orientation+versailles+la maladie+classes

As the title hints, a lot has gone by this week. But at the same time, it doesn't feel like that much has passed? Last week was all about orientation activities which included logistical things like setting up a bank account, getting new SIM cards (btw, pls contact me by means other than text! But I guess since we have telegram/LINE that's not a big problem), talking about safety, etc. In addition, we had professors who teach at the Smith Center (Reid Hall) give us mini lectures basically that were also contextual for being in France. For example, we had profs give a crash course on French politics, talk about immigration and la laïcité (secularism or the importance of separation of religion and state here). Later in the week we did a few walking tours in the different arrondissements (basically neighborhoods).

I went to the Louvre for the first time! I'm sure I'll be back bc we were given passes to go whenever :-) it's huge tho so kinda intimidating

At the end of the week (ie Saturday), we went to Versailles because they have this night show where there are fireworks and you can walk around the garden. It was a really beautiful place (ofc) and it was interesting to imagine what it took to build it all and what it would be like to live there. I also learned that Versailles is the city and what I think of when I think of Versailles is specifically the castle.

the fireworks were good and there were bubbles <3

they had statues all over of greek mythological figures and you know how I get about that hahaha the last one is of Persée et Andromède ;)

We therefore didn't get to actually visit the castle. BUT, thanks to my connections (haha just kidding, thanks to the generosity of my friend), I stayed the night at a hotel. Doris was extremely gracious in letting me accompany her! She studies art history and has does extensive work with the chateau, so naturally she wanted to see it in person. The next day, we explored the castle. If anyone here has seen Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette (or have been to Versailles haha), you know how extravagant the place is! At least that was my ref point. I did think it was impressive because that was the first time people were allowed to film in there I think. In the Galerie des Glaces, I kept on thinking of Anastasia which made the experience even better imo.

Galerie des glaces

The experience was amazing overall! There was a downside though.... The following few days, I was a bit sick. I'm not sure if it was because of the weather change or because Doris had recently recovered from a sickness herself or because I'm just in a new environment with different pathogens, but nevertheless I was bedbound for a hot second. On Monday I was supposed to go to the university to try to find out hours and register (s'inscrire for ya french learners) but I was just too tired so I.... didn't. It was ok though because it turns out the class starts Thursday. The following day, I went with Katie to register and it went a lot smoother than either of us anticipated. We also made a maybe friend while waiting! She snapchatted me so I think this friendship is definitely going places 😌

I don't think I mentioned this last time, but I also made a new friend while waiting to get info from the psychology department. She's from Romania and we were surprised to find out she's 28?! And married apparently haha. She's cool though and she told us about a movie event going on for international students. A theatre showed L'auberge espagnole at discounted price and it was a really fun time. The plot of the movie is about Erasmus students from all over (exchange within Europe) living together in Spain so the situation was relevant to a lot of the crowd.

Since my first classes aren't until tomorrow I've just been chilling and recovering from my tragic sickness (I think this is a record for me bc I can't even remember the last time I was sick). Looking at my schedule as is, things look generally pretty light though. Things are here are different in that there's less class time I think but more time expected to be working on things individually. Like they give you a list of readings that aren't due but you're expected to work through it over the semester. This'll sound wild to the folks back home who've taken lab, but for the physiologie class I signed up for, there's only two (2) lab sessions (4hrs each)?! And lecture once a week + small groups every other week :-0

Anyhow, it'll be an adventure! And this weekend the Smith program arranged an excursion to Bordeaux so I'm sure it'll be a beautiful time.

Just so that you don't get the wrong impression, I don't want to make it seem like everything is peaches and cream.... It's definitely a challenge to get used to things. Especially with the language, I can feel discouraged and like it's not what I want it to be. I often worry about what other people think when I speak or struggle to find the right words. But also I try to remember that this is normal and I just need to keep trying. Once things are settled with classes and I have more of a routine, perhaps things will feel more comfortable. tldr; it's hard but I know it'll get better. I miss my closest friendships from Smith but I'm trying my best to forge new ones!

Beaucoup plus à venir !!