The Hunt Continues

As many of you know I have been looking for a new apartment for a while. After the big blow up with my landlord I started putting out feelers and exploring the offerings of the city. So far… it has been an adventure. The typical avenue of going through an agency has not really been an option for me. I don’t have a guarantor in France and therefore am not considered a good risk – despite the fact that I work, have a paid internship, can pay in advance and have a guarantor in the US.

So I’ve been relying on LeBonCoin – the French equivalent of Craig’s List – and word of mouth. Again I’ve run into the problem of being a foreign student – coupled with the fact that there is not a lot available right now. But I’ve checked out a few apartments and seen a lot of crap. I’ve seen some awesome studios and found a few interesting places but – being me – I’m looking for the perfect place. I’m willing to wait it out and spend a little extra to find the perfect location.

So in the midst of my mad dash to get ready to leave and dealing with some work changes – I’m trying to make a few last visits and keep looking. And trying to convince owners to work with my schedule… Hopefully more will open up over the holidays or in January as some of the schools let out. Send me all your positive house hunting vibes and keep your fingers crossed.

Are you in a rut?

Are you in a wine rut? I know I typically gravitate toward big full-bodied and spicy reds. If I am going to drink something lighter it typically is a rose and not a white. But I do like to experiment, so with that in mind check out this article. Maybe it can help you break out of your rut.

Break out of your Wine Rut

The Plague

There is a plague running around Bordeaux. Half the city is sick and the other half is soon to follow. It’s just not that big a city and people are heavily reliant on public transportation. Add in the cold weather and a dash of holiday stress and you’ve got…the plague.

I’ve been feeling poorly for almost a week. And of course the faster you fall the worse it is. I was feeling fine. I woke the next morning really congested. By early evening I could already tell I had lost the battle. Now almost a week later and I’ve got a nasty cough and sinus infection. Yay!

I’m just keeping my fingers crossed that I can keep up with my school work, my actual work and the apartment hunting and be well enough to fly relatively pain free in 10 (ok really 9) days at this point. So on that note – I’m going to go to bed and hopefully wake up in a much better place. Keep your fingers crossed.