Ever since I was applying to colleges, I knew that I would study abroad in France, most likely in Paris. Since then, I've briefly considered Geneva, as well as Senegal and Morocco because from a public health perspective these would be AWESOME, but I just couldn't give up Paris....And now, it's finally becoming "real!"
Yesterday, I completed the harrowing visa process by picking it up at the French embassy - where the man called me "princesse" twice: once in a threatening way ("I'll be with you in a moment, princesse!") and once in a more endearing way, with a big smile ("I will now help you, princesse"). It's a relief to have my visa in my hand. Aside from a few toiletries (hair gel!!), I pretty much have everything that I need to bring to Paris: my passport, a plane ticket, my new boots...
Yesterday I also received information about my host family and I COULDN'T BE MORE EXCITED! (as demonstrated by all caps, I'm trying to hold back on exclamation points).......!!!!!!!! I'll be living in the 16th arrondissement, which is on the west side of Paris. My family has an apartment on the 2nd floor of the building, and my room (described as "very girly!!"....!!!) is on the sixth floor. I also will have my own bathroom up there, and my 19 year old sister and a few of her friends have rooms on the same floor.
As for my family, my host mother is a history professor and my host father is in the financial/business world. I have a total of 5 siblings:
-Marguerite, age 21 - currently studying in Spain
-Armance, age 19 - she's the one on my floor!
-Charles, age 16 - currently studying in Ireland
-Ambroise, age 14 - best name everrrr
-Balthazar, age 7 - unless this is the best name ever
They are described as very welcoming and warm and I am SO excited to meet them! I'm off to go write them a letter of introduction...
Thanks for reading! I'd love to hear from you via a comment (just press the button at the bottom of this post!, - but remember to put your name so I know who you are), or an email. Or, since I'm still in the US, give me a call! I leave Jan. 16th - 8 days!
xoxoxo,
Samantha
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1 year ago
First, I am sooooo jealous. Ah, to be 20 again...
ReplyDeleteSecond, Samantha modeled her new boots for us and they are awesome. They have three removal straps on each boot that can be placed in different places on the boot. Emma and I had Sam try two up/one down, all three down, two down/one up. My favorite was two down/one up.
Third, go get the hair gel NOW! And get a supply that will last six months. You want to have gorgeous hair while in Paris with the other gorgeous women!
Fourth, your living arrangement sounds wonderful. I'm so glad you have a house full of people - and alot of young people. Just think of all the French slang you'll learn!
I'll see you this week before you leave!
Amour,
Jody
Yay! Can't wait to stalk you on fbook
ReplyDeleteThings that are maddeningly expensive in Paris: tampons. Word to the wise.
cdawg
We are so excited for you and can't wait to hear about your adventures on this blog.
ReplyDeleteXOXOXOXO
Steve, Nicole, Anna and Kate
Samantha,
ReplyDeleteI will miss you this semester in BEAT! Have a wonderful time. I enjoyed your post, thanks for sharing.
Nicole
I am going to read as much as I can while I straighten my hair heehee. I am so jealous that you are in Paris speaking french and everything! Well right now I am listening to our French TA Agnes talk on the phone (I live in the international house on campus).
ReplyDeleteExcited to readdddd :D
Petite rectification, maintenant, j'étudie en Espagne :)
ReplyDelete