Sunday, December 11, 2011

12.11.2011

Well, it's finally hitting me that the semester is coming to an end. I cannot believe how fast the time has gone. I've truly had some of the most amazing experiences of my life here in Montpellier. I've been lucky enough to meet some of the best people I've ever known here as well, and I feel lucky that I have gotten to share these experiences with them. I've learned so much throughout the semester, and I don't mean in school. The experiences I've had so far in France will never be able to be replicated, and my ability to understand and speak this beautiful language has improved so much. I am so grateful that I am staying here one more semester, because leaving right now would be an extremely difficult and sad thing to do. I don't have to face the reality of leaving quite yet. Unfortunately, a lot of good friends I've made here are facing that reality during this upcoming week, and I will be sad to see them go.

During this past week, I took three finals, all of which I think went fine, and I couldn't be more thrilled to be done with most of my classes. The only thing I have left is an 8-page essay, and then I will be free of schoolwork until next semester! I cannot wait to travel to Switzerland, Germany and Paris on my own! I think it's going to be a fantastic experience to travel alone for a few days. I am most excited to see my amazing boyfriend Sam in Dublin and London, and cannot wait to spend 10 days with him in Europe! It should be really amazing :) :).

I've been spending the entire week with friends, and enjoying every minute of it. We've walked around this amazing city, going to cafes, watching movies, going out to bars, and just spending time enjoying each others company. This includes making and eating cheese fondue on Tuesday, going to the Vert Anglais for the French-English conversation exchange on Wednesday, going to a cocktail/ appetizer party with my host parents and other host families and students in the program on Thursday night, going to my friend Bastien's apartment to watch a Celine Dion concert and dance to Glee music on Friday, and going on a beautiful excursion to Avignon on Saturday.

Avignon was simply amazing. It's one of the most beautiful and charming towns I've ever been to, and included a Christmas market, street performers performing jazz-style Christmas music, artists, and of course beautiful architecture. We visited the Palais de Papes (palace of popes), where we took a guided tour, and it was really breathtaking. The palace is absolutely huge, and has a rich and interesting history.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avignon

Today I plan to do a little writing for this paper, and to skype with my parents and Sam. Hopefully I'm productive enough this afternoon, so I can watch a Christmas movie tonight. One week from today, Christmas vacation will have just started for me, and I will be on my way to Interlaken, Switzerland!

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