Things I learned about Dijon (Thank You Wikipedia)

As I began talking about Dijon to friends, family, and coworkers, it occurred to me that I actually know very little about the city or region itself.  My only experience with Dijon is passing through the city around 10pm on my train from Paris to Rome.  I remember how pretty it looked as our train slid into the station: dark hills dotted by tiny specks of light, which solidified my longing to return to France.  I decided then and there that I would make it to Dijon at some point in my life.  With that visit quickly approaching, I did my research so that I can actually sound as if I know where I am going.  Here is what I’ve discovered about Dijon (mostly thanks to Wikipedia):

• Dijon is the 18^th largest city in France.
• There are around 151,500 people living in the city of Dijon (as opposed to the 800,000 of Nantes).
• Dijon is the capital of the region of Burgundy (Bourgogne).
• The Université de Bourgogne (University of Burgundy) is in Dijon.
• There is a lake in Dijon—Lac Kir—with real sand and beaches!
• Mustard is not the only thing Dijon is famous for.  Like the name of the lake, the drink (kir) was created in Dijon.  It is a mix of white wine and syrup.
• The icon of Dijon is the owl (la chouette), which is carved into the side of Dijon’s famous Notre-Dame Cathedral.  It is supposed to grant you luck if you rub the statue with your left hand (and is now on my bucket list!).
• Dijon is the birthplace of Gustave Eiffel, who built, you guessed it, the Eiffel tower.
• There are three pools in Dijon, all of which are 1.5 euro for students! (Yes, I did look this up…).

I am so excited to be there over the next year, and I can’t wait to travel and share my experiences.  I will keep everyone updated on interesting information as I find out, my To Do List (Dijon version), and my own updates about school.  I promise to bring back lots of mustard!

A lot of people have also been posting this article on Facebook, and I found it interesting and quite true according to my experiences.  I encourage everyone to read it: http://postmasculine.com/america

French word of the day: La Moutarde (mustard)

Bonjour, le monde!

As I start to prepare for my departure to teach in France, it occurred to me that I should have a blog so that all who wish to keep up with my adventures can follow along.  I chose the title “Le Monde Inspire” (The World Inspires) because I am easily inspired, and I believe that anyone can find inspiration in just about anything if it is viewed with the right perspective.  I am looking to inspire my students in France, and my future students when I return from France!  Here are the details I know so far about my time in France:

• I will be in the region of Dijon, France.
• I am in a lycée (high school) or college (middle school) in the area.
• My contract begins October 1, 2012, and ends April 30, 2013.
• I will have 2 weeks off every 2 months or so.
• I will probably be homeless for a few weeks in France.

Other than that, I don’t know much, but I am excited for this adventure, and all my future holds!

French Word of the Day: Pamplemousse.  It means grapefruit, and is just fun to say 🙂