Well, this moment has been looming over my head for quite sometime now...and well, the day is almost here. Monday I return to The States after the most amazing adventure of my life to date. Few words can really be said to describe my time abroad in anything less than a grand novel. There are so many experiences to recount, so many ups and downs, the good and the bad, craziness, and sometimes yes, plain boring times. The package deal that is 'study abroad' is something that really can’t be described on a paper for a prospective student. It really is something that takes a leap of faith into the unknown. My travels to France to my new life in Paris are something that I couldn't trade anything for. Couldn't and absolutely would not. The closer my flight date comes (May 10th) is a day that has been approaching with great mixed feelings, ups and downs and lots of confusion about the future. I know I have to return to San Diego to finish that damn degree of mine haha, but there are so many things that are here in Paris that have just fused themselves to my personality, my likes, and really to my soul as a whole. Paris gives me energy, an energy that makes me feel like I can do anything. I never want to lose that feeling; this is something that I had no idea a city could do for someone. Paris will forever be my heart and my home from here on out. I know that this upcoming last two semesters at SDSU I will work very hard to get myself back to Paris come next summer or soon after that. I know in my heart of hearts that I belong in Paris. I cannot say for how long, but I see myself here and one cannot put an expiration date on that.
There are many things that I have become accustomed to living in Paris for so long and I hope for the most part that I can bring some of them back with me. A lot of them tangible things, as well as a boat load of new outlooks on life and culture.
I hope to continue being an 'international person', one that continues to thrive on knowing people from around the world and hearing all about their cultures. In Paris, it has become something of second nature to meet and get to know people and friends from literally around the globe, and that in itself excites me. The best part about my time at ESSEC was the sheer international aspect of the University. I can truly say I have a good friend on every continent in the world (sans Antarctica haha) and in soooo many countries within the continents. It is something I cherish now and hope to keep in contact with all the great people I have met abroad.
First comes first, I want to continue my dedication to learning and mastering the French language. I have come so far since I got off that plane back in August, I would really be sad and mad at myself if I let my speaking level plummet. I know it will be way more difficult than living in France...obviously...but there are things I can do to make sure I maintain at least the level I am at, and hopefully from that continue to improve. I am so proud of how far I have come in a second language, it has really been a life long goal of mine and I can now happily say that for the most part speak French. Bravo Matthew =)
I want to take back the Parisien style. It is something that I cant really describe (slash, I am tired and don’t want to get into it right now, perhaps another blog lol), but check out a French Vogue or various other online fashion sites and you will see why I have fallen in love with the French style. Something that every man and woman in America needs to take a good hard look at and realize that dressing well does not make you a loser or too into themselves... here, it is part of your everyday life. I seriously can't get enough of it.
I will bring back with me the appreciation of a small group of friends. Something that is very very French in the sense that you have a good group of small friends, which I do in SD, and really not needing anything else. Not to say that I am saying Ciao to my acquaintances, but just not giving into the day to day 'hello, ill call you later' fake nonsense that California culture is immersed in. Quality over quantity.
If I could, I would bring back all the French cheese and tell the American government to fuck off when it comes to unpasteurized cheese....you don’t know what you are missing....no no, you really don’t ;)
I love café culture, something that we don't have at home. Sitting with your espresso, cigarette, perhaps a book or newspaper and just sitting there enjoying whatever weather the day may have and people watching for hours. This is really a sport here in Paris, it is just such a great way to relax and just think...or space out. Wherever your mind takes you for that matter. At home, it is too much of a go,go,go society and at times yes, I am like that, but I want to truly take more time to just say okay, 2 hours at a cafe, even if it is Starbucks (that’s all we have really), but I just need to take my Parisien time-out right now.
Casual evening dinners at home with friends. Instead of the crazy pre-party rager, why not have a relaxing soirée with some apéros, listen to music, talk, and just have a good time with your good friends before what the Parisiens call 'le before' (pre-party). Then we can head to 'le after' which is the real party haha.
The paragraphs I could write on this topic are honestly endless for me. I am just trying to think of some highlights, but my head is spinning even trying to attempt this feat. I will update my blog during my re-entry to California and continue to write about life back home and that compared to Paris. I think when I return home and have settled in, the many differences between Paris and California will start to show themselves. Until then, I wish you all well and I will see you all when I return.
Gros bisous.
Paris, je t'aime toujours...
