Update

What have I been up to? 2014 has been a great year...full of interesting new changes.

In just a few months, I will be finishing my Masters! Yes! I honestly cannot wait for it to be finished...don't get me wrong, I love school and learning but it may be time for a break. I'm honestly not sure if I will continuing with my doctorate as of fall 2015 but that will be decided later. 

Biggest game changer or 2014? A REAL JOB :) Since March, I have been teaching for a company called Firstep en Anglais. I'm teaching english to all ages beginning at two and a half. I love it! What I do changes every day and it is never boring! While I focus on kids, I also work with adults, students and professionals so I am able to see how language learning applies to all ages. Yes I am a giant nerd but I have been able to apply this to my masters and this has given me a whole second set of tools to use in the classroom. We have great things happening in 2015 so I'm excited and grateful to be apart of this team!

We are a team of 10 teachers now but our main three are on the right: Sean, who is all about the professionals, myself and Stefany, the owner and creator of Firstep, also known as the boss lady! Great team to be apart of :)

With my job came this whole new sense of my life in Bordeaux. The pieces have finally really come together and it is as if I am truly building my life here. With that, I decided to adopt a kitten in June...Gatsby. It's been so nice to come home and have this little french furball ;) What is hilarious is that if I say something to him in english, he completely ignores me! So yes I am an english teacher and native speaker and yet my cat speaks french haha. Isn't he cute??

Oh how I love this city :) that's all for now

:)

Inspiration

I am fully aware that it has been a while since I last updated this...I'm not even going to give excuses :) so what's new? 

My mom came to see me at the end of January :) She was here for about 10 days and we had a great trip! Of course it included a weekend getaway to Paris! We loved it...even though it was cold and rainy. Once back in Bordeaux, we toured the city as much as we could but it rained non stop so it was hard to see everything. But we hard an art project and some decorating to do :) I know have tons of color in my adorable studio and I love it! Mom also got to spend two evenings with my French "family." I am very lucky to have them here and I know it puts my parents at ease knowing I'm not alone! 

We have had an extremely rainy winter and although I love the rain, it is amazing how depressing it can get when it doesn't stop for 2 months straight! But no, I'm not complaining...I get to have all 4 seasons and its awesome! 

Second semester only has 5 weeks left and it has been busy! My classes have been more demanding and have required more work than the first semester and I have had my thesis to worry about. On that note, I have chosen my subject matter and it has been approved! I'm not going to reveal all the details yet but I will be going back to American Literature: redefining gender in Hemingway's In Our Time and Farewell to Arms. Many thanks go to Jaime <3 for helping me brainstorm...just like we did during our undergrad :)

Anyways, spring is arriving in this beautiful town of mine! Finally!! My southern-californian self has needed the sun more than I think I was willing to admit. Plus its getting warmer! I've been taking as much of my work outside as possible but unfortunately, I get too distracted to actually work. What can I say, people watching and simply enjoying the sun is way better that homework ;) Plus, I'm a thinker so I get lost in my own thoughts, my own projects, and personal writings. I can sit for hours just thinking and reflecting about anything and everything. Getting lost in your own head is powerful. It lets you see things you normally wouldn't see because you block out the whole world and yet you are so aware of it. I often find myself choosing what I want to see or hear but when I just sit, I observe everything. Whether its culture or language or even mannerisms, I can't help it, I take it in. It's as if I can then see two sides of myself as reflections into the world I find myself in. It is simply amazing and constantly inspires me to discover everything I can. I love my life here and I can't wait to see what this season has for me :) 

So who will be next to visit?!?! 

2013 in a nutshell

I know I haven't updated in a while so here we go!

So, I've just finished my first semester of graduate school...go me! I wouldn't say that it has been any harder nor easier than I thought. My class load isn't bad and I mostly enjoy the subject matter. Biggest change has been getting used to the French university system (because it is completely backwards and no one ever knows what is going on) as well as a few professors who openly do not like Americans. Nice right? oh well. People are entitled to their own opinions. Grades are not completely available until the spring but I think I did well. Next semester will be even better!

Bordeaux: COLD. But, always beautiful. I am still loving living here and I am glad I chose to be here. The Christmas lights on the Cours Mirabeau in Aix were stunning but I have to admit that I am loving walking around Bordeaux by night just to stare at the light displays. It is absolutely stunning.

Coming here has been a great decision. I'm learning some tough lessons but loving every moment. It was a dream...that is now a reality and I love it! My Dad has already been to visit and my Mom will be here in about a month! Then, the whole fambam will come in July. I can't wait to continue to share the life I am building here in France with my family. I am extremely for all of the support they have given me. I have found it is harder to be gone this time around but they are always right there when I need them. I love you guys! I am also extremely lucky to have my "french family" who makes sure I don't start to miss my fambam too much. They are amazing!

I cannot believe we are nearing the end of 2013!!! And what a year it has been! I graduated from college, got into graduate school, and moved to a foreign country. Crazy right? What is even more insane is that it all happened in a year. It has flown by! For the first time ever, I will not be with my family for the holiday season. It isn't easy and it is safe to say that I will spend Christmas 2014 in San Diego. But, being on my own has taught me a few things and it has made me more grateful for what I have. So, what am I most thankful for this year?

1) my family: I love and miss you guys so much! I wouldn't be able to be here without their support. Plus my Mom does put together great care packages ;) they help keep my "America" cravings at bay :) I really cannot wait to share my second home with them! Bordeaux vacation 2014...it will be a  good one! :)

2) my friends: it is not easy to be away from you guys! Long distance friendships take a ton of work and I am so thankful to have a handful of friends that are as close if not even closer, than ever. With Skype, iMessage and FaceTime, it is as if you guys are here with me! Special thanks to my best friends (you know who you are!) and our ridiculous FaceTime sessions and text messages. I love and miss you all!

3) this opportunity: how lucky am I? I have this amazing opportunity to live in France. I have two homes...one here and one of course, in dear old San Diego! AMAZING! not to mention I get to further my education...double win! After my year in Aix, I thought I had learned a lot about myself and who I am. Now, I am continuing to grow even more. I think my greatest influence this time around, has been myself. Only I can control what I want to accomplish. All I have to do is put my mind to it and its mine! Look out 2014...I'm going to accomplish big things 

:)

"It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is well done."

lessons from an abroad alumni

During my senior year at Cal State San Marcos, I had the opportunity to work with CEA as an Alumni Ambassador. During this time, I connected with other abroad alum who shared the same passion for studies internationally. There were two questions we were always encouraged to reflect on. The first was, "what is the greatest lesson you learned from being abroad?" Until now, I thought my answer to that question defined my experience. What was that answer? In short, I said that study abroad changed me. It changed who I am and how I embrace the world. Now, the second question was, "how can you use what you learned from abroad here, at home?" Again, until now, my answer was sufficient. It was, to share my passion with my peers. But here is the catch, I am now fully realizing what this means. At my school, not many students had gone with CEA, especially not in their France programs. The french program is relatively small on my alumni campus and many people didn't realize a minor in the language was even possible. CEA helped me take it one step further and I am now among the first from CSUSM to hold a Bachelor of Arts in French Language.

Now you are wondering what this has to do with my sudden realization of "what I learned from abroad and how I applied it." Here's the thing...during that year, I was everywhere. I was the President of the French Club, Holy Crêpe, and I worked with CEA to get the word out on campus. Due to my time spent with both programs, it only made sense that I combined them. Now, the number of new students in the French program has increased and the wait lists for our French classes are longer than they ever were before. This sounds like I am taking credit for this, I am not. I give all that credit to CEA especially to CEA:Aix-en-Provence and the Alumni Ambassadors team. The team in Aix gave me all the tools I needed to succeed and grow in a place that was once so foreign and now I call it home. Then you have the Alumni relations group who helped ease the transition back to the States and got us thinking about what this all means. I have spoken to so many people about my experience that I have helped them go after their dream. Many of my friends have even taken up a new language and are planning their own trips abroad because they want to experience its magic. Some have even named me as their motivating factor. Yes, we as individuals have to make the most out of what gets put in front of us but, what is more important are the people who help guide us. After a push from a friend at CSUSM, and the team at CEA, I am honored to help people go after their dreams abroad. It has opened so many doors with so many new opportunities for me that I can only hope it will always do so. The beauty is finding these opportunities as they have fallen into my lap. International education gave that to me :)

<3

So, what is my new answer to "my greatest lesson from abroad?" Simple. Never look back. Go for it. If you love something, don't be afraid of it no matter how hard it may be. Just look at me, I am living my dream. Before I left Aix in June 2012, I swore I would be back after graduation. And well, here I am. I live in Bordeaux, France and I am following my heart and living my dreams. 

Happy October!

I cannot believe that it is October already!!! I have been back in France for a month and I am in full swing of normal activities. 

School...Last week was my first full week of classes and like normal, I have a ton to do. I only have 10 hours of class a week but that means I have at least 20-30 hours of work to do outside of class. But I'm used to not sleeping so why change things now? ;) In general classes are great! I am known as the "American" which I find hilarious because at CSUSM I was the "Frenchie." As for the classes themselves, I have four taught in English with a hint of French mixed in and the other is in French. I've found a few big differences between the US and French education systems: 1) the facilities are crap! To all of you who complain about Academic hall at CSUSM...you have nothing on me! trust me! I'm paying practically nothing for my degree here so I guess the saying "you get what you pay for" is very true. 2) you either have an exposé or an exam at the end of the semester and that is it! In three of my classes, I have exposés over the next three weeks and then just reading to do! I know I will have one oral exam at the end of January and for my last class, I have no idea because the prof hasn't even began the class! and that leads me to number 3) profs apparently do things as they want. If they don't want to hold class for two weeks, they don't! It's ridiculous! I am liking it though...it's fun to be back in my academic element as I iron out the details of my "what's next"

It is incredible that I have been able to do all of this. There are plenty of challenges and things I still need to figure out but I'm getting there! My French is back and its improving rapidly once more and I LOVE that...the frenchie is in her element :)

Time to get to work! Bises de Bordeaux!

:)

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.

:) 

finding my wings and beginning to use them

A little over a year ago, I was packing my belongings and preparing for my return to the US after spending a year abroad. Well, as my friends and family remember, I wanted no part of leaving. I fell in love with France and I found who I am. I remember promising myself that I would be back and that I would do anything to make it happen.  Surprise surprise, I did it! I am going home to my beloved adoptive country in just 3 days. Bordeaux, France...my new home and where I will get to create a life for myself :) Master's program in another country? Bring. It. On.

Leaving this time is much harder. The packing, the good-byes, the everything. My emotions have been everywhere. I have experienced pure excitement, sheer terror and I have even doubted whether or not I am strong enough to pull this off because this time, I am on my own. But, how do fears and doubts benefit me? They don't. So, they are being cast of into the wind and I have decided that any challenge I face, I can overcome. It is apart of becoming a true adult. We all have moments when we have to figure it out and I will. I will be across an ocean but support system will be as close as ever. I am so fortunate to have such a close knit family and a great group of friends that love me and will be there for me through anything. Without all of you, I wouldn't be able to do this and for that (among so many other reasons), I love you all!

I am ready. I've found my wings...now only 3 more days until I begin to use them!

my "what's next"....

So...here we are...back by popular demand :)

It is crazy to think that I have been home for a year now. Time has flown! So first a short recap...

I am 23 and a college graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a second Bachelor of Arts in French Language. My last year at California State University San Marcos was amazing. I got to serve as the French Club Présidente, had the opportunity to work with CEA Global Education as an Alumni Ambassador and was CSUSM's french tutor. It was a lot but as I think about it, I loved every moment of the insanity because it allowed me to share my passions with my campus community. I think before my experience abroad, I was so content with remaining in my books and completing my studies but after, how could I not share the amazing-ness that is the world with my fellow students?

What did I love most about my undergraduate college experience? I would have to say...finding myself. College for so many is the time to party lots and study little. I looked at it another way. It was a new challenge and a time for me to find my element. I found it thats for sure. I think what is so incredible to reflect on is how each one of my history, literature and french professors was able to teach me something other than the required materials. My history people taught me about the world and they helped me discover that history is a constant, living thing that is completely dependent on those who study it. My literature professors showed me how to see the world as a human and to read the history as if I was there. And last but certainly not least, my french professors gave me a challenge; one that pushed me to realize that settling for something you are naturally good at isn't always enough. To all my CSUSM professors, I thank you; for dealing with me and for helping create who I am today. Each of you has left an impact and I will never forget it. 

Here is the fam bam! I am so lucky to have all of them in my corner. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a family who loves you and supports you no matter what. I have that team behind me...whether I am in the US or moving about the planet :) 

Oh Cal State Stair Master....I will miss you....kind of ;) I was so proud of this regalia that I did not take it off ALL day :)

True? I think yes :) 

On that note, I think its time to bring up my "what's next". 

I have been accepted at the Université de Bordeaux 3 and I will be moving back to France in early September! I am so excited and honestly I am not sure I have fully realized that I am now a grad student about to move "home." I will be studying études anglophones or english studies and I would like to become an english professor. 

As I wrote last year, I didn't want to leave France and at that time I promised I would be back in a little over a years time. I remember my return flight from Paris to London, sitting in a window seat over the plane's wing, watching as the Eiffel Tower came into view for a brief moment and then disappeared. I felt as if my world as I knew it had changed. I was a different person and the world I fell in love with, was disappearing in front of my eyes. I had already made up my mind to graduate and come back but I was terrified that something was going to happen and that it would be impossible. Well, that is not the case and I get to go "home" in just a few short months and I couldn't be more stoked! However, there is a sense of trepidation because this time, I won't be with a program. It is as if I am a "real" grown up and now is the time to really find my wings and fly. I'm sure there will be challenges and bumps along the way but I have the best support system filled with family and friends who love me and I know they will never let me fall. 

"Suis ton coeur aussi longtemps que tu vis..."

je le ferai...toujours

:)

je vous remercie et la fin d'un début

It is nearly time to bid adieu to my current adventure and begin to look forward to what my future holds. But, I cannot do that without reflecting on a few things and thanking a few people...

When we travel, the cultures we encounter change us. We learn a lot by just by observing our surroundings. This year I travelled within France, Italy, and Croatia but it was in France where I learned the most not only about mon pays d'adoption (my country of adoption), but more importantly, about myself.

I have always been a strong-willed and determined person but this year taught me that I am stronger than I thought. At first it was relatively easy to leave everything behind but as months went on, I began to realize just how much I appreciate my friends and family back home. Each day here brought new challenges. I learned how to live away from my family and with roommates, how to understand and respect a new culture, and how to speak another language. I loved every minute of it! The challenges are what made this adventure!

When I think of the word home, it now has a double meaning. Home will always be with my family in San Diego but now, France has become my home as well. I am thankful for that. Now I have two sides, two cultures, two languages and yet, I am just one person who has discovered so much more of herself. I am Brittany, the same as always, and I have become Brittanie, the American-Frenchie version. Both sides are pieces to the puzzle that make up who I am.

Je suis comme je suis et maintenant, je suis "moi"...I am who I am :)

The best part of my year has been discovering myself through my love of language. As I wrote before, I love French and now I appreciate and love English. It brings me such happiness to understand, speak and write two languages. It is amazing! (if you missed the last post, read it and you will understand!) :)

I am very lucky to have had this opportunity and it wouldn't have been possible without so many people. My support system from friends and family is and has been unparalleled. I wouldn't have been able to do this without any of you. As independent as I like to think I am, I needed all of you. I don't think I will ever be able to fully express my gratitude but I'll begin with a THANK YOU!

To my friends: You are all amazing. I have become closer with so many of you even though I have been so far away. Thank you for always being there even when the conversations were a tad bizarre at really random hours day or night. I have discovered just how amazing you all are and this would have been impossible without you. I will see you all soon!! We have so much to catch up on!! :)

à mon "prof" et amie...

To my "professor" and friend

Tu insiste que tu n'as rien fait...ce n'est pas vrai!!! Tu es vraiment géniale! Tu continues à m'enseigner plus que tu sais comme d'habitude!

Without this woman, I probably wouldn't have come to France this year. You helped me follow and realize my dreams and although you insist that it has been all me, I couldn't do it without you...je te remercie pour tous!

And of course...the biggest thank you of all goes to my FAMILY! They all rock by the way!

First one goes to my G-ma...It would have been impossible to be here without you! You always support me 110% without hesitation and that is amazing. You are amazing! Thank you for ALL your support. I know you have explored the south of France before but one day, you and I will explore it together. I love you!

And now all the Rose's!

From all the amazing boxes filled with treats and holiday rubber ducks to the FaceTime conversations on how to handle unfamiliar territory, you were always there when I needed you.

Maman...I know it wasn't easy for you to let me cross the Atlantic but thank you for always supporting me. I could have never done this without you. Every month I couldn't wait for my box to see what rubber duck you had chosen! They are definitely one of my favorite parts of this adventure! I have learned just how important you are and I realize I much I actually need you...I love you, je t'aime!

Daddy...I know it was equally as hard for you to watch me leave and thank you for always being there. I may be growing up and finding my way in this world, but I am and will always be your baby girl. I love you!

Last but not least...Zach and Ash! It has been strange to not have you two with me this year. I realize now that I have taken you two for granted. You are both so important to me and I will always need you! I love you guys!

:) :) Ma belle France...ce n'est pas facile de te quitter...mais pour moi, c'est au revoir pour le moment parce que je reviendrai l'année prochaine. Merci pour tous ce que tu m'as appris...tu as changé ma vie. je t'aime et tu vas me manquer

A love of language

Being in France has taught me more than I could ever fully explain. As the end of the beginning approaches, I find myself more drawn to language than ever. I speak, read and write French every day and the more I do, the more I love it. Yes, there are challenges...it is not my maternal language therefore I make countless mistakes and at times I have no idea what is going on but, I love it. Its a challenge and a passion. You have to love the language if you ever want to learn it! Even though I have my days where no matter how hard I try, I can't understand anything, it doesn't matter. I've found my passion and temporary problems don't matter in the long run. It is so fun when you realize you are mélang-ing (mixing) two languages at once. Every day I catch myself doing two things: 1. speaking English but using french words like everyone can understand what I am saying and 2. spelling English words the french way (like problem=problème). I don't mind any of it! Best part...waking up and remembering your dreams occurred in French. :)  

My love of french has made me appreciate my English. I can now see the beauty in it that I never really thought of. I've always loved writing but I never really thought much of the language itself because it has always been natural. Language, regardless of which one we use, allows the opportunity to express ourselves. Whether we are aware of it or not, it is an art. We don't have to practice and we don't have to try, but it is an evolving and ever-changing art. Take the opportunity to listen to yourself, really listen to the words you say. Listen to another language, even if you can't understand it. It is amazing what you can understand just by listening and watching. It's amazing and it brings me so much happiness!

22nd Birthday and the end of the semester

Just a brief update...

I spent my 22nd birthday in Les Baux de Provence. It was the same day trip I took in the fall! It was so beautiful...again!!! It was crazy windy but so fun to sit at the top of this mountain and take in the beauty of Provence. Pretty great way to spend my birthday right?!?!

The view.... :)

J'ai 22 ans! et j'adore ma vie! :)

The night before, the roommates and I threw our final fête (party). We think we had at least 50 people in our house. So fun but absolute madness!! 

My favorite part was when the clock struck 12 midnight  and it was officially my birthday! All of my international friends sang in ther first language...happy birthday in english, french, danish, swedish, norwegian, german, spanish, russian, ukranian, italian and polish! So cool! 

and with that...my academic year in France has come to an end. I still have the DELF exam that starts next week but as far as my classes go, I am done! I can't believe classes are over! So excited to be done with them but at the same time, that means I return to the states in one month. I've got mixed feelings on that one. I am excited to come home and see my family and friends but I now it will be hard to leave "ma belle France" at the same time. But, I have all these amazing memories and I am determined to get back here next year! I can do this!

The next few days are full of good-byes with many of my friends...I hope I get to see them again! Its going to be hard to say good-bye to everyone and to this country that I love but, it isn't the end for me...one more amazing month and then returning as soon as I can; which will hopefully be the fall of 2013! Plus I have an amazing family and friends that will help me adjust again. :)

:) :)

bisous!!

 

Mes Vacances: Zadar, Croatie et Bordeaux, France

Salut salut!!! Mes vacances...ça y est! aka they are over!! I had a great two weeks! I explored a new part of the world in Zadar, Croatia and then headed back to one of my favorite places, Bordeaux, France. 

Let's start with Croatia!! My roommate Gaby and I went on a 4-day adventure in Zadar. It is a beautiful city located on the coast of Croatia. I have to say that I am rather excited because I got to add a stamp to my passport! awesome! We stayed at a great resort where we relaxed and even treated ourselves to massages. It was so amazing! So interesting to see another part of the world outside of the European Union! It was hard to understand any of the local language but that is the beauty of traveling...you get lost and yet you discover so much.

This was the view from our room! Not bad right?!?! It was beautiful right on the super blue water! It wasn't too warm most of the time but even with the clouds, it was stunning.

ahhhh.....

This is a picture of Zadar right near one of the ports. It was so windy! Every building I saw looked so different from anything else that I have encountered in Europe! 

This just might be my favorite part of this city. This is the Sea Organ. The waves come in and hit the "steps." It is an actual organ and it is beautiful to take the time to sit and listen to it. Each set of steps make a different sound. So cool!

Ensuite...Bordeaux!! 

I returned to this city for a few reasons. First, I love it! Second, I wanted to see it a second time before deciding where I want to do my Masters (YES it is my top choice!). And third, to meet the Stéphane, Sandrine, Laura, and Alexandre Marmié. Laura will be staying with me and my family for 2 weeks in August! It was a perfect opportunity! I was very lucky to have been able to meet and stay with them! Plus, I got to practice my french! J'ai parlé que le français!! Merci merci à vous!! C'etait super!! :)

For the weekend, we went out to their home in Arcachon and we headed to the Dune de Pyla, the largest dune in Europe. It is absolutely beautiful from the top!

coucou l'océan Atlantique!! 

So, before the beautiful view, you have to climb up...you can either take the stairs, or the sand. Or you can do as we did..take the stairs up and run down the sand! Alexandre informed me that if I wasn't going to roll down the side of the dune, then I had to at least run down it. It was super fun!

This is Laura! Je vais te voir très bientôt mon amie!!

Hello Bordeaux!! :) Je t'aime!

Of course, one cannot go to Bordeaux without visiting a château!! We went to Pape Clement...yummy! How I would love to have barrels of yummy wine aging in my cellar! Mais...non! C'est pas possible! :)

Beautiful isn't it? I'm going to go with...yes!

Je dois remercier la famille Marmié! C'était vraiment super de vous! tout était génial!! Vous êtes super géntil!! Il n'est pas au revoir mais, à très, très bientôt!!

:)

et alors...vacation is over. I only have 2 weeks of classes left and then I will be here from another month after that! Lots of very busy yet exciting things happening in this awesome month of May!! Oral and written final exams pour ma fac (aka university), the DELF language exam (which I am going to pass with flying colors), ColdPlay in Nice and MON ANNIVERSAIRE :) :)! Its going to be a great (and busy) month! So exciting! 

Je vais faire mes devoirs maintenant alors, à plus et grosses bises!

;)

Le printemps est arrivé!!! finalement!

Cours Mirabeau :) SO beautiful!

Loving the green trees against the buildings!

blue skies! ok there are some clouds but I don't mind them!

Place des Augustins...I live here! well just to the right of this picture....

I live on the top of this building! You can't see my terrace form the ground but it is up there I promise!

Brittany en Bretagne...Normandie...et Mont Saint Michel

Hello! I just got back from a long weekend in Normandy (Normandie) and Brittany (Bretagne). Lots of pictures!!!

Let's start with Bretagne! Brittany en Bretagne...awesome! These are from St. Malo :) It is right on the coast and absolutely beautiful! The north of France is so different from the south!

The tide was out so you could walk on the beach and explore the natural pool!

St. Malo is a very old town...it is surrounded by a wall that not only used to protect the city but is also used to keep the tide from flooding the city streets.

Beautiful!

Next...La Normandie!

SO much history!! I loved it!

This is the flag and the cross of the Resistance en France during the war (WWII). 

This is Juno beach...

and just past the beach up on the ridge, you could see the bunkers built by Germany to protect the coastline.

Ok now I'm going to be a little nationalistic...The following pictures are of Omaha beach and the American cemetery. 

Merci de la France...

Can you picture what happened here on the 6th of June, 1944? The very small pieces of "rock" you see in the water is actually pieces of the landing vessels that still remain.

The beach is massive...try to imagine 43,000 infantry landing here. Operation Overlord was designed to literally over-run the German occupation and liberate France. It was well executed but the casualties were in the thousands. Difficult day for all but in the end it was worth it. Paris, and therefore France, was liberated by the 25th of August, 1944.

So many American men were lost that day. To the American military, this was one of the "longest days." The cemetery may be in France but the French government "gave it" to the United States to honor the fallen men.  

This is at Point d'Hoc. American Rangers scaled these cliffs during the bombardment of the French coastline to destroy the German artillery. Yes during...the bombardments would occur and the Rangers would go in trying to reclaim as much ground as they could. The Germans never expected men to climb the cliffs! As I said...a little nationalism: there was a family that questioned why everything was in english at these sites...it is because without the help of the United States, France would be Germany right now! I am so glad the US helped...now I get to study in France and learn French ;)

Absolutely stunning!

This part of the coastline is riddled with "holes." As you can see, they are literally all over the place as a result of the bombardment. This hillside held German anti-aircraft artillery...

...in bunkers such as this one. Many still stand but others lay in complete ruin.

Ok...I can discuss the historical happenings for forever but here are a few pictures of Le Mont St. Michel...

Sunset after walking around St. Michel :) It was beautiful! I love France!

Le Mont Saint Michel...so bizarre! Literally is in the middle of nothing but a bay. The entire top half is a cathedral and around the bottom are various hotels and shops. Very cool to see! It is also the number 1 most visited site in France by the French...lots of people all the time!

  

It was a cloudy and rainy day but you can see the Bay...it just goes on and on and on and Saint Michel is right in the middle of it.

I really enjoyed my visit to the north! I spent the weekend seeing and exploring history and speaking nothing but French...just the way I like it!

:)

Bises de la France!