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blog #9 -- septembre 2007 |
It may be true that the calendar year begins in January - a time to reflect on a year of life's achievements and make lofty (and largely unrealistic) resolutions for the year ahead. It is also true that Microsoft's official annual kickoff happens in July, when we are evaluated for a year of professional contributions, and asked to set aggressive career goals for the next one.
The reality is that neither of the above events make any significant or tangible difference in the rhythm of our daily life. Rather, this year it was made abundantly clear that the month of September is actually when this household hits the "reset button" and is turned-upside down by on onslaught of new adventures, new challenges, and most importantly.....15 to 20 new students. Yes, as long as Shannon is an elementary school teacher I am confident that our family will be perpetually bound by the academic calendar (in french, known as la rentrée). Now that she is hard-core, full-in-effect, back in action...hold on to your berets, here we go again! | Recall from the juillet blog that Shannon had miraculously obtained her work permit in time to attend a teaching workshop in Romania - which began the preparation for becoming a first grade teacher at The International School of Paris (ISP). The slogan for ISP is fittingly "where the world goes to school" (pictured below) - and while that may seem like a bold claim, it is actually pretty legit. Shannon's class of 16 kids is represented by 14 distinct countries and even more languages, all in addition to english. Let's put it this way, Michael Jackson could easily have done his video shoot for "Heal the World" using her kids as mini-featurettes of a loving, multi-ethnic global community. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy he didn't...but you could imagine. 
The school campus is spread across 8 classic buildings, all located within the posh 16th arrondissment (by Metro that is approximately 30 minutes, one transfer from RC home base). Thanks to a well-established tree, here we find approximately 3/8 of the front of the building where Shannon has her classroom. No, this probably isn't what you pictured an elementary school to look like. Yes, we are living in France (see blog #1 for review)... .jpg) This paragraph is for the detail lovers - surely you think I jest when saying 16 students from 14 countries. Well here is the list of countries, in order of....her class list (personally-identifiable information removed for protection of the students): Spain, India, South Africa, Finland, Malaysia, Australia, Algeria, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Korea, France, Tanzania, and the USA. And here is the oasis that these students call home:
.jpg) Most ISP families are in Paris for a few years because of the parents' work, but some have moved here permanently. Speaking of moving here permanantly...one would think we did as well with the unprecedented number of school boxes that were shipped from the US for the soul purpose of making Shannon's classroom the shining example of a wholesome, cooperative educational environment (Clark Shark visitors - any of this look familiar?). Voila! Chateau meets first grade wonderland...
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| Flash Visit! Not too many of our RC visitors drop in for a quick one-nighter, just enough time to grab some fine cuisine and give Ole a couple of belly rubs before heading out the next morning. But then again -- not too many visitors are international business travelers and published authors under the age of 30. Such is my fraternity brother and recent guest, Eric Spencer. And within 20 minutes of arrival, can you not feel the Paris love on this guy's face already? .jpg) With such high-profile clientele, there was only one restaurant recommendation that came to mind - the ultra-hip, ultra-deluxe, glass-domed hotspot called Kong - overlooking the Seine, Saint Sulpice, and yes - even the Louis Vuitton headquarters next door... .jpg)
And while this may look like a romantic table for two, rest assured Shannon rounded out the party and snapped this "high class frat boys" photo. Spencer - there's plenty more chic-ness in this city to be found, come back soon... .jpg)
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And what sport could be more "fratty" that the head-banging, body-bruising, just-plain-fearless game of Rugby -- which has single-handedly taken over this city in the month of September (and writing this in October, it is clearly not over yet). So proud are the inhabitants of Paris for hosting the 2007 Rugby World Cup, that they have transformed their town into some type of ridiculous Rugby shrine, where it seems that you can't walk more than 10 feet without seeing some form of advertising featuring common themes: incorrectly-shaped footballs, or burly, savage-like men that look to be immediate descendents of medeival times... 1) Exhibit 1 - Did the Eiffel Tower lay an egg? No, that is just a giant rugby ball hanging from the rafters... .jpg) 2) Exhibit 2 - Giant-size France rugby team jerseys hanging in the middle of the street. I thought this was a pretty cool until I realized these sizes actually fit some of the players... .jpg)
3) Exhibit 3 - Our local restaurants re-facing their entire establishments to commemorate the French rugby team. We can't motivate them to deliver us our check within 2 hours, but when the World Cup comes to town they are willing to re-do their entire building facades? Something is not quite adding up here... .jpg) 4) Exhibit 4 - Gratiutous life-size male rugby models. Let's just say that isn't the typical derriere we are used to seeing in Paris haut-couture advertising... .jpg) 5) Exhibit 5 - Instant-grass grown, then manicured, in front of the Hotel de Ville (main town hall) to accomodate giant public rubgy match screenings. Not quite Duke's K-ville yet, but getting there fast... .jpg)
6) Exhibit 6 - Virtually the only thing available to watch on TV...you guessed it. Men grabbing and tugging other men in some type of poorly choreographed ritual. And you think I am a bad sports fan in the US... .jpg)
But I wouldn't be in the profession that I am in today, if I didn't believe that effective (and relentless) marketing couldn't change perceptions. Perhaps the Rubgy-loving city of Paris has changed mine... .jpg)
| There's an old seasonal proverb (source unknown) that Shannon and I have taken to heart and followed ever since becoming of legal drinking age. It goes something like this: "When in Seattle during September, ye shall visit Fremont Oktoberfest...Yet whilst in Europe during September, ye shall visit the real thing." And so it was - Vive Oktoberfest München! Here we find Shannon at home upon arrival in Munich's Marienplatz (main town square).
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We were lucky enough to stay with good friends and gracious local hosts: Helge and Bartley Großerichter. Now Helge and Bartley - despite having incredibly busy lives as being parents / hard-workers / all-around local super-heros, have always found time (and a bed) for Shannon and I during our past Munich visits. Why?? When Helge (left) was a young man, he spent several months as a German exchange student living with my family - which I promise, given the torture he put up with from the Johnson boys, did not warrant any future favors...so this kindness remains a complete mystery! .jpg)
Now it's time to meet the rest of the family in a picture-perfect family moment: Here we find Helge escorting their two adorable bilingual daughters, Hannah and Amelie on a Saturday morning bike ride...
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Above and beyond general bragging rights, there is a bonus for making your Oktoberfest visit on the opening weekend. No - I'm not talking about the "bonus" extreme crowds bursting through the gates to sample the first taste of German-crafted seasonal lager. I'm talking about the Opening Weekend Oktoberfest Parade! Even better when viewed through the corner office of Helge's law firm, in the heart of downtown (completely pigeon-proof as well, as noted by the preventative grid)... .jpg)
If you are hoping to see the Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales, don't hold your breath...This is 100% Munich brewed representation (a law preventing anything sub-standard from joining the ranks)...This particular brand, Paulaner (their slogan "Gut...Besser...Paulaner!") was the one I "sampled" the most - but be patient, we'll get there. .jpg)
Hannah and Amelie put on their traditional "Dirndls" for the event - as did any self-respecting Bavarian lady. Despite much encouragement, Shannon did not classify herself as a self-respecting Bavarian lady, and therefore you won't be seeing any "beer-maiden" glamour shots this round of photos. I think I may have just lost half of my loyal September blog audience. Nevertheless, all good reasons to return... .jpg)
The girls' grandparents, and good family friends, Rainer and Brigitte Großerichter joined us for the parade (Note: any loyal RC reader already is familiar with Rainer!) - which made for an ideal family photo opportunity. .jpg)
But now let's be honest- you didn't open this blog up to see too many family pictures. SO - Are you ready for for the main event? Oktoberfest 2007, in we go... .jpg)
My parents, after having lived in Germany for a total of 20 years (or so it seems - actual amount may be slightly less) are true Oktoberfest veterans, and therefore had given me some very strict orders. I will now document these orders, including my credit earned toward each task. Order #1: Upon entry into the fairgrounds, immediately purchase fire-roasted, sugar-coated, extremely unhealthy local fare, disguised as various forms of nuts - but in reality could not be so innocent. Task Rating: Full Credit earned .jpg) Order #2: Prior to drinking your favorite brand of weissbier, locate and ride a familiar classic ride, known to americans as a "ferris wheel" but known to germans as...something much less prounounceable. Task Rating: Partial Credit earned. Point deduction for bringing my full weissbier to the ride, only to be forced to step aside to finish it in one gulp prior to entering the cabin. Point deduction for the dirty stare from the ride attendant. .jpg)
Order #3: Photograph choatic fairgrounds from the apex of the ferris wheel view. Task Rating: Partial Credit earned. At the apex the 16 other foreigners in our cabin prevented a clear shot.
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– Order #4: Also documnent the 8 -10 gargantuan beer tents that hold 6,000 people each, and which together account for the approximate 1 million liters of beer consumed during the 16 day "Bavarian Bender." Task Rating: Partial Credit earned. Point deduction for off-centering of the photograph (Yes - those are "tents" on the left) .jpg)
Order #5: Successfully locate the tent for which you have reservations, and be able to pronounce it. Task Rating: Partial Credit earned. Our Oktoberfest experience was hosted by the Duke Club of Germany, who provided detailed directions on where to meet up (believe it or not, through the back door!). The deduction is for the pronunciation - which I assure you, did not get any easier throughout the night. Try this one yourself:
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Order #6: Claim, and relentlessly defend your bench space inside the tent. Task Rating: Bonus points earned. Not only did we secure bench space, but we managed a mix of Germans, Americans, and people of other unknown descent.
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Order #7: Drink a liter of Oktoberfest beer. Task Rating: Quadruple points earned (I believe the rating scale is self-explanatory on that one...). .jpg)
Order #8: Make a friend or two, backed by photo evidence. Task Rating: Triple points earned. Additional bonus points for "small-world" experience - one of the fellow Dukies we met was someone from Seattle, that I interviewed for admission to Duke over 4 years ago!! Clearly, she got in... .jpg)
Order #9: Sing and dance on table-top, while holding beer - memorize lyrics. Task Rating: N/A. I don't think I ever sat down... .jpg)
Order #10: Walk it off. Task Rating: Partial credit, minor deductions for the "lady, don't take my picture" face, and taking the S-bahn home instead of walking. .jpg)
Overall Oktoberfest Compliance Rating: Pass, with flying colors. But the scores will only go up from here (think of the traditional outfits as a starter), as surely this trip to Oktoberfest will not be our last...
| And neither will it be my last version of le blog. But until the end of October, we wish you a heathy "Auf Wiedersehen" and festive fall days of your own! .jpg)
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