because you can't resist blini (russian pankcakes)

Russian pancakes! So, who can resist those? I remember making these last year and loving them the moment I took my first bite.

I feel I like should be writing this in Russian, but I'm too darn tired to think in another language right now other than the ones I already have to think in. I'm also having a hard time finding time to do anything French related. It's more like hearing snatches of the French info radio in the morning before class and maybe squeeze in a little time to read the news or litterature at night.

Anyways, blini. We had about 8 students show up on Thursday night for the cooking. Russian conversations and Russian food makes for a great conversation. I definitely got a refresher on silverware words. Oh, and we sang. Another Russian teacher brought her harmonika..(I mean accordian) and played for us. I guess we're expected to sing for the talent show! Who knows, it could be fun.

Here are some pictures from Blini night! (Courtesy of Yulia)

Preparing the ingrediants

Teaching us Russian songs

Simon is having a great bromance time with his fellow classmate

Definitely a different atomsphere than last year but different could always be good. One month left of the program!

SILP activity of the week

Another movie to watch, another movie to enjoy. Today's movie differed from the other 2 that we watched. This one was more serious, rather than funny, but nicely done. It's called Brother (Брат) made in 1997 starring Sergei Bodrov as the main character of the movie.

And speaking of SILP -- I CAN'T BELIEVE WE'RE IN THE END OF THE 4TH WEEK ALREADY. Do you know what that means?! We're half-way into the program! I can't believe it, time just flew by. I keep thinking I need to try hard, except my professor tells me I'm already trying hard so I don't need to be too impatient with myself. HA, that's definitely a problem of mine. I have a great deal of patience for other people except when it comes to myself.

There's a person at my school who keeps making manga character expressions. Sometimes I want to yell at him and say " YOU ARE NOT A FREAKING MANGA CHARACTER." I think I will, the next time he does it.

Finally, to end Friday and this week on a happy note, my best friend got a job! I'm so happy, excited and proud of her! Congratulations, Andrea Mina! =]

dress

I normally don't like wearing dresses or even skirts. But ever since coming back from France, my fashion style has definitely changed. Now I'm in the process of changing my wardrobe...and throwing/giving away stuff that I've had for far too long. Here's a dress from H&M that I'd like to get:

Chic and simple. I like. Mais c'est un peu froid -- ici à Monterey, juste parce que nous sommes à côté de la mer...Il y a des jours très rarement chaud -- je suppose que je peux attendre?

My intensive language class hasn't killed me....yet.

SILP activity of the week

Another movie night for the Russian SILP program! Today, we watched another Soviet film called Ivan Vasilievich: Back to the Future (Иван Васильевич меняет профессию)

Another comedy, this movie is actually available on youtube -- if anyone is interested in watching. It's pretty funny and they have songs that people today sing too!

An engineer in 1973 makes a time machine that brings Ivan the Terrible from his time period to the present and has hilarious adventures :)) 

And now, after being entertained, I must get back to studying since we have yet another test tomorrow! Oh the joys of being in an intensive language class. 

By the way, I really really want this: 

Or maybe I should just wait until I go back to France....(and plotting away).


Friday can't come any faster, then again it is Friday tomorrow. Thank goodness. I've never look so forward to the weekend in my life. 

1st SILP activity of the season

I just saw such a romantic Russian film this evening......


As if I need more reasons to be in love with the Russian language. Well ok, here's another reason! The film we watched today is called The Irony of Fate, or Enjoy your Bath! (In Russian: Ирония судьбы, или С лёгким паром!)

It's a comedy/romantic film. I loved the acting in there and the plot.  Set in the Soviet Union 70s, a man gets sent to Leningrad by mistake and has his life totally changed in one night: New Year's Eve. 


I can't give a summary because I'll ruin the movie, so watch it! 

                                                

Here's an except. The man is one of the main characters, named Zhenya, who is singing a song called "Если у вас нету тети" (If you don't have an aunt). And if you understand French, you can read the subtitles :)


Great movie to start out our first Russian activity, and I'm looking forward to more movies to come. Happy Friday!

qu'est-ce elle me dit! (what she says to me!)

This song has been on loop for me in the past few days.

Ha! I feel like this is a message to all the single guys out there. Oh, and not to mention catchy and makes me want to dance. Elle me dit translate to She says to me.

The past few days of SILP is occupying all my time, and work as well. So far, this song has done a nice job helping me to keep my energy up!

The weekend is so close I can smell it...

first week of SILP

It's Sunday. I weep at the passing of another rare and warm weekend.

First week of SILP is over! I just had 2 quizes, and will be having one just about every day. Oh the joys. It's actually starting to annoy me the fact that every time I mention I'm learning Russian, someone will say, "oh, did you know that the words for teacher and torturer are pretty similar?" Yes, I've been told that many times, I don't want to hear it again. 


Once again, time is just going by too fast. Between school and work, there are way too many other things to be done. However, I think I'm still enjoying myself despite the load I have. Friday was the meet and greet pizza party -- although this year, for some reason I wasn't as interested. Last year, having just came back from France, I was too curious to meet new people, speak different languages and whatnot. This year, I just don't have the time or energy. I'm already meeting lots of new people within work and other places that I miss time to myself. So when I come home, I like to stay in my room and work on my homework. Actually, I usually go out for a run first. I miss running by the trails and seeing the ocean when I run.

The last 2 weekends, I've been also on a bike ride with 2 undergrad interns at CNS. It's been a refreshing change and I enjoy the wind blowing in my face as we ride along the Pacific ocean.

At Lover's Point

View from Lover's Point

Riding to Asilomar beach

Part of the Asilomar state beach

See how clear the water is? (it was cold)

Because we love climbing rocks

At Asilomar Beach

Yesterday we rode for an hour and stopped by the arts and crafts fair near Portola hotel. It was a rare, hot day yesterday so it was pretty pleasant to be outside.

I was walking to school one day last week and suddenly thought about all the things that's happened so far. It finally hit me that I was fulfilling my goals. I got into grad school, I went to Beijing, I got a job at CNS (something I've been hoping for), and I'm studying Russian this summer. And I'm realizing that slowly but surely, I'm accomplishing my goals one by one. It's happening and I'm so glad it is. So yes, everything is going as planned.

Here's to the second week of SILP and many more to come!

it's over? yes!

Oh my gosh -- I'm done? I'm done with my first semester in grad school?! And not only am I done, but I survived! I'll say that most of the classes were enjoyable -- while less can be said about some particular class.

And that's exactly how I feel -- I don't want to move. I just want to stay in bed and sleep for.... the next 3 days. Except this weekend is not going to be like that. It's Friday, but I have to go make sure everything is perfect for my roommate's birthday and graduation! What's a little more sleep deprivation? As long as my roommate is happy, I suppose. I'm sure I can sleep for 12 days before the SILP program starts. But first, to my roommate -- HAPPY BIRTHDAY! AND CONGRATULATIONS ON GETTING YOUR MASTER'S!

Speaking of the SILP program, I NEED TO START CRAMMING AND STUDYING FOR RUSSIAN LIKE NO OTHER. I'm actually pretty excited for this summer. Russian, work, books, an actual life? Oh and frequent trips to SF (if that's even possible of course). I really want to go listen to a concert! It's been awhile. I might have some fun this summer because in the fall semester, I'm really going to have no life.

I think this semester and last year took more effort for me to be optimistic and positive. But over all it was worth all the effort. It was also a learning process as well. This past year also required me to really step out of my comfort zone, which was a good exercise, but I also realized I need to speak up more in class.
To the top 10 things I've learned, I have to add these:

11. I have more good friends than I realized here, which makes me even appreciate them more

12. Not everyone is as great as you think they are --- either they're full of themselves, full of it, or just uses fancy words to make themselves look smart.

13. Happy is a relative word

14. There are too many pessimistic people on this campus

15. I seem to have fallen in love with the Russian language even more (and not to mention its politics)

16. Apparently, communication is a big problem for most people here (and I don't mean language barriers)

17. Again, some people are just nuts. Nuts.

18. I've learned that wine, cheese and bread is a prefect evening for relaxing.

19. Grades are relative

20. I can't wait to get away from Monterey.

And there you go -- I'm done with my first semester of grad school! 3 semesters to go!!!!

countdown to beijing

Another countdown until the day I land in the Middle Country once more? :) Well, I'm happy to be back in the country of my birth. With that said, 5 more days! But seriously, wait, I'm not ready yet! I have many things to do before actually leaving on Wednesday the 14th. People keep asking me if I'm excited. Well I am, but it hasn't fully hit me yet. I think it will when I'm actually on the plane flying a couple thousands of feet in the air. The above picture is what's awaiting me in Beijing...as well as good food. I can't wait to eat the food there.

NOMNOM

1. I have midterm in nonproliferation class
2. I have a Chinese presentation to do
3. I have work
4. I have to prepare for a French presentation
5. I have meetings to attend
6. I was also supposed to have a French essay due as well, but I've asked for an extension...so that's taken care of.

So where are all these things coming from??? I wish I knew. Still, it's a good thing I'm keeping busy. I can't say I don't like it because deep down inside, I really do like it.

Taking some time today away from studying, my friend and I went to Del Monte Shopping center to the apple store. You're looking at an apple owner :) I bought a 13 inch macbook air and I think I'm currently having a love affair with it. It has such a nice texture, I love it. Based on the amount I spent on PCs in the past 5 years, it probably would have been more expensive than the mac I bought and would have lasted just as long. So, this is a good investment.

I just applied for the Summer Intensive language program for Russian here again. We're hoping to get more people so we can form a class. Anyone interested, either beginning or intermediate, REGISTER NOW: www.miis.edu. We need more people! It's such a good program and you learn like no other. Intense, yes, but totally worth it.

I am currently a little frustrated at someone right now. I mean, she's a great person, just hard to see someone who's your friend being a little self-destructive (even though she doesn't think she is). 莫名其妙。

Anyways, I need to finish my lovely Chinese presentation. Who needs sleep? Ahaha, I can sleep on the plane. I think that's one of the best things I'm looking forward to.

5 more days. YES.

memories of 2011

With the year coming to a close and 2012 inching closer, there has been a lot of reflections going on. There's been news articles regarding the Bests of 2011 in travel, news, music, films, etc.

I guess the biggest thing for me this year is traveling. But even so, there are two bests for me this year. One was the trip to Europe (and traveling around). The second one is the summer intensive language program I took in Monterey for Russian.

Taken in Paris with my neighbors from Lyon

I have been so blessed with the opportunity to study abroad in Europe. It really changed my outlook and taught me many things. I got the chance to explore Eastern Europe, make friends, and polish my language skills. Starting in January this year, I've been to (in Europe), Luxembourg, Trier (Germany), Geneva, Prague, Budapest, Bucharest, Bran (Romania), Ljublana, Athens (including Hydros, Poros, Aegina islands), Paris, Dijon, Marseille and Pérouge (close to Lyon). I've also been to China (Shenyang, Shan Hai Guan, and Beijing). And finally here in the states, graduating from Davis and moving to Monterey. What a list.

Of course, I loved Lyon and all its splendor. But I think the most memorable part of my trip was me going to the hospital in Slovenia. Ah yes, I remember it well. Going to hospital at 2am and the staff giving me a barf bag that looked like a gigantic condom. Also, I remember getting my blood taken and the nurse using a thick needle that the US definitely doesn't use when taking blood. I was lucky to have not waited that long. I hear that in European hospitals, you could be waiting for hours if you aren't an emergency case.

My other best of 2011 is the Summer langange program in Monterey. After 4 years of waiting to study Russian, I'm finally doing it and I love it. Everything from the studying, going to classes and activities, every moment was worth it.

At the talent show with lots of delicious food

Katya's birthday

Russian activity

Finishing up our program!

This year has been so wonderful and awesome. I'm definitely looking forward to the year to come as I know that 2012 is going to bring more wonderful opportunities. I can't wait to start school. I can't wait for all the things to come.

Happy New Year, 新年快乐, Bonne année, С новым годом!!!

russian borsch, happenings of the week

I'm supposed to be studying a for a test in Russian tomorrow. Of course, that will happen after this lovely blog post, beacuse I'm so amused. Mostly because of the laughing that went on tonight during our Russian activity.

This week has relatively been quiet, except a test on Monday, and some more awesome things to learn in Russian (cases). Lovely. On the side note, I was a little afraid that after I started the Russian language, I would somehow not be interested in it anymore. Luckily, that's not the case, and my passion for language learning is still high in the air. This program is definitely providing, if not a full immersion, at least more than half of the immersion. Which is awesome. I've learned so much already and looking forward to learning more (including all the awesome words I'm learning from my TA, and by that I mean, like words I and my strange sense of humor would use on a daily basis)

After the BBQ on Saturday, my friend, who graduated the same time as me in Davis stopped by to visit, which was awfully nice of her to do so. We went for coffee and pastries, where I was ABLE TO BUY A BAGUETTE. Sigh. The good old days of being in France. Yesterday, was also a friend's birthday. For lunch, we went to a Paris Bakery place, and enjoyed an awesome quiche lorraine, and pastries. Presque comme les pâtisseries en France! Comme ils me manquent.

Anyways, tonight. Russian borsch. For those of you who don't know what this is, it's Russian soup and has a red color, which is attributed to the red beets in the soup. In it, was chicken, tomatoes, potatoes, cabbages, red beets, onions, and carrots. Needless to say, it was awesome, and now I'm totally full, thanks to Yulia, who insisted I finish the second bowl of soup, because then "I will be stronger to study." There was also wine tonight....which is making it harder for me to stop missing France.







And oy, my english. Translating what our professor said today regarding me being a professional chef, after cutting the vegetables, I said: Professional chopper?


I shall go back to studying. Until the next break time.

christmas cookies and bbq, among other things

Another coffee break! Actually, I've been taking a lot of that, but usually, I just work while having coffee. I just got back from a BBQ, so I thought I'd drink cofee and take a break (and it's the weekend).

Last thursday, my roommate and I made Christmas cookies. Just for fun. I had gotten back late though because we had an Russian activity. Our TA and teacher showed us a Russian film called The 12, loosely based on 12 Angry Men movie. It was very good, and being able to understand snatches of conversations here and there. Granted, there was subtitles, but just hearing and understanding was great. And speaking of Russian, I'm still completely obsessed about Russian politics and our TA and teacher is fantastique at teaching us. I am happy to be a part of this program, even though it could be frustrating sometimes.

But, here are the pictures for coookies!







Today, was a BBQ for all the intensive summer language program, including the international students taking intensive English. I met students from the different languages, and spoke all 4 languages today :D :D Muahaha, that was lots of fun, although definitely more Russian and English. Which, of course, I have to thank my TA and teacher for that. But, I have to keep my French!! And Chinese I'm not so worried about, just because I watch some chinese dramas, films and speak in Chinese all the time. So, no worries there.





The above picture is of our teacher and TA :)



I must say, I really like Monterey. It's a small, quiet town, that reminds me of an old Germanic town, of course without the architecture. And sometimes, I wonder what Christmas time will be like here. I mean, I guess I dont't have to take a year off, and just apply now. But, there's so much out there that I still want to see, places I want to visit. Sometimes, we're so wrapped up in our own lives that we forget just how big the world is, and how small we really are. My perspectives changed a lot, after coming back from Europe and being here in Monterey. For the longest time, I haven't recognized my own strengths.

En plus, ça fait longtemps que j’écris en français. Oui, dans mon journal, mais, c'est tout. Hier, j'ai parlé avec quelqu'un français, car j'ai publié une publicité sur ligne pour chercher un échange de conversation français/anglais. Donc, c’était la première fois que je parle avec un vrai français. C'est passé très bien, et je trouve que j'ai oublié pas le français du tout. Si je peux parler français trois fois par semaine, je serai contente. Lyon me manque beaucoup, mais j'ai toujours la force de continuer la vie ici. J'ai toujours le courage. Ça change rien. Dans mon cœur, je crois toujours que je vais revenir en France.

And speaking of French, there's a French bakery here, maybe I'll find it today and go to it with my friend, Molly, who's coming to visit soon!

Until the next coffee break. Ciao!

fun activities

Yesterday, our Russian coordinator Yulia planned a cooking night for us students. We made Russian pancakes and it was delicious! Today, we're also having conversation hour tonight....oh yes and a midterm tomorrow.





As if things could not be busier. Just when you think things can't get any busier, it does. To that, my reply is: О боже (Oh God)

Otherwise, things are going swimmingly. Being that this is a long weekend (4th of July), I am going back to the bay area.

I have exactly 6 or so weeks to figure out what I want to do for this coming September. Of course, I'd love to return to France. By all means, nothing is stopping me from returning...other than having money and a job there. So that means, I need to have some sort of Internship or job there for me to return. Or else...I don't even think I can get a visa to go back. The French consulate probably doesn't want someone going to France to be a hobo. haha.

I miss autumn in Lyon
I miss the leaves falling, and weather getting cooler
I miss the snow fall in Lyon

I miss walking along the river and crossing the bridge to Old Lyon
I miss my neighbors.
I miss going for a bike ride in Parc de la tete d'or.
I miss going to book markets and fresh food markets.

And....the list goes on and on. But life moves on no matter what. While I can miss life in Lyon, I can't look back and think about the past. I must move forward, and work to try to get back to France..or anywhere in Europe for that matter. It would be nice to live in Prague for a few years...and pick up some Czech =]=] Or...maybe Slovenia. Yes, that would be just as interesting as Prague...

Oh the endless possibilities. I believe whatever I set my heart to, I can achieve. Let's do it, and make it back to Europe. There's no such term as impossible.

Until the next lunch/coffee break

out and about in Monterey

I am so glad it's the weekend. Now that it's Sunday, though, I weep. Time is flying by too fast, as usual. I spent most of the weekend studying, and writing statement of purposes.

Yesterday, I went to see Midnight in Paris. I think I just died a little inside after watching the movie. Watching the movie, I remember exclaiming, "oh my gosh! I was there 2 weeks ago!" at every familiar place. I think I just fell in love with France all over again. This love affair I'm having with Europe is immensely strong. I think Europe is equally having a love affair with me, but alas, there's a great pond separating us. This is turning out to be like an asian drama. As the main character says, Paris is most beautiful in the rain. I can't agree more, and know that Lyon is equally beautiful in the rain. It's funny, but I have a feeling that the next time I go back to France, I might not come back to the states.

I also died a little inside at seeing the prices in the stores..like Safeway. I was dismayed at seeing avocados at 4 for 5 dollars, when I could go to the farmer's market in Lyon and get 5 avocados for 1.5 euros. Gone are the days where I could get a week's worth of veggies and fruits for less than 10 euros. Again, I weep inside.

Today, Nick visited me. And had coffee together (no surprises there)

I'm finally seeing Monterey for the first time, and not jogging or rushing somewhere.

I have a test and midterm this coming week. I also have an oral presentation this week. But on Wednesday, we're making Russian food. That should be fun.



This is what our Russian class did last week. We divded into 2 groups and drew our dream houses that was just hilarious. Then, we had to describe to the other group our house. My group is the blue marker one. Good times.

And, by the way. It's cold. It feels like February in Davis here.

new blog, another beginning

This is officially another beginning, another start. College is over. So, what's after that? I got asked and still get asked that a lot over the last couple of weeks and now.

Well, currently, I'm at the Monterey Institute studying intensive Russian for 8 weeks. Currently, I just finished the 1st week of the course, and when they mean intensive, they seriously mean it. This course, or any of the intensive language courses at Monterey Institute aren't meant to be taken lightly. I spend about 3 to 4 hours studying, doing homework and going to tutoring per day. Luckily for me, I don't live that far from campus, only a 7 min walk. But I make about 6 trips back and forth, treking there everyday...so that makes about approx 42 mins walk a day.

Lately, I just got back into running, so woohoo, there goes my day.

This intensive Russian class is so going to be worth it...as in time and MONEY. It's expensive; $3500 for 8 weeks. But. BUT. By the end of 8 weeks, I hope I'll be able to speak/read/write at least at an intermediate level. All to continue dreaming about going to Russia.

I've been back from France for about 2 weeks now. It still feels a little weird, just because I've gotten so used to France. No reverse culture shock or anything, but France is just one of those places that manages to somehow steal your heart the moment you get there.

Until the next coffee break.