Intense Stuff~

Ok. I've barely been here for a week but I felt like I've been here for like 3 months. The french intensive course which is 5 hours everyday except for Thursday which we have half day is exceptionally draining to the brain. Just being here for 1 week and exposing myself to French culture makes alot of difference. The once undecipherable french is now slightly decoded. 

French meals are amazing. I think they believe in serving everything from appetizer to main course to dessert. I never hesitated in getting the meal plan provided by the school because not only are the meals cheap (3 euros), they are most of time time rather sumptous, having items like cheese, yogurt, salad, main course and fruits/desserts for 1 meal. I haven't been photo whoring but I promise I'll upload a picture of the meal here.

Have done most of the administrative process with some pain, sometimes not comprehending what the person I'm dealing with says and vice versa. But en general, I think it has gotten a little better :) I love the room that the school has for us. It's akin to the hostel in NTU, just that its newer, bigger and has an attached kitchenette and a bathroom as well. Simply awesome. My roommate happened to be a french guy from Paris. A bit of the introvert kind, but we get along and I can talk to him in french...I hope..haha.

Met my Professor yesterday who will be supervising my Research Attachment. He turned out to be a very very nice guy who was very concerned about my well being in France and me adapting life at INSA Lyon. I will most probably undertaking a project provided by EADS Astrium, the space arm of EADS investigating on structural dynamics, vibrations and dampers. Something rather familiar to me, but have to read up alot more on and brush up on the existing knowledge. No one said it was gonna be easy. 

I have yet to find a place to play badminton yet, because INSA Lyon has this ridiculous system of unfriendly sports facilities. There are certain times we have to adhere to for playing badminton, and that is when the INSA Badminton club is playing. Many of the Singapore dudes play there, but I prefer not to. Have asked Leslie, my RI badminton teammate who has been studying here for 3 years about the school team and all, and also asked my dad's French badminton friend in France for recommendations of clubs outside. Hopefully I don't have to pay that much to play. Have been itching for some exercise and some games....

Well, the weekend is nearing and the dudes are planning a day trip to this town called Perouges. It is apparently one of the most beautiful places to visit in France and its just a 30 mins drive from Lyon. Its a 14th-15th century fortified medieval walled town with cobbled streets and stone towers and houses. 

Phew! So far that's it, intense but stay has been pretty positive so far. France is a beautiful country. The language is beautiful, the architecture is beautiful and not to forget, the girls are also beautiful (ahem).  Shall tell more about head turners and jaw droppers next time. :)