So it's been one week since I've been in France and so much has happened. We've visited so many historical sites and even went to Baden-Baden, Germany yesterday. It's a beautiful German town that is known for its spas and baths. We toured an ancient Roman bath which was incredibly interesting. We also walked through an old rose garden that literally looked like it was from a movie (Pride and Prejudice anyone?) Such a quaint and beautiful town.
A few days ago we visited the European Parliament and the European Council which was an interesting insight into the political life and even the culture of France and Europe itself. Sitting in on an actual European Parliament Session was also super exciting and a great way to really understand how politics works and how it is put into practice in Europe. I am learning that understanding the politics and history behind France is aiding me in my understanding of the people and their culture.
The people of France and their way of life is the most interesting for me. Sitting in cafes, overhearing different conversations is bringing into new light these people and their lifestyle. In many ways, it's like the US, but also very different in other ways. I look forward to learning more and growing in my understanding of such a diverse town, like Strasbourg.
Below are several photos that I have taken on my trip - I finally found the time to upload the photos from my phone to my computer while waiting for my luggage (one week later and still nothing :( )
This blog post will be short because it is day four of my study abroad at approximately 11:37pm Strasbourg time. But I will say, yes I am alive and yes, I'm having a great time. Even though it started out a little rocky... Let me start from the beginning.
First, my plane was delayed so much, I had to switch flights at the last moment. Luckily, two of the other girls on the trip and I made it on the same flight but (and this is a very big but) the airline misplaced our luggage and now I am on day four of the same outfit. Not cute. After hassling the airport both in France and from parents back in the states, our luggage is to arrive (fingers crossed) by 2pm Strasbourg time tomorrow (PLEASE) - Hence the Journey reference in the blog title.
Now, while this has been super inconvenient and downright ratchet, I have grown a lot over the past four days. I have grown so much in trusting the Lord and in my faith. While I'm excited to get my suitcase and the things I need back, I've also learned that those things aren't necessary to truly experience life and joy. They are just things. Even with the inconvenience, this trip has been amazing and eye opening. Granted I will most likely jump for joy and cry real tears when I can wear some clean clothes and actually smell nice.
Since being on this study abroad, I have already learned so much history, culture, politics, and even some new vocab words. My language skills are better and I'm building my confidence by speaking with locals (ordering food is my speciality). Once we arrived in Strasbourg, France, we walked around the square, visited local shops, and ate some delicious food - literally bowls of cheese and bread (pictures to come). Recently, we visited the Strasbourg History Museum, the Alsace History Museum, and the local Cathedral. It is one thing to visit such an ancient city, but to also learn about its history and culture was amazing. The architecture in the Cathedral and even within the town itself is breathtaking. So many pictures to come in the next blog post. Don't you worry.
Tomorrow, we visit the European Council and hopefully (please pray people!) get our luggage and explore this beautiful city some more. I also hope to have more time tomorrow to upload pictures to my Facebook and this blog for your viewing pleasure.
I hope you all enjoyed my post and will continue with me on this amazing and crazy journey. Bonne Nuit!
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| STRASBOURG YO |
Well, it has been quite awhile. And a lot has happened since I last wrote. A. Lot.
I have finished up my junior year of college and now I only have one year left. Just one. And while I'm thrilled to be so close to my degrees, I can't help but think it's gone by too fast. I can't imagine saying goodbye to all my friends I have made these past three years. But thinking about saying goodbye to my best of friends, reminds me of another heart wrenching goodbye that is going to happen fairly soon.
Now that finals are over and I have most of the summer to write (I'll explain why it's only most of the summer - keep reading!), I must now get back to finishing up The Forget Me Not Trilogy. Meaning I must say goodbye to Adeline, Cole, and all of those characters from that world. I think I have been procrastinating writing book three (at the annoyance of my best friend, sorry Kelly!) because once it's written, it is done. Now, I'm not saying there will never be another book about Adeline and Cole. I'm not writing off that idea completely, but as of now, the story must come to an end. And it breaks my heart.
Yet, I'm excited at the same time. While I'm sad the story must end, I'm thrilled to share it with everyone who has been on this journey with me since I was first published a year and a half ago. I can't wait to see what you all think - book three is going to be a crazy ride!
Now, speaking of exciting things, the reason I only have most of the summer is because I am going to France for a little over a month in June and July!
In 38 days and 3 hours I leave for France and I am beyond excited. I'm studying abroad in Strasbourg and Paris where I get to do some research on this 18th century French woman author, Madame Beaumont. But more on that later.
I'm going to be posting specific blog posts about my travels on this blog for your reading pleasure. Plus I know that I am going to need to a place to upload pictures and pour out my excitement. EEKK! So more posts are to come (I promise!!) on writing book three and packing for France/living in France!
This last summer before my senior year will be busy, but exciting. And I look forward to sharing it all with you. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for sticking with me.
