Last Updated on September 9, 2013 by
It’s hard to believe I will be flying out to Europe to begin my study abroad session in Paris in just one week. I have been anticipating this month since I chose to study abroad in January, and now I couldn’t be happier that it is here! My only reason for dreading it is that I am awful at saying goodbye.
I began my first round of goodbyes during Labor Day weekend when I was lucky enough to be able to return to Quinnipiac for a few days for a final visit. While I was with my friends I realized I’m going to miss them way too much, but they were quick to remind me of all the amazing experiences I’m about to have. I can’t wait to share my wide collection of stories as soon as I get back, whether they want to hear them or not! But I’m sure they will.
My roommates and I during my visit (that’s me on the far left)
After a fantastic weekend I came home to an “au revoir” party with all of my family in attendance. I was dreading it because I’m not used to being the center of attention (I’m a twin so that kind of thing is rare), but it turned out to be a great day.
As the day winded down and the guests started to leave, almost everybody left me with their own words of wisdom:
- “Try escargot, duck, and calamari.”
- “Don’t fall in love with a French guy unless they’re willing to move back to the U.S. with you.”
- “Don’t become a chain smoker. Get used to cigarettes being everywhere, it’s very European.”
- “Never be in France without a corkscrew.”
- “Don’t marry a French man. Period.”
- “Can I have your turkey at Thanksgiving?”
Thanks for the advice, family! Although I refuse to promise that I won’t fall in love. 😉
Yummy cake!
During the entire weekend I had the same quote by A.A. Milne (author of Winnie the Pooh) on my mind: “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard”. I am extremely lucky to have the best family and friends back at home. Leaving will be tough, but as my mom said, “This isn’t a death sentence; you will be back in three months!”
I still have a lot of packing to do and last minute errands to run before I take off. I also have to brush up on my French. I have been taking the language since 7th grade and declared it as my minor, but I hope to return from France practically fluent. I will be starting out in Cannes for two weeks of orientation and language studies. Cannes will be a great place to begin this process, because I heard their lifestyle is much more laid back than Paris. Apparently their beaches aren’t too bad either!
I can’t wait to embark on what will most likely be the best three months of my life. On y va!
