Author: Catherine Baker

Hello! I'm Catherine and I am studying abroad in Rennes, France. I cannot wait to see what adventures this year has in store. Please join me in my adventures both in and outside of France!

Never Underestimate the Written (or Spoken) Word

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There comes a point when you get so caught up in the moment that you forget what you used to do. Once the euphoria of travelling and explorations dies down, there’s a part of me that felt as though it was missing. I couldn’t remember what normalcy felt like. I couldn’t remember what it was like to go to the dining hall with my friends or sit in the library until it closes on a random Tuesday night. I couldn’t remember having picnics at Washington Park or going to club basketball practice.

Despite all of the normalcy I’ve lost, there are a few things that have stayed consistent. I cherish these since there’s not much else that has stayed exactly the same since leaving America. One of these activities, and my favorite, has been reading. I have failed to change my reading habits, and I think that this has allowed for my sanity to stay more intact. Since being in Rennes, I have started and completed four books, all of which have been properly logged in StoryGraph.

I have also taken to talking to my family equally as much as I did during the school year at DU. This particular habit extends to my friends as well, especially those who I am across the ocean from. Even the mere thought of being able to talk to my friends and family is enough. There doesn’t have to be any particular conversation happening, just the comfort of working silently over FaceTime is enough for me to feel comfort and normal among the chaos of a new chapter of my life.

The ability to transfer my hobbies and habits from America to France is something that is crucial to my well-being, and sometimes it can seem impossible, but I think my phone calls and obsessive reading habits are what will keep me motivated to not give up on the year-long adventure.

Airplane Airborne Illnesses

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To be completely honest, I did not think that I would get sick while here. How I was so very wrong (and naive). Just like at the University of Denver, students in Rennes have the privilege of experiencing a mysterious cold that comes, seemingly, out of nowhere and will probably last until everyone goes home for the holidays.

Now, am I surprised that I got sick? A little. Am I happy that my parents suggested that I bring some medication from home? Very much so. I have never appreciated NyQuil and DayQuil as much as I have in the past few days. During the day, I can go about my business as though nothing is happening to me, and, at night, I can go to sleep at 9 pm and wake up at 8 am without a problem.

Now, I know that I could go around blaming the fact that it was probably the combination of the university, being in a new country, and the fact that I haven’t been sleeping well, however, it wouldn’t be fair of me to rule out the likely possibility of my illness coming from travelling.

At the time that my last post was uploaded, I was in Copenhagen visiting my friend. This time allowed for me to cherish how easy it was for me to get from one place to another without have to spend a fortune on airplane tickets. However, clearly, it came at a cost.

Despite the illness I contracted while I was 35,000 feet in the air, I very much appreciated the simplicity and accessibility of budget airlines such as EasyJet and NorwegianAir that can take me from one country to another for only around 100 euros. I think that this is one culture shock that I will continue to appreciate. The easy access to other places lets people explore cities and countries they would not have access to otherwise. I think that this ability leads to more understanding and a more open world where people can appreciate beauty in different cultures, histories, and adventures that are unconventional or overlooked.

Despite the ongoing, overly persistent cough, I think that being able to take these adventures is an honor and privilege that are, at times, overlooked and taken for granted. And if you’re planning on going abroad next semester, or year, pack some medicine, it will help.