It's time. After waiting and daydreaming about my life outside college and in the real world, it's finally here but with a French twist.
I leave tomorrow to teach English though the French government's assistantship program. I will be living in Blois (pronounced: bl-wah) in the Loire Valley, close to Orleans and Tours. Paris is about two hours north by train. I will be living in Blois for seven months and traveling for as long as my money goes.
I have always known that France the second time around would be completely different than my experience two years ago. I won't be with a host family and I am going there knowing nobody. So, I will be going there alone, living alone, and learning about myself alone. Despite this change of comfort, there are things that are so much easier this time. Packing was easier, goodbyes were easier, and even my overall jitters about living overseas haven't been too overwhelming. I am excited to be humbled again by another language (this time by elementary school children), experience things I never knew existed, and to discover more of the little nuances in both French and American cultures.
After having a safe flight (cross your fingers), I will arrive in Blois by dinner time Tuesday night. After that my to-do list is as follows:
1. Open a bank account
2. Get a cell phone
3. Eat a crepe
Ah, c'est la vie!
Thanks to everyone who has supported me to get this far. I love you all!
Bisous xx
