tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8388779192010305242024-03-19T04:09:53.201-07:00Mastering The Art Of French LifeMy blog as I travel to Northern France for a year abroad through AFSAidan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00117166549053384029noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-838877919201030524.post-73787438519887212322014-04-07T11:27:00.001-07:002014-04-07T11:27:57.238-07:00March Madness and April Awakinings<div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">Bonjour à tous! </span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">I'm getting fat -__-</span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">Well, life has been interesting to say the least in these last couple weeks here in March, particularly in school. </span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">So lets start with classes. One of my personal favorite things that I like to talk about is my lack Spanish the last two months. I have has exactly One Spanish class from mid February until now. The teacher hasn't been there for various reasons including illness and TPE and other fun things, which is honestly a pain because believe it or not, I do actually want to try to learn Spanish... Even if I understand nothing or next to nothing. </span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">But the last class of the week, we were informed that we would have a new teacher as a replacement until our actual teacher returned. I may finally start to learn some Spanish! </span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">French is still hard (the class that is). We just finished the series of poems entitled "Les Fleurs du Mal" which I loved, but it was really difficult! *Side note* I have decided that if the French school system with the whole L, S, and ES was in the U.S, I would most definitely be in L, or Literature. But now that we have finished "Les Fleurs du Mal", we are moving on to the theatre unit and have started reading the play, "Antigone" which as stated by one of my French friends is <<Genial>>. </span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">History is still really hard but I really like the subjects and the teacher, who talks really fast. I'm up to understanding 40-50% if everything she says. I call that progress. At least I can still take notes. </span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">We have just finished WW2 and are moving into the Cold War, which I know next to nothing about so I am really excited to learn about it!</span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">English is still easy, and math nonexistent. </span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">So now that I have laid down the news for school, which I really do love because of friends and actually feel like I am learning stuff instead of just not understanding, time to move on! </span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">I have been pretty busy as of late! For the last month and a half, I have had something to do almost every weekend, whether that's just for one day or the whole weekend. </span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">So the first weekend of craziness was in Normandy. My host parents and I went to Normandy for the weekend for their friends birthday, so naturally when they asked me if I wanted to go, I said yes! We drove about four hours to southern Normandy, over Le Point de Normandie, and through Honfleurs and other towns until we arrived! We got there earlier than the party started so we went for lunch at a crêperie which was quite good (I ordered a crêpe with salmon and crème fresque [i think it's spelled like that]) which was really good, and I also eavesdropped on a pair of elderly British ladies who sure had some VERY interesting and rather amusing things to say to each other! Afterwards, I bought my dad some chocolate stuff for his birthday. Please keep your fingers crossed that customs didn't seize it!!!</span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">After shopping, we went for a really nice walk on the beach. It was one of those days when you have a coat on, you're too hot, but take it off, and you're too cold. But I really enjoyed myself. I absolutely love the beach! </span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">That night at the party, we arrived at about 7:30 and neither I nor my host parents really knew anyone, which was a little weird. At about 10:15, we were finally asked to sit down for the first course. I was SO hungry! That night there were six courses total, with the last one being served at 12:45. And I normally don't consider coffee a course! So I was exhausted and ready to sleep for about a week.</span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">The next day, host parents took me to the beach again for another walk, something I was completely ok with! After our walk, we went for lunch with the party goers from the night before. I was still dead tired, and I think my host parents were too, as we left pretty quick, only after about an hour. </span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">The following weekend was for AFS. We were asked to make something from our home country for the other students and volunteers. My original plan was to make my moms baked beans which I think are amazing, but I couldn't convince host mom I would be able to make it because she was convinced I wouldn't be able to find one of the beans, not even in a can which is what the recipe calls for. So a little frustrated with that, I moved on to Plan B, a chocolate cake with peanut butter icing! </span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">So I stayed at Isabelle's (temp host mom from back in November) for the weekend. So Friday night I took the train and headed to Lille! Saturday morning, I made the cake, which didn't turn out perfect like I would have liked, but it was still fine. Once I was finished with that, Isabelle took me to the Palais du Beaux Arts in Lille to get my dad the final part of his B-Day present (he's turning 50 on the 18th... The old fart!) and she surprisingly bought him one too! I have no idea what it is, but I just thought that that was extremely kind of her and unnecessary, but I thanked her so much in the attempted gratitude of me, and both of my parents. </span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">The AFS day went great! The foods from the other countries were really mostly different cakes with some AMAZING Finnish boulettes (meatballs, but different), real Chinese food that was perfect, and a few French quiches. My personal favorite thing was the German cake. It was with strawberries and white and milk chocolate and it was a bright rainbow of colors! I asked for the recipe because I liked it so much! </span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">Then last weekend, my host family surprised me (and pretty much everyone) by taking us to Dunkerque for the day. So with my host family, and my host families best friends family, we all went up to Dunkerque for the day! I got to spend a perfect hour on the beach, laying on the sand, playing with the other children (yes, that is how I would describe it) and even braving the ocean waters. I'll be honest, The Colorado River water from beneath Lake Powell was colder and more numbing. </span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">Afterward, we went and did a little shopping and exploring of the town while Laura, my host sister, had an appointment with a travel person to travel during her Easter and/or Summer vacation, hence, the reason if Dunkerque. I ended up being the best third wheel ever because host parent's friend's daughter brought along her boyfriend, and because host brother wasn't there (sorry for my unnatural lack of specifics) it was just us three at one point, and I can admit I am ready to be crowned the king of awkward situations! </span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">So then this weekend was probably the most busy out of all of them! Friday night, I came back to Lille and stayed at Isabelle's again because there was an event in Belgium between AFS- Nord Flandres and AFS- Belgium. So Friday night I got to Isabelle's and was greeted by Annette, her very awesome (is that proper English?) daughter and a Canadian exchange student who is living there after having problems with her correspondent, as she did an actual exchange program. </span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">That night, she invited (Canadian named Daniella) me to a church for a concert of classical music, which I happily accepted. So we went to the church, speaking mostly French (franglais) to the church for the concert. There weren't many people there, but it was a great orchestra playing music from the Baroque Period also featuring a few singers throughout the performance. I was very impressed and enjoyed myself. </span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">After going home, Annette was watching The Avengers in English with English subtitles to help practice for her semester in Chicago for University. Daniella and I didn't complain that it was in English, and I don't know the last time I laughed that hard at a movie! It helps having other people to laugh with you! </span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">Saturday, we woke up early to heads to Belgium for our rendez-vous. In total, there were three exchange students from our region, Daniella, myself, and Carlotta, a year student from Italy. Along with us, there were two students from a different region in France, both from Bolivia, and an Asian boy (I couldn't understand where he was from) a girl from Russia, and a girl from Romania from the Belgium. It was very interesting as since the French volunteers couldn't speak Flemish, and not all of the Belgium volunteers could speak French, English was used as a medium to speak. This meant, unfortunately, I wasn't speaking French, because I had to speak English. </span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">We walked to a cemetery, which has a strong history with AFS. It was originally set up as a hospital site for the American Field Service in World War 1. Those who died at the hospital, were buried at this cemetery. AFS Nord Flandres laid flowers on one of the deceased's grave and said a few words. I also forgot to mention that a news crew was there for France 3, so I had a few moments where I could be seen on TV! Isabelle and Daniella both had interviews and were featured in those, which was really cool! </span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">That afternoon, we had a picnic and Isabelle bought us Belge Fries, which are "better" than normal fries. I thought they were really good, but not the best fries I've had. After that, we did some walking through the town and a scenic route through Belgium before returning home. </span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">I was pretty tired when I got home, but still found the energy to go out to dinner with Daniella and another American, Allegra for sushi! </span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">They also convinced me to go to McDonalds for the first time while I was in France. I ended up getting a raspberry milk shake, which was pretty good. I ONLY WENT THERE BECAUSE EVERYWHERE ELSE WAS CLOSED! </span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">And then today, Monday, along with my music class, we went to Paris! It wasn't a lot of visiting, but that's ok because I have already done that! It was a small performance by a full orchestra as well as a panel of composers who talked and answered the other students questions. There were around 300-400 students at the theatre for the presentations! I had a really great day! </span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">And now, here I am, finished with, essentially, my weekend and I am exhausted. Sorry, but no pictures in this post. I'll put one up this week of just pictures for you to enjoy! Sorry for the lack of color!!!</span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">But Until Then,</span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">Au revoir!</span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">-Aidan</span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">P.S, I smell like cigarettes because so many young people smoke and I hate that the smell is clinging to me! </span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">P.P.S. Please do NOT under ANY circumstances remind me that I have 90 days left, or any amount of time left. I already know. And if you do, I shall smite thee. </span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">That is all. Love you all!!!</span></font></div><div><font color="#292f33" face=".Helvetica NeueUI" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></font></div><div><br></div>Aidan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00117166549053384029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-838877919201030524.post-3585957103084940222014-02-27T08:01:00.003-08:002014-02-27T08:01:50.098-08:00Throwback WAAAAY Back!<div>
HELLOOOOOO EVERYYYBODDDY!!!! BONJOUR!!!<br />
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This is waayyyyy overdue, but you know, better late than never, right? </div>
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My mom complains that I don't blog enough, so THIS ONE IS FOR YOU MOTHER! Moving on.</div>
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Wow. What was the last thing I blogged about? Umm, hmmm. This goes to show that I haven't blogged for a long time. </div>
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So let’s start with Christmas. Flash back to December, a hard task, as some days I can hardly remember five minutes ago. ANYWAY (you're getting off track Aidan!), for Christmas I was with my new family. I was extremely excited to begin the following six months with an important holiday to me. It began on Christmas Eve. My host family and I went to my host mom’s parents’ house for dinner, and what became a very late night/early morning. That night, it was my host family, host grandparents, and my host mom's two sisters and niece. This is an extremely small family for me, it was still great and I had a great time, but I am used to a huge family party with loud Irish cousins and family members, so it was a reasonably large change. </div>
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At dinner, I am proud to say that I tried escargot for the first time. It took me a minute to get over the fact that it was indeed snail to eat it. It was not what I was expecting. Before, when I heard escargot, I always thought of a scaly, slimy, snail greenish brown in color and its eyes still visible on a plate with some fancy decoration to make it look a little edible. So when I heard there was to be escargot at dinner, I had a mini heart attack. But I told myself "Aidan, you are here to try new things! This will be a new thing! You will get over your worries and try it no matter what!" And that is what I did. Truth was, I had nothing to worry about. It tastes what it is cooked in, and on that day’s menu: butter and herbs. The consistency was just a little unusual, but I liked it. I think I had maybe three that night. </div>
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I am analysing. </div>
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I am trying. </div>
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I am thinking. </div>
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I am liking! </div>
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After that, we finished eating and I waited. And waited. And waited. </div>
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Lost somewhere in translation, I missed the memo that we were staying up till midnight to open presents at the beginning of Christmas and leaving after. So I was slightly unprepared for that and was at an exhausted state well before I should have been. I guess it's a state of mind. I ended up getting a few books and a scarf that night (side note: was GIVEN to me. *cough cough graeme, haley cough*). After saying thank you to one another and talking for a little bit longer, we left at around 1 A.M, and got home around 2ish. I was ready to sleep, but I had a great night with everyone. The next morning, we did the presents under the Christmas tree with just our family and that was nice. We had breakfast and went back to the grandparents for lunch. We spent the day there and then came home at around 5 P.M. I was also very happy because later that night, I got to Skype with my family. I don't mean just my mom, dad, sister, brother family; I am talking EVERYONE! I got a quick conversation with almost everyone and that was maybe the greatest Christmas present I got this year. Just seeing family an ocean away can really make it a special Christmas. </div>
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We also had a few AFS things in this time. Caution, never EVER put random articles of clothing in a bag, and then have exchange students pick them out and make them wear them. It will make everyone feel awkward and laugh really hard because honestly, we were fierce. If you have the inability or want to laugh at me (bless you, you poor human) please skip the smexy pictures you are about to witness. </div>
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Alrighty then... I can at least say I'm comfortable with my body.... I think...</div>
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During Xmas break, I went to Lille with Natalie (PA homegirl) and Sarah (Red-headed Boston beauty). We did your typical Lille stuff like shop, hang out, and my new personal favorite, the American Diner!!<br />
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This is for your amusment, not just my own personal embaressment</div>
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Representing America the right way!</div>
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AFS bowling!</div>
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And then this happened...</div>
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I am terrible at bowling. Of course.</div>
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The Americans taking over the American Diner in Lille!</div>
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And yes, the food tasted as good as it looked!</div>
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It's not actually called that, but I cannot remember for the life of me what it's called so from this moment forward it will be called American Diner. This reference may (probably) will be used in the future. I love me some burgers so its worth it. </div>
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Here is the beauty of what I got, and the rosemary fries. My sister would approve. </div>
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Oh yeah... You won't be seeing this because of my over use of profanities but we went on la grande roue (ferris wheel) and I had a panic attack, and I for some reason put it on video. Dumb Aidan. But here is my reasoning behind my behavior. </div>
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First: it was cold. I don't like the cold.</div>
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Second: It was high. I am not a huge fan of heights when it is not moving fast or at all. </div>
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Third: It was pretty windy and shaking the ride really badly. </div>
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I probably won't be doing that the next time I come back to Lille in the winter holidays. This was also taken BEFORE the ride. </div>
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I somehow manged to compose myself for about ten seconds to take and have a relatively nice picture of Natalie and I. </div>
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New Years. Probably one of the few days I was really, really sad not to be home. I wasn't homesick, just missing probably the one party where people come to my house without being invited (at least to my knowledge). It's a huge party at my house with family friends that are almost all our age and its fun and great every year. So it was a little weird to be going to a party this year with people I really didn't know at all! </div>
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I went with my host brother to a party with his friends, and honestly, I couldn't have asked for a better night. Everyone was super nice and fun, and super shocked after the first hour when I managed to pass as French and everyone found out I was American. I met some really cool people there and it was just an overall great night! The one down side was, it didn't seem to end. I think the music and lights were finally turned down to let some people sleep at around 8:30ish in the morning. This caused me to discover I can't pull all-nighters. I need sleep. Next day I slept all day. AND WITHOUT PORK AND SOUR CROUT!! WHOOPDEEDOO!<br />
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A few weeks after, I said good bye to Kinzie as written in the last post, so I won't go into detail about that. </div>
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School is continuing to go great! I am understanding more and more and I am just feeling at ease with my new friends at my new school and it’s just great! Teachers still talk really fast, so I'm up to understanding about 40% of what they say. I call that progress. </div>
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I am able to have conversations in French with very little effort! My friends point out that I'm picking up the little phrases that they say and that I am "trop mignon" with my French phrases and American accent. Thanks guys... Merci à tous... </div>
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Host family is continuing to be amazing! I just feel so at ease here and that's all I wanted. I feel at home here! I think I have finally passed all of the major bumps in the road and I am ok with that. </div>
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Next week we start our mid-winter break, which is two weeks off of school. I'm trying to be getting together with friends often, exchange and French both! </div>
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Uhh more stuff! </div>
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Two new students from our chapter in the north of France. A girl from California and another girl from Australia. I have only met them once and they were both suffering from SEVERE jet lag and utter confusion from all the French at one time. At least it only gets better. </div>
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My friends apparently LOVE peanut butter. They are all keepers! </div>
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I have passed my half-way point and it feels like I could have just gotten here. Wow how fast time flies! </div>
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So that's all I can think about for you all this minute. </div>
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WAIT! I ALMOST FORGOT!</div>
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Actually I did forgot and displeased my mother. I went to Belgium for a day with school back in my old school with other foreigners, the Australians and the line Korean who I actually miss because he was/is really cool. We were in Flemish Belgium at a WWI memorial at a place called Ploegstreet. It had one of the most stunning sceneries I have ever seen. So naturally, I took pictures, as seen below! Note that this was before Thanksgiving so I really forgot about this. </div>
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Back to Australians. We had a group of Australians at my old school for a few months and they sure were an interesting bunch. They were all great, but wow! They sure made me smile when I was having a bad day, then I would walk away and wonder, what the heck just happened? Miss those dudes.<br />
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Now THAT is all that I have for now. I shall be back soon and until then, Au Revoir! </div>
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-Aidan!!!</div>
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QUICK RECENT UPDATES</div>
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I am currently on my two week February vacation! So far I have been to a party, nuff said... And I went to my first professional football (soccer for the Americans) match! I was invited to go with my AFS friend Erik, who is from It was a tie game between Lille and Lyon but I had a lot of fun and really enjoyed myself!!!<br />
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Today I spent my funday in Lille with the lovely Americans Natalie, Allegra, and our newest member on the north of France, Isabelle! We like her. We can keep her. </div>
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We did everything from eating macarons, to drinking special milkshakes (I won't say the special secret, but take a guess. Chances are you're right!), attempting to help german students searching for the ch'ti, playing hide and seek in French bookstores, and mock a really poorly photoshopped model. Plenty of good food (luckily) and a great day although my legs hurt from walking.<br />
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Perfection</div>
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This was tried and we are normal people. I PROMISE!</div>
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Now we are all caught up on current events in my life. I promise I will try to keep an effort as I was scolded by someone other than my mom for not writing recently (what?) but I try to keep this honest and as unforced as possible! I think I do a pretty good job of that! </div>
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For the LAST time in this post, A prochaine!</div>
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-Aidan</div>
Aidan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00117166549053384029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-838877919201030524.post-8368030879581240692014-01-18T05:25:00.000-08:002014-01-18T08:51:29.167-08:00Mckinzie<div>
Sunday, January 12, 2014<br>
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After what was probably one of the best days in France, I have just said goodbye to my best friend here. I have had an extremely tearful and heartfelt goodbye to this beautiful, strong woman who has been my rock here in France. My train, which is leaving now, is pulling slowly away from the closest person I have gotten to in France. I am feeling heartbroken knowing I have about 5 1/2 more months here without her. Mckinzie is the closest thing I have to family here. I haven't given her the credit she deserves on my blog for being in my life. I want to talk about our relationship together here and France and why it hurts so much that she is leaving.<br>
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Back in either August or July, I saw that Kinzie, the name I always use to talk about her, had posted in the AFS France page that she would be living in Lille. So I did the logical thing, I added her on Facebook as a friend. She had long blonde hair and was going to be here for a semester program during her senior year. We talked for a little bit just talking about our excitement for France. Nothing to major. </div>
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Fast forward to September 4th. I had just arrived in New York, pretty early. In the hotel I was talking with another boy from my chapter from PA who was going to Spain. Kinzie and Katie, another extremely outgoing girl who I still keep in contact with, invited us to join their table. After exchanging names and countries, she said France. I had made the mistake of completely not recognizing her at all, as she had cut her hair quite short. I had said some things like "Oh Mckinzie Spence? When does she get here?" And thins like that, as she sat at the same table across from me. Naturally, I felt like an idiot, and this is something she loves to remind me about. </div>
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Beginning that day, her and Katie perused around the hotel, large and seemingly in charge. Being in the group with the other boy from PA, we made a few remarks saying, "Why the hell are we letting these girls lead us around?" At the time, I had absolutely no clue. But they stayed in charge, leading quite a few ice breaker activities as everyone arrived and much more effective in my opinion than AFS. They came to seemingly like me and I liked them too, all thoughts of their craziness lingering in my mind, but with more of a relate-ability. That was the start of something we came to know as "la famille français" consisting of Kinzie, Katie, Natalie who I mentioned in a post earlier from PA, as well as a boy named Erik and three other girls, Annie, Johanna and Lily. We all got along really well and adopted a phrase from Katie who always said "Guys, we're going to France!"</div>
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We spent almost all of the time in New York together as well as a lot of the time in the airport.<br>
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When we first arrived in France, Katie naturally had to start saying, "Shit guys, we're in France!" And the phrase stuck. I spent as much time as I could with these freaks the days in Paris and was hard to say goodbye to some of them the day of departure. </div>
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Kinzie, was one of the few that would remain in my chapter. I remember in the train station, waiting for our train to Lille that I offered her mini Oreos. She was shocked and asked "Are you sure about this" like giving a person Oreos was crazy and that I should keep them all for myself. But I gave it to her anyways. That was a good morning.<br>
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A few weeks later we got together in Lille for what was my first time. It was warm and we went shopping and took pictures like tourists and ate crepes and were so happy we could order by ourselves in French. We have come a long way since. </div>
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Over the course of the months, we got together a few times more, and she became my rock as we hung out more often and talked in various other ways... You know who you are know what I am talking about....<br>
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She was smart, funny, kind, and most importantly, SANE. Of course she has had her moments but I still felt more comfortable with her as I opened up to her and let myself be myself around her. She in turn, did the same. </div>
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Back in October, wow a long time ago, she invited me to go to Paris with her for the day alone! I couldn't have gone without her and it was literally the best day so far in France. We took selfies at Notre Dame, walked about 11 freckin miles, complained about our feet doing nothing but hurting, took selfies at Le Moulin Rouge with our Starbucks, and bought Lauderée. Oh and skyped with her mom the night before. She at MANY times throughout that day yelled at me for not being careful with my macarons and that would cause them to break and I thought it was fine. Then on the train home, they were indeed broken, and I became annoyed with that, along with her taking about 15 minutes to take pictures of her macarons on the train. Pictures I may add that she never used. That day was perfect in so many ways.<br>
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We saw each other quite a few times in the past months, every was fun, no matter how short. </div>
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And then today, my last day in France with this girl. We did all of our basic things, shopping, walking through Lille, getting food, etc. My goodbye was extremely painful and happy as we reflected on a lot of our moments while in France together. And while I know that this will most certainly not be the last time I see her, it will be hard to go through these remaining five months without my rock, the one person I can talk to here in France with my full confidence, give me advice, and care about everything going on in my life because she knows how I feel and what I am going through at the same moment. </div>
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The best relationships don't come from your friends at school, or even your families, which both are important and will create strong relations with. The best and strongest come from your fellow exchange students, those who are their to help and support you because they know and understand everything and want to help you more than anything because they would want the same from you. </div>
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While saying goodbye is hard, it is nothing compared to the memories I will forever carry with me of this girl and the friend I have made for life. </div>
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If you would like to read about Kinzie's experience in France, a link to her blog can be found below.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: '.HelveticaNeueUI'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">http://kinzie-infrance.tumblr.com/</span></div>
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I now speak to Kinzie directly. </div>
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Kinz, thank you for absolutely everything. I mean that more than I can possibly put into words. You have been so important in my life here in France. You have been there to help me through hard times, been there to share a laugh, been there to just talk. You are a special person and I have so much respect for you as a human being. You are a beautiful, strong, smart, and capable young woman who can cook magnificently. I am going to miss you so much with just walking through Lille like we own the city, GC, and just having you around. Your a piece of home that I am going to miss so much. I am so grateful you have entered my life and I met you. France would have been so different without you here in the North. This isn't a permanent goodbye as you know. I will see you soon and I look forward to that time when I come to Illinois or you to Pennsylvania for a visit. Thank you for everything, et je t'aime <3. Bonne courage finir t'année dernier d'école. Tu nous manquerai ici dans le nord de France. You only have a few days left here in France, so make every second count. Remember all of the memories you made here and remember it as one of the best experiences in your life, because it is! We all love you! Now go and chef! </div>
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Avec amour,</div>
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-Aidan </div>
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Aidan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00117166549053384029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-838877919201030524.post-1114684737285183972013-11-28T01:26:00.001-08:002013-11-28T01:26:16.717-08:00Conflicted and Conflicts<div>Bonjour tout le monde</div><div><br></div><div>Well, it's been less than a week since I last blogged and I shouldn't have anything new to talk about, but I have a big something that is pretty monumental in terms of my exchange program. I am changing host families. </div><div><br></div><div>This has been coming actually for quite sometime, but we, meaning my host family, AFS and I tried everything to make it work. It came down to basic relationships in the family and my happiness with them. The sister and I didn't get along great at all, with both of us making mistakes in the beginning and it spiraling downward with both of not really wanting to fix it unfortunately. In addition to that, I never felt like I was completely at home or a member of the family, which is not what I wanted. I tried to integrate and do things and participate, but without much success for some unknown reason to me. With all of that being said, it is time for me to move on and start fresh somewhere else with a different family. </div><div><br></div><div>On Tuesday night, I will (at the time I write this) be moving out, and into a temporary family of AFS volunteers. The family I will be staying with for a few weeks until I am given a permanent family is one I am actually very excited about. The mother is an active AFS volunteer who has hosted three students in the past and I adore and get along great with. The daughter that I know is a university student in Lille who I get along fantastic with. We were making jokes and laughing hard together the whole AFS weekend. Along with those two, their are two other daughters who I don't think I will get a chance to meet, as well as the father who I have yet to meet, but I would imagine is as friendly as the two I do know. </div><div><br></div><div>After AFS finds me another family, I may be able to go to the same school with a great chance that I won't be able. If that is not a possibility, they will try to find me a family in the North first, and if that truly doesn't work out, I will move to a different region of France. That, moving to a different region will be very, very difficult for a few reasons. </div><div><br></div><div>1. I have to learn a new way of living in that region, which isn't too big of a problem, but it is a minor difference in culture. </div><div><br></div><div>2. I will be leaving all of my friends from school. If I change schools and stay in the north this will also happen, but I will be able to see them on occasion because of reasonable distance and such. </div><div><br></div><div>3. AFS. I have found a family with the AFS exchange students here in the north. This past weekend, I have bonded with each one and I care about each one and want them to excel and do amazing things here in France. If I change regions, I will have to leave this group and join a different AFS chapter, which would be exciting and unsettling at the same time. </div><div><br></div><div>I hope I will be able to stay close to where I started, if so, I will be very happy. That's all I have to say for now. I will write about everything else as it happens. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Fast forward to Wednesday night at 10:00. I have just finished my first evening with my temporary family, or at this point, temporary mom. Tonight, it was just her and me and it was great. But before I get to that, lets start at the very beginning, I find that to be a good place to start. </div><div><br></div><div>I get home at 5:00 and have a snack with my at the time host brother and sister... So much tension at that table it was crazy. I ended up getting a call from one of contact people from AFS who told me that she along with my liaison (yes, a lot of people I can talk to) were coming to pick me up somewhere from 6-7. That meant I didn't have much time to finish packing, which I promptly did. After that, I got a message from my sister, which I hate and love you for, saying that everyone at home was thinking about me and that started me putting into the emotional distressed state of life, which everyone knows once it starts, it doesn't just stop. So pretty much I was an emotional wreck from about 5:20 to 6:45 when I had been picked up and been on the road for a few minutes. </div><div><br></div><div>After I got into the emotional distress caused by my sister, thanks again, I got a call from my at-the-time host dad. He was stuck at work and he wouldn't be able to make it home to say good bye with the rest of the family. So I had to say good bye and thank him for everything on the phone... Swell. I didn't feel like I got my point across of how thankful I was to him which makes me a little sad. </div><div><br></div><div>About thirty minutes later, the people AFS arrived and we talked for a little bit before putting all of my belongings in the car and saying my goodbyes. Everyone actually looked truly sad that I was leaving, which made me even more emotional. It was hard saying good bye, harder than I thought it would be. I realized that in that moment that they took me in and tried to integrate a total stranger into their family. In that time, yes both of us made mistakes and were incompatible for living together, but that they truly cared about me and my well being. That was what made the goodbye that much harder. </div><div><br></div><div>After we left and drove away, we had a good time talking, the AFS people and I, in French. It also helps knowing that they were both exchange students and know what I am feeling, even with the very different experiences. When we arrived at my temporary host family's home, I was warmly greeted by an AFS volunteer who I knew from past weekends and I got along great with. She brought us into the living room and we talked about things, they talked while I did a lot of listening, while eating some nuts and berries which were phenomenal. </div><div><br></div><div>After the tow AFS people who brought me left, my new host mom had me unload the dishwasher as she finished dinner. It was an amazing pumpkin soup with a random assortment of other vegetables with a little bit of peanut butter because why not? After we were done eating, we talked about the rules to the house and such and such. I was actually really appreciative of how understanding she was of absolutely everything from the language to reexplaining things slowly until I could understand. </div><div><br></div><div>After that it was time for bed and sleepy sleepy time yadda yadda. </div><div><br></div><div>Then this morning I woke up at 6:30, which is typical for me so not really a change their. The biggest change about school is that it takes about twenty minutes by driving which she will do in the morning, and then to come home, it will be about an hour because I will be taking the bus and then switching to the metro along with walking. </div><div><br></div><div>So today was my first day taking the bus in France, ever. So I was a little confused and worried I was going to take the wrong bus, or take the right bus in just the wrong direction. Luckily now, I know exactly what bus I am taking. My school is on the corner or a round-about with about 5 different bus routes to take the student home various ways. My first problem was actually finding the right line, and then getting on that bus in the right direction. That took me about twenty minutes after school ended until I was at the right stop wiring for my bus. I got on and out my ticket in the slot and waited. My bus ride, which should have been about twenty minutes ended up being 45 because I got on the bus that started going in the opposite direction... Good one Aidan. It did eventually take me to the right stop, but that freaked me out at first. </div><div><br></div><div>After I am on the bus, I have to get off and walk to the metro. Sounds easy? No. The have signs saying that the metro is this way or that way, but everyone conflicts with each other which meant I had to ask people which way the metro was. That was luckily a success for me so I did find the metro, and one where I will be able to get off the bus sooner too. This was easier than the bus, because the train tells you which way it's going and you have two options to make it really easy. Once you are on the train, it even announces what the station you are stopping at is, for public transportation stupid people like me. But I made it home in one piece and happy. Two hours after I got out of school, but home. </div><div> </div><div>So that is my past 48 hours in a nutshell. Voila. </div><div><br></div><div>I have something else that I heard today from my host mom. She is a volunteer with AFS and she said something to me that just made me sort of think hard about everything that I have done and what I will do in the future of my experience here in France and with AFS once I get home. </div><div><br></div><div>She was saying their is a reason why AFS is called AFS Intercultural Programs. The language is important to live in the country of your choice, but she said it goes deeper than that. It's the culture people are coming to learn at its absolute core. Different people may have different aspects of the culture that they really want to learn, like the language or religion, but they have host families for the students to learn about the culture of the family and how the family works. Not every family in a country has the same culture, but it's a different way of living than from home. It is her job as a host mom to teach me about the culture of her home, and after that, the culture of France and how the people think and act. Along the way she will speak to me in French as it is a part of the culture of the family and the home, and she can't speak to me in English, because for one, she can't speak fluent English, and two, it wouldn't be the truth about how they live day to day life. </div><div><br></div><div>She also said that when they host a student, they receive almost as much as a culture shock as the student. They may have to change the way they live their life as well to adapt to the newest member of the family. She said it is very hard to be a host family, but it is just as rewarding as being a student, learning about the home of the student and allowing them to teach you as you teach them about your culture. The mutual exchange of cultures is what is truly important here, not just learning the language, which is still important. That is why it is called AFS Intercultural Programs. </div><div><br></div><div>I think that the ten minutes she was talking to me about it in French was the most valuable explanation about AFS I have gotten this far, and I will carry that ten minute conversation with me forward on my experience as well as any other interaction I have with AFS post my year abroad. I now truly know what people mean when they say that they believe in the AFS mission and goals. I believe I it too, and I believe that it is a good mission. </div><div><br></div><div>So that's all for tonight. It is sort of an interesting compilation of topics so yeah. Thanks for reading and I will be back soon with more information on my current situation. Also to anyone back in the states, have an awesome Thanksgiving and stuff yourselves silly, and remember what it is you are thankful for. Truly think about what it is in your life that you value and are really thankful for. </div><div><br></div><div>Good night/day/morning/afternoon/whatever everyone!!!</div><div><br></div><div>Au Revoir,</div><div>-Aidan</div><div><br></div><div>P.S. I would like to point out that as angry as I am that I went to school this morning to find out that we didn't have school and that nobody told me, it is Thanksgiving and I have the day off. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Aidan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00117166549053384029noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-838877919201030524.post-41023020893904980012013-11-22T06:46:00.001-08:002013-11-22T06:46:29.845-08:00Normandy Et Paris<div>
Bonjour tout le monde!!!</div>
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I am back rather soon to enlighten all of you about my most recent excursions to Normandy with my family, and Paris for the day! So lets start at the beginning. </div>
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<b>Part 1</b></div>
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I had a two week holiday from school for a reason I didn't completely understand (let alone was told), but I refuse to complain about it. My family told me they were going to take me to Normandy for the first week. I had no clue what this meant as I had never been to France before, let alone Normandy, and I didn't know what kind of "vacationers" my family was. I found out later they were the high energy, erratic, and restless vacationers that loved to spend money. This is a very big difference between my family who is very calm, relaxed, almost never in a rush because its "vacation", and very reserved with money. </div>
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<b>Day 1</b></div>
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I woke up around 8 in the morning to be on the road from Lille to Normandy at 9:30. It took about 2 hours to reach our first stop. We arrived in the town of Fécamp in Normandy at around 11:30 ish. We went to a local pâtisserie and supermarché to get bread and sandwich meat for lunch. We ate right outside over looking the harbor, which was very cool. </div>
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After lunch, we went to the Palais Bénédictine, where we had a tour and history lesson on the alcoholic beverage, Bénédictine, which was created as a medicinal drink created by monks who lived in Fécamp Abbey where the Benedictine monks lived, hence the name. I got to have a small taste of the Bénédictine and it smelled better than it tasted. Gross. </div>
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Then we piled back into the car for another hour drive to this town which I don't know what is called, but here are some pictures to help me explain my feelings. </div>
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We spent some time on the beach, which had smooth rocks on it from the mer as opposed to sand, which I thought was neat. After walking through the town and such, we went to the B&B we were staying at in Honfleurs. We dropped our stuff off, and went to the town for dinner. The town is a ton of shops just outlining the harbor, reminding me of Inner Harbor on a much smaller scale. Every restaurant was serving moule-frites, which are fresh muscles served with French fries. I got a pot that night and they were awesome.<br />
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A cool harbor in a town which I don`t know the name of. Oh well</div>
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Inside of the Benedictine</div>
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Me being my avid photographer self</div>
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I think this picture looks like the cover art for an album by Of Monsters and Men- My Head is an Animal, but hey thats just me.</div>
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And the last picture of the cool, awesome rock arch thing in a place somewhere in France. I don`t get told a lot.</div>
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<b>Day 2</b></div>
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Day 2 was probably my lest favorite day, but it was still good. We ended up going to a lot of small, small, small towns that didn't have much in them and all began to blur together after a while. I did get to go to a different beach, to my own personal happiness, and got to see an amazing view of the Seine River and Le Point Du Normandy. </div>
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Pictures from Day 2!!!<br />
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Not a lot of good pictures from this day, but enjoy what I have.</div>
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<b>Day 3</b></div>
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By far, my favorite day because it was sentimental to me. Day three we spent the majority doing things in relation to D-Day. We visited the D-Day museum which was extremely cool, we went to Omaha Beach which was one of the landing sites in France for American troops, as well as visiting the American Military Cemetery in Colleville-Sur-Mer. </div>
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Over the past two years of having my French teacher, she has mentioned several times of a man who is buried in Normandy from the same town as myself. She told us that his family has never visited his grave, and she goes whenever she is in Normandy. Just this last April on a school trip with my fellow classmates, they visited his grave and paid their respects. Knowing I would be in Normandy, I asked her where he was buried so I would be able to pay my respects as well. </div>
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My family took me to the cemetery and after convincing a grounds keeper (the area was closed due to maintenance) he let me visit the grave for a few minutes and I was able to pay my respects. </div>
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The cemetery is a beautiful place and I felt very fortunate that I was able to go. Thank you US government for reopening when you did. It was also extremely saddening to realize that although I may be here in France with them, I will be able to go home once my time here is finished, as they will continue to stay in France, and not rest in the country they were born raised, and died to protect. That was very saddening to me. </div>
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Again, here are the pictures from day three!<br />
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Rainbow over the ocean!</div>
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The grave of the man from my town who died in the D-Day Landing</div>
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The American Cemetary at Coleville-sur-Mer</div>
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<b>Day 4</b></div>
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One of the coolest places I have ever been, and the most interesting throughout the entire week. What is it? It was Mont Saint Michel! We drove up to the, I guess it's an island and took a bus that takes people from the parking lot to the island. From the parking lot, I could just barely make out its rough form because it was hazy that morning, but I remember it was just such a cool thing from a distance with bad visuals, that I could only imagine what it looked like up close! </div>
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When we arrived in front of the island, about fifty tourists from all over the world on our train spilled onto the sidewalks which led to the front main entrance. I saw a group from Portugal on a tour as well as Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish tours all given within the first 10 minutes of arrival. I thought that that in itself said something about Mont Saint Michel, even though I had never heard of it before, or not to my own recollection. </div>
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HISTORY LESSON!!!!</div>
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Mont Saint Michel is built on an island with a mountains-peak type body mass. The abbey sits on the very top, with the alter standing in the middle of the point. It is held up on the four sides by crypts (the word my guide used) which keep the abbey balanced. Next to the abbey were the Cloisters, which serve as a spiritual location for both meditation as well as easy access around the abbey itself. During the French Revolution, the revolutionaries stormed all Abbey's and places of worship. Even though these religious workers did not take a side in the revolution, they were typically from higher class families, and thus, associated with the monarchs and aristocrats. They were beheaded, as the French had a very large fascination for beheading people in that time period, and most faces carved into the walls revealing scenes of angels and men, were destroyed, with the rest of the carving in tact. </div>
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There was so much cool stuff in that one place and so much history, I will spare you the details and the extent of which I remember, which happens to be a lot. </div>
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After we finished Mont Saint Michel and visiting the island, we went back to the car and went to a two cool towns and walked around for a little bit. We ended up getting salted caramel and that was really good so I couldn't stop eating it. Thank whoever that my braces were off...</div>
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And here is me being all unable to look good in a picture ùin front of Mont Saint Michel</div>
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And more Mont Saint Michel</div>
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Inside the abbey</div>
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The Cloisters of the Abbey</div>
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And Mont Saint Michel for the last time</div>
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<b>Day 5</b></div>
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The next morning we woke up and headed to what was pretty much Bretagne. We had traveled pretty far down the coast and along everything until our destination. Here is a general picture of a map of where I think we ended up going in Normandy/Bretagne. </div>
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That morning, it was cool and crisp with a light wind that wasn't too cold, which suited me very well. Those of you who know me very well are well aware of how I hate being cold. Give me a warm beach any day!</div>
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We drove up to this cliff across the water. It was a very long narrow strip of land that had no way of being accessed easily from anywhere. It was extremely jagged, preventing air, didn't touch the main land, no land, and all of its cliffs were to high and dangerous to be reached by a sea approach. So here in front of me, was a piece of land that had the possibility of not having been touched by humans physical activities (which, don't worry, I know probably isn't true). Even still, it was a very cool piece of land. It is also the very location I took my favorite picture from the entire week. </div>
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After we were finished with the cool cliffs (I guess that's what you can call them?) we got back in the car and drove to this really cool port town that had an awesome outdoor fish market. The highlight for me, was of course eating. But not just any eating, oh no.<br />
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I am talking about oysters, so fresh that the salt water inside was still cold. It was amazing and just ERMERGERD! Sorry, I am obligated to use one type of stupid modern, teenage fad language in every post.MOVING ON... We had arrived in town at around eleven thirty, and the oyster huts had apparently just opened with their fresh catch of oysters. I was asked if I wanted to try any, in the case that i liked oysters. Now mind you, I had only had oysters a few ùtimes before in my life and had only recently begun to like them, but i did say yes, anticipating something amazing. We got a plate of six, three for me, and three for my host dad. We got the oysters, sat along a wall over looking the ocean and i tasted one and felt my mouth die and fall into the sea. I just wanted more, but didn`t to my dismay. It was something i really enjoyed, and is something that I will do again, no questions asked! Here are the pictures of us enjoying the oysters. Yum!<br />
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Host dad and I enjoying our oysters</div>
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My face in this is priceless!</div>
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After we finished eating, we did some small shopping, nothing for me, and we piled back in the car and drive for the next five hours back home from Bretagne to Nord-Pas de Calais. Not a fun ride on the hump. Note to self* if I have three kids or more, buy a car with a back row! </div>
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And now here are the pictures from Day 5!<br />
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Artsy and stuff</div>
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This is THE picture from the week. Zero editing and just perfection.</div>
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The last picture on a beach that I took for the week. And what a great week it was!</div>
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<b>Part 2 </b></div>
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About three weeks later, I had the awesome luck of being invited to go to Paris with the girl who has become my best friend and rock here in France, Kinzie. After some minor setbacks and stress from the planning details and arranging everything, it was time to go!</div>
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We planned to go on Monday (last Monday from this post). It was a Holiday so we had off of school and yeah, why not spend it in Paris? Sunday night my host parents dropped me off at her host parents house in Lille, which is so cool! I had an awesome meal with two of her host siblings who were really fun and cool.</div>
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We finally made it to bed at around 11 to an absolutely freezing house, to get up at 7 the next morning and be at the train station at 8 for our train at 8:40. All went according to plan and we got on the train and were on our way to Paris with no problem. When we arrived at Paris Nord we were just so happy and were reflecting where we were waiting for our train our first week in France. Once we exited the station, we had a little confusion getting on the right path, but we did some lucky guesses and voila, arrival at Place de la Republic. Here are some pictures of said place.<br />
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Après, we were on our way to my one must-see destination, Notre Dame, and let me say, it is massive! It was one of the coolest cathedrals I have ever seen! There were gargoyles, stained glass windows, paintings, statues, the whole kit and caboodle. I can hardly find the right words to describe what we saw, so how about you look at the pictures and say what you would like! Also, to ,y personal dismay, there zwere no hunchbacks to be found throughout Notre Dame.<br />
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A statue in memorial of Joan of Arc</div>
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GARGOYLES</div>
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Just your typical ratchet selfie in front of Notre Dame</div>
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Pretty awesome right? Heh? Heh? That's what I thought. Once we left Notre Dame, we were on our way to the Louvre when we stumbled upon one of the two Lock Bridges. Kinzie had been given a lock by her mother and had to find a place for the lock, and then throw her key in the Seine after making a wish. All the while, a man across the bride was playing the accordion, setting the very French scene. It was also so cool to see couples returning and looking for the locks they placed the previous time they were there. A very cool experience for me, and a memory made for Kinzie.<br />
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After the lock brige, we did a lot of walking. We did a lot of walking in general that day, but that was a long stretch. Once we arrived at the Louvre, we had difficulty finding the entrance. Not because of our stupidity, but because the thing is massive. We were walking along the side of it for maybe a good twenty minutes before we were wondering if we passed the entrance. When we did reach the courtyard with the fountains and the glass pyramids, I was just in awe of the sheer grandeur and enormity of the museum. People say that it's big... Big is an understatement. It's ginormous! The courtyard was huge, and I can only imagine how it looks inside the museum itself. We didn't go in because of our lack of three-six weeks of time in Paris so seeing the museum wasn't an option. We were just touristy people and took our pictures and moved along, which can be seen right below!<br />
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On our way out, we stopped at a street vendor "Paul", probably the biggest chain in France. Paul is a pâtisserie that is found everywhere. They sell things from bread, such as baguettes, to macaroons, to sandwiches. It's pretty cheap and is awesome! So while we were waiting in line, we were making fun of American tourists and couldn't order anything in French, or even say bonjour or merci when they finished ordering. The one line I remember was a woman with a southern accent screaming to her husband in line "IT HAS OLIVES ON IT!", which we just died after hearing. And we go up, more American tourists, and order what we want in French. Take that Olive Lady! </div>
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While we were eating out chocolate chip bread thingy (I can't remember what it's called for the life of me) we were on our way to Le Tour Eiffel! For that, we didn't use the map, we just looked up and over and walked to the tower. It was a pretty nostalgic day as we were recounting our adventures with AFS in Paris and our first time seeing the Eiffel Tower and how half our bus squealed like little girls, me included, at the beauty of it. Also, quick point to make, the Eiffel Tower is not black or gray, it's BROWN! That was something that sort of made me think and reconsider my life choices, realizing the Eiffel Tower is brown. We did our pictures marking our presence and as usual, here they are!<br />
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The next stop was L'Arc de Triumph. Because Monday was a holiday marking the end of WWI (this is what I was told, don't hold me to that) their was a giant French flag waving on the inside of the Arc. We were not able to go inside like we would have normally, but it sure made for a different picture, and some good ones at that! And it was super cool.<br />
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We were flying through everything that day, when we were pretty supposed to be heading back to Paris Nord after some time in Le Champs D'Elysées. It's a giant shopping district with the Arc De Triumph at the far end, and stretches for a long time. I'm sorry I can't tell you where it ends because I can't think of a good enough reference point. On a street branching off, they have all of your famous, very expensive clothing stores, Prada, Ralph Lauren, etc. Kinzie made a note to point out that all of the store had very little in each, meaning that every item available was extremely ramped up in price and very, very expensive. </div>
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While we were on Rue Champs D'Elysées, we went to THE macaron shop. If at this point you don't know what it is, just go home. It's Lauderée, probably the most sheik and just over all awesome macaron magasin I have ever been in (I can count those on one hand). The service was fast for the line, the price was a little stretched when I first saw it, but let me say, it was worth every penny. Every macaron I had was absolutely perfect and I could have eaten them forever. Of course, I did get the "I told you so" from Kinzie, my macarons were a little broken when I opened the box up... So sorry, but no macaron picture.<br />
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This is her "OH MY GOD! I Am In Lauderée And It Is Perfect!" face</div>
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Selfie because why not?</div>
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The devil wears what???</div>
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Our next location, was something that was optional in case we didn't have time. *insert loud organ chords here* BUUUMM! BUM BUM BUM BUM BUUUM BU BU BUM BUM BUM BUM BUMMMMM!!! SORRY, the is my best attempt to verbalize the opening of "Phantom Of the Opera". For me it worked, but I don't know about anyone else so... But yes, that was our next stop and I was actually every excited about it. I had my hopes up for being able to see The Chandelier and the theatre and it just got me very excited. We took our pictures outside in the front, as seen below, and tried to go inside to see everything. We just missed the public access time by minutes, which made me a little mad. I wanted to go all Phantom on the Opera, but I figured that would be frowned upon, so I decided against it, mentally wishing rue and toil upon the hours of visitation on the Opera.<br />
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This is me being clever</div>
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And the backside of the Opera</div>
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And our last destination is a place I didn't ask for because our schedule was already packed, and I didn't know how far our of the way it was... I present to you the location of the Elephant Love Medley, where Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman fell in love; the one, the only, Le Moulin Rouge! It turned out it wasn't too far away from the Opera, and we had over an hour and a half before we needed to be at Paris Nord to wait for our train, so what did we do? We took out our amazingly handy dandy map, and were on our way. As we were walking, it got dark FAST! That though got me really excited and I said to Kinzie, "Maybe the lights will be on and the windmill will be working!" When we were a few blocks away, we saw bright lights, and a windmill working, making me feel all giddy and pleased. We quickened our pace and came across the street from Le Moulin Rouge. I was mad I didn't an elephant (no surprise their) but it was just so cool seeing a place made (semi) famous in modern culture because of a movie. Now I have one life goal checked off involving Le Moulin Rouge...<br />
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After we saw it, we decided to be typical American tourists and went to the Starbucks across the street and surprised our baristas by ordering and responding in French. They obviously were used to American tourists and noticed our accents, but I will always remember their faces when they responded in English after we placed out order, and we responded again in French... Priceless</div>
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So we walked back to the train station with our coffees, with our feet killing us and that was our beautiful and perfect day in Paris. Here are the extra photos from random times throughout the day that don't have a specific time stamp on them interns of location. </div>
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Just a really cool random street</div>
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Swan River. We couldn't afford the rights to Swan Lake...</div>
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Just a really cool door that we found.</div>
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And in other news, I made my family chicken pot pie, which turned out perfect and they loved. Pennsylvania Dutch chicken pot pie is also a misnomer, as it is not an actual pie, but more of a very, very thick, pasta-like soupish meal. Also we have our second AFS weekend this week so we will see how that works out. There is a talent show so we will see how that works out... Wish I had my sisters singing voice right about now. I blame genetics. For those of you who are unaware, my sisters voice is amazing. Done with that, but I have to brag a little bit... Sorry Haley. </div>
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And with that, we have everything wrapped up nice and neatly for the time being. All big events are talked about and voila, I have finished. Thanks everyone for reading and I will return soon! </div>
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Everyone have a good day, morning, night, week, whatever it is wherever you!</div>
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-Aidan</div>
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Aidan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00117166549053384029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-838877919201030524.post-40118396975249184682013-10-26T07:25:00.001-07:002013-10-30T03:26:02.895-07:00Wow, That Was a Long Time Ago. OK, Catch Up Time.<div>Hello. </div><div><br></div><div>I am ok. </div><div><br></div><div>I hope you are well. </div><div><br></div><div>And life goes on. </div><div><br></div><div>Ok? That was weird. What am I doing with my life? I suppose I will never truly be able to answer that question. </div><div><br></div><div>I am going to do a few things in this post. Of course, I will update everyone on life and stuff because I know you all like that, show you some fun pictures from the fun stuff in my life, and lastly, start a culture topic from what I have picked up in my time in France. I will get to that later. Ok. </div><div><br></div><div>Three weeks ago, was basic school with nothing really new or exciting their. Except my friend tries to explain how soccer works in English using crumbs for lunch. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-kUr1T5X7qnMzwJ5QtqIiTKbOF2mEBzMOH4WjNSKbQua4bCAsEZdN152mhOTfBNvvDTNdno4COTjF1d8nQMjg5ExT_4OD8fp0hOSu83USKr-OxsjV_guLbBOerX_FxBAnt-BHfzlgm5p/s640/blogger-image--676913310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-kUr1T5X7qnMzwJ5QtqIiTKbOF2mEBzMOH4WjNSKbQua4bCAsEZdN152mhOTfBNvvDTNdno4COTjF1d8nQMjg5ExT_4OD8fp0hOSu83USKr-OxsjV_guLbBOerX_FxBAnt-BHfzlgm5p/s640/blogger-image--676913310.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRnhBr29_k8FMUA9QCvniCz1nokis6ekWWKoRyffeGuOojPDIHv8fNTjk28_Hvr7LRy1FAwj8TUUUO_3m4fVeHr280GUpao7X34jpY76VRWvqhejEZXRKhi2p6if7uQ-oFuRqBavSqHCV/s640/blogger-image--1729564694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRnhBr29_k8FMUA9QCvniCz1nokis6ekWWKoRyffeGuOojPDIHv8fNTjk28_Hvr7LRy1FAwj8TUUUO_3m4fVeHr280GUpao7X34jpY76VRWvqhejEZXRKhi2p6if7uQ-oFuRqBavSqHCV/s640/blogger-image--1729564694.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>That Saturday was great, but in retrospect a complete and utter disaster for a main reason... Miscommunication. Leave it to the American to not communicate how he wants, but get ready to give me absolute crap, because I had a miscommunication with an American. Insert face-palm here. </div><div><br></div><div>My very good friend Kinze, who is from Chicago, and I wanted to hangout in Lille and just be touristy. We agreed to meet at the metro at noon. I thought I knew where the metro was, but I was wrong. So I ended up asking people where it was and got sent in every direction possible. It turns out I walked by our meeting place was and where she was about five times. She eventually gave up after waiting for an hour and a half and went home because she lives in Lille. She also doesn't have a phone yet so that was also a major pain. </div><div><br></div><div>After three hours of me wondering around, and giving up, I got a call from my host mom giving us a new meeting point and that she was on her way. I was frustrated with myself and everything, so I sat on the curb outside of a store called Printemps for about 15 minutes kicking myself mentally until I saw her walking towards me. She was mildly annoyed, but not beside herself with anger, which was good... For me. We eventually agreed it was a mutual miscommunication and picked a new meeting place for when we do hang out in Lille again. She also has a phone now too, so that's very easy to work with. </div><div><br></div><div>We walked around Lille, looking like your typical American tourists and we didn't care. We took pictures and just were carefree for the next three hours. We did a little shopping, went to a crêperie for linner (lunch/dinner) and it was amazing. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElWhUORYqSxJDV9jy9tGGxjdmMLplgp15df9TyEC1G9LDPamIH7wGTm7yDedPZSgzhuscye0gnlTlTJ2J3ffThK9_iqkbaR7jcjY64uBSchha2pMlzp8BRpxr7YvH4ZiaBHaXxBO5z_6Z/s640/blogger-image--2007847146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElWhUORYqSxJDV9jy9tGGxjdmMLplgp15df9TyEC1G9LDPamIH7wGTm7yDedPZSgzhuscye0gnlTlTJ2J3ffThK9_iqkbaR7jcjY64uBSchha2pMlzp8BRpxr7YvH4ZiaBHaXxBO5z_6Z/s640/blogger-image--2007847146.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCWTpdkYQ-YtpvkF1JZltmAsH2VrKsEuPWUyL62khEHsY56t3ALq_Qv_15oBjl7AaoH8ubKLE-uGxbF-J9hqM3Lwl8lbKKdEZDTrj2J3EQEkxs8ThpV48pJTRKeOBYyjScoqmfu2gA1YM/s640/blogger-image-449105692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCWTpdkYQ-YtpvkF1JZltmAsH2VrKsEuPWUyL62khEHsY56t3ALq_Qv_15oBjl7AaoH8ubKLE-uGxbF-J9hqM3Lwl8lbKKdEZDTrj2J3EQEkxs8ThpV48pJTRKeOBYyjScoqmfu2gA1YM/s640/blogger-image-449105692.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiU_KU42FwcoZ83UuQ115b35bR3dhKfqOEo1NKymT3TDlr1iq7ytTPzR4pDPz-apSeizR-M1kZaTOA9JDar208enE036lNkcvaKwRazCn-bdZoj8q3hfGyyDmtG3fO4_blbAf3lB9PtLw7/s640/blogger-image-1724409546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiU_KU42FwcoZ83UuQ115b35bR3dhKfqOEo1NKymT3TDlr1iq7ytTPzR4pDPz-apSeizR-M1kZaTOA9JDar208enE036lNkcvaKwRazCn-bdZoj8q3hfGyyDmtG3fO4_blbAf3lB9PtLw7/s640/blogger-image-1724409546.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmLUNyr6CjKLdfJseHW0-k9QXaN7xS49xez1ILVazZ8RDDcSgrXQJmAOfYtgiG3OPqWFMBf-V3bfcBvdPaCucK1pyo3kxhoR2AZrsQWLlfWfmIJZXLwTash1rvMX3pjozDyC0tKbi8kWw/s640/blogger-image--1177777564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmLUNyr6CjKLdfJseHW0-k9QXaN7xS49xez1ILVazZ8RDDcSgrXQJmAOfYtgiG3OPqWFMBf-V3bfcBvdPaCucK1pyo3kxhoR2AZrsQWLlfWfmIJZXLwTash1rvMX3pjozDyC0tKbi8kWw/s640/blogger-image--1177777564.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Kinzie being awesome</div></div></div><br></div></div><div><br></div><div>I would also like to point out I have seen this amazing human every weekend for the past three weeks. One on purpose, two because we had to, and three on complete coincidence. Not that I'm complaining, she's awesome. </div><div><br></div><div>I just mentioned because we had to, that's right ladies and gentleman, it's time for THE FIRST AFS WEEKEND IN FRANCE! AND THE CROWD GOES WILD! AHHHHHH! It wasn't like a rock concert like I just made it out to be. Sorry for giving you a false visual. The best part was seeing so many awesome exchange students in one place, including some friends from Paris I hadn't seen or talked to since like Annie or Sarah (Both awesome Americans). I also got to meet and get to know better the people from some of the other countries like Julia from Germany, who basically taught me that I can't eat right and "cockadoodle doo" is the funniest thing in the world, Kaja from Poland, who has almost perfect French and I hate her for it, but is the singularly most adorable person I have ever met, as well as people from China, Italy, and Finland as well. </div><div><br></div><div>We stayed in a hostel in Lille over night from Saturday to Sunday and that was fun to say the least. We also walked around Lille at night which was perfect. Also, let me just say I am an idiot (it's relevant, I promise). I forgot to bring my camera to an AFS event. How dumb could I have gotten? So please note that none of the pictures below are mine, but rather stole- I mean... Borrowed from other people. So here are the pictures from that fun excursion. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRR_8waovZtiz10FhPyTXq5gY4zfh5mm_stapImS6x2rnE7NvVCkApedi7zcztTwLbpsobK97H06njfkOjMPKgCWBy-gVFO3V88nzUbpdUZsdhTxjxrbp11ndj0QtuyjRiPzu3CEoZuzdN/s640/blogger-image--1796265333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRR_8waovZtiz10FhPyTXq5gY4zfh5mm_stapImS6x2rnE7NvVCkApedi7zcztTwLbpsobK97H06njfkOjMPKgCWBy-gVFO3V88nzUbpdUZsdhTxjxrbp11ndj0QtuyjRiPzu3CEoZuzdN/s640/blogger-image--1796265333.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> WANNNNNNNAAAA</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuOU76RDqTZ8im3R7EPV8IB0bzQUq6CILcwZHbow6wPQ5L3GbHcsrjTPomavJZB8rdl64fWGSzXOqRwGoUPFGA4klhksanJEBQ1ltlUFcQXHLD9mJpYJKhDSK0Q5gxvzEzYPlL85zHPfP/s640/blogger-image--726213691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuOU76RDqTZ8im3R7EPV8IB0bzQUq6CILcwZHbow6wPQ5L3GbHcsrjTPomavJZB8rdl64fWGSzXOqRwGoUPFGA4klhksanJEBQ1ltlUFcQXHLD9mJpYJKhDSK0Q5gxvzEzYPlL85zHPfP/s640/blogger-image--726213691.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIGrvUVKmq7vjGGZ4PrJhdgw6FzCbtL5qIw5PQxaBnVC5Owi2df7j694CJLzr2_-X3-dDNMgXEstxnfDZs3FZQnr8jZ2bHoUQ1rkwPjkKb7xY7d8hAB-zJc4-FMT__fA_KxExBFM528LX/s640/blogger-image--1696348470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIGrvUVKmq7vjGGZ4PrJhdgw6FzCbtL5qIw5PQxaBnVC5Owi2df7j694CJLzr2_-X3-dDNMgXEstxnfDZs3FZQnr8jZ2bHoUQ1rkwPjkKb7xY7d8hAB-zJc4-FMT__fA_KxExBFM528LX/s640/blogger-image--1696348470.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQCUZI6RbS87mt5NkZqt9DTJRKvbpR8V0kqQf57ixtpqvI-8jFHPWFOjXLERpHwZhp7YE4jBqlXJrgnlhYUnlFX9CCJh3adY73S5-ixOVCuuUKkwni2j3JIyvW2tMgVyjwdt_RELKzzSw/s640/blogger-image--580758364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQCUZI6RbS87mt5NkZqt9DTJRKvbpR8V0kqQf57ixtpqvI-8jFHPWFOjXLERpHwZhp7YE4jBqlXJrgnlhYUnlFX9CCJh3adY73S5-ixOVCuuUKkwni2j3JIyvW2tMgVyjwdt_RELKzzSw/s640/blogger-image--580758364.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNm5JBtj83kp-05Kko-oYrzDI6MX5rbh_7Tuq5z5WdtfOjtvrF7DMdXHIRIdO-Thg3efUoqMgVMkJm6mfdD8wSquSPH6ipWxRcTv4RnuEIEm7rv62QJB_hyphenhyphenJAIgDgnhsjpg8yMB5ktdEZ/s640/blogger-image-2071841364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNm5JBtj83kp-05Kko-oYrzDI6MX5rbh_7Tuq5z5WdtfOjtvrF7DMdXHIRIdO-Thg3efUoqMgVMkJm6mfdD8wSquSPH6ipWxRcTv4RnuEIEm7rv62QJB_hyphenhyphenJAIgDgnhsjpg8yMB5ktdEZ/s640/blogger-image-2071841364.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div></div><br></div><div> The greatest collection of humans in </div><div> France. </div><div><br></div><div>Highlights from that weekend include watching Polish, Finnish, and Chinese students falling in love with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, WAAAAAANNNNNAAAAAA, walking through Lille at night, and doing the un-arm-tangle-game all in French. So a great weekend when you remove all of the AFS necessary and stressful stuff. </div><div><br></div><div>School again. But school is great for me. I may or may not have covered that my class is amazing and I love them dearly because they help me so much. </div><div><br></div><div>Fast forward two weeks ahead, I am with Kinzie AGAIN! I love that girl. Although I think host mom doesn't like her. Every time I hang out with her she always asks if I like the girl in Lambersart. Yes I like you girls out there, it's just, Kinzie. We went and walked around, she bought me something... Here's a hint... Glug. THAT IS ALL I AM GOING TO SAY ON THAT! </div><div><br></div><div>Then this week I went to Normandy with the host family, but that is a different post all together!!!</div><div><br></div><div>On to my cultural portion. These are just small things that I have noticed here in France that differ from the US. They may not all be true throughout France, or even other host families, but here are some of the main points. </div><div><br></div><div><b>Pain</b></div><div>Pain is the French word for bread. Bread is eaten with everything and anything. I have had maybe two meals the entirety of my stay here that had no bread at all. It is most often a baguette that is eaten with the meal. A whole baguette is placed on the table, not cut or on a plate, and when someone wants a piece, they too off the amount they would like. It is also never placed on your plate, but rather on the table. Everyone around me never makes a mess with the crumbs, but I make the biggest one possible. Eating bread is a French art I have yet to master. Oh yeah, I just did that with the title of my blog!!!</div><div><br></div><div><b>The Limit Does Not Exist </b></div><div>This is referred to driving, not math (pop culture reference). Their are speed limits posted on roads and highways and such, but these are more like suggestions. You will have some people driving a good solid 160 kph for a long stretch of time and other people will almost never make it to 80 kph. Also, turn signals are not used, and their are more roundabouts (circle thingys that people drive in) in the place of stop lights. </div><div><br></div><div><b>Fumer</b></div><div>That is the French verb for smoking. Smoking is something that everyone does. I have seen people as young as twelve smoking without anyone saying anything about it. It's culturally acceptable to smoke and is considered "cool". I personally find it disgusting, but hey, that's just my opinion. </div><div><br></div><div>Now for some quick one liners that really don't need an explanation. </div><div><br></div><div>-Ketchup does NOT go on everything like I once thought. </div><div><br></div><div>-Everyone's handwriting is perfect, with the exception of the teachers</div><div><br></div><div>-Peanut Butter is not universally loved </div><div><br></div><div>And really, I'm done writing for now. I'll do a part B for this section another time. Until then, thank you all for reading, and I should be posting about my trip to Normandy pretty soon!</div><div><br></div><div>Au revoir!</div><div>-Aidan</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Aidan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00117166549053384029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-838877919201030524.post-4963405305877418562013-09-25T09:58:00.000-07:002013-09-25T09:58:07.682-07:00Survival of an Exchange Student- Chapter 1<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Bonjour tout le monde, </span><br />
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I have been in France for 2 1/2 weeks and I am going to give you a rundown of my life since the last time I posted about Paris and my first days of school. </div>
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I survived my first week of French school without a single tear shed. I pride myself on that and think I am doing really well, and hope it is not just "the honey moon phase". If it is, I am going to kick life in the face when it's all over because I am having fun, still not understanding, but learning in a content way. </div>
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I have made four really good friends in my base class, and three others outside of class. I have to thank god for Lulu (short for Lucas) and Dimitri on their ability to translate and help me communicate on a primal level or I would be constantly saying "je ne comprends pas" or just nodding my head, smiling and trying to look happy. I have also been offered more cigarettes in the past two weeks than ever before, and if I have one of them around they get to the point of yelling at the person offering after talking about my disdain towards smoking. I'm okay with it though. Also I may have mentioned once that I can't do drugs and now everyone in the school knows not to offer me any because they don't want me to go home early. I think that's a good thing. </div>
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Moving on, lets talk about my classes. Lets start by saying something I would never EVER think I would ever say. I love French class. My prof is by far the best teacher I have. Not because she can speak fluent English (although she never does) but because she has me do things regardless of how basic the task is in class to help me learn French. Every day she will walk over to me and in a very slow and articulated way, she gives me a task she wants completed by the end of class. Sometimes it's translate a page, one time it was pick out words I knew and understood in her lecture, another one was understand a paragraph in a very complicated piece of French literature. Sometimes she has me do the same assignment as everyone else but just doesn't expect the same level of quality or quantity. She just wants an effort. I feel like I have learned more in her class than I have in any of the other "one size fits all" classes I have. </div>
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My second favorite class is history. I need to thank someone here first, before I continue. I would like to thank my history teacher from last yearfor allowing me to do a quick one hour presentation on the history, government, and politics of America in this class. I also am able to answer random questions I the teacher asks me about the US they may be talking about. I am able to understand the general idea of some lessons in French because of that man. </div>
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Math is impossible. I can hardly understand it in English, then put in in French, might as well have me become a rocket scientist without any education. At least my teacher is understanding. I tried to math the other day and lost. </div>
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Spanish is irrelevant at this point.</div>
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My English class is a little frustrating at times because I am at such a high level and everyone else is still learning the basics, but I try to be helpful. </div>
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In other news, I came in first in my class for the pacer test. I got 106. Thirty laps above the second place, which I am very proud of. I also got to visit Lille which is gorgeous and see my awesome friend Kinzie for about 20 minutes in the city which I was really happy about. I also have to say that the only money I have spent that is mine is for a water bottle at the airport in New York. Talk about stingy. I also got to play air soft with my host brother and his group which ranged from 18 year olds to 12 year olds. I also later found out, the oldest Gregoire (who also spoke fluent English) hosted a girl from the US through AFS, and she is the reason I am with the family I am with. And with that, it wraps up week one. </div>
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On Monday night, my host mom and I went to the local ice rink, which is about a twenty minute drive from my house to go to my first hockey practice in France. It was great. The level was much higher than I expected, and I felt so out of shape, becoming exhausted quickly with drills I would be able to do with ease by the end of last season, which was frustrating. My equipment was a bit too big for me and as a result, quite cumbersome but I did fine and was glad I got my skates sharpened before I came. I felt like I didn't disappoint my new coach, whose name is Fred... The irony of it. I made a good representation of York hockey in my first practice instead if the coaches wondering why this American was here disrupting the flow of practice. </div>
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Aside from hockey, week two was the same as the first week with the exception of Tuesday. I wasn't going to include this, but I decided I need to. This is a testimony of my year abroad, the good, the, bad, the pretty, and the ugly. So here is a at the time account of what happened on Tuesday. </div>
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"Tuesday Sep 17, 11:34 AM</div>
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Today is the first really hard day. I know know what people meant by saying it was going to be difficult. I feel empty and angry and sad and depressed and all I want to do is understand. It's one of the most difficult things I have ever felt in my life. </div>
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As I write this I am sitting in the bathroom of the third floor locked in a stall on the verge of crying and being terrified everytime I hear the sound of footsteps clacking by coming to tell me I can't be hear and yell at me in a language I can't comprehend and get frustrated with myself for not being able to understand. </div>
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The day started off fine, waking up at 9 to go to school at 10 to help a teacher with her English class and talk about American culture. After the class, I went to the library, where the evil librarian screamed at me that it was closing for an hour. I was terrified and went upstairs where the previous week my class had a study hall. I could not find my class, when a plump lady came by and tried to help me, and it ended up her screaming at me "bibliotech!" I had no idea what a bibliotech was so I noded my head, terrified and stressed and said merci. </div>
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I then looked in my dictionary and saw bibliotech was library. Again I felt like I was going to cry, something I do not ever feel on a daily basis. So I went to the library and a nice librarian let me in and read for a little bit, before the evil one came back, chased me out and said it was closed until 12! </div>
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I almost lost it coming up the stairs, feeling like I didn't belong and afraid I would come across a teacher who would yell at me in French! None of my classmates are in the building to help me, and I don't know where to go. </div>
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Which brings me back to being locked in a bathroom stall stressing more than I ever have before. I feel homesick, tired, stressed, like I am not learning any of the language and just afraid. I was doing really well in terms of all of these emotions being controlled but I guess I went over the deep end. </div>
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I hate this school and the disorganization behind it all. Nothing is ever set in stone, I can't find people because of how discombobulated everything is. Nothing here is steady and rhythmic, it's all chaos, which normally I thrive in, but I miss the order and actuality of Dallastown. I miss the constant flow of classes, when you need to be here, when you can't be here, and I miss my friends and family back home! I hate this feeling!</div>
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I really needed to put this down because I felt like it was really important, regardless of me feeling like absolute shit this very moment. </div>
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I will update this in a few hours and say how I am feeling and if it has improved or gotten worse."</div>
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One hour later, 1:46 PM</div>
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I left the bathroom around 12 and immediately saw Valentin, a boy in my class and more importantly, a familiar face. That made me feel a million times better right away. Someone who wouldn't scream at me in French even though I couldn't understand, just someone I could try to talk to and show gratitude for an unknown reason to him. </div>
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I went to lunch and sat with Lulu who is only there on Tuesdays, but it was still a hard lunch. I felt better, but I still had mild side effects from the state of depression I had earlier and I couldn't shake them. I am now at the end of my two hour break and I can't bring myself to be social so I am sitting on a bench with my headphones trying to just de-stress. Everyone is around me talking in French really fast and I can't understand or communicate and it sucks. I just can't wait to have back my ability to communicate."</div>
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So after arguing with myself about putting that in, there it is. The bad and the ugly. That is the lowest point I have has since I have been here and I don't want to have that same feeling again. This just shows the ups and downs of being an exchange student. One minute your fine and the next your on the verge of tears for any reason. The perks of being an exchange student, your pretty much tempermental about everything and your always tired. #perksofbeinganexchangestudent<br />
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I also wanted to say that I don't feel this way at all and it was just a temporary thing to feel. It's difficult to get me to that low point so when I do get there, everything that pops into my head is negative. I'm glad I did decide to write that down as this is an account of my year here and I need to stay honest to what happens. </div>
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So moving on to happy thoughts, yesterday, Saturday we went to the neighbors for a cocktail party for a friend get together, and as a unofficial welcome party to the Americans. When I say Americans, I mean I am not the only new American in the neighborhood. A military family from Colorado just moved in about two weeks before I arrived and have four kids, none of which around my age. I suppose this is a good thing, but a bit of a let down at the same time. They are all really nice, and said I can come over for a quality American burger whenever I want. </div>
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And then today, I went to my host dads sisters house for a family get together for her birthday. I had a great time, getting to walk into the small town about five minutes away, eat mouse au chocolat and listen to my host grandmother in law sing "Summertime" to me as well as a French song that I didn't catch the name of. It was great. Everyone was really embarrassed but I thought it was super neat. It was exhausting listen to everyone speak French as it always is, but I got a little homesick being at a family gathering. I was fine, but it was just a tad bit depressing. Everyone was super nice and trying to help me understand, even the two year old and four year old girls, who didn't quite grasp the concept of me being unable to speak French tried to help me out in their own cute way. </div>
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And as promised, here are some pictures from, well, everything with a brief description for each one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFu1qNXlqkYmGnIa8n-LZX1rBwbIGTRXGB_KjY4lSG0Tu-9iyHLTI0H_3OqKHJkXjOByinLN8FLIpd2ppY32tmsrubdm2Bwvx1i2hhJxYROtZUlndzuLL620KE1YRMJtyKHOcaJrPkxtM5/s1600/IMG_0928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFu1qNXlqkYmGnIa8n-LZX1rBwbIGTRXGB_KjY4lSG0Tu-9iyHLTI0H_3OqKHJkXjOByinLN8FLIpd2ppY32tmsrubdm2Bwvx1i2hhJxYROtZUlndzuLL620KE1YRMJtyKHOcaJrPkxtM5/s320/IMG_0928.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is the first group of Frenchies in our exciting ice breaker; spare the one boy who ùwas going to Italy</div>
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A group of mes famille français: or the greatest people who came to France</div>
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The best seat on the entire plane to Zurich. I am one lucky guy.</div>
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I am well aware that this is the worst picture of me possible, but this is also my face walking off of the plane in Paris.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ENIiVHjUvshrQFp7WsxvkpO2oqIw_IZQ0C8FafPv2EhxjEE5MbGf9JO28TjeKZDyUEN-Fka4kBsAa0AJ5-ChX2tSlypvSbk2k-649Y-27CkS8QTuFagh6bfprOfhyphenhyphenjWVdjPJ9Yl97fOO/s1600/IMG_1056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ENIiVHjUvshrQFp7WsxvkpO2oqIw_IZQ0C8FafPv2EhxjEE5MbGf9JO28TjeKZDyUEN-Fka4kBsAa0AJ5-ChX2tSlypvSbk2k-649Y-27CkS8QTuFagh6bfprOfhyphenhyphenjWVdjPJ9Yl97fOO/s320/IMG_1056.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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A small group of the Americans in Paris. Mes famille français part 2</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJIGvrBI9qE1njTjCAz9FWLf5PxZHEjaVtI2v_k1a1gfFTnFLeaDyh0YORayQO82KsgSKmbg1w3JQbEEIp3f-qk9JQeWW3V6dJiXJ37IHpHlo3_GUN_SwASVGmZ3BPnoA36Iv08_-FJ82/s1600/IMG_1084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJIGvrBI9qE1njTjCAz9FWLf5PxZHEjaVtI2v_k1a1gfFTnFLeaDyh0YORayQO82KsgSKmbg1w3JQbEEIp3f-qk9JQeWW3V6dJiXJ37IHpHlo3_GUN_SwASVGmZ3BPnoA36Iv08_-FJ82/s320/IMG_1084.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENX0sXwkQMhL8ZGNXAufLybVNfw39ywbfBWPUg_wDalLfR1E6BOeYB62FsZKJx3P4u7qQxfjtbjjXphQffqMpJj6xvrGP-u57G_31CLzP6340mpu6BVz0Ae-P0nTnpzmSodb_vcJbGYAj/s1600/IMG_1167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENX0sXwkQMhL8ZGNXAufLybVNfw39ywbfBWPUg_wDalLfR1E6BOeYB62FsZKJx3P4u7qQxfjtbjjXphQffqMpJj6xvrGP-u57G_31CLzP6340mpu6BVz0Ae-P0nTnpzmSodb_vcJbGYAj/s320/IMG_1167.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And now we have some lovely pictures taken in Paris. Above is photography, below is me being social with fun people.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPWbc-6-UhRDCL_ihCSPTXg21mm-ljFz24IDeBMne7YOlFb7f_7rHrpICt-I65GEjXylmBY15RkPYQDEelP2oQwjNitUULmX44gDDIHprJUXs0Hj-_4RwvkrkcRDSkSqtE_mKSMqpuewc/s1600/IMG_1110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPWbc-6-UhRDCL_ihCSPTXg21mm-ljFz24IDeBMne7YOlFb7f_7rHrpICt-I65GEjXylmBY15RkPYQDEelP2oQwjNitUULmX44gDDIHprJUXs0Hj-_4RwvkrkcRDSkSqtE_mKSMqpuewc/s320/IMG_1110.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Rock on in front of the Eiffel Tower</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUtBLXRoZ_IH0RfBm1TvczmKJ1hGW_C8k6nOYpNuhr_JoWQhXy1W3BTWlM5q2t1_kUuOILGBJqrlM5HwuzCuXzytWuAjp8N_4m0qx7IEJmhVS3c6v_fxJ0_8vYrpz3Aveq0-V799C7i5f/s1600/IMG_1164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUtBLXRoZ_IH0RfBm1TvczmKJ1hGW_C8k6nOYpNuhr_JoWQhXy1W3BTWlM5q2t1_kUuOILGBJqrlM5HwuzCuXzytWuAjp8N_4m0qx7IEJmhVS3c6v_fxJ0_8vYrpz3Aveq0-V799C7i5f/s320/IMG_1164.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Spread the love!</div>
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<a href="https://scontent-b-cdg.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1184910_461697037262198_826356023_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-b-cdg.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1184910_461697037262198_826356023_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Natalie and I, from begining to middle to the end, we are together.</div>
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And here we are skipping together in front of the Eiffel Tower... We are such dorks</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJp1CGsO6xzKwb2IEvG0GFaxlN_paPN4S3vFmcmq3VrQqyqB73Q4YDUU9N35w3P1MG1QzsDO9sc9j737hMjbAd88MzqYAvRnPYZ2X6Pcuo2qEFMU_oR4bXf3i4bZLOKrAy6AfCzS0IGZNm/s1600/IMG_1183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJp1CGsO6xzKwb2IEvG0GFaxlN_paPN4S3vFmcmq3VrQqyqB73Q4YDUU9N35w3P1MG1QzsDO9sc9j737hMjbAd88MzqYAvRnPYZ2X6Pcuo2qEFMU_oR4bXf3i4bZLOKrAy6AfCzS0IGZNm/s320/IMG_1183.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Belle Lille</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjV9V3SSfWpWO0W5f4UZLgwAvCXgYadnJFLargdOBWZADyjRH45FssCM5KibgKfpbDZegiMp-1UgumgjIWS0cjH_Gj_CrJb2KcCmqJehrwVOcYX2o1yyvamecRC9SVE7L_SK5ipfI1pKmj/s1600/IMG_1188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjV9V3SSfWpWO0W5f4UZLgwAvCXgYadnJFLargdOBWZADyjRH45FssCM5KibgKfpbDZegiMp-1UgumgjIWS0cjH_Gj_CrJb2KcCmqJehrwVOcYX2o1yyvamecRC9SVE7L_SK5ipfI1pKmj/s320/IMG_1188.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love Lille</div>
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So yeah. That is all I have for now and let me conclude by saying that french keyboards are gross. </div>
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Thanks everyone for reading and until next time!</div>
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Au revoir,</div>
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-Aidan</div>
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Aidan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00117166549053384029noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-838877919201030524.post-89704476321856509072013-09-10T11:32:00.001-07:002013-09-10T11:32:25.629-07:00Guys... We're In France<div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">Bonjour tout le monde!!</div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">I am, as you may already know in France, and have been in France for a few days. I spent a few days in Paris with all of the other AFS kids, and today was my first day with my new family! My host family is amazing, the are super sweet, extremely friendly and just perfect for me. Also, I made some amazing new friends in New York and in Paris and it was really hard having to say goodbye even after a few days of knowing them. </div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">One of the biggest things about being an exchange student is that you are always saying goodbye to the people you meet. What they do tell you, and we agreed that we didn't believe this, that you will become such good friends with the other AFS students and they will be some of the biggest support you will have. I have met some amazing people in the past couple days, most of which are not in my chapter, but I still plan on following their blogs, and keeping in touch to see how they are adjusting to French life. Mes famille français!!!</div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">Now it's time to talk about what happened in the past couple days. First my parents dropped me off in New York and I went into the hotel, just knowing one other person in the hotel from my chapter when I first arrived. It was really early when I did arrive, so only about twenty people were there talking already and making friends. There was a significant amount of students going to France, like Katie, Kinzie, and Annie, all of whom were their when I arrived and welcomed me with an empty seat!</div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">We talked, and as more students showed up, we formed a huge circle group and began doing our own ice breaker activities. The majority of the students in the circle were going to France, but you had the occasional student going to Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, etc. I got to meet new people I have never met before, saw people I already knew, and put faces to names that I have seen on Facebook, but have not met in person. </div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0">At 4:30</a>, when the majority of the students have arrived, the orientations started. The group was amazing, which is what made New York so amazing. Sure we had the silly ice breaker activities but I did learn a lot there and felt ready to come to France afterward. </div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">After New York, we headed to the airport along with the students going to Spain and Italy because we were taking the same flight to Zurich and then parting and heading our separate ways there. So we hopped on another plane, and headed to Paris. </div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">Here is a random thought I had while being very sleepless on the plane to Zurich. </div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><span style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">Over the past couple hours, as I write this </span><a href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1" style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">at 5:26</a><span style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "> in the morning (Paris time, I realized something I never expected to find, especially this early of being an exchange student. I realized that no matter the background, personality, gender, sexuality, appearance, intelligence, or anything we are all the same and we are all a family. We may have met each other only hours ago, but in those hours I came to make new friends I would never meet otherwise, and through that meeting, I learned something from "mon familee français"!</span><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">I have seen the good side, bad, and in between of every person who is on this plane and I cannot say I've seen or experienced that with some of my friends back home. I don't know what to think of that but I do know that it just makes me feel more comfortable to be whoever I am and it's a great feeling. No one is judging anyone, there are no obnoxious social cliques, because everyone is a friendly outgoing exchange student who wants to make friends and have new experiences just like you. I wish everyone at some point in there lives could experience this feeling, because even in the past 48 hours, I feel different, a more confident human being than the person who was dropped off in New York a few days ago. </div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">I wrote that down in my iPod as fast as I could because I had a very low battery and I wanted to remember that as I thought I would not remember it (and I didn't) in a few days. I had some great times on that plane, watching the sun come up through the clouds way off on the horizon while listening to "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles with Lily, Deia saying "I can have a conversation with a brick wall, and a damn good one at that!" Making me laugh pretty hard, and hearing Harris talk about his screenplay, (it's not a good idea... sorry Harris) as well as so many other things. </div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">Moving on to Paris. The first day we arrived, it was crazy! The Americans were seemingly the first ones to arrive and we were all extremely tired, bored, irritable, and unshowered. We all tried to stay awake but the effort was fruitless. About half of us crashed in our rooms or in someone else's while hanging out with someone else, while the other half managed to hang on until some other countries arrived. We were staying at a hostel in an area of Paris that didn't seem like Paris, so we all agreed we could have just been anywhere and they pulled one over on us. </div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">But we were in Paris so our phrase we always said was "(Shit)! Guys, we're in France!" The shit was optional. The next day we had more orientations which were fine, just like the ones in New York. After lunch following the orientations, we went on a bus tour of Paris, which would have been so much more enjoyable if we were not all exhausted and fell asleep on the bus. I did get a few good pictures of l'arc de triumph and then we got to walk around the Eiffel Tower for about 45 minutes and did some weird dance in the middle of this landing view thing which was weird but fun. Eiffel Tower = Much more beautiful in person, which means its perfect. That was perfect, Paris was perfect, the people were perfect, I was just in awe. </div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">We got back, had dinner, and another really pointless meeting. ALSO, I got to sit with the lady in Paris who works for AFS and accepted all of our applications to France. Her English was PERFECT!! I mean, I thought she was American at first. So she was super cool and along with the other French advisors, at about <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://2" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="2">10:00</a> that night, we ended up learning a difficult Australian dance (of course it was Australian), a wacky French dance, tried teaching Cotton Eye Joe, and then had the most competitive game of limbo I had ever participated in. It was Epic!</div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">The next morning, we woke up and said our very sad goodbyes to our fellow AFS'rs and went on our way. We waited in the Paris train station for about 2 hours waiting for our train, it arrived, we boarded, and had an uneventful train ride north. </div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">When we arrived in Lille, all of the host families were on the platform waiting for us. I saw my host mom from out the window and I just got super anxious, along with everyone else meeting their host families. They are all extremely nice and sweet. I have tried doing chores around the house, but each time had someone reject me from doing anything. IT'S GIVING ME ANXIETY!! LET ME DO CHORES!!! PLEEEEAAAASE!!!</div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">Now onto school... DUN DOOON DUUUHHHHNNN!</div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be in terms of people. As for the language... It was worse. I remember people telling me in Paris I would be fine because I had taken French for a few years. Lol! I understood nothing the teachers said, the student needed to repeat things about 10 times very slowly for me to pick out 1 or two words in each sentence, but I managed to make friends which is good, and everyone wanted to try practicing English to my personal dismay. But I had fun all the same. </div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">Then today was so much easier. I had about 3 hours of study (basically a study hall) after getting at school at 9, had a 2 hour lunch, 2 hours of gym, and a class in which the prof told me I didn't really need to pay attention because it was a review class. Talk about simple. Note to self, *Tuesdays are easy*. So I then got home, took a twenty minute nap, got up and helped Jules make quiche lorraine pour dîner. </div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">I hope everyone at home is doing well, and the other exchange students are having fun! A picture post will probably be put up tomorrow of pics from NY, Paris, the plane etc. </div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">Bonne Nuit,</div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">Avec armour,</div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">-Aidan</div><div style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div>Aidan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00117166549053384029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-838877919201030524.post-23218731458839049672013-08-04T18:19:00.001-07:002013-08-04T18:19:57.466-07:00I Have Hit A Wall
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Hey everyone! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">I have some relatively new
news that is somewhat important but not on the point of urgency. Yet I have the
need to explain this tidbit about my life first, and then explain myself trough
various experiences that I have gone through in the past week. I have hit the
wall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Wait a second! You hit WHAT?!?!?!?! </span></i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Before you people start going all crazy
questioning on me and exiting this page allow me to explain myself and what
this “wall” is. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The feeling came to me rather
unexpectedly and I was slightly unprepared for it, especially considering I
should have been ready for it and I was ready for it. I have finally received
the feeling that all of this around me, going to France for an entire year, is
real and is only a month away. The wall was the feeling about understanding
everything and realizing that this is happening and I am not in some crazy
dream I might wake up from at any time or realize that this couldn’t be
happening or I see a two legged python walking down the street wearing sunglasses
and drinking a pina colado. I am going to France next year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">It was a hard pill to
suddenly realize out of nowhere that this is my reality and it is actually
happening. Sure I knew what was happening, but my brain was still in York mode
and seemingly unable to wrap my mind around the fact that I will not be going
to school with all of my friends and class mates in the fall, but I will be
traveling to the north of France to restart my life in a totally strange
country and city with a completely strange and new family, new classmates and
new school. That is a harsh reality for any person, but it was also my decision
and I am sticking with it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">So this epiphany came to me
on the car ride home from a picnic, but probably one of the most meaningful
picnics I have ever been too. It was for all current Speedwell recipients and
past to get together for a few hours over lunch, which was sponsored by the
Speedwell Foundation, the people who gave me my scholarship. This was something
I was looking forward to for a long time for a few reasons. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">I would
get to meet and thank Mike and Jenny Messner for donating the money that would
pay for my scholarship to go to France. They also provided the funding for 29
other students this year to travel around the globe. In addition to the 30
people from this year receiving a scholarship, 53 alumni have also studied
abroad through the Speedwell Foundation since 2007. That is charity at its best
and they are two extremely kind, friendly, and generous people who I don’t think I will ever be able to
repay or pay forward, but I certainly will try. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">I got to
meet returnees from past years who have gone abroad and talk to them about
their experience and just see that normal people have done it and survived
through the ups and downs of the exchange process. I also made a few new
friends and expanded upon others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">I got to
see most of the other winners from my year for the last time together in a
group before we all start leaving. I have some frineds going to Spain, Italy,
Germany, Russia, Norway and quite a few others. I have nothing but admiration
for each of them and think every single one of them as brave, courageous, and insane
for doing this. They are all amazing!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">I got to
see one of the most important people in my areas chapter for the last time. She
is amazing and everyone knows it. She is kind, funny, ambitious, determined,
persuasive, and one of the best volunteers AFS USA has to offer. She is one of
the few people that makes sure everything in our chapter. I am signaling her out
because she had to put up with my endless stream of questions about AFS and
studying abroad since January of freshman year until last December. She went
through my family interview and I just admire her as a person and a volunteer.
Thank you Deb for all that you do, and we all love you!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">And now here are some
pictures from the day I hope you enjoy them!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMdLwQPG0SUWFyQmZAXkuUfQdf7dPGP6PoxpNGfAqL_l-z9nZsm4q0cxaMzh0UA7qfEgRaAhyNBRBWjTXnQkC1nVbmFtRZN2ntV2w7uazs31rdC6R1inbzPyLbRGtzeEKe1IRBngZuBhm/s1600/IMG_0688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMdLwQPG0SUWFyQmZAXkuUfQdf7dPGP6PoxpNGfAqL_l-z9nZsm4q0cxaMzh0UA7qfEgRaAhyNBRBWjTXnQkC1nVbmFtRZN2ntV2w7uazs31rdC6R1inbzPyLbRGtzeEKe1IRBngZuBhm/s320/IMG_0688.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here we have the Speedwell winners getting ready for a picture. I think i was talking to Marina, in the orange, who is going to Russia next year.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkIdMzQxIftzegLeFI8t6-VR3tVH5mwN8zO1fE3DXH0ttBuurjgE5ONkeMUmK0r9IC8QzP845pqwbwdNUWjTbQzlHHn8ReThdMVgXva7rv2cNqad2PHZ-UoeICAzflNinGEFKSf9VRKIW/s1600/IMG_0690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkIdMzQxIftzegLeFI8t6-VR3tVH5mwN8zO1fE3DXH0ttBuurjgE5ONkeMUmK0r9IC8QzP845pqwbwdNUWjTbQzlHHn8ReThdMVgXva7rv2cNqad2PHZ-UoeICAzflNinGEFKSf9VRKIW/s320/IMG_0690.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
All of the past Speedwell winners in a pretty decent picture</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7A-ESk06Qgf57JsNeHaLpJijekXZkF5GcGUZh7-09Cmz6_2ypGIv3DXi_OlG9hxjLCHp842OE5nEbuEPIorY_mCgZAMMtHm3DFna4_B3se8bRC8LztKntEL5Ua_sVDsEgVVL784ODKrwM/s1600/IMG_0692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7A-ESk06Qgf57JsNeHaLpJijekXZkF5GcGUZh7-09Cmz6_2ypGIv3DXi_OlG9hxjLCHp842OE5nEbuEPIorY_mCgZAMMtHm3DFna4_B3se8bRC8LztKntEL5Ua_sVDsEgVVL784ODKrwM/s320/IMG_0692.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And there goes the half decency when the words "Silly one!" were said.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0xNBSD6oY8P5u5WPQQI6MbB7yzzc2IQUc3FcVmbLfyzRx9c96pnLr9dPEa_RAbelu9BhIwJ0IUgkmuSGKr7uCcz416BmK00q214R1aszKQuSFCz4BpfAK8kZtmqcCq8zFg3Ruo5HUzpv/s1600/IMG_0695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0xNBSD6oY8P5u5WPQQI6MbB7yzzc2IQUc3FcVmbLfyzRx9c96pnLr9dPEa_RAbelu9BhIwJ0IUgkmuSGKr7uCcz416BmK00q214R1aszKQuSFCz4BpfAK8kZtmqcCq8zFg3Ruo5HUzpv/s320/IMG_0695.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The winners of the Speedwell Scholarship for the 2013-14 school year!</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd88sHBU3exth0qZuk9JgHWn5BFHLZWtCWW2yPsuQF4jbHlgczWqDZldOX_fCcMXmk_P2oRTq-X-DnNf_FbN_mGHYapLA_G85sfLIogmZU3mHCIhjAANrHJ6Hchmk_XjN6Bh9iVcI7rR7k/s1600/IMG_0696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd88sHBU3exth0qZuk9JgHWn5BFHLZWtCWW2yPsuQF4jbHlgczWqDZldOX_fCcMXmk_P2oRTq-X-DnNf_FbN_mGHYapLA_G85sfLIogmZU3mHCIhjAANrHJ6Hchmk_XjN6Bh9iVcI7rR7k/s320/IMG_0696.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My friend Marissa, going to Spain, who I find very fun and always makes me laugh.</div>
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My good friend Alli from school and I being photobombed by Paige, both who went to Spain last year</div>
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Alli, Paige and I</div>
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Jenny Messner, the founder and donator of the Speedwell Scholarship and Speedwell Foundation and I after I thanked her extensively.</div>
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Her husband Mike Messner and I</div>
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And lastly a picture of my family over looking the view of the venue, a really nice golf course.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Also! Fun fact- While we were
eating, I happened to have the luxury/misfortune (????) to sit next to the
president of AFS USA. I had no clue at ALL. He was a friendly Argentinian who
looked like he was a students father who was studying abroad while he himself
had come here years ago. So when the people at our table found out, I think
they were pretty shocked, I know I was but he was really nice and fun and just
a jolly fellow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Now lets continue back in
time to Friday, or as I might like to call it, A Day Of Nightmares! Friday was
a day I originally was looking forward too. It was supposed to be a fun day in
Washington DC touring American University and applying for my Visa at the
French Consulate. Sounds like a charming day right? You would be wronger than a
dead horse walking into church on a Thursday. Please excuse that terrible
analogy as I continue pretending that never happened. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">8:45
A.M.<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">We arrive at American
University. The campus was amazing with its hidden gardens and outside
amphitheater. We walked around trying to get a feel for where everything was.
We got signed in for the open house and continued walking around.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">9:00
A.M.<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">We arrive at the business
school on campus so my sister can talk to a professor or someone who knows a
bit about the programs there. We get some light breakfast based refreshments as
they talk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">9:20
A.M.<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">My mother and I leave the
campus to go to the French Consulate for my Visa appointment, which is at 10.
The ride from the University to the Consulate should have been ten minutes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">9:40
A.M.<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">We are still not at the
Consulate. We are lost in the middle of Washington DC, a city my mother nor I
am very familiar with so we have no clue where we are or where we are supposed
to be. The print out map was no use, and my mom had the bright idea of making
me use a map on Safari on her iPhone instead of the Maps app she has. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">10:00
A.M. – Our Appointment Time<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Surprise surprise. We are
still not at the Consulate, but after a great deal of frustrated screaming at
each other, I have taken control of the directions and putting us in the right
direction AT LAST! We are also behind where I would have like to have been
because DC traffic is worse than New York, which is horrendous. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">10:15
A.M.<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">We FINALLY arrive at the
consulate. At this point, I am glad we arrived and am freaking out and on the
way to beg in the situation we are not allowed in because we are late.
Thankfully, we are and no begging was required (lucky me).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">11 A.M.
– 4 P.M.<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">For the rest of the day in
Washington, everything was great. We went to Georgetown for lunch, stopped at a
Patisserie for dessert and we left to come home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">4 P.M. –
5:15 P.M.<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Somehow, it was one of my parent’s
wonderful ideas to give me the extremely stressful and annoying job of giving
directions out of Washington. After much more frustrated screaming (notice a
pattern here?) I finally am able to calm down, and start us through Washington.
This was also a problem considering we ended up leaving straight through the
middle of the city… at rush hour… with Washington traffic… and everyone being
exhausted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">So when we finally did get
home, I pretty much left to go to my friend Mallory’s going away party, which I
had really looked forward too. Reminder, Mallory is going to Denmark and is
leaving the 10<sup>th</sup>. I had a lot of fun hanging out with some people I
hadn’t seen all summer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">And lastly, I would like to
point out; I have heard about and met (an actual social interaction. Yes I have
a social life) more legitimate French people in the past two weeks then I think
I have in my entire life. That is just weird for me. I met a girl who lives in
Croix, which is the town right next to Bondues outside of Lille, so I finally
know someone who is my age in Lille. She won’t go to my school but still…
FRIEND! I met a girl from the south of France from a city/town named Arles who
was so sweet and friendly and funny, and likes marshmallows. Whoda thunk? My
friend Natalie also hosted a student for a few weeks, who I unfortunately was
unable to meet due to circumstances uncontrolled by me, and just today I met a
boy who was on a summer program with AFS and was staying with a former
Speedwell winner who went to France last year, and from what I understand lived
outside of Lille for the second part of his exchange after he was moved for
unknown reasons to me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">So I am trying to think of
anything else that I may have missed or forgotten but I can’t so that’s it for
right now. I have 31 days left in the US. One month until I sign myself over to
AFS in New York and leave everything behind. I am now ready and excited to go.
I hope to keep this up to the best of my ability while in France, but I’m not
sure how that will go. In other news completely unrelated that is extremely
overdue and possibly outdated, but I am on the AFS blog page which is sort of
exciting and hopefully an initiative to keep myself blogging and showing
everyone what I have to offer in terms of my experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">So with that aside, thank you
everyone for reading and I hope you have a great night/day/week/whatever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Au revoir<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">-Aidan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
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<!--EndFragment-->Aidan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00117166549053384029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-838877919201030524.post-68620235952779003472013-07-06T12:21:00.000-07:002013-07-06T12:21:04.702-07:00Sorry Rue, Placement, and Not Having a Big Enough City
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Hey everyone,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">I have big news.
As you have been able to guess from the title of the post, I have indeed
received my host family. Yesterday, just after lunch, I received an email from
AFS announcing that the information about my host family has indeed been sent
over from AFS-France and is now available for me to look at. I was excited, but
I had a little less excitement than if AFS sent me this email out of the blue.
I had little tidbits of information from a few people before AFS officially
told me I had gotten placed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Last Monday, a
woman who works for AFS in my chapter posted on our Facebook group wall that I
had gotten a host family. I was watching the Hunger Games on Netflix when I got
the notification and I was like, "Sorry Rue, your death scene can
wait!" A little cold I know, but the excitement got to me. I
sprinted (moved very fast) to our computer to check all of this hubbub out. I
checked my AFS profile first, and I didn’t see anything, so I then checked my
email, and got nothing. At this point I was thinking this was either a really
bad joke or a mistake, completely disregarding the fact that I may have
actually gotten a host family. So I responded to the post saying I got a host
family saying that I didn’t get any information and something must have been a
mistake or something along those lines. I don’t feel like looking for what I
actually wrote right now. Her response was that I did get placed, not to worry
and that she sometimes receives this information before the students do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">That’s when the
firestorm erupted. I got a private message from her saying that she knew I was
excited and that the host family was filling out the final parts of their
application before I got their full profile and she would give me one thing to
tide me over until I did get everything. And that was, drum roll please… Where
I would be placed! I will be living in the northern part of France in a town
called Bondues. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJfWuZqVGSvr1qWxY0BRWOLE-GC6ZLJT5Ap5V0G7qzj9M3ocedCLnyxHFIiqxYNb3rckln1WZmpscQQklw2GZCRJD9Jrmsb9Y3rICKcrkHFQPuZ5KsQDowFnkZCWDj8ph6IEskXNCu6yT/s1600/administrative-france-map-Bondues.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJfWuZqVGSvr1qWxY0BRWOLE-GC6ZLJT5Ap5V0G7qzj9M3ocedCLnyxHFIiqxYNb3rckln1WZmpscQQklw2GZCRJD9Jrmsb9Y3rICKcrkHFQPuZ5KsQDowFnkZCWDj8ph6IEskXNCu6yT/s320/administrative-france-map-Bondues.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">I would also like
to point out that not many people are going much farther north in France than
where I will be living. Bondues is seemingly on top of the Belgium border. My
mom jokingly says that I can walk to Belgium. It seems like a really cool
little town and a huge difference from where I live right now, which is just
what I wanted this entire time. Lille, the big city around Bondues also looks
super cool. Here are some pictures of both Bondues and Lille.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuMWJ8emE-gv-WHCzz6T1gLEA9zIEx0W8R1GxcBTi7CDo3aAHZ4BDNpJb9JBXTsv0tL8j29g3K3wsUsy2xz_FCD6MaPPD55bLzTiJQ-kLAQuLm0A-SDwP4DJ37vLxwnG3pimZH0L8MJM0/s1600/images-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuMWJ8emE-gv-WHCzz6T1gLEA9zIEx0W8R1GxcBTi7CDo3aAHZ4BDNpJb9JBXTsv0tL8j29g3K3wsUsy2xz_FCD6MaPPD55bLzTiJQ-kLAQuLm0A-SDwP4DJ37vLxwnG3pimZH0L8MJM0/s1600/images-2.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Bondues is a small town, meaning</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">it is extremely difficult to find</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">decent pictures on Google</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0QWk_65wiEOeQDdt6Ns3lJXM07m5mOh8VIv3Zws73cPtxTHo8WohMaNyzHqxO9K_vHd5UO6UDuZXdnr5IgXdSVGblCVhepo2cFpAqw0erYmqcEQVOO6hyphenhyphen0g-hMEFZAhgICxNPubzU_6L/s1600/vieux-lille.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0QWk_65wiEOeQDdt6Ns3lJXM07m5mOh8VIv3Zws73cPtxTHo8WohMaNyzHqxO9K_vHd5UO6UDuZXdnr5IgXdSVGblCVhepo2cFpAqw0erYmqcEQVOO6hyphenhyphen0g-hMEFZAhgICxNPubzU_6L/s320/vieux-lille.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A picture of the city of Lille</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv25XSX9Gj-3eJrkS1324cNS-F1rv-c5MnWd5C_1X9yIemtDM2Ya2g_6O17dtHdYcbq8JT2WtAEO69OQAMkt0q1IgHsOV9chpPFOOIFVbXabQhKWwUSl-lwIYQSgQhG97Tb_6yt0hVQWLn/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv25XSX9Gj-3eJrkS1324cNS-F1rv-c5MnWd5C_1X9yIemtDM2Ya2g_6O17dtHdYcbq8JT2WtAEO69OQAMkt0q1IgHsOV9chpPFOOIFVbXabQhKWwUSl-lwIYQSgQhG97Tb_6yt0hVQWLn/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
More of Lille</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8sI3YDvr86riXaEkMqPRXaYZGGJA9ey2GC2S1t1yT0jARXrgJPG59gQfVnp_WABsshG58zN1JUdWnAQSGxDzYBrDETRB-8_s4jeERU7wRdFTr_eLw6cThr7x9UYb05J3ifzZb-69YGARS/s1600/images-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8sI3YDvr86riXaEkMqPRXaYZGGJA9ey2GC2S1t1yT0jARXrgJPG59gQfVnp_WABsshG58zN1JUdWnAQSGxDzYBrDETRB-8_s4jeERU7wRdFTr_eLw6cThr7x9UYb05J3ifzZb-69YGARS/s1600/images-1.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
THEY HAVE A FERRIS WHEEL!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
MY LIFE IS COMPLETE!</div>
Also, Natalie from my previous post is also going to be outside of Lille in Lambersart. her response to me telling he this is, actually here is the conversation just so you know what we were thinking.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><i>Natalie- "Actually, it would be bad if we were in the same region. We need to be separated because there is not enough room in one city for they two of us. So that we both have more progress in France, we shouldn't be close to each other because we don't want to speak much english"</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><i>Myself- "We are."</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><i>Natalie- "are you serious?"</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="_3hi clearfix" style="zoom: 1;">
<div class="_38 direction_ltr" style="direction: ltr; margin-right: 50px; text-align: left;">
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i>Myself- "Im just north of Lille. Bondues France"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"> </span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">I will admit, that
wasn’t as good as I remember, but still, you get the idea of how disappointed
we were. I really like Natalie, but at the same time I think we were hoping we
would get placed in separate regions just to have more experience and unique
lives from different regions.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">My two host parents and
two younger siblings. The older son is 14 and the sister is 13. I am excited to
see they have a really nice house, seem really nice AND have a trampoline. Its
strange I am so happy about that. Here are a few pictures from around their
house and my host family.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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A TRAMPOLINE!</div>
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EVEN MORE COMPLETENESS!</div>
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Below is what will become my own room and I am</div>
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very excited and happy about that. AND I have my own bathroom!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuM-RtssqQ8xbY4LB5iMDma3TjkuqSU0Hzc1SVXU-Lihd4u_e1yaHX-by6DyIsUpDLZ5Fs89HIT83puEDCd7z8lwFtLlPtM5mmu_qMBeu3PiqBGYxVeGvaGXNeZeZMPt9VjSej617LEEP7/s1600/maison+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuM-RtssqQ8xbY4LB5iMDma3TjkuqSU0Hzc1SVXU-Lihd4u_e1yaHX-by6DyIsUpDLZ5Fs89HIT83puEDCd7z8lwFtLlPtM5mmu_qMBeu3PiqBGYxVeGvaGXNeZeZMPt9VjSej617LEEP7/s320/maison+030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have to say that I am over the moon thrilled with my placement. My family seems awesome, really cool, and just perfect for me. I can't wait to actually meet them, and am also happy to say that the mom is fluent in english so I will get a little assistance while I learn my French to make everything a little smoother and easier... I hope. </div>
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I am slightly disappointed to find out that my host family is not a hockey family, or that AFS didn't find any families that had any association with hockey. I definitely would have loved to play in another country and culture, but I think I am going to have a great time regardless, and maybe my host family might be able to find one before I get there and surprise me. If not, I hope my school team will let me practice with them before I go just to get my fill in for the year. </div>
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I also found out where I will be going to school next year through a little research and confirmation from a girl from Utah who is currently in Bondues. FUN FACT- She found me on facebook before I received my placement and told me my family-to-be is super excited to have me stay with them. Her current host family is apparently very close with my family-to-be so I was and still am very grateful for her going out of her way to find me on Facebook. So I will be attending the school below and I can never remember the name off of the top of my head but I am pretty sure it is Le Lycee de la Croix Blanche and there it is below. I will be in <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Premir</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">è</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">re ES</span> or economical and social which is what I was hoping for, so yeah.</div>
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I also want to ask for forgiveness for any missing accent marks throughout this post (and there are quite a few). </div>
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In other news, I have scheduled my Visa appointment at the French Consulate in early August and I forgot how much I love New York (big surprise there) on Saturday, but I HATE driving through that city and to never leave when parents want you to leave when going through the Holland Tunnel. Sorry for any irrelevancy on that. </div>
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I have 59 days left in the US and I have my travel plans for leaving. It makes it seem like everything is just so much more real. In one year today, I will be leaving my host family and saying my goodbyes before heading to Paris to come home. Talk about a scary thought , which is what the French people are doing today I guess. </div>
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More updates coming more frequently with more substance, so bare with me.</div>
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-Aidan</div>
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Hey guys,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just an update on life for me so far. Unfortunately, I
haven’t gotten my host family yet, but I feel as though it could be any day
now, which in truth it is. I have been in contact about AFS about France
wanting more information about my placement, which is good. That means I
haven’t been forgotten…yet. I have been asked about hockey which if you know me
than you know that is very important and about my braces, which I am very happy
to say, they have been off for almost a week now. I am now officially brace
free. I refuse to post a selfie because I can never manage to get them look
good so just no.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As for hockey, by the way AFS was asking the questions
regarding it, it seems as if they are looking for a family and region that I
will be able to play hockey. They wanted to know about my level,
competitiveness, and want to play. I responded trying to make it seem like I
want to play while in France, which in honesty I do but it is not a deal
breaker if I am unable to. I just think it would be a great experience that
would be unique. I know Europe is known for their soccer and rugby, NOT their
ice hockey, but hey, I could get lucky. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once again, I am going to completely change the subject of
everything. Get used to it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">
With school ending, I was of course extremely excited and happy that I did not need to worry about grades or tests or homework or teachers, after all I am a student. But at the same time, I was dreading the day for a multitude of reasons. First, it would be my last true day of structure and order for quite some time. Summer has some order to it, but not much and once I am in France, I can kiss order goodbye as it flies out the window along with my comprehension which I really have been taking advantage of. I also did not want to say goodbye to my friends, some of which it would be the very last time I would see them. I have a lot of friends that are juniors going into their senior year, meaning I will miss their last year at Dallastown. Not only that, but I will not be back for their graduation or a last chance to say goodbye. I will also miss a lot of my friends, a few in particular.<o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This does not mean that I am going to be home sick and want
to come home early. ABSOLUTELY NOT! Under no circumstances am I going to come
early! That is a declaration to myself and only I can hold myself to that
standard, which I fully intend to do. I am doing this not to show that I can’t
do things on my own or am not mature enough to go off on my own. No way Jose! I
am doing this to show myself that I can do anything I put my mind to and
succeed. I am doing this because I know I can and will. Also because my mom
won’t let me see sunlight for a year if I do come home early, and she won’t let
me either. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On a few lighter notes, I have a few friends who are also
going abroad next year, specifically, Mallory and Natalie, as shown below.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mallory I have known for a few years, maybe since sixth or
seventh grade. She is awesome. That is all I need to say about her personality
because anyone who knows her knows exactly what I mean. If you don’t know her,
sucks to be you…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is going to
Denmark next year and is extremely excited about it. She is going where her
roots are and going with Rotary, who she hosted two students with; one from
Chile and one from the Czech Republic. She knows a lot about the ups and downs
of being an exchange student and I think she will do nothing but succeed in
Denmark. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJr-IwYCQfkVwuO0Tmm1ixQRYWFK2PFolgejIb1wNnhu8u5fdpLSdHJOtyrCGtZMHH31yEkfm3M4-a-3XZ30nkT2D820v2plqB3iWu85zCfZ3Qo0Pm8sg8saxTPOUEJfVIPNA1ZcXI62cF/s1600/IMG_0192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJr-IwYCQfkVwuO0Tmm1ixQRYWFK2PFolgejIb1wNnhu8u5fdpLSdHJOtyrCGtZMHH31yEkfm3M4-a-3XZ30nkT2D820v2plqB3iWu85zCfZ3Qo0Pm8sg8saxTPOUEJfVIPNA1ZcXI62cF/s320/IMG_0192.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Natalie I have known for a much shorter duration, but am
hoping to get to know her very well. She is my comrade as being the only person
from our AFS chapter accompanying me to France next year. She has already
received her placement in a town outside of Lille (hope I spelled that right).
She is a bubbly and corky person who is the very definition of a teachers pet,
or her French teachers pet. Sorry, don’t mean it in a bad way ;), but I could
go on and on and on and on about how many stories I have heard about this
French teacher of hers. Natalie is confident
in her French abilities and I have no doubt that she is going to have a great
year. Now I expect a better explanation of me as she said <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Aidan isn't
very fond of the way I describe him, as the message on Facebook reading,
"Why didn't you describe my awesome personality or great sense of humor or
charming good looks???" would suggest. He has yet to offer a better
description of himself. </span></i><span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Although this is perfect, just look at the paragraph above?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_T1rHZwca7IC2SkPuwRzaOSU8-GMVxFockNnfnfBU8MylonkJwHRUk_SAhaRFAPLt0gmN73T4VvSow1KTVqNdS6sZnU-WC8ZiU3An-iTPs67QvpPCZD8ogsUyBz_7sAT_hAe2KuubWhJm/s1600/540138_598309733513351_1243191476_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_T1rHZwca7IC2SkPuwRzaOSU8-GMVxFockNnfnfBU8MylonkJwHRUk_SAhaRFAPLt0gmN73T4VvSow1KTVqNdS6sZnU-WC8ZiU3An-iTPs67QvpPCZD8ogsUyBz_7sAT_hAe2KuubWhJm/s320/540138_598309733513351_1243191476_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">I
have only 74 days left in the USA and that time seems as though it is nothing.
I remember as if it was only yesterday I was walking in late to the AFS area
potluck and meeting a plethora of crazy exchange students. I’m glad I did
otherwise I might not have gotten to meet Ant (from Thailand), Fran (from
Chile), and Cosi (from Germany) that night. Three people who I contact on a
fairly regular basis sometimes not intentionally… But tonight is their last
night with their host families and I wanted to say that I hope that each of
you<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(now extended to all the others from
the Susquehanna Valley) have great adventures and endeavors in your future. I
certainly hope to meet some of you again and know that you will always have a
home here. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglVoK8tA1RE4s9DAAMvMQWLlIGh3K4FVPGssdLqZJQrIdHqNS9UP1vYSbb8hRGezlk1mfeCIC4MB5MQbNegU4LQuvlYUTLufItBIKsCrr56T0MBgLde0PDjT8fpcKW8H18OLN8m-qvzjLv/s1600/602180_10151627022891614_1385091216_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglVoK8tA1RE4s9DAAMvMQWLlIGh3K4FVPGssdLqZJQrIdHqNS9UP1vYSbb8hRGezlk1mfeCIC4MB5MQbNegU4LQuvlYUTLufItBIKsCrr56T0MBgLde0PDjT8fpcKW8H18OLN8m-qvzjLv/s320/602180_10151627022891614_1385091216_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">And
with that, I’ve exhausted all of my writing fluids and such. I am going to keep
everyone posted on what life in, well, my life is like. I am going to try to
keep it exchangeishly related but it might stray from time to time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Everyone
have a great life and “Have a great day” –Sam M.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">-Aidan</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Aidan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00117166549053384029noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-838877919201030524.post-71865028612166445292013-05-28T12:22:00.002-07:002013-06-22T18:14:40.304-07:00Double Digets Are Doing Me Good<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Hey guys,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">So after what
seems like forever, (and when I say forever I really mean eight weeks, but
thats beside the point) i have finally been accepted by AFS-France. I have
become extremely skeptical I was going to get accepted because I am one of the
last people to be accepted to a program who has received the scholarship. Its
hard knowing that some people have already gotten their host families, and I
hadn't even been accepted by my country yet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">I want to say
that I am mad at France for taking so long and having my patience tried to it's
outer limits, but I can't because I am just so excited that it is a definite I
am going to France next year. I have been telling people it was a definite
because it was just easier than having to explain the process behind AFS and
getting accepted, but i was just worried all of these people were so happy and
excited for me, to end up not getting accepted, and going to another country.
Granted, I would be happy going just about anywhere, but it would be really
embarrassing saying, "Oh yeah, I'm not going to France anymore. Bummer right?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">But with being
accepted, France is now looking for a host family for me, which I am very
excited about. I haven't decided exactly what kind of host family I get. Maybe
just one whose company I enjoy, and not want to strangle out of annoyance,
frustration, or irritation on a daily basis. Lets hope i get that much at
least.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Also, last
weekend I attended my regions Pre-Departure Orientation. We did all sorts of
stuff such as drawing with our non-dominant hand (which I should never do),
going over different scenario's we may encounter while on our exchange, and to
my own personal dismay, losing my Snapple to the other girl who is going to
France with me's mother. I had to sit opposite her table watching her enjoy it.
Not very enjoyable. But I still understand the concept of the exercise, which
is to not hold expectations and embrace whatever our experience abroad may
throw at us. In my dad's case, life threw a vegetarian sub at him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">I also got to
talk to more people that I haven't met before or talked to, and got to hang out
with the people who I met before and get to know them even better. It's sad
knowing that in just a few months, all (I really don't know how many of us
their are) of us will be scattered across the globe in Argentina, Russia,
Egypt, Spain, Italy, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Belgium (I'm pretty
sure thats all of them, but once again, I could be wrong).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">I'm also in a
bittersweet situation because I have made a few friends who are here on their
own exchange. Not just through AFS, but through other programs like Rotary, and
they will be going home in the next month or so. But with them leaving, I have
two friends who will be returning from their own exchange and I am looking
forward to grilling them on tips to keep myself afloat at first and just
hearing about their own experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">I should probably
mention my complete lack of motivation towards school now with summer almost
here and me going to France for a year but I am going to skip that section
entirely and move on to my exciting (I think so at least) summer plans.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Almost
immediately after schools out, I am going to the beach with my family and
spending a week letting all of the pressure from school be released. After
that, I return home and begin my summer job as a lifeguard at the local pool.
This is going to be one of my ways of fundraising money for spending while in
France. So with work and lounging by the pool, that brings us up to (hopefully)
a camping trip up in the Appalachian Mountains and another trip to the beach with
some family friends I look forward to year round. Spending as much time with
friends is also included in this timeline in random places. I also have my
cousins wedding about two weeks before I leave which means I will get to see
almost all of my family in one place right before I leave. Then its packing,
planning, lots of tears no doubt from mother and friends, more packing, one
final trip to New York and off to France for the next ten months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">So let the last 99
days in York commence. Hello summer, hello France!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Aidan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00117166549053384029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-838877919201030524.post-52222363013395099622013-04-13T19:57:00.001-07:002013-09-22T13:09:05.778-07:00143 Days, 5 Months, 2 Seasons, Too Many Things Left To Do<br>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Hello everyone.</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">So lets get the
basic formalities out of the way so you know a little bit more about me for
those who may not. My name is Aidan, I am currently a sophomore in Pennsylvania, and am looking forward to study abroad
in France next school year with a program called AFS.</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Let me explain
how this exciting and also somewhat intimidating reality started from just an
idea. Back in my early freshmen year, a woman from AFS came to my school and
enlightened all of us about the program and all that jazz. I was pretty much
like everyone else in the auditorium, somewhat intrigued but not to the point
of me jumping out of my seat in excitement, and just happy I got out of french
class for a day. But as she was finishing, she started talking about a
scholarship that will be distributed to only students in my area. 30 full
scholarships will be given out from the Speedwell Foundation to dissevering
students in the Susquehanna Valley. This is what got me jumping out of my seat.
Not really, but you get the general idea. I forgot to also mention that I have
always harbored a secret want to study abroad for a year, but never told my
parents about it because they wouldn't be able to support me financially as
well as pay for the initial tuition, so when she said the magic words of
"full scholarship" i was hooked.</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">I went home and
excitedly started telling my parents about the wonderful (I used a lot of
positive adjectives) program of AFS and how the fantastic, kind, and generous
Speedwell Foundation was giving out full scholarships to 30 deserving students
and how it was a once in a life time offer.</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">They said no.</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">But I
persisted, and finally convinced them to look at AFS and everything and
actually make an informed decision on everything. So they looked into the
Speedwell Foundation Scholarship and AFS as a whole and decided not to say no,
but rather not yet. They thought I was too young and wouldn't be old and mature
enough to study abroad in my sophomore year.</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">So I waited a
year. I checked the AFS page regularly looking for the magic information about
the 2013-2014 school year. And after it came up, i talked to my parents again,
who did say yes after realizing that I was pretty passionate about it
even after a year of waiting. So I went through the same application process as
everyone else in AFS, wrote a few essays, and let the waiting game begin.</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">When I finally
did get my scholarship, it took me from a reasonably bad mood (anyone who is in
musical knows what I mean) to the best feeling I have ever had in my life. My
mom had the terrible idea to take pictures of my unattractive facial features
while i was on the phone. Thanks mom...</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">One week later,
I am excited to meet and actually learn who my fellow recipients are in the
next couple weeks. I am actually more anxious to find out if AFS-France has
accepted me to come to France next year. I keep telling myself, why wouldn't
they want me? I mean c'mon, it is me after all.</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Now to change
the subject completely. I have gotten mixed reviews about getting this
scholarship from just about everyone. Most of my family, extended family I
should say, is ecstatic about the whole thing. They keep telling me it's going
to be a great experience, congratulations, and if your mom needs anyone to talk
to about it, let me now. Now my parents, they are a different story. My mother
thought at first they were only offering about 5-6 scholarships, so when she
said yes, didn't think I was going to get it. Then, after almost everything was
finished, did she realize that their are 30, not 5. Sure she is happy for me
and knows it is going to be a great experience, but at the same time she is
torn by letting me go for almost a year, and loosing her son for one of the 18
years that she has me for. I am very happy she feels the way she does and cares
for me like that, but i feel bad about leaving her, my dad, my siblings, my
friends, and everyone for that matter.</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">My friends have
for the most part been very supportive of me. Most of them say that they don't
think that could do it, leave everything behind for a year. And then others ask
me how am i going to do it? Why are you doing it? Why leave behind everything
you have to do this? I don't have a good answer for that. I don't know how I am
going to do it. I am going to have to adapt to everything and pick things up
quickly. Why am I doing it? Why not? I can't give an explanation for every
reason why I want to do this, it's just far to complicated. I want to give
people better answers but I can't.</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">I have had
moments though where I realized that I am leaving everything I know and love
behind, and in those moments I scare myself and ask, what have I done? Yes,
it's scary, but I am in no way one who lives on the safe side. I prefer to live
on the wire and give everything I have into this one life I have been
given. </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Yet in other
moments, like today for instance, I have found myself in one of the best moods
I have been in for a while. Meeting everyone at AFS is just a great feeling and
talking with students who are on the exchange and just seem to love it make me
want to skip ahead about five months and climb on that plane that will take me
to the unknown. I have found solace in knowing that they have survived and
thrived in this situation and are willing to help us newbies out. This olive
branch from them and those who got their speedwell scholarship means more to me
personally than they know. </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">I have a friend
in Barcelona, Spain right now who I am very close too. I have known her for
years and I look up to her as a friend, an inspiration, and the kind of person
I want to be. She told me that she will help me prepare and assist me in anyway
she can while I'm abroad. I just need to say to her right now in advance, and
something I will probably tell her a hundred times in the future as well as in
the past, I love you and thank you. </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">So with that
being said, let the last 143 days in this country count!</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Aidan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00117166549053384029noreply@blogger.com0