Grenoble : France's 2nd Student City
Coucou !
It's been two weeks in Grenoble, and I've officially completed my first week of my masters ! I've explored some of my new city, campuses, and met some new people.
It's always a reality check for me when I go back to living in France how much I realize I can accomplish and do on my own. But it's also a reminder of what a great support system I have, my family and friends across the globe; you are beyond appreciated !!
Academia
I've enjoyed my first official week of classes, and overall they are challenging, interesting and I think they're going to allow me to expand my mind and explore my career path:)
I'm really happy with my campus too. My classes are not on the main campus, and actually in Échirolles, about 20 minutes by tram from my place. I was surprised to find it to be super modern with it's own quirky charm !
I'm really happy with my campus too. My classes are not on the main campus, and actually in Échirolles, about 20 minutes by tram from my place. I was surprised to find it to be super modern with it's own quirky charm !
Adventures
The other day, I decided to walk around / stroll by the Isère river to one of the iconic Grenoble spots right by the cable cars / Bastille:) It's one of my favorite spots, because of all the colorful building facades tucked away in the lush, green trees that sprout from the mountain side.
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| Tram line with square trees for days aka my dream |
On Wednesday, I took advantage of the beautiful weather and hiked up to the Bastille. The best part was after many stairs, trails, and sweat...this gorgeous view !! I decided to take the bubbles (les bulles) down and was able to see Grenoble from many angles up high !
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| View of Grenoble from the Bastille |
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| View of Grenoble from the Bastille |
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| Pic overlooking Grenoble from inside Les Bulles (aka why it's a little foggy). |
Friday, I spent the afternoon in the musée de Grenoble*, and definitely recommend it for any ancient art and/or contemporary art lovers. I really liked having the time to look at the different paintings and go through it chronologically. It was cool to see how history and art shaped each other. Not only looking at the technique, but seeing what I felt and could analyze from the paintings made for a great afternoon. I was excited to find two works by René Magritte too:) and I discovered I really like the artist, Georgette Agutte !!
*All (or most) museums are free for students !
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| Museum of Grenoble. Painting on the right: Georgette Agutte, Le jardin à Bonnières |
I took advantage of les journées du patrimoine, which is a holiday weekend in France in which government/private buildings that are normally closed to the public become open for the weekend only ! I visited a private bookmaking atelier. It was really cool to see how much work and detail goes into making a book ! From the paper process, sewing/binding the book, stamping the letters on to the cover; it's a long but super fascinating process ! It varies time wise, but it takes multiple hours because it's done by hand.
Fun fact: The ridges on the outside of older books were originally the cord that sewed the book together, but nowadays, it's more of an aesthetic look. They use a frame with ridges then stretch the leather over top to create the spine.
Grenoble has already surprised me and I'm sure it will continue to. The amount of life this city has. There's lots to do; it's always moving. From it's beautiful mountainous views to its numerous opportunities for the arts and sports, France's 2nd student city has so much to offer and it's becoming my new home:)
Lyndi
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