the head mobster. He was such a phenomenal actor. As was Margaret - the red haired girl. She was in MacBett also. I love her. She's so brilliant.
Yesterday we had a day off because it was Russia's Independence Day. So, we just kind of chilled around all day. It was so nice to just have a day because we've been so busy all the time. I made this excellent stir fry because I had time to make dinner...it had chicken, green peppers, onions, tomatoes, celery, bbq sauce, and seasoned salt. mmm....soo good. And I have enough left overs for today adn tomorrow too!
Today we have our Chekhov class; I absolutely love that class. It's with Mischa. Chekhov is my thing, it's all about the imagination, feelings, energies, etc. This is what I love. Then we have a two hour break and we're going to see Country of Love at the Satiricon Theatre. That's supposed to be another amazing piece of theatre, and some people saw it already and have just been talking about it like crazy so I'm pretty excited.
Anyway, Have to get ready for class! Have a good day!
Last night we went and saw Richard III at the Satiricon Theatre. It was sooo good! The death scenes were all so beautiful too. The first one is the death of Clarence and they killed him by filling up glasses of red wine and throwing them at him and that symbolized them beating him/stabbing him. Another, they wrapped this guy's head up in newspaper and he suffocated. Another, they used material on the ground (like when I was in A Christmas Carol, for the ghost of Christmas Past) and they waved it around and made big air bubbles. Then the killers came in and killed them like that. Richard died by himself onstage and it really felt like he was in the middle of a war anda thousand soldiers and he got stabbed. The whole feel of the show was black and white. It was kind of mobster-esque...They wore the black coats and the fidoras and it was like Richard was the head mobster. He was such a phenomenal actor. As was Margaret - the red haired girl. She was in MacBett also. I love her. She's so brilliant.
Yesterday we had a day off because it was Russia's Independence Day. So, we just kind of chilled around all day. It was so nice to just have a day because we've been so busy all the time. I made this excellent stir fry because I had time to make dinner...it had chicken, green peppers, onions, tomatoes, celery, bbq sauce, and seasoned salt. mmm....soo good. And I have enough left overs for today adn tomorrow too!
Today we have our Chekhov class; I absolutely love that class. It's with Mischa. Chekhov is my thing, it's all about the imagination, feelings, energies, etc. This is what I love. Then we have a two hour break and we're going to see Country of Love at the Satiricon Theatre. That's supposed to be another amazing piece of theatre, and some people saw it already and have just been talking about it like crazy so I'm pretty excited.
Anyway, Have to get ready for class! Have a good day!
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