The steep hills and slopes en route to IAU.
A beaming smile stretched across my face as the plane landed in Paris. Finally, I could see, feel and explore the reality of my dream.
And when I got off the plane yesterday, it hit me: I actually have to speak French now…
I thought, “Sure, I’ve been studying my French notes throughout winter break, but I haven’t taken a French course since 2010. Is my elementary level understanding good enough to communicate in France?” All the doubts I assured myself I didn’t have suddenly clouded my mind.
When I failed to find signs pointing toward the train going to Aix, I mustered the courage to ask, “Ou est le TGV?” (Where is the train?) My notably American accent and timidity made it hard for Parisians to understand me. Then I resorted to what became my sole survival phrase: “Parlez-vous anglais?” (Do you speak English?) Fortunately, each person I met spoke a small amount of English, which helped me find the train.
There, I met a Frenchman bilingual in English and French. In English, he explained he just returned from a business trip in China, so he understood my situation. In French, he explained my train was running 45 minutes late. I practiced speaking French with him, and he practiced speaking English with me. He made me feel more comfortable speaking, and reassured me that I could do this. And I did.
A three-hour train ride later I met my host, Madame Charron, and my housemate, Sarah. Then I discovered Madame Charron doesn’t speak English. Thankfully, Sarah speaks French pretty well, and I had warmed up to speaking French with my acquaintance from the train. During the car ride to my new home, we listened to pop music, made small talk, and laughed about my terrible vocal skills!
When I arrived at my host’s apartment, I noticed a familiarity. The refreshing scent of flowers reminded me of my grandmother’s house. It welcomed me. It made me feel safe, at home. My host cooked vegetable soup, stewed chicken and green peas for dinner. Pretty American, huh? We ate at the dinner table together and got better acquainted. I learned Madame has hosted study abroad students for 10 years, which made me feel even better. I worried most about living with an inexperienced host. Madame is very kind and has a great sense of humor. I think I’m going to enjoy living with her.
My first night went pretty well. I slept a full 8 hours, and surprisingly, no jet lag.
This morning challenged my weeks of mental preparation for French showering customs. In the bathroom I saw a shower head connected to a hose lying on the floor of the bathtub. I quietly said, “I’m going to hate this.” Nevertheless, I undressed and got in. And…I hated it!
The one luxury I had at home became a chore. I underestimated how different it would be. Sure, I knew I would have to shower faster, but I thought I could at least enjoy the comforting steam of a hot shower. Madame Charron told us to turn the water on only to rinse our bodies. So, I rinsed, lathered, and rinsed again. I was freezing! I set a new record for myself: I took a three-minute shower!
A chef at the patisserie (pastry shop) makes crepes outside.
Sarah and I ate a light breakfast, and decided to explore the town! On Sunday, most shops are closed. So, we “window-shopped,” bought toiletries at the market and ate crepes! I absolutely could not resist! I got a crepe with strawberries. It was delicious!
We enjoyed our adventure, but we agreed we must adjust to the drastically different landscape. It felt like I jumped on a stair master when we into town today. Right after gravity pushed me downhill, I had to pull my weight up on a 30-degree angle slant. The steep inclines of Aixois streets will whip me into shape in no time!
Later in the evening, we met fellow students at the IAU Open House. I was relieved to discover many of them knew only a small amount of French as well.
I’ve officially lived in France for 24 hours, and so far, so good! I’m excited to start classes and embark on many adventures this semester! As for now, I’m about to hit the sack! As the French say, Je suis sur le point d’aller dormir! Orientation starts at 8:45 am. Bon nuit! (Good night!)
We enjoyed our adventure, but we agreed we must adjust to the drastically different landscape. It felt like I jumped on a stair master when we into town today. Right after gravity pushed me downhill, I had to pull my weight up on a 30-degree angle slant. The steep inclines of Aixois streets will whip me into shape in no time!
Later in the evening, we met fellow students at the IAU Open House. I was relieved to discover many of them knew only a small amount of French as well.
I’ve officially lived in France for 24 hours, and so far, so good! I’m excited to start classes and embark on many adventures this semester! As for now, I’m about to hit the sack! As the French say, Je suis sur le point d’aller dormir! Orientation starts at 8:45 am. Bon nuit! (Good night!)