It's been a while since I've written, but that's only because I was, how you say, plein de chagrin because of my departure from Paris. Saturday, I left on the Air France plane on an 11.5 hour flight back to California. I was dreading the day that I would have to leave the land of baguettes, palmiers, and little cafés.
Albeit, I am happy to leave my room that had suddenly become incredibly humid (despite the fact that it's in the basement, it actually was similar to being inside a crypt. Damp and cold) and unwelcoming. There were several interesting encounters that I've had with some French men (they were 70 years of age) the few days before I left, but those are stories for another day.
During the taxi drive to the airport, I had a nice conversation with Mr. Taxi Driver who asked me if I will miss France.
Of course I'll miss France, I told him, without even having to pause for a moment. I'll miss France, and not just for its amazing food. (Yes, the food is amazing, he said, gloating about how delectable it all is). Even though it rained for 3/4 of my time in Paris, I was able to see the gray Paris that no one else sees. I ate well, and I'm happy for that, but of course there is food in the states that are just as delicious (cheeseburgers, milkshakes...).
My walks with a baguette in my arms, and apples in my bag down rue de l'Annonciation will be greatly missed, because now I'll just be going to the supermarket and buying discounted everything (but the bread is just so not as good).
I'm glad to be home, it's a refreshing pace. However, I am still thinking words in French to say to people, knowing that no one will understand me here. I am expecting small espressos in restaurants, when I actually get large refillable cups -- no, mugs -- of coffee (quelle suprise!).
What I have learned in Paris will never be forgotten (hopefully my speaking skills will stay a little longer): the way you see yourself change is amazing. How my mind has opened, and how I will cherish those four months I spent in Paris, traveling to Italia and other parts in France, sitting on the lush grass in front of the Trocadéro reading, gazing at the Eiffel Tower. Traveling abroad is a wonderful experience, and each is unique:
1. The people who are in the same program as you will affect you (Hi Bobby! Hi Christine! Hi Erin, Victoria, Dan and the gang!) -- they'll teach you things, make you learn about what you search for in a mate...(kidding)
2. The weather is different (rain)
3. The foreign currency might continue getting stronger than the dollar.
In any case, now I'm in California. In two weeks I'm back in NYC to embark on a new adventure called: summer internship. NYU is breaking my back with their policies for summer housing (and the fees! Oh God, the fees...), but hopefully they'll abide by their rules of "NYU students will always be housed".
Without further ado...
Go Lakers!
