August 16, 2019 Mingo Park, Delaware, Ohio
Race Review: Dave Staley Aquathlon 2019
Last weekend, I raced in a very small and cute aquathlon (I struggled with pronunciation for a while, but apparently it's "awkwathlon" and not "aqua-athlon"). This was a foray back into the world of multi-sport racing after 3 years since my last triathlon. I always seem to do multi-sport races after being injured, as they help me build more endurance without being too high-impact.
The Dave Staley Aquathlon and Youth Splash-n-Dash takes place annually in Delaware, Ohio. The more popular event, however, is their sprint triathlon (also with a youth counterpart), typically held in early July. I've done the sprint tri twice now and enjoyed it, so I was looking forward to the familiar stomping ground (the aquathlon and triathlon take place in the same park).
This aquathlon was comprised of a 400m swim and 5k run (3.1mi). It was just the right intensity and distance for me coming back from my ankle injury. Here's what I thought about the event:
Not sure what I'm doing here...showing off my ankle timing band?
Course:
The race took place at Mingo Park in Delaware, where you can also find the Jack Florance Pool. The swimming portion took place in the pool. Since we were doing 400m in a 25m pool, it was 8 laps. During the triathlons I've done, they had us swim out and back in each lane, switching each time. Since there were only 12 participants total for the aquathlon, however, we all took our own lane or shared with someone else.
The run portion was on a paved loop surrounding the park. We had to do two out and back loops, which also differed from the triathlon course (which is a single loop through the surrounding neighborhood, and also through the park).
Swag:
Packet pickup was the morning before the race, since it was a small event. I signed up the week before, so there were no more small t-shirts, and I had to get a medium--if you want your size, be sure to sign up earlier! The shirt was a soft cotton blend, and the medium actually fit me okay after a round in the dryer.
We also got a drawstring bag, swim cap, water bottle, and soft ice pack. At the finish, we got a microfiber towel, but no medal (I wasn't expecting one since it was a smaller event, but to be noted so you're not disappointed). Food-wise, there was water, bananas, and Welch's fruit snacks (Easter-themed lol).
My Performance:
I wasn't sure what to expect, as I was still regaining fitness after my injury. At my peak level of fitness, I might've aimed for 35 minutes (9:30 swim, 1 min transition, 24:30 run). I did a time trial the week before though, and finished the swim in 11 minutes, and the run in 28:46. So, I figured that sub 40 overall was more realistic.
According my Garmin, I finished the swim in 9:53 and the run in 26:05 (8:31/mi). On the site, however, it says my swim was 10:32, my transition 1:12, and my run 25:56 (exactly 37 minutes total). I'm not sure if the swim time was adjusted--I highly suspect that the pool was actually in yards, and that we should've done 9 laps for 400m. My transition time could've also been included in my official swim time. I think there must've been transition overlap in my run--I must've started my watch for the run while I was still in transition, accounting for the discrepancy.
In any case, I'm happy with the swim the pool was actually in meters. If it was it yards, I've done a better time for 400yd, but I also didn't go on a run afterwards haha.
I'm pretty satisfied with the run, as I hadn't done any speed work leading up to the race. My splits were 8:55, 8:44, and 8:03, so I was also happy with the negative splits.
One thing that I really appreciated about this race, that has nothing to do with my times: my mom was able to be there, and actually drove me. My races are usually far away from home, so it was nice to have family support this time :) (my mom actually took the first 3 photos!)
One thing that I really appreciated about this race, that has nothing to do with my times: my mom was able to be there, and actually drove me. My races are usually far away from home, so it was nice to have family support this time :) (my mom actually took the first 3 photos!)
It's funny to write a review for such a small, local race, but this is also a "fitness log" and "progress update" of sorts for me. If you're local and looking for a small and cute race, I'd recommend the Dave Staley Aquathlon. If you have a sporty kid, all the better--there are shorter distances for kids following the adult race. The youth race seemed just as small, however, with about 10 competitors.
This year, registration fees were $35 (plus $3.80 processing fee), which felt expensive to me coming back from Europe, though it's pretty typical for US events. The swag and fuel aren't exceptional, but the staff was very friendly, and I figure that registration needs to be a little higher with so few competitors.
If you're looking for another multi-sport event, I would definitely recommend the Dave Staley Triathlon in July. There are usually many more participants (80ish), though it remains a relatively small and fun race.
Happy training,
August 9, 2019
6 Ways to Reduce Waste While Eating Out
I've realized, however, that general sustainability knowledge and practices fluctuate wildly by country and region. In France, there are several more environmental regulations than in the U.S. Single-use plastic bags in supermarkets were banned 3 years ago. Stores don't give you any bags (paper or plastic) for free--you're expected to bring your own. All produce bags are also biodegradable. At large events such as festivals or Christmas markets, organizers are required to have what's called "la consigne" for your cups--you pay a euro deposit on a reusable cup, and get the euro back after you finish your drink and return the cup. There are no throwaway cups (running races seem to be the exception).
In the U.S., plastic bags are still largely available--for free. In some parts of Massachusetts (such as Boston), they're banned, though paper is almost always offered as an alternative. In most other parts of the country, people don't give much thought to the kind of grocery bag they use, especially the produce bags (I think I've only seen biodegradable produce bags in the U.S. once). In Ohio, basically every shop offers free plastic bags, except Whole Foods and Trader Joe's. While talking to my friends and family in my hometown, I've realized that there's still a lot of confusion on what sustainability really is. My mom, for example, still believes that all she needs to do is recycle, rather than reducing single-use consumption first.
The only way to dispel these misconceptions and clear up the confusion is to talk about sustainability, and to talk about it in an approachable way. I'm going to try to do just that, and I definitely want you to call me out if my tone is off.
Eating out is one of the areas I see the most preventable single-use waste, so I figured I'd start with that (I also love talking about food haha). I'll be also sharing some photos/experiences where I did end up creating preventable waste, and how I later remedied it, or what I could've done better.
Eating out is one of the areas I see the most preventable single-use waste, so I figured I'd start with that (I also love talking about food haha). I'll be also sharing some photos/experiences where I did end up creating preventable waste, and how I later remedied it, or what I could've done better.
A pretty solid meal here, in terms of waste. I suppose reusable napkins wouldn't have hurt though!
5 Ways to Reduce Waste While Eating Out
1. Eat in instead of
taking out, if possible.
I'm probably one of the biggest offenders of this, especially when I'm solo traveling. I don't mind eating at restaurants alone, but sometimes I just want to eat in a quieter setting (in my room, on my bed lol) and save time waiting for service. In the U.S., this is not only a time-saving issue, but also a money-saving one, as we're expected to tip 15-20% for service.
If you do have the time, and the extra money, consider eating in instead. If that's not possible, consider bringing your own containers, utensils, or bag for takeout. Remember that there are also some self-service restaurants that don't require tipping, and also have reusable utensils for dining in. One of my favorites in Columbus is Northstar.
2. Order something that doesn’t need utensils (or at least creates less waste).
Regardless of whether you're eating in or out, another way to reduce waste is to order a dish that doesn't require utensils. This could mean ice cream in a cone instead of a cup, or a burrito instead of a burrito bowl.
If you do have the time, and the extra money, consider eating in instead. If that's not possible, consider bringing your own containers, utensils, or bag for takeout. Remember that there are also some self-service restaurants that don't require tipping, and also have reusable utensils for dining in. One of my favorites in Columbus is Northstar.
2. Order something that doesn’t need utensils (or at least creates less waste).
Regardless of whether you're eating in or out, another way to reduce waste is to order a dish that doesn't require utensils. This could mean ice cream in a cone instead of a cup, or a burrito instead of a burrito bowl.
This bowl and spoon are actually compostable, but it's always better to avoid single-use anything, even if it's compostable. I ordered my ice cream in a cone the second time around :)
3. Take your own utensils
and cup if the restaurant only has throwaway cutlery.
Unfortunately, eating in doesn't always save much on waste, as some restaurants use single-use cutlery and dishes even for dining in. If this is the case, bringing your own silverware helps reduce waste. Bringing your own dishes is also an option, though it might seem more extra than just bringing silverware (but being extra for the environment is good!).
If you're unsure of whether a restaurant has reusable utensils, check online reviews and their photos. Previous customers have likely posted photos of their meals, so you can see if the restaurant uses straws or disposable cutlery, that way you know to bring your own or not.
There's one thing I wanted to point out about boba/bubble tea specifically: I know bringing reusable straws is becoming mainstream, but I think bringing your own cup should be too! Obviously, carrying around a cup isn't very convenient, but if you know you're going out for bubble tea, take a large mason jar or tumbler along. I recently picked up a $1 mason jar at the thrift store so that I could avoid using throwaway cups when getting drinks.
4. Refuse plastic straws and drink lids.
If you don't want to carry around your own straw, you could just refuse straws--most of the time, you don't need one (unless it's for bubble tea). Straw use is a good thing to check from review photos, so you know to mention "no straw, please" after ordering your drink or not. Even if you don't know, you can still add that you'd prefer not to have a straw. I recently made this mistake, and my water came out with a straw already in it :( Lesson learned!
Another unnecessary piece of plastic is drink lids, especially if you're dining in (I'm specifically referencing the half-spherical lids for smoothies, though this applies to other lids too). This is something else you can add after ordering your drink--"I don't need a straw and lid." Even if you have to use a single-use cup, at least you save a straw and lid from ending up in the landfill. Some restaurants will recycle plastic, but reducing should always be the first line of defense. We can't be sure that everything recycled actually gets recycled, unfortunately.
Not the most aesthetic photo (we're messy eaters haha), but I try to get my family to take reusable silverware each time we eat here. I also got to use my collapsible cup from the North Face Endurance Challenge! We did take two paper soup cups and two cups for water, so next time I'll remember reusable water bottles and a small bowl.
5. Bring a Tupperware and
bag for possible leftover food.
Takeout boxes are often styrofoam, which is neither recyclable nor reusable. If you plan to eat out, it doesn't hurt to take a small tupperware with you, just in case there are leftovers.
As a bonus, you can take others’ leftovers if they don’t want them to bring home. If you don't want yours, ask others at your table if they want them. I have a serious wastetarian friend who even takes leftovers off other tables!
As a bonus, you can take others’ leftovers if they don’t want them to bring home. If you don't want yours, ask others at your table if they want them. I have a serious wastetarian friend who even takes leftovers off other tables!
6. Decline more water if
you won’t drink more.
This is more of a tip for Americans, as waitstaff comes around and fills your water, even if your glass is still half-full, and even if you didn't ask for it. If you're not planning to drink more water, feel free to say that you're good and don't need a refill.
While this takeout meal had all compostable elements, it's again better to avoid all single-use items. I plan to start keeping a fork in all my bags, rather than only my large travel backpack.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully this gave you some useful ideas! As a final note, I want to encourage you to leave feedback on Google or Yelp if a restaurant could improve their sustainability measures; the more customers who urge them to change, the more they’re likely to do something. If a restaurant is doing sustainability right, also point that out in a review--it's important to support eco-conscious businesses as well.
One thing that bothers me about the sustainability movement is how it almost uniquely individualizes the responsibility to be eco-friendly. I agree that we should take individual responsibility, but I also think that companies and industries should be held more accountable. The individualization of responsibility shifts the focus away from the companies and onto the consumer, which avoids the root of the problem. Those with the most power to stop excessive waste are the industries themselves (and lawmakers). We would reduce so much more waste if the government banned single-use plastics for dining in, or if the restaurants themselves switched to reusable utensils and gave discounts to customers bringing tupperware for takeout, etc. Unfortunately, it also is our individual responsibility to hold these industries accountable (they sure won't hold themselves responsible). One way to do that is to give constructive feedback to restaurants through reviews, and to support the businesses doing things right.
The more you talk about these issues, whether in reviews or in real life, the more aware people become. The first step is really just helping people and companies become more conscious of their environmental impact, so that they might be inspired to change.
Are there other ways you reduce waste while dining out? Let me know in the comments!
Hopefully this gave you some useful ideas! As a final note, I want to encourage you to leave feedback on Google or Yelp if a restaurant could improve their sustainability measures; the more customers who urge them to change, the more they’re likely to do something. If a restaurant is doing sustainability right, also point that out in a review--it's important to support eco-conscious businesses as well.
One thing that bothers me about the sustainability movement is how it almost uniquely individualizes the responsibility to be eco-friendly. I agree that we should take individual responsibility, but I also think that companies and industries should be held more accountable. The individualization of responsibility shifts the focus away from the companies and onto the consumer, which avoids the root of the problem. Those with the most power to stop excessive waste are the industries themselves (and lawmakers). We would reduce so much more waste if the government banned single-use plastics for dining in, or if the restaurants themselves switched to reusable utensils and gave discounts to customers bringing tupperware for takeout, etc. Unfortunately, it also is our individual responsibility to hold these industries accountable (they sure won't hold themselves responsible). One way to do that is to give constructive feedback to restaurants through reviews, and to support the businesses doing things right.
The more you talk about these issues, whether in reviews or in real life, the more aware people become. The first step is really just helping people and companies become more conscious of their environmental impact, so that they might be inspired to change.
Are there other ways you reduce waste while dining out? Let me know in the comments!
July 21, 2019 Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
3 Grenoble Hikes Accessible by Public Transport
I recently spent a week in Grenoble--while my ankle hadn't healed enough yet for trail running, I was clear to go hiking. Unfortunately, getting around the mountains without a car can be tough, and bus schedules are often limited in the summer. Still, I was able to do three lovely hikes around Grenoble that are accessible by public transport.
Here's the breakdown of the 3 hikes I did: Chamechaude (Chartreuse range--the highest peak of the range), Moucherotte (Vercors range), and Chamrousse (Belledonne range). They're all moderately difficult and will take around 4 hours or more.
3 Hikes Around Grenoble Accessible by Bus
1. Chamechaude (2082m)
Elevation gain: 730m / 2400ft
Approximate time: 3 hours 45 minutes, including some short breaks
Distance: 7.7km / 4.8mi
How to get there: take the 62 bus from Notre Dame - Museé to Col de Porte (last stop). This stop is right in front of the Musée de Grenoble, around the corner from the line B tram stop. I took the 11:20am bus there to arrive at Col de Porte around noon, and was able to complete the hike and catch the 4pm bus back with about 15 minutes to spare.
One nice thing is that the 62 bus is a city bus, and not a Transière (regional bus?), so the fare is only 1,60€ if you buy the ticket in advance (it's 2,10€ aboard the bus). I was actually able to take the tram to the bus stop, then use the same ticket for the #62--each ticket is valid for one hour, and you can make unlimited transfers in that hour. It's honestly an incredible deal considering that you can get through the city and to the mountains for only 1,60€ (Transière buses are usually 5,90€ one way to the mountains, and that's only valid for the bus itself!).
Before you go:
- There is a little bit of climbing involved at the very top, but it's manageable given the ropes attached to the boulders (see below photos).
- The trails near the summit can be pretty rocky, so bring good shoes.
- It's not totally clear where the trail begins--from the base of the mountain, you'll see a flat trail going left, a middle trail, and the ski trail going straight up. You'll want to take the middle trail, and you should see yellow signs for Chamechaude once you reach the forest.
- This hike was my favorite and had serious "The Hills Are Alive" vibes towards the middle (see first photo of post and next photo below). The atmosphere changes rapidly, however, and the part near the summit can be very cloudy and chilly.
At the summit
2. Le Moucherotte (1901m)
Elevation gain: 730m / 2400ft
Approximate time: 4 hours total, including some short breaks
Distance: 8.4km / 5.2mi
How to get there: take the 5110 Transière bus from the station to Saint-Nizier-du-Moucherotte (Le Village), or from Louis Maisonnat in Fontaine, if you're staying in that neighborhood. The trip time is around 45 minutes from the station. I took the 12:30pm bus there from Fontaine and the 6:23pm bus back, and I had a large buffer to catch the bus back (around 1 hour).
These tickets cost 5,90€ each way, which is much more expensive than the inner city transport tickets. I honestly considered hitchhiking back since many cars run by the Saint-Nizier-du-Moucherotte bus station. My host said that his sons always hitchhiked there and back, so you can give it a try if you're feeling brave.
Before you go:
- The trail head can be difficult to find once you enter the forest (it's pretty straightforward from the village to the forest, however). From the town, you'll walk past a cemetery and first reach a picnic area with a view of the mountains and a sign with the directions of major world cities. There's a trail next to the picnic benches that you'll follow up and past a few houses on your left. Follow that straight until you reach a road/car barrier with a red and white circle sign--go past this barrier. I made the mistake of going up a narrow trail before this barrier.
- The section in the woods is VERY steep. I would not recommend this hike if it's recently rained since the mud would be super slippery. Going up was difficult already, but going down was pretty dangerous--there were several times I would've fallen had I not been using trekking poles. Bring good shoes and trekking poles.
- I personally wasn't a huge fan of this hike--the views were underwhelming compared to Chamechaude, the bus tickets were more expensive (and the schedule was more inconvenient in the summer), and the elevation gain was inconsistent (super steep in the forest, but with a later flat section). I would definitely go to Chamechaude over Le Moucherotte if you're deciding between the two. The Vercors range just doesn't seem as scenic as the Chartreuse, in my opinion.
You can actually see Chamechaude, the tallest peak in the range on the left
3. Chamrousse (2253m)
I "cheated" on this one since my host drove me here. This hike is actually difficult to access by public transport, unless it's the weekend. This listing will also differ from the others as I didn't track this hike, so I don't know how long it was.
How to get there: take the 6010 Transière bus from the station to Chamrousse 1650. The trip time is around 1 hour from the station. These tickets would likely cost 5,90€ each way.
Be careful in your planning as there are very limited buses during the week, even during the academic year. It does look like this trip would be doable by bus on the weekend, however ("Samedi"=Saturday and "Dimanche"=Sunday in French, so look under the "S" and "DF" columns--the "F" is for jours fériés, or public holidays)
Before you go:
- Chamrousse is a popular ski destination in the winter, and it's known for its gorgeous mountain lakes. You see the Lacs Robert immediately from the summit (see below photo).
- You can take the ski lift up to the summit, La Croix de Chamrousse, to save your legs for exploring in the mountains. Tickets are 7€ one way. Just note that the lift does close around 5pm in the summer, so time your hike accordingly if you want to take the lift down.
- I hiked to Lac Levetel, a tiny but super clear lake a couple hours past the Lacs Robert. I'd say the hike is around 2.5-3 hours from the summit of La Croix de Chamrousse, and no more than 5km/3mi distance. The hike is mostly downhill there if you take the ski lift to the summit, though there are definitely ups and downs.
- Lac Levetel was freezing cold in mid-July, but the Lacs Robert were warm enough to take a comfortable dip in! You also might have company from some minnows and tadpoles.
- The hike down to Le Recoin / Chamrousse 1650 (if you don't take a the lift) can be ridden with fallen boulders. Be ready for some climbing. I don't remember what this specific path was called, but it skirts around the largest of the Lacs Robert, and along the mountains facing the ski lift, before following ski trails down. I would avoid following the ski lift path directly down and take this path instead, unless you want a very steep descent (it's already steep even if you take an indirect route).
- If you take the ski lift up but not down, be prepared for a mostly downhill day (around 640m / 2100 ft).
- This hike is definitely more of a full day trip, as it's great to eat lunch by the lakes and go for a swim. Many people also do longer trekking trips and bring a tent.
A dip in the Lacs Robert
General Hiking Day Trip Tips in Grenoble
- Bring toilet paper in case there are no bathrooms, and a bag for trash.
- Check that bus schedules are up to date--the city changes the schedules yearly, so make sure you have the most recent PDF.
- Arrive 20 minutes early to your bus stop in case there is a stop change (if you're getting on at a stop other than the main station). Due to construction, some stops might get moved, and you'll need some time to find the new one.
- If you have trouble reading the schedules: période scolaire = academic year, vacances scolaires = vacation during the academic year, vacances été = summer vacation. LMMeJV = the weekdays, and SDF = Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays.
There are so many mountains around Grenoble that you could honestly spend months exploring new trails. A few other hikes I would've liked to have done are: Dent de Crolles (Chartreuse range), and Lac du Lauvitel and Lac de la Muzelle (Belledonne) range, but I either didn't have time, or the transportation didn't work out. If you're looking for a long trekking trip, you might consider the GR54, or the Tour d'Oisans--it's a two-week, 176km route that's supposed to be incredibly gorgeous.
In any case, I hope you found this guide helpful! As always, don't hesitate to reach out through any medium if you have any questions.
July 11, 2019
What I'm Going to Miss (or Not) About France
I'm not sure how to feel about leaving France. On one hand, I had a lot of fun running races, exploring Europe, seeing old friends, and meeting new people. On the other hand, my difficult students were a headache, and it was tough to be away from family and loved ones.
I was supposed to stay through mid-August to train in the French Alps, and potentially race in the Swiss Alps. Unfortunately, my ankle issue uprooted my original plans. I decided to head home at the end of July--I've had my fill of traveling for now, and I'd rather spend time with my loves back home.
Since I'm heading back to the US soon, a few friends have asked me what I'll miss about France (or not). So, here are five things I'll miss, and five I'm happy to leave behind.
5 Things I'll Miss About France
1. Cheaper race entry fees / trail running
Race registration is exorbitantly expensive in the US. While I paid 39€ euros for the Lyon Half Marathon, I've paid over $100 for a half marathon in the US. My other European races ranged from 20-35€ for distances up to the half marathon. Of course, the Paris Marathon was an exception and cost roughly the same as an American marathon, given that it's a high-profile international race. I'm not sure why there's such a discrepancy in cost overall, though--American races do offer electrolyte drinks and energy gels, and French ones don't, but I can't imagine that would account for such a gap.
I also discovered trail running this year, and the landscapes in France are just so beautiful. In particular, I wasn't expecting Burgundy to have many mountains/hills, but we saw plenty during our runs. I'm sure I can keep running trails in the US, but I'll miss the outings with the running club friends I made (I actually never went to the official club runs, just the member-organized trail runs haha).
2. Zero waste stores / general eco-consciousness
I loved the local zero waste store in Dijon, where you could buy several staples in bulk (I always got brown rice and oatmeal there). Instead of plastic bags, paper bags or reusable glass jars are the packaging/containers. The store collects old glass jars, then washes and weighs them so they're ready to use. The concept not only cuts down on packaging waste, but also food waste. There were several instances I wanted a specific amount of one thing, and buying in bulk made that easier. I also appreciated the household and personal hygiene products they offered, like refillable dish soap and solid toothpaste. There's at least one or more zero waste stores in most French cities, and I'd love to see these be more common in the US!
In general, I find that the French are more eco-conscious as well. Many people are more careful about bringing reusable bags, buying local, avoiding straws, etc. Most families also don't own dryers, but air dry their clothes. This might be more motivated by cost, as electricity is expensive, but it's still more eco-friendly than running a dryer.
3. The convenience of trains and public transportation
I wouldn't have been able to take most of my trips without the French railway system. Sure, there are always buses, but they're much more inefficient and uncomfortable. One of my least favorite parts of traveling to Eastern Europe was actually the lack of trains--I was so sick of coach buses by the end of the trip (I get nauseous easily).
Within cities, I also really appreciate the metro and tram systems. Dijon has a population of 155,000 and a relatively reliable tram and bus system. If there was a problem, it was because of strikes, not due to technical issues. My hometown, Columbus, has a population of 879,000 people and no real public transportation system. This might not be a totally fair comparison since Columbus is a lot more spread out and very suburban, but it seems like only major cities in the US have working (ha) public transport.
4. Healthcare is more accessible
Going to the doctor is 25€ before government-provided insurance (it's 6,50€ after). An x-ray is about 30€ before, and 12€ after. A bone scan cost me 13€ with insurance. All of these pre- and post-insurance medical costs would've been at least three times as high in the US.
The most striking to me? A 30-minute physical therapy session is around 20€ before insurance. In the US, it's $100+, and most insurance companies have a $200+ deductible before PT is covered.
70% of my medical bills were automatically reimbursed by the government-provided insurance since I had a teaching job, but I also could've purchased supplemental insurance for 26€/month. The supplemental insurance would've covered 100% of all my medical costs, which is insanely cheap for the amount of coverage you get. (For more on French healthcare, read my guide).
5. Rent is relatively cheaper
I'm most not looking forward to Boston rent prices of around $1000/month (with multiple roommates). After income taxes, that can be 50% of your monthly income if you have an entry-level job. In Dijon, I paid just over 300€/month (including utilities) for new apartment I shared with 2 roommates. Of course, salaries are lower in France, and I made the minimum wage of 1200€/month post-tax. Proportionally, however, 25% of your monthly income for rent is way better than 50%.
It's true that Dijon and Boston are cities of different scales, so perhaps this is another unfair comparison. That said, France also has income-based government housing subsidies for all residents, called la CAF. I never received la CAF (it's a long story I'll tell later in this post), but I've heard of past English TAs receiving over 100€/month in reimbursements.
5 Things I Won't Miss About France:
1. Poor customer service
Don't get me wrong--some business owners and staff are incredibly friendly in France. I've just noticed that customer service tends to be much more curt and not as gracious.
A prime example from this year was my private gym. The owners decided to sell all the spin bikes, without asking for their clients' input. I had signed up for this gym primarily for their bikes, so I was upset and asked for a refund for my remaining membership months. I wanted to go elsewhere if the gym didn't have what I needed. At first, the owners refused to give me anything. I had to speak with both owners for over 30 minutes before one of them offered free small group classes once a week, which wasn't even something I considered very desirable.
In another instance while I was studying abroad, I received the wrong data plan, so I went back to the phone company. The salesperson had told me I'd get 1GB of data a month, but I ran out after 500MB. The staff refused to change my plan or refund my money, insisting that I had "misunderstood" the initial salesperson. I was pretty offended because I understand French very well, and even if I didn't, there's a clear difference between 1GB and 500MB.
In the US, the customer's satisfaction takes precedence in most cases. I usually just have to ask for a refund, and I'll get it.
2. Less cultural sensitivity
I shared my thoughts on being Asian in France last fall, and my sentiments remain largely the same. I experience microaggressions and racism more frequently, such as "Nihao" in the streets, people making karate noises as I run by, or strangers demanding "Are you Chinese?" before even saying hello.
I even once tried to explain that saying "Nihao" to any Asian person is racist, as it's based on the assumption that all Asians are the same. It's assuming they all speak Chinese, or that they all are Chinese. It's treating them differently because they look different. I explained that I was actually from the US, and that it wasn't cool to make assumptions. But rather than engage with me in conversation, these strangers in the elevator instead began caricaturizing Americans.
Is there a good way to respond in these situations? I think that these people know they're doing something wrong most of the time. I just don't understand why they still do it. If you turn it around and go ask white people if they're Danish, English, American, etc. in the streets, you'd look ridiculous. If you shout "baguette, baguette" at every French person you see, you'd look crazy.
I do experience microaggressions in the US, but they're much less frequent and often less unsettling.
I do experience microaggressions in the US, but they're much less frequent and often less unsettling.
3. Smoking is more prevalent
This has been a pet peeve of mine for a long time. Maybe I'm oversensitive and indoctrinated by all the anti-smoking campaigns from elementary school, but I really dislike the smell of cigarettes (I also feel like it makes me physically feel less well). In France, it's still quite trendy to smoke, especially among young people. Students will take smoke breaks between classes, and restaurant terraces are filled with smokers. In the US, I find that I encounter cigarette smoke much less frequently.
4. French bureaucracy is a headache
The French administration is notoriously inefficient and frustrating. There's a great Astérix video (French cartoon) that illustrates how much running around and back and forth there is. People will ask you to submit certain forms, say you're missing one when they never told you to submit it in the first place, ask for the same forms again, etc.
For instance, I actually never got an official apartment contract this year as the agency was incompetent. They asked for my residency permit, and I dropped off a copy as soon as I got mine. Three months later, they called and said I gave them my visa and not my residency card. The thing is, my residency permit is just a sticker in my passport, on the page facing my visa. The staff just couldn't recognize a residency permit when they saw one! I called and told them this, but I never heard back.
Since I didn't get an official apartment contract, I also couldn't get la CAF, the government housing subsidies. I wasn't too upset about that as getting the subsidies is also allegedly another headache of a process.
5. No air conditioning in most apartments and schools
This one is maybe more petty, but it's definitely a challenge as an American used to AC blasting everywhere (we also had that historic heat wave a couple weeks ago). Most apartments in France don't have AC, even if they're modern (my building doesn't, and it was constructed 2 years ago!). No AC is not new to me after living in older Boston buildings, but the small window ACs are also not common in France. In the US, there's usually at least window ACs, even if there isn't a central one.
On the flip side, I'm not looking forward to the super cold buildings in the US because of too much AC...I guess I can never win haha.
I don't want to end on a more negative note, so I will reiterate that I made many fond memories this year, and that I'll definitely miss many aspects of my life in France. I think it's interesting just to compare the different conventions and look back on the year--it's also a way to reflect on how daily life might change upon my return.
I'm not sure when I'll be back, but I'm hoping it'll be soon. In the meantime, I'll be doing my best to enjoy the time I have left!
July 7, 2019
Pros and Cons of BlaBlaCar (French Rideshare App)
I took BlaBlaCar for the first time in June. For those unfamiliar with the site/app, BlaBlaCar is a popular French ridesharing platform that allows drivers to post their itineraries, and passengers to catch a ride along the way. To sustain the company, BlaBlaCar levies a 25% commission fee (min 1€) on the rider, on top of the generally-reasonable prices that drivers set. Riders and drivers can rate each other and leave reviews, so others know what to expect (it's kind of like Airbnb for road trips).
My friends' experiences have been largely positive, so I was expecting my ride to go smoothly as well. I normally take the train in France, but I was traveling between Dijon and Troyes, and there wasn't a direct train--I would've actually had to go backwards to Paris before going to Dijon. Luckily, there were several daily rides on BlaBlaCar.
My ride was actually mess, however--my trip actually started in tears. I'll share the story later, as it's the basis for my "Cons" section.
We'll start with the good parts first, and you can also enjoy my tangentially-related snapshots of vintage cars I've run into this year. Unfortunately most, if not all, BlaBlaCar rides are in modern cars that aren't nearly as cute haha.
Pros:
1. Get to cities not connected by train
While I love the French rail system, there are several cities that aren't well-connected by train, or aren't accessible by train at all. If you look at a map of the French railway system, you'll notice that the center of France doesn't really have any stations at all--the connections are all along the edges of the country.
The city I was traveling from, Troyes, did have a station. That said, it would've taken me twice as long to get to Dijon by train than by car, because of the inconvenient connections. BlaBlaCar can really help in pinches like these.
1. Get to cities not connected by train
While I love the French rail system, there are several cities that aren't well-connected by train, or aren't accessible by train at all. If you look at a map of the French railway system, you'll notice that the center of France doesn't really have any stations at all--the connections are all along the edges of the country.
The city I was traveling from, Troyes, did have a station. That said, it would've taken me twice as long to get to Dijon by train than by car, because of the inconvenient connections. BlaBlaCar can really help in pinches like these.
2. Usually inexpensive
BlaBlaCar is usually cheaper than a train ticket, especially if you don't have a youth discount card. My two-hour, ~180km trip came out to 12,50€, including the service fee. BlaBlaCar can be helpful if you're trying to save some money, but have extra time on your hands--traveling by car is usually not nearly as quick as by train. It is, however, usually faster than buses.
BlaBlaCar is usually cheaper than a train ticket, especially if you don't have a youth discount card. My two-hour, ~180km trip came out to 12,50€, including the service fee. BlaBlaCar can be helpful if you're trying to save some money, but have extra time on your hands--traveling by car is usually not nearly as quick as by train. It is, however, usually faster than buses.
3. Enjoy company for the trip (not so great if you like to be alone)
If your driver is friendly, chatting can be a nice way to pass the time, and practice your French. Some drivers aren't that talkative though, and some passengers might be introverted, so this could go either way.
If your driver is friendly, chatting can be a nice way to pass the time, and practice your French. Some drivers aren't that talkative though, and some passengers might be introverted, so this could go either way.
Cons:
My BlaBlaCar Quasi-Horror Story:
As I mentioned earlier, my trip actually started in tears. Here's what happened, so you understand the story behind the cons:
At the time, my ankle injury was making it painful to walk, but I still hobbled the half a mile to the pickup point in Troyes, according to the site.
I texted the driver to let her know I was there, but she called and said pickup was at the train station, not the church listed on the site. Apparently BlaBlaCar sets a random location, and the driver actually decides the pickup and drop-off points--I didn't know this, and the driver didn't bother to tell me until I had already gone to the wrong place.
I asked the driver if she could still pick me up at the church, as I had an injured foot and couldn't walk the 1.5 mile to the station. She refused and told me to figure out how to get there. I called taxi companies, but no one was working Sunday morning. So I sat outside the church and started sobbing.
An elderly man biking by asked me what was wrong. He said that while he didn't have a car, he could call the driver and advocate for me. So he called her on my behalf, and convinced her to come pick me up at a central location 200 meters away. He even rode next to me until I reached the new pickup spot, to make sure I got there okay.
The driver did eventually come get me, but I'm still stunned by how cold and unsympathetic she was. I understand that she was already running late and didn't want to push back her other pickups, but I was literally 5 minutes away by car.
So, you'll understand that I'm not the most unbiased source when it comes to BlaBlaCar--my first experience was so terrible that I won't use them again unless I'm desperate.
So, here are the cons of BlaBlaCar, based on my experience:
As you can see from my story, drivers might not care at all about your well-being. In other cases, they might not even show up (after speaking to my French friends about my experience, I've realized that BlaBlaCar actually produces mixed reviews, not largely-positive ones. No-shows have actually happened to one friend on more than one occasion). There is a refund process for no-shows, but it's just more work for you--you not only have to find a last-minute ride, but also file claims to get your money back.
I also found my highly-rated driver incredibly irresponsible. For one, I had told her that I was a first-time rider, and she didn't bother to explain the pickup/drop-off location nuance beforehand. As a driver, it's her responsibility to ensure her passengers have the right information. She should've texted me the pickup spot if she hadn't heard from me the day before the trip. As passengers, we're paying for a service, so drivers should be more professional.
On top of that, our driver didn't notify any of us that she would be late. This is the same problem--it's lack of professionalism, and also disrespect for our time and plans.
It's pretty obvious that I'm not a big fan of the rideshare app--my first BlaBlaCar experience was bad, despite taking care to find a well-rated driver. If you are planning to take BlaBlaCar, I totally understand that it can be a good option in some cases. Here are my tips to facilitate a smooth ride as a passenger:
I don't plan to take BlaBlaCar anytime soon, but I do hope that any rides you take are much more pleasant than mine was!
My BlaBlaCar Quasi-Horror Story:
As I mentioned earlier, my trip actually started in tears. Here's what happened, so you understand the story behind the cons:
At the time, my ankle injury was making it painful to walk, but I still hobbled the half a mile to the pickup point in Troyes, according to the site.
I texted the driver to let her know I was there, but she called and said pickup was at the train station, not the church listed on the site. Apparently BlaBlaCar sets a random location, and the driver actually decides the pickup and drop-off points--I didn't know this, and the driver didn't bother to tell me until I had already gone to the wrong place.
I asked the driver if she could still pick me up at the church, as I had an injured foot and couldn't walk the 1.5 mile to the station. She refused and told me to figure out how to get there. I called taxi companies, but no one was working Sunday morning. So I sat outside the church and started sobbing.
An elderly man biking by asked me what was wrong. He said that while he didn't have a car, he could call the driver and advocate for me. So he called her on my behalf, and convinced her to come pick me up at a central location 200 meters away. He even rode next to me until I reached the new pickup spot, to make sure I got there okay.
The driver did eventually come get me, but I'm still stunned by how cold and unsympathetic she was. I understand that she was already running late and didn't want to push back her other pickups, but I was literally 5 minutes away by car.
So, you'll understand that I'm not the most unbiased source when it comes to BlaBlaCar--my first experience was so terrible that I won't use them again unless I'm desperate.
So, here are the cons of BlaBlaCar, based on my experience:
1. Inconvenient drop-off/pickup locations
The driver might set out-of-the-way stops if they're more accessible by car. Pickup/drop-off is normally at train stations, but you're really at the mercy of the driver once you book the ride. Of course, you can avoid potential problems by asking before booking, and reserving rides only with highly-rated drivers. My disaster ride was actually with a driver who had 4.7/5 stars over 9 rides, though. I had even asked her in advance if she could drop me off near my apartment in Dijon, to which she responded "hi sure no problem," but she didn't follow through.
The driver might set out-of-the-way stops if they're more accessible by car. Pickup/drop-off is normally at train stations, but you're really at the mercy of the driver once you book the ride. Of course, you can avoid potential problems by asking before booking, and reserving rides only with highly-rated drivers. My disaster ride was actually with a driver who had 4.7/5 stars over 9 rides, though. I had even asked her in advance if she could drop me off near my apartment in Dijon, to which she responded "hi sure no problem," but she didn't follow through.
2. Huge delays for non-direct/multi-city trips
My driver was doing a 10-hour trip with multiple stops, which meant that one delay could have a domino effect on the rest of the trip. This is exactly what happened--she was 30 minutes late coming to pick me up, going out of the way to get me added another 10 minutes, and she needed a coffee break shortly before arrival, which added another 10 minutes.
By the time we arrived in Dijon, we were an hour late. Our driver hadn't bothered to notify the woman she was picking up in Dijon. Sure, she was driving and using Google Maps, but she could've passed her phone to any of us to text the passenger, and asked another person to navigate. The passenger actually had to call to figure out why the driver was already 30 minutes late, only to find out she had to wait at least another 20 minutes.
My driver was doing a 10-hour trip with multiple stops, which meant that one delay could have a domino effect on the rest of the trip. This is exactly what happened--she was 30 minutes late coming to pick me up, going out of the way to get me added another 10 minutes, and she needed a coffee break shortly before arrival, which added another 10 minutes.
By the time we arrived in Dijon, we were an hour late. Our driver hadn't bothered to notify the woman she was picking up in Dijon. Sure, she was driving and using Google Maps, but she could've passed her phone to any of us to text the passenger, and asked another person to navigate. The passenger actually had to call to figure out why the driver was already 30 minutes late, only to find out she had to wait at least another 20 minutes.
3. Drivers can lack empathy, not show up, or just generally be irresponsible
As you can see from my story, drivers might not care at all about your well-being. In other cases, they might not even show up (after speaking to my French friends about my experience, I've realized that BlaBlaCar actually produces mixed reviews, not largely-positive ones. No-shows have actually happened to one friend on more than one occasion). There is a refund process for no-shows, but it's just more work for you--you not only have to find a last-minute ride, but also file claims to get your money back.
I also found my highly-rated driver incredibly irresponsible. For one, I had told her that I was a first-time rider, and she didn't bother to explain the pickup/drop-off location nuance beforehand. As a driver, it's her responsibility to ensure her passengers have the right information. She should've texted me the pickup spot if she hadn't heard from me the day before the trip. As passengers, we're paying for a service, so drivers should be more professional.
On top of that, our driver didn't notify any of us that she would be late. This is the same problem--it's lack of professionalism, and also disrespect for our time and plans.
It's pretty obvious that I'm not a big fan of the rideshare app--my first BlaBlaCar experience was bad, despite taking care to find a well-rated driver. If you are planning to take BlaBlaCar, I totally understand that it can be a good option in some cases. Here are my tips to facilitate a smooth ride as a passenger:
- Pick drivers with 10+ good reviews, if possible. Take the reviews with a grain of salt though, as they can still be inaccurate.
- Ask your driver for the pickup place at least a day in advance.
- Opt for point-to-point trips to avoid delays at different stops.
- If you're planning to bring luggage, ask about the amount of space in the car.
I don't plan to take BlaBlaCar anytime soon, but I do hope that any rides you take are much more pleasant than mine was!
Happy travels,
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