As I go into my last weeks here in Europe…of course I start to reflect. What’s changed since I arrived in France or since I got on that plane leaving Chicago? Did I follow through with everything I wanted to do? Am I ready for everything that comes next? Is my French where I hoped it would be? What have I learned about the French people, culture, food, wine, language…? Will this be the last time I live in Europe? Was this year everything I hoped it to be? And how have I changed?
Some of these questions I won’t be able to answer for a while. Some answers may change over time.
What’s changed… Perhaps most importantly, with it’s ups and downs (let’s be honest…mostly ups), I’ve lived abroad for 8 months. Paying rent, speaking a foreign language, adjusting to daily life in another culture, and living a life beyond the safe DU hill. My French is SO much better than it was 8 months ago, and I’m not afraid to make mistakes. If there is such a thing as travel confidence, mine has shot up. I have a confirmed job waiting for me in CT at the end of the summer! The interviews I was prepping for on that plane ride to NY actually paid off. I’m more familiar with the ins and outs of teaching, working with kids for a full 7 months. Kappa & Denison loves…we’ve made it through a year of long-distance friendships. It may have taken a little while, but I’m exactly where I want to be in regards to l’amour. Is everything the way I imagined it would be? Some things, yes…but in many ways everything that has changed has been for the best.
Have I followed through… I have to laugh at this one because I still have that list of countries I wanted to get to, places and people I wanted to see – and WOW was I shooting for the moon! I did do a lot though, such as follow through with the epic road trip of vacances de Toussaint that Asia & I started planning back in August. Explore my region. Swim in the Mediterranean. See friends in England. Go to Scotland. Drink fantastic wine. Make fantastic new friends. Beach days. Fresh seafood. Convince some friends from home to visit me (Lauren & Megan I love you for coming out!). Date some foreigners. Teach my students more about America. Try new foods. Always be ready to meet new people. People-watch like I was born French.
Am I ready for what comes next… Heck no. Who am I kidding – if I could be happy living the rest of my days as an assistant (and it was legal) I’d sign up for a few more years in an instant. But I don’t want to teach English and I don’t want to work part-time. I want to be a teacher, or at least give it a legitimate go. So no, I’m not ready to leave this fantastic life. But I am ready for Connecticut. So let this summer be the bridge that takes me from cafés in the afternoon and garden picnics to working full-time and owning a car.
My French… Well it could be better, if I had actually followed through on those grammar books I lugged across the ocean with me. And if I had lived with English-speakers. And my best friends didn't speak English. But it happened as it did, and I wouldn’t trade my living situation or friends for stupendous language skills. I can speak enough to date someone who only speaks French, so I consider that a gigantic improvement from where I was a year ago!
What have I learned about… the French… You can stereotype the baguette! Seriously, everyone’s always got a baguette on hand or in the freezer. Baguette hour: 6pm. Bringin’ home the bread. Breadwinner. Bread maker. Totally all came from this country. I’ve met so many different people; it’s hard to pin down something most of the French have in common.
Culture… Down south, it’s laid back. The French value their down time, with family or to enjoy a meal with friends. I’ve noticed active discussion about government, particularly immigration. Good wine, good food, good coffee are all important. Most people stay in the region or town they were born in.
Food… Fresh. Markets. Time. Balanced. It is so much easier to eat well here. Less processed food, no obscene amounts of added sugar or salt in half of what you eat, markets nearly every day with fresh food from the region. It's been incredible and I know the change in food will be something I miss right away.
Wine… Hm or maybe I'll miss the wine first..! Seriously, 3 euros would get you a fantastic wine that goes for who knows how much in the states. I'm sure I'll cringe at the prices of good French wines once I return. Maybe I'll stick to craft beers for awhile...
Language… Always beautiful. The French definitely have a fantastic command of their language that I have yet to see from an American.
Will this be the last time I live in Europe... I hope not. I really, really hope not.
Was this year everything I hoped it would be... I had a vague idea of what this year would be like. Where I'd be when I was getting on the plane to return. If I'd get on that plane. Did I fall madly in love with a French man that owned a vineyard (Gramma & Gramps)? Not quite. But this year was so much more that I'd hoped for. Unforgettable memories and trips, friends that I look forward to visiting again (and maybe a reunion in the states next summer!), time to grow and reflect and prepare for the return.
How have I changed… I love espresso. I enjoy a café or glass of wine on my own in a café or brasserie. I have made working out a constant in my life. French doesn’t scare me. My kindle is one of my most used possessions. Tights are a wardrobe staple. I think more about what I want from life. I'm coming back in a much better place than when I left. I feel as if so much more is within my reach. Started learning Italian. I have a second family in Scotland! And most importantly - I can see myself living as an expat - not just for a year here and there, but for my life.
I cannot believe how fast the last 8 months have gone by! I know how lucky I am to have done this program & lived in Nimes with the crew. So there we are, reflections on the year. Phew!
(Sidenote: I'm currently in Scotland, loving it, and any remaining pictures will not be up for a couple weeks)
bisous!
