Since last week, not much has changed. I'm still in Tours and I've just been hanging out. Reading, watching movies, baking a little, crocheting a little.
I can't remember the exact day, but a few days ago, there was really wild rain and storms going on all throughout France. It was intense rain for less than an hour but I'd never seen water run through the streets like that before here. There was also a buncha HAIL. The power went out for just a little while but later there was bad news because a lot of H's drawings and photographs were ruined. He has a workspace in the basement of the house and water leaked in from the windows unfortunately. It's really a shame, but not everything was destroyed thankfully.
These aren't necessarily recommendations (unless I say otherwise), but just what I've been reading/watching/doing:
Book Report- When I was with my family I didn't get that much reading done so I've been working on catching up. I got stuck on this really boring one called The Little Hotel. I thought it would be a quick and easy read but I just found the conversations and characters so uninteresting it was hard for me to get through. If you've ever seen The Grand Budapest Hotel, the scene and interactions reminded me of that. I like Wes Anderson movies but tbh the plots and dialogue are often boring to me (so I like it for the ~cinematography~). Anyways, since getting over that, I've been hard a work. I've read since -
When Breath Becomes Air - got recommended this one by several friends and it really was a moving story. As I embark on this medical school journey, it's like I want to know but also I'm scared to find out what it will take. I know I should just suck it up and find out whatever I can. But also I don't think it helps to freak myself out when everyone's path is so different anyways. Anyways, beyond searching for a morsel of wisdom in the story, I thought the writing was nice and I would also pass on the rec.
Tuesdays with Morrie - I read this as a high school senior in AP psychology. Reading it again I think I have another perspective. It is a touching story no matter what but I kinda don't like the main character/author.... anywhoooo lol
Flowers for Algernon - I do recommend this one. It's a science fiction about a man who gets an operation to raise his IQ. I like the journal format and the whole story poses interesting questions about bioethics (among other subjects).
In terms of baking, this past weekend I made some apple cider donuts! It's not really the season, I know, but I heard it was national donut day and I love apple cider donuts :D I've never fried up donuts so I was not sure how they'd turn out. But I have to say it was a success! I will have to make them again. I also tried a new chocolate chip cookie recipe today and those also came out deeelicious.
My apple cider babies
Not much has stood out to me in the movie world recently. However, I *did* watch the entirety of Stranger Things since being in Tours. I really loved the first season when it came out. But when the second season came out I didn't really get into it. I just feel like I have to rewatch from the beginning anytime a new season comes out. So it's actually good I've waited until now because I didn't have to wait haha.
I'm sad that my time in France is coming to a close :( I expect to repeat these sentiments in the coming posts, so I apologize in advance. I'm super excited to start over in a way in a new city (New York nonetheless!). But I really do like life here. Bittersweet, ya know? Cliché, but I have to say it. I'll speak more about this later on but for now that's where my mind is. In the meantime, I've just been trying to make the most out of the dwindling weeks :')
Also, your desserts look really good! I think it’s cool that you bake, do nails, and crotchet. They are all such useful skills as well as nice outlets of expression. And the hail is crazy! Did you try to walk out? Lastly, tell H I said I am sorry about his loss, that must’ve been really frustrating and sad :((
Awweeeee yeah, I’m sad you’re leaving France too. France really seems like a good fit for you, you seem to vibe with really well :( but it’s okay I’m sure you’ll be back :)) And that book “When Breathe Becomes Air” is so good! I remember I started reading expecting to take it piece by piece throughout a semester and I wound up reading it all in one day despite having other obligations. It is AMAZING, tell me what you think!
I know how you feel mama T_T...I hope leaving won't be too hard, and your return will be welcoming and easy. Also, I read Flowers for Algernon in hs and really enjoyed it! I thought ***SPOILER*** that when Algernon dying hurt because you knew Charlie was next...though I don't remember too much of it, I do remember the spelling and grammer errors made it difficult for me to understand T_T. But that books reminds me of this other book my teacher made us read called "Of Mice and Men" give it a read! It's short and really good imo!