I may say that the geography of Grenoble is somewhat similar to Kyoto, both surrounded by mountains. The difference is that the mountains in Kyoto are imbued with temples and cultural sites. For Grenoble, though not completely absent, the mountains are primarily a natural resort for skiing and hiking. I will surely "profiter de ça."
I have been discovering more in the city: Do you know Stendhal was born here in 1783? And he absolutely abhorred this city! Do you know Rousseau stayed here for a short period of time as well? Do you know Napoléon passed here in 1815 before he went to Paris to retake the power from the Royalists? And there are a few beautiful monasteries on the mountainside. One of them, la grande Chartreuse, is where the documentary "Into the Great Silence" was made. A place to which I have no access, though mesmerizing to contemplate the life inside.
Each of these deserves a separate entry. And that will be done. But the city itself, especially the old section where I stay, is fascinating as well. I have already experienced the cultural difference between America and Europe. Everything here is delicately small: alleys, cafés, restaurants, bookstores, bakeries, etc. I have taken a few times of walk around the area. It was absolutely lovely. There are also many "places" in the area, where I can often find churches, monuments, or other historical sites. The summer time is the best in Grenoble. People here love to hang out outside, chatting with friends, enjoying the sunshine, having a good meal. A different kind of life.
Well, c'est tout pour aujourd'hui. Tomorrow the class starts, and perhaps it is the start of my transition from the initial cultural excitement to a more gradual cultural adaptation. On verra.
