Exploring Metz

Hay field outside my dorm with GT Lorraine academic building in background (dark glass)

Over the weekend, I got my bearings, and learned the layout of the city of Metz. My dorm is located east of the city center - two minutes walking distance from the academic building of Georgia Tech Lorraine. Walking to the city center is a different story. Roughly three miles away, the ville ancienne is better acessed by bus or, after 8 PM, taxi. The bus system is excellent, and costs about 2.20 euros round trip. Taxis are clean and the drivers are friendly, but a chauffered BMW ride will set you back 10 euros. Here are some pictures of my dorm building "Lafayette".

View of Lafayette courtyard from my ground floor window

Over the past week, I have seen and done quite a bit. First, Saturday, I went exploring with some new friends Matt, Sarah, and Jon. We checked out the Moselle river, a tame narrow waterway at the heart of Metz. Along the riverbank, we rented an electric powerboat, only to discover the rental limits were a mere 200 yards from the starting point. Nevertheless, we relaxed on the river below some beautiful cathedrals and old buildings. Here is a photo of the Moselle river with Temple Neuf, one of Metz's lesser-known churches, in the background.

A bunch of students went to see Inglourious Basterds. The comic fantasy war film was in "version originale" with French subtitles. At certain points, characters were speaking French, and thus there were no subtitles. The German and Italian portions were subtitled in French. All in all, I caught a quarter of the dialogue.

While traveling in Europe on two previous vacations, my brother and I have noticed shirts with English phrases that are very strange - as if the wearer did not understand what was written on his shirt.

I've spotted a few entertaining ones so far, and hope to see some more by semester's end and post them. The first t-shirt read:

"Miami Cocaine Connection"