Courage

This past week has been slower than last week. Nevertheless, it has been great! I have been able to wander the city on my own and get to find my way. I love it! Living in a city is so different....everything moves all the time! Yes Aix-en-Provence was a city but it is a much smaller city. Anyways...I'm about 10 minutes from the center of town and its perfect. I still get some quiet ;) I love it all! All of my classes begin in the next two weeks so I am looking forward to having that quiet to study!

Moving on...what have I learned during my wanders in the city? 

1) if you have to be up early for any reason, go sit down by the river; just across from Place de la Bourse. It is quiet and you get to watch the city wake up. Plus the architecture is beautiful to stare at. Let your mind wander and take it all in.

2) bikes...I need to remember that they are everywhere and that I am in their way haha

3) look for the unexpected: yes I am fully aware that this is an oxymoron. Things that are unexpected are that way for a reason but that shouldn't stop you for looking for them. What I mean is, look for a moment you can enjoy or find the time to disappear from the world and stick to yourself. That sounds completely introverted but it is worth it. Like I've said before, it is how you learn something about yourself. Plus, something can always happen that will completely change your day around :)

4) what would I do without technology? I mean really, what did we do before iphones? that is a sad question to ask because I fully remember the time before iphones but being here, I don't know what I would do if I couldn't communicate with my people. Snail mail still makes receiving mail fun but I love being able to text and FaceTime my CA people when I can. Don't worry, I will meet France people too! That is what school is for ;)

5) COURAGE. Ever since I decided to move back to France, I've been told how courageous I am to do so. I am beginning to understand why. I said before that leaving this time was harder and I still think it was. But I am beginning to realize is that the courage everyone says I have, doesn't come from me alone. Of course I have to believe in myself otherwise this whole thing...well, we aren't going to discuss that because it won't ever happen :) All of you, especially my family and my friends give me the courage to do this. You all are there...via Facebook, Skype, iMessage, and FaceTime or whatever to give me the support when I need it. Just being able to talk to you all makes a huge difference. Without that, I wouldn't have this courage. I may be across an ocean and living in another country but I feel as if my family and those who I am lucky to have as friends, are right next to me. For that, I love and thank you all.

If you are lucky enough to find a way of life you love, you have to find the courage to live it.
John Irving

<3

promised photos

As promised...here are a few pictures of my place and my city! More to follow soon!

bien arrivée!!

First, I would just like to say that I am LOVING being back in France!

Ok so now for a recap. I arrived about 3 days ago now and since my arrival, I have opened my bank account, moved into my place, and officially because a Master's student. eek! :)

I LOVE my tiny little studio...I think my favorite part is that I have it to myself. Don't get me wrong, I am looking forward to meeting new people and everything but I love getting to live on my own. I get to do what I want, when I want, and how I'd like to do it :) Sure it is strange being alone but that is part of the adventure. I will have plenty of opportunities to meet to people, especially once classes begin on the 16th. Until then, I'll wander and get to know my new surroundings. 

School...I am enjoying my vacation time but I am ready to have something to dive into. Grad school in France hold news challenges. I am beginning my graduate studies in a new country that has a different education system than I am used to. I'm sure it will take some time to adjust but I am ready for it. It still amazes me that my Master's degree will only cost me about $500 a year. That is for both tuition and social security! How awesome is that! Even though I knew that would be the price, I still couldn't believe it when I was given my balance to pay. Thank you French visa for allowing me to benefit from this! Classes begin on the 16th :)

I have quickly come to realize that all the fears I had about moving and starting my life in another country alone, weren't worth it. This is all an amazing opportunity and I am so lucky that I get to do this. I've learned that the only important thing is to be positive and to love every minute of this adventure. If there is one thing I know about myself it is that I am capable of succeeding in anything and everything I want in life. All I have to do is know I can do it and the rest will fall into place one way or another.

:)