18 More Days!

Monday’s class was super entertaining because we played some games that helped us get to know each other. It has been fun learning about each other in different ways because it will allow us to appreciate our time in Paris together. I also found out that I will be rooming with Kenley which will be super fun!

This week has been super stressful because of finals, but we learned time management skills in class. They tips have made this finals time so much easier then last semester, and a lot more controllable. I learned different tips on prioritizing. I also learned that a tactile learner and that I learn by doing and experiencing the topic at hand. However, the only thing getting me through my three papers and three tests is the fact that I will be in Paris in less than a month.

French Perceptions

Last week, Dr. D asked us to write about our perceptions of French people. When I think of the French as a whole, I usually think of really grumpy and lazy people who eat bread all of the time. I also imagine them smoking and drinking all of the time, and living a very slow pace of life. However, in class we talked about how they were not lazy, they just have a better appreciation and respect  for leisure than Americans. We also learned that good food and good company is a huge part of their culture. As Americans, we have such a focused and determined work ethic that we sometimes categorize certain things (such as too much leisure and relaxation) as negative just because we don’t value them like other countries. Comparing the stereotypes and truth gave me a different perspective and mindset on both French and American culture.

I thought this picture was super hilarious, and hopefully you do too! 

A Very Exciting Week!

This week was a busy week when it came to the France trip. It started early last week when I watched Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris (one of my new favorite movies). Not only did the movie tell a good story, but it had some of the most amazing shots and views of Paris that I have ever seen in any movie. Every famous place was incorporated in the film, in addition to places that were not as famous, yet still beautiful. Watching this movie made me so excited to see all of the places that we would be visiting, and super eager to go on this trip.

The excitement continued on to our big meeting with Dr. Desplaces. Although it was an early start to my day, there was so much valuable information and experiences even in Charleston that took place. We started our day by meeting at Kudu. Although I live right across the street, I had never been there, and I regret that because the mocha I ordered there was so good! I will definitely be going back more often. We talked about specifics of the itinerary, briefly touched on our perspective French stereotypes, and other information.

We then made our way to the Charleston Farmer’s Market. Throughout the year, I would tell myself that this was the weekend I would make it to the Farmer’s Market, and usually slept too late to go. So when they told us we were going, I was so excited. We went to the Farmer’s Market to try and observe how Amerincan Farmer’s Markets differ from French Farmer’s Markets. American Market’s are more of a touresty attraction or a source of entertainment while French Farmer’s Markets are more of a necessity. French people try and get their Fruits and Veggies from a market on the daily, which is very interesting and cool. I loved the Charleston Farmer’s Market, and plan on going there much more often. I also cannot wait to see France’s market for myself, and see how they compare.

We then went to the Beatty Center to talk about culture views. We talked about how Americans live to work and how the French work to live. Although I love my American culture, I would love to experience a culture that praises and values leisure. It seems like a much more balanced way of life. 

These points were only the major things that we covered. We compared and contrasted the two countries in general. We also touched base on what the business culture in France was like, and other topics we would be studying while we were there. 

Words cannot even begin to give justice to the excitement that I have for this trip! Only 26 more days!! 

Guest Speaker Excitement

Last week, we had the chance to speak with a student who was from France. We also had the opportunity to ask him questions about the cultural differences between France and America. We talked about lifestyle differences such as eating habits, routine habits, and different ways of communication such as facial expressions. He also explained the contrasts within the American and French education systems. I loved this because the information was coming from his direct experiences and knowledge, and he his answers were well thought out and interesting. It was something that was easy to relate to and comprehend. Talking to him made me so much more excited for France, and learning about the cultural differences that I will get to experience while there. I am so excited to take the information that we learned from him and apply it to my time in Paris!

You Know You Look Like a Tourist When...

Last week, lady from the Office of Institutional Diversity came into speak to us about a variety of things. One of the things that I enjoyed was “You know you’re a tourist when…” I have been fortunate enough to travel to a lot of different places in my lifetime and it is always my goal to fit in to the location as much as possible. Even though this is a little extreme and irrational, my biggest fear is that my family and I will end up looking something like this…

I know this fear is ridiculous, and when I look back at pictures of how opposite my family is compared to this picture, I laugh. However, it made me think of something that I need to remind myself more often. When I think back to all of my vacations around the world with friends and family, I rarely remember what I wore or how I looked. I remember what I experienced, what the weather was like, what the people were like, how my family, friends, and I reacted and all of the adventurous feelings that the experience came with. Because of this, I challenging myself to not focus on or worry about looking like a stereotypical tourist, and spend my time on soaking in every part of Paris that I possibly can.