Grenoble
In our grammar class we went over slam poems and rap. We watched French artists and discussed the creation of “l’argot” or slang. I didn’t know this, but when a lot of slang terms are created they reverse the spelling or popular words to make a new one. There’s a specific type of slang called “verlan” which is a reversal of the word for inverse or “l’envers.”
Our visual art class took a trip to the Grenoble art museum to look at some famous pieces. We had a guided tour through the museum and a tiny bit of free time to explore after the tour ended. I was impressed by the size and the diversity of works in the collection. There were pieces by Matisse, Picasso, and some American abstract artists. The oldest item in the building was a 12th century portrait of Saint Lucy, who you can pray to if you have bad eyesight.
Because the majority of our class had gone to the art museum, Ryan moved our UM class to the Jardin aux plantes. I ate lunch there before class with Tara, Jaime, Ruby, and Clarissa. Our topic for the day was the feminization of the French language. While we don’t often think about gendered words in English, they’re everywhere in French. As more women enter the workforce and take higher positions, the French must consider how their language can change to reflect women’s changing role in society. Should new gender neutral words be created like “police officer” or “firefighter” in the place of “policeman” and “fireman?” Or should the French adopt words that indicate a woman filling a specific role?
After classes finally finished up for the day, we decided we needed some ice cream. We all usually go to a little place near the Jardin de ville that’s called “Glace dauphiné,” but we thought it was time to branch out. Cecilia suggested we go to a place nearby that is supposed to be the best in Grenoble. It ended up being a small family operation just a block or two over, but the ice cream was really good. They had more flavors of sorbet that I hadn’t tried yet. I ended up treating myself to two scoops, one that was poppy seed flavored and one that was pear. I thought they were incredibly refreshing, but I think I still prefer our usual place. Everyone else decided to head home, but Clarissa and I ate our cones together in the Jardin de ville before departing.
Dinner with Janine and Gilbert was a treat as always. We had the salad of tomatoes and mozzarella cheese with vinegar and oil for our first plate. The main dish was seared salmon and creamy spinach. For dessert we had adorable little flans that came in tiny cups. I was really impressed that Gilbert could cook salmon so well, he has range. That day, Janine got her hair cut and we were all saying how nice it looked. I cracked up because Gilbert turned to me and said “Oh your hairdresser does a nice job. She knows how to cut hair to compliment a long face.”
This week is pretty unique because a lot of French families are on vacation now. The French get 5 weeks of paid vacation each year, so many of them take it during the summer months. Knowing this, the city of Grenoble hosts an annual concert series in the Jardin de ville called the “Cabaret Frappé” where 3 artists from different genres preform each night. Huge crowds gather in the park to drink and hang out. Umich students went together last night and grabbed a beer together. I thought the set up was amazing. I definitely expected a very minimal set up, but this looked like it could be on TV. The park was completely packed with people for the event. Entire families were there to enjoy the festivities. I’m really happy that I went.
Mary-Est-En-France 