Category: Metz

The wonderful, charming, and historic city of Metz has lots going on, and sometimes the students will give you a glimpse of their new European hometown.

Forgotten Metz: The Value in the Local City

Written by: Ashlyn Willis

I, along with many other students in this program, was initially enthralled with this program for all it offers on the international scheme. Travelling across Europe every weekend for the entire summer? Say no more! Like clockwork, we scrambled around booking trains, sketching itineraries, and drafting packing lists every week, all in the pursuit of new cities, new experiences, and more. Paris, Amsterdam, Vienna, the list goes on. However, between the excitement of these outbound journeys and the exhaustion of returning late Sunday nights, these past few weeks, I began to realize I had begun overlooking the city we were actually living in. 

Not long ago, if you had asked me to point Metz, France, out on a map, I wouldn’t have even known where to look in the country. And yet, it has slowly become a quiet place of significance in this movement-filled summer. Particularly in the last week, as I spent much time downtown, I found myself wandering down the cobblestone streets and admiring the softness of the town. It has a gentler rhythm, with less broadcasted stories than larger, more tourist-drawing cities, but the history here is anything but quiet. From its Roman ruins to its huge cathedral, Metz itself is rich with history. Even for its beauty alone, Metz to me seems like something from a fairytale or storybook. The Moselle River, the main river running in its center, is always so magical to me with how lily pads float on the edge of the water, washing up against the stones of the pathways lining its bank. It is a nice calm, especially walking down alongside it on the lower levels with a tree-lined park by the marina.

Images at sunset of the Metz marina on the Moselle River and the Temple Neuf.

One of my favorite discoveries has been the small corner near the Temple Neuf, the castle-looking building where the river splits and creates a little island park. You can sit under a tree or on the benches and watch boats drift by or people walk along the streets, with the sound of the many tree leaves rustling or the church bells in the distance. Just uphill from the river lies the cathedral, so mentioned, one of the biggest draws I have found myself to in Metz. The way its towering height appears out of nowhere never ceases to amaze me. One of my favorite things about it is the color scheme; the sandy gold stone matches the colors of the town, so despite its intricate Gothic engravings, it still blends in seamlessly.  

Metz has reminded me that exploration and travel aren’t always about how many miles have been travelled or how many cities have been visited; sometimes it’s about looking a little harder into what’s right in front of you. Don’t get me wrong; I still catch plenty of trains on the weekends (having travelled 2 days, 22 hours, and 52 minutes worth of time so far according to my Eurorail app) and I love the thrill of stepping into a new place, but I have definitely come to realize Metz is so much more than a place to sleep and attend classes. Whether it’s wandering around at dusk with gelato from Amorino’s, reading the stories about the dragon Graoully, or catching the MB bus from Francois Arago to visit the train station for a field trip, Metz has grown on me immensely for all it has to offer!

The Graoully dragon, hung up in the street or “village” of Taison.

History and Humanities: The Promises They Offer

Written by: Ashlyn Willis

Walking into the first day of classes was rough; it was a quick and immediate turnaround from the nine hour flight and four hour bus ride from Hartsfield-Jackson, Atlanta to Frankfurt, Germany, and finally to Metz, France. Furthermore, there was no masking the fact that it was indeed at its core, school. However, soon after the first week of classes I was quick to count my blessings. I have made several friends enrolled in classes like computer science, math, and more, and although I am a science major as well, I am using this summer as an opportunity to complete my free-elective credits. I therefore strategically designed what I deem to be a spectacular schedule:

Monday and Wednesday

10:25 am – 12:20 pm: History, Science, and Technology

Tuesday and Thursday

10:25 am – 12:20 pm: Creative Writing

1:30 pm – 3:25 pm: Documentary Film

(On Tuesdays, the occasional 6 pm – 8 pm GTE 2000 lecture as well)

I was able to choose classes I was passionate about, rather than ones I directly needed for my major of environmental science. Because of this, I have been able to take what feels like a much-needed breath of fresh air after my first year academic experience completing core classes at Georgia Tech. I am incredibly passionate about history and the arts, and given that I am a person who is motivated for schoolwork when I am interested about the subject, I was incredibly grateful to be able to take these classes. Furthermore, I was unaware of the fact that many of my GTE classes would overlap in content. In GTE 2000 and field trips to the local Metz museum with Creative Writing, we discussed ancient Roman architecture and its impact on the region.

Images of Roman baths and carvings in the Museum of La Cour d’Or based here in Metz, France.

In History, Science, and Technology, and another outing with Creative Writing to the Gare de Metz, we discussed architecture choices and Gothic builds. In Documentary Film, we covered how to conduct a good interview, of which I will be doing with peers for this very task as a GTE blogger! (Another shout-out to Creative Writing, as the overarching focus of the class for this summer is travel writing…convenient with helping me to better my skills in writing blogs!) Not to mention, these classes have helped me appreciate my travels even more. Up to this point, I have utilized my weekends to visit Luxembourg, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava; all places with diverse and rich histories. Given the subjects of my classes, I have been able to notice certain things with different cities that I may not have fully understood before. For example, in my GTE 2000 class, we learned how the use of flying buttresses in Gothic architecture helped to raise ceilings so much higher than before, lending way for the massive cathedrals found all across Europe. In visiting Vienna, I was able to see a magnificent example of this with St. Stephen’s Cathedral; a towering build with the most intricate designs I had ever seen. In my History class as well, we have an individual project for our case studies to present to the class, and I chose to discuss building Gothic architecture, a topic which I now feel quite knowledgeable in due to these classes.

Images from inside and outside St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna, Austria, showcasing its towering ceilings and spires.

The experience of being able to travel to learn more about our topics has been incredibly beneficial to deepening my appreciation for both my classes as well as for weekend trips. I have also found myself doing research on different places in an attempt to learn more about what I will be seeing. For instance, it was interesting to note how both the city of Luxembourg and Bratislava were somewhat built into cliffs as fortifications. Both were cities that I had not known too much about before visiting, and in reading about them, I was able to gain a better appreciation and understanding for their impressive construction. Taking these humanities classes has helped me to realize there should never be a lack of underappreciation of all that they have to offer; you’ll never know how the things you gain from them could help you appreciate more of the world we live in and all the unique perspectives there are!

Views from Bratislava, Slovakia and Luxembourg City, Luxembourg showcasing their fortress-like build.

Eating My Way Through Metz

Written by: Katherine Sanders

I take food VERY seriously. For me, experiencing a new country primarily means experiencing a new cuisine. In Germany I needed schnitzel, in Italy I needed gelato, and in Belgium I needed chocolate. My willingness to eat out on the weekends usually means that in Metz, I take advantage of all the free food opportunities I can get. 

Breakfast is catered by Paul. You can expect to get a different breakfast every day of the week, but there isn’t an assigned food for each day. It rotates between full size croissants and pain au chocolats; mini croissants, mini pain au chocolats and mini gourmandises; powdered jelly-filled beignets and nutella-filled chocolate-dipped beignets; and chocolate chip brioche with an assortment of breakfast cakes.

Coffee, orange juice, and apple juice are always provided. There is also a vending machine in the lounge that serves lattes, cappuccinos, americanos and potage “tomats” (tomato soup???).

As I’ve mentioned before, lunch at GTE is provided by the nearby high school, “Crous.” The lunch period for French high schools is very long. In French culture, lunch is a time to take a break and socialize. Working while eating is unacceptable and fortunately, I comply. 

Unlike in the U.S., where lunch is usually a grab-and-go situation, French organizations take their lunch seriously. The local cafeteria available to GTE students serves lunch consisting of a savory side, main, and sweet side. Students are allotted ten points. Five of those come from the main course and the other five come from two sides. You can mix and match however you like, but your plate cannot exceed ten points.

Sides are usually carrot, celeriac root, beetroot, green salad or potato salad. Depending on the size, these are usually worth two points. Sometimes, there’s fish, liver pâté or hard-boiled eggs. These sides are worth three points. Every day, a new type of cheese is given as a side for two points.

The main meal is typically a combination of meat (or substitute), grain, and vegetable stir fry. Students have a good amount of power in what they get on their plate. You can mix and match a single protein with different sides. There are two types of meats, one a vegetarian option and one chicken, turkey, or beef. Couscous, rice, or mashed potatoes are the grain, and the constant vegetable stir fry always has green beans and carrots. There are a few odd days where french fries, lasagna, or kebab are choices. If you tell the servers you are “grosse faim” (very hungry), they will give you “une grande portion” (a large portion). The same goes for if you are “petite faim.”

For dessert, fruit, coffee, flan and vanilla yogurts are always offered. Typically, there are one or two flavors of mousse or pudding. Since these desserts are prepackaged, they are worth two points. If students are lucky, there can be hazelnut fritters, crepes, tartes or cake. These are all three points. Fruits are always bananas, kiwis, apples and oranges. A large piece of fruit and two small pieces of fruit are two points.

At the end of the line, you place your prepaid “Izly” card on the scanner. I’ve seen some French students pay by card, and it looks like the total is only 3€. After paying, you offered a free “pain” (roll of bread.) I’ve described the cafeteria multiple times, but again, it’s like a high school cafeteria. Water pitchers are at the tables, and students fill them up with a pedal-powered water fountain. 

Even after weekends with nice meals and authentic European food, the cafeteria never disappoints me. 

P.S. I have a food account (@nibblesbitsandbytes on Instagram (it’s a play on terms for binary strings)) and write food reviews!!!

Metz Part 2: Mirabelles

Written by Matteo Ruffo

I am an overzealous traveler and in my desire to see the world, I seemed to immediately forget about the historical city right in front of me after arriving at GT-Europe. My mind immediately raced to my first trip: a tour of Luxembourg and Belgium. I booked my buses and trains, my lodging and museums, and then received an email that conflicted me: the Mirabelle Festival was this weekend! And so, I cut my (absolutely wonderful) Belgium trip a day short, and booked a 6:00 am bus back to Metz on Sunday in order to experience one of Lorraine’s most important traditions firsthand.

Out of all of Metz’s traditions, the Mirabelle Festival is certainly the most famous. Mirabelles are a tiny golden plum that have been harvested in Lorraine for a few hundred years. The two variations are the larger, more bruised Nancy Mirabelle, and the smaller, more tart Metz Mirabelle; the latter of which is the subject of the festival. Mirabelles aren’t only eaten at this festival, they are cherished. There is mirabelle art, concerts dedicated to the mirabelle, and any assortment of food or drink that you can imagine made from mirabelles. Now, why are Mirabelles so beloved? In order to understand, let me paint a bigger picture for you.

Metz was founded as Divodurum by the Romans, and quickly became rich due to its grapes and the wine that those grapes made. Divodurum prospered for a while, until it didn’t. During the Year of the Four Emperors in 69 AD, the pretender emperor Vitellius inexplicably sacked the city, massacring its citizens. The Franks invaded in the 3rd Century AD- and the city was sacked and destroyed again by Attila the Hun in 451. Metz slowly recovered, and soon prospered once more: as long as humans lust, there will always be a market for grapes and wine.

Metz then proceeded to survive the middle ages through many sieges, battles, and attacks, but happened upon incredibly tough times in the 1800s: the city fell to the Germans in 1870, and a horrible infesting pest called the grape phylloxera destroyed the region’s grapes. Throughout history, when you lose a major source of your economic prowess, as well as a major crop, a few things generally occur: famine, recession, and poverty. A replacement for the grape was necessary to quell these horrors from being realized upon Metz, as well as Lorraine as a whole; and so, a small yellow plum from Anatolia was imported, where it thrived in the conditions of Lorraine, particularly in Metz and Nancy. Mirabelle quite literally means “looks beautiful”, if you take the etymology of the word; while there is no definitive evidence of why it was named this, I like to think it looked beautiful to the people of Lorraine, as a savior to the destruction of the grape vines and as a beacon of hope in a time of perennial darkness.

Thus it began: every year, around the time of the Mirabelle harvest, Metz would have a festival dedicated to the crop. Rows and rows of tents filled the local park in Metz, and a concert pavilion was constructed to hold singing events; carnival games were set up, food stands were propped up, and the festivities commenced. In the tents, you could buy an assortment of goods: pretzels, wines, juices, and arts and crafts such as handcrafted bird boxes, watercolor paintings, and comic displays; but most of all, you could buy almost anything Mirabelle based that you could think up. There was Mirabelle beignets, Mirabelle cola, Mirabelle gummies, Mirabelle candies, Mirabelle jam, Mirabelle juice, Mirabelle cakes, Mirabelle ice cream, and just about anything else you could imagine that Mirabelles could be used in: there was a stand specializing in Mirabelle fusion into Guinean food; there were Mirabelle floats twice the size of any man; but most of all, there were people proud of their city, celebrating themselves and their heritage through the means of the small yellow plum that not so long ago gave hope to the people of Metz.

Just as peaches represent Atlanta, Mirabelles represent Metz, and this longstanding tradition only epitomizes what my peers and I have come to learn: even the smallest of cities can have the biggest of hearts. So whether you’d like to call it the Green City, Garden City, City of the Dragon, or City of Mirabelles, one thing is for certain: we at GT-Europe are all lucky to call Metz home.

Metz Part 1: Magnificence

Written by Matteo Ruffo

It’s Pronounced Messsssssss…
All I knew of Metz before arriving to GT-Europe was that the city had a massive cathedral, as well as a soccer team that jumped between the first and second divisions of France’s professional league system. I expected a small town, a quiet place with pretty sites but not much else to do. Naturally, I was hideously mistaken.

There is much and more to do around Metz. There are the classic museums, restaurants, cafes, and churches that have become so attributed to European cities, yes; but there are also festivals, craft shops, a thriving nightlife scene, river activities, parades, gardens, parks, carnival rides, and a stadium where thousands support their beloved soccer team.

You learn upon arriving in Metz that it isn’t pronounced with a natural Anglophone “tz” sound at the end: it is pronounced as “Mess”. The city doesn’t have a pleasant history with the Germans, so any instance of Metz being pronounced as “Metz” instead of “Mess” is very immediately corrected. This is fitting: the people here are proud. They are proud of their city, they are proud of their history, and they are proud of who they are.

The “Green” City
So, what is Metz, and what is its significance? If you look it up online, the internet may tell you that Metz is the Garden City, or perhaps the Green City.

In Morocco and India, you will find the Blue Cities of Chefchaouen and Jodhpur, for their blue painted streets and homes. Udaipur and Toulouse are the Pink Cities, each for different reasons. Marrakech is the Red City, due to the color of its stones, soil, and the hues of the desert sun that shine so brightly upon it. Metz, where Georgia Tech-Europe is located, is dubbed by some as the Green City, named for the many trees, parks, and vegetation that grow in tandem with the imperial and classic architecture that line the city streets.

I confess, I feel as though “The Green City” is a misnomer. It is undeniable that Metz has greenery, but so do many other cities throughout France, let alone the globe. If you go to Metz, the countless trees and parks and plants will be pleasant, but it will not be what you notice the most. You’ll instead notice the enormous High Gothic cathedral, spotted with hundred of dazzling stained-glass windows, and dozens of mythical monstrosities in gargoyle form. You’ll notice the rows of Imperial German and Renaissance style buildings, built out of Jaumont, the dimmed golden limestone that gives the city its Medieval-blonde hue; and you’ll notice the dragons, the great green fiery beasts meant to represent Graoully, the legendary dragon of Metz who terrorized the townspeople for decades before being defeated, captured, and thrown into the river by the equally legendary Saint Clement of Metz.

There is a river front with views like something out of fairytales. There is a vast Imperial Quarter, dotted with quaint cafes and fortifications from centuries ago still standing as tall and proud as they had through the sieges and wars that passed beneath their walls; and there is incredible diversity throughout the city as well. You may find yourself in a cafe or a French brasserie one moment, then an Afghan or Turkish restaurant the next. With such an assimilation of culture, Metz is a city of people; with such an opulent history, Metz is a city of legend; with people with such love for their golden-hued city, Metz is a city of pride; with such glamorous architecture, Metz is a city of beauty; and with all of these things, Metz is a city of magnificence and tradition.

And luckily for us, we were able to witness one of Metz’s finest traditions firsthand in our first week on campus.

An Auspicious Arrival: Week One In Europe

Written by Matteo Ruffo

The Arrival

Before heading back to school, I imagine everyone’s feelings are the same: new ambitions, a plethora of excitement, and plenty of anxiety. When you are about to embark on a study abroad, all of those emotions increase tenfold. There is fear, there is change, but above all, there is the grandeur of exploring new places, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures — a sensation that cannot be done justice by description alone. You must experience it.

After my previous study abroad experience in Barcelona, my excitement drastically increased for this one, but tendrils of uncertainty remained. What if Metz underwhelmed? What if the classes were backbreaking, what if the people were unfriendly? As for the trips, how would I manage? My semester in Spain had spoiled me: despite being just outside of Barcelona, I was provided with quick and easy access to a world-class airport. From Metz, the commute to Paris’ or Luxembourg’s airports would be hefty, and trains would be the preferred mode of mid-distance transportation. How would I travel? Where would I go? How would I budget myself? Yet as I lifted off on my flight from New York to Frankfurt, these questions and doubts faded into obscurity. All of my worries seemed to be far away- I was headed on a new journey, and there was nothing to lose. Adventure awaits those bold enough to take a leap of faith; and any study abroad experience is a leap of faith. I was determined to make the most of what Metz had in store for me.

Any first day can be expected to have its issues. From canceled flights, to missing shuttles, to misplaced luggage, and finally to racing through Frankfurt’s airport, we certainly had ours. After landing, I managed to meet up with some Tech students at an elevator in the airport. Together, we slowly but surely found our way through the airport, made it to our shuttle, and embarked to the Lafayette dorms next to GT-Europe’s campus. I personally fell asleep immediately after entering my room; we were all jet-lagged, all exhausted. It had taken most students nearly an entire day to arrive at GT-Europe; for others, whose flights got canceled or delayed, it took upwards to 40 hours. My trip was fine, however; I had no issues with luggage, and my flight was quiet and uneventful, and I was thankful to be so lucky.

Campus Life & Metz Impressions

Campus itself is slightly outside of the city, but a quick bus ride, provided with our unlimited bus pass*, can get you into Metz quickly and comfortably. My first true experience with Metz was short, but interesting nevertheless. I went into the city with a few friends, and after meeting up with more students, we walked to the Cathedral of Metz, had kebab at one of the cities many kebab spots, and enjoyed the greenery and light that combined to give a breezy, sparkling atmosphere to the city at night.

The dorms themselves are small, but private. You will have no roommates at GT-Europe**, but you will be right next to tons of students who are just as anxious and willing to make new friends as you, so meeting people is easy. A big closet, plenty of shelf space, and plenty of cabinets line the apartment, and a twin bed with provided linens rests next to a window. The school provides you a Eurail pass*, free unlimited Metz bus pass*, and cafeteria pass*, as well as your European student ID: elsewise, it’s really up in the air as to what you get in your room. Maybe you’ll get some utensils, maybe some bowls, maybe some pots and pans. If you’re really lucky, you’ll get a fan. Nobody got a trashcan or trash bags this semester, so half of us went to Cora to purchase some, and the other half waited until the donated supplies exchange to obtain theirs. Overall, however, the most difficult day is the first day – the unpacking, the purchasing of groceries and supplies, the meeting new people and acclimating to your new surroundings. No difficult exam or nerve wracking presentation can ever live up to the pressure of the first day; but we survived, and set ourselves up for a wonderful semester to come.

Lafayette Dorm Room (left), GTE Building Lobby (right)

The campus and dorms are separated by a roundabout lined with trees and vegetation, and a nearby lake is surrounded by soccer fields, outdoor gyms, and student centers, as well as the actual GT-Europe campus itself. Classes are divided into color coordinated rooms on four levels of the GT-Europe building: a cubic, paned-glass building that resembles a Rubix cube at first glance. Most of the classes can seat upwards to 50 students if need be, but none of my classes have more than 15 students, making for a tight-knit classroom culture that allows us not only to get to know each other, but also for the professor to get to know us more than just on a superficial level. Laundry is quick and easy; bed sheets and linens can be exchanged for clean versions every week, and the washing machines are within the dorm buildings and very easy to access. Groceries of any sort can be found at the nearby grocery stores of Auchan or Cora, and an assortment of restaurants dot the area around campus: such as Mamma Mia Pizza, a pizza place that specializes in sprinkling olives on their pizzas, a Southern barbeque place that reminds me of a parody combination of Whataburger, Wingnuts, and J.R. Crickets from the outside, and of course, a McDonalds. Ultimately, I prefer to venture into the city if I am eating out, as there are so many food options to be discovered in just one walk through the city.

Orientation came and went without a hitch: classes started, and the jet lag which had plagued us replaced itself with a new familiarity to the environment we were in. I took the next few days to get to know everyone, clean my dorm, and of course, plan the first of my many trips: nearby Belgium and Luxembourg. And so, our GT-Europe trip begins: starting with the Green City of Metz.

Until then, this is Matteo Ruffo, signing off.

*Subject to change by semester. Please check GTE website for most up to date information.

**Subject to change by semester and student choice of dorms. 

No Shame in a Staycation! 

Written by Cate McCoy

Traveling this summer has been an incredible experience, and it’s been so fun to look back on all the new places I’ve visited. Since my travel group’s first weekend in Paris, we’ve cruised on the canals in Amsterdam, cliff-jumped in Cinque Terre, hiked in the Swiss Alps, visited the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy, and ate pig knuckle in Munich. What I didn’t realize is that I’d become super burnt-out from traveling, and despite trying to push through, my body reached its limit last weekend. 

I was looking forward to our trip to Lake Como, and I set my alarm for 5 AM the night before so I could catch the first train of the day. But when I finally woke up, it was bright outside and much later than 5 AM. My phone was spammed with missed calls and texts from my travel group trying to wake me up. I was able to catch an afternoon train, which—thanks to my bad luck—broke down on the way. After lots of timetable searching and calculating my odds of getting stranded in a station alone overnight, I accepted that I would not be going to Lake Como. I switched trains in Strasbourg and headed straight back to Metz in tears. 

That evening, I went grocery shopping, cleaned my room, and did laundry—all the things that I was putting off for when I got back from Italy. The next day, I slept in and took a late train to Luxembourg, where I spent the evening exploring the city. Before heading back to Metz, I grabbed some food from a kiosk and sat at a lookout while I ate. The next day, I trained to Nancy, where I visited the gold-embellished central square, sat in a café to do my fluid mechanics homework, and laid in the park and read. Then, once again, I headed back to Metz, refreshed from my restful weekend. 

Though I was initially upset about missing out on Lake Como, I ended the weekend feeling that maybe my bad luck was good luck after all. I had gotten to catch up on sleep and try out solo traveling, and I only spent about 30 Euros for the entire weekend! 

When studying abroad, it’s easy to get caught up in the grand plans of all the places you want to go and forget to make one plan that’s super important: a time to rest! While skipping a trip can be a hard decision to make, staying behind to catch up on sleep or schoolwork can make your future trips more enjoyable and less stressful. Rest doesn’t have to mean staying in bed all day, though there’s no shame in that. Instead, you can sleep in and spend the day exploring Metz or go on a day trip to another nearby city. GTE is in a convenient part of Europe and is close to lots of beautiful places that are only an hour train ride away. There’s so much nearby that often gets overlooked; go explore it, and you might find that a calm weekend is exactly what you need. 

Mamie M’a Dit to try French Food

Written by Serena

Mamie M’a Dit was nothing short of the true French dining experience. From the moment I stepped foot into this quaint restaurant in downtown Metz, I was consumed by the excitement of indulging in a feast of gastronomic authenticity.

The walls were painted red, adorned with black and white photos. The space was decorated with wooden furniture and illuminated with dimmed, soft lights, giving the restaurant a warm, comforting glow. As I sat down, a sense of sleepiness loomed over me due to the cozy ambiance, but that had to be ignored when I was handed the menu. First, I glossed over it, a bit overwhelmed that everything was in French (of course). I attempted to make out certain words that I recognized, like ‘escargot,’ ‘crème brûlée,’ and ‘poulet.’ Not many others stuck out to me unfortunately. The attempt ran short before I humbly requested the English version.

My knowledge of French dinner foods was limited, but I did know a staple of the cuisine was escargot so my decision for the entree was immediate. Given that this was a classy dinner with a 40-euro budget per person, my good friend and I decided to merge our funds. This strategy allowed us to share our two entrees and enjoy a single dessert together, optimizing our dining experience. For her entree, she chose the salmon tartare. As we waited for the server to take our orders, we pondered over what we wanted for our mains and dessert.

Almost everything on the menu looked delectable, but the two items that stuck out to me were the veal and duck breast with Mirabelle plums. Since we made the executive decision to combine funds, I ordered the veal while my friend asked for the duck, each of us agreeing to try each other’s meals so that we wouldn’t miss out. We finally placed our orders after what seemed like forever, our hunger escalating as the evening progressed. Good thing there was unlimited bread!

As the wait for our meals stretched longer, our hunger transformed from mere anticipation to a gnawing sensation. Finally, the entrees arrived and the warm aroma immediately flooded my nostrils. I was eager to devour the food swiftly, but I stopped myself, as I wanted to enjoy every bite and analyze the flavors of this delicacy I had been anticipating for so long. The dish looked elegant; the escargot was enrobed in a lush, white creamy sauce. The history of escargot is a fascinating journey. Initially, escargot was consumed by the lower classes and regarded as an easily accessible protein source. Over time, it transformed into a symbol of sophistication and wealth, especially in French cuisine, where its preparation and presentation became a true art form.

I picked up a spoonful, examining the looks of it before taking the first bite. The dish overall reminded me of clam chowder but without the oyster crackers. It offered a texture that was satisfyingly chewy and flavor rich of garlic, marrying the comforting, bountiful flavors of the sauce with the snail’s unique tenderness. My friend had previously tried escargot in Paris, and I asked her to compare her thoughts on the two. She deemed that her time trying it in Paris offered a more genuine experience because it was served in the actual shells instead of in a sauce. It was still delicious to her; however she appreciated the authenticity of extracting the meat herself, which made me envious of this phenomenon. After the first taste, I could not stop myself from scarfing the rest of the dish down.

Next, came the salmon tartare. It came accompanied by four pieces of bread, an element that enhanced the dish’s appeal with a crispy texture that contrasted with the softness of the salmon. The pairing of the bread and salmon evoked a sense of home and nostalgia; it echoed the popular combination of a bagel and salmon lox. Though it was a delightful reminder of my usual breakfast at home, it lacked the flavorful sensation that I initially anticipated. The freshness of the salmon was undeniably present yet demanded a zestful enhancement, perhaps a twinge of lemon juice, to elevate its mild, but agreeable taste.

The meal starters most definitely did not disappoint, leaving me satisfied but only for a fleeting moment. My stomach shortly beckoned for more food. After an almost fulfilling first course, each passing moment of waiting for the main dishes seemed to heighten our expectations further. The immense apprehension of the forthcoming meal was not just the usual wait for food that I am used to, but an awaited event that promised relief and satisfaction. The desire to feast intensified as the wait went on, and my hunger continued to deepen making my stomach growl ever more fiercely. As my friend and I shared our escalating hunger and the joyful bliss of tasting our dinners, we got lost in deep conversation in order to distract ourselves. Around us, the restaurant’s atmosphere gave us a cozy haven of friendly chatter and laughter amongst us and our fellow classmates. The soft lighting cast a warm glow over the tables, enriching the ambiance with a golden hue as the evening went on, transforming our dinner into an intimate experience.

Alas, the main courses made their way towards us, and we reveled in the excitement of finally indulging in the long-awaited cuisine. In my dish, the veal was submerged in a sauce of Muenster cheese that promised richness but delivered an aroma that unfortunately clashed with my expectations. The scent was aggressively pungent and evoked the unpleasant image of decay, specifically bringing to my mind the idea of rotting mushrooms. My friend was curious about my dish and tasted the veal. She found the smell less daunting than I did. Though she enjoyed it more than I did, she avoided ordering it for ethical purposes regarding the preparation of veal. Veal is often prepared from young calves not raised to maturity, resulting in tender meat. The controversy surrounding veal lies in the methods of rearing these calves, which many argue are restrictive and unethical. The discord between the veal’s savory taste and its off-putting smell created a sensory clash, making it ever so difficult to appreciate the dish to its fullest. The cheese’s potent fragrance lingered, overshadowing the veal’s innate qualities, and making each attempt to enjoy the meal a struggle against my senses.

In contrast, my friend’s duck was a symphony of delectable sensations. The meat was not just tender but juicy, each bite releasing flavors that carried the mouthwatering aroma of a well-crafted meal. This delightful scent and taste were entirely captivating and completely different from the almost offensive notes that blemished my dish. The duck was paired with the sweet tartness of Mirabelle plums, mainly cultivated in the Lorraine region of France, which offered a flavorful harmony that elevated the dish to a different level. The plums’ subtle acidity and natural sweetness intertwined with the duck’s richness enhanced its flavor, leaving me with a sense of envy. I wrestled with my veal as the duck stood as a taunting reminder of what could have been, a flavorful heaven, deepening my regret over my choice and my discomfort over the uneaten, wasted portion sitting in front of me.

It was time to close our course with one final touch: crème brûlée. As our crème brûlée was served, the anticipation for its classic sweetness was evident among my friend and me. The expectation of its timeless flavors is nuanced with its rich history. This traditional dessert originates back to 17th century France and is known for its strong custard base that contrasts with its caramelized sugar top. It has delighted the palates of many people over centuries, symbolizing culinary elegance. Its flavor has depth yet carries simplicity, and it is a dessert enjoyed by many across the world. After my battle with dinner, I needed the taste of something familiar yet delicious. However, the initial bite brought forth a surprising citrus note, different from its traditional flavor, that sparked a blend of both curiosity and disappointment in me. My friend, initially intrigued by the twist, ultimately shared my thoughts in feeling that the dessert strayed from its usual, appreciated simplicity. This unexpected flavor prompted a reflection that resulted in us leaning toward a preference for the iconic taste of crème brûlée we’ve come to love.

As the evening concluded, I reflected on my experience of the French essence. There was a high of beautiful, delectable flavors combined with a low of unexpected tastes and aromas. After my indulgence, I felt a mixture of satisfaction intertwined with curiosity.

This establishment is one that highlights the beauty and mastery of the renowned French chefs. Each dish tells a story from the pungent Muenster cheese that originates from the Alsace region of France to the rich history of escargot. To me, Mamie M’a dit is the epitome of French cuisine. To anyone who wants a sophisticated, elegant dining experience that immerses them into a whirlwind of fanciful, French flavors, Mamie M’a Dit is definitely the place.

Valerie – Blog 1

Written by Valerie Rosas – Fall 2023 blogger

Everyone knows when they want something, whether we choose to accept it within ourselves or to others is a different story. I have known for a long time that I wanted to study abroad when I got to college. Approximately six years ago, a close family friend studied abroad in Japan and then in Italy a little while later. Even though the friend is over ten years older than me, she has always treated me like an equal and has been a role model for me my whole life. Her experience abroad sparked my interest the second I received my first postcard from her sent from Venice. Fast forward to the strenuous times of college applications when we had SAT prep, campus visits lined up, and university-hosted events to attend, I remember when I first heard of, what was at the time, the Georgia Tech Lorraine program. That moment was when I knew that program was going to be the one that got me to study abroad. 

Once that was decided, then came the hard part. The logistics surrounding the decision were a hassle, to say the least. I needed to decide what the best time for me to go was with respect to my academics and career goals. Also, who was I going to go with? Most importantly, how am I going to fund this semester? These were my main worries. My thought process for picking the fall semester of my sophomore year was the following: the first two years of college would be reserved for the more fun activities like studying abroad, joining non-academic clubs and organizations, cultivating friendships, and exploring what campus has to offer while the last two years will be geared more toward reserving the summers for internships, gaining leadership positions on and off campus, and acquiring useful skills like certifications or languages. I also wanted to see Europe in the summer, fall, and beginning of winter to get a little taste of what every season looks like. Secondly on the list of worries was who my companion on this trip was going to be. I was not, nor do I think I will ever be ready to be a non-French speaking woman alone in Europe. That being said, I applaud and encourage everyone who decides to study abroad without depending on anyone else because I think everyone should pursue their dreams without having anyone or anything holding them back. It is a matter of knowing yourself and what is best for you. There are so many people in the program that you may not have come in knowing anyone, but you will definitely leave knowing plenty of people. Lastly, the financial commitment that is associated with studying abroad is a concern that hangs over all of our heads. Administrators, teachers, and others around me told me not to worry too much about it. Scholarships and financial aid can take care of it they said but that doesn’t take away the responsibilities we as students have on our shoulders. Scholarships have to be earned and what about spending money to sustain ourselves here for the duration of an entire semester? What about bills? Or helping support our families? None of that simply stops because we are not in the country. This may not be everyone’s situation but if you are a low-income or first-generation student then it is likely this will apply to you. It did for me which is why I want others to be understood and feel related to when voicing their concern about the stress that a financial burden like this can cause. 

Nevertheless, I am here. I didn’t let the stress consume me or detain me from my dream. “Where there is a will, there is a way,” could never be more true than in this situation. There will always be obstacles or reasons in your life that will make you feel like it isn’t the right time to do something like this for yourself. The problem is that it will never be the right time because nothing is perfect. This is the time to exercise those problem-solving skills and find a way to make it happen. Now having been at Georgia Tech Europe for a little over two weeks, I can tell you that there are still problems, but they are simply different ones. The trick is to not let that overcome the beauty, excitement, and happiness in all the situations you end up in. I encourage you to follow me on my journey throughout my semester at Georgia Tech Europe so you can make the decision for yourself if this is the right fit for you.

this is our last chance: love

Written by Swati

And for my last weekend, it’s one chock full of repeats. A weekend full of the old, to find where the new has filled in the gaps. Le Centre Pompidou, shopping at Muse, meeting friends at Fox Coffee, and Indian food at Le Vallee du Kashmir. 

I love the Centre Pompidou. I love it because I hate it. It’s confusing and disconcerting and the exhibits consistently knot up my veins and crinkle up the folds in my brain. They’re disturbing and distressing, which means they strike a chord in me. The works rampage through my brain, French modernism is eons beyond my art comprehension. Sure, much of it is lines and squares, eerie videos and whispering audio files, but art disturbs the comforted and comforts the disturbed. My first visit to the modern art museum was my second weekend abroad. I was lost and confused, and I found comfort in piecing the science fiction exhibit together. And it gives me such joy to know that the very same things that comforted me, now disturb me. 

Modern art reminds me of my favorite English teacher in high school who also taught art history and yearbook (she was a very busy woman), but always made time for what mattered. She told us we were art, pressed sunflower seeds in our hands and said the world was ours. Her classroom was a sanctuary, her teachings sacred. When I’m empty inside, I look for her in the corners of paintings and sculptures. I look for the art she sees everywhere. And this weekend, I could feel her hand in my life. Her warmth seeping out of my smile, her gentle nature caressing flower petals.  

A particular painting moved me, the one above, sans titre. I spent a good 15 minutes sat in front of it. Pulling the characters apart, what they must be thinking, how they’ve lived, how they’re interconnected, how my perception of them is altered based on my perspective, what doors they unlock in my heart. I reach a dismayed conclusion: maybe we’re all doomed after all. Maybe we actually will leave the world as we enter it: alone. Maybe happiness is a task too heavy for us to carry out with our own two hands. But that can’t be it. 

We haven’t entered the world alone. What of the doctors and the nurses that spent months making sure we’d enter safely? What of the friends that press flowers into our hands and light candles on the day we entered this world? What of the smiles of strangers on the street? What of every single person who has pulled out threads of happiness tangled deep in the fabric of our hearts? Perhaps we are patchwork quilts, full of knitted squares where the goodness of the outside world seeps in one seam at a time. 

After I was satisfied with my level of unsettlement, I marched off to Fox Coffee to find my friends after an intense game of Go. We had a conversation about the merits and flaws of modern art, but at the end of the day, I believe we need more spaces to force us to think autonomously in an oversaturated world of thought. Sometimes you must be given the time, space, and material to form your own opinions. Listen a little closer to your lost heart. It’ll always have something to say. 

I ended off the evening by getting matching color changing polar bear lamps for my little sister and I from Flying Tiger and heading to get Indian food with another friend. I try not to eat too much Indian food my mom hasn’t made. Not that it isn’t any good, just that I’m picky and my mom has a special hand when it comes to cooking. But sometimes you get a bite of chicken tandoori that’s just unbeatable. Sharing a meal with a friend over sweet, rose lassis reminded me of community and starting deep connections off with shared meals and easy smiles. By the time we made it back to the dorm I was convinced I had spent the absolute perfect last weekend in Metz. 

Maybe love is all we have. Maybe love is all we need. Maybe love is our gravity, that which pulls us towards each other.