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Scusi–I’m Trying to Get to Class!

Published on by Mattie EmbreyLeave a comment

Prior to my arrival in Italy, I didn’t know what differences to expect between this and my previous study abroad experience in Morocco. The biggest, and most unexpected, shock was the tourism scene. Meknes is no Marrakech, Chefchaouen, or Tangier when it comes to people visiting Morocco from abroad. My ten classmates and I stuck out like sore thumbs among the quiet city of locals going about their daily business. Sorrento, Italy, however, is a HUGE tourist destination. It’s difficult to feel out of place here because it seems like everyone is out of place. People come from all over the world to experience this beautiful town by the Italian seaside. I’m still not sure which setting I prefer. I felt more immersed in the local culture and routines in Morocco but Sorrento is so energetic and lively.

Going to school in Sorrento definitely has its quirks, though. For example, my apartment here is about a 25-minute walk from the school. I don’t mind the walk, but the insane pedestrian traffic can get annoying from time to time. It makes sense: people on vacation with their partner or family strolling around and slowly taking everything in. Then suddenly a 21-year-old girl comes quickly weaving through the crowd like her life depends on it. I must look ridiculous whenever I’m running late to class. My education is everyone else’s vacation. I’m grateful that at least my apartment itself is slightly out of the way of the main city hub–definitely more than worth the half-hour walk.

The fun part about the walk is getting to see everyone having fun, dressing up, and letting loose. I like to live vicariously through couples day-drinking by the beach, girls getting their photos taken in elegant dresses, couples celebrating their weddings, and families enjoying fancy Italian restaurants. It’s hard to feel burnt out after a long day when there is so much vibrant relaxation all around you.

In all, I feel very lucky that I’ve been able to experience both of these settings. I’ve loved (and been slightly annoyed by) both, and I can’t wait to live out the rest of my time here in Sorrento.

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.