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Thursday, September 20, 2012

awkward&awesome

As I mentioned before, my 24 hour journey to France was a bit draining, but once there, I was invigorated by all exciting prospects of exploring and eating my way through the week along the French Riviera. There were highs and there were lows, lots of awkwards, and many awesomes. Here is but a small bit of my daily life while at both the scientific conference, and holiday in Nice following.

Awkward
1. When you aren’t able to speak the native language, one has to excel at gesturing and smiling… good thing I was always a Charades winner

2. 4 options for water (room temp, chilled, still or sparkling), and yet none of them involve ice (and I am a serious ice cruncher)

3. Stalking pugs through the streets of Nice… Good thing Pug owners are just universally nice people!
George the pug
4. When you ask a French person to photograph you, you are open to tips, criticism, and laughs… well, at least I will never see them again!
Here I am reacting to the suggestions of the person I asked to take my photo... who told me I looked too stiff & serious!
5. Scientists… skinny dipping…. AWKWARD! I was the on shore lifeguard, remaining fully clothed at all times

Nerding out with my science!
Ok the top 5 awesome things were beach, food, beach, shopping & food... but I thought that was a little boring, so here are the next top 5!

Awesome
1. Traveling alone - while I was lonely at times, the fact that I flourished and actually came to enjoy my alone time was quite amazing to me. I navigated my way through a country, of which I had ZERO understanding of the language, I found my way through the city's winding paths, I discovered hidden gems, and out of the way restaurants, and I took the time to just sit and enjoy
Dinner for 1: scallops & linguini, local red wine, and bottom-less bread. Definitely took a break from my gluten less lifestyle!
2. Sunsets on the beach - it was amazing to have been so close to the water for a week, appreciating how the light changed the color of the water throughout the day, watching the birds and the fish circling above and below, and dipping my toes into the waters everyday.
3. The conference I attended brought an international attendance, and I had the great pleasure of meeting fellow scientists from around the world. Seriously, I must say the Cyprus girls were a beautiful & fashionable bunch!

4. Somehow French dogs are just more chic than other dogs (well, except Doug)!

5. At lunch, when you wanted to get something to drink (since iced water, and diet coke were out of the question), you just walked up to the wine barrels, pulled the tap and took your fill... all the time, no matter what... I could get used to that!

What are you favorite parts of traveling?
Any awkward and awesome stories in your life lately?
xx
Jessica

21 comments:

  1. ok, how did you get all these great shots with no photographer?! the people around took them?! Crazy! You're a brave soul.


    http://frenchpresstights.blogspot.com/ 

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  2. That is so awesome that you went and spent some time alone. I would probably be such a punk and beg someone to come with me! hahaa.. The trip sounds amazing! 

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  3. Sounds so amazing, Jessica (especially the wine- ha!)! 

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  4. Crazy that they have an endless supply of wine at meetings, that would make my meetings WAY better!! Good job traveling and navigating alone, its a great sense of freedom.

    -AJ
    FitTravelerAJ.blogspot.com

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  5. Look at you with your poster!! That's awesome!!! I am so impressed that you made it all around Nice by yourself without knowing the language. Go you!! This summer I found that exploring alone can be a fun thing to do, I'm glad you enjoyed the independence. 

    My favorite part of traveling is taking photos and exploring new places (and new foods!) :)

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  6. Sounds like such a fun trip! You make traveling alone seem alot less scary lol! Glad you had an amazing time!

    xx
    Giovanna
    www.oliveandanarrow.com

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  7. sounds like you had fun, despite some of the awkwardness.  You look great!

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  8. Aww, French dogs are pretty chic, I agree :) I think it's awesome that you were travelling alone--I bet it's a whole different experience, and not one that everyone gets the opportunity to do. I loved hearing about your trip!!

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  9. All of the awkwards are so funny and the awesomes are pretty awesome! Wine on tap, AMAZING!

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  10. That very last shot is fabulous! I love it! And the awkward parts were pretty hilarious. At least there were amazing parts to make up for it! :)

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  11. they food look yummy. In Germany there no ice either. 

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  12. Sounds like you had lots of fun! don't get used to the wine over there,  you have to pay for it here lol

    happymedley.blogspot.com

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  13. Jessica, you are so brave to be traveling alone.  The idea always sounds nice to me but especially in a country that I don't know the language I would be sooo scared!  You seem to be having a blast!

    Julia
    http://cupoftea-style.blogspot.com

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  14. Looks like you had an amazing trip Jessica. I'm glad you were able to enjoy the time travelling alone, I've done it as well, and sometimes it's really nice not to have to worry about anyone but yourself.
    Great pics.

    Sarah
    Cooperscloset11.blogspot.com

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  15. This looks like SO much fun. Is it sad that I tried to read the poster title from the picture? Nerd problems...









    A Southern Drawl

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  16. For the outfit shots, I used a tripod and a lot of bravery! But otherwise, I just worked on making friends with strangers! Scary but fun
    xx

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  17. yea, scientists know whats up! haha - pick a fun location, and keep the wine flowing
    xx

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  18. Exactly - going and doing what I wanted, and getting lost & found again by myself was so fun!
    xx

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  19. Love it! I fly my nerd flag proudly
    xx

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  20. What a fun post!  I love that you stalked pugs ;)


    XO
    www.pearlsandpaws.blogspot.com

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  21. I love the French version of awkward/awesome - so fun! Your trip looks and sounds amazing...and gotta love those pugs :)

    Annie
    The Other Side of Gray 

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Thank you for your comments, they make my day!!
xx