I’ve been home for almost a week now and, as expected, I miss France. I miss a lot of things. France, and the French language, had a lot of weird quirks that took some getting used to. But once mastered (or at adjusted) the quirks became great fun. Anyways, for my final blog post I figured I would just give a quick recap why I would love to go back to France
What I miss the most is how relaxed the culture in Aix was. I found this to be much different in Paris (obviously) but I noticed that in France relaxing was important. Back in America it is often shunned, as if relaxing is equitable to wasting time and wasting time seems to be the ultimate sin. In Aix I would often start my day by leaving for class 30 minutes early and do “homework” at a café before my day officially started. What really ended up happening was I would drink coffee, people watch, and try to eavesdrop on French conversations for 30 minutes. Looking back on it this was often the highlight of my day. Now, back in the states, that last statement seems a little depressing. How could the highlight of my day be sitting and doing nothing? Why wasn’t I “seizing the day”, or some other stupid cliché to the same effect? But in hindsight sitting there and doing absolutely nothing was wonderfully relaxing and to be honest I plan to do more nothing here in Seattle.
What I miss the most is how relaxed the culture in Aix was. I found this to be much different in Paris (obviously) but I noticed that in France relaxing was important. Back in America it is often shunned, as if relaxing is equitable to wasting time and wasting time seems to be the ultimate sin. In Aix I would often start my day by leaving for class 30 minutes early and do “homework” at a café before my day officially started. What really ended up happening was I would drink coffee, people watch, and try to eavesdrop on French conversations for 30 minutes. Looking back on it this was often the highlight of my day. Now, back in the states, that last statement seems a little depressing. How could the highlight of my day be sitting and doing nothing? Why wasn’t I “seizing the day”, or some other stupid cliché to the same effect? But in hindsight sitting there and doing absolutely nothing was wonderfully relaxing and to be honest I plan to do more nothing here in Seattle.
One of the many people watching opportunities- street performers
Another thing I miss greatly about France is the food. I’ve become spoiled, nothing here tastes quite as good as it did in the wonderful Mediterranean climate. In Aix, everything I bought at the market was likely no more than a day from being picked, and I would assume, grown naturally. Back in Seattle, which is actually a really good place for food, I’m finding that everything (at least produce) is either flavorless from such long shipping times, or giant balls of sugar from selective breeding of fruits to quench the American thirst for sweets.
A pic-nic with some of the marvelous Provincial produce
Finally I miss the people. You tend to form really strong friendships when thrust into a new situation with new people and I found that to be quite true in France. I got to meet people from all over the U.S. with similar interests and curiosities that I never would’ve met had I not done this adventure. I’m sure I will be seeing some of them in the future, be it a planned meeting or our paths just happening to cross. In any case I will be looking forward to that day.
And some of the people I will miss the most
I hope that someone has read my blog and if you’re out there, thanks, I hope you’ve enjoyed it. I’ve enjoyed documenting my experiences and I plan on continuing my newfound travel blogging tradition whenever it is I’m able to travel again (soon I hope).