F.3 Paris, you will always be remembered!

"Wow" is what comes to mind after living in Paris for 5 1/2 weeks.  What an amazing experience!  Looking back on my time in Paris, I really can't believe that the trip is over.  It absolutely flew by for me.  I feel that I grew so much while away from home.  I had never truly been on my own before.  Yes, I've lived  in a dorm room and an apartment away from home, but I've always had roommates and friends living with me!  This was the first time I was able to truly see how I would survive on my own, and what better way to test your survival skills than living in a foreign country for over a month! (haha)  I had to trust my instincts, and I feel that I was very aware of my surroundings all the time.  I thought that I was a very independent young woman before going over to Paris.  Now, I feel that I have become even more independent and I feel fully capable of living on my own no matter where I live!

I experienced so many cultural differences in Paris.  I love the fact that the french go to the boulangerie every day and pick up a fresh baguette or go to the store for fresh ingredients for the days meals.  Who knew that it is ok to not refrigerate your eggs? That was one difference I learned the first day I moved in with my host family.  I bought a bunch of eggs and my host mother told me that they never refrigerate their eggs!  Another cultural difference that I find really cool is the whole dining experience in Paris.  The french eat much later than we do in the US, and meals are truly a social time filled with good conversation, good friends, and a good time.  I love that the french never seem to be in a rush for anything.  They are laid back and like I said in my cultural video project, "they have mastered the art of doing nothing and turning it into something."  I really tried to embrace this concept of doing nothing and  I feel that I accomplished this by sitting in cafes along St. Michel or near the Notre Dame and just watching people walk by while sipping a drink and talking with friends! C'est tres francais non?

I feel that my french definitely improved while living abroad.  I now know so many key phrases that the french use on a daily basis!  I think my favorite is, "Ce n'est pas grave!"  I learned that its ok not to speak in perfectly constructed sentences.  That was my problem before living in Paris.  I used to try and perfectly plan out my sentences in my head before speaking.  I thought that was the only way to get my message across, and if I didn't know how to say something I used to just not say anything at all! Now, I find that as long as I get the general point across of what I'm trying to say, it is ok.  The french actually understood what I was trying to say!  I learned short cuts for saying things and as long as I include some key words of what I'm tyring to say, then most people will understand what I'm talking about.  I learned the simpler, the better.  I was always trying to make things too hard and complicated.  I am excited to get back to my last french class in Clemson and use the skills I've learned over the summer in class.

Looking back, I wouldn't change a thing about my time in Paris.  Of course there were some trials and obstacles along the way, but you have to take the good with the bad and realize that its all an experience.  I would even say that my hospital visit for my spider bite was one of the most interesting experiences I had in Paris! (haha) I feel that I am a different person than the girl who arrived in Paris 7 1/2 weeks ago.  I feel like I've grown as an individual and I can handle any situation that life throws my way.  Merci Paris!! I will never forget you! : )

F.2 L'Aeroport Charles De Gaulle

Je suis dans Les Etats-Unis!  J'ai arrive dans Les Etats-Unis hier soir.  Apres mon voyage a L'Ecosse, J'ai parti pour L'aeroport Charles De Gaulle pour mon vol final a les etats-unis!  Quelle experience!!! J'ai rate mon vol a les etats-unis parce que les bagage de l'avion d'Edimbourg etait tres tard!! J'ai attendu pour mon bagage pour 45 min! Il y avait beaucoup de gens francais qui m'ont aide avec mes questions sur le bagage et les terminals differents en general.  Finalement,  mon bagage a arrive et  J'ai couru a travers l'aeroport et les terminals.  A le terminal pour U.S Airways, la femme a dit que J'etait retard et J'ai besoin de prendre un autre vol.  Elle a dit aussi que tous les avions pour U.S Airways pour le jour etait fini.  Elle a dit que J'ai besoin de rester en Paris jusqu'a lundi pour le prochain avion.  J'ai ete tres contrarie.  J'ai demande si il y avait un autre avion avec un autre compagnie aérienne.  Elle etait tres mechant et Elle a dit simplement, "Non, desole."  Je n'ai pas abandonne!! J'ai parle avec une femme de Continental Airways.  J'ai trouve un solution!  Apres J'ai discute pour une heure avec la femme de Continental Airways, J'ai eu un nouveau vol a les etats-unis!  Merci beaucoup pour les gens sympa!  Mon nouveau vol a parti a cinq heures.  Donc, J'etait dans L'aeroport Charles de Gaulle pour 8 heures.  Mais, ce n'est pas grave.  J'ai utilise mon ordinateur, J'ai ecoute la musique, et J'ai mange la nourriture francais pour la derniere fois!  Aussi, J'ai achete les choses differents dans les magasins.  Alors, J'ai eu un experience interessant dans l'aeroport Charles de Gaulle, mais c'est un autre experenice francais!  

Une Supplémentaire Journal

Il y a beaucoup des différences entre la culture de France et la culture des États-Unis.

Une différence est que il y a beaucoup des grands peoples dans les États-Unis. En France, tout le monde est maigres. Sur le métro, il y a beaucoup des gens et pas de beaucoup d'espace, donc il est très bondé.

Dans les États-Unis, les gens sont très décontracté. J’habite à la plage, donc tout le monde est en un maillot de bain. À Paris, tout le monde est habillé. J’aime les chaussures!

Une autre difference est que, dans les États-Unis, tout le monde s’arrêtent sur l’escalier. En France, le gauche est pour les gens qui marché et le droit est pour les gens qui marché et le droit est pour les gens qui ne sont pas mouvement.

Dans les États-Unis et France, il y a un beaucoup des voitures, mais en France, je ne faisais pas conduite. Ici, j’ai une voiture et une vélo. En France, il n’y a pas une beaucoup des gens avec des voitures. Tout le monde marchent partout.

Il est bon à retourner, mais des différences sont grand différences. Les cultures sont très different, mais les difference est que est bon entre les pays.

F.3: My time (well spent) in Paris

I have more than thoroughly enjoyed my time spent in Paris, France. Although I don’t think I can properly put my feelings into words, I will try my best to do so…

For starters, I could not have been put with a better host mother, both for her general kindness and for my French knowledge level. She spoke fluent English but would say things in French and translate the bigger words she knew I wasn’t going to quite understand in English once she finished her sentences. This not only helped me with vocabulary, but it helped me with my long sentence comprehension I think. She was the nicest woman possible, which also gave me a good impression of French people overall. I don’t generally try to generalize people based off one person, but while living with her and getting such a good, positive vibe from her, it led me to get a good, positive vibe off other French people. I can’t remember ever having a bad experience with a French person who was rude or mean to me.

I enjoyed my time so much in France, from my host family, to my Sorbonne professor who was a very lovely, sweet woman, to the new friends I’ve made. Not only did I have good experiences with French people, I had amazing interactions with our Clemson group. I feel as though I have made some good, new friends for life.

What I am NOT enjoying is being back in the United States…Yes, I admit, I missed home a little, but right now I miss Paris more. Even though my last week in France was spent in a rather un-luxurious hotel room with my fiancé, we still enjoyed it so very much. And it IS nice to be back in a normal sized, comfortable bed, but I’d sleep on a hard, tiny bed any day of the week if it meant I could be in Paris for a little while longer.

les Repas français - Alex and Keller Anne's Cultural Video Project

embedded by SC

F.3 Return to "Normalcy"

After I arrived back to the United States, everything was so different. The adjustment has been a little weird. I know everything is normal, and what life should be, but it is so different than the life I have been living for the past month and a half. When I first got on the airplane, the first thing I noticed was how loud everyone was. The stewardesses were shouting across the aisle. Also, everyone was much more talkative. Americans are so willing to talk to one another and make fast friends. The French are a little more respectful of your personal life than to ask you a bunch of questions about your journey. Either that or they just don’t care. I’m not sure which one it is, but I think I prefer the French style. Don’t get me wrong, I love conversation, but sometimes airplane chats can get a little intrusive—just because you’re sitting next to me for 9 hours doesn’t mean you need to know my life story.

When I arrived in Dallas, everyone was still loud. It was really uncomfortable. Also, I feel conditioned to speak in French to everyone. Every time I asked someone a question, I spoke in French and quickly had to change to English. It was so weird.

Back in South Carolina, I started driving again. One has to drive to get anywhere! One of my first trips was to Publix with my mom. WOAH. Supermarkets are SO LARGE! I have been so overwhelmed with the selection of food. Every time I go to a grocery store the feeling comes back. There is no need for such a huge selection of food. I think there were like 60 Yoplait light raspberries in the grocery store. Seriously?! That many?? Are people going to buy that much before it expires?

I don’t know if I am ready to switch back to American life. I am looking for a job in France when I finish school. One woman in my Sorbonne class is helping me find a family to be an au pair for! I am very ready to be back in Paris.

Journal F.3: Looking Back on Paris

I had an amazing time in Paris. It's really an experience I will never forget. I had a great time. Of course there were little obstacles along the way. Like the whole incident where we had to run to the metro with all our luggage (I'm sure we can all look back and laugh at that). And when my original host mom ditched me (well not really, just forgot about me). But everything worked out for the better.

I took a lot from this experience. I met amazing people and also learned how to communicate. Not just in french, but in English as well. Before the trip, I found it hard communicate what I wanted, even in my native language. I'm a little shy, and sometimes antisocial! In Paris, I had to speak in a language that was foreign to me. Being required to speak in french has made it easier for me to communicate what I want in English!

It was hard for me to adjust to speaking French. It was a little intimidating at first, especially because a lot of people in the group had a strong back round in French and I did not. But I got over that intimidation and tried very hard. Though with my host Mom I did speak English, she always made an effort to speak to me in French.

This experience was fun, but I don't think I would go abroad in another country again. I was so homesick. I really really want to come here with my mom for a week or two and show her Paris. Most of my family have never been to Europe, let alone left the country before. I know my mom would really enjoy coming here and it was like she was living through me when I showed her the photos. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to experience such a different culture from my own. I hope one day I can see more of Europe and experience it with my family!

F.3: I'll Always Have Paris

As we read before visiting Paris, Hemingway claims that “Paris is a moveable feast,” meaning that Paris means something different to everyone, and that their nostalgia of Paris allows them to, in a sense, revisit Paris over the course of their lives.

Now that I am back in the United States, I understand what Hemingway means. Having been there and done so much, Paris isn’t just a city to me anymore. Its the experience of a lifetime.

My study abroad experience in Paris was not only a wonderful educational experience, but it was also an incredible cultural and personal experience as well.

In terms of an educational experience, I really enjoyed seeing how the French educational system operated firsthand. I absolutely adored my Sarbonne professor! I also really liked her method of teaching. Its difficult to pinpoint exact differences between her notes and the ones I take at home, but the outline form and little tricks she used just made the material so much easier to understand. She also gave us a lot of work sheets to supplement the workbook for extra practice. This repetition is something that we don’t do in the states, and I found that it helped to increase my understanding of the material.

I felt that my French-speaking skills also expectedly improved while in Paris, although not to the extent that I had initially expected. I found that in walking around the city, I did not get to converse with as many native Parisians as I’d hoped. I tried to speak French with Mme DeLuze, my host mother, but she would always answer in English. I could have tried to speak French with the other members of our group, but I felt like there were so many things I wanted to say that I didn’t know how to in French. When I did try to use my French, I felt like I could never get it out just right to do my thoughts justice. It was a frustrating emotion. Also, I knew there were members in the group who were much better speakers than I was, so I was naturally self-conscious of my French-speaking skills.  I lived with another exchange student, and I found that I was able to speak with her in French because she helped me when I stumbled—not corrected me. I found that knowing that she genuinely wanted to help made a huge difference in my confidence. In hindsight, I know that I should have tried to speak more French. Elizabeth Emmanuel’s improvement is inspiring, so hopefully I will be able to improve my French back at Clemson!

Living in Paris for five weeks was undoubtedly one of the best ways to get to know the French culture. I tried so many new foods, drinks, and desserts, and I felt that I was able to get a true taste of France. Even though I didn’t eat in very many cafés, I found that buying my own groceries proved to be an excellent cultural experience as well because I got to see and interact with natives in a tourist-free environment. While I was in transit to the airport, I had at least four gentlemen and one woman help me with my suitcases. I’ve never been so grateful in my life! Simple interactions with the Parisians made my experience that much more meaningful because I felt like we interacted as fellow human beings rather than as a French individual and an American individual.

I loved getting to know my way around Paris. I found that walking was, by far, the best way learn the city because I was able to explore quaint little side streets. I quickly saw that Paris is a semi-‘walkable’ city; I could walk almost anywhere in the city in under two hours. I now feel like I better understand the layout of the city and that walking somewhere is often faster than taking the metro!

In spending so much time alone wandering Paris, I grew to be more self-reliant and more self-independent. I had to learn to trust my own judgment and decisions. At first, I was very leery about walking by myself at night, but then I learned that I just had to be careful of my things of my surroundings. It is always good to be cautious, but I felt that Paris is a far safer city than any American counterpart.

I quickly found a sense of community in the Bastille area, and after running a 10K around the perimeter of the 11^th arrondissement, I felt like I had a Parisian home away from home. This trip to Paris has made me more excited to see and share the world, and I can’t wait to get the opportunity to travel overseas again, especially to England, Ireland, and the Mediterranean. It would also be good exposure to visit an Eastern European country!

Looking back at Paris, I understand that it not the city itself that makes it so special, but what you do while you are there and what you, in turn, take away from the experience. I am very pleased with how I have grown over the course of the program. I find that I have matured and that I have become more globally-minded. As each year passes, the globe gets smaller. Technology allows us to interact with other countries like never before, and it is important for us to see the world and learn about other cultures. This, in turn, allows us to learn how other people think, leading to more successful and positive interactions—political and otherwise—between countries. Then, not only are we citizens of one country, but citizens of the world.

F.3. Looking Back

Well! I already want to go back. Although I was in the 357 French class, I am going to write this journal in English because I want to be sure I am expressing all I have to say clearly and intelligently. I have taken my time in posting this blog because I wanted to be sure I included everything I could. I probably still won’t; there is so much to talk about!

The experience in general was a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. If I had gone by myself, and I had seriously considered it, I would have missed out. All the excursions, especially those with Christina, were brilliant and I learned so much! She is fantastic. I want a mini Christina to keep in my pocket. Not in a weird way. She’s just so smart! If anything changes in the program next year, please keep her! The first weekend, as well, was one of my favorite parts of the trip. It was whirlwind, but I loved visiting places I had not yet seen.

That was one thing I was worried about when signing up for this trip. I wanted the group experience, the Clemson credit, and the facility of finding a place to live and acceptance to the Sorbonne; HOWEVER, I was nervous that, since I had already been to France, I would be repeating a lot of site seeing and experiences. First of all, unless you’ve lived in France or have been once a year since birth, re-seeing sites is not a hardship. Seeing sites for a second or third time is fantastic! I caught so many details and more historical information this time around and I think that was because I wasn’t so awed by the grandeur and could really pay attention to the history and intricacy of the building (or whatever it was.)

The experience as a whole is something I will remember for the rest of my life, but there are two specific things I am taking away from it: a majorly increased level of French communication, and two best friends.

My aunt is fluent in French and we have several friends of the family who live in my hometown for several months of the year and France for the rest of the year. When I came home, I understood almost everything they said as they were casually conversing, which is a major feat! My oral comprehension was my weak point, but after training myself to really listen I think my oral comprehension is equivalent to my levels of reading comprehension and speaking. I definitely have the Sorbonne class to thank for this; we did several oral comprehension activities per week, and our final test had an oral comprehension section so I really tried to prepare for that.

For me, culture shock – both with the language and the city lifestyle – wasn’t a problem. I have traveled before, to France several times and to Azerbaijan where I spent several weeks teaching English. I LOVE being in places where the culture is different because I love learning about others. I am currently in the process of applying for a Fulbright grant to return to Azerbaijan to teach English and to learn Azeri, the local language. I love learning languages, and this program taught me that I can do it and that immersion is key. You really can’t learn a language completely without being immersed in it. If I am granted this Fulbright, I will be living in Azerbaijan from June 7, 2012-June 22, 2013. I should be reeeally good at Azeri by the time I leave! Hopefully.

In my opinion, this trip prepared me for going to Azerbaijan, which may sound weird to most. The longest international excursion I have ever taken was 3 weeks, long enough to immerse myself in the culture, buy some awesome presents for my family, and go home. Around that 2-3 week point here, in Paris, I started to feel homesick. By the fourth week I was pretty much back to normal, but it was still a shock to me to feel homesick. I go to school 11 hours away from home and I had traveled before; before I left I thought there was no way I would feel homesick, but I did and now I know how to deal with it. This trip was amazing and I would recommend it to anyone looking to improve their French.

Les Stéréotypes - La vidéo culturelle de Jevelle et Laura

Katie & Michael - Vidéo culturelle

F.3 Paris, je t'aime

When I think back to my time in Paris, one of the last things I feel is regretfulness. Life is too short to not do your best and live without regrets. I had a great time in Paris. I really did. I'm the kind of person who sometimes over thinks things or worries too much, so there is always a little part of me that feels like I could have done things differently or better. That little part of me may be right but considering how well things went and how great a time I had, it doesn't bother me much at all. It was my first time traveling on my own, so there is a lot that I learned for the next time I travel. There is quite a lot that I will take from the entire experience. I now want to seriously pursue learning French. Before the trip I had only flirted with the idea. I really want to become fluent now. I want to live and work in France, hopefully Paris. Again, I only flirted with the idea of moving to France or something along those lines, but now I see it has a much higher priority. Finding a French woman is somewhere on that list as well. I feel as though I put forth a respectable effort towards getting immersed in the culture and language. I tried very hard to meet the locals and do as the Parisians do. I paid good attention in my Sorbonne class and always had lots of questions for Madame Clay.

It's difficult to look back on the trip and sort of summarize it all into a journal entry. It definitely went better than I expected. I had a wonderful time. I really improved my French and got to experience the culture. I made some good friends along the way as well. I won't forget this trip.

E.3: La Cathédrale de Notre Dame

Hier matin, je suis allée à un mass grégorian à la cathédrale Notre Dame. Il était très bon parce que tou l'mass a été chanté. Il y avait encens aussi!

Après l'office, je suis allée au sommet du clocher! C'était marveilleux! J'ai tout vu! Les gargouilles ont étés très drôle, mais les autres statues étaient très bonnes, aussi. Mon gargouille favori resemblait Dumbledore de Harry Potter! J'ai bu l'école et le jardin l'à côte de la Sarbonne, aussi.

Après Notre Dame, il faisait très chaud, donc j'ai achété de la glacé de Bertillon! C'est super! J'avais fruits de la pasion, myrtille, et sorbert framboise. J'ai mangé mon Bertillon et marchait à côté e la Seine. Il était très tranquille. J'ai regardé des magasins aussi parce que je vais retourner aux États-Unis vendredi. :(

Hier soir, j'ai suis allée un autre mass à Notre Dame avec un cardinal. Il était très vieux, mais il était un bon mass aussi.

J'ai aimé Notre Dame beaucoup. Elle est très vieille aussi, mais elle est très historique. J'aime l'architecture et les très beau fenênetres vitroux. Le sommet de la cathédrale était fantastique. J'ai aimé le mieux que la Tour Eiffel. La Tour Eiffes est trop touristique et trop bondé, mais la vue est jolie. La vue de Notre Dame était super parce qu'elle est près du choses familières. Hier a été une bonne journée! :)

E.2: Le Musée d'Orsay

Aujourd'hui, nous sommes allés au Musée d'Orsay. J'étais très excité pour le musée parce que beaucoup des gens l'a aimé. Je voulais un photo avec l'écriteau de le musée parce que il est comme mon nom!

Mais quand j'ai été au musée, j'ai été décu. J'ai aimé l'architecture du musée, mais, je n'ai pas aimé l'organisation du musée. L'architecture du musée a été très magnifique. J'ai aimé la grand horlogue! Après le promenade, je suis allé les toilettes, et j'ai tès perdu! Je ne suis pas revenue, et je ne l'ai vu pas sortie. Il étais très frustrant.

Je pense que ma tête et fatigué. Les musées sont très instructif, mais il est difficile à tout comprendre.

J'aime voir oeuversde Monet et les oeuvers de Gogh, hier. J'ai voudrai prendre les potos, mais ils n'ont été pas ok avec le musée. :( Les photos m'aident apprécié l'art.

Je pense que j'ai aimé les autres musées plus que le musée d'Orsay parce que j'étais fatigué des musées. 

Il y a une semaine jusqu'à nous partons pour les États-Unis! Il est difficile croire que nous temps à Paris est finir!

F.2: Le Dernier Jour

Mon dernier jour à Paris a été intéressant. J'ai eu trois heures de sommeil, donc j'étais très fatigue. Quand je me suis réveillé, j'ai eu trop de choses et j'ai besoin d'acheté une autre sac. J'ai acheté deux billets pour le métro à Republique, où il y avait un magasin de bagage. J'ai achété une autre valise for quinze euros!

Après le magasin de bagage, j'ai eu à ma pâtisserie favori à acheter des baguettes et des tartes au chocolât pour le voyage. J'ai retournais à ma maison à finir mes valises.

J'ai mangé une salade et parti pour Châtelet pour le RER B à CDG. J'ai eu deux valises, mon cartable, et mon sac! Il y avait un beaucoup de gens qu'aidez moi avec mes bagages!

J'ai arrivé à l'aéroport et réarrangé mes bagages. J'ai eu mon billet pour le aéroplane et parti pour les États-Unis! Le vol étais très longue! Neuf heures! J'ai vu trois films et prendre un petit somme, mais, j'ai eu un beaucoup de temps. La cuisine de l'aéroplane était bon. J'ai mangé du poulet avec un baguette, chevre, et une tarte de citron.

Après le matin de stressant et un longue vol, j'étais très fatigue émotionallement. Il étais un jour triste, mais je pense qu'il sera bon étre à ma maison.

F.2 Voulez-vous diner avez moi ?

Le diner d’adieu était très amusant et délicieux mais un petit peu triste aussi. C’était un petit peu triste parce que nos voyage arrivait à la fin. Je ne voulais pas arrêter le voyage. Je voulais rester plus à Paris. Comme d’habitude, le temps se passe très rapidement quand on voyage dans un pays intéressant. On dit toujours « Il semble que nous sommes arrivés hier mais en fête c’est le dernier jour! » Il y a beaucoup de choses que ils me manquent. J’ai dit « au revoir » à beaucoup de choses comme mon appartement et le style de vie français. Je ne oublierai jamais ce voyage. J’ai appris beaucoup de choses et je suis tombé en amour avec Paris. Je sais que je veux retourner à Paris dès que possible. Je veux me renseigner plus sur les autres villes du monde et choisis la meilleure ville pour vivre mais je suis presque sûr que Paris est ma ville favorite. J’ai demandé à Christina « Paris, c’est une bonne ville ou le plus bonne ville ? » et elle a répondu « Le meilleur ville ! » Je pense qu’elle a raison. J’ai besoin de commencer à organiser mon prochain voyage. Quand je retourne, Paris aura l’air d’un ami à la place de quelqu’un qui je rencontre pour la première fois. Je ne peux pas attendre !

F.1 La promenade de Hemingway

La promenade de Hemingway était peut-être ma promenade favorite du voyage entier à Paris. Toutes les autres promenades étaient très formidables. Ils se sont passés très bien et j’ai appris beaucoup de faits intéressants. Mais j’ai trouvé cette promenade plus agréable que les autres parce que j’aimais bien « A Moveable Feast » et peut-être parce que les histoires de cette promenade ont eu lieu plus récemment que les autres. Je ne sais pas pourquoi il est très intéressant de marcher où une personne célèbre comme Hemingway a marché mais j’aime. J’aime voir ce qu’il a vu et faire ce qu’il a fait quand il était à Paris. Un certain café semble peut-être être un café ordinaire jusqu'à ce qu’on apprend que Hemingway y a bu un boisson ou quelque chose. J’aime penser à sa vie et imaginer moi vive sa vie. Hemingway a eu une vie extraordinaire. Il a eu beaucoup d’expériences formidables et il a écrit de beaucoup de ces expériences. Ces personnes sont la sorte des personnes que je veux lire de et apprendre de. Je pense qu’il est très amusant que Hemingway a écrit passionnément de sa copine dans sa livre et il a eu l’air d’une personne qui peut aimer seulement une femme mais il a eu beaucoup de copines. J’ai aimé la promenade de Hemingway parce que je trouve sa vie très intéressant et cette promenade a montré une partie de sa vie.

E.3 Mon Dernier Weekend en Paris!

J'ai eu le meilleur weekend! C'etait un weekend interessant avec beaucoup de choses surprenant!  Apres mon cours vendredi, Je suis alee faire du shopping! J'aime les soldes a Paris!  C'est fantastique! J'ai achete une belle robe noir et une jolie chemise blanche!  Aussi, J'ai achete des chaussures et un bracelet pour ma mere!  Je pense elle les aimera!  Le vendredi soir, J'ai fait un picnic avec mes amis dans un jardin secret!  Le jardin etait dans une partie different du quartier que Je n'ai vu pas avant!  C'etait amusant regarder les familles et leurs enfants jouent!  Samedi, Je me suis levee tot, et J'ai commence mon jour avec un grand chocolat chaud a "Lillie's Brownies."  C'est un tres bon cafe dans le 7ieme arrondissement!  Apres ca, Keller Anne et moi sont allees au quartier du Moulin Rouge!  Le Moulin Rouge n'etait pas comme grande que J'ai pense.  Il y a le grand moulin, et les autres magasins pres de la.  Mais, c'est tout!  J'ai vu les hommes interessant qui regardent moit et J'etait un peu effrayee!  Mais ce n'etait pas grave.  Donc, Je partie et a allee a La Bastille!  Sur le metro a La Bastille, une jeune fille a essaye voler mon argent et les autres choses dans mon sac!  Elle etait un pickpocket!  J'ai dis, "NON, NON, NON!" et J'ai pris mon sac!  La jeune fille a dit, "desole" et elle a parti.  J'etait tres heureuse qu'elle n'ai pris pas mes affaires!  Quelle experience!  La Bastille etait super et apres ca, J'ai allee aux Champs-Elysees.  J'ai vu Fergie et William de la groupe "Black Eyed Peas!" C'etait super chouette!  C'est tout pour samedi.  Le dimanche, Je allais a l'eglise!  Pour moi, c'est interessant voir comment les autres cultures adorent Dieu!  J'ai rencontre deux filles qui etaient tres sympa!  Nous avons chante en anglais et francais.  hehe C'est super!  Apres ca, Je marchais sur la Rue de Rennes pour deux heures.  J'ai regarde a tout les gens en les cafes et les tourists avec leurs grands sacs et les chausettes blanc! hehe.  Je suis triste, mais J'ai eu le mieux experience pendant J'etais ici! C'etait un tres bon weekend!

F3. My Thoughts

Even though I am a member of the 357 French group, I have chosen to write my post in English. This is because I believe that I can best convey my thoughts for students studying abroad next year in English. It's a little difficult for this post to be thorough, because there is so much information to discuss. I have chosen one topic in particular, and that is the adjustment to the big city lifestyle.

As a whole, I enjoyed the problem very much. Unfortunately, there was one week where I hurt my back, and was unable to proceed with visiting monuments as I would have liked. However, my first piece of advice is to always put yourself out there. Just walking around the streets of Paris is a cultural experience in itself. For some reason I waited until the last two weeks to start exploring my arrondissement. Bad decision. I should have started the moment I walked in the door.

For me, adjusting to Paris and the language was not that difficult. Adjusting to the big city lifestyle was. I have taken plenty of journeys where I have used the metro, but never for five weeks straight. I was unaccustomed to taking the metro, walking in the rain, buying groceries blocks away, and other things that make city life in general a little bit harder. (This of course, is my opinion.) I had never (in recent years) lived in an apartment where I could hear my neighbors. Living in a dorm is one thing, living in a big city apartment is another. No matter where I went, it seemed like I met thousands of new people. On Clemson's campus, you seem to run into the sam circles of people constantly. that was a change in Paris, but in my opinion it was a welcome change.

If I could change one thing about this Paris trip, I would change how I prepared for the trip. I wish I could have forseen that my biggest adjustment would be to city life, and not to the language. I was so caught up on making my French understandable, that I completely forgot about the aspect of living in a city that is about 100 times bigger than my hometown. I completely forgot that I wouldn't be taking cars, that I would be walking everywhere. (although I must say, the weight loss is a wonderful benefit.) As I mentioned earlier, I loved the program as a whole. But getting used to the city was a struggle.

The classes at the Sorbonne are greater. The class with Mme Clay is interesting, promenades with Christina are wonderful, and if you can handle all of that, then you should be fine. Remember, this is a STUDY abroad. There is plenty of time for fun, just remember, you do have assignments, and they do have due dates. Not everyone on the trip was like me, there were some people who had a more difficult time adjusting to the language. With that said, I simply encourage you to remember that no two people had the same experience here. We all came and left with different life backgrounds. My advice to you, the student, is to make sure that you really think about the areas you might struggle with. Give them some thought, and come up with some solutions to help the transition become a little bit easier.

Mme Clay did tell me that culture shock was a part of this program, and unfortunately, I didn't believe it would affect me. I wrote on my first blog post that I can't prepare for the unexpected, but had I put a little more thought into it, I most likely could have known to expect this culture shock coming.

Thanks Mme Clay for a WONDERFUL program. I had the time of my life over here, and I know students next year will as well. Au revoir!

F2. Le Journal Dernier

Aujourd’hui est notre jour dernier pour le program. Je suis un peu triste, mais très heureuse que je partirai pour les Etats-Unis demain. J’étais heureuse pendant le program, mais c’est un peu difficile pour apprendre la culture des français. Le topique pour ce journal est le diner à l’Auberge Café. Mon diner était très bon. J’ai mange le canard, un Panna Cotta, et les tomates. Le Panna Cotta est un dessert avec les fraises, framboise, est glace. Tous les autres personnes dans le group a mange le dessert chocolaté, mais j’ai pense que la Panna Cotta est meilleur. Pendant le diner, tout le monde était heureux, et un peu triste. Nous avons discute les sujets de la Sorbonne, notre promenade favori, et nous avons pose des questions a Mme Christina. (Pour le group l’ânée prochaine, Mme Christine est une bonne ressourcée pour toutes les questions françaises, culturelles, l’art, l’histoire, et l’architecture.) Je pense que nous avons une classe demain, et après ca le program est fini. J’espéré que j’ai visite tous les monuments, et acheté beaucoup de souvenirs. Il serai difficile demain quand je partirai, mai j’espéré que dans l’avenir, je vais retourner. C’est possible que je vais retourner l’été prochaine ! J’aime Paris !

E3. Mes Amies

Hier, j’ai rendu visite mes amies, Aarti et Avni. Elles habitent dans la meme ville que moi dans les Etats \unis. Elles one un oncle et une tante. Qui habitent a Londres. Ca c’est pourquoi elles one décidé pour visiter moi. J’ai attendu pour deux heures pour leur vol. Quand elles sont arrivées, j’étais très heureuse. Apres nous avons visite beaucoup de moments. Nous sommes promenées sur le Champs Élysées. Aussi, nous avons visite le Louvre, la Tour Eiffel, l’Arc de Triomphe, place de la Concorde et l’Assemblée Nationale. Elles n’ont jamais visiter Paris avant cette voyage. Aussi, nous avons pris beaucoup des photos sur la Tour Eiffel. Il faisait beau, t très chaud. Il fait chaud aujourd’hui aussi. Aussi nous nous sommes promenés aux Champs Élysées. Nous avons visite le Disney immeuble. C’était très drôle. Nous aimons les films Disney beaucoup. C’était très triste, mais mes amies a besoin de parité pour London cet après midi. Si j’ai beaucoup de temps, j’aurai visiter elles a Londres. Mais, ce program est court, est il n’y a pas beaucoup de temps. Pour moi, c’était très herseuse que Aarti et Avni sont ici parce que ma famille, ils me moquent. J’aime ma famille beaucoup, et c’est très difficile pour partir eux. Mais cet week-end était très bon, et j’espéré que ce semaine est heureux aussi.

F.1: My Rue du Bagnolet

I have found my Rue du Bagnolet; Notre Dame. Ok so it's not really a rue but it has the same effect of me. Everything looks better int he general area of Notre Dame. I began my love affair on our very first day in Paris. Even though I was sick and tired as a dog, I found myself forgetting about my fatigue when standing in front of this most perfect (but not too perfect according to Christina) building.

Yesterday when discussing Desnos' love for the Rue de Bagnolet, I knew right away that I felt the same about Notre Dame de Paris and could relate to his feelings exactly. I have visited this building so many times while in Paris and I've experiences it at almost all different times of the day and night. Like Desnos, while sun is good and all, Notre Dame is just so wonderful that the sun WANTS to be hanging out and driving it's VW cabriolet convertable in the place in front of Notre Dame whenever it can.

Speaking of our readings and Notre Dame, Prevert has it all wrong, the Seine doesn't make Notre Dame jealous with all it's glistening and moving throughout France so freely, it's really the other way around. The way I see it, the Seine is jealous of Notre Dame because of it's stability and sturdiness. The Seine is also jealous because of the way the sun looks riding around the square in front of Notre Dame, it can't do that on the Seine because it would sink, duh. Basically Notre Dame is as wonderful and perfect to me as Rue du Gagnolet was to Desnos.

Katelyn & Lynzee - Vidéo culturelle: Les Différences de style

Part 1


Part 2

F.2: The last hoo-rah

Last night was our farewell dinner. While the whole thought that we have been in Paris for over a month and the whole thing was coming to an end was bizarre because it flew by so fast but it was sad above all. So long, farewell….you know how the song goes. It was our last big hoo-rah before we all said our goodbyes and went on our separate ways. I am sorry to say though that some of my sadness was instantly dissolved when the amuse bouche arrived, which translates into “to please the mouth” apparently. That one tiny cup of soup really set the tone for the dinner. Everything was just so good, even things I had never had before were just so tasty. I am a known hater of mushrooms and but maybe it was just the fact that I am in Paris and so delighted to be here that even the strange looking mushrooms were tasty to me. Looking back through our past 6 weeks as we had our last group get together I realized that I am just so very glad I chose to come here and I got to meet some wonderfully nice people in the process. This trip and ALL our group excursions, no matter how crazy and stressful, were all memories that I now realized I would keep with me forever and I would not give that up for anything in the world : )