Tag: study abroad

Soul Searching in Other Cities

Published on by hadleyway1 Comment
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hadleyway

I finally found myself in a city – and I left myself there.

I saw on TikTok a quote that read, “If you feel drawn to a city, that is because your story is waiting to be written there.” I never thought this to be true. I have been to many cities my entire life, but I was never “drawn” to one in specific. I can call Denver my second home, but that has been after years of building it to be one. Although when I visited a certain city, I instantly knew what people were talking about.

I am in love with Florence. It has taken a lot of adjusting, but I am very happy about my decision to study abroad at LdM. I am learning so much about the culture and history, and I’ve been having a blast with my roommates. But that being said, it wasn’t easy at first. It was hard getting my bearings and adjusting to the ways of Florentine people. Let’s just say that when I landed in Florence, I didn’t have the immediate feeling that I was home.

I have been lucky enough to enjoy my study abroad experience by traveling to other cities and countries. I’ve been to other cities in Italy, along with Germany, Austria, and France. Each trip felt exactly how it should – a trip. But something about visiting Paris was really different and very special.

I have always dreamt of visiting Paris since I was little. I’ve taken French classes my whole life, and even hosted an exchange student from France. The moment I touched down in France, I felt something shift. It is so cheesy, but it is so true. I spent an entire day walking around alone – I popped into several grocery stores to even get a taste of what my life could be like. The city is huge, but it wasn’t daunting to me. I was able to figure out the metro easily and practiced my *very* rusty French when ordering at the cafe. It was the little things I did during my few hours alone that made me feel free and so adult to make my own decisions. I could so easily picture myself living and working here in Paris, and now I am even more determined to make that dream a reality.

Although I didn’t chose to study abroad in Paris, I still think I made the right choice. I have been able to test what I love and leave a little bit of myself here in Florence while also working towards my next goal. People say all the time that study abroad is about finding yourself. Well I did, and she’s waiting for me in Paris. 

arrivederci, or à bientôt,

Hadley

Drag race, midterms, and public transportation

Published on by Abigail HopperLeave a comment

Another week down. How is it already October??

Here in Rennes, fall weather is in full swing, and I’m loving it so much. The leaves turning colors, the start of Christmas decorations popping up in the city, and the warm drinks are all so lovely—it feels like a cozy movie scene every day.

This week, I have hit around the half-way mark in my classes, so a lot of this week I’ve been in and out of various libraries and coffee shops. With an increase in rainy weather, I’ve also started using public transportation a lot more and now am pretty confident navigating the buses and metros, which is a feat I’d say! They’re not complicated, but very different than what I’m used to back home. Sometimes I find myself missing the ease and comfort of a car in the US, but I also really appreciate the prioritization of the environment and not contributing to traffic.

One of the highlights of my week: I went to a show alone and it was amazing. I’ve been obsessed with Drag Race (who isn’t?), and after getting a bit too into Drag Race France, I found out they were touring and coming to my city. I got a ticket and went by myself, and omg—I loved every minute. The energy, the performances, and just being surrounded by people who appreciate drag culture was really special. Queer culture in France hasn’t been something I’ve seen much of yet, so this felt like such an immersive and joyful experience. And going alone was great because I met so many people and had the chance to practice my French (and pick up some new slang :).

Then bright and early the next morning, a few friends and I took a trip to Avranches in Normandy and hiked along the coast. It was a bit cold, but so gorgeous—the coastline here never gets old! It reminded me that every adventure doesn’t have to be some faraway destination; there’s so much beauty close by 🙂

This week I’m also hitting TWO MONTHS of being in France, meaning I’m almost 1/4 of the way through the whole year. I didn’t realize how quickly it truly would pass. But I’m trying to take advantage of every minute of it! Next weekend I’m going to Mont St. Michel, and have some other trips coming up soon that I’m really excited about!

Thank you for reading!!