...and one month later... hello my avid readers! I know all two of you have been anxiously refreshing my blog page, waiting for the next post. Well refresh no more! After a month of trying to plan out this entry, I guess I'm finally ready to make you incredibly jealous of the time I've spent in Aix so far.
If you're one of the unlucky people who follows me on Instagram, you know by now that the Early Start Program gave me plenty of opportunities to show off just how incredible Aix and its surrounding regions are. But there's some things that simply can't be explained by a picture, and now, I'm obligated to tell you all about every totally super awesome reason why Early Start was my best decision so far.
If you're one of the unlucky people who follows me on Instagram, you know by now that the Early Start Program gave me plenty of opportunities to show off just how incredible Aix and its surrounding regions are. But there's some things that simply can't be explained by a picture, and now, I'm obligated to tell you all about every totally super awesome reason why Early Start was my best decision so far.
First and foremost, getting to know Aix without the pressure of classes and homework was much-needed. I get lost even when my iPhone tells me exactly where I need to turn, and the guided tours IAU hosted to show us some very special places in Aix were extremely helpful. Since then, the city has become more and more intimate for me as I find the cafés with the waiters who don't get angry if you mess up your French, the parks I can have lunch in on a particularly nice day, and the boulangerie that will break my 50 euro bills if I ask nicely and smile.
That being said, the only way to really get to know Aix is to get absolutely, 100% lost. It happened to me more times than I'd care to admit, but sometimes I would just get caught up staring at all the beautiful buildings and realize I had no clue where I was or how I got there. Too embarrassed to take out my map in English, I decided to just follow the streets until I found something I recognized, and went from there. But if I hadn't done that, I wouldn't have found Alto, essentially the Forever 21 of Aix, or the Greek food place that's open until 2am every night but Sundays. Everyone should have one time to just aimlessly wander the streets of Aix; there's so much to discover in this little town.
Thirdly, the people I've met, both at IAU and around it, have been absolutely incredible. In the span of a week, we got to make about 50 new friends from all over the USA (and beyond!) which is truly special. I couldn't be luckier to have met all my fellow IAU students; about three weeks have passed and I can already feel the community beginning to form. The first day of classes was a little less overwhelming when I already knew some of the people in the room. Having the "what's your name, where are you from, where do you go to school" talk is always super duper fun, but not having to do that with every person you come in contact with on your very first day is a relief.
Getting to settle into my host's house was also a huge benefit. Despite being in France a few days before I even got to Aix, I was still pretty homesick for my warm showers, queen-sized bed, and the 3/4 of my closet that couldn't fit in my luggage. But getting to Eve's (my host mom!) a few days early gave me the chance to really take my time and settle in before classes. She showed me around Aix and walked me to school the first day, and I got to know her a lot better without any pressure of homework or class the next morning. She really made me feel at ease (which I needed), and made me feel like her home was my home. Apart from cutting down my shower time from 30 minutes to 10, I couldn't ask for any better.
And lastly, the early start program taught me just how beautiful Provence is, and not just Aix. Between our excursions to Marseille, Nice, La Ciotat, Ste. Victoire and countless other places, we are truly blessed to be living in this part of France. The sun shines every day, the people are willing to help you out, and every day, there's a new adventure to be had. I have friends studying in big cities like London and Florence, but I can honestly say I'm happy I chose the little town of Aix to call my home for the next 3 months. Side note- writing "3 months" just scared me to death. Time's going by so quickly! I feel the town of Aix slowly wrapping its arms around me, making me a member of this gorgeous town. I can't wait for the next few chapters.
For now, it's off to research yet another trip to the beach this weekend! Studying abroad is so hard...
À bientôt, Cristelle
That being said, the only way to really get to know Aix is to get absolutely, 100% lost. It happened to me more times than I'd care to admit, but sometimes I would just get caught up staring at all the beautiful buildings and realize I had no clue where I was or how I got there. Too embarrassed to take out my map in English, I decided to just follow the streets until I found something I recognized, and went from there. But if I hadn't done that, I wouldn't have found Alto, essentially the Forever 21 of Aix, or the Greek food place that's open until 2am every night but Sundays. Everyone should have one time to just aimlessly wander the streets of Aix; there's so much to discover in this little town.
Thirdly, the people I've met, both at IAU and around it, have been absolutely incredible. In the span of a week, we got to make about 50 new friends from all over the USA (and beyond!) which is truly special. I couldn't be luckier to have met all my fellow IAU students; about three weeks have passed and I can already feel the community beginning to form. The first day of classes was a little less overwhelming when I already knew some of the people in the room. Having the "what's your name, where are you from, where do you go to school" talk is always super duper fun, but not having to do that with every person you come in contact with on your very first day is a relief.
Getting to settle into my host's house was also a huge benefit. Despite being in France a few days before I even got to Aix, I was still pretty homesick for my warm showers, queen-sized bed, and the 3/4 of my closet that couldn't fit in my luggage. But getting to Eve's (my host mom!) a few days early gave me the chance to really take my time and settle in before classes. She showed me around Aix and walked me to school the first day, and I got to know her a lot better without any pressure of homework or class the next morning. She really made me feel at ease (which I needed), and made me feel like her home was my home. Apart from cutting down my shower time from 30 minutes to 10, I couldn't ask for any better.
And lastly, the early start program taught me just how beautiful Provence is, and not just Aix. Between our excursions to Marseille, Nice, La Ciotat, Ste. Victoire and countless other places, we are truly blessed to be living in this part of France. The sun shines every day, the people are willing to help you out, and every day, there's a new adventure to be had. I have friends studying in big cities like London and Florence, but I can honestly say I'm happy I chose the little town of Aix to call my home for the next 3 months. Side note- writing "3 months" just scared me to death. Time's going by so quickly! I feel the town of Aix slowly wrapping its arms around me, making me a member of this gorgeous town. I can't wait for the next few chapters.
For now, it's off to research yet another trip to the beach this weekend! Studying abroad is so hard...
À bientôt, Cristelle