Tuesday 27 August 2013

Into The Woods



Our chihuahua, Keeva came back to live with us last week. Because she's been confined to our bedroom, we decided to take her out.






We also thought that this would be an ideal excuse to go for a little camping trip in the mountains before the weather got too cold. It is still summer, but those mountains are high! It was actually pretty cold.




Jordan was worried that I wouldn't be too keen on the idea of camping, but I took to it very well! We cooked dinner on the campfire (tinned soup on the coals) and slept without pillows or sleep mats. I may have only complained once. It even rained.







I think Americans must think it strange how exotic I find their flora & fauna. Not to mention their gun laws - but that's for another time.


- Alice





This American Life


 on the last couple of weeks, I have been trying to soak in every American cultural experience that I can. I've been trying to notice the small differences and to celebrate them, to appreciate this funny place in the middle of the desert and to get to know the place where my dear Jordan grew up.


America: The Only Place Where....


1. You ask for a 'cone' and receive a cup full of ice-cream with a cone stuck on top




2. People decorate their homes according to most seasons, featured is one of the fall home deco sections of our local Walmart






3. At sporting events, it's not unusual for someone dressed up as a hot dog to chase someone dressed up as a slice of pizza, the crowd to stand up, sing songs and then wait for the fireworks at the end of the game.




Utah: The Place Where...


1. The mountains greet you whichever direction you turn.



2. There's an LDS chapel or temple on every block




3. Instead of 3 cheese aisles, a deli and 4 yoghurt aisles (as in the supermarket in France), Utahn supermarkets will have 3 greeting card aisles, a craft section and 2 party supply aisles.



4. The best pizza ever (possibly world wide) can be found in a quaint diner on the outskirts of town





5. We can spend time with our lovely baby niece, Maeve

6. I can land a French-speaking job with a company who sells juice in wine bottles



and yes, I am geeking out over my company ID tag.

- Alice 

Monday 12 August 2013

Reunions and Restlessness




It's now been 2 weeks since we came 'home'. Home is in inverted commas because we haven't yet got a home yet. We need jobs first, but I feel that we're getting there, slowly but surely.

I had an interview last week and I have another scheduled for this week, so I'm definitely hoping to hear something!

The first week that we were here, Jordan's entire family was about. It was really nice to spend some time with them.







Now that Shelby, Tim and both their families have gone back home, things have been quieter, as the hunt for house/job continues.

This week I will try to be more diligent in taking photos!


- Alice

Saturday 3 August 2013

Die Hard Fan




On Thursday We went to a concert in Salt Lake City.

Not just any concert. This concert featured bands My Morning Jacket, Wilco and the great -

BOB DYLAN

There was no way that Jordan wasn't going to that concert. Tickets were really cheap and Jordan probably thought it was fate that we would be home in time to go.


It was a great summer night! It was balmy and breezy. We had a great view. We spent some time with Shelby and Ryan, too. Jordan's friends let him use their tickets when Dylan came on. Jordan was nearly in tears watching his idol. It made me so happy!







Oh, and I had my first corn dog. It was also my last. I feel like some American food is in a no-go zone. The corn dog entered that category.

Did I mention how hot it is here? It's HOTTTTTT. But I'm not complaining.


























- Alice

Thursday 1 August 2013

The Journey Home

At the crack of dawn on Monday, Jordan and I boarded our flight to LA.
It was a long flight. I'm a seasoned traveller, but this flight was hard. Lots of turbulence, white knuckles etc.

My immigration status was accepted at the border - which was a huge relief!

Well, Utah is hot. Stinking hot. I'm not complaining yet, though. It's a nice change from the cold weather at home. It's been great to see Jordan's family and to meet our nieces for the first time! We've already eaten quite a bit of Mexican food... Jordan got his old job back (we think) and we're excited to move out of Chris' basement and finally into our own home.

Things are good and exciting for now - so we'll see how life begins to pan out for us very soon.


Will post soon, incl pictures!

- Alice