Water and Birds

Two things have been on my mind a lot since I've arrived: water and birds.  Strange, right?  Allow me to explain (disclaimer: about to ramble)

Sooo, for some reason, it seems to me that the French view their water very strangely.  First of all, it is my understanding that utilities are very expensive in the city.  Thus, showering goes like this: instead of having a showerhead to stand under, there is a detachable shower head that you hold, but nowhere to mount it.  To save time and water, you're supposed to alternate soaping/lathering with rinsing, turning off the water when you're using the soap.  Thus, each morning, I've found that it's easiest to shampoo standing OUTSIDE the tub with my head leaning over it.  It's quite an ordeal.  And no, this was not me being clever; I was crouching pathetically under the low-to-the-ground shower head for quite some time before mentioning something to one of the other French students, who then told me the alternating soaping/rinsing strategy.  Who knew? 

Also, drinking water here is pretty rare.  More often they drink wine with their meal, so throughout the day I am SO dehydrated.  My host mom bought large bottles of mineral water, but at the rate that I drink (especially with running), I'd cost her $$$ if I drank it all the time.  Therefore, the sink tap and I have become great friends, of late.  Is it safe to drink?  Dunno, but it's better than dying of thirst, right?

Last comment on water: it is legal here to swim in the fountains, and there are fancy fountains EVERYWHERE.  So guess what's on my agenda tomorrow? :)

Onto bird commentary:  There are three types of birds in particular that have made my stay here thus far very interesting.  The first kind I encountered were storks, "les cigonnes", which is some sort of official bird of Strasbourg.  Let me tell you, they are GINORMOUS.  I mean, HUGE.  Their nests are incredible, and they just stroll around the walkways of the park, like nbd.  I wonder if they bring big babies...

Also, the pigeons here are really prevalent.  Unlike the stupid pigeons at home, these pigeons are pretty ballsy as far as city birds go.   My host mother is so cute; she showed me her balcony off of her kitchen the other day, and all these pigeons were resting on the ledge, staring at her.  The tiny little old lady (with big glasses, are you picturing this?) went over, "shoo! shoo! shoo!" scowling and waving them off.  Alas, they sat there defiantly.  And, may I add, they're quite fat.

Finally, the parrot.  Parrots in Strasbourg? you might ask.  Well, the only one I encounter is the one that lives in the landlord's window.  Every morning and afternoon when I go to unlock/lock my bike (which has been incredibly convenient thus far, btw), the bird whistles at me and then asks me questions in French.  No joke!  He'll say, "Ca va?  Tout est bien?"  Too funny!!

Okay, that's enough about random birds and water.  If you don't like my commentary, well....I guess you should unsubscribe to my blog then! :)

Becky