It is crazy to think that in just two days I will be leaving France. Living here has become so normal that I can't even imagine returning back to the US (not to sound like those Europe study abroad girlies 🤪). Maybe, it is because it is the place that I was a real -- I am using this word verrrrry losely-- adult for the first time: like it is the place where I began solely working, paying rent and utilites, buying groceries for myself, going to outings, hosting dinner/lunch parties, returning home to no one, and much more. But in any case, I am sure my adjustment back home will be easy as it is obviously what I am used to. However, since I am only used to being an adult in France, I am interested to see the differences in my experience being an adult in my homelands.
As I am preparing to leave though, I realize that I will definitely miss it here and that I MUST return. It is interesting though, because I feel like I learned a lot about myself and how I have a limitation to being open-minded to culture differences. For me, I am willing to accept differing cultural practice but only if they "make sense", like if they can be reasoned I can get behind it. For example, I was willing to accept that in Copenhagen you walked fast due to such things as the long crosswalks and the unbearably windy and rainy weather. But that isn't something you can do with French culture since many of the things they do are at times pointless, ineffective, and nonsensical and can only be explained as being "traditional". Because of this though, I thought I disliked France but I realized I was wrong--- I just dislike when a cultural practice cannot be explained. So I actually do think I like France and French culture (to an extent) and I could honestly see myself living here in the future: I would be happiest in Bordeaux and could still be happy living either in Normandy or Lyon.
What will I miss exactly? I think I will def miss being able to get beignets and lemon tarts and sandwiches so easily from my lovely bakery (hands down the best bakery in France), I will miss the trains, the many walkable cities, listening and speaking french, and the creperies... Huh , sadness :(
Lastly, this experience overall showed me that I will definitely be happy living the rest of my life as an Ex-Pat. Before it was just a wishful thought, but now I am more certain that I ever that I hate living in the US and that I need to hurry up and get through med school so I could emmigrate.
Sorry for the ramble but it is a piece of my many thoughts at 1:36am (I am also thinking about Yuta Okkotsu, Rindou, Inupi, Sanzu, what show I should download for my almost 24h ride to Portugal, how I have to avoid getting robbed with all my bags going through Bercy on Friday, how my shoulder might get dislocated again from all the lugging I will do, whether I will be able to finish listening to this French teacher's playlist before I see him tomorrow, if my niblings are thinking about me, if my sister, mom, and dad are doing well, amongst other things 🥲🥲).
Soooooo yeah, per the usual, I will add my photos below and I look forward to seeing how y'all are :)))
If you made it this far, thanks for reading--- Byeeeeeeeee
I agree with Rachel. Also, per usual love that you're living your best life, and I'll miss France as well T_T
Very interesting reflections, specifically the part about customs "making sense", that's a good way to put it. And you're very right in the part about a lot of French customs being chalked up as "traditional" while being actually non sensical. I'm glad you've become more content in your realizations about how you interpret these things and I could totally see you living elsewhere. I get what you mean about feeling like it could be wishful thinking, but I do think that you thrive when you're out and about in the world. I admire that about you! Seizing the moment and time. And true o_o It'll be another adventure altogether navigating ~adult~ life in the US instead. If anything though, I…