end of semester

As my semester in France comes to an end, I am fairly satisfied with the experience and the outcome. I am older (21!), wiser, and a bit more savvy about establishing a life in a foreign country. I had to open a bank account, pay my rent at the post office, walk/tram/bus to and from downtown (the only place to do anything)...and I learned how to cook using only a frying pan.

The time spent actually in Bordeaux hasn't been the most exciting or most relaxing, but certainly has allowed me to appreciate America and Florida. Being at home has never felt as good as it will when i return (~1.5 weeks).

And really, I have no qualms about being the only person I know that went to France and really didn't like it. On a whole, the country is gorgeous, the beaches are heavenly...and of course, it is the capital of all things decadent and lust-worthy. However, the people...the people make the country, and if I was to pick based on who I meet...then France would be at the bottom of the list. Spain, sure, Italy, certainly, but France...? Aside from several very genuinely kind, gracious people, the general populous has been rude, standoffish, unfriendly, and incredibly un-helpful. In comparison, shopkeepers and train attendants in Spain and Italy were much much more gentle and open to foreigners.

My personal opinion is that it is a mindset problem (or an attitude problem). So much of France's overall esprit is based on superiority complexes...in cuisine, in language...in fashion. And no one likes an arrogant guy or girl. As my dad expressed in a conversation about this very subject..."almost all of Europe (including Italy and Spain) are loved and have been loved for years by the Americans...and they love that we love them...they accept our love. Americans love France but France resists our love...they shun our love." I think he is right.

Anyway, it annoys me a bit that France has been such a let-down...as I was hoping to master my language skill, but instead, almost every person who senses my non-native French wants to switch to English (if they can). I mean, I'm trying to learn, and it's not like I can't speak the language...I just need time here and there to formulate responses!

Anyway, this is a picture of Paris from the Montparnasse Tower.