I couldn't find an exact term for the feeling described in the post title, but that is how I feel right now. I've been back in Tucson for a little over a week now and there are aspects of Grenoble that I miss: the mountains and their monolayer of green trees; the eminently walkable city with smaller specialty shops lining the streets; the ability to take a train anywhere within the country; and of course the yummy cheese. Of course I can't discount that the sum of my feelings incorporate much more than the scenery and food. Michel's lab was very hospitable and I was able to make good friends and colleagues, my friends Emily and Alli were a blast when it came to traveling about the country and into Belgium and Germany, and of course hanging out with Craig in the beginning eased transitioning into a foreign country much easier. I have to say, I got very lucky. Lucky that Craig and I were able to come to France thanks to the ACS GREET Fellowship, and experience different European lifestyles. It would be mind-numbing to try and qualitatively describe in words my feelings towards my 7 weeks over in another country. But I can say I'm happy.
Hopefully the opportunity will arise to visit Grenoble again during my graduate career, and, if not that, at least sometime within the not-so-distant-future (I refrain here from trying to put a quantitative value because it all depends on which side of the "break-even" line entropy decides to lie on). Again, I'd like to thank the ACS GREET program for this fabulous opportunity to not only travel to another country but also begin a lasting collaboration with the Vivaudou group, whom, in my opinion, made the trip out there very enjoyable.
Au revoir for now, but hopefully not forever.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
Tips for the interested traveler
Here are a compilation of tips along my way:
1) The packing equation - Lay out all the things you "think" you need and then multiply by 0.5. That, is how much you really need. It will make moving about the country with all your gear much more feasible. As a corollary a one day trip only requires one set of clothes.
2) Although you might have the munchies, refrain from eating food from street vendors in the very early morning hours (like 2:30 AM). Your stomach will thank you later in the day.
3) It's cheaper to purchase tickets in bulk or all-day passes if you are going into town for the day.
4) An even cheaper mode of transport for anyone between the ages of 12-25 & 60+ is to rent a bike. For me, renting a bike cost 15 euro + 90 euro deposit (returned when I returned the bike).
5) Purchase train tickets early. The longer you wait the higher the prices can go, though not always. If you are okay with getting odd seats in the train, then you can purchase tickets close to your date of departure.
6) Beware the foreign transaction fees. It's better to pull cash out of a sponsored bank (no withdrawal fees). Also not all stores have machines that accept credit cards with a magnetic strip. Most accept cards with SMARTcards.
7) The red and green lights are only suggestions. You'll see people J-walk a lot. But be careful of cars, not all will slow down if they see you crossing.
8) Hostels are fun places to meet people (this can be both good and bad, but more good for the experience).
9) Food: While in France, you must try the cheeses, saucisson, and wine. In Belgium you must try the frites (fries), Belgian waffles, and chocolate. In Germany, try the kebabs, many types of sausages, sauerkraut, and potatoes.
10) Travel, travel, travel. You might only get to see places once.
1) The packing equation - Lay out all the things you "think" you need and then multiply by 0.5. That, is how much you really need. It will make moving about the country with all your gear much more feasible. As a corollary a one day trip only requires one set of clothes.
2) Although you might have the munchies, refrain from eating food from street vendors in the very early morning hours (like 2:30 AM). Your stomach will thank you later in the day.
3) It's cheaper to purchase tickets in bulk or all-day passes if you are going into town for the day.
4) An even cheaper mode of transport for anyone between the ages of 12-25 & 60+ is to rent a bike. For me, renting a bike cost 15 euro + 90 euro deposit (returned when I returned the bike).
5) Purchase train tickets early. The longer you wait the higher the prices can go, though not always. If you are okay with getting odd seats in the train, then you can purchase tickets close to your date of departure.
6) Beware the foreign transaction fees. It's better to pull cash out of a sponsored bank (no withdrawal fees). Also not all stores have machines that accept credit cards with a magnetic strip. Most accept cards with SMARTcards.
7) The red and green lights are only suggestions. You'll see people J-walk a lot. But be careful of cars, not all will slow down if they see you crossing.
8) Hostels are fun places to meet people (this can be both good and bad, but more good for the experience).
9) Food: While in France, you must try the cheeses, saucisson, and wine. In Belgium you must try the frites (fries), Belgian waffles, and chocolate. In Germany, try the kebabs, many types of sausages, sauerkraut, and potatoes.
10) Travel, travel, travel. You might only get to see places once.
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