So, it's my last night at home before I depart tomorrow pour la France! And, I am up too late packing the last odds and ends, as was expected. I think I am finally ready. Mentally, perhaps I am not completely prepared for what is in store for me when I land (in terms of language comprehension, French attitudes, etc); however, I am excited and ready to learn, which I think is the most important thing!
Things I am nervous about:
-Meeting my French family...will they like me? Will I have my own bathroom? Will they understand what "Gluten Allergy" means?
-The language: although I've taken French for ten years now, I have never had the opportunity to really converse with native French-speakers; I am nervous that at first I will be a bit daunted.
-Contracting Fromage-Overload [def. - noun: a sickness plaguing the cheese-obsessed when faced with over 300 varieties of delectable cheeses; resembles lactose intolerance]
Things I am SO SO excited for:
-Taking long strolls in beautifully landscaped parks...
-Observing the differences between French and American daily life
-Perfecting my skills in the language
-Applying what I've learned in the classroom (International Relations and French classes) to real situations, people, and places
-Exploring the old and the new, the art and life, and the food, culture and music of France!
Let me know if you have any suggestions for me...Things I should do, places I should go, people I should meet, restaurants I should eat at...please COMMENT!!! I want this blog to be INTERACTIVE!!
Xoxo, and A Bientot...
I will write soon with details of ma vie en France!!
-Ashley
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Ma Tour Eiffel
My Paris Photo Albums
- Chantilly and Last Day in Paris!!
- Last Nights in Paris/ Modern Art
- Jazz Exhibit
- Last Days in Paris
- Saint Chapelle
- Nuit des Musees and more Paris
- Auvers & Van Gogh
- Monet's European Garden
- Monet's Japanese Garden
- The 18e Arrondisement
- Marais, Chatelet/Les Halles, Palais Royal, etc
- Notre Dame and City Views
- Boran in Spring
- Acropolis, Athens
- Paros 3
- Paros 2
- Paros 1
- Athens Easter
- Athens
- Normandy 3
- Normandy 2
- Normandy 1
- Family in Paris 2 / Easter
- Family in Paris 1
- My Birthday in Paris
- Fashion in Paris
- Le Printemps a Paris
- Spring in Paris
- Barcelona 3
- Barcelona 2
- Barcelona 1
- Provence 3
- Provence 2
- Provence 1
- Florence Day 3
- Florence Day 2
- Florence Day 1
- The French Countryside (Boran-sur-oise)
- Versailles in the Snow
- Petit et Grand Palais, Les Soirs
- Chartres Cathedral
- SACRE COEUR!
- Bastille Area and Islands of the Seine
- The Marais, Some Opera Garnier
- A Long Walk Through Central Paris
- Opera Garnier, QUEEN night club, + more
- French Party, Invalides
- Pere-Lachaise Cemetary
Que sais-je?
Montaigne asks, "Que sais-je," or, "What do I know?"
This question is the essence of how I plan to spend my time in Paris...and is the question I want to ask all my life.
What do we know? What do the authorities tell us, and how much of this do we believe? How much credit can you give a source, and how should you question what others tell you is truth?
And what do you know about yourself? What do I know? Personally, I am still searching for that answer. Although I am entering my twenties, the supposed 'best time of my life,' I can't help but wonder if my life will really begin when I find the answer to who I am...but will that ever happen? Maybe being young and carefree is the essence of not understanding oneself...
Que sais-je? It is a never-ending question...but inspirational because it sustains my will to learn about the world and about myself.
This question is the essence of how I plan to spend my time in Paris...and is the question I want to ask all my life.
What do we know? What do the authorities tell us, and how much of this do we believe? How much credit can you give a source, and how should you question what others tell you is truth?
And what do you know about yourself? What do I know? Personally, I am still searching for that answer. Although I am entering my twenties, the supposed 'best time of my life,' I can't help but wonder if my life will really begin when I find the answer to who I am...but will that ever happen? Maybe being young and carefree is the essence of not understanding oneself...
Que sais-je? It is a never-ending question...but inspirational because it sustains my will to learn about the world and about myself.
About Me
- ashley nicole
- After coming home from a semester in Paris (2009), I'm on a mission to find the culture and cuisine that makes the States worth staying in!
4 comments:
What a WONDERFUL idea, to have this Blog!! I will be checking back here often:-) I am very excited for you, Sweetie... I hope you have the time of your life!!! xoxo!!!!!!!!!!!!
ASHLEYYYY I miss you alreadyyyyy!!! Have so much fun! Yay for blogging!!
Ashley, You already looked like a very sophisticated French girl at the SF airport yesterday--the gentleman at the check-in desk thought so too, since he only spoke to you in French! So glad the trip went smoothly, although I can't believe you had to carry your bags up all those stairs--it makes me cringe to think of it! The view outside your dorm window looks like something from a movie--how fun for the rest of us to be able to share in your experience just a little bit with this blog and attending photos. Bon Voyage!
Je t'aime, Mommy
Ashley,
Your Mom just introduced me to your blog and I love it. We will be living vicariously through you from New Jersey.
We are so happy you are enjoying your adventure thus far. So many more wonderful times to come.
I am so impressed that you can communicate gluten allergy en francaise. Watch out for fromage overload...I have enjoyed (I mean suffered) from it before!
Paris is my favorite city because you live amidst beauty every day. Savor and enjoy every moment.
With love,
Heidi and Family
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