Just heard a Weezer song (island in the sun) used in a commercial for a French bank. Would that be considered selling out in North America?
1 year, 6 months ago
Found a music store! Too bad the only ukulele they have is €42, though it was quite nice. #jonesing
1 year, 6 months ago
Haven’t played a ukulele in four days. This is a record.
1 year, 6 months ago
The Partisan
0
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
The Partisan, originally titled “La Complainte du partisan” in French, has always been one of my favourite Leonard Cohen songs. The lyrics are from the point of view of a sole partisan secretly fighting an occupying force in his country, but I had no idea it was specifically about the French resistance to Nazi occupation during WWII, as the only references to this are in the French verses.
You hear of soldiers nowadays with iPods and their murder mixes; playlists of heavy metal, used to keep them motivated (or, in some cases, inhuman so they can commit inhumane acts). I’ve long held the belief that if I was ever fighting in a war, this would be my song — the only one I’d listen to, and on repeat — because the narrator is so cold and stoic in his purpose.
A group of partisans joining forces with the Canadian army at Boulogne, in September 1944.
Bracing myself to walk through a giant knitting circle, for my room is on the other side.
1 year, 6 months ago
France: Day 3, Chartres
It’s been a great pace so far. No plans, no schedule, no goals, no stress. I didn’t want to cram a bunch of activities on this trip; I’d much rather take it easy and enjoy myself, so I can absorb as much of the culture as possible.
People would ask me if I was excited to come here, and I couldn’t say that I was, probably because there wasn’t anything specific I felt compelled to see. Sure, I’ll probably end up visiting some of the touristy, must-see sites in Paris, but more importantly, I want to live the life, to be a local for a while.
The definitive image of France: a young girl dressed smartly in chapeau and tights waves to the baker, who comes from around the counter to hold the door for her as she leaves the store. Of uncorrupted innocence, simple rituals, and fresh bread.
Why is it that young boys inherently play war?
1 year, 6 months ago
So not impressed that I’m still getting spam calls from Rogers and Scotiabank in France.
1 year, 6 months ago
Either one of us looks really old or one of us looks really young. I’m opting for the latter cause Miric asked if I was a teenager.
1 year, 6 months ago
Security guard just talked to Misun about me carrying a backpack into a store like I was her son. Hilarious.
1 year, 6 months ago
I love the fact that I can find free (or unsecured) public wifi in stores here.
1 year, 6 months ago
Wondering of I’ll ever get used to kids being so unabashed as to never close the door when going to the bathroom.
1 year, 6 months ago
France: Arrival
Getting here was most certainly the most grueling trip I’ve ever taken. From door to door, it took me 21 hours to travel almost 6000km, carrying with me nearly 90 pounds of luggage (which isn’t that much of a stretch from my body weight).
I was mainly focused on making it safely and with all my stuff, so taking photos wasn’t a priority. Traveling alone is certainly a lot more difficult than with a companion, because you can’t leave suitcases with someone and do something quick like walk down a street to find a sign, or go to the bathroom.
Giving a pigeon a stern talking-to. Birds are brave here.
At Gare Montparnasse.
Dear person sitting next to me: taking your shoes off is an invitation for me to do the same. Luckily for you, I don’t have smelly feet.
1 year, 6 months ago