Start of week two!

Today I learned a few interesting things…

1. Aix is the most expensive city to live in France, outside of Paris.
2. When you buy a TV in France, you must declare it, and pay a tax to have it in your house every year.
3. The French know a lot more about American political history than most Americans. For example, I had never heard of Pinochet until today (could just be my education, but no one else in the class had, either).
4. When someone wishes you “good day!” in France (or “bonne journée!”) you can reply “you too!” by saying “également!” which literally translates to “equally.”
5. The Marchutz School of Art here in Aix (and part of the IAU) is named after Léo Marchutz who was the first to purchase a Cézanne painting.
6. Photography comes from the Greek words phos and graph meaning “light” and “drawing.” As you can see, I had my first photographie class today.

My photo class is Intro to Black and White Photography, and we will be using all digital cameras. So my little Lumix guy will do! While it only meets once a week (on Mondays), we have weeklong assignments. First up, experiment with b&w photos by taking some around Aix. Sounds pretty simple, but even when I was walking around today during the “Golden Hours” of the late afternoon, it was difficult to spot scenes that had interesting lighting. My eyes will be more peeled than potatoes this week!

Also related to film (of a sort) is my cinéma français class. We began our first movie today, Les enfants du paradis (Carné, 1945) and – boy! – do these French actors speak quickly! As difficult as it is to watch old American films, old French films are even harder. But I am determined to understand it all! Having picked up some film criticism knowledge from my class at DU, I am excited to apply it to a new series of cinema masterpieces.

Monday is my most packed day of classes, but in addition, I had an introductory interview for an internship that will be part of my studies here in Aix. So at 5pm (17h) I walked to the top floor of the IAU to wait to get my internship assignment and submit my schedule of hours. Approved by the IAU but not yet by the company, I will be interning (hopefully!!!) for an art events specialist, who works a lot with Italian clients, apparently. No italiano, per favore – I don’t speak any! But no time like the present to learn some! With that checked off my list, I’m just waiting for a second, official interview with my potential-future boss and I will be back to intern-dom.

After such a busy weekend and long school day, I’m glad to have some time to chill and write. It sure doesn’t take long to get tired around here! And now that we’re officially on week two of IAU school, it’s only going to pack my schedule tighter. Fret not! For the weekends are my playtime and I’m researching places to go and things to do. Can anyone say Bordeaux?!

xxo, S