J'arrivais

Bonjour à tous!

That mean's "hello all". After 21 straight hours of travel I arrived safe and sound in Grenoble. It was a long tiring journey but mostly uneventful.

The highlights of the trip were:

• Getting upgraded to "World Traveller Plus"  on British Airways
• British accents everywhere.
• "Do you want some nibbles?", "May I take your rubbish?"
• How everyone at Heathrow looked like Tom Haverford from Parks and Recreation
• Getting my bags entirely emptied because they thought the 120 g of white YSZ powder I was bringing was drugs for some reason

My first french breakfast. I got an additional two baguettes
from two gluten free french women (what a sad existence).

It's only been two days but I've accomplished an amazing amount of things.  There are a few things I've come realize though. If anyone ever tells you that "all French people speak english" they are lying.  It is a very good thing that I know the little french that I do, otherwise I would have a problem. My most shining moment was when I spoke with a stuttering french man with an indian accent about purchasing a phone. The other thing is that we Americans take our 24/7 restaurants and stores for granted. You literally cannot get food here between the hours of 3-6pm (13 - 19:00h). Grocery stores close after 8pm. I was very hungry today.

So far I have: 

• Purchased a cell phone
• Found an apartment and moved into said apartment
• Eaten 4 baguettes, 2 croissants and a "French taco"
• Met my coworkers and new boss
• Gotten lost
• Rented a bike for 3 months
• Went grocery shopping 

Along the way I was very nearly seriously injured about 3 times, two of which were on the bike.  

Grenoble

Grenoble, pronouced "gren-obe", is the largest city in the French alps. It sits in between three high mountain ranges. Unexpectedly, it is also the flattest city in all of Europe.  It's location makes it extremely popular for all types de sport. It also is the scientific center of France (that's why I'm here). They have many universities and fancy facilities; one of which is called a syncotron and costs 8,000 €  for 8 hours.  My project will need it for 24 hours (sigh).

It is extremely beautiful here, although I brought the rain with me.  I haven't had much time to take pictures yet but I've included a few here to give you the gist of the place.  

Appartement

That is the correct french spelling.

I found my apartment thanks to my housemate Cassy in Seattle who knows someone who knows someone that knows the owner of this apartment.  My new address is 15 Ave. de Vizille, Grenoble. It is within the city center overlooking the mountains and the medieval Bastille on the mountainside.

View from my living room of the bastille on the mountain.

View from my room. There is a huge looming mountain
shrowded in cloud on the right side.

My roommates's collection. Pour ma Maman.

One of the two pâtisseries et boulangeries situated beneath my apartment.

I finished the day with another delicious baguette, some quinoa and a glass of wine. Very french I would say. All of the wines in the store were less than 8 € but I got one that was 2 € just to try. Unfortunately it kinda tastes like Manishevitz. I will chip in the few extras euros for something good next time.  


Merci pour lire mon histoire. Je vais continuer écrire de temps en temps.