I'm going to be selfishly unhappy to go home.
I don't want to leave France.
Not one bit.
And honestly, I couldn't really give you a reason.
I just know.
I don't want to go.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Simply, Completely, Truly...
Blessed.
I don't know how else to say it.
Tonight, I had dinner with my host family and my real family.
The two worlds that have defined me the most, meeting together in one place.
First of all, it was a rather hilarious dinner. My host parents speak very little English (in fact, my host dad doesn't speak it at all) and my real family speaks very little French. My professor, Madame Barbour, came along to help translate. But regardless, it was amusing to be caught in between the two languages (there were a lot of mismatched sentences for me, half in English and French when I was trying to talk in just one or the other). It was also hilarious to hear my mother and father try to speak French. And watch my brother drink wine and champagne. And to watch my host dad pull a bird he'd killed on his last hunt out of the freezer, all feathers still attached, to show my family.
All amusement aside, I can honestly say that this was the most unique experience of my life. To be able to share each of my families with each other; to show each family what the other family is like...never again will I have that.
We were 8 people, of different languages and backgrounds, brought together just because I happened to be the common link. And now, after 3 hours together, we know and understand each other a little bit more.
When I sit here thinking about it, I can't help but be moved.
I'll be home in less than two weeks. Which distresses me and excites me all at the same time. But, I can say now that tonight's dinner made my time here in France more complete.
To be able to share this experience with my family is a treasure that I will never forget.
Just this afternoon, I received two letters from two of the brightest stars in my life. One, from a rambunctious little girl named Brooks who teaches me how to be a more loving person every single second of every single day, and the other from her sweet brother John, who teaches me how to laugh more every single second of every single day.
Those letters, when added to the incredible experience I had at dinner, just make for a completely outstanding day.
I am simply, completely, and truly blessed. I do not think I will ever comprehend why the Lord has given me the life I have. I deserve far less...but thats the beauty of the Lord, isn't? His blessings have nothing to do with my shortcomings or my merit...they are based completely on His grace.
Blessed.
I don't know how else to say it.
Tonight, I had dinner with my host family and my real family.
The two worlds that have defined me the most, meeting together in one place.
First of all, it was a rather hilarious dinner. My host parents speak very little English (in fact, my host dad doesn't speak it at all) and my real family speaks very little French. My professor, Madame Barbour, came along to help translate. But regardless, it was amusing to be caught in between the two languages (there were a lot of mismatched sentences for me, half in English and French when I was trying to talk in just one or the other). It was also hilarious to hear my mother and father try to speak French. And watch my brother drink wine and champagne. And to watch my host dad pull a bird he'd killed on his last hunt out of the freezer, all feathers still attached, to show my family.
All amusement aside, I can honestly say that this was the most unique experience of my life. To be able to share each of my families with each other; to show each family what the other family is like...never again will I have that.
We were 8 people, of different languages and backgrounds, brought together just because I happened to be the common link. And now, after 3 hours together, we know and understand each other a little bit more.
When I sit here thinking about it, I can't help but be moved.
I'll be home in less than two weeks. Which distresses me and excites me all at the same time. But, I can say now that tonight's dinner made my time here in France more complete.
To be able to share this experience with my family is a treasure that I will never forget.
Just this afternoon, I received two letters from two of the brightest stars in my life. One, from a rambunctious little girl named Brooks who teaches me how to be a more loving person every single second of every single day, and the other from her sweet brother John, who teaches me how to laugh more every single second of every single day.
Those letters, when added to the incredible experience I had at dinner, just make for a completely outstanding day.
I am simply, completely, and truly blessed. I do not think I will ever comprehend why the Lord has given me the life I have. I deserve far less...but thats the beauty of the Lord, isn't? His blessings have nothing to do with my shortcomings or my merit...they are based completely on His grace.
Blessed.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Caught
Honestly, I cannot fathom being anywhere but here.
Right here, at my little french desk in my little french room in my little french town.
What does it mean when an experience that was so unreal becomes your reality?
What does it mean when everything you once held as "normal" --the things you fought to hold on to because you hated, hated change--have passed into some far away land that just does not seem a part of your life anymore?
not liking this feeling.
I think the next few weeks are going to be a bit rough. I'm caught.
Caught in a place where I don't know how to feel. Do I be selfishy unhappy to be going back home in two weeks, knowing full well how many people miss me and how it honestly will be incredible to see them, laugh with them, and hug them again...or do I just appreciate this experience I've had, and head home without a regretful glance behind me?
The solution seems to be simple...rest in the middle. Accept both feelings and take it one day at a time.
But I hate not knowing.
Not knowing which is certain, which is going to prove to be the stronger emotion. I don't think I would be happy with either of these emotions proving to be the stronger, but I am not content to rest in the middle.
Right here, at my little french desk in my little french room in my little french town.
What does it mean when an experience that was so unreal becomes your reality?
What does it mean when everything you once held as "normal" --the things you fought to hold on to because you hated, hated change--have passed into some far away land that just does not seem a part of your life anymore?
not liking this feeling.
I think the next few weeks are going to be a bit rough. I'm caught.
Caught in a place where I don't know how to feel. Do I be selfishy unhappy to be going back home in two weeks, knowing full well how many people miss me and how it honestly will be incredible to see them, laugh with them, and hug them again...or do I just appreciate this experience I've had, and head home without a regretful glance behind me?
The solution seems to be simple...rest in the middle. Accept both feelings and take it one day at a time.
But I hate not knowing.
Not knowing which is certain, which is going to prove to be the stronger emotion. I don't think I would be happy with either of these emotions proving to be the stronger, but I am not content to rest in the middle.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Finally Dublin
On Thursday night, our plane landed in Dublin around 10pm. After going through customs (yay new stamp on the passport) and figuring out the bus to the hostel, Lauren, Jenn, and I headed to the hostel and Kara headed to meet her friend since she was staying at her friend's apartment. Our hostel proved to be quite nice, especially for the price. We had some inconsiderate roommates the first night, but thats the way it goes sometimes.
Friday morning, we got up bright and early to hit the city. Lauren's friend Elliot is studying in Dublin and graciously agreed to be our tour guide/plan our days for us. Talk about awesome! Our first stop was Trinity College where we saw the Book of Kells.
Barley!
pulling my pint!
"It comes in pints? I'm getting one!"
I'm certified...
After the tour around the ruins, we had about an hour to walk some of the surrounding trails. Kara and I headed to Upper Lake and Lower Lake, and now begins the plethora of pictures that document our adventure.
Friday morning, we got up bright and early to hit the city. Lauren's friend Elliot is studying in Dublin and graciously agreed to be our tour guide/plan our days for us. Talk about awesome! Our first stop was Trinity College where we saw the Book of Kells.
The Book of Kells is an ancient illuminated book of the Gospels and it was fascinating. Next up was Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin's oldest church. It was smaller than a lot of the cathedrals I've visited, but the inside was beautiful. The tiles on the floors were incredible.
After delicious foccacia bread at a little Italian place called Panem, we walked around the outside of Dublin Castle and then went to Queen of Tarts. Reccommended by Jenn's host family, this little dessertery was outstanding.
It just so happened to be a dreary Ireland day. Now imagine a fresh warm apple crumble served with warm cream. Divine.
After the Queen of Tarts, we met up with Kara and some of Jenn's Wake friends and headed to the Guinness Storehouse. There, we learned how beer is made and had lots of fun taking pictures of it all, as well as tasting some beer. At the end of the tour, you could either redeem your ticket for a beer in the cafe up at the very top, which gives a 360 degree view of the city, or learn to pull your own pint. My friends and I chose to pull our own pints!
It just so happened to be a dreary Ireland day. Now imagine a fresh warm apple crumble served with warm cream. Divine.
After the Queen of Tarts, we met up with Kara and some of Jenn's Wake friends and headed to the Guinness Storehouse. There, we learned how beer is made and had lots of fun taking pictures of it all, as well as tasting some beer. At the end of the tour, you could either redeem your ticket for a beer in the cafe up at the very top, which gives a 360 degree view of the city, or learn to pull your own pint. My friends and I chose to pull our own pints!
Here's a few photos from the storehouse:
my friend Jenn and me.
the group! (sans Kara and moi)
Barley!
pulling my pint!
"It comes in pints? I'm getting one!"
I'm certified...
After the storehouse, we headed back to the hostel to chill for about 45 minutes and then headed to dinner.
Now, I am not one to exaggerate...often. But I have to say that the authentic Irish dinner that I had at a Pub called O'Neill's (where lots of locals like to hang out) was probably the best meal I have ever eaten. I ordered beef and Guinness stew with sides of carrots and mashed potatoes. And of course, Bulmer's ale to wash it down.
Now, I am not one to exaggerate...often. But I have to say that the authentic Irish dinner that I had at a Pub called O'Neill's (where lots of locals like to hang out) was probably the best meal I have ever eaten. I ordered beef and Guinness stew with sides of carrots and mashed potatoes. And of course, Bulmer's ale to wash it down.
After dinner, we listened to a bit of local music but decided to head back to the hostel early since we were all exhausted.Saturday, Kara, Jenn, and I went on a day trip outside of the city. It rained on and off the entire day, but I thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Our bus rolled through beautiful countryside and passed the Blessington Lakes (HUGE) and then stopped at Glendalough, an ancient monastery founded by St. Kevin, the man who gave the world the celtic cross.
After the tour around the ruins, we had about an hour to walk some of the surrounding trails. Kara and I headed to Upper Lake and Lower Lake, and now begins the plethora of pictures that document our adventure.
After Glendalough, we headed to a small town called Avoca where the oldest hand mill in Ireland still exists today. After eating a late lunch and shopping for lots of things I couldn't afford, the tour headed back to Dublin. On the way back, I was lucky to witness the brightest, biggest double-arched rainbow I have ever seen. I took about 200 pictures, but lets face it, this post is already about 3 miles long. Here's my favorite:
(and one to show the double arches).
Saturday night, we went on a musical pub crawl. I could go on for hourssss about this. Condensed version: tour of three Irish pubs led by two authentic Irish musicians who played Irish music for us and taught us songs. It was the highlight of my time in Dublin.
Joe the guitarist.
Andy the violinist (swoon!)
Andy the violinist (swoon!)
Sunday morning, Jenn and I grabbed fresh scones (raspberry and apple!) from the Queen of Tarts and enjoyed them in the little park outside St. Patrick's Cathedral.
We then rendez-vous-ed with the rest of the group for a second breakfast at a place called Gruel, which served an absolutely delicious full Irish breakfast.
We then rendez-vous-ed with the rest of the group for a second breakfast at a place called Gruel, which served an absolutely delicious full Irish breakfast.
After that, it was back to the airport and back to France.
I am one darn lucky lady...
...or should I say lassie?
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Dommage
Why is it that EVERY time I interact with one of my insanely attractive host brothers, I am awkward? Tonight's possible answers include:
A) I haven't showered in almost two days.
B) I'm running on 3 hours of sleep.
C) He was sick and therefore, while I sat next to him at dinner, I shifted away from him every time he so much as looked like he was going to sniff, cough, or sneeze.
D) Perhaps I'm just awkward.
Christophe's 25th birthday was October 27, but tonight was the first opportunity he had to come home to celebrate. I had no idea he was here until I walked into the dining room and saw him at the table.
Thank goodness for birthday champagne that is oh-so-good at relaxing those who drink it.
Regardless, it would be nice to have just one interaction with him where I looked/smelled decent. At least tonight when I spoke I didn't make a fool of myself like I had in times past. Sign of progress.
I catch the 6:30am train tomorrow morning to the airport so I can head to Prague until Sunday. I am SO excited.
Just two more essays that stand in my way.
and that's two too many.
Dublin updates soon, it was an AMAZING weekend.
A) I haven't showered in almost two days.
B) I'm running on 3 hours of sleep.
C) He was sick and therefore, while I sat next to him at dinner, I shifted away from him every time he so much as looked like he was going to sniff, cough, or sneeze.
D) Perhaps I'm just awkward.
Christophe's 25th birthday was October 27, but tonight was the first opportunity he had to come home to celebrate. I had no idea he was here until I walked into the dining room and saw him at the table.
Thank goodness for birthday champagne that is oh-so-good at relaxing those who drink it.
Regardless, it would be nice to have just one interaction with him where I looked/smelled decent. At least tonight when I spoke I didn't make a fool of myself like I had in times past. Sign of progress.
I catch the 6:30am train tomorrow morning to the airport so I can head to Prague until Sunday. I am SO excited.
Just two more essays that stand in my way.
and that's two too many.
Dublin updates soon, it was an AMAZING weekend.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
FINALLY
Thursday is here and I am about to head to Dublin!
I am SO crazy excited. I've wanted to go to Ireland all my life, and I finally have the chance to do so! I am unbelievably blessed to have this opportunity.
Until Sunday!
(that is, if I ever come back from the great, green land where the history is overflowing, the music is more than spectacular, and men talk with an accent that makes me weak in the knees.)
I am SO crazy excited. I've wanted to go to Ireland all my life, and I finally have the chance to do so! I am unbelievably blessed to have this opportunity.
Until Sunday!
(that is, if I ever come back from the great, green land where the history is overflowing, the music is more than spectacular, and men talk with an accent that makes me weak in the knees.)
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
