Chères soeurs,
I am hopelessly remiss in not having written something of a "how to" for first day engagements - does one not so often feel like a lamb led to the slaughter? - especially with my realm of experience in (all) fields scholarly, cultural and strictly, work-related.
It is vital to strike "attitudes", posturing a strong belief in ones self marks one way above the fray, or at least, is fresh fodder for awkward first day conversation. More precisely, if of a generally uncritical nature, emphasize a (much too) latent contempt for ones new environment. Otherwise, moderate scorn, unless (as is my general experience) greeted by a frustrating level of inadequacy in those around you.
Always have a cigarette on hand; preferably (for non-smokers and smokers alike) take a quick, harassed drag and immediately put it out, feigning impatience and irritation with upcoming tasks.
Arrive "en retard", but purposefully, (and if one can manage) slightly vacantly.
Clothes are an altogether personal, yet, seriously important consideration - by what other means is one judged ? This is to say dress conservatively, certainly avoid accentuating genetic mishaps.
I, by all means, don't mean to sound like a scold, but if one goes wrong early on, one is so often sunk beyond redemption, leading one to inevitable frustration, punctuated by an (oft-noble, if slightly overwrought) resignation.
Fondly,
Saint-Denis
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Saturday, September 6, 2008
la tempête
Chères soeurs,
As a faithful reader, I have been following your seaside adventures with the keenest of interest. Of course, it is most dismaying to myself that owing to the absolute fullness of my life here, I simply couldn't even conceive of finding the time to take a vacation, of any length; I could hardly find the time to compose this little post.
You see I must simply take any and all advantage of my time here...and it is much too stimulating to consider doing otherwise. For instance, the social make-up of the city of New Haven is like, way dynamic. I hear from a very good source (a real New Haven insider) that there is the most interesting of communities in this bustling mini-metropolis, the bike hipster. The bike hipster is the epitome of big city aspirations, generally, emigrating from varying pockets around Connecticut to the big city. I suppose they heard (from no less a good source) that New Haven is simply where it's at.
I have made casual inroads into the bike hipster community, usually by tossing off my wide-eyed student hat in favor of a street savvier fit. For instance, last night, more like this morning, I was caught in a bit of a tempête with a few of that sort, and really had the chance to observe them at comfortably close quarters. I say it was quite the experience! Even better than spending the night listening to podcasts, as was my original plan.
The weather still looks ominous, but I have very good reason to believe that that won't keep my new friends in doors...nor myself, if you need even ask.
Fondly,
Saint-Denis
As a faithful reader, I have been following your seaside adventures with the keenest of interest. Of course, it is most dismaying to myself that owing to the absolute fullness of my life here, I simply couldn't even conceive of finding the time to take a vacation, of any length; I could hardly find the time to compose this little post.
You see I must simply take any and all advantage of my time here...and it is much too stimulating to consider doing otherwise. For instance, the social make-up of the city of New Haven is like, way dynamic. I hear from a very good source (a real New Haven insider) that there is the most interesting of communities in this bustling mini-metropolis, the bike hipster. The bike hipster is the epitome of big city aspirations, generally, emigrating from varying pockets around Connecticut to the big city. I suppose they heard (from no less a good source) that New Haven is simply where it's at.
I have made casual inroads into the bike hipster community, usually by tossing off my wide-eyed student hat in favor of a street savvier fit. For instance, last night, more like this morning, I was caught in a bit of a tempête with a few of that sort, and really had the chance to observe them at comfortably close quarters. I say it was quite the experience! Even better than spending the night listening to podcasts, as was my original plan.
The weather still looks ominous, but I have very good reason to believe that that won't keep my new friends in doors...nor myself, if you need even ask.
Fondly,
Saint-Denis
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Où on peut me trouver
Chères soeurs,
I have proved myself wildly inept in my first little musing; I hardly gave any space to the charming little city in which I live. As I say, New Haven is simply charming, charm itself if you may. There is color and there is charm, and New Haven is most definitely the latter; it, therefore, strikes one as most odd that one should be cautioned to walk with vigilance in this darling city, so charming. And I really don't know how I shall be able to sleep without the sweet, omnipresent sounds of the New Haven police sirens, alive at all hours of the day and night.
I fear the naysayers, in their fashion, misrepresent the city. For instance, the legions of idle, slightly addled, vagrants seem perfectly sweet to me, soaking up the New Haven charm, one can only suppose.
Fondly,
Saint-Denis
I have proved myself wildly inept in my first little musing; I hardly gave any space to the charming little city in which I live. As I say, New Haven is simply charming, charm itself if you may. There is color and there is charm, and New Haven is most definitely the latter; it, therefore, strikes one as most odd that one should be cautioned to walk with vigilance in this darling city, so charming. And I really don't know how I shall be able to sleep without the sweet, omnipresent sounds of the New Haven police sirens, alive at all hours of the day and night.
I fear the naysayers, in their fashion, misrepresent the city. For instance, the legions of idle, slightly addled, vagrants seem perfectly sweet to me, soaking up the New Haven charm, one can only suppose.
Fondly,
Saint-Denis
Première réponse
Cherès soeurs, Firstly and foremost, you ought to welcome me to the blogosphere in the next posting of your simply charming collection of musings; I need not state that it is, most certainly, the lady like thing to do. Secondly and equally important, one ought to anticipate that I shan't be able to keep up in terms of the sheer volume of postings - but it rather goes without saying that I will in terms of quality.
Life is much too full for me here in New Haven and I am making oodles of friends; oodles being a commonly used word, here at the college of course. I simply couldn't get into their various quirks, as it would simply fill up books and books.
I hope, earnestly, that you are representing yourselves well - as ladies, so to speak - in la Maroc. I needn't say that at the college there is quite a premium placed on the sophistication of ones manners.
As you posted something of a despairing little note on the weather in la Maroc, I must say that it is most unpleasantly hot here in New Haven, even a late afternoon cocktail seems unable to chill one, perhaps a second will do the trick.
I will leave it to successive musings to lay out how rewardingly rich my courses are; and how I really have become something of a school legend in my first weeks...unprecedented, I know. I am having much too much fun, so it doesn't pain me quite so much to say goodbye (virtually).
Fondly, Saint-Denis
Life is much too full for me here in New Haven and I am making oodles of friends; oodles being a commonly used word, here at the college of course. I simply couldn't get into their various quirks, as it would simply fill up books and books.
I hope, earnestly, that you are representing yourselves well - as ladies, so to speak - in la Maroc. I needn't say that at the college there is quite a premium placed on the sophistication of ones manners.
As you posted something of a despairing little note on the weather in la Maroc, I must say that it is most unpleasantly hot here in New Haven, even a late afternoon cocktail seems unable to chill one, perhaps a second will do the trick.
I will leave it to successive musings to lay out how rewardingly rich my courses are; and how I really have become something of a school legend in my first weeks...unprecedented, I know. I am having much too much fun, so it doesn't pain me quite so much to say goodbye (virtually).
Fondly, Saint-Denis
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