I can't believe it's my last full day here in St-Laurent-du-Var. France has been amazing, to say the least. I am so grateful, first and foremost, to my homestay family, the Mulet's, who have taken care of me this past month! I will miss two hour-long dinner conversations and their open arms. I am also grateful to all the teachers/instructors who had tried so hard to make this experience both educative and fun: Fabien, Vanessa, Sirine, Hélène and Mary--thanks! And of course, I am thankful for all the friends I have made on this trip, without whom, this trip would not have been as memorable.
Last night, we celebrated at Dylano, the first restaurant we went to, and had a delicious meal (Delaney and Shannon had the most spectacular cakes for their belated birthdays!). Afterwards, we sang karaoke on the hilltop of St-Laurent-du-Var...what a great way to end the trip--by singing our hearts out (albeit in English).
I have learned so much here, and there is no doubt that I am more confident in my French skills, above all in listening and speaking. Who knew that I would be able to navigate the cities by myself, able to speak French to shopkeepers, waiters, etc? Who knew that I would be confident enough to approach strangers and be able to converse with them in a foreign language? I think Abbey Road has changed that.
I will no doubt come back to Provence and the Côte d'Azur to experience the sunny weather, beaches, fabulous shopping and friendly people. And I have, without a doubt, fallen even more in love with France (before, I was just in love with the idea of France. Now, I'm in love with France, having lived here for a month). I want to come back in college or during the summer-- and explore even more of France.
Gah I'm not good with gushy good-byes, but St-Laurent-du-Var, it's been a good one.
Now tomorrow, I'm off to Paris, to see the iconic landmarks and paintings, historic streets and French cafés...I'm excited to be in France for at least another four days.
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