Joanna is allowing me to post some of her personal blogs about her experience in Aix here on our blog. They really are worth reading. I'll be posting more later as she adds to her blog.
7/2/07: I have been here 6 days now and this is the first chance I've had to sit down to a computer. In some ways it is a refreshing change to be cut off from the constant flow of online communication but mostly I'm just trying to make myself feel better by saying that...to be honest, I have definitely experienced internet withdrwal and am relieved to feel connected to the world at large again.
Anyway, Aix (pronunced "X"...as I affirmed) is what I had hoped it would be: a laid-back provencal town with an energy that just pulses along at a steady, routine-reinforced, pace. Most days markets go up in a flash and are just as quickly folded away to make room for tiny cafe tables and the patrons who sit perched with drinks on hand for hours and hours of solitary reflection, rendezvous with friends or just some first-rate people watching. I think I am going to settle into this cafè culture quite nicely.
I just started classes today so I cannot really speak to that yet, but in my time off I have already done some great travelling. I spent an afternoon at a dirty beach in Marseille--a true disappointment for my first experience of the Mediterranean--but have since gone on to visit one of the finest beaches I have ever been to at Cassiss. Like the pictures, the water is true, deep aqua-blue. This beach had cliffs rising up on the side and smooth pebbles line the beach instead of sand. You all should be proud, I rocked the giant sun hat (pictured above) and managed to do so without too many strange stares.
More updates to come soon: more on the heavenly food, the sun that seemingly never sets, etc etc
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7/4/07: Last night, after vowing to go to bed early, I headed into town after dinner to grab some dessert with a friend. I got thoroughly lost on my way and was thus late to meet up at Les Deux Garcons but I was please to see my friend had taken the opportunity to do some journalling, leaning against a tree, and striking a most fantastic pose. Clearly I loved it.
After ordering our 9 Euro Pimms Champagne and Mojitos we spent hours discussing religion and philosophy--THIS is what I came for. It was a fantastic evening topped off with nutella crepes and a sleepy walk home.
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7/5/07: During the day, July 4th en France was relatively uneventful. I donned my patriotic colored sundress to celebrate the occasion but all but fellow Americans failed to recognize my patriotim. Perhaps the Aixois were distracted by other things...afterall, the big Saldes (sales) started yesterday and EVERYTHING was on sale. My day of shopping was pretty fantastic and I am thrilled with my found treasures. This was the first day I had to spend by myself and while I enjoyed the alone-time it quickly became clear to me just how limited my French is. I will have to speed up this learning process! It is a frustrating thing to feel you have so much to say but no means of communicating.
After my shopping frenzy I met up with Gray and Megan from Abroadco for an afternoon drink. I again caved and paid 9 euros for an irish coffee. yes, prices are steep. We had a good time just sitting around in the half-shade for a bit. We soon made a trip to the wine store and stole away to Megan's apartment for a bit more afternoon imbibing. Megan's apartment is amazing. It is at such a prime location, just a minute or two from class and the center of town and the apartment is stylishly decorated, has impossibly high ceilings, and great woodwork one can only find in European cities. I'm just a wee bit jealous, as my homestay is closer to 20 mins from class and i just far enough that I feel uncomfortable walking home after dark. But, c'est la vie, right? Thankfully my host mom is incredibly warm and welcoming, making my stay with her very enjoyable so far. Tonight she is taking Sara and me to a concert!
Last night, to celebrate the holiday, Sara and I met up with some friends at a Tapas restaurant. We had already filled our stomaches on our host mom's delicious meal but we definitely helped ourselves to Sangria. Later that night we met up with EVERYONE on Sextius. Several of the clubs/bars were giving free drinks to Americans so naturally it was a fun (and a bit wild) evening. They played American hip hop too which was a nice touch. I had a crazy fun time dancing with my friends.
While this 4th of July was certainly different from my others, I think the night was an overall blast. Who would have guessed July 4th abroad could be so fun?