Category: France

Airplane Airborne Illnesses

Published on by Catherine BakerLeave a comment

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.

An Overdramatic Retelling of a Train Ride (and Other Adventures)

Published on by Catherine BakerLeave a comment

I think that trains have become my favorite form of transportation. And I’m not speaking about any ordinary metro line (although the metros in Rennes are some of the best I have been in), no, I’m speaking of trains that traverse great lengths of land or even the Eurostar which carries you to London. I like to look out the window and watch the landscape pass by me in the blink of an eye. There’s a strange sense of comfort that I get knowing that every second there’s something new to see, something different.

On a train from Rennes to Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris, you cross countrysides that remind you of every period piece that’s been televised: Luscious rolling hills covered in wildflowers, small villages, farms, and forests. I think that trains help to visualize just how vast and ever changing the world around you is. I know I am probably being way too dramatic about something that’s so mundane, but I think that is just my need to over explain and psychoanalyze everything.

As I traversed the 6 AM countryside at high speed, I watched the sun come up over the horizon, and savored the morning while I’m surrounded by strangers who have their own lives and their own stories.

Although I won’t be staying in Paris, but instead be embarking on a trip to Copenhagen, I am excited for any future visits that I have to the city of lights.

Even though this new adventure is one that I’m extremely excited about, I also want to appreciate the adventures that I will continue to go back to and local meet ups that may become rituals.

On a whim, one random Saturday, I decided to ask my friend if she would like to go out to dinner. She agreed and we decided on a crêperie called Bretone. This restaurant is quite famous for its intricate salle de bain (or bath room) whose walls are intricately decorated with an art deco style made of gold, green, blue, and red mosaic tiling. I had somewhat forgotten about how beautiful it was to see art out in the open and not in a museum, there’s something that makes me appreciate it more.

To continue with the theme of “art in the wild”, live music isn’t as prominent here in France as it is back in America, however, there’s one Irish pub that consistently holds live performances. On Tuesday nights, there is live Irish music where the band sits at a table facing each other and play until they feel like stopping. These experiences, although seem like an every day passing, are what make my experience here and my transition into the French culture and way of life a lot easier than what it would have been if I was alone.

Throughout these experiences, and as I am collecting new memories, I have to remember to cherish what I have already done while looking forward to what I want to do and where I want to go in the future. And just like the passing of the landscape, every minutes of life there’s a new image, a new experience, a new memory to be cherished.