Grandma's remedies

I do not go often to the doctor because I am rarely sick. During the winter, if I have a sore throat I usually take sweetened candy with honey. I rarely take antibiotics not even for a cold; I have to be really sick to take something. In general, in France people use modern medicine, but others prefer to take more natural remedies like the ones from our grandmother’s such as grog. For those who have never heard of that term, it is a drink that works very well against a sore throat. It is a hot water-based drink to which you had lemon, honey and rum “ambré”. Although I am not often sick, I always keep my doctor’s cell phone number close to me, just in case I am really sick!

Love at first sight in Notting Hill...

I like this book. Even if it is a romantic story, I do not think that it is only for girls.

I think the scenario is interesting because it shows the meeting between two different worlds with a sense of humor. This book is also easy to read and not boring.

My favorite character is not the main character (William Thacker), but his lodger (Spike). I like him because he is very funny and it is him that brings the most humor to the book.

I am happy that we will see the movie and I cannot wait to see the difference between the movie and the book.

The Cicada and the Ant

My favorite tale is a fable of Jean de la Fontaine. It is one that my grandmother used to read to me. The title is “La cigale et la fourmie”. In English it would translate “The Cicada and the Ant”.

The ant worked all summer to stock up on provisions while the cicada was singing. At the beginning of winter, the cicada asked the ant if she could lend her food. The ant then replied “what did you do this summer”? The cicada answered “I was singing”. The ant then said “Well, now you can dance”!

The moral of this tale is simple. I think it means that you must only rely on yourself and not to wait at the last moment to do the important things.

I like driving.

My favorite way to travel is by car. This way of transportation is the only one that allows you to stop when and where you want. You are able to visit all the cities or places that you think are interesting on your way. One has more time to enjoy the scenery. This summer, I drove across Canada and the United States with my girlfriend from Moncton, New-Brunswick all the way to Calgary. I like long road trips when I am the one driving. I had many adventures like having to drive and extra 100 km at night after already driving 700 km to find a decent hotel and getting lost in North Dakota. I find that you are freer to do what you want when you are driving. Even if the only way to cross the ocean is by plane, it is not what I prefer.

Hot weather is what I prefer!!

My favorite season is summer because I can bike everyday in the forest. I also do a lot of motor biking with my friends. I love going to the sea or the pool when it gets really hot. I also enjoy fishing. I do not like cold weather. The winter in Nice has nothing to do with the one in Calgary. It does not rain often and it almost never snows. If you want to ski, you can drive two hours to the nearest ski hill in Italy or take an hour flight to Switzerland. While I am in Calgary this year, I would love to go to Whistler in British Columbia to go ski and snowboard with my girlfriend. I do not intend to stay a long time in Calgary after my ESL class is done. I already booked a flight for Nice at the beginning of January. My girlfriend should meet me there in February. I miss the sun, the sea and the nicer weather that we have in my hometown.

Safety

I believe Calgary is a safe city because I think there are not too many problems with crimes. It is a nice city and it is safer than most metropolises in France. Over there, there are more thefts and murders then in Canada. In my town, there are many pocket-picking, especially on tourists who do not worry enough. When you enter the city of Nice, you can read signs that advise you to lock your car doors. It is not safe to walk alone in some neighborhoods during night time.I think that there are more fights and robberies then there are in Calgary. I do not take special precautions because I know my city very well. In general, I think that Canada is safer than France.

Nice Carnival

Once a year, in February there is a carnival that takes place in Nice for two weeks. During that time, the city’s population triples.

The authorities have to block the Promenade des Anglais everyday of the carnival. There is music everywhere and a big parade on the seafront. You can see big trailers with flowers, but the star of the carnival is the king. At the end of the Carnival he is burned in the sea with very big fireworks.

Every year, the carnival has a different theme. For fifteen days the whole city is decorate and there are all kinds of activities planned a bit everywhere. Everyone can have some fun. Almost everything is free; you only have to pay if you want to see the parade from the platform.

It is a carnival only for the city of Nice. We eat no special food and we do not wear the traditional Niçois clothing, only the small children usually wear masks. It is really fun!