Uzès: over and out

Outside the amphitheatre

Wednesday, April 13, Jeremy and I took a road-trip to Nîmes, although it is only about a 45-minute drive from Uzès. The drive was beautiful past vineyards and then up a steep, curvy road. Periodically rows of what I think are white aspens lined to road to make lovely groves to drive under. The outskirts of Nîmes are not especially nice to look at, but the city centre is pretty with numerous Roman ruins. We were proud of our navigation skills as we arrived without using any maps, while this success did include some wrong turns.

My gladiator sandals in the amphitheatre.

 Our first stop was the Roman amphitheatre. It was built about 100 CE to seat 24,000. It is also the best-preserved amphitheatre from the Roman Empire. It was great to experience a piece of living history as it is still used today for concerts, battle reenactments, ect. I wore my gladiator sandals on purpose to feel like I was perhaps an ancient Roman. We walked up Victor Hugo Boulevard to the Maison Carée. It was originally a Roman temple, but now it serves as a movie theatre where you can watch a film on the history of Nîmes. Jeremy and I opted out of the movie to explore more outside. Our last stop was the Garden of Fountains. There are aged statues of Roman gods and emperors with numerous water fixtures that were not in use. I think we agreed it was the most beautiful part of the day between the greenery, evidence of the city’s Roman heritage all over the park and the crepes we ate on a bench in the shade.

Garden of Fountains

 Thursday was a fairly low-key day compared to most of our time in Uzès.  Jeremy, Max and I went go-carting in the neighboring village of La Calmette. The boys lapped me twice on the course, which was fine by me as I enjoyed cruising the track by myself. The drive to and from go-carting was once again beautiful. I love our drives in the south of France, my favorite so far being the road to Nîmes.

I spent the afternoon reading on the back lawn, while the boys played tennis. We went out for dinner to a cute restaurant called the Tractor. It is unique because the menu changes daily based on the fresh ingredients the owner/chef buys at the market. You only have two choices for your appetizer, main course and dessert, because the chef is so selective about what he buys at the market. The food was truly exceptional.

Friday morning we left Uzès to catch our afternoon train from Avignon. Once back in Paris, Jeremy and I had to march down to the Eiffel Tower to do more of Linda’s bidding. This order included 50 additional Eiffel Tower key chains and ten more 10-inch towers for her wedding favors and table center pieces (to be added to the 100 key chains and ten 10-inch towers that have already been carted back to Seattle for her). This bride gets what she wants.

Dinner on the Calife

 For dinner we went with Max on a dinner boat cruise on le Seine on a barge called the Calife. We had eaten here when we were in Paris with Linda and John, but due to high river levels in December we were unable to leave the dock. Tonight the ship sailed down the river making everything so much more magical. It is such a wonderful vantage point to see Paris from as we cruised under beautiful bridges, past the Louvre, Notre Dame, and arrived at the Eiffel Tower as it began to sparkle at 11 o’clock.

The Eiffel Tower from the boat with the moon.

This morning was my last with Jeremy until I return to Seattle in a month and a half. We walked up to the Arc d’Triomphe together where he caught his coach to the airport. It was not until the luggage was loaded into the bus’ undercarriage and it was time for Jeremy to go that I felt sad. It surprised me, because before that moment I felt content with knowing I would see him in less that six weeks, a small amount of time compared to what he have already accomplished. I had to stifle tears. I watch him board the bus and take his seat by the window. He blew me a kiss, I saluted him good-bye and walked home to Max’s.  

Uzes (so far)

Max's house from the back

Sunday, we took an afternoon train to Max's home in the south of France, in the town of Uzes. It was a beautiful train ride past little villages, rolling countryside, vineyards and fields of yellow flowers used to make canola oil. Max's house is gorgeous, maybe I should even call it an estate with its twenty-six acres and full-time groundskeeper. The house was built in the 15th century and was originally owned by nuns. Our tour of the house included its ten bedrooms, pool, summer kitchen, regular kitchen, two offices, "the towers," gym, the living and dining rooms, tennis courts and the mini orchard. I feel very fortunate to be staying in such a lovely place in and out and with wonderful people.

On Monday we headed into Uzes to explore with Max. Uzes is everything I would expect a town in the south of France to be. It is so cute and quaint with narrow cobblestone streets and EVERYTHING shuts down for lunch between noon and 2pm. We ate lunch at an outdoor restaurant in the town square before Max and Francette bid us au revoir. Jeremy and I continued to wander around before attempting our way back to the house. We were eventually successful with a few wrong turns along the way.

Duche d'Uzes

In town we saw the Duche d'Uzes, which is the home of the Duke and Duchess of Uzes. It is clearly a residence, while still very much looking the part for its original purpose as a castle/fortress. We crossed the courtyard to climb the Bermonde Tower. This was perhaps the steepest and narrowest stairwell I have ever ascended. After defeating the 135 stairs to the top, we were able to see a panoramic view of Uzes. From this view we could see the homes dotted with colorful shutters and topped with ceramic shingles. The Duche d'Uzes dates from the Middle Ages and it was built on the site of a Roman fortress.

Duche d'Uzes stairs of Bermonde Tower

In the evening we went hiking around the Pont du Gard, which is a Roman aqueducte built sometime between 16 BCE and 50 CE. The next day (Tuesday) we went kayaking on the river that took us underneath the Pont du Gard. I thought it was special to get to see it from several vantage points. Kayaking was a lot of fun, but also challenging. Both Jeremy's body and mine are growing stiff with all the activities of daily life here. Before kayaking, Jeremy went mountain biking with Francette. At one point during kayaking, Jeremy and I managed to tip our boat. We got stuck in some undergrowth in the river and the water came over us. We came up laughing since the water only came to about my chest.

Pont du Gard

We end each night with a delicious meal prepared by Francette. Jeremy and I are loving her food and French food in general. So far, so good.

Versailles

Saturday, April 9 was my first day of spring break from the University of Westminster. I had every intention of sleeping in, but luckily my plan was ruined for something much better. I went on the Fat Tire Bicycling Tour of Versailles with Max and his mom, Francette. I selected a blue bike for the day known as “Inspector Clouseau.” Our first stop in the town was the market to pick up supplies for our picnic later in the day. Before hitting the road peddling, I had the chance to sip on freshly squeezed orange juice and nibble a butter and brown sugar crepe. We initially peddled around Versailles’ gardens (not all 60 acres of them however). It was so gorgeous and expansive.

We stopped at a village Marie Antoinette built a few acres away from the chateau to replicate peasant life. I found it ironic that she lived in such opulence and money ran through her fingers like water, yet she wanted to escape to “a simpler way of life.” We had our picnic at the far of the lake, where we could see the chateau in the distance. The water lapped quietly at our feet, while I soaked up the sun that became a severe burn by the end of the day. We bicycled around the entire circumference of the lake, through downtown Versailles and then up to the chateau/palace of France’s many king Louis.

Inside of the chateau is truly magnificent. From the front gate, you are surrounded by gold painted fences, stone walkways, gorgeous architecture, and lucky for us, blue skies. My favorite room inside was the Hall of Mirrors. At the time it was built, owning a hand mirror was a precious family heirloom. Consequently, to show off his wealth Louis built a room with mirrors from head to toe. For many it was the first time they had seen themselves in a full-length mirror!

The Hall of Mirrors

Back outside, the rear gardens are spectacular with perfectly manicures hedges growing in intricate designs and seasonal flowers growing between the rows. The fountains are numerous – I could not even count them if I made a genuine attempt. Statues line the walkways and water spouts from stone frogs, fish, dragons, women, cherubs and turtles. By now it was about five in the afternoon and time to head back to Paris.

The is a back view of the Chateau & garden

I walked into the apartment to find Jeremy asleep. I started laughing almost compulsively as some strange reaction to seeing him. He woke-up and greeted me with a hug, which prompted my emotions to swiftly change as now I wanted to cry. He said it felt foreign to see me and hold me, so long story short we both had odd reactions once back in each other’s presence. However, within a few hours it was as if no time had passed without the other. 

To-do lists for take-off

Yesterday I managed to turn in all of my papers! I do not feel they are the greatest examples of my writing I have ever turned in, yet it is liberating to be done with all four of them. Yesterday was also a record day of heat in London this early into spring at about 70°F.  I spent some time in Regent Park people watching while I ate my lunch followed by a park nap.

Last night I went to a drag musical called “Priscilla Queen of the Desert.” It was everything a drag show should be with epic costumes, fabulous glitter, bright colors and ridiculously high heels. Their lip synching was flawless as these ladies rocked out in dresses (with the butts cut-out) under falling confetti. They sang the classics for drag shows from “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” to “Shake Your Groovy Thing” to “I Will Survive” and I had a blast singing along.

Today is my last day interning. At New Century, I experienced my first professional glimpse into the public relations industry. My greatest gains came in a new familiarity with international PR and an enhanced research capacity. I developed a larger grasp on global PR first through working in a London PR consultancy and secondly through investigating the PR environments of emerging markets. This research included the countries of Brazil, Chile, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey and Vietnam. Finally, as my primary role at NCM was research this explains my enhanced research capacity.

This is New Century's building



This is the office



This is the view from the office -
if you look into the distance you can see Big Ben & the Millennium Bridge, the
London Eye is just to the left & the Thames is just below, but out of the frame.

For the future, my time at New Century has made it clear I must have an awareness of the household names of the public relations industry whether that is firms or individual professionals. Also, I need more experience in other sectors of the industry such as an in-house corporate PR department and non-profit PR.   I hope to begin my career in public relations at a large, global firm to gain the initial experience and training needed to be successful later. While interning, I was included in staff and client meetings, special events and the daily operations, which made this an invaluable opportunity in professional development through mentorship and practical experience. I am really appreciative of the opportunity.

Tomorrow I am leaving London for three weeks of travelling in France and Greece! The past few days I have been scurrying to tick off the tasks on my to-do list:

ü  Pedicure

ü  Bathing suit

ü  Sunscreen

ü  Euros

ü  Passport

The majority of my packing is done. Tomorrow I have to attend my last two classes of the year then make it to by 8:02p.m. train to Paris! I AM SO EXCITED!

Windsor Castle & Eton College

I am not sure who I originally heard say this, but I will echo their wisdom. I wish I were studying abroad without the study! Next Wednesday, I have three papers and a portfolio due. I have never dived this deeply into academics in the United States and it is so inconvenient when I would rather do nothing but continue exploring London. I have managed to turn in one paper so far, another and the portfolio are almost done, but I have yet to start the last paper. I am feeling the pressure of this encroaching deadline with an additional to-do list in preparation for spring break. I keep reminding myself that while I have all these assignments do it four days, in six days I will be rewarded with three weeks of travelling in Europe!

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle

Despite all of my homework, today I broke away to Windsor Castle and Eton College, both about twenty miles outside of London. Windsor Castle is supposedly Queen Elizabeth’s favorite of her five residences around the United Kingdom, and I can see why. I imagine it would be like living in a luxurious vortex of history.  It has a highly impressive exterior of centuries worth of continual stone and construction. The interior state rooms we were allowed to tour are immaculate. Rich tapestries hang from the walls, antique furniture and chandeliers illustrate the opulence of the queenly décor, paintings of past monarchs hang as a sort of royal family photo album in every room and I would expect no less of even the carpet in a royal residence. Windsor Castle also has a private church known as St. George’s Chapel, this too was beautiful. My HIGHLIGHT inside the chapel was the tomb of King Henry VIII where he lays with his favorite and third wife (of six), Jane Seymour.

If you look closely at this desk you can see the carvings I describe below.

This is some of the stained glass at Eton College.

We walked a few minutes away to visit Eton College. It was the first public school in Britain. However, by public, they mean extremely private with annual tuition fees of £30,000! We went on a walking tour of the grounds and interior buildings. The church there has gorgeous stained glass windows and a patterned vaulted ceiling. We saw the dining room where the school’s original students ate and what I would classify as a vintage classroom. One of the very cool things are these carvings into the wood paneling all over the buildings of the names of former (and maybe current) students. They are literally everywhere and some quite intricate. They only unimpressive aspect of the school is the central court yard. It is this ugly expanse of space with stone paths but no grass or greenery anywhere, although I did make it out with some the rocks from this courtyard. I kept trying to imagine my boss and one of my colleagues (both graduates of Eton College) wandering around as their childish selves.  I came up with humorous images of who I concocted them to be. 

This is the stone courtyard at Eton College.

Whats not to love

Wednesday I attended an event for work at the House of Lords. I played grown-up again but this time instead of doing it in Cambridge, it was within the English Parliament, so all the more fun. It was an impressive party on my boss’ part and an even more impressive guest list with Members of Parliament and London’s business heavy hitters. Afterwards, I went out with my co-workers for a bit. I love the rapport everyone in the office has. It makes work so much more genuine and interesting to get to know everyone outside of their professional demeanor.

I know the weather is not a fascinating topic, but I would like to take a moment to make everyone in Seattle feel jealous. For the past few days it has been sunny and around 60°F. The weekend forecast is the same, compared to Seattle’s rain and the 40-50s°F.

The V&A

Tonight I went to the Friday late night at the Victoria & Albert Museum.  Tonight’s theme was the playhouse so they have various theatrical activities and performance going on. We saw a vintage ladies’ cabaret, followed a Hamlet promenade performance around the museum, walked down a red carpet (complete with actors playing the paparazzi and deranged fans), and had our faces painted. I had a moon painted onto my right cheek! It was a very clever and entertaining event.

After the V&A, Amy, Mary and I ventured out for food. We had an impromptu banquet for frozen yogurt from Snog and a street vendor burrito. The highlights: the street vendor had Cholula hot sauce and “snog” means to make-out in England, which I find to sound hilariously unenticing. We were also attracting peculiar looks with our face paint. :) 

I see London, I see France

I spent the weekend in Paris with friends from Seattle. It was very nostalgic to be back in one house with Mike and Max, two of my roommates from last year. I love how time can pass, but those types of friendships do not change. We fell right back into step with each other and picked up where we left off. Emmett finally made it on Sunday afternoon after being repeatedly delayed. Being in the presence of that crazy cat is always a good time.

My train arrived in Paris late on Friday evening so we spent the night catching up at Max’s over booze, although I was significantly behind the boys by the time we met at the train station. Saturday we accomplished very little but I still had a great time. Since my mom and John were engaged under the Eiffel Tower on New Years Eve of 2010, we walked down the Eiffel Tower to get my mom all of her table centerpieces and wedding favors for the big day in August. Her shopping list consisted of ten 10-inch Eiffel Towers for the tables and 100 one-inch Eiffel Tower key chains for her guest. (P.S. These are by no means light weight sourvenirs). Other than the Eiffel Tower, it was so nice to just lounge around Max’s house and sleep in a bed larger than my own single bed in London that I am convinced is made of cardboard. Saturday night Mike and I continued to catch up over spaghetti and more booze since Max fell asleep early. We headed down to the Champs de Elysee for drinks and cheesecake.

Sunday it was wonderful to sleep-in until the late morning. Since we had slept past breakfast, we went to lunch at an Indian restaurant. It is such a luxury to travel with Max who knows the language. He orders for you, reads signs for you, negotiates buying mass amounts of Eiffel Towers for you, essentially I feel less like the incompetent ugly American because of Max. Sunday afternoon Emmett made it and we headed out to Sacre Coeur church as Mike was suffering from cabin fever. It was as beautiful as it was in December, just nicer weather.

All my mom's Eiffel Towers - the little piles are 10 of the keychains.

Yesterday I unexpectedly went to Cambridge. My boss needed me to come to a client meeting with him where essentially I just took notes at a gigantic table with twentyish gentlemen. It was an interesting experience. I got to play grown-up which is always fun until sooner rather than later I really will have to be a grown up. The train ride was pretty. One of the things I still find lovely and shocking about London is in the span of twenty-five minutes you are boarding a train in one of the world’s biggest metropolises and then suddenly the train is cruising through the pastures of the countryside.

This evening I went to the play, “Mary Broome” at the Orange Tree Theatre. It is a story about a maid you gets pregnant out of wedlock in the early 1900s by a son in the family she works for. It was a really interesting storyline on irony, observations and honesty.