The city of Lyon is the third largest in France with a population roughly the size of Philadelphia. It is old, old, old, and densely packed along the Rhône river. How to start apartment hunting? My program gave me specific instructions to only look for housing after I got off the plane. I asked and … Continue reading Housing →

Living in the United States can sometimes feel like an unending string of paperwork and signatures, especially if you are at a crossroads in your life. Taxes, insurance, mortgage, whatever else adults do. (I've only been an adult for about forty-five minutes, don't ask me.) France, however beautiful and historic it may be, is so … Continue reading State side →

Howdy! Long time no blog. I started this blog when I studied abroad in France in 2019 to share what I was up to with people back home. Now in 2022, I'm reviving it for the same purpose, only this time, I am travelling to France as a teacher, not a student. I accepted a … Continue reading Back at it →

Many things have happened in the past couple days. I hand-sewed seven large patches onto thick overalls for my host mom's birthday; i broke a needle in half doing so; I finished all of my finals; I attended two class parties and one lame class session; i went to the beach and climbed the bluffs; … Continue reading Boarding flight DL8363 →

My roommate Melanie and I usually talk for a while after dinner each night, just sitting up in the kitchen and chatting. One night she mentioned something that I hadn't thought of. "You know, how the language changes you," she said. "Like how you become someone else when you use it." "What? That doesn't happen … Continue reading Language observations →

Professor told us that other French people think of Parisians in this way: when they go to kill themselves by shooting themselves in the head, they have to reach up here -- she indicated a space high above her head -- because they are so full of themselves and have such big egos. We had … Continue reading Final few days →

We've got two Turkish women in my main course. Last week one of them was up to present her current topics exposé. So Batoul, outspoken, argumentative Batoul, decides to ask the class two questions: first, is homosexuality an illness or a choice, and second, should gay people be allowed to adopt like normal people? Just … Continue reading Life is a rich tapestry →

My parents came to visit me! They were here for five or so days and we went to Paris and did a bunch of tourist stuff. We were in Paris the day of a gilet jaune protest, because it's impossible not to be nowadays, and mom really didn't like that but I think dad wanted … Continue reading Visit from the parents →

Just a bunch of unrelated moments that didn't merit their own posts. ~ I went to Nice (the city) and had a great time. I was by myself, which I have discovered is my favorite way to travel. The bus trip was four hours so I napped and then walked from the station to Old … Continue reading Bits and bobbles →

Okay so, don't get me wrong, I love Aix. It's a beautiful town and it just gets more beautiful as the flowers bloom and the trees green up. It's historic, it's quiet, and it's got great food. I could explore it's nooks and crannies for days. I LIKE IT HERE. Now, with that out of … Continue reading Just a small complaint →