Research Begins

Finally, finally. I was able to discover the exact hours that La Cimade, an organization that provides legal counsel and other services to undocumented migrants in France, and went there yesterday morning. This was, of course, after my interview (that was unfortunately short) with PierreetClaire near the Prefecture in the center of Montpellier. They are passionate advocates and activists for the fair treatment and the protection of rights of immigrants in France. Throughout the interview, they provided me with a wealth of material upon which to ruminate.

Not only that, but I got a better idea of just how exactly La Cimade's hours worked (don't ask; they don't really make sense). After returning home and watching the unfortunate loss of Germany to Spain (although good for Montpellier with its many Spain supporters), I woke up early to head to the hip Beaux Arts district. There, I did indeed find La Cimade open and operating with a legal counsel session in session (based rhymes) and the responsable, the director, essentially chilling in his office. I spoke with M. Jean-Paul Nuñez only for a few, maybe ten, minutes, regarding my identity and my research aims. I will meet with him more extensively this coming Monday and hopefully will be able to conduct a more formal, key-informant style interview with him. (One concern: my research aim isn't totally solidified, or maybe it is.)

Before I continue forward in my recounting, let me step backward and describe La Paillade (see Facebook for photos). It was about as much like the familiar American "hood" (parts of the South Side of Chicago, my neighborhood in Nashville) as Montpellier could possibly become, with trash and a sense of abandon littered around the streets below public housing. Interestingly, for all those who were curious, La Paillade is probably not a food desert; its main commercial center had a supermarket and a wealth of fresh produce in small convenience stores (including a delicious nectarine). I hope to return and talk to people in the administrative building to find out more about the population and related issues (and maybe eventually do a questionnaire? [I can only hope.])

Not only did I *go* places, I actually went to the library(ies) too! One thing I've learned, reading in French takes me a long time. Another thing: F.A.S.T.I. is pretty sweet.

Most importantly, the World Cup finals are on Sunday! !! ! !!