I sometimes have these moments where ever so briefly I seem to step out of my body and my life, and see myself from somewhere usually just to my right or left as an observer.
I had one such experience this evening when I was walking with 2 other assistants along the port and the sea near sunset. A spaniard, a columbian, and an american, enjoying the french riviera and chatting in French, with occasional interjections in Spanish and English. Not so crazy.
Except that I'm the american in the picture. Wait, I speak French? And Spanish? Wait, I'm carrying on a conversation with people that it would actually not be possible for me to be friends with if I couldn't do this. When did this happen? This is my life? Um, I'm on the french riviera?
My life is cool.
It is often far easier for me to see the things I can't do, the things I've failed at or royally screwed up in the past. Or even the things I still fail at from day to day. To see the things I haven't accomplished and all the ways I seem to fall short in the eyes of myself and others.
But sometimes I have to acknowledge that my life has taken turns that a younger version of myself probably wouldn't have dreamed possible. Already, at 23, I feel like I've lived multiple lives. And they don't always seem connected. But I know that somehow all of those prior lives and experiences have led to this one rather surprising and extraordinary moment that I am witnessing right now.
And then the moment passes. I am myself once again and nothing more. Back inside the present, where nothing seems quite so extraordinary. Life is always more glamorous through someone else's eyes, even if it is those of your own alter-ego.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Vacances deToussaint in a Nutshell
I had a great week and half.
I'll sum up. Sunday before last, John and Kristen arrived from Le Havre. We spent two days here with unfortunate amounts of rain. But we enjoyed some regional specialties and ate some very nice French meals, deciding that the best way to experience France when it is raining so hard you can't really see anything, is to eat!
We moved on to Marseilles, where we were again met by clouds, but no real downpours this time. We were able to take a boat out to visit the famous Chateau d'if, which is the island where Edmond Dantes is imprisoned for 20+ years in the novel The Count of Monte Cristo. We weren't able to get off and visit the island because of the rough waters caused by the almost storms. We were able to sit on the front of the boat though and get properly soaked by a big wave. (Well John and Kristen got soaked. I ducked behind them.) We also ate some Boullabaise, the famed fish soup of the region. Generally positive impressions of Marseilles.
From there we moved on to Toulouse to visit and stay with our dear friend Julian, who had stayed with John for a few months last year. This turned out to be an excellent choice of a way to spend a vacation, because we stayed with Julian's family, meaning with his very french parents who cooked for us and doted on us for 4 days. I imagine I have now eaten the best that I will eat in my entire stay here. It was lovely. We got so much good French practice, learned some fun expressions and cultural insights, and got to know some really wonderful people. We obviously all like our independence, but having the parent types around is certainly nice sometimes. It was also great to spend time with Julian and meet some of his friends as well. What a fun few days!
From Toulouse, John and Kristen made their several hour trip back to Le Havre with a day to spare before classes started again on Thursday. (today) I, determined apparently not to miss a day of opportunity, decided to spend a night in Avignon before returning all the way to Nice. I probably should have just gone home, but I do not regret my decision. Avignon is the city where the popes lived for a while during the...oh shoot 14th, 15th century? Blast, you think I would have caught that stat while I was there. Anyway, the city is beautiful! It is still fortified by the ancient city wall. The palais des papes (popes palace) is still intact, although it has lost some of its original artwork and ceilings. Lost in fires and such. So much ancient history in that place. And set in the beautiful Rhone valley with the river running right beside the city. It was a nice stay. Although, kind of a bummer to be by myself after spending the week in constant company.
And finalement, last night I arrived safely in Nice after finally breaking through the heavy traffic caused by the G20. (meeting of the French president and other important heads of states)
The whole trip was actually cooler than I've described it here. But all the details would take far too long to narrate. So in short, France is so cool and I had a great time. :)
I'll sum up. Sunday before last, John and Kristen arrived from Le Havre. We spent two days here with unfortunate amounts of rain. But we enjoyed some regional specialties and ate some very nice French meals, deciding that the best way to experience France when it is raining so hard you can't really see anything, is to eat!
We moved on to Marseilles, where we were again met by clouds, but no real downpours this time. We were able to take a boat out to visit the famous Chateau d'if, which is the island where Edmond Dantes is imprisoned for 20+ years in the novel The Count of Monte Cristo. We weren't able to get off and visit the island because of the rough waters caused by the almost storms. We were able to sit on the front of the boat though and get properly soaked by a big wave. (Well John and Kristen got soaked. I ducked behind them.) We also ate some Boullabaise, the famed fish soup of the region. Generally positive impressions of Marseilles.
From there we moved on to Toulouse to visit and stay with our dear friend Julian, who had stayed with John for a few months last year. This turned out to be an excellent choice of a way to spend a vacation, because we stayed with Julian's family, meaning with his very french parents who cooked for us and doted on us for 4 days. I imagine I have now eaten the best that I will eat in my entire stay here. It was lovely. We got so much good French practice, learned some fun expressions and cultural insights, and got to know some really wonderful people. We obviously all like our independence, but having the parent types around is certainly nice sometimes. It was also great to spend time with Julian and meet some of his friends as well. What a fun few days!
From Toulouse, John and Kristen made their several hour trip back to Le Havre with a day to spare before classes started again on Thursday. (today) I, determined apparently not to miss a day of opportunity, decided to spend a night in Avignon before returning all the way to Nice. I probably should have just gone home, but I do not regret my decision. Avignon is the city where the popes lived for a while during the...oh shoot 14th, 15th century? Blast, you think I would have caught that stat while I was there. Anyway, the city is beautiful! It is still fortified by the ancient city wall. The palais des papes (popes palace) is still intact, although it has lost some of its original artwork and ceilings. Lost in fires and such. So much ancient history in that place. And set in the beautiful Rhone valley with the river running right beside the city. It was a nice stay. Although, kind of a bummer to be by myself after spending the week in constant company.
And finalement, last night I arrived safely in Nice after finally breaking through the heavy traffic caused by the G20. (meeting of the French president and other important heads of states)
The whole trip was actually cooler than I've described it here. But all the details would take far too long to narrate. So in short, France is so cool and I had a great time. :)
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