I should start off by casually mentioning how obsessed I am with Aix, probably one of the most amazing places I have ever been. Everything a "study" abroad locale should be: lively, classy, full of old-world architectural wonder that makes for impressive and obnoxiously artsy photos (SO hipster).
After one of the most ridiculous trips of my life, I am so happy (relieved) to finally be here (alive). Our apartment is in typical Provencal style, in the most perfect location. The main rotary/big fountain is a 20 second walk away from us and we live right by all the cutest cafes and restaurants. ALSO there is a hair salon on what seems every street, and we live next door to a spa-- they do nails too. What's up. All of these are highly crucial places which factor heavily into determining my peace of mind and general happiness whilst abroad. And by peace of mind/general happiness what I really mean is survival.
So the trip went not so smoothly and while it is still traumatic to recount, I had a slight moment of clumsiness involving an escalator at Charles de Gaulle which I'd like to forget asap--however, the intense bruising prevents me from erasing the experience from my mind. This is undoubtedly why travel gurus, sane people, and/or doctors recommend manageably-sized luggage. Mes baggages consisted of one 70 pound suitcase, one 45 pound suitcase, and one 20 pound duffel (that was just the checked luggage and I deluded myself into believing I had packed extremely light). So considering my belongings weighed a fair amount more than me, it was quel surpris when I couldn't actually move any of it and sustained massive trauma to the entire left side of my body. Laugh if you will but I'm currently curious (and clearly when I say curious I mean living in utter terror) as to whether or not I have internal bleeding. Unfortunately for me it's le Jour du Seigneur so if I am, in fact, bleeding internally I have to wait till tomorrow to get that all checked out. Anywaysssss, after managing to board the correct TGV and crying to a random stranger and having him wheel my luggage for me, I managed to find the people from IAU. Normale.
So after my 10 hour plane ride, 4 hour train ride, and 15 minute bus ride to the center of Aix, I finally got to my host family's house (after a ride in a car with a man who I think was from IAU. I mean he definitely was. Probably) So there is this elderly lady there who doesn't introduce herself-- she then points to a room (and by room I mean cupboard) that is supposed to mine, and after attempting to make awkward small talk with her, Hanna explains that apparently this woman is not our host mother, but our host mother's mother aka our host grandmother. How on earth am I supposed to know this? She hasn't said a word to me, the only form of communication was an awkward gesture on her part towards my suitcase, which is more like an African elephant with a luggage tag. She gives us our keys which are actually a joke, they look straight out of a Harry Potter film. Also we have to spend half an hour attempting to get into the house because the keys are quite difficile. Or, you know, old.
After that awkward encounter, Hanna and I are off to explore the city on Saturday night-- unfortunately we are way too jetcracked to do anything of note so we settle for some pasta and a few glasses of rose at a super cute Italian place next to our house. Also ew I don't want to always be blogging about food BUT there is a Nutella crepe stand/kiosk open all night that also sells stuffed animals, I have a good feeling about that place. Also we went to Monoprix for water, they also sell clothes. I was tickled.
Today we walked around Aix with our host mom, had coffee at Les Deux G, the most famous cafe in the city-- frequented in the past by famous artists and philosophers. I definitely wanted to kick back with a cig and ponder existentially.
Oh, also there was an open house today at IAU. I'm sure it was a great opportunity to meet people/get acquainted with the program. I wouldn't really know though because we forgot to go.
Orientation tomorrow/classes start Tuesday. Get it.
Infinite love from Aix,
M
So after my 10 hour plane ride, 4 hour train ride, and 15 minute bus ride to the center of Aix, I finally got to my host family's house (after a ride in a car with a man who I think was from IAU. I mean he definitely was. Probably) So there is this elderly lady there who doesn't introduce herself-- she then points to a room (and by room I mean cupboard) that is supposed to mine, and after attempting to make awkward small talk with her, Hanna explains that apparently this woman is not our host mother, but our host mother's mother aka our host grandmother. How on earth am I supposed to know this? She hasn't said a word to me, the only form of communication was an awkward gesture on her part towards my suitcase, which is more like an African elephant with a luggage tag. She gives us our keys which are actually a joke, they look straight out of a Harry Potter film. Also we have to spend half an hour attempting to get into the house because the keys are quite difficile. Or, you know, old.
After that awkward encounter, Hanna and I are off to explore the city on Saturday night-- unfortunately we are way too jetcracked to do anything of note so we settle for some pasta and a few glasses of rose at a super cute Italian place next to our house. Also ew I don't want to always be blogging about food BUT there is a Nutella crepe stand/kiosk open all night that also sells stuffed animals, I have a good feeling about that place. Also we went to Monoprix for water, they also sell clothes. I was tickled.
Today we walked around Aix with our host mom, had coffee at Les Deux G, the most famous cafe in the city-- frequented in the past by famous artists and philosophers. I definitely wanted to kick back with a cig and ponder existentially.
Oh, also there was an open house today at IAU. I'm sure it was a great opportunity to meet people/get acquainted with the program. I wouldn't really know though because we forgot to go.
Orientation tomorrow/classes start Tuesday. Get it.
Infinite love from Aix,
M
HAHAHAHAHAH JE T'AIMEEE. can't wait to see you in a few (days, weeks..)!
ReplyDeleteps, i realized that the instant i reached baggage claim, my journey would go downhill from there. and it did. so i feel your pain.
pps. i want to join you at Les Deux G avec une cigarette!!!!
AHHHHHHHHHH
this made my frikin' day.
ReplyDeletemiss you
xo