worlds apart

About a month later, I am back in the U S of A.
I sit here in my suburban Georgia home and am tracing back through my memories to the last few months. It's hard to remember what it felt like to not be able to speak the native language, to be living with 20 other American students, to learn how to handle situations in a flexible manner. More than the culture shock I experience when I first landed in France, I had a tougher time getting used to the way things were.

Here is an article that describes the reverse culture shock that I experienced:

Reverse Culture Shock

By Janis M. Leet

In some cases, particularly where a person has adjusted exceptionally well to the host country, reverse culture shock may cause greater distress than the original culture shock. Robert Kohls, Survival Kit For Overseas Living.

When you return to the US you may experience some degree of what is called "reverse culture shock" or "re-entry shock". Although reverse culture shock may not be as significant as the initial culture shock you experienced upon going overseas, it can be more upsetting as it is often unexpected. (After all, you are returning to your "own" culture.)

Upon returning home, you will be glad to see your friends and family, and happy to be back in familiar territory. But at some point you will probably feel frustrated at not being able to communicate all of your thoughts and feelings about your study abroad experience.

You may notice that, although your friends are happy to see you, they are not interested in hearing about all of your experiences. You may feel somewhat alienated, finding that while you have grown and expanded your horizons, your friends have not. They may seem somewhat provincial and not interested in anything international.
During this transition period, it is especially important to keep in contact with your fellow study abroad students-they can provide a great support system. They will be interested in your experiences and will want to share your feelings about being back home.

As with initial culture shock, it requires time and effort for you to make a successful readjustment. There may be some frustrating moments at first, but it will all be worth it. Not only will you have learned about another culture, but you will also have gained a greater understanding of yourself and your own culture.
Suggestions for overcoming reverse culture shock are:

• Keep in contact with fellow international coop students, you will all want to share your re-entry experiences.
• Get involved in groups or activities both on and off campus that are international in focus (like volunteering or work study in the International Coop Office) or continue a new interest that you acquired while overseas.
• Ask a trusted friend to make a list of fads, vocabulary, TV shows, what's "in", etc. that may be new since you left to study abroad. This will help you feel in tune with what's going on in America now.
• If you practiced a new language while working abroad, try to keep it up. Join a conversation group or seek out international students with whom you can speak the language. They will welcome the opportunity to speak their native tongue and, as fellow international students, will enjoy sharing common experiences.

-----

To study a semester abroad in Lyon, France was the best decision I have ever made in my life. I have taken a deeper glimpse into another part of the world, first-hand, and realized that this world is bigger than I imagined. Not only did I learn more about the culture, language, food, and people of France, I have stepped into the global community and plan on being an active member. My perspectives on everyday things have changed tremendously and my mindset has definitely broadened towards larger horizons. Although it was only a semester, I changed a lot during those 4 months. I became a more flexible person - more willing to meet new people and learn about their backgrounds. I am more interested in international affairs, and am now reading world news as a daily task. Not only do I want to make a return trip to France, I am hoping to find a job that will place me somewhere in Europe for a few years after I graduate. As much as I love home and its comforts, I believe that home will always be here to take me back, no matter where I go or for how long. That's what I learned when I returned from my semester abroad. My family and friends were here to take me back with welcoming arms, and all I had to do was step back into where I left. The change I experienced during the last 4 months was essential, and I feel like it has equipped me with new qualities that will benefit me in the future. The semester flashed right before my eyes, and as much as I want to describe in words how great of an experience it was, words and pictures will just not do my experience justice. It is something to experience first-hand, and it is unique to each person. Towards the end of my semester, I possessed strong feelings of endearment towards the people I met, the places I've seen, and the things I've done. Lyon will always be in the happy parts of my most cherished memories, and it will be a semester I look back to with a smile on my face. I am more than glad that the semester was a success; in aspects of more than I can count.

a picture-esque update

Sorry for the lack of updates.
Here are some pictures from the past few weeks to make up for it.

not just yet...

"If you had the chance to go home tomorrow, would you do it?" -Claire, my roommate

My response to her went something like this: No. I miss home and my family and friends, but I am not ready to leave France yet. If I could, I would transport all of the people I love here with me so I won't have to leave. .. And that is the truth. I miss home terribly because of the people that have been such a huge part of my life, but I am loving France too much to leave. It literally makes my heart drop whenever I accidentally hear someone say their countdown. I don't like hearing the countdown because quite frankly, it makes me anxious and sad. But considering the short amount of time I have left here, the flurry of feelings that are going around seem to be the same. The friendships I have made here have made most of my experience. The city of Lyon is beautiful; there are many things to do and see, but it is nothing without friends to share it with. I know this is redundant from a previous post, but it is something that I am constantly reminded of.

On a brighter note, holiday cheer is all around. We had a holiday decorating party last weekend for our apartment (tinsel, peppermint bark, Christmas music, oohlala) and now it is all festive. My roommates and I also put up a small & cute Christmas tree and some lights in our kitchen. I love it. It gives me a warm and tingly feeling.

I don't mean for this to be a choppy post, but I will come back and edit with some pictures and updates from my weekend in Paris.

Rainy Days

(written November 23, 2007)


I sit here complaining about how much rain we are getting in Lyon, and halfway across the world there are people complaining about how much rain they are lacking. Georgia is experiencing a severe drought and my mom told me that Lake Lanier (the largest lake in Atlanta) is drying out quickly. I remember a few summers ago when we experienced droughts and we had to be conscious of every time we used water – there would be fines for neighbors who used their hoses to wash their cars or to water their gardens. My American History professor tells us recent news of the week before class, and a week ago he told us that Sonny Purdue and other political figures had a prayer session asking for rain.

I should be thankful for the rain. Of course I am. Thanksgiving is still having its effect on me – the “I am thankful for…” one. Yesterday was a Thanksgiving that I have never experienced before. First of all, it was in France. France doesn’t celebrate Thanksgiving so it was a little odd not hearing the familiar greetings of “Happy Thanksgiving” in stores, or seeing holiday decorations around the city. Second of all, I had to attend class. That was a first. It wasn’t all too bad – it just felt like an ordinary day. But when the sun went down and the rain started to downpour, I couldn’t help but get into my homesick mode, especially with the fact that it was Thanksgiving. But I got myself out of it because there is never any use sulking around and complaining. So I got ready to go to the dinner prepared by CEFAM. A couple of us got there a little late, but there was still food for us – turkey, green beans, stuffing, apple pie, and plenty of wine. I woke up this morning and thought to myself that it was the first time I didn’t wake up stuffed. Not that it’s a bad thing – it was just different. The food was great and it was nice seeing all of the French students again. I haven’t seen a lot of them since Integration Weekend so it was good reconnecting with them.

Yesterday also had another significant purpose. It marked the one month mark for the time I have left here. HOW SCARY.

Today’s agenda includes going to Croix-Rousse, getting homework done, and possibly start watching holiday movies. :)

fresh new eyes

PHEW.

That pretty much sums up my life for the past few weeks. travel travel travel. That's what I've been doing and it has been such an exciting burden. The weekend right after Italy, I went to Madrid, Spain with a couple of the Americans. The city was packed with American franchises - Dunkin' Donuts (or should I say Dunkin' Coffee), Starbucks, KFC, McDonalds, etc. It was a sight for sore eyes. Who would've thought that I would miss American coffee and greasy chicken? We didn't just eat American things, of course. We also had the chance to eat traditional paella, tapas, and Sangria. All in all, a great trip.

This past weekend, I went to London, England and met Yuna there. It was a very short trip (we basically only had one day), but we did most of everything we wanted to do. Harrod's, Buckingham Palace, double-decker buses, SoHo, Big Ben, London Eye, Tower Bridge, and the Tate Modern Museum. Hearing English was music to my ears. It was so familiar and comforting. The funny thing, though, is that when Yuna and I were getting a little lost, we kept forgetting that we had the option to ask somebody and expect to receive an answer in our native tongue. We have been so used to relying on ourselves to look up streets on the map because it is such a struggle with foreign languages. We actually asked less people for directions in London than any other city we were in. We still managed to find everything we wanted to see and do that day. And another weird thing is when I overheard speaking French, that sounded more familiar to me than English. I think I am getting really comfortable with listening to conversational French. Now, if only I could speak as well.. But that's another story.

Impressions of London:
-Prices are daunting
-Many American franchises (YAY! Starbucks holiday cups are out)
-The roads were confusing (opposite!)
-The public Tube transportation was unreliable and inefficient
-The bus was better
-Architecture is amazing
-Innovative window displays
-Many advertisements for theatre
-The accent is great. So classy
-It was so festive! Holiday lights and music all around...
-The weather was cold & gloomy. Not a ray of sun

London was love at first sight, but I think after I experienced a day of the awful weather and the messy transportation system, it made me rethink my impressions of the city. But overall, London is one of my favorite cities. There is a lot to do and you can easily find your way around without burning a hole in your wallet. My cousin lived there for a year so she sent me a whole list of things to do and see, so that was really helpful. The Tate Modern Museum was the perfect way to end the trip. It is a free museum - 7 floors (3 of which are used for shops and restaurants) of art. Bliss. Joan Miró is my favorite artist of the moment. His style is very unique, organic, and playful. I kept being drawn to his works of art without realizing it was him. Other artists that were in the galleries included Picasso, Francis Bacon, Francis Picablia, and Mark Rothko.

After traveling weekend after weekend after weekend, I haven't been in Lyon on a Sunday since about a month. Sundays are usually the days when everyone gets their lives together - chores, blog entries, updating photo albums, and hanging out at the apartment. Although I didn't get any sleep on Saturday night, I came back to Lyon in the morning and came home to find out that some friends were going out to the flea market. I tagged along and loved it. It was all very overwhelming and there were a lot of great things, but not good enough for me to buy. But near the end of our time there, I found the cutest plate and teacup/saucer set. "The cow watches as the trains go by..." I've been using it everyday since. :) Sunday night was another usual dinner night for my roommates, a few friends, and I. We somehow always end up cooking a feast even though we always say that only one person should cook at a time. Well, we all love cooking, so we can't help it. After dinner, we were just sitting in the kitchen (aka the common room) and talking. We were joking around about an advertising project my roommate had to do and it got hysterically out of control. I kept laughing until my stomach hurt. Simple moments like that remind me of how much I love the people in my apartment. 20 very different Americans chosen to live in one apartment for four months. We always label this experience the Real World: Lyon Edition. It's a very fun and interesting experience. By living with friends, I am getting to know them at a much deeper level. I am really happy with how well my friendships are developing.

Yesterday night, the unthinkable happened. I got swept away in the wave of homesickness that's been going around the apartment. I am usually occupying myself with other things so I don't have to think about home. And that way, I can just focus on the now and make the most of what is in front of me. But yesterday, I just felt a huge weight on my heart because I was thinking about the upcoming holidays and my family and friends back in the states. I called my mom and we had a really good conversation (despite the awful internet that kept disconnecting my Skype). She told me she already bought the turkey and they are making a small dinner this year. I wanted to be transported home so I could help make all the side dishes and the pies. Thanksgiving is a really special holiday for my family and not being there to share it with them saddens me. But we already made plans to reenact Thanksgiving dinner during winter break so that is something to look forward to. And also, we have a few Thanksgiving plans here in Lyon, so I have nothing to worry about. Well, after the phone call with my mom, I was a little homesick but after talking to my roommate, Claire, I got pulled out of it again. She was telling me about the great conversation she had with two other friends, Mike and Chris. They were talking about the semester and how unique of an experience we have; we can travel to the same countries and places and with friends and family, but never again will we have the chance to live together and experience this together. Like... THIS IS IT. What we have in front of us is something we will never get again. That just really hit me. After realizing how few days we have left in France, it is making me want to run around Lyon with everybody, creating memories that will be cherished forever. It stirred up a new motivation in me and it is making me look at everything with fresh new eyes. I still have a month left, but I can completely agree with when people say that studying abroad is an experience of a lifetime. It is an indescribable opportunity that helps you grow as a person that would have been tough to discover otherwise. It definitely opens doors and opportunities in ways more than one.



“Experience, travel - these are as education in themselves” - Euripides

Italia, non basta una vista (Italy, a lifetime is not enough)

It's been about a week and a half since my vacation in Italy, but there are still vivid and lasting impressions of Italy that I can't forget. Their food, for example. Never have I seen so many gelaterias in my life - I felt like for every boutique there was in Florence, there was a gelateria to balance it out. There were so many different and unique flavors that I've never seen before like chestnuts, Nutella, and dark chocolate and orange. Yuna and I had many, many pit stops to enjoy the different flavors. Other than desserts, Italy's food was amazing. We made sure to try all of the Italian classics like spaghetti, fettuccini alfredo, panini sandwiches, pizza, and risotto. mmm, parfait. Everything was so delicious and savoring.

The first day consisted of a lot of traveling. We left Paris early in the morning and caught a flight to Milan. We spent a few hours there to grab lunch, sightsee a little bit, and then to catch a train to our next destination, Venice. I was really looking forward to Venice to see the gondolas and canals run through the city, but it turned out to be a huge disappointment because we weren't aware that we had to take a train out to the city. We would have loved to just jump on the train, but we had a hostel booked in Florence for that night, so we had to make sure we got there in time. Instead of being in the actual Venice, we were at the train station area for two hours and we killed the time by walking up and down the street...hoping to see something interesting or noteworthy, but it was a complete bummer. The only thing I got from "Venice" was that there were a lot of men. Seriously, the ratio was like 10 men to 1 woman. To avoid any uncomfortable situations, we just stayed at a restaurant right around the corner from the train station. Dinner was good and that is probably the only thing I can claim I did in "Venice." When the time came, we hopped on to our next train to Florence. We got in close to midnight, but the city is very manageable so we found the hostel fine. As we were walking to check in, we passed the Duomo Cathedral. It was SO magnificent and grand. I felt swallowed by its enormous size. It was almost scary to view it by night, but it was very beautiful. There were still a lot of people out on the streets, so it seemed like a safe area. We snapped a few photos and checked into the hostel and just passed out right away. It was a day with heavy traveling.

The next morning, we checked out of the hostel and got the chance to fully appreciate a city in Italy. Florence is very beautiful. I loved how it is manageable and you can walk everywhere. We did a lot of window shopping, sightseeing around the museums and cathedrals, and we also walked out of the city towards a big hill. It was a bit of a hike to get to the top, but the view was worth it. We had a panoramic view of the city of Florence and even a few villages outside of it. There were red roofs everywhere, random cathedral domes popping out, and visible rivers running through the city. The weather was also really nice that day, so it made the experience that much more enjoyable.

After Florence, we caught another train to Rome. We wanted to make sure we had enough time in Rome so we stayed there for two nights. The first day was hectic because there were complications with the train ride, but we managed to get there in one piece. We didn't have much time to do any sightseeing so we just ate and drank at a local bar/lounge. Our waiter prepared special drinks for us called The Colosseum - it was interesting and tasty. We also came across a bakery called Panella. It is a nun-owned bakery and they really make art out of making breads. There were animals, floral bouquets, mini figurines, etc. You would never think it is bread...it looked like ordinary things made out of clay.

The second day was really great - it was the perfect preview day to Rome. I wish I could have gone into all of the museums and buildings, but there just wasn't enough time and the lines were ridiculously long, so we just had glimpses of each place. But even with that, I was more than content. Seeing the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and Saint Peter's Basilica...it was all memorable. It was crazy walking through the Roman Forum because I was amazed by how well preserved everything was. I mean, it was all ruins, but there were still pieces that were intact and you could imagine what it would have looked like hundreds of years ago. The entire city was just very historical and beautiful. We did a lot of piazza hopping and it was fun to see how each piazza varies from another. One was known for their restaurants, another for their shopping, another for their social scene, etc.
There are many thoughts that ran through my mind before, during, and after the trip, but I don't think words can express the experience. But to me, Italy is a place where I would definitely love to go back to for a full experience (going into all of the museums and cathedrals).

Some of the impressions I had of Italy.
-Two sorts of people: the rude, pushy, and smelly ones. or the friendly, nice, and helpful ones.
-Lots of cathedrals and historical architecture
-Trendy and fashion forward (but similar to France with the dark hues)
-The language sounds vulgar
-They have a passion for food
-Most people spoke or understood English
-Lots of gypsies
-Lack of efficient public transportation
-People are content and complacent - they have no rush to get anywhere (I noticed two men who just stopped their day to watch a building being renovated)

Overall, I enjoyed Italy a lot, but it made me more appreciative of France. I definitely missed it while I was there because I was getting used to hearing and speaking French with the locals, and also the cultural adjustments. It was like being lost in translation all over again while I was in Italy. I picked up a few survival phrases, but nothing more to carry a conversation. Thankfully, most of the people spoke English since there are always so many tourists.