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Journal: Hong Wei: Exploration in Rouen
May 8-13, 2007
 Rouen |
In a small but nicely decorated room in the Anderson Hotel, we had a French breakfast. There were no bacon and eggs; we had five kinds of bread, three types of jam and three kinds of cheeses.
We just could not wait to explore Rouen. Erik and I passed through lanes and lanes among old three-story buildings. These are typical French traditional buildings made from wood and concrete filled in the middle part. When we came out from the tiny lane, we were amazed by a huge Abbatiale St. Ouen and Napoleon statue. Looking at sculptures on the wall, I cannot imagine how people built it at that time. We were amazed by all the culture and buildings in downtown Rouen. People here carry their dogs around the city. The entire image in the 101 Dalmations cartoon was coming to mind.
Rouen Cathedral is gigantic and impressive. Monet paintings on stained glasses surrounded the cathedral. I hoped I could understand the history of that cathedral and the story on the wall.
 Abbatiale St. Ouen and Napoleon statues |
All the shops were closed because May 8 is a holiday in France. Shops close during holidays and Sunday. People do not work on Monday when Tuesday is a holiday or Friday when Thursday is holiday. They call it a bridge.
Chase, another guy who is going to work in Rouen, met us at Anderson Hotel. The following day, Chase and I started our internship at the University of Rouen. Erik headed down to Bordeaux, located three hours southwest from Paris, for his internship.
 Rouen Cathedral |
Mr. Jean-Marc introduced us to his colleagues in his lab. I am working in his lab with L. Delbreilh. I have no idea what I will be working on during these two months. I kept asking a lot of questions and searching for a direction. Until today, I still could not find the path. It was just a start. However, I was really excited about the research; I couldn't wait for that.
Since last night we've needed to worry about our meals. It is a frustrating but fun time in the market since we do not know their language. A small French phrase book, which provides some basic sentences for traveler, is an essential tool for us. We guessed how to order the food by looking at the picture with the help of a small French phrase book. The only sentence we always use is "C'est combine?" (How much is it?), but when they reply to me, I have no idea what they are talking about. Fortunately, a woman showed me a scan machine that displays the price of the product. The market closed at 8 p.m.; no one could buy anything because lights were turned off gradually from the back.
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