Montpellier: First Look
Because Internet connectivity is a bloody rip-off, and means either a lightning, panicked scramble with my browser or a breezy, hair-pulling session in front of a keyboard laid out in French encoding, I’m going to do all writing offline, before logging on to post everything in a flood.
A two-hour walk around Montpellier reveals a charming town which I’m told is a University town. That might explain the majority of the passersby being youths. I got approached thrice in the two hours I was walking around by a couple of them asking for money. Though I don’t speak French, the action of rubbing your forefinger and thumb together, combined with a pitiful look are pretty universal I guess. So was my apologetic shake of the head.
I’ll be surprised if I don’t get a sunburn from here. The sun was bearing down for the most part, and though alleys and lanes inbetween the buildings were tight, the sun still shone straight through. The roads seem almost identical, with most of them running together to meet at a central, large, open space where several big malls are.
Mostly, people don’t seem to speak much English. Either that, or they’re faking it. I’ve been warned by too many people about that, and in typical fashion, have gone the extra mile by developing a paranoia about it. (Was it just me or did people seem miffed that I was forcing them to respond in English?)
After dinner, a walk back to the hotel (it’s true—people really do walk everywhere here) met with tons of excited French milling about just, from what I see, doing nothing other than standing together in a mass in the square. Turns out France beat Spain 3-1 at a World Cup match. I’ll post the videos of the people later.
yes, the french did win. Wait. WHY are you in france???
Hey! Have fun over there in France! My take on the French is that they’re rather proud of their culture… and they’re a little xenophobic. If you speak a little bit of French with them… or at least *try* to… they’ll warm up to you immediately! Even if it’s just a, “Bonjour! Parlez-vous anglais?”
They’ll appreciate the effort… honest!
And other than the major cities… not a lot of people speak English. I went to Rouen, Normandy… and was a bit hampered! Got away with my limited command of French though.
I always wanted to visit the Southern regions though… tell us more about what it’s like!
jody> I know! I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier. I’d normally write a mail, but believe me when I say it was such a frantic rush that it made my normal, haphazard ways look methodical. I miss you…Wish you were here to speak French to all these people.
Spiro> You know, because of the rush I was in, I didn’t do my usual homework on the place, and only after I arrived did I know I was in the South. The South of France! What bliss. Pity I don’t feel it. IT’S FRIGGIN’ HOT HERE.
and again
WHY are you in FRANCE
thank you, jody, for asking the million dollar question…
what are you doing in france.
i’m coming home friday/ saturday night sing time. let me know when you get back from france? i’m guessing i’ll be home before you do.
Oh I’m in France because IBM’s having a media tour, so we’re at their facilities at Montpellier. But I’m staying in Paris for another three days before I come home. Jun, I’m back on Monday evening so you’re right…Can’t wait to see you. Oh I don’t have a phone, since I lost it before even leaving for France, so don’t text me. I’ll be calling you, k.
FAAAK i’m so @#$%^&^$$@ing jealous i hate you both aAHHHHh how can you be home doing “normal summer things” without MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH *WAAIIIIILLLLLLL WAAHHHHHH WAHHHHHHHH BAWWWWWLLLLLLL*
Can’t be as hot as Singapore… can it?
At least I’m pretty sure it’s not as humid! ;)