Well I'm here. Jan. 10, 2015
To be frank, it hasn't hit me yet that I am here; in a completely different country on a completely different continent, and I don't think that it really will. I see things differently in that way, suppose. For me, being abroad isn't so much about realizing where I am in the world, but noticing and picking up on the differences between here and the United States.
And really it's the little things...
For example, I notice that one always says, "bonjour" constantly before entering a store or entering a restaurant. Or, that things are so much smaller than in the U.S. For instance, the spacing out of this city is different than the spacing out in Seattle. Alley ways are much more narrow and sidewalks are much more narrow as well.
Again, It's the little things.
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| Grounds at the Musée de la Revolution Française |
But as much as things have changed and as much "Culture Shock" as I am experiencing right now, I am glad that I made this trip. The reason for that is not because I'm going to discover and accomplish a life long dream (although simply coming to France was a dream for me already), but it's more about being lucky enough to experience another culture and becoming sensitive to them and their lifestyle and beliefs. I think that everyone should have this experience. By simply placing oneself in an uncomfortable situation such as this, it's difficult, but so beneficial. It's as if you're learning everything all over again because everything is completely new. You wonder,
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| Grounds at the Musée de la Revolution Française |
-"If I make a mistake, will they get mad?"
-"What if they continue to talk to me? And what if I don't understand?"
-"That kid over there speaks better French than I do and he's probably no older than 2.."
So many things have run through my mind just being here for 1-2 weeks. But overall, the largest "thought of the day" that I have been pondering is why people don't do things like this more often? I think back to the international students at Seattle University or even international students who came to my high school. They had courage. This isn't easy. One forgets how easily turning on the TV and listening in another room is. Because when you switch languages, watching TV is no longer a relaxing luxury, but something you have to focus on to just get an IDEA of what they're talking about.
Experiencing another language and culture is such an amazing opportunity, but overall I want to continue putting myself in uncomfortable experiences because I know it will help me grow. The point is to keep going and face every challenge that comes, even though others may not understand. It's about how this experience can shape you as a person and because of that, how you then choose to live your life and treat others because of past experiences.
France is amazing and the people are amazing. But I still have 98% of a 6 month trip to go. I've just started my journey. Lets see where I end up.
-Reiko.
I am so glad you are doing this! I remember so vividly the anxiety and excitement you must be feeling. I remember that I had this constant headache until like mid-February from always having to think about what I was saying or hearing and having to do the translations. But it will get easier to do normal activities and by the end you will find yourself comfortable enough to argue with a cab driver about the fare in French! Bon courage mon amie!
RépondreSupprimerJennifer! I miss you so much. Thanks so much. Yeah, I have to continuously remind myself that it's only been like 2 weeks. I still have a little ways to go.
RépondreSupprimerDo your have any Café recommendations or restaurant recommendations???