Bring it M2!

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It’s offiical: I passed! Today, I received my ‘provisional’ grades for the year. Provisional in that I still have to write an internship report and my current boss still has to evaluate my work. But I expect that is more a matter of formality at this point.

I have to confess, I am hugely relieved. Not that I expected to fail, but nothing was exactly as I expected this year and I wasn’t sure what the end of the year would bring. I also have to confess I don’t completely understand the grading system/scale, but overall I did well (I think).

Now I can turn my attention to my summer internship and to my second year. I’m looking forward to the challenge, my friends being back in Bordeaux, and truthfully, school being over. So I repeat, bring it, M2!

A Long Overdue Update

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Hi All!

I know it’s been ages since I last posted something of significance or provided an update. So I thought it was finally about time. But I promise I’ve been really busy with important things…and having a bit of fun as well. A quick timeline of the important things:

  • February: I moved into my new apartment! Most of you probably already new this had happened but it was big happenings in my world. I’m very happy and I love my new space. I’m sure I’ll get around to pictures eventually.
  • End of February: B. and I tag along to Sauternes while K. has an interview. Click here for photos.
  • End of February – Beginning of March: per my last post this was exams, revisions, exams. Glad things are put to bed and now just waiting for my results.
  • Mid-March: Internship. Good news: only 3 days a week. Bad news: Only 3 days a week. Travel here I come.
  • Mid-March: The family visits piecemeal. First dad comes to Bordeaux, then mom. Then we all arrive in Berlin, Germany – over the course of three consecutive days – for a visit with the extended family. Courtesy of technical problems at the airport in Berlin, Mom and I get an unexpected but very fun day in Paris. Click here for photos of my day with Dad in St. Emillion.
  • March-April:  as the school year ends everyone begins to disperse from Bordeaux for their internships. B. & N back to Italy. K. to Valencia and eventually California/Mexico. M. to Vancouver/China/Georgia. (Not really sure which to be completely honest 😉 – well not really. He is in Eastern Europe as of the last update) At least I have a lot of really awesome places to go visiting this summer.
  • April: the Bordeaux en Primeur (futures) campaign begins with tastings and a weekend of open doors in the Medoc. Click here for those photos.

Clearly things haven’t been quiet here in France, but I’m looking forward to summer, travel and a lot more good wine. On that note, stay tuned for further updates, industry notes, pictures, tasting notes and more.

Ciao et a plus tard!

Revisions! AKA 10 Days of Studying…Maybe

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Classes are over. The first round of exams has passed. I get to skip the exam next week! (yay being a native English speaker!) And my next exam is a week from Monday. I was planning to go to Bruxelles to visit my cousins but I am staying in Bordeaux to handle a few administrative details. Being a responsible adult sucks.

I’ve been to the post office, the bank. I’ve had a walk and a coffee with a few friends. I purchased and then had a prolonged and unsuccessful battle with a wireless range extender. (Have I mentioned yet that I find the wifi situation in France to be dismally depressing. And yes I know my spoiled California side is showing.) I cleaned up the apartment. I enjoyed a box sent from home. And yes I even got started on the studying…. ok I did some strategic organization for future studying sessions.

It’s only day 1.

What the hell am I going to do with myself for the next 8+ days?

The obvious answer is study. But lets be honest, I work and think best under pressure. 8 days doesn’t create a lot of pressure. Don’t get me wrong I will study and I will prep for the one exam from the instructor kind enough to walk us through the step by step requirements. Administrative duties will take a little time – particularly as I have to go stand in line at a government office – but still that leaves a lot of time in the middle.

On that note, enjoy this little gem from Wine Folly:

http://winefolly.com/tutorial/esoteric-wines-add-notches-belt/

Clearly I need to get working on my tastings. I’ve only had one on this list. So, I’m off to go wine shopping. 😉