Author: sarahblaiser

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Getting ready to leave Aix has been one of the weirdest experiences so far. I have been quite homesick at moments so I have been very excited, but it does not feel real to leave. Aix has become a second home these past few months. Every time I returned from a trip I knew exactly where to go and what to do. The sound of someone speaking French became a soothing sound instead of a fear of what to say. It has become my normal.

I have talked about it with my host mother but the best word in French to describe everything I have been feeling is douce-amère, bittersweet. I have seen her just about every day for the past few months and I can’t imagine my days without her. Her cat, Lucille, has also been a goodbye I have been dreading. The way I have been coping is by making sure we will call each other, send letters, and possibly visit one another. It will be hard to maintain relationships from so far away, but at the end of the day, it seems extremely worth it. She has become one of my closest people.

Along with saying goodbye to my host family, I have to say goodbye to all of the friends I have made here. Sadly, all of my new friends are from different areas in the US. However, that makes it more fun to visit one another! Saying goodbye is always so hard, but I hope I will be able to see most of them again. The ones that I don’t I will hold and remember our abroad experience close to my heart.

On the flip side, I am so excited to be home in the States! I have missed my family and friends immensely and the Holidays are my favorite time to be home. I miss DU as well and cannot wait to be reunited with my friends there. Lots of fun things on the horizon to look forward to, which makes moving forward exciting as well.

Alongside my optimism, is the reality that adjusting to everything is going to be difficult. I am guessing I will be overwhelmed by all that is in store, but I think home will be a good change of pace. I am hoping things will not feel too weird, but honestly, I have no idea what to expect. I know I have changed while I have been away, so I think it’s important to be patient with myself along with everyone I am returning home to. I may feel left out on some experiences, but I would not change going abroad for anything.

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It’s that time of the year when Aix is head-to-toe in holiday cheer! The Christmas markets are a fun event to attend either on the weekends or after school. The markets are the perfect place for getting gifts for your people, or to just spend some downtime.

There is so much food to buy here it is almost overwhelming! Many sweet treats to pick from and of course France’s favorite, so many types of bread. Hot wine is another classic and has multiple options to choose from. If hot wine isn’t your thing there are lots of ciders and hot chocolate that can warm your hands as well. Cotton candy here goes by the name of Barbe à papa and is a fan favorite among children and adults. I was able to get myself a bag of churros, and it was worth the long wait in line.

Along with the fresh foods, there are also many packaged ones for sale within the market. A majority of all the stores in this stretch are Artisian handmade small businesses. There is a range of items from packaged truffles to candles made out of old wine bottles. There is also a section of the market for a somewhat festival of the world. There are different countries and regions represented with different things to sell, taste, and some music to share as well.

Along with the food and gifts, there are lots of amusement rides and games that anyone can play. There are also a few magicians and musicians putting on shows in different parts of town. Every place you look there is something to do! Many stands sell your classic carnival toys and balloons. Watch out on a weekend because there will be many families everywhere and the area gets crowded fast.

Don’t leave before you buy a famous santon! This is French for saint and is a very common gift and tradition in the South of France. There is a classic santon of a man walking against a strong wind which symbolizes Le Mistral which is a famous wind in the south that you will likely hear mentioned many times. These santons make great gifts and are fun souvenirs to have as mementos of your travels. They are often shown with large sets that people display in their homes, similar to nativity scenes. I was told that if you buy a santon then you have to buy a small duck santon as well, apparently, it is a tradition but that was all I was told.

Another tradition is Provencal dancing which can be found in certain parts of the markets. There are traditional songs and dances that are beautiful to watch. It was super fun to watch the dancers enjoy themselves along with the crowd. They perform their own live music and draw quite the crowd. Overall, there is so much to do at the Christmas markets and I would definitely add them to your bucket list!