Hi Soupers,

It has been about 2 weeks now since I have settled into Lyon. So much has happened, but at the same time, not enough.

One bit of drama that has put a damper on things is that my new roommate gave me a three days notice to move out! First, she tells me that she doesn’t feel comfortable with me because she hardly sees me, and she doesn’t see us being friends; then she tells me that she had a friend who just went through a break up, so she would need the room. This was a bit insane to me. I thought I was just over reacting, but when I discussed it with a few of my friends here, they all agreed.

So, I have been on the hunt for a new flat. I have still yet to find one because I only need it until September and my budget is limited. The places I have found say I am not here long enough or that I wouldn’t be able to move in for a month! 

At the same time, I am still trying to figure out where I am going to work for my internship which is why I came here to Lyon to begin with. I decided to do this because I wanted to separate myself from all the competition back home. I did not realize it was going to be so intimidating!

I mean, usually I am super positive about getting a job and really never worry about it. I get out here and it is a whole other story. First of all I had to get all my CV translated not just in language but in format as well. I was lucky enough to have a friend who would and could do that for me.  In France, they care more about the place you worked at and not so much what you have done.

Now that I have the translation done, I can start looking for a gig. I researched a number of restaurants in Lyon before I came out. That didn’t really help much. I mean, yes, it did help to know or have an idea of where I would like to work, but it isn’t the same once you get here. I hardly know any of the language. I have been learning a little more French each day, but not enough to have a conversation which makes it difficult to just walk into a restaurant to ask the Chef to allow you to do your internship there. Little did I know how nervous I would be. In the States, I would just send an e-mail or walk into a restaurant and ask for an application. I had no problem with it then, so why now? I think I just need to get over the fact that I am in a different country and just do things as I normally would.

There are two restaurants where I would love to work. One is Paul Bocuse’s restaurant. That would be a dream comes true. I have sent a letter to him and am waiting for a response. I’m not sure if I should go up there or not in person. I don’t want to seem like some pushy or rude American. The second place that I would love to work at is Leon de Lyon. I stopped by there yesterday, but they were closed.

I think I am intimidated by the possibility that a  top knotch, French Chef wouldn’t want some young American working for him. I know I shouldn’t think that all the French chefs are like this, but this industry can be really difficult to get into. You either have to be really special and have proven yourself, or you have to know somebody. I know that if I could just get my foot in the door, I would have no problem of proving myself to the Chef. I would show him my passion for learning the French cuisine.

Looking at all the things that I have said, it seems the only thing that is really making this difficult is the language barrier. I know that I need to get over everything else that is intimidating me, and I will. Now I am off to accomplish my goal of finding an internship in Lyon. The next time you read my blog I will be talking about my great experience at the restaurant I where I am working!

Au revoir,

Coty

To read more of my experience in Lyon, click here