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Jeudi 22 juillet 2004
It is all about food...
I feel like I have come to Sydney to eat... The food at the College is great and there are plenty of free BBQs and lunches organized for international students. I think I can't expect it to be like that for the whole year. And it is probably a good thing!
I went to the gym for the first time this morning. Good news. I am fit enough. The instructor took my blood pressure, Vo2 Max, fat %. Now I am ready to move again. I have inquired about different sport clubs. I will see what answers I get.
The College (Residence) is the perfect academic environment for me. I am right on campus. I can talk with other postgraduate students about my research, etc. and I have access to a lot of facilities. I feel very lucky.
I attended some information sessions organized by the International Office. Most international students seem to be Asian. I feel very tall among them. Most international students know other people from their home country, whether it is from Asia, Europe, etc. I have not met many Canadians (only one at College). Also, most students seem to be here to study law, business, English, etc. I often get a surprised look when I say that I study history. Or people also ask: "Which history? Australia is too young to have history!" Oh well, they should know that everything from the last minute is history. Also funny because they seem to forget that even if Australia was "discovered" by Europeans only a couple of hundreds of years ago, there were "other people" living here.
My membership at the gym includes weight, cardio, climbing walls, boxe and classes (yoga, aerobics, etc.) So I think I will leave the computer to go to "Body Attack" before dinner.
I have a big closet in my room. The doors are beige-white so it looks very boring at the moment. I think I will organize a contest for my friends/family/fans to decorate it... Maybe get people to send me pictures or postcards. I will think about it. Let me know if you have original ideas... and suggestions for a contest prize (no, no, don't even think about a plane ticket to Australia!!).
Publié par -Em-
à 2004-07-22 02:37:26
Permalien |
| Anglais, Sydney
Mardi 1 juin 2004
Je devais partir aujourd'hui en direction de Broken Hill, puis Alice Springs... Mais des gens n'ont pas payé alors le tour est incomplet... Changement de cap (j'ai appris la nouvelle hier!)... Je me suis levée à 5 h ce matin pour organiser mon voyage... Je tiens à partir aujourd'hui! Mon voyage vers le nord sera peut-être retardé d'une semaine. Entre temps, j'irai peut-être vers Melbourne, la Great Ocean Road, Kangaroo Island et je partirai d'Adelaide plutôt que de Sydney. Je vous tiens au courant... Je vais écrire dans un petit carnet et tout retranscrire sur mon blogue dès que je pourrai. Soyez patients svp. Ça pourrait prendre du temps car je ferai du camping sauvage pour la majeure partie du voyage.
I was supposed to leave today for Broken Hill and Alice Springs but I learned yesterday that some people had not paid for the tour so we can't leave this week. I woke up at 5am this morning to sort out what I am going to do. I still want to leave today. I will go to Alice Springs in a week instead. In the meantime, I might go to Melbourne, do the Great Ocean Road, visit Kangaroo Island and depart from Adelaide instead of Sydney. I will let you know. I will write everything in a scrapbook and try to type it on my blog as soon as I get a chance. It might take a while though. Be patient please. I will be camping in the wild for most of my trip.
Publié par -Em-
à 2004-06-01 16:55:42
Permalien |
| Sydney, Anglais, Français
Vendredi 21 mai 2004
Yesterday, I went back to the Sydney University to visit the Women's College and meet my supervisor. I think I have chosen well by applying at the College. People seem very nice and the College seems like a very nice place to live... For Canadians: please not that College means "residence". I don't know which room I will have yet but I should know it by the end of July.
I met with my supervisor in the afternoon. She is fantastic. Very nice. I felt very confortable talking to her. It is a big relief. We discussed about topics, Master and PhD. My plans might slightly change. Some things are different here. But at least I have time to think about everything. I might go to a seminar next week to meet the other PhD students.
Tomorrow is the half-marathon. I think I will run it despite the cold I have had since I arrived. I wish Roger would be here. I wish the girls would be here. I will think of them when I will want to stop!! After, I am supposed to meet up with Phillipa, her husband, Jason and Jen. I have not seen Phillipa in a long time (she was in Rez with me in Ottawa and she is Australian)... Jason (Canadian) and Jen (Australian) just got married. I can't wait to see them and know how they are doing.
Publié par -Em-
à 2004-05-21 20:42:32
Permalien |
| Sydney, Anglais
Samedi 8 mai 2004
Québec, je t'aime
Aujourd'hui, j'avais quelques commissions à faire en ville... Il faisait un temps radieux, bien que ce soit encore assez froid à cause du vent. J'aime Québec. J'aime son architecture, j'aime ses boutiques, j'aime les gens, j'aimes les parcs, j'aime découvrir son histoire. Même si je n'y reviens que pour de courts séjours depuis quatre ans, c'est une ville où je me sens encore chez moi. J'en suis fière et je n'hésite pas à vanter ses mérites. Québec, tu me manques déjà...
Today, I had to go downtown to buy a few things. It was gorgeous outside, but still a little bit cold because of the wind. I love Québec City. I love its architecture, its little shops, its people, its parks and I love its history. It has been 4 years now since I left Québec City. I only come back here for short periods of time. But I still feel at home in this city. I am proud of it and I keep telling everyone how nice it is here. Québec City, I miss you already...
Publié par -Em-
à 2004-05-08 21:47:51
Permalien |
| Anglais, Français
Samedi 1 mai 2004
Enfin! J'ai remis mon dernier travail hier, ce qui veut dire que j'ai ENFIN terminé mon baccalauréat ; du moins, je l'espère! Je n'ai pas encore reçu tous mes résultats, mais jusqu'ici tout va bien. Je me sens tellement plus légère sans la pression des travaux de fin de session! Évidemment, il y a le stress du départ qui commence à se faire sentir, mais ce n'est pas si pire malgré tout. À Québec, mes parents habitent sous la voie aérienne. J'entends des avions régulièrement, chose à laquelle je n'étais pas tellement habituée à Ottawa, car l'aéroport est situé loin du centre-ville. Ça me fait drôle de penser que je monterai à bord de l'un de ces gros engins très bientôt. J'ai pris l'avion à plusieurs reprises, mais pas depuis trois ans. Ça va me faire tout drôle... Et ce sera un long trajet!
Youppi! I finished my last paper. I am done with my degree! I have not received all my marks yet but all of them are good so far... So I am not too worried. So much stress is gone now that I don't have to worry about writing papers. Of course, I am getting a little bit nervous because my departure will be soon, but it is not too bad. My parents live very close from the airport in Qc City. I hear planes all the time. It is strange to think that I will have to take one of them soon. I mean. I have taken the plane many times, but not in the last three years. It will be strange. But I guess I will have time to get used to it since it will be a very very long trip!
Publié par -Em-
à 2004-05-01 23:18:11
Permalien |
| Français, Anglais
Jeudi 29 avril 2004
Aurevoir / Goodbye Ottawa, sniff, sniff
J'ai finalement repris le chemin de Québec aujourd'hui... Mon père est venu me chercher. Mes boîtes étaient toutes prêtes, mais il restait à les placer dans le véhicule. Au début, j'étais très sceptique. Mais finalement nous sommes parvenus à tout placer. Fiou!
Aurevoir Ottawa... Je te ferai mes adieux officiels demain (la tête et le corps plus reposés!)
I finally came back to Québec City today. My father came to pick me up. My boxes were all ready but we still had to put them all in the van. I had my doubts. I did not think we were going to be able to fit them all in the van. But it worked! Ouf!
Goodbye Ottawa... I will do my "official goodbyes" tomorrow (when I will be less tired!)
Publié par -Em-
à 2004-04-29 23:31:19
Permalien |
| Français, Anglais, Ottawa
Jeudi 22 avril 2004
Ça y est! This is it!
Ma boîte a fait le tour du monde... Elle est maintenant en Australie. Steve m'a envoyé un courriel ce matin pour me dire qu'il l'avait bien reçue et qu'elle n'avait même pas été ouverte par les services de douanes (ce qui est plutôt surprenant). Je l'avais envoyée par bâteau il y a deux mois. Tout ça devient plus réel... Mes bottes de marche sont déjà en Australie ; mes pieds devront forcément suivre!
Aujourd'hui, je suis très nerveuse, car j'attends des nouvelles pour une bourse... Croisez vos doigts pour moi svp...
My box has been around the world. It is now in Australia. Steve sent me an email this morning to tell me that he received it and that it was not opened at the border (which is surprising for Australia). I had sent the box 2 months ago by surface. Everything is getting real now... My hiking boots are in Australia... My feet will have to follow them soon!
Today, I am very nervous. I am waiting to know the outcome of a scholarship I applied for in October. Cross your fingers for me please...
Publié par -Em-
à 2004-04-22 08:19:22
Permalien |
| Ottawa, Anglais, Français
Dimanche 18 avril 2004
RUN FOR REACH 2004
La course était retardée d'une vingtaine de minutes. Nous avons donc continué à nous réchauffer le long du Canal Rideau. À notre grande surprise, sur notre chemin du retour, nous avons vu un large groupe de coureurs qui venaient en notre direction... les coureurs du 5 km! Ils avaient donné le départ sans nous! Impossible de nous joindre immédiatement au groupe, car nous étions munies de petites puces électroniques qui détectent notre passage au fil de départ et d'arrivée. Nous avons donc dû retourner derrière les coureurs, passer le fil de départ et tenter de dépasser les coureurs plus lents qui auraient normalement dû être derrière nous... Que de stress pour un début de course. Je n'ai pas eu le temps de penser à quoi que ce soit. Mais au moins, cela a ajouté du piquant à ma dernière course dans la capitale nationale du Canada... De toute façon, avec tous les travaux de fin de session, je n'ai pas le temps de m'entraîner comme je le voudrais (donc pas de risque d'établir un super record!). Merci à nos supporters, tout particulièrement à ma tante Guilda qui est venue m'encourager. Merci aussi à Anna R. et Lindsay, qui ont généreusement couru les derniers 250 mètres de la course avec moi (même si elles ne participaient pas à l'événement).
 I missed the start of the race!!!
The race was delayed so we ran along the Canal to stay warm before the start. We were running back when we saw a big group of runners... starting the race! They had started the race without us! We could not immediately join the group since we had time chips that detect your start and finish times. We had to go back behind the runners and start at the right place. Then, we had to try to pass the slower runners who would have been supposed to run behind us. What a stressful start! I did not have time to think about anything. So it was a very SPECIAL last race in Ottawa. But that's OK. I would probably not have broken the world records anyway! With all the work at school, I have not been able to train as much as I would like to. Thank you to my supporters... Especially my aunt Guilda who came to support me... And also Anna R. and Lindsay who ran the last 250 meters with me. I needed them. Thanks girls!
Publié par -Em-
à 2004-04-18 14:44:48
Permalien |
| Ottawa, Anglais, Français
Mercredi 14 avril 2004
François a eu 22 ans aujourd'hui.... Bon anniversaire François!
J'ai rencontré François il y a un peu plus d'un an. Nous avions des amis en commun. Il étudie en science politique. C'est devenu un très bon ami. François est le genre d'ami que je souhaite à tout le monde. Il a des oreilles très attentives, un coeur en or et il adore les gens. J'aurais aimé lui présenter mes amies, mais il a une copine depuis peu...
Happy birthday François! He turned 22 today!
I met François a little bit more than a year ago. We had friends in common. He studies political science at the U of O. With time, we have became very good friends. He is the kind of friend I wish everybody to have. He has good ears, a big heart and he loves people. I would have liked to introduce him to my girlfriends but he is seeing someone now...
Publié par -Em-
à 2004-04-14 15:58:49
Permalien |
| Ottawa, Anglais, Français
Mercredi 14 avril 2004
Plusieurs de mes boîtes sont à Québec... Mais les autres sont dans ma chambre à Ottawa, autour de mon lit (le seul meuble restant dans ma chambre). C'est triste de voir à quel point ma chambre est dépouillée. Mais en même temps, cela veut dire que le grand jour approche! Youppi!
Some of my boxes are in Québec City... But the other ones are in my room in Ottawa, besides my bed (the only piece of furniture left). It is sad to see how empty my room is getting. But at the same time, it means that the "Day" is coming! Yeah!
Publié par -Em-
à 2004-04-14 15:47:16
Permalien |
| Ottawa, Anglais, Français
Mardi 13 avril 2004
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ONE MONTH! UN MOIS!
Un mois! Un mois avant les kangourous, le soleil, la plage, le désert, les crocrodiles, les serpents, etc. Il me reste maintenant 2 travaux et un examen... L'examen, c'est ce soir! J'utilise présentement une boîte vide comme bureau et le plancher comme chaise... J'ai presque fini, presque fini...
One month until I can see kangouroos, sun, beaches, desert, crocrodiles, snakes, etc. I now have 2 papers left and one exam (the exam being... tonight!). I use an empty box as a desk and the floor as a chair... Almost done, almost done...
Publié par -Em-
à 2004-04-13 14:54:40
Permalien |
| Ottawa, Anglais, Français
Dimanche 11 avril 2004
 Joyeuses Pâques! Happy Easter!
C'est toujours comme ça en fin de session. C'est difficile de se concentrer. Mais ça l'est encore plus lorsqu'il y a une longue fin de semaine juste avant les remises de travaux et les examens. Comme j'aimerais, moi aussi, pouvoir aller au spectacle avec mes parents, mon parrain, ma marraine et ma tante... Mais je dois rester à la maison pour terminer mon travail sur l'Holocauste. C'est très intéressant. Mais là je suis un peu fatiguée d'écrire sans arrêt comme une machine. J'ai hâte aux vacances... très hâte aux vacances!
It is always like that at the end of a semester. I don't feel like working. It is hard to concentrate. But it is even harder when there is a long weekend right before deadlines and exams. I would like to go to the show that my parents, my godparents and my aunt are going to tonight. But I have to stay at home to work on a project. It is an interesting paper that I am writing... on Holocaust. But I am tired of writing and writing. I can't wait for vacations!
Publié par -Em-
à 2004-04-11 22:04:02
Permalien |
| Anglais, Français
Jeudi 8 avril 2004
 J'ai fini... I am done... J'ai fini.... I am done...
Mes cours évidemment... J'ai fini mes cours pour le semestre, pour le baccalauréat... Youppi... Il ne me reste plus qu'à remettre mes "quelques" travaux et à étudier pour mes examens. Après, ce sera les préparatifs de voyage. Les vrais! Je suis contente, car j'ai appris qu'Air Canada bénificierait d'un sursis jusqu'à la mi-mai. J'avais peur que les problèmes financiers de la compagnie aérienne ne la pousse à faire faillite... J'aurais ainsi perdu mes billets. Mais tout est bien pour le moment. Il fait beau à Ottawa. Ça ne donne pas trop trop envie de travailler.
I am done with my courses... for the semester, but also for my degree. Yeah! I only have "a few" papers left and I also have to study for my exams. After, it would be "preparation time" for my trip. I am happy because I heard that Air Canada will have until the end of May to find a solution to its major financial problems. I was afraid not to be able to fly with them... But everything is fine now. It is sunny in Ottawa. This does not help me to study!
Publié par -Em-
à 2004-04-08 12:19:06
Permalien |
| Ottawa, Anglais, Français
Vendredi 5 mars 2004
Lors d'une récente tempête de neige à Halifax (Nouvelle-Écosse)...
During the last snow storm in Halifax (Nova Scotia)...
Un ami m'a envoyé cette photo... Une image vaut mille mots! Pourquoi s'acheter un réfrigérateur lorsqu'on en a un à la porte!
A friend sent me this picture... A picture is worth a thousand words! Why would you want to buy a refrigerator when you have one at your door!
Publié par -Em-
à 2004-03-05 23:54:41
Permalien |
| Ottawa, Anglais, Français
Jeudi 4 mars 2004
Today I had a methodology class. I handed in a paper that I had to do with a co-worker, Rahma. She is muslim. Our research is on the reasons why young Canadian muslim women choose to wear the hijab. This morning, I said something that reminded me how Canadians are, consciently or not, and religious or not. Talking about the book, The Muslim Veil in North American, I said this was our "Bible". Of course, I only wanted to say that the book was very useful for us, but I realized too late that my comment was a little bit strange.
Talking about religion... I have an oral presentation to do tomorrow. It willl be on Christian Jews during the Holocaust. I wanted to use a nice book for my research but it disappeared at the library. Too bad!
Publié par -Em-
à 2004-03-04 16:00:24
Permalien |
| Ottawa, Anglais
Lundi 1 mars 2004
Today, I had a nice surprise for my class on new reproductive technologies. My teacher was not there. Don't get me wrong here! I like my teacher very much and I think she is great. But she went to England so she asked another scholar from Carleton University to replace her. When this new professor started talking, I noticed a slight accent... Yes! She was Australian! She did her undergraduate studies in Melbourne and her Master and PhD in Canada. My path, but the other way around! She spoke with a lot of enthusiasm about Sydney, a city that she compared to Montréal. I can't wait to visit the city that everyone loves!
The idea of starting a blog did not come to me in a dream. So I have to tell you about the person who inspired me. Cathy is a Canadian that I have never met. She has been traveling and working in Australia for a year. Telling you why and how I "know" her would be complicated, so I will save you the details. But she has a great website with a blog where she puts all those nice stories about Australia. I have followed her trip (from her arrival in Sydney to Perth, where she is at the moment). If you have a chance to check her website, I promise that you will not be disappointed. She is a very interesting writer and all her stories finally made me decide to go to Australia. Here is her website's address: http://www.webgoddesscathy.com/ Now, I know that her stories are captivating, but don't forget to check my blog too!
Publié par -Em-
à 2004-03-01 22:17:20
Permalien |
| Ottawa, Anglais
Lundi 23 février 2004
It is now our Spring break... or what we call "reading week". I went to Montréal on Saturday to visit my very good friend Andréane. We met when we were 5 and we have been friends ever since. She now lives in Montréal and, even it is relatively close to Ottawa, we rarely see each other. We both have a very busy life! Andréane is now working on the organization of an amazing project : the Games of the World that will be held in Montréal in 2004. She lives in the Little Italy, very close to the Jean-Talon Market. We went there in the afternoon. I think I could move to Montréal only to do my grocery shopping there every week. "Le Marché des saveurs" is a very nice shop with products made all over Québec. "En vrac" is another nice store where you can buy natural products, bio food, vegetarian food, etc. And there are bakeries, fresh fruits and vegetables... Delicious! Fresh! And so goooooood!
In the evening, Andréane et I went downtown to see the Montreal High Lights Festival. There was a lot of people. I ate a dear and blueberries sausage (very good). The sausage was sold on a big stick. You could then grill it on one of the fires that they had lighted in Sainte-Catherine St. It was very good! We also tried the big slide that they had built in the street.
Andréane and her roomate, Séléna took very good care of me. On Sunday, for breakfast, we had chocolate French toasts and home-made pineapple and orange juice. My parents came to pick me up and we went back to the market. We bought some fruits and vegetables to bring back to Québec City. Mmm! At home, I had the surprise to find little chocolat kisses everywhere in the house. In my bed, in the cupboards, etc. All for me! It is only in the morning that I realized that there was one under my pillow. It must be why I had strange dreams! That was such a nice attention. My parents are cute.
Now that I am in Québec City, I will go to the dentist and other people whose jobs finish in "ist". I will try to do some homework between my appointments. This is not a real vacation, but it is still nice.
Publié par -Em-
à 2004-02-23 13:23:20
Permalien |
| Anglais
Mercredi 18 février 2004
I just received a nice email. I was helping a student in French and she just wrote me that she got accepted for immigration in Québec. She had to do an interwiew in New York City yesterday and she apparently did very well! She will now have to apply to immigrate in Canada but it should be faster now that she got accepted in Québec. Welcome to Québec Hu Dan! She is from China but has studied at the University of Ottawa since 2002. I am so proud of her!
Je viens de recevoir un courriel qui fait chaud au coeur. L'étudiante que j'aidais en français vient de m'écrire qu'elle a réussi son entrevue pour immigrer au Québec. Son entrevue avait lieu aux bureaux d'Immigration Québec, à New York. Il ne lui restera plus qu'à faire demande au gouvernement fédéral. Bienvenue au Québec Hu Dan! Elle est originaire de Chine et étudie à l'Université d'Ottawa depuis un an et demi. Je suis vraiment fière d'elle!
Publié par -Em-
à 2004-02-18 12:12:28
Permalien |
| Ottawa, Anglais, Français
Samedi 14 février 2004
Je m'appelle Gregory. Je suis le petit ami anglais d'Émilie (dans les livres pour enfants). Je veux simplement vous souhaiter une joyeuse Saint-Valentin. N'oubliez pas que ce sont les plus petites attentions qui comptent le plus.
My name is Gregory. I am Émilie's English boyfriend (in the kids books). I just want to wish you a Happy Valentine's Day. Don't forget that it is the little things that make a difference in other people's lives.
Joyeuse Saint-Valentin! Happy Valentine's Day!
Publié par -Em-
à 2004-02-14 08:41:43
Permalien |
| Ottawa, Anglais, Français
Jeudi 12 février 2004
There must be something wrong. My statistics say that 117 people went on my blog yesterday. It seems a little bit unreal since I have 30 visitors approximately every day. However, I do know that some people who happened (voluntarily or by coincidence) to see my blog were from Canada, France, Russia, Australia, Argentina...?? If you are out there, just let me know that you exist (by email). I would like to hear from you.
Il doit y avoir une erreur. Selon les statistiques de mon blogue, 117 personnes auraient consulté mon site hier. Cela me semble un peu improbable puisque, en général, le chiffre est d'une trentaine de personnes. Toutefois, je sais que des personnes du Canada, de la France, de la Russie, de l'Australie et même de l'Argentine sont tombés, volontairement ou pas, sur mon blogue. Laissez-moi savoir que vous êtes là... Vous n'avez qu'à cliquer sur "email"...
Publié par -Em-
à 2004-02-12 13:20:49
Permalien |
| Ottawa, Anglais, Français
Mardi 10 février 2004
I will not give a name to my new dryer. First, it does not deserve one. Secondly, I don't think I would give it a nice one.
Here is what my afternoon was like... I had homework to do!
1 - They delivered the new dryer. Yeah! I was happy.
2 - The man told me that our new dryer needs a aluminium vent kit, not a plastic one (what the old one had). Oh no! I could go buy one at Home Depot, he said. As if I only had that to do... But I wanted a dryer!
3 - After calling different places, I took the bus to go to Home Depot (South of Ottawa). Ok, now I had the piece that I needed. It was too big to fit in my bag so I carried it like a Frenchman would carry his "baguette."
4 - In the bus, people looked at me with suspicious looks. They probably thought it was strange to see a girl wearing a Wallabies tuque (beanie) and carrying an aluminium pipe under her arm. No no... I am not an Australian terrorist.
5 - Back at home, I tried to install the $&$& pipe... It could fit on the dryer but it could not fit on the pipe that goes outside... even if it was supposed to be the right size.
6 - Ok! I found a way to install it. I put my clothes in the dryer. Ouff! But no, it was not over. My clothes turned around but there was no warm air.
Rhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
I gave up!
Who said we needed a dryer? After all, isn't it nice to see all my sheets hanging on the doors.
Publié par -Em-
à 2004-02-10 22:00:55
Permalien |
| Ottawa, Anglais
Mardi 10 février 2004
Today, I went to apply for a student visa. They can only grant me a student visa three months before school starts. They will hold on to my documents and send the visa to me in April. I hope everything will be fine. It would be very frustrating to find out that I can't leave two weeks before my departure.
I walked to go to the Australian High Commission. I had the chance to observe a strange phenomenon... or maybe not that abnormal after all. There was a couple who seems to be in a rush. Holding hands, the man and the woman were crossing the streets even if they were not supposed to, running to the next sidewalk to make sure cars would not hit them. The other pedestrians, without looking if they were allowed to go, were just crossing the streets at the same time, realizing a bit late (when cars were coming) that they were not supposed to be in the streets. At one intersection, there were probably 20 people who decided to cross the street at the same time (and believe me there were cars coming very fast). When they saw the cars, they all started running. And after people wonder why some leaders can make people blind. You don't need to look very far to find examples!
Publié par -Em-
à 2004-02-10 11:01:20
Permalien |
| Anglais, Ottawa
Mardi 10 février 2004
Aujourd'hui, je suis allée au centre-ville pour aller faire ma demande de visa. C'est fait. Le seul hic, c'est que je n'aurai mon visa que trois mois avant le début des cours, soit deux semaines avant mon départ en mai. J'espère que je n'aurai pas une mauvaise surprise à quelques jours de mon départ!
J'y suis allée à pieds. C'est rare que je me trouve au centre-ville en plein période de pointe. Le comportement des piétons m'a étrangement surprise... ou peut-être pas en fait. Un couple semblait très pressé. Aussi, l'homme et la femme se tenaient pas la main et se dépêchaient de traverser la rue en l'absence de voitures, même si la lumière était verte pour les véhicules. Ils ont répété le même manège à chacune des intersections, courant pour ne pas se faire heurter par les voitures. Ce qui était étrange, c'était le comportement des autres. Sans regarder s'ils pouvaient traverser, les piétons les suivaient tout bonnement, prenant conscience à la dernière minute qu'ils n'étaient pas "censés" traverser... ils se dépêchaient donc de rejoindre le trottoir lorsqu'ils voyaient venir les voitures à toute vitesse. Après, on se demande comment certains leaders font pour que la population les suive à l'aveuglette... Pas besoin d'aller chercher très loin!
Publié par -Em-
à 2004-02-10 10:54:34
Permalien |
| Ottawa, Anglais
Lundi 9 février 2004
I just called the International Office of the University of Sydney. Unfortunately, only one person refused the IPRS scholarship (approx. $30,000/year). It is surprising according to the agent. It is very sad because I was 9th on the reserve list, which I was told was very good. I am very disappointed but I want to stay positive because I have not heard back from my two other scholarship applications. I will find out the outcome in April. As for the IPRS scholarship, I can apply again next year and I may have better chances since I will be done with my BA and I will have started my Master.
Je viens d'appeler au Bureau international de l'Université de Sydney. Malheureusement, seulement une personne a refusé la bourse IPRS (environ 30 000 $ / année). C'est assez surprenant d'après l'agente. Dommage car j'étais neuvième sur la liste d'attente. On m'avait dit que j'avais de bonnes chances. Je suis déçue mais je veux demeurer positive car je n'ai pas encore reçu les résultats des deux autres bourses pour lesquelles j'ai fait demande. J'en saurai plus en avril. Pour ce qui est de la bourse IPRS, je pourrai faire demande de nouveau l'an prochain et j'aurai sans doute plus de chances car j'aurai à ce moment terminé mon baccalauréat et commencé ma maîtrise.
Publié par -Em-
à 2004-02-09 23:16:20
Permalien |
| Ottawa, Anglais, Français
Lundi 9 février 2004
Well, there is not a lot going on in Ottawa, except that it is the Winterlude Festival. It is nice, but it can't replace the Quebec Carnival in my heart!
Tomorrow, we will finally receive our new dryer. The old one was broken. I am wondering if I will give it a name. I don't know if it is worth it since it will share my life only for 2 1/2 months. But if someone has an idea for a name, please let me know.
Tomorrow, I am planning to go to the Australian High Commission to apply for my student visa. Yes, I am enrolled at the Uni of Sydney and I have my plane ticket, but yes the immigration officers could still refuse to grant me a visa... or they could say that I can't leave in May as I have planned (because school starts in July). My fingers are crossed. I will try to be nice but not to smile a lot. My previous experiences taught me that immigration officers don't always have a wonderful sense of humor and they are sometimes annoyed if you are too excited about going away... So this would not be a good time to act like a clown!
Publié par -Em-
à 2004-02-09 21:42:02
Permalien |
| Anglais, Ottawa
Samedi 7 février 2004
Yesterday, I had a dinner at home with two Australians and two other friends (German and American). It was very interesting! I learned more about Aussie slang, the country, etc. The student for whom I am a mentor this semester, Rowena gave me a nice book of pictures (of Australia, of course!) and a little koala. It made me dream! Rowena's friend, Simone was in town for the weekend. She is doing a around the world trip. She left Oz two months ago and travelled in Europe. Now, she will visit Canada and the USA, and then go to South America. Rowena and Simone are both so nice. I hope all Australians are like them!
Yesterday also, I was supposed to go working at the newspaper. But I forgot! It is the first time that this happens in three years. I had such a busy that I even forgot it was Friday. When the chief-editor, Francis called me, it hit me that I had totally forgot. I will go working there today so I will bring him little chocolates. He said he would not fire me... Ouf!
Publié par -Em-
à 2004-02-07 08:18:41
Permalien |
| Ottawa, Anglais
Jeudi 5 février 2004
I am just exhausted. I had a paper to hand in today. I think I have had 7 hours of sleep... for the past two nights. I can't wait to go to bed! At least, it is done. Although I now have to focus on all the other papers I have to do.
I don't think I have said it enough but I have had the chance to meet wonderful professors at the University of Ottawa. Not only are they interesting, but they are very nice people. With all my scholarships applications, I have had to run after them to ask for recommendation letters. They have all accepted with a big smile. So nice of them! A few of my professors even did more than one. I gave some forms to two professors yesterday. They both email me today to tell me that they would post the forms tomorrow. So nice of them!
I now have 5 students for French tutoring. They are all very nice and I find that I learn a lot from them (their culture, work, studies, etc.).
Tomorrow, a few people are coming over to the apartment for dinner. There will be two Australians and two good friends from the X-country team (one is German and the other one is American). It should be fun... and I will get a break!
GOOD NIGHT!
Publié par -Em-
à 2004-02-05 21:11:11
Permalien |
| Ottawa, Anglais
Mardi 3 février 2004
I can hear you saying: "What is that? Will she turn her blog into a recipes book?" Don't worry. This will not happen too often; I promise. But I have to share with you how to make my Tuesday treat, that is cream of wheat. For breakfast, I normally eat bagels and peanut butter (the natural one - this is very good too!). On Tuesdays I have a training session in the morning. When I come back, I am hungry and I usually want to eat a hot breakfast. Cream of wheat is the perfect solution.
EM'S CREAM OF WHEAT:
1 1/4 cup of milk, salt, 3 tablespoons of the cream of wheat mix / your choice: dried apricots in little pieces, coconut, dried cranberries, raisins and dattes / a little bit of maple syrup
Boil the milk with the salt and add the cream of wheat mix. Cook gently for 3 minutes (don't forget to mix!). Add the fruits and a little bit of maple syrup. Voilà! Bon appétit!
Publié par -Em-
à 2004-02-03 14:10:05
Permalien |
| Ottawa, Anglais
Jeudi 29 janvier 2004
Ma mère et moi en compagnie des deux animateurs de l'émission
"Des mots et des maux"
16 janvier 2004 - January 16, 2004
My mother and me with the two hosts of the show
Date de diffusion : 6 mars
Publié par -Em-
à 2004-01-29 22:31:22
Permalien |
| Ottawa, Anglais, Français
Jeudi 29 janvier 2004
For those of you who want to know what are my courses this semester, here they are:
A lot of courses in French this semester! That is a good thing because they won't be many of them offered at the University of Sydney!
I have received a lot of emails regarding my blog. Thank you so much! I promise I will post very nice pictures once I get to Australia.
It is getting warmer in Ottawa. I don't know how long it will last. It snowed for most of the day yesterday. I can't believe that some of you are actually enjoying a very nice and warm sun...
My last year at the University of Ottawa is incredibly busy. But we are all in the same boat. In my classes, we all ask each other: "how are we going to manage to do everything in time"? We have a lot of readings to do (+ presentation of the books or texts read). We also have to do research and write essays. A lot of 4th-year students are also working on their application for Masters. It is time to ask for recommendation letters and try to get all the required official documents on time. I am so glad because I did that in August! This week, I received my pre-departure kit from the University of Sydney. The International Office seems to take good care of its International students.
This month, I have to send a form to the Registrar. It is the Registration for degree and request for diploma. I have to choose between an original diploma in Latin, French or English. In my own opinion, since I go to the Canadian University (supposed to be BILINGUAL) I should be able to get a bilingual diploma. But this does not seem possible. So, Latin, English or French? Anyone has an idea? I think I will take the Latin original and ask for a duplicate in English (I could also get one in French, but this will not be useful in Australia). The ceremony will be in early June. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend. They will send my diploma by mail. Oh well! Less speaches and I will not have to buy a dress!
Publié par -Em-
à 2004-01-29 07:03:17
Permalien |
| Ottawa, Anglais
Mardi 27 janvier 2004
Goodbye my friend, Willie... We have not done enough kilometers together yet. But I am selling you because I don't want you to stay alone for two years. I hope you will understand and that you will like your new owner. Have fun doing triathlons! I would have liked to bring you to Oz with me but I think it would have been complicated with the airline. It is sad to say but my running shoes don't take as much space in my suitcase.
I will not forget you Willie. I will remember your nice red paint. Thank you for being so patient with me when I was falling. It is so hard to remember to unclipp from the pedals (especially when your name is Émilie...)! Thank you so much... and have fun on the road!
Publié par -Em-
à 2004-01-27 13:57:11
Permalien |
| Ottawa, Anglais
Lundi 26 janvier 2004
Yeah! I finally received my scholarship. This will allow me to go to the Australian High Commission to get my student visa. Before hand, I will have to go to the bank to get a certified cheque, take 4 passport pictures with me and make sure that my medical examination and X-ray results have been sent to the office. It is complicated to study abroad! I don't want to imagine what it would be like to actually "immigrate" to Australia...
Today, Hu Dan, one of my students from China told me that my first name is very nice in Chinese. The three syllables in the word "Emilie" have interesting meanings (in order): love, rice and lily. Cute hey? Last week, Hu Dan came to my house wearing red... When I am saying red, I mean that everything she was wearing was red: her pants, her socks, her shirt...and even her underwear (I will have to believe her for that). She was celebrating Chinese New Year. According to her calendar, she is now 24 years old. All Chineses who are 12, 24, 36... years old must wear red if they want to have good luck during the wear... I learned that 2004 is the year of the monkey. I am a monkey! This year will not only be my lucky year according to the Canadian tradition (I turned 23 on the 23rd of December), but it will also be my lucky year according to the Chinese tradition. Lucky me!
Publié par -Em-
à 2004-01-26 23:07:01
Permalien |
| Ottawa, Anglais
Dimanche 25 janvier 2004
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUSTRALIA! (January 26, 2004)
In Oz time, it will soon be the big celebration: Australia Day. At the same date, in 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip took formal possession of New South Wales and became its first Governor. It is now a public holiday. The lucky Australians will be able to enjoy the sun and go to the beach... while we are freezing in Canada!
So happy Australia Day to my Australian friends in Canada, my Australian friends in Australia and my Canadian friends in Australia!
Publié par -Em-
à 2004-01-25 06:57:47
Permalien |
| Ottawa, Anglais
Samedi 17 janvier 2004
I am now back at home. We participated to the Quiz show during the afternoon at the CBC/Radio-Canada studios in Ottawa. During the half-hour, we were always very close in terms of points with another team. I was particularly glad that we had 10/10 on the "dictée". My friends from the University newspaper, La Rotonde will be glad to know that their proofreader is not too bad... However, we lost by a question. But this is not sad since we won new books... about French rules and words obviously! There will also be a draw tomorrow. The price is a one week-trip to France. We never know! At the moment, the only thing I want to do is to go to the bathrooms to take off that make-up they put on my face. I have a lot... especially if you think that I usually don't wear make-up at all! Thanks a lot to all relatives who came to support us in the studios. It was nice to see you all! Now, let me take off my make-up and become myself again..
Publié par -Em-
à 2004-01-17 21:30:14
Permalien |
| Ottawa, Anglais
Samedi 17 janvier 2004
My parents are in town. Today, I am going to the studios of Radio-Canada (the French Canadian broadcasting corporation) to participate to Des mots et des maux. It is a quiz show on French grammar and rules. I know! For English speakers this might sound very strange, but this is actually fun! We had participated two years ago. Recently, I heard that they were looking for participants so I asked if we could go back... and they said yes! We have to meet the producer and the other participants at 11:30am at the Château Cartier (my parents will sleep there tonight), in Aylmer (Québec). We will then go to the studios where they will litteraly paint our faces! I will let you know how it goes...
Publié par -Em-
à 2004-01-17 08:34:05
Permalien |
| Ottawa, Anglais
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