It is no secret that the majority of French citizens adore movies and the experience of going to the theater.  The country is very proud of their cinema heritage, and this is evident in their relatively strict film laws.  Additionally, I have met multiple locals who love the movies almost as much as their family.

Since my last post was all about my adventures in Nantes, this post will be about my adventures elsewhere in France.  Last weekend, the other IES Abroad students and I did a day trip to Mont Saint-Michel and then Saint-Malo.  We left early on a Saturday morning, so early in fact that the sun had not yet risen and the streets were practically empty.  As I walked from my host family’s house to IES Abroad, I basked in the quiet, empty serenity of my neighborhood, which is usually bustling with noisy traffic.  We boarded a charter bu

Being sick isn’t fun. I rarely get sick, so it makes me really nervous when I do get sick. My mom told me not to be worried because the reason I rarely get sick is because I was probably exposed to many sick children when I was in the Chinese orphanage. Therefore, I have a good immune system, and I shouldn’t be worried about my sickness now.

Spain is home to a unique brand of salesperson. This person stands outside a restaurant on a lively street or plaza and tries to entice passersby to come in. The salesperson generally can say “Are you hungry? Do you want a drink?” in at least three languages and may try all of them on any unsuspecting tourist who glances confusedly in their direction. A few weeks ago I was seated at an outside table and ended up chatting with the restaurant’s salesman. I asked him if he liked his job, explaining that to my knowledge it didn’t exist in the U.S.

This weekend I experienced something completely new– showing someone else around the city. Despite living in London for about two months now, this was the first time I became the native. I was in charge of trying to explain the beauty and immense collection of things and places London has to offer to someone who has never been here.

The Albayzín.