Although some people might be thankful to go home after a month abroad, I have found myself already wanting to come back (and I’ve been here over a month!). The weather has worked out really well for us this trip, and I’m so thankful considering I was preparing for the worst heat ever. That being said, going back to Virginia will bring more heat (surprisingly) but also my dog (named Eliza, not after Eliza on this trip though) who I am looking forward to seeing. I’m excited to have some chill moments before school starts back up, but I am going to miss this class! It has been fun getting to know everyone and experience France together! Since we’re leaving, I figured I would go through a few things that I will miss, and a few I will enjoy when I get back to the states.
What I’ll miss:
Meals – meals here last for hours, no one rushes you to eat quick and get out so more people can get in and therefore spend more money (and tip more). I love that I can start eating at 8pm, have good conversation and good food, and not feel like I’m being that one person in the restaurant who won’t leave. I mean some people are at restaurants before us and we leave before them and they’ve only had drinks! Meal time just feels more purposeful, like you’re meant to enjoy the food and the company.
Not tipping – Similar to above, its probably because waiters get paid a living wage! Imagine! I like that when I pay the bill I don’t feel obligated to tip well just because I got a normal meal with service I should get for just being a normal human. Of course, you can always tip for good service here but it’s not a lot and it’s for doing an exceptional job, not just the bare minimum.
Knowing the price on the tag is the price you pay – When I go to buy a 5.5 euro piece of chocolate, I know that’s exactly what it will be and I don’t have to think about whether or not I have the change in cash or anything.
Public transit – It’s so reliable! And when it’s not, there’s a good reason and an alternative. It’s not like the metro where if my stop is closed I just have to drive into DC instead of going to another nearby stop.
General accessibility and easy to find where to go – streets are labeled well and interconnected, they might not be in a grid but it’s still easy to follow. Google Maps and the RATP app for the win!
What I’ll like going back home:
A/C – the weather was mostly manageable, but the one hot weekend I did take some very cold showers and the metro was sweltering. Especially with warmer weather at home I will be grateful for the air conditioning.
Cold water – sometimes a girl just wants some refrigerated water instead of lukewarm tap water at a meal.
Driving – people drive wild here, and I wouldn’t drive even if offered. But I will enjoy driving around my neighborhood and not being in such a large city with some bold drivers.
Overall, I will miss a lot of the culture here. I had an idea of it before, and figured I would like to go back, but now that I’ve done it by my own once I will definitely be doing it again. I’m glad I had at least high school French going into this class, as I’ve been able to use it on occasion. As for now, I will be going through my entire camera roll every single day and bugging my friends about “Well in paris, i did xyz” and annoying them with all my travel adventures. Below is a photo dump of some fun pictures throughout this trip!
Au Revoir from Ellie in Paris for the last time :(((