Hello everyone!

       I apologize for taking so long to write this third entry. The past week has been hectic, new, beautiful, tiring, shocking, interesting, and most of all, so incredible. The concept of “culture shock” never truly hit me until I was on the airplane, about an hour from touchdown. At that time, the only thing running through my head was, “what have I done?” While getting off the airplane and standing in the customs line, I quickly discovered a friend who was in my program. Despite our jetlag and nervous tendencies, we made it through and found our program leaders.

       As I sit here now (a week into my trip), my nerves have completely worn off and the culture shock has disappeared. Fully submerging yourself in a new culture is truly the best way to become accustomed to it. I have only been here for one week but I’m already noticing that this will be a trip of a lifetime. Although I have been to Europe before, it’s already completely different than what I remember. Then, I was able to use my English-speaking buffer and get away with ordering a “chocolate crepe” from a tourist attracted crêperie. Now, my roommates (thankfully) have pushed me into speaking French when I didn’t believe it was even possible. Every time we eat out for dinner, it’s officially MY job to say “l'addition s'il vous plait” at the end of the meal. I quickly caught on and learned that this useful phrase means, “the check, please”. Living with three roommates who all speak relatively great French (and aren’t afraid to push me) is actually very, very helpful.

        Today was the first time for many things. It was the first day of classes. The first day I had a conversation with an elderly French woman in the elevator. The first day I sat in a park, alone, eating a baguette and reading my French fashion textbook. The first time I encountered the glorious “crêpe au Nutella et bananes”. The first time I took the Metro alone (and didn’t get lost). The first time I realized that men in Paris truly do look like they just stepped off of the runway (thanks to my professor, Jean-Pierre, for that one). I’m starting to realize that everyday I spend in this extraordinary city will be a day of learning, growing, & living.

       Each day has been a day of exploration so far. Instead of being ultimate tourists, my roommates and I find our days filled with wandering around anywhere we see fit. Of course, we will be going to see the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Cœur…but why go there immediately if we are able to see those famous structures from our own balcony? I have learned that the best way to discover new things is by getting completely lost…and believe me, we have. We have walked endless amounts of miles until our feet ached and backs hurt…but at the end of the trek; it’s completely worth it (and so is the warm, delicious, café au lait).

       I have truly been impressed with my bravery since I have been here. I no longer tense up when someone asks me what I would like to drink in French. I can travel the metro with confidence. I have made friends who I believe will stick with me for a long time after our study abroad program has finished. It’s amazing how much I have to say and I’ve only been here for one week. I can’t wait to see what lies ahead of me. Au revoir!

xox, mer

In the first entry, I promised to write a few more words before I “headed over the pond”. Since I was extremely busy the last few days I was in the US, packing, running errands, repacking, and packing some more… I didn’t get around to writing until now. What a great place to type out my second blog entry…while actually flying OVER the pond. It’s hour number 6 on my second flight…only 3 ½ more to go! I (as well as the man sitting next to me) are unable to sleep due to the California time zone my body is stuck on. He is typing away on his computer so I thought; why not type away on mine! I have only 39% battery left on this thing, and usually that doesn’t mean much time…so I will do my best to do this quickly!

                  I spent the last few days in Bakersfield, like I said, packing. Well…to be honest, I waited until the night before I left to start packing. Thanks to my mother who is an expert (not kidding; there are about 10 different clothing items stuffed in each shoe I brought) and my dear friend Krista who cleans to relieve stress (enough said), packing was a cinch! Well, sort of. I tend to bring more than I need and I’m afraid (even though my bag weighs under 50 lbs), that is exactly what I did. I don’t think my luggage fits in the category of “packed lightly” as it should. Oh well!

The final goodbyes were not easy, although I did receive countless blessings & words of advice from friends and family.  I enjoyed reading the emails & texts, listening to the voicemails, and looking into the eyes of those I love as they send me their best wishes. I genuinely take those messages to heart…so, thank you!

                  One thing I’ve noticed since I’ve been on this flight is that my ears are constantly open. Every chance I get to listen to a conversation (in French), I do. I think it’s a beautiful language, really, and I cannot wait to be able to understand and even speak it (lets hope). I watched the French sub titles of the aircraft safety video (yes, the video we all know and love) and tried to translate to the best of my ability. I would be lying if I said that was easy. I think being aware of the language(s) around me is a good start as I head off to a country that speaks something completely than what I am used to...

                  I am a little bummed because I forgot to bring my journal in my carry on bag. Believe it or not, I have already had so many different thoughts and emotions entering my mind worth writing down. I guess I’ll just have to start hoarding the American Airline napkins they give me and begin my journal on those; so far, I have two. That would be something to look back on, wouldn’t it?

                  When I step off of this airplane, I will be in the city I will soon become quite familiar with. I have one full day to relax, settle in, and explore a bit…then, I will have orientation the next three days which I heard can be tiring. I am eager to meet my roommates and everyone in the program. It’s funny knowing that soon enough my friends from Paris may be reading my blog as well.

                  Although I have not been writing for long, my computer is dying quickly (as I knew it would). Please excuse my scattered thoughts and chopped up sentences. This could be from my lack of sleep…or perhaps its from my nerves/excitement. Once I have a little bit of downtime in the coming week, I promise to take a moment to explain the sites I will soon explore. Again, if you’re still reading; thank you. I hope to hear from each and every one of you soon.

                  Written with love,

                                    xox, mer :)

Hello everyone! Or should I say bonjour? Welcome to my blog called “though my eyes” where you will be able to read about the adventures I have while I’m in the beautiful city of Paris. I thought “through my eyes” was a fitting name since I would like my readers to feel as if they are actually viewing Paris through MY eyes. I promise to keep up with this thing to the best of my abilities and write in it at least once a week. I will try my best to include every trip, thought, emotion, experience, picture (well, not EVERY picture), and detail. Lots and lots of details. I can honestly say this will be my first “blogging” experience and I’m not too sure how this whole thing works, so bear with me. I’m hopeful that I will be able to figure it out once I get going…but until then, you’ll have to accept my apologies. Also, I will admit that there will probably be many grammatical and structural errors in my writing. I’m not trying to write a novel here, ladies and gentlemen. I’ll be a busy college student running around, writing papers, eating baguettes, exploring my new home, and writing my blog entries at wee hours of the morning…what else do you expect?! Now that the little introduction is out of the way…let me fill you in on a few of my thoughts so far.

I am currently sitting on my bed at home trying to find the first thing to write about.  I have so many mixed emotions and so many thoughts to talk about at the moment and my trip hasn’t even STARTED yet! I’m anxious, excited, nervous, curious, happy, sad... it’s truly a bittersweet moment. I have a feeling my brain wont get much time to rest as soon as I hop on that plane and start my adventure. I want my ears and eyes to be open constantly and take in everything I possibly can.

As most of you may know already, I’m not the best at saying goodbyes. I’ll often use phrases like “Okay, see ya soon!” or “Want to hang out?” even when I am halfway across the country from the person I’m talking to. It seems like I have been doing that a lot lately. When I left DePaul in June, it really started to sink in how tough these “goodbyes” would be. It was difficult enough having to leave my amazing roommates/bestfriends (Emily & Arielle), Moose (our insane cat), my extremely close friends, Hoops, and the city I now consider home (my mom doesn’t like that part too much). This past week I had a tough time saying my final goodbye to my wonderful boyfriend, Sam, who has listened to my every worry & concern while still supporting me 150%. Also, I had to leave his family and his friends in Minnesota (who I now consider to be good friends of my own). I suppose I only have my family, friends from Bakersfield, and Betsey (my dog) left on the list. Am I almost done with these dreadful goodbyes? I’m getting emotional just THINKING about it! But enough with the upsetting business…I have ONE WEEK left in Bakersfield and so many things to do!

I have been noticing that every chance I get I will surround myself with French books. No, not books written in French…the ones that teach you crucial phrases you must know while visiting France. My mom and I have recently been listening to French phrases on tape in the car every chance we get (or until we get sick of it & want to throw it out the window). The tape she just recently picked up happens to have catchy songs that seem to get stuck in my head more often than I would like. Thanks to Sam’s new obsession with iTunes podcasts, we have tried to find and listen to French language podcasts when we Skype each other at night. I think the only thing that stuck with us was the phrase, “Excuse me, I do not understand”. How fitting, right?  I’m sure if you haven’t guessed already, I know ZERO French. Okay, that’s not true. I know how to say “hello”, “goodbye”, and Arielle taught me how to say “where is the bathroom” one time. Good thing I’ll be taking a French 101 class. Keep your fingers crossed? And you never know, maybe I’ll be writing ALL of my blogs in French soon… (ha!)

I seem to have every little thing I need for my trip. My visa, passport, and travel documents are all set to go. I've filled out enough paperwork to completely empty out a ballpoint pen. Who knew that preparing to live in a different country for 4 months could be so stressful?  I’ve been extremely blessed with a family who has given me every French phrase book imaginable, maps, journals, and most importantly, my new Canon Rebel T1i that I named Ruby. Sam surprised me with my very own copy of “WOODEN: A LIFETIME OF OBSERVATIONS AND REFLECTIONS ON AND OFF THE COURT” (a book I always wanted to take from him…shh) and my very own Duluth Pack (I think it will be a perfect bag for Ruby)! Kendayl, one of my good friends from school and a travel expert, sent me a going away package a few days ago. After finding out it was sent to the wrong address and retrieving it from the neighbors, I had it in my possession and couldn’t be happier with what was inside. She included the traveling necessities that I may have passed up such as travel sized tissues, a small journal, hand sanitizer, a Paris metro map, a baggage tag, a miniature first aid kit, and most importantly; her advice.  Don’t get me wrong, I am so grateful for having these small things I may have otherwise forgotten…but the best going away gift I can receive are words of wisdom. I truly enjoy hearing tips, stories, or things to remember from the people I love. I promise, I listen very carefully and take this advice to heart. You are more than welcome to send your advice my way :)

Well, now that I’ve written far more than anyone would want to read in one sitting, I’m going to finish this up. I promise I will write at LEAST one more entry before I take off. If you are still reading; THANK YOU. It means the world to me knowing that my friends and family are eager to hear about my journey. Can’t wait to write my next entry (this whole blogging business is kind of fun)!

Written With Love,

            xox, mer :)