Proud to be Amurrican.

Allo allo.  Yesterday marked the one month anniversary of my time in Angers.  It seems so strange that just a month ago Stephanie and I loaded our oversized luggage in Chantal’s undersized car (this was a struggle…we almost had to walk) and then awkwardly proceeded to have dinner with our new host parents.  Since then I have become très French…although people still can tell I’m American.  I do not know how or why.  This is currently one of the big mysteries in my life…in addition to why don’t the French have water fountains?

On that note, I thought we should celebrate my first month away with a list of things we ND kids miss from the good ole’ USA.  Enjoy!

-Large cups (especially filled with coffee).  As much as I enjoy the sentiment of “quality means more than quantity,” I do not appreciate doing a shot of Coca-Cola when I want a cup.  It is not fulfilling nor worth the 3 Euros I just paid. 

-Wearing sweatpants.  The French are never underdressed and they ALWAYS have heels on.  How they make heels and cobblestone streets work together, I have no idea.

-Understanding the rules of the road.  Are bicyclists cars?  Do pedestrians have the right of way?  If one of us goes Regina George meets bus, then I suppose we’ll know.

-Third floor classes in DeBart.  After sixth floor classes in Bazin at 8:00a.m. I will never complain again.  On the upside, I am going to have killer glutes when I come home.

-American men.  They are significantly less creepy than the French.

-Diversity…oh wait…

-Having the toilet and the sink in the same room.  Do you want to know how many germs are on the doorknobs in between??

-Any type of sandwich other than ham.  Why do the French refuse to put other meat on a sandwich?  I do not know.

-Texting with a full keyboard.

-South Dining Hall.  One day, our cafeteria served bacon wrapped hot dogs…as the only option.  Ew.

-The Oscars.

-Snow…hahahaha.  Jokes!

-Flushing the toilet at night.

-Wearing colors…any colors.

-Peanut butter, hot vegetables, and Portillos/Cheesecake Factory (okay that one was more Amanda’s).

-Dryers that actually dry your clothes…although Stephanie and Maya really enjoy when I hang my damp clothes all over our bathroom. 

-Efficiency.  Any action can be made less efficient by the French. 

-And last but not least, I certainly miss my friends and family.  I don’t necessarily wish I was tromping through inches of snow with you, but I do wish you could be here to share this experience with me.  Thank you for your emails, gchats, letters, and support.  I love you all.

All jokes aside, I am loving France (so much so that I may never return!).   Everyday teaches me something new; I am learning about a new culture, learning a new language, and most importantly, I’m learning what makes me happy when I strip away my comfort zone.  This is such a beautiful experience and I wouldn’t change it for anything (unless someone wants to send me peanut butter of course…) CIAO FOR NOW! Les bisous!