Frenched up in Frustration

So it's been 10 or so days since I've last posted. In that time I've worked my behind off trying to cram in all of the things I should have learned this semester in preparation for my exams. Thus far I've sat 3 of my 5 exams and I'm trying to forget about how I went... Because I'm really unsure. I'm hoping to pass, but this semester was super hard and the classes really disorganised. At present I'm desperately trying to become an expert in US/Latin American relations before Wednesday so that I can write the 4 essays in 2 hours that I'll have to do to pass (did I mention that the exam's worth 100% of my grade?GOTTA LOVE FRANCE!) I suppose time will reveal all...

So following the theme of French university frustration, below are some pictures that I have collected on my phone, during my adventures around school:

WHY ON EARTH ARE THE RAMPS (the only wheel-chair access) DANGEROUS AND ARE NOT FOR WHEELCHAIRS??? WHAA?? Sandra, what do you think about this???

So also, in France people generally park wherever they want. Anyone who's been to Paris would have noticed that the cars there are parked at awkward places at just about any intersection. Why? Because they can, (of course not legally)!

Look at this lovely obstacle that I had to pass on my way home from class on Wednesday night!

For further convincing, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpfDuACYHEQ


In other news, the French national election has been making headlines this week. The first round of elections (there are two rounds) took place last Sunday. The two candidates left, Nicolas Sarkozy (France's current president) and François Hollande (leader of the socialist party) will go head to head a week from this coming Sunday.

Hollande

VS

Sarkozy


France is particularly concerned about the success of Marine le Pen (who came in third, following the first round). She's the leader of the 'National Front' party, which is extremely right wing. Her campaign included drastic (even racist) changes to immigration laws and a desire to cut France off from the rest of Europe. Each time she appears on TV, Caroline yells out 'grosse pute!' which means something along the lines of 'fat whore!' What can I say? The French are expressive and full of passion. But really, who wouldn't be when such a radical character nearly becomes president?

Le Pen

Ok, so enough political speak now. Since Jordan's been gone we've both been mopey on different sides of the world... But we're trying to remain positive. 


WARNING: WE DO NOT PHYSICALLY LOOK THIS WAY. THIS IS AN EMOTIONAL REPRESENTATION ONLY


This is a picture reflecting how I feel these days without Jordan:

This is an image reflecting how Jordan feels without me:

So there you have it - direct from a mopey, frustrated and stressed student trying to learn the history of the relations between the states and Latin America in 4 days. Oh.. Did I mention it's in French too?

The only happy one here is Mela, who is lying in the sun and trying to catch flies...



Fly catching... Mela's favourite hobby.

I hope you're all feeling bright and chipper! Over and out

Alice