It’s been just over 100 days since I arrived in Aix, and what an experience it has been. Realizing that this adventure is coming to an end is weird. I’ve begun packing, which has been surprisingly easier than expected, and throwing out endless class notes that I no longer need. I’m definitely ready for the school aspect to be done, but I am getting sentimental about the little aspects that make Aix, Aix.
I’ve been in nonstop limbo between getting settled in Aix and exploring Europe, and this past weekend was no exception. (But I love it so no problem here). I went to Dublin to meet up with some friends from Chicago to celebrate one of their birthdays! I’ve known Emily and Liz since I was in kindergarten, and no matter where in the world we find each other, we always have a great time. Emily is spending this semester in Florence and Liz is exploring Paris. The fact that we casually met up in Dublin for a weekend still blows me away.
After non-stop fun in Aix the past two weeks, it was time for my first European trip. There are way too many places to go, and not enough time to do it. Prioritizing has been key, but even still I’m realizing that the idea of going “everywhere” this semester was not going to happen. But my list is piled high with different countries, so no complaints here. I started to feel a bit homesick the beginning of last week, and it felt like a good time to see a familiar face, and be immersed in a familiar language. As much as I love the French, it’s work to try and communicate.
Today is the day!! After what seems like the longest winter of my life, the Netflix marathons have come to an end. I leave for Aix-en-Provence tonight to start my four-month journey in Europe! I am so much more excited than nervous at this point, and am ready to tackle the eight-hour plane ride.
As long as I can remember I have wanted to study abroad, and it seems like as soon as I knew what traveling was I was ready to take on the world. But this past month at home has been filled with nerves, anxiety, and anticipation for today. All of my friends at Miami were going through recruitment, getting back into classes, and going out with each other (#GroveThursdays), and I felt like I was missing out on everything. I know that sounds crazy. I’m going to France! How can I be jealous? But the fear of the unknown has been lingering for months now and not being in Miami really set me straight: France is a very real thing. Read More
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