happiness comes in the form of wine and traveling

This past month has been filled with vacation days because the French love their vacation. I've been having 3 or 4 day weekends practically all month! The weather has been off and on bipolar so my motivation is kind of low for running in the morning. If you know how early I get up to go running, I think you'll know why. Weekends are still reserved for my long runs. But this month I get to start training for my half marathon!

The NPT Review Conference is over, after a month of long debate and meetings. To say that I haven't paid attention this year to this would be an understatement of the year. Unlike last year, I followed a lot of the sessions via live broadcast, this year, I frankly haven't cared. So because I haven't thought about disarmament in the nuke world, I guess I haven't shot off into outer space, as the good Russian representative said in the UNGA 2013. For now, the Bio world has been treating me fairly well.

I've been toying with the idea of getting properly fitted shoes, for running that is. The ones that I have are doing ok so far and I haven't felt any discomfort. But as I increase in mileage, I may have to get some good socks and shoes. What can I say? Socks are awesome. Sales are coming up (24 June!) so I think I may have to take advantage of that when time comes.

A few weekends ago, I spent a warm day in Beaune, just north of Lyon, in the beautiful region of Burgundy, aka wine region. And boy, did I get to try some wine. I went to a big wine cave recommended by a friend where I walked 5km underground and sampled 13 different kinds of wine. If anyone is interested, it's called Patriache. I couldn't resist the wine there so I had to carry back a bottle. And then there was boeuf bourguignon. Glorious, delicious beef stew with potatoes and shallots.

              Inside Patriarche - SO MUCH WINE

         Charms of Beaune

        Hostel-Dieu

More charms

All in all, Beaune is charming and small town. I would go there again to spend a weekend, rather than just one day. There are more than just one wine cave and plenty to explore in the area. How much do I love wine? Well, I almost grabbed a bottle of wine to go out for a walk rather than a bottle of water from the fridge (cause they were the same size). That's how much I can't differentiate when I'm in a rush. But seriously, what more can a girl ask for?  It's the small things, folks.

The summer weather is finally here and I have planned some semi-last minute vacation. Because every once in awhile, my heart gets wild and I get cabin fever. To satisfy my wild heart, I just got to travel and explore. There's been a trip to Finland planned. I plan on magically popping in saunas and have no plans on leaving other than going to my friend's wedding. If I don't come back to France, it means I have abandoned all sense of responsibility and relaxing in the Finnish saunas. I will also be popping in Vienna sometimes in August in order to nerd out on the 4 hour tour of the Sound of Music once again in Salzburg and eat my way through Mozartkrugels, apple strudels, and drink so much espresso until I bounce off the walls.

Until the next update! Also, I'm taking suggestions for books so if anyone has any recommendations on good books, let me know. Bon weekend!

life on this side of the atlantic lately...

Mont. St Michel

It's been too long since my last blog post. I really should start posting more often!! That is, if my English isn't deteriorating...

Apparently, my written English is on a decline since I write so little in said language. This has got to change. I should have known that being in a foreign country is detrimental to my English language skills. No regrets about living in France though!

In a delightful little village called Quinéville

Chateau de Chenonceau

In the past few weeks, I've been off traveling, strolling on the beaches of Normandy and waltzing down the corridor in a chateau. My friend rented a car to drive around these places. Thank God he did all the driving because I can't drive a manual car for the life of me (lessons on the way!). This has been quite relaxing since I work so much during the week. I spent some time in sunny Avignon and Aix-en-Provence and even managed a quick get-away trip to Annecy. Seeing the D-day beaches was definitely an eye-opener. After studying extensively on WWII, it felt surreal to see the beaches where thousands of soldiers died on that fateful day.

Fun fact about the chateau pictured above: This castle was actually the demarcation line between occupied France and Vichy France. Hence it was used for the resistance and used to smuggle people from and to the free zone of France.

Also, this happened:

Yes, I've just signed up for the half marathon in Lyon on 4 October. I guess I'll be spending three glorious summer months training for this. Who knew that I could get up so early now in the morning? This is definitely not the old me. Past me would have gone to sleep past midnight and on weekends, I'd sleep in until 9 or 10. Now I wake up everyday at 5h30 and the weekends at 6h30. Because I'm crazy enough to be out running before 6am during the weekdays. To whoever thinks that I'm insane for doing this, deal with it. Everyone has their own balance in life and for me, running happens to be a part of that.

More adventures are concocting and slowly brewing to reality. Today actually marks the one year and three months that I've been in France. It's had it's ups and downs and more joys than I can ever count. I have every reason to be grateful and I know that I have caught every curveball that life has thrown at me so far.

To conclude, here's a gem from the '90s:
Pinky: What are we going to do tonight?
Brain: Same thing we do every night! Try and take over the world!! 

Bon weekend et bonne semaine!

february freeze and march madness

Yeah, I'm never leaving Lyon...

It's March! How is it already March?!

Currently, I'm waist deep at work, creating to-do lists big enough to manage a small business. Then again, I love my job so definitely no complaints there! As they (or I) say, the more the work, the merrier (and coffee)! Even though France has its moments sometimes (like the little misadventure I had at the Préfecture the other day and with my bank) I'm so grateful to be in France and working here.

The weather has been so bipolar lately that I've been averaging maybe one running session per week. The rest of the time, I work out at home thanks to a series of videos I found from Fitness Blender. They have workout videos for EVERYTHING. Works wonderfully but I have to say, I do miss my morning running sessions. Speaking of running.....the Color run is finally here!! Already signed up and ready to get splashed with rainbow colors! Come join the fun in Lyon on May 2nd!

Traveling... I just came back from the States after spending about a week across the pond. It was weird to be back and seeing the lifestyle that I'm not used to anymore. What I said before is true, I could definitely stay in Europe for awhile. I did take advantage of the delicious sunny weather to run almost everyday. While I passionately dislike jetlag, it's a small price to pay for the amount of traveling I get to do.

Other trips planned are for traveling in France. There are still a ton of cities and charming towns I haven't been to. So, I plan to take advantage of it asap.

Lately, I've been trying out new places to eat with a fellow friend in tow. I'm completely addicted to the food here and luckily for me, there's plenty of places in Lyon to feed my awesome addiction. This place caught my taste buds. Up on the hills of Croix-Rousse, a quaint little restaurant that's perfect both in winter and summer.

Beautiful colors in the restaurant

Notre amuse-bouche

Entrée: Foie gras 

Tuna. 

The flavors were fantastic and the herbs exploded in my mouth. Definitely not a restaurant to miss. You can find it at:

Le Petit Gadin:
17 rue Austlerlitz
69004 Lyon

There's work, good food, laughter, friends, and fun. What else more can I ask for? I'm definitely where I'm supposed to be at the moment. Lyon, je t'aime tellement fort.  

2015 goals and other delights

After two years of uncertainties and being in a state of constant stress, I'm going to change that this year. I may still be in a state of uncertainties, but none of that stress will get in the way of opportunities and carving my own path. I am certainly grateful to be working in my field again after a 10 month hiatus (a bit too long for my taste). All the past two years of hard work and persistence paid off and I still can't believe I was crazy enough to finish my Masters in a year and half instead of two years.  And I am also extremely grateful for the opportunity to be in Lyon once again (Read my favorite place). 2015 has already begun on a positive note and I plan on rocking the socks off of 2015.

Goals for 2015

1. Train for a half marathon (For Run in Lyon 2015)

2. Read 52 books 

3. Don't play it safe 

4. Learn 5 new piano pieces (Because 3 wasn't enough)

5. "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind" ~ Dr. Seuss

6. Work hard and play hard because nothing is impossible

7. Continue improving on Russian

8. Explore more of France and take a trip to the Balkans

9. Restart kickboxing/Marial arts

10. Laugh hard and smile wide


2015, come at me!
Bonne Année, everyone!

rushing in this holiday season

I'm back with another post! Apart from being busy and trying to balance a social life, my poor blog is suffering from neglect. Not to mention that time is flying by way too fast. Every year before Christmas, I think I have time to get presents and write/send Christmas cards. But it appears that I never have the time and always wait until the last minute and make a mad dash for it. At least this year, I'm not in the middle of finals and knee-deep in papers. What a refreshing change.

Since I left with the last post, I've been to Paris, Strasbourg, and Colmar. And of course, I stayed in Lyon for the famous Fête des Lumières. I am a lucky girl indeed. 

Paris. As lovely as I left it and much more. It was quite a warm November weekend. My friend and I were able to go to the Catacombs (because I've never been there) and the Picasso Museum, which has been under renovation for the past....5 years, give or take. 

We were lucky enough to wait about 45 mins in line before going inside the tombs. If you're into seeing just...bones, this is the place to go! I have no idea how many people were buried here, but the sheer amount of bones in the Catacombs gives you an idea of the number.

HOTPOT

I had a good dose of Chinese food that Saturday, which I appreciated. Including this lovely hotpot, which I haven't had in ages.

Followed by brunch the following morning. It was two days of non-stop eating. From brunch, we made our way to the Picasso Museum. The wait was surprisingly short. But take note all you people under 26: you can enter the museum without going to the ticket stand. Just show them your ID with a birthday and you can waltz in. If you're like me and look young, the cashier will just get really confused and ask you if you're sure you're over 26.

"The Kiss"

I really enjoyed this museum. It was extensive, big, and gives you an in-depth view of Picasso's work. I love his abstract art. Totally worth the 11€. Go if you're in town!

The following weekend, I went to Strasbourg and Colmar. Mostly for their Christmas markets but also to get a taste of Alsatian life. There were literally Christmas markets everywhere scattered in both cities and they were charming to boot.

Lots of canals running through the cities. And the colors on the buildings were just exquisite. I definitely got into the holiday mood while being here and also a slight feeling of not really being in France.

View from the Cathedral

Colmar is just a half hour train ride from Strasbourg. It's smaller than Strasbourg but just as charming. As usual, Christmas markets were scattered over the town. I ate waayyy too many cookies and had way too much mulled wine. It just couldn't be helped. I'll have to go back to these places once it gets warmer.

Tartiflette!

Finally, the Fête des Lumières. This year's lights were fantastic and cheery. I avoided Saturday night completely because I knew it'd be crowded, so I enjoyed the lights on Friday, Sunday, and Monday.

Parc de la tête d'or

Parc de la tête d'or

By Opera de Lyon

Place de Jacobins (Left)

Rue de la Republique (Right) 

Place Sathony

Hôtel de Ville!

Well, there you have it. All the activities and all the adventures. I look forward to the upcoming Christmas season. Even though I'll be working through the holidays, being in Lyon is already a wonderful gift for me. I've been given such a wonderful opportunity to be back in Lyon and working so I definitely don't plan on wasting it!

Bonne semaine, everyone! Enjoy the holiday rush =]

autumn leaves and more traveling

Another birthday came and passed. It was pretty quiet, just what I wanted. The best part of this birthday is getting to celebrate it in France and having my best friend here with me. I had a great time showing her around despite the constant rain. (Then again, Lyon is beautiful under the rain.) Luckily, Tuesday cleared up for us and we were able to take a quick day trip to Annecy.

It's been busy and even though I have decided not to take any classes this time, I find that I am still pressed for time; fitting in my running sessions, errands and trying to balance a social life. Soon, things will be a little more relaxed and I'm looking forward to spending the Christmas holidays in Lyon. I have been studying Russian by myself so it's ok for now. Eventually at some point, I will definitely get back to Russian class, and who knows, maybe spend one month or so in Russia. Nothing beats immersion.

But October is coming to an end, the end of the year slowly approaches. This, for me, is the best time of year. The weather is finally cooling down and I love walking in the crisp, fresh, and sharp air. Occasionally, I'll smell firewood burning while biking or walking along the rivers. The leaves are changing color and some memories of the New England autumn colors comes with it. No Halloween celebration here other than the occasional pumpkin decoration on windows of certain shops.

So what was I up to this weekend? *See below:

YES: Salon de Vins. 

My friend and I spent a couple of hours hanging around trying the wine. I ended up getting a small bottle of wine called Soleil d'Hiver. Even the name sounds romantic. Obviously I tried it and it was awesome.

Holy crap that's a large pumpkin and weirdly shaped

Reindeer on my run in the park. Look at those leaves!

Soon, I will make my way to Brussels for a weekend getaway. I have a trip to Aix planned as well as well as a trip to Strasbourg for its famous Christmas markets. I haven't been to Brussels in almost four years so now is the perfect time to go.  Because, who doesn't want to eat chocolate, Belgian fries, Belgian waffles and see some awesome Belgian comic books?

Looking forward to the rest of Autumn and winter adventures. Oh yeah, I'll be cat sitting in December as well, which should be fun!

Bonne semaine!

first race "run in lyon" finished!

I finished my first 10km race!! And I ran the entire darn thing! If you told me two years ago that I'd be racing, I would have looked at you like you grew three heads.

After the night of minor attack of the nerves, I set my alarm clock for 6h45 with a breakfast of protein mix and 2 bananas. Breakfast of champions I tell you. Meeting my friend outside of my apt, we set out to Place Bellecour for the race. There were so. many. people.

Start line (courtesy of Run in Lyon)

Place Bellecour in crowds

There was no way I could have taken pictures during the actual race as I wore an armband for my phone. The weather forecast predicted rain and lucky for me, it started pouring the moment I finished the race. Because there were so many people, our section didn't cross the start line until 20 mins after 9h00. I didn't hear the gunshot that went off as there was loud music blasting from the speakers. Some thoughts during the race:

Km 1 - 3: I think I'm going too fast. Why are there so many people? And where's that darn Tunnel?

Km 4 - 6: The Tunnel is sooo long. Where's the light at the end of the Tunnel? It's so darn hot in here.

Km 6 - 8: Ok, here we go, last 4 km of the race. I can do it. There are hills! Why didn't I see this in the route? My knees are doing ok.

Km 8 - 10: Ok, almost done. Almost there. It's drizzling! I see the finish line! Gotta finish fast.

The moment I stopped, it started raining hard. I grabbed some Gatorade and found my friend. So glad I didn't have to take the metro or public transportation because it was packed, literally like sardines. I felt like I took a dive in the river after getting home, then showered and made my way to my French family's lunch gathering. Apparently, there was a glass of champagne waiting for me. :D The large lunch definitely made up for the amount of calories I lost during the race. I actually fell asleep when I rested in the living room from food coma.

I ran the 10k in 01:01:00, missing the hour mark, but the most important thing is that I ran the entire 10km. According to the results, I averaged around 9.7km/h which is usually faster than my practice runs. Either way, I'm extremely happy to be running in this beautiful city.

Two things I learned during this race:

1. I really need to change shoes. In fact, according to my app, I ran 737.59 km in my current shoes. Definitely time to change them to avoid anymore knee pain.

2. Be prepared for hills next time and do more cross training.

I can't wait to hit the pavement again in a few days after I recover from this one. I have to fulfill that goal of getting my 5k in under 25 mins.

Bonne semaine, tout le monde!

race update #2 + other updates

This is the second to last week of the the race and I can say so far that this is pretty cool. Sure, it's only 10km race, but my first one ever! I may be excited for now, but I can assure you all that I may flip out the night before the race. Here's a small update on the race:

(Please enlarge me)

You'll notice that last Saturday I only ran 8km. This is because I experienced some knee aches and pains the Saturday before that doing a 9km. So I added extra cross training all last week and ran this past Saturday's 8km with no pain at all. I also biked the route last Sunday. The Tunnel of Croix-Rousse is a never-ending tunnel of concrete. And since this Saturday, I'm off to Geneva, I'll either do the long run before dawn on Saturday or Sunday morning. 

The weather has definitely chilled down and I'm LOVING IT. After a nice hot weekend, it's finally fall weather. I can't believe I've been here for almost 8 months. Time flies by too fast these days. 

As I've neglected to update for the past 3 or... so weeks, many activities have taken place. One of them was the Biennales Danse, which happens every other year. I got to see it in 2010 where the theme was La Vie en Rose. This year was Rio carnival and the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Danse.

Gigantic birthday cake

That was fun and the amount of people at the parade was incredible. I'm also incredibly grateful to be here again for the danse.

Then a few days later..... I made dumplings! Look how pretty they are!

After that exciting weekend, this past weekend was the Journée de Patrimoine. Again, 4 years ago, I went to the Hôtel de ville. This time, I went to Fourviere. I ended up taking a tour going up the towers of Fourviere.

The massive amount of stairs to the top

The breathtaking view from above

St. Michel

I'm so ready for autumn to come. My skin is still very confused at the moment, after being subjected to so much weather change the last 2 years. I'm more than ready for the cold weather to get there. As for travels, I will magically appear in Brussels and Strasbourg in the near future! Can't wait to eat my way through Brussels and see the Christmas markets in Strasbourg.

12 more days until the race. Let the madness begin.