Dreaming of Paris

Only one week stands between me and my lifelong dream of living in Paris. In one week, I will be able to stroll along the Champs Elysees or pop into the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa. In one week, I can eat as many croissants, macaroons and baguettes as I please. In one week, I will be embarking on an extraoridnary new adventure in life.

I haven’t even made it to Paris yet, but studying abroad is already consuming my life. When I close my eyes at night I see visions of the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe. Then I start thinking of all the things that I want to see and do while in Paris and I can hardly sleep. I find myself answering questions in French in my head before remembering that I am not in Paris yet, and quickly responding in English.

There are certain things that I am sad to leave behind: my family, the sunny days of California, the comfort and safety of a world that I know so well. But I could not be more excited for the next semester. In just a few short days, I will be able to call one of the most extraordinary places on earth home. I am sure that my semester will have it’s ups and downs as I adjust to a whole new life, but it is all part of the adventure. I look forward to meeting all my fellow IES students who will become a part of this life-changin chapter of my life that is about to begin.

Paris, I will see you soon!