As I sit here writing this entry, there are a hundred things running through my head as I begin to prepare for my trip to Aix-en-Provence in nearly one month. Just to name a few, I need to make a few appointments, buy travel-size EVERYTHING, and of course, there’s the daunting task of figuring out what to pack.
To make packing a bit less stressful, I like to turn on French pop music for some inspiration. I like to listen to Annie Villeneuve and Carla Bruni, but the song that always seems to be stuck in my head is Zou Bisou Bisou! The music relaxes me and at the same time, excites me to soon be surrounded by the French language!
One thing I have already done in preparation for my trip was that I bought a EuroRail pass. While I’m beyond excited to be going to Aix-en-Provence, I plan on experiencing other places in Europe as well! Maybe I’ll head up to Paris and hike the Eiffel Tower or go over to Italy and eat some pizza! Who knows?! The EuroRail makes it easy for me to just hop on a train and go, which is exactly what I need. I always think spontaneous adventures are the best ones!
While at the Institute of American Universities, I’ll be taking a photography class. I’ve never taken one before, but where’s a better place to take it than in Aix with the ocean so near and the endless fields of beautiful lavender??? I’m really into nature photography and hope to improve while studying abroad!
But I’ll have to say, the one thing I’m most excited about is the chance to meet so many new people! I can’t wait to meet my host family as well as all the new faces I’ll see studying with me. This is going to be an adventure of a lifetime and I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to be attending IAU this summer!
Until next time!
-Ashley (:
Until next time!
-Ashley (: