I'd like to share some thoughts and impressions from my first week in Grenoble. First of all, I think this will be a prolific experience and I'm really looking forward to learn and share all that I can during my stay here.
Ok, I really don't know where to start, because there are plenty on things I do like and obviously some other that I don't. So, let's begin with the positive things, among them, the mountains!!. It's a fact that everywhere you look you see a mountain, and that's great, it gives you a sense of nature-awareness that I think will be even more impressing once the snow starts coming. From what I've seen, people here really love their mountains, and do all kind of stuff like trekking, bicycling and are now getting prepared for snowboarding, skiing and that sort of things for when the snow finally comes. I'll definitely have to try some of those activities out =):.
I also like the fact that's relatively safe to be here, you can walk yourself home at night, or wander around the city early in the morning, and you don't feel particularly threatened or anything. To be honest, there's always someone running by your side in the street, so you're not really alone at anytime. Anyway, a little precaution is ok.
I don't like the way traffic lights work here!. There's always a moment when both pedestrians and cars have the red light, and you don't know what to do!. I mean, it's not like for a couple of seconds, it's a long time in which no one is allowed to continue their way. And if you just stay there, you see how other people just come and pass to the other side of the road, leaving you wondering if you're just been naive or fool for following what the traffic light says.
Like in any country I've been, having to do paperwork and deal with bureaucrats is simple the worst thing humanity has to offer!!. Ok, I'm not being totally fair here. I must admit that my level of French is not very good yet, so it's a little bit difficult to communicate in a mixture of spanish-english-french with the people around me, specially when you have to deal with these bureaucratic affairs. Some of the school personnel has actually been very helpful and understanding, so yes, paperwork is a nightmare but people can be kind when you're in need =). Having said that, I do think that for a top-level international institution, you can ask for basic english communication skills in the administration personnel...anyway, this is something you must live as part of the whole international experience, it can be difficult, maddenning but in the end it's also interesting and you actually end up learning and practicing your communication skills =)..
This post is pretty long now, I'll continue my experiences in another one. Au revoir!:.
Following the neon signs,
waiting for a roar!.
