Reflection

After getting back home and back to school, I realized what a huge effect this trip had on me. Not only has my french improved - my comprehension is better and my speaking has vastly improved - but I am more self confident, happier, and better able to adapt to new situations. I grew up during my trip to Nice. Living in a different country without my parents or connections to my American high school and American life made me more independent and most importantly, made me get to know myself.

As far as language goes, I learned more in a month than I usually do in a semester in my classes at home. The quick pace and natural rhythm of conversation teaches you to speak without second guessing yourself all the time. You learn to trust your instincts and generally you are right, or very close. If you are wrong, the teachers are happy to help you. The most important skill I learned, a skill that will help me enormously in more advanced levels of French, is finding ways to express what you think and feel without knowing the exact French translation of the English word. I learned to talk about modern art and how Picasso and Chagall made me feel in French - things that can be difficult to express in English.

I will never forget this trip or the things it taught me and I would encourage anyone who gets the chance to go to Nice.

Siamo andati in Italia oggi! (We went to Italy today!) It was lovely - one of my favorite days of the trip and a great finale. We spent the day on a private beach, complete with lounge chairs and volleyball, and I definitely improved my tan. There was also great dining in the town and shopping, and although I didn't buy anything, I got to see a British folk band (and got a picture with them) playing on the street and I wish them the best of luck. They were very good. For dinner we had traditional Italian food - pizza, pasta, and tirimisu, and I think I probably ate way too much, but it was worth it. Tomorrow will be the day to finish packing and say goodbye to Nice. I don't want to think about it.

Agh! Only two days left! I'm not ready to leave beautiful Nice yet! It's been a very very busy week, as usual. We had our last French class this morning, and our last elective this afternoon. It will be strange to be out of the routine. Yesterday we went parasailing, and it was AMAZING. I wish I could go again! Wednesday we went on a tour of the Promenade des Anglais with Cyril for conversation, then went and had some nice time on the beach. I've started packing - I don't know how I'll get everything in there with all my souvenirs and gifts. Tomorrow we're going to Italy for the day, and everyone's excited about that. I'd write more, but we're having our last Crepe workshop tonight, and after going to watch the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games! Can't miss it!

After such a great start to the week, I'm really excited for the rest! Tomorrow is Haya's birthday, and we're having a surprise for her at lunch, and then going to Antibes land for the afternoon. It should be a lot of fun. Thursday is a big surprise - no one's sure what yet, but the rumor is we're going to Italy! That would be the third country I've been to this summer (France, Monaco, Italy) and would be amazing. Fingers crossed the rumors are true!

Hello readers!
Sunday, Monday and today have been hectic, but a blast! Sunday we went to a little village on a hill called Saint Paul de Vence and visited the art museum there. It was absolutely stunning - probably my favorite museum yet. Unfortunately we got caught in a rare thunderstorm and got very very wet, but we all laughed it off. It was a fun, unique experience. Sunday night we had free time, which we spent eating ice cream on the Promenade des Anglais. Monday we had class, as usual, then in the afternoon even more free time. I finally got to see the chateau and it was definitely worth the climb. Monday night we went bowling and I got third on my team (that's quite good for me.) Today we had class and then we went to St. Jean Cap Ferat for the last time. I had a nice swim/nap on the beach and then we had a delicious dinner (Thanks Perla!) All in all, a great start to the last week.

Time really has flown! We've had another packed week here, but I've loved every minute of it. Saturday we went to the Alps and I had a wonderful time hiking there. I've been to a modern art museum every day this week - I really like Matisse and Chagall. I visited a monastery garden with my friends Sophie and Marissa. It was beautiful. One of my favorite things we've done on this trip - and this week - was a barbecue at St Laurent du Var. There was food, the beach, and lots of fun dancing. It was a great night. Today we're going to an artist colony, and I'm very excited to get some local art to take home. Art is a great souvenir of a great trip.

Another busy week! This week we went to Monaco and Éze, and Saturday was Bastille day. Classes are going great, and I'm certainly learning a lot of French here. One day, for conversation, we went to an art gallery by the ocean. It was very windy and the waves were huge! Speaking of Art, I've been to four Art Museums here in France, and I must say they are all very impressive. I love Chagall, especially.
Monaco was beautiful, and is another country (however small) I can cross off my list of places to visit. I went to the aquarium and it was spectacular. Éze was also wonderful. The parfumerie was fascinating and I bought some lovely parfum there. The old city was really cool - everything was still in the original medieval walls.
This afternoon we are going snorkeling in Ville Franche, and tomorrow we are going to St Tropez.

It's been another busy two days. Sunday, we went to the Picasso Museum in Antibes, and went on a glass bottom boat ride. We didn't see any big fish, but it was still very nice. We're all tired - every day has been packed with lots of activity and even more walking, but it's all fun. Monday night some of us went to a movie and some went Zumba dancing. I saw the movie. It was a French film filmed on the Cote d'Azur, mostly in Antibes. It was very interesting, and VERY french. Today we had class and made pottery at a local studio. Tonight is crepes and belly dancing lessons!

Wow! It’s been a hectic five days in Nice! I’m still adjusting to the subtle nuances of French Culture – I have a feeling that once I get them right it will be time to leave. I’ve had a lot of fun. I’ve been dancing at a Balkan Ball and a Latin Ball, seen a Jazz concert, swam in the Mediterranean, and visited Cannes. So fun, and productive, which is always a good thing. French lessons are going well – I’ve learned about the proper way to greet shop owners and a lot of new vocabulary concerning clothing. I’ve made a lot of new friends, and the people here are very friendly. I’m really enjoying it so far, and am looking forward to Antibes tomorrow!

Two more days?! That's hard to believe..

It's slowly sinking in....in two days, I'm leaving for France. I can feel the excitement growing. I guess what I'm looking forward to the most is the culture. I love speaking French, and laying back and experiencing life in a way I haven't before while speaking and learning a beautiful language sounds like  a great way to spend my summer. Despite how excited I am, it doesn't seem quite real. The yellow monstrosity of a suitcase sitting on my floor doesn't feel like reality yet. But, I'm going to FRANCE. That's pretty awesome - so it's understandable if it doesn't sink in right away.