Life is like a Box of Chocolates...

Family and Friends,

***quick note - I asked mom to send an email for me informing you of why I have not been able to send a letter recently! I am currently at a McDonalds (free wireless internet!) and I will send my update from here! I will be able to correspond with more ease in about two weeks (once my Neuf internet service is working at my apartment!) I apologize for the delay in responses and difficulties with recent communication!!!

Before I begin my update, I will provide a recommendation regarding the manner in which to read my letter… of which you are more than welcome to take with a grain of salt! The past two weeks have been an absolutely whirlwind of unexpected events… you will laugh, you might even cry (ok, not quite that dramatic!) but your trainer may thank me for providing an ab workout from the laughter directly correlated to entertaining incidents (aka. my life!). Thus, perhaps you should not read this dispatch after enjoying a large meal, as I would be terribly disappointed if it caused you to experience cramps. But if it is your routine to read the “SB update” after said meal, I would hate to disturb your routine. I guess what I am trying to say is… be warned, this may be long… (but entertainment will be included!)

First of all, THANK YOU, thank you, thank you for the wonderful and glorious birthday messages!! I cannot tell you how much I value each of your notes and cards… your messages truly are the BEST presents that I could ever receive!! I am so grateful to have such loving family and friends… I appreciate absolutely everything! I am honored to receive such encouraging and supportive words for my twenty-second birthday! (wow… mom and dad, your baby is twenty-two… how did that happen?!)

Exciting news… I am now a proud Parisian flat owner! (well, renter!) I will provide more details and pictures of my apartment in my next update, but for now I must recount a story which, after reading, you might say to yourself, “wow, why am I not surprised at all!” I always make breakfast each morning before classes (most important meal of the day!) On Wednesday morning, I made poached eggs. As you may know, the fragrance of egg shells is not too horribly pleasant. Thus, I decided to immediately throw the trash away in order to prevent an unpleasant stench from permeating my apartment. In Paris, apartment buildings have trash shoots since all of the buildings have many levels. Because the weather has been absolutely gorgeous recently - crisp mornings full of sunshine - I had my door open which leads to my balcony. Normally my front door does not move when left open (I bet you know where I am going with this…) I decided to quickly run my trash to the shoot (which is literally located about seven steps down the hall, behind a door). After wishing my egg shells a “bon voyage” down the trash shoot, I suddenly froze after hearing a discouraging “bam!” I squeezed my eyes shut, slowly turned toward the direction of my door, and held my breath. Please… please… not my door. I refused to open my eyes in order to prevent disappointment, but then I decided that, well… I need to know if I can enter my apartment or not. Alas, no. Apparently a gust of wind decided to befriend my balcony entrance, dance around my room, and leave through my entrance - causing my door to slam shut and me left speechless in the hall. Now, normally a closed door is no problem when the owner has a key in hand. In fact, doors are quite useful really - preventing theft, providing privacy… I am sure you can think of many useful reasons in order to have a door. However, when one is dressed in her “black baby-doll pajamas,” and is without shoes, keys or any possessions at eight in the morning… doors suddenly seem to lose their practical demeanor. What to do, what to do. My phone and all important numbers were all in my flat! Fortunately, and I cannot believe this now, there is a key store DIRECTLY across the street from where I live… gift! What are the chances? I waited until the store opened, then walked outside - mind you without shoes and in my horribly evident pajamas - to ask for help! Being that it was early in the morning, I was unable to avoid the crowds on the street. Thus, a plethora of Parisians witness an American scurry across the street in her pajamas, sans shoes! The owner came back with me to my door with keys and an x-ray (random, no?). With old Parisian doors, it is possible to use a heavy sheet of plastic to open the door. However, the owners recently installed a new lock on my door. Apparently the owner of the key-shop had not brushed up on his robbery skills because he was not successful in using the x-ray film (thick sheet of plastic) in order to open my door. He called a “specialist” who arrived about half an hour later with a few other tools. While I was waiting for the specialist, I was trying to think of other options I could exercise in order to enter my apartment. Then I thought of a brilliant idea! I would wait until one of my neighbors returned home, then scurry up the roof from their balcony, and crawl down onto my balcony!! Either that or I could practice my balance beam skills and rest a slab of wood from their balcony to my balcony and cross the bridge! Not the safest of options, but the dare-devil in me was absolutely entertained by these ideas! Did I mention the fact that I live on the top eighth floor? While continuing to day-dream, the specialist came and used his tools on my door. Success! Encouraged that he was able to open my door without breaking the door (though a tad bit disheartened that he was able to open my door without a key!) However, I was able to finally shower and change from my pajamas! Can you imagine SB in the streets of Paris in her pajamas (which do not qualify as “skimpy,” but by no means are horribly covering!) and no shoes?! What am I going to do next…

On Friday evening, nine LCB friends and I went to Le Violon D’Ingres for dinner (and to celebrate my birthday). The restaurant has received fabulous reviews around Paris and it truly exceeded its reputation. The stellar company, laughter, atmosphere, food, service… everything was wonderful! We met at the restaurant at 21.30 and did not finish until one in the morning! After leaving the restaurant, we all parted ways in order to return home. There is a brand new bike system in Paris (it is literally one-week old!) There are bike stations which are affiliated with the Parisian transportation system (including metro, trains, etc.) The stations are located every three-hundred meters. Thus, people are able to have another option in order to travel around the city. Because the system is new, there are a few glitches in the system. However, Alexandra and I decided to bike home from the restaurant! We were able to successfully work the system and hopped on our bikes! We biked around Paris from two until three in the morning! (We decided to take a few detours and have fun on the bikes before returning home… aka, biking around the Eiffel Tower while it glittered, around the Seine, etc.!) I was very surprised at the number of people using the bikes at the same early hours of the morning! Although I was dressed in a mini-skirt and high heels, I was able to maneuver uphill with ease (thank you leg muscles from all those years of dancing!!) It was a great way to end a wonderful day!

I used the bikes again on Saturday and Sunday because the weather has been absolutely gorgeous! I loved the wind blowing through my hair, the rays of sun dancing on the bumpy stone streets, the flower baskets hanging from balconies and windows of apartments… this city is something spectacular. While biking to the church service, I stopped at a small store and purchased several flowers for my apartment. I set the flowers in the baskets (which are attached to the bikes) and pedaled through the Parisian streets. I laughed to myself and figured that all I needed was a beret and baguette… one typically “cliché Parisian” to go, s’il vous plait? But it truly is a great system!

In my next letter I will describe my flat, as well as the events of this upcoming week! That is, if anything adventurous arises! Should not be too hard, especially knowing the trouble that I always seem to create! But thank you again for the wonderful birthday wishes! I cannot tell you how much I appreciate everything! Thank you also to everyone for the thoughts and prayers for my mom; she is recovering very well after surgery!!! Mom and dad were able to take a LONG walk at Highbanks today - really enjoy the beautiful day! I apologize for the marathon-long update, but these past two-weeks have been saturated adventures!!! More updates to come, but I must go rest up for tomorrow… great day for a competition!

All my love from Paris,
SB =)

"A Toutes Les Gloires De La France"

Family and Friends!

Wow! What a busy, but wonderful week! On Wednesday I had pastry practical in the morning, class pictures, cuisine practical and a visit to a local pastry shop. For the cuisine class picture, I was seated front and center (wow, are you surprised?!) and very excited about the placement. However, at school we can choose to either wear white or black shoes (special shoes with steel toes in case a heavy pan/boiling liquid is dropped on your foot). Anyway, after we were seated, one of the ladies said that only black shoes could be seated in the front row. disappointment because Chef looked over and said, “Sarah, you can wear my shoes!”Well, this about broke my heart… (ok, not quite to that extent) but I think my face showed my utter in order for me to remain in my spot! Everyone was cracking up (including Chef) because no one expected him to extend such an offer. Rather than be high maintenance, I just quickly moved a row back. The photographer kept telling everyone to smile, and my smile must have been growing and growing because he stopped and put down his camera and told me that his directions were not for me; I was smiling enough already (good thing… I know I have a large mouth, but good grief, a smile can only become so big!) Directly after cuisine pictures, the pastry group was photographed. Claudia had been sitting in the front for the cuisine and she wanted to move to the back row, so she traded shoes with me and I was allowed to sit in my all-time favorite spot! Oh school pictures… I bet they conjure up some fond memories of grade school for many of you… =)

On Wednesday night I volunteered at school to help with a presentation/demonstration for the Alliance Francaise. (Happy Fourth of July, by the way!) About forty people came from the organization in order to learn more about Le Cordon Bleu, watch Chef prepare a dish, and enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drinks after the presentation. Twelve students had signed up to volunteer. We were standing in the back Winter Garden (the “communal area” where we normally congregate before classes). It is a large room with many windows and beautifully decorated with plants and flowers galore. After the presentation, the guests were to wine and dine in this room. Thus, we were assigned to set up the food and prepare the garden for their enjoyment. However, they pulled me aside and placed me at the front door in order to greet the guests and take them to the room where they would watch the demonstration. I enjoyed talking to the guests as they arrived (in French of course) and parading them through the corridors of the school. After everyone was seated in the demonstration room, I went back to the Winter Garden to help set up for the hors d’oeuvres. However, after Chef finished his presentation, I was immediately pulled back into the room to serve the individual portions of fish to the guests, then lead them into the Winter Garden in order to serve them more gourmet morsels to tickle their palates. We were also given the opportunity to talk to the guests and tell them about our programs and classes at school. It was a wonderful night! I arrived home at 23.00 and headed off to bed, as I had nine hours of classes the next day (and waking at six in the morning would come all too soon). But no need to complain! I enjoy the fast-pace lifestyle. I also enjoy soaking up as much knowledge as possible in my little head!

On Saturday, seven of us (from class) decided to visit Versailles. What a day! I really enjoyed bonding with our eclectic group of characters. Adi is twenty-six, from Israel. Alexandra (organized the trip) is thirty eight, French/American, lives in California and Washington D.C. Amit is twenty nine, from New York. Bing is twenty-one, born in China and lives in New York (but is here for the summer, then will return to UofM in the fall to finish university). Claudia is thirty three, from Brazil. Marni is thirty, born in Lousinanna, from Washington D.C. SB is twenty-one (soon to be twenty two!), born and breed-Ohioian. OH! There was a vast array of views/perspectives of life, but regardless, everyone had a fantastic day! In the morning, we marveled at the inside of the palace. Wow, the fact that the king would design a hall of mirrors… speaks enough for itself. But the intricacies of the palace truly are breath-taking. One could spend years simply viewing all the minute details engraved in every stitch and corner of the monstrosity!

After touring the inside of the palace, we enjoyed a leisurely lunch in the gardens. The gardens at Versailles are simply magnificent. As tourists enjoyed gliding their row-boats on the pristine lakes, the sunlight danced and cascaded onto the sidewalks. The trees were perfectly manicured into a variety of forms and shapes. Flowers lined the pathways as families enjoyed picnics throughout the gardens. Literally, the grounds seem to stretch far beyond the eye can see! We enjoyed visiting other palaces (for Napoleon, Marie Antoinette, etc) which are also on the estate. We also saw four wedding parties. Apparently many couples decided to have their wedding photos taken at Versailles. Not too shabby of a place to take pictures, I suppose!

After promenading around the grounds for the entire day, we ate dinner at a local café around 19.00 We returned to the palace gardens at 21.00 in order to watch the water show! At 21.30, the sun was beginning to set and the fountains began to cascade water from their spickets into the sky! Music was played over loud speakers and bubbles floated from machines (which were hidden in the bushes). Ridiculously romantic! But really, it was an absolutely gorgeous evening! A fantastic firework show began at 23:30. The glittering gold “fire smacks” were a wonderful way to end a great day, full of competitions! (hehe!) After the show, the seven of us linked together in order to make our way through the crowd.

Mom called as I was traveling home on the Metro… she and dad were headed off to enjoy a walk at Highbanks! (a close second to Versailles, in my opinion!) It can be difficult to communicate due to the time difference, but when we set out minds on something, we make it happen! I arrived home a bit after two in the morning and immediately proceeded into the fetal position on my bed. Glorious and necessary sleep! I know that this week will be another week of learning! Mom is having reconstructive surgery tomorrow morning, so I would very much appreciate if you could please keep her in your thoughts and prayers! Thank you again for the encouraging emails and messages. Sometimes it can be easy to become distracted/exhausted after a long day, but I am encouraged when I read everyone’s supportive words! Oh… tomorrow is not going to be fun - we are making rabbit… sorry Thumper. Well, I will try my best!

All my love to each and every one of you from Paris!!!
SB =)

"Add three letters to Paris and it is Paradise..."

Family and friends!

Another week of learning in the City of Light!
On Thursday, we learned how to make caramel for the first time (well, I learned for the first time!) Carmel burns are by far the most dangerous burns (compared to any type of burn). Thus, a word of advice, do not mess around with boiling sugar! Anyway, Chef was showing us a technique in demo on how experienced Chefs can determine the temperature of caramel without having to use a thermometer. Chef placed a bowl of ice water next to the boiling caramel. He placed his hand in the ice water for a few seconds, then lifted it into the boiling sugar, then into the ice water again… all in one smooth and relaxed manner. When the sugar is hot enough (while still clear in color and before reaching the caramel state), a film will appear on your hand after removing it from the ice water, boiling sugar, ice water process. It is not a necessary risk, but Chef’s often do it to… well, to “look cool.” In practical, I asked Chef if he would please teach me how to successfully mimic the same peril. He looked at me like, “you’ve got to be kidding me.” But I just smiled and stubbornly stood my ground. I promised that I would remain calm and not end up in the ER with a third degree burn. I suppose I was somewhat convincing because he told me to go retrieve a bowl with ice. So I quickly replied, “oui, Chef,” and he stood by my side as I confidently placed my hand into the boiling sugar and pulled some film into the ice water. Success! I think he was relieved that I remained calm and collected. None of the other students were willing to try the technique. Probably snickering as the naïve American was happily placing her hand in boiling sugar with an enormous smile. Ah, but it was a great day for a competition indeed! =)

When I was four years old, I began ballroom dancing with Bill Sparks. He, Sam Sodano (his coach and organizer of Ohio Star Ball), and three of their friends are currently in France. The five ballroom judges were planning on visiting Paris on Thursday. However, I was horribly disappointed because I had classes from 12.30-21.00 (long day!). I was only going to be able to meet them at the train station for a quick coffee, as opposed to spending the day as their “tour guide.” However, I woke up on Thursday morning and read an email from Bill explaining that no trains were scheduled to arrive in Paris on Thursday due to Holiday. Thus, they rescheduled their plans and were able to come on Saturday instead! I was absolutely thrilled because I did not have classes on Saturday and I was blessed in spending the entire day with my favorite ballroom clan!

My roommates - Alex and Bryan (from Baylor University) left early on Saturday morning. Mme Linyer and I woke and wished them off! Bill and the other ballroom judges were arriving at 10.00 and I desperately wanted Mme Linyer to meet them, so she agreed to accompany me to the train station in the morning (Gare de Lyon). We arrived at 9.30 and realized that Alex and Bryan were leaving from the same station. Thus, we quickly decided to be tricksie little hobbits and surprise the boys with a one-last goodbye! We swiftly dodged through the “entire world” of tourists/family/friends at the station and found the group from Baylor University. Needless to say, the boys were absolutely thrilled so see us as a final goodbye! They introduced us to the entire group of students studying abroad from Baylor University, and we had our last Parisian farewell (kiss on both cheeks). I will miss them… they were very entertaining around the house! We had some great conversations while on the small balconies overlooking the beautiful Boulevard Murat.

After the boys departed, Mme Linyer and I found the platform where Bill was scheduled to arrive. I was impatiently fidgeting with excitement while the train slowly arrived and the passengers stepped off, rubbing the sleep away from their eyes. (common seriously… it’s Paris… wake up!!) Honestly though, I would be lethargic as well if I was forced to wake up at 5.00 in order to catch a train! But I finally spotted Bill in the crowd and I was off! I darted through the crowd, waving and thrilled to finally see them! After introductions and hugs galore, we talked at the station for about ten minutes. Mme Linyer left for the weekend, so she departed from the station, and the six of us began our day! Although the clouds covered the sky, the overcast weather did not damper our spirits! We first walked around Concord, then caught the Metro to Trocadero, where we were able to take a wonderful red-bus sightseeing tour of Paris! It really is a wonderful tour if one only has a day to visit the enormous city. We were able to see the Tour Eiffel, Champ de Mars, Musee du Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, Musee d’Orsay, Opera-Galeries Lafayette, Champs-Elysees and the Grand Palais. Pretty sufficient, eh? Actually, I was VERY blessed during the tour because Bill and I were able to have some wonderful and insightful conversations which I will always treasure! (sounds lame, but Bill, thank you for everything - all of your advice, your insights… greatest gift that I could receive!) We had a typical Parisian-style lunch at a café on the Champs-Elysees, as well as some shopping (seriously, fashion capital of the world, how could you not?) We then experience what I considered the BEST part of the visit (well, apart from the conversations!)… a boat ride on the Seine!!! I absolutely ADORED the ride! By this time, the sun was shining and the breeze was gently blowing through our hair. Something about the Seine… I cannot even describe… very relaxing and absolutely gorgeous (ok, the water is a slight nauseous green-color, but viewing the city from the water… pretty spectacular!) We learned valuable history about the different Parisian sites, as well as waved to a plethora of people as we crossed beneath each ornate and unique bridge. There were four or five different wedding receptions on boats on the Seine as well. Being that it is also referred to as the City of Love, I suppose that is acceptable! Hmm, not too shabby of an idea… just kidding mom and dad! But I really did enjoy learning the history behind many of the different bridges on the Seine!

After the bus tour, time forced us to end our day in Paris. We navigated our way back to Gare de Lyon and I reluctantly bid my glorious visitors goodbye. I was so thankful that they allowed me the opportunity to join them for the day… it really was a wonderful gift that I will always remember! Bill, thank you for the wonderful smiles, laughs, memories, insights and conversations!

Another week of learning ahead! I was able to purchase two (enormous) Cordon Bleu textbooks (cuisine and pastry). I will take those, as well as my glossary terms, to different places to study during the week when I do not have class (along the Seine, park near the Eiffel Tour, cafes). Thank you again for the encouraging notes! I will continue to update you upon my adventures!

All my love to each of you from Paris!
SB =)

ps- I have heard through the grapevine (aka mom and dad) that Ratatouille is a glorious movie! Perhaps I can find a little animal to help me cook also. We will just keep the entire sanitation issue under wraps hehe :)