Isn't there always a time to let your hair down and just have a good time?

Life in Aix continues to be just as exciting and amusing as the first week here! I’m so lucky to have found amazing friends, American and French alike. I will admit that I’ve gotten into a habit of frequenting pubs/dance halls on nights when the average American student is studying, but it’s still “orientation”…right? As I think about all the fun times I’ve had in the past week, I couldn’t help but wonder…

Isn’t there always a time to let your hair down and just have a good time?

Well, I think I’ve found it! After a fall semester at Denison studying every night and constantly being harassed by my friends to go out on the weekends, I can finally say I have begun to discover the ability to balance my two spheres. (To my dear friend who asked me if I was going to be more fun next year at Denison…I think the answer is affirmative!) I've begun to learn that there’s a time to study and be diligent, just as there's a time to have fun and hang out with your friends; it’s finding the balance between the two that can be so difficult.

In our French Cultural Patterns class last week we discussed this idea of American students being more glued to their schedules and studies during their time at university, while French students tend to have more time to get a café together, or go to a pub during the week. This stems from a different perspective of time, combined with different educational systems. In France, students work extremely hard to get into universities. By the time they are doing their studies at the university level they know they are guaranteed a job and aren't as stressed about the day to day work. French students, like French society in general, always find time to have a café with a friend and to catch up because that is something they value greatly: taking time for relationships. An average American student might brush off an invitation to get a cup of coffee because there are important studies to be done, and in his/her mind this time has already been set aside to complete assignments. In the American student's mind the conversation can wait, the studies are forefront in their mind, and thus must be completed. A French student sees that there will always be a time to study and finish those assignments, why not be spontaneous and catch up with a friend when you have the chance?

A glass of rosé at a local pub. (Shea, 2012)

This cultural difference being explained in terms of cultural values doesn't mean one is better than the other, it doesn't mean a student "should" follow one model, or that one makes more sense; they're simply representations of two different cultures. We continue to learn about these differences each week, from eating habits and doing laundry, to getting a café and cleaning your room, my cultural awareness and appreciation continues to expand!

I’ve been trying out this new French perspective with my friends, and am enjoying the attitude quite thoroughly. I think after this week I will have struck a balance between going out for a glass or two on a weeknight, and deciding when a response paper, or those three chapters, should probably be started before 7:00am the morning the assignment is due.

In addition to my pub-hopping this past week, I’ve also enjoyed some lovely meals out on the town with my new friends! We went to a delicious fondue place Friday night, ate lots of cheese, and drank two bottles of rosé. Saturday night we went to an Italian pub, mixed it up with some bruschetta, and drank two bottles of rosé. (Sensing a pattern?)

Out to fondue with the girls!

I’ve continued to love Book n Bar, as I’ve literally been there every day this past week. My friend and I have dubbed it the “River Road” of the semester…although sadly they have no bagels. However, the cappuccinos and French-speaking atmosphere definitely make up for it!

This past Saturday I also had the privilege to visit several villages in the Luberon Valley. On a different note of letting my hair down and having a good time, I was able to spend all day Saturday absolutely lost in the charm and beauty of Provence without a care in the world. Each village with its architecture, rambling sidewalks, and charming cafés had me humming Beauty and the Beast, and pinching myself at every turn. I made a promise to myself to buy a chateau here some day…as did every other student I talked to! (The pictures below are from all of the villages we visited.)

(McCullough 2012)

I’m getting excited for another fun week of markets, rosé, cappuccinos and studying! (Maybe not so much fun on the studying front…) and I'm also going to start running tomorrow in the Parc de la Torse! I can’t let this cheese/baguette/croissant diet start to slow me down!

Ciao et Bises

SA

I couldn't resist adding this pic! Parfait! (Asendorf  2012)

P.S. Congrats to my Kappas on a FABULOUS new pledge class!! So proud of you all! L&L&Bises

Why isn't living abroad a pre-requisite for life?

What a whirlwind of a first week it has been! So many new people, customs, places, and of course a new language! While this has been a week with many external changes, I’ve found it to be most enlightening internally. The more the world around me shifts into a new focus, the more I feel I am coming into my own self. As I develop into this newly aware and cognizant person, I couldn’t help but wonder…

Why isn’t living abroad a pre-requisite for life?

Before making the journey abroad, I always knew how amazing this experience was going to be. After all, everyone I’d ever talked to who had been abroad raved about it non-stop! I always thought to myself, “Yes, I know, I’m sure it was an amazing experience, I’m sure you came into yourself, learned more about the world, pursued your dreams, etc. etc.” While these stories were one of the main reasons I held on so strongly to my passion to go abroad, I never fully understood my friends’ gushing and enthusiasm until now.

Living abroad changes your life. Forever. It doesn’t simply change you in the obvious ways (cultural awareness, education, meeting new people, eating new food, etc.), it changes you in all those internal ways that words can’t capture. No matter how many fascinating anecdotes you tell, or how many amazing philosophical epiphanies you recount to others, they will never understand the true magic of living abroad until they’ve done it themselves.

That being said, I’m not going to tell you right now about every single epiphany I’ve had in the past week, or every deep conversation I’ve had with a friend about this experience. I’m simply going to tell you this: Live Abroad. It doesn’t matter how old you are, how settled in you are in your lifestyle, how much you think America can offer you anything you’ll ever need. Push yourself and live in a new world entirely. I guarantee you’ll never be the same.

Many facets in the past week have added to this awareness: my family, new language partner, old and new friends, classes and new found love of getting lost! I cannot praise my family situation enough! I am truly in love with Frédérique and Clara, and I doubt assimilating into a family could be any easier. I continue to cherish the conversations I have with Frédérique; I feel I have truly found someone who understands me and is offering me an irreplaceable experience abroad. I’ve also found in this first week that having conversations with her has become almost effortless. Of course, there’s still certain vocab here and there that I don’t understand, but I find our conversations to be most enlightening and reassuring.

Le Grand Marché à la Place des Pecheurs. (McCullough 2012) 

I’ve also had some amusing and interesting conversations with my new language partner, Michaël. (Each student at the Center receives a French language partner for the semester with whom they can talk with to learn more about the culture, ask questions, hang out with, etc. It is a brilliant way to become more integrated into the everyday society and culture.) Michaël is an engineering student at the university, and while he spent a year in Australia pursuing his studies, he wants to continue to practice his English for an exam he must pass to receive his diploma. Michaël is very nice, easy to talk to, and always smiling! After our first diner and drink together Friday night, we got together Saturday night and went to a “billards bar” (A bar where there are a bunch of pool tables. Yes, I’m still as horrible at pool here as I was in the U.S., at least my friends found it amusing!) He also invited me out for a drink Sunday night which I found most amusing since at Denison I would never dream of going out for a drink when there are at least 5 hours of homework waiting to be completed. Unfortunately, I had studying to do here as well, but I'll be going out tonight to redeem that glass of rosé. I’m very grateful to have a fun and easy-going partner, not to mention one whom I can understand all the time! Yay for French comprehension progress!

At the Fontaine de la Rotonde on the Cours Mirabeau. (Weinstock, 2012)

It has also been a week of personal development in terms of the new friends I’ve made, and the previous ones with whom I’ve continued to develop relationships. All of the students I’ve met so far have been fun, well-intentioned, cultured and enthusiastic for our learning experience. Together we’ve tried out new cafés and restaurants, chatted over cafés, cappuccinos and bottles of rosé, and gone exploring in the centre-ville! I’ve also had lovely philosophical conversations (en français!) at my new favorite study place: Book ‘N Bar (an English-owned bookstore/café), and while eating brie and baguette for dinner at the fountain in one of the town squares. In cultivating these relationships, I’ve learned how important the decision is to keep people in my life, or let them go. There’s a quote on Pinterest that I’d seen for a long time, but never fully understood: “There are certain people who can only remain in your heart, not in your life.” I’ve come to understand how much the people I choose to spend my time and energy with really affect who I am and what I can achieve. I now see this quote with new understanding and will continue to follow its advice.

I’ve gleaned many lessons from the long week of orientation. One that stood out to me is the French belief: “Il y a un temps pour tout.” There is a time for everything. This can be applied to every aspect of life, and is a cultural lesson I will always hold on to.

There’s a favorite saying of mine (below) that advises: “Put down that map and get wonderfully lost.” I always thought it was a charming idea, and I can now say I’ve accomplished it! Becoming lost is truly wonderful. When you’re lost on purpose everything is seen in a different light: the people, shops, environment, conversations, etc. Being lost opens your eyes in ways that you won’t realize until you’ve tried it. Do it the next time you’re in a new city (but only if you have a healthy amount of time to find your path again!).

(http://pinterest.com/pin/103934703870078758/)

This week, on a whole, has been about values: values of a culture or of a single person, and how they are intertwined with our everyday lives. I’ve begun to realize just how important it is to keep your dreams, passions and values in focus at all times, and to never let anything, or anyone, degrade or diminish them. They are uniquely yours, and that makes them infinitely beautiful and cherished, but fragile at the same time, because no one can ever comprehend how dear they are to you. I can’t stress how imperative it is to find these dreams, your “raison d’être” and never let it out of your sight. Everyone has values, they are how we make decisions every day; it is the ability to hold on to these values despite everything around you, and always act according to them that allows you to truly flourish.

On a less philosophical note, I’ve also learned that I have a slightly dangerous pastry and cappuccino addiction, and that all the tops I brought for “going out” don’t look too American! (Yay for the advice of 21-year-old host sisters.) I’ll have a glass of rosé for you all this week! (Don’t worry, there will be multiple.)

A tout!

Bises,

SA

How much is the French SommerAnn like the American SommerAnn?

I’m now in my first week of classes at the AUCP, and assimilating into the culture here in Aix. I’m learning that there are many minute adjustments that come with living in another country that might not be apparent at first glance. As I learn more about the French culture, and experience it every day in my apartment, the cafés, and on the streets, I realize that every student must go through a personal shift during his or her time abroad. Taking this evolution into mind, I couldn’t help but wonder…

How much is the French SommerAnn like the American SommerAnn?

As part of our orientation program, we’ve been talking a lot about cultural education and cultural intelligence. There is much more to living in another culture than simply possessing cultural tact or sensitivity. I feel that in America we are forced to have such tact to act in our society both politely and with our American notion of being “politically correct.” I’ve always thought myself to be culturally open and tolerant if not completely accepting of people’s cultural backgrounds. Thus far in my life, acting and thinking according to such principles has served me well, and I don’t think anyone would describe me as culturally insensitive or close-minded.

After my first two days in Aix I’ve learned, rather alarmingly, that this method of thinking is not going to suffice during my time abroad. One cannot simply respect another culture when living in it, one must assimilate, and one must adopt to the customs of the culture. I cannot simply think in my head “Oh, that’s so interesting that the French think interdependently and really value family.” I must change my habits to demonstrate my understanding and my respect of their culture. This means asking my host mother to join me and meet my friends when they come over to the apartment, this means asking my host family for recommendations when I’m travelling somewhere so they don’t feel left out. This means taking definitive actions each day that are not within my American cultural vocabulary.

The Cours Mirabeau, the main street in Aix. (McCullough, 2012)

Adapting to this new belief is going to be a process, but it is one that I am ready to take on! I’ve always been a very emotionally sensitive person, and thus these lessons in cultural adaptation have me worried almost constantly that I am somehow offending my family. (This morning, I made a point of asking Frédérique if I could drink my coffee in my room as I finished getting ready. Food is almost strictly reserved for the kitchen in France.) Of course, I know that coming in with a good heart and good intentions shines through even if I make little errors along the way; but it isn’t enough to simply think about “doing the right thing,” one must enact this belief at all times. I continue to try each day, little by little, to assimilate to this new belief and start thinking less like a tolerant American, and more like a practicing French native.

While there are definitely aspects of the American SommerAnn that are changing due to this French adaptation, there are certain parts of me that I don’t think will be evolving any time soon. One of these facets includes my guilty pleasure of reality television shows. Monday night, I watched the series premiere of  “L’amour est dans le pré” or the French version of The Bachelor. While the show uses all the same cheesy lines of  “finding true love” with the same types of amusing and crazy contestants, it is very different in the fact that it takes place with 14 people each season. There are seven women and seven men all searching for the love of their lives, and they’re all French farmers! The shows consists of these farmers receiving letters of interest from possible suitors, choosing two, and then having a date with these two people at their house: at the same time, which is where the hilarity and craziness will start to emerge! Frédérique told me this show was great for my French education since I am learning about the French regions (each farmer lives in a different region of France), while increasing my comprehension skills (they don’t speak with a very intelligent vocabulary, thus making it easy and fun to understand!). I like her logic.

Another aspect of the American SommerAnn that I’m sure many wish would change, but I’m afraid is here to stay, is my love of talking…rather loudly. Sadly, this is a very American habit I have developed over the years, and one I have tried to tame in the past, but never to any avail. The other day I was engaged in a conversation with my classmates as we walked down the streets returning to the Center. My host mother, Frédérique, came out of a nearby boutique because she recognized my voice (yes, from inside). It was a very cute moment as we “faire les bises” and chatted a bit about our days thus far. However, it also proved that despite any efforts I have made so far to blend into the French culture by being more discreet, I’m still on the loud side. But, I am not giving up! I refuse to be that annoying loud American girl at the bars this Saturday night.

While I’ve found some customs much easier to adapt to, such as having a café every day (definitely not a burden!) or even doing my Yoga in French (even if it’s only in my head for now!), I know there are many larger adaptations that have yet to occur. As our director Lilli says, don’t think “That is weird” or “That is wrong,” instead ask “Why do I feel that way?” and turn it into a learning experience. I will definitely keep this in mind as I continue to live in Aix.

On a more familiar note, today we had our first true classroom discussion at the Center! We discussed the evolution of the family, looking at the different types of families (nuclear, single parent, same-sex parents, etc.), the idea of divorce, and the concept of egocentrism in our modern culture. The comfortable banter of voices, philosophies and scholarly opinions reminded me so much of a Denison classroom! I knew I could never leave my liberal arts education behind, and am so glad to discover that the same class atmosphere of healthy debate can be discovered in a French classroom. It makes me even more excited to start my true classes next week.

I’ve continued to meet new students at the Center this week, and am very excited to get to know everyone else better! Forming friendships with other American students, in French, has been a very fun experience. I’m pretty sure I’m still the same SommerAnn in all of those regards!

A tout!

Bises,

SA

When will the newness ware off, and this reality stop being too good to be true?

What a whirlwind of a weekend it has been! Flying from Chicago to Philly to Munich, and finally to Marseilles, I am now home safe in my apartment in Aix. I have already enjoyed one and a half wonderful days in this bustling cosmopolitan city, and couldn’t be more happy with my choice to live in the south of France. With so many astounding experiences: a tour of Aix, walking around Mont Sainte-Victoire, chatting with my new family, and enjoying my first glass of Provençal Rosé, I couldn’t help but wonder…

When will the newness ware off, and this reality stop being "too good to be true?"

While I’m sure that after my first week here everything will start to become second nature (Frédérique assured me that after one week I would know the centre-ville like the back of my hand, despite the many confusing turns among the cobblestone streets), I dearly hope that this will never stop feeling “too good to be true.” I believe the scope of this experience will never stop surprising me, or making me feel fortunate to be here, no matter if I’m in my first or last month of the semester!

Leaving Chicago was harder than expected (I shed quite a few tears!) but the second I was on the plane I knew this was just the experience I’d been waiting for! After meeting up with Grace in Philly, we travelled together to meet our mothers in Marseilles. While I arrived very tired, hungry, and a little disoriented, talking with my mother Frédérique was no problem at all. After we «faire les bises»  (one part of the French culture that I wish would catch on in the States! It’s the practice of kissing a friend or new acquaintance once on each cheek.) we had a quick 20min car ride to her apartment. We chatted about our families, Denison, and my previous European visits; despite my jetlag she said I spoke French « très bien. »

Later that evening, after I’d taken a quick shower and had my first French meal of la quiche, la salade aux champignons, et du pain, Frédérique took me on a tour of Aix. Stepping onto the Cours Mirabeau, described as “the most beautiful street in Europe” I was once again caught up in the grandeur and richness of the French culture.[1] The street was teeming with young people and families, all winding among the old shops that looked right out of a European fairytale. Walking through the Vieux et Nouveau Quartiers, we talked about everything from Obama and Sarkozy’s politics to tourist season in Aix. Between the many turns down café-crowded alleys we picked up a bottle of rosé and la nourriture chinoise for dinner that evening.

I was able to meet my sister Clara on the first day as well, and we bonded over our shared age and work experience, while also talking about our travels to Asia. This morning she «faire les bises »  with me before I left for a walk with Frédérique and her partner Bruno, still looking quite tired from her night out on Saturday. (I’m pretty sure I heard her coming home at 5:00 in the morning, which Frédérique said isn’t unusual for young people. And I thought partying until 1:00 was late for a school night!)

We went on a beautiful walk in the park surrounding Mont Sainte-Victoire, the mountain that Cézanne made famous in his paintings. Every time we exchanged «bonjours » with the other hikers and bikers, I got excited all over again to be living in France! I know it sounds corny, but I just can’t get over that initial wow factor.

Myself with Mont Sainte-Victoire in the background. (Lacroix, 2012)

Surprisingly, living in France has taken very little adjustment so far. The rhythm of the family hasn’t been hard to acclimate to, although dining around 8:00pm would probably be unbearable if it weren’t for the custom of the apéritif, which I quite adore. Speaking with my family has been very easy, and Frédérique’s patience when I’m searching for the right word, take a moment for a conjugation, or don’t understand what she is talking about, never seems to wane. While Frédérique has praised me for my «bonnes conjugaisons, et très bien français »  I know how much of my success is dependent on the conversations I have with her, Clara, and Bruno from day to day. I love listening to the conversations within my family, and know that with each conversation I am improving my French comprehension skills.

There have been a few funny moments of translation, including when I thought Clara was imitating a duck (indeed, she was trying to talk to me about frogs’ legs) and Frédérique thinking my sorority was a religious organization (due to our use of the term sister), but every moment of confusion has come with much laughter and eventual understanding on both sides. I also learned that France has their version of  “The Bachelor,” and after conversing with Frédérique about the TV show, I have a feeling that her comments would fit in very well with those my mother and I share each week while watching the reality show.

Tomorrow I start my first day of classes, and while I am a little nervous, I am also very excited to meet my new classmates and learn more about Aix and the French culture! A demain!

Bises et Ciao

SA

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[1] 1,000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz

What will I do now that my childhood dream is coming true?

"In an old house in Paris that was covered in vines lived twelve little girls in two straight lines. They left the house at half past nine, in two straight lines, in rain or shine. The smallest one was Madeline.”[1]

I’ve been sitting here in Chicago, or more like frantically running last-minute errands and purchasing must-have products for France, still in disbelief that I’m going to be living in France for the next five months. Between all the travel book purchases, messages to friends for abroad advice, and struggle to stay within the 50lb packing limit, it’s easy to get lost in the preparation. Now that the departure date is upon me, I couldn’t help but wonder…[2]

What will I do now that my childhood dream is coming true?

La Petite Danseuse, Edgar Degas. (McCullough, 2007)

Most 5-year-old girls dream of becoming a princess or going to Disney World, I always dreamed of living in France. From the moment my mother brought home the childhood picture book Marie in Fourth Position (based on Edgar Degas’ creation of his Impressionist statue La Petite Danseuse) I’ve been dying to visit the statue in Paris and live in the beautiful country of ballet and art. [3]  Over the years, I re-read that book many times, along with the well beloved Madeline series that the title of my blog references, dreaming of the day I would see the charming markets and bustling city for myself. I saw Degas’ La Petite Danseuse at the Musée d’Orsay in the summer of 2007. It was a true out of body experience. While I was only in the City of Lights for a mere eight days on a trip with my high school choir, I was enamored. Paris had exceeded any expectations I had about the romance and grandeur of the French culture. I know that the south of France is about to eclipse the same anticipations.

Living in Aix-en-Provence for five months still doesn’t seem possible. How did I get so blessed to take this journey of a lifetime? I try to remember to be thankful for this opportunity every day, and I know there will be many more dreams coming true over the next few months. (I’m a very ambitious traveler!) I hope to share some of these “trips of a lifetime” with you, and allow you to visit Europe and experience the French culture with me.

I admit I am a little nervous as the final shoes get packed and the hostess gift for my family is wrapped up, but that’s natural. I know everything will work out the way it’s supposed to. I am embarking on the ultimate educational experience, and I know I will never look back. While I will miss my friends and family dearly during my time in Europe, I know that they will be with me every step of the way through postcards, letters, Skype, and this (hopefully well kept-up!) blog.

Now it’s time for my story to unfold, my passport to get stamped, my cultural appreciation to expand, and my wine palette to become more sophisticated! A bientôt!

Bises, xx.

SA

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[1] From Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans

[2] This narrative device is à la Carrie Bradshaw who has taught me that a good Cosmopolitan (or in my case glass of wine), and chat with your girls can fix any problem.

[3] Marie in Fourth Position by Amy Littlesugar