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I’ve learned quite a few things in the past few weeks since I last posted. If I shared them all, I know it would take me about three days to write so I’ll try to hit the highlights. First of all, why trains are better than planes:
1) The view of the countryside
2) No long lines through security
3) You can bring wine (and other beverages for that matter…in France at least)
4) People run with the train to say goodbye
5) You can face eachother
6) You can bring food
7) Soothing sounds
8) More legroom
9) You’re always free to move about the cabin
10) You keep your luggage with you
11) There are tables/more room for activities
12) No recycled air
13) It feels like you’re going to Hogwarts
14) Cheaper
15) They make you fall in love with life.
Additionally, trains took me to some amazing places this past week, including Paris, Flavigny, and Lyon, France. In these places I learned about myself, the people I was traveling with, the kindness and generosity of people, various lifestyles, navigation, history, and a bit of geography.
My trip this past week was the experience of a lifetime and I felt truly blessed to have encountered the people that I did. We were welcomed into the homes and company of so many people, it was astonishing. I think that is the main thing I will take away from my travels.
I also learned that it’s always good to slow down every once in a while. This realization popped up numerous times throughout the trip but was especially emphasized at one moment in time. As we walked down the rue Victor Hugo to do a little shopping, we came across an older man playing the violin. I am just a sucker for anyone playing violin on the street so I crept closer to drop some change in his case. As I came closer he made eye contact with me and smiled. I dropped the change in and we began to walk away. We then realized that we had no rush to be anywhere and decided to sit and listen for a while. As we sat, I started to watch the people walking by. Most people glanced over and smiled if they happened to make eye contact with the man. However, every single child looked over with the biggest eyes and a look of wonderment. Every one. In the middle of our midday concert, a younger man approached. He was maybe early to mid-twenties and engrossed in his phone. He was nicely dressed with a button up shirt and a sweater draped over his shoulders and donned a pair of expensive-looking sunglasses. As he came closer, the violinist turned in his direction and began to play to him. The younger man walked by, maybe two feet in front of the violinist, and never once looked up. I think this just amused the violinist but it broke my heart. Even if you’re in a rush, it doesn’t hurt to take note of the beauty in the world. Even if you pause for just a second, I think it makes a world of difference for both you and the people around you.
This post has now become excessively long but I thought I’d share just a bit of what my life has been like lately. I hope you take the time to discover something new.
Live.
Julia
I am studying abroad in the French Riviera for multiple reasons. First of all, I knew that this would be the experience of a lifetime. There is really no better time to travel in my opinion, minus the financial instability that comes with this age. Coming into this adventure, I had no idea that I would make such strong connections with the people in my program. I have met some pretty amazing people so far and I am constantly amazed by how different our lives are but that we were are brought together by this shared experience.
Second of all, it worked with my school schedule. I found a program that offered many of the same classes as my university at home and would keep me on track for graduation. So far, though, I’ve learned more from my daily experiences and encounters with people than I could ever in a classroom. There are so many different types of people in the world and it’s amazing what brings people together. It’s also surprising, the unexpected cultural differences I’ve noticed while being here. You can take intercultural classes and read about various worldviews but until you encounter them in real life, you have no idea how much they can affect you and how important it is to understand that people see the world in diverse ways. They do so based on the culture they’ve grown up in as well as on an individual level. My mind is running in so many different directions about this one because it’s such a complex issue with similarities and differences at every level. I digress.
Third of all, and with reference to my pictures, this place is gorgeous. Everywhere I’ve gone has breathtaking views. From the French Alps to the mountain village of Eze to the sweeping coastline of the French Riviera, I am surrounded by the beauty of nature and history. I can’t wait for it to be warmer so I can play in the sea every day.
I am thankful every day that I am fortunate enough to have these life experiences and to be surrounded by loving, creative, caring, and passionate people. Here’s to 4 more months of the ride of my life!
Live.
~Julia
Since my last post, I’ve started classes, gotten sick, traveled to Italy, bought boots, scarves, and a watch, and explored Antibes alone. I had the realization last night that I haven’t even been here for a full 2 weeks yet. I cannot even imagine how my life is going to evolve as the months pass me by. One thing I do hope develops is my daily use of the French language. It has been difficult to practice while going to an English-speaking school where the French students all want to practice English and living with all American students. Those aspects of the trip have all been amazing and I have met some really cool people so far but I feel like I’m missing that element of my experience here. I just need to seek out those opportunities more aggressively I suppose.
On a lighter note, I am living in one of the most beautiful places! Surrounded by palm trees, sunshine and the Mediterranean. I am sitting on my porch and trying to soak up the rays before they disappear behind the winter horizon in about an hour. It’s hard to remember that it’s still January and snowing at home. I’m watching flocks of birds spread their wings and just drift with the wind. I wish I was a bird so that I might enjoy the wind a bit more. I think that would be an incredible feeling.
All in all, I am loving life, and though I do miss a lot of things from home I am content exactly where I am. I’m excited for the changes to come!
Love.
~Julia
It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything but I’ve been a bit busy lately. Mainly with moving to France for 5 months! So much has happened recently but it’s been so amazing.
Thus far I’ve wandered the streets of Antibes, toured around Nice, and explored Monaco. These places are so gorgeous, I can’t believe I’m actually living here! In the process, I’ve met some amazing people and learned a lot about myself and what I want to do in the future. It’s been a challenge to try to navigate my way through living in another country including, speaking the language, figuring out the customs, and navigating the town.
One thing I’ve realized is how lucky I am though. I can already tell this will be the trip of a lifetime and I can’t think of a more perfect time to take such an adventure. I’ll try my best to keep you all posted about my experiences while I’m over here but in the meantime…
Live.
~Julia
AHHH So cute! There are so many adorable things in this world. If you’re having a crappy day I hope this picks it up a little. If you’re having an amazing day I hope this makes it even better!! Enjoy! :)
Laugh.
~Julia
(Source: supercute)
Holy crap! The things that people do sometimes just blow my mind. I watched this video in amazement and couldn’t help but think about how dance, art and life have evolved over the years. What would people from the 19th century think about the way people move today. It’s so interesting to see how dance in particular has changed and bits an pieces from the past remain but in disguise.
The fact that people continue to reinvent things is incredible. I’m fascinated to see what dance will look like in another few decades. So keep on creating!
Dance.
~Julia
(Source: swoozie)
I love things like this! I hope he finds her eventually! What a great story that would be. Even if this isn’t real, even if they meet and it doesn’t work out, even if multiple things don’t happen, we can all imagine. I like to think that these things do exist and work out in the world and it’s fun and exciting to finish the story in my brain. We need more happy stories like this in the world.
Love.
~Julia
P.S. I think this has been a much better use of my time than studying…
Hello. For the past four months I have been regretting my decision to not talk to you on the ferry and now I’ve decided to do something about it. It was August 8th when we first saw each other on the express bus out of Vancouver to horseshoe bay. We both took the ferry to Departure bay. Halfway through the trip the boat stopped for a safety drill and we saw each other on the upper deck. You were taking pictures and then leaned on the rail beside me. As much as I wanted to, I never said anything, and I’ve never regretted anything more than that. I think you are the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen and I would very much like to meet you.
If you are her, Email me at: ferrygirlsearch@gmail.com
Reblog this to help me find her. Please.
(via lolalovesblue)
San Francisco. I now understand why there are countless songs written about this wonderful city. At first I was irritated that my best friend and I needed to fly all the way down there, on our Thanksgiving break might I add, to get our visas for France. However, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I was repeatedly surprised that before going, everyone I spoke to had tips and advice for places to go and things to see. Our laundry list was long.
Thankfully the french value their break time, which allowed us countless hours for exploration and managed to hit everything on our list. We also added a few items that I will dole out to the next person venturing to the city by the bay.
One of these items was the Hotel des Arts, a tiny little hole-in-the-wall hotel built in the 1920’s with winding staircases and a gated elevator. The unique part of this hotel is that each room is painted/decorated by a different artist. You never know what you might find in that place. The staff was so welcoming and helpful.
Needless to say, I will definitely be visiting again and hopefully some time soon!
Live.
~Julia
(Photo cred: Alyssa Patrick! follow her at http://lifewithasparkle.tumblr.com/)
In the spirit of Halloween I thought I’d post this link. My friend put it up on facebook and I couldn’t resist. Enjoy and Happy Halloween!!
Laugh.
~Julia
