I went ahead and published my last post unfinished because whatever, I just can't keep my shit together in terms of chronicling this epic journey. I started with one journal, and then I began keeping another for a poetry project, which also turned into a personal journal, and then for a while I was using the notepad on my phone for on the go entries, and this blog every once and again, along with a notepad program on my computer and various e-mails to my family which often read more like diary entries. So, my shit is clearly scattered. I always feel the need to chronicle but in an organized fashion? Not gonna happen in this life.
Things have been good here. I'm very tired, but I know that the moment I leave Europe I will miss many things I've gotten used to and either come to love or become frustrated with abroad. Three months is a long time to be away from home, I can attest to that, but each segment of my trip has brought new surprises and various reasons to carry on.
I'm having a relaxed day in today. Chocolat, my tri-colored guinea pig roommate, nibbles his lettuce sprigs with increasing vigor, all while squeal-snorting, a sort of purr which I've come to realize signals a sense of deep satisfaction. The cat, Kiara, stares a me from her post. The apartment is silent, Sylvain and Pauline are off running errands, but I do hear waves of traffic from the main street outside.
I woke up late this morning and walked to the corner bakery which makes the best croissant and pan chocolat. I bought trois of each and cradled the bag as I walked back. Precious cargo, for sure. The plan for today is to mail a letter, take a shower, do some yoga, and catch a movie with friends a while later.
I've loved the feeling of normalcy I've found in Saint-Etienne and will always be grateful for my extended time here. I've been to a wedding reception (in costume!), climbed, cleaned the kitchen, done laundry, completed a via ferrata, hiked around the French country side, attended bbqs and pool parties, visited the contemporary art museum, grocery shopped, eaten the most incredible French food, spent the day at a nice pool spa, made a weekend trip to Lyon, and experienced countless other small enjoyments that can't come close to being labeled or quantified.
The past couple days have brought the beginning of falling leaves and crisp afternoon walks. I feel autumn creeping in and I really can't believe that I left the USA an entire season ago. When I left, Denver was still struggling with "should I be hot or cold today?" and I know I will be surprised to come home to a season other than summer. Time doesn't stop when you leave the country?
I will be more than thankful to return to the USA. I am comfortable there for multiple reasons, especially the ease of communication, but I will mostly be thankful to return with a renewed appreciation for the diversity and complexity of such a unique place. Oh, yeah, and I'll get to see my FAMILY AND FRANDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't know how to end this ramble so blah. Here it ends.
If you don't have instagram and would like to peak at my photos from my past three months in seven countries, here's the link:
http://instagram.com/winnowingwind
Things have been good here. I'm very tired, but I know that the moment I leave Europe I will miss many things I've gotten used to and either come to love or become frustrated with abroad. Three months is a long time to be away from home, I can attest to that, but each segment of my trip has brought new surprises and various reasons to carry on.
I'm having a relaxed day in today. Chocolat, my tri-colored guinea pig roommate, nibbles his lettuce sprigs with increasing vigor, all while squeal-snorting, a sort of purr which I've come to realize signals a sense of deep satisfaction. The cat, Kiara, stares a me from her post. The apartment is silent, Sylvain and Pauline are off running errands, but I do hear waves of traffic from the main street outside.
I woke up late this morning and walked to the corner bakery which makes the best croissant and pan chocolat. I bought trois of each and cradled the bag as I walked back. Precious cargo, for sure. The plan for today is to mail a letter, take a shower, do some yoga, and catch a movie with friends a while later.
I've loved the feeling of normalcy I've found in Saint-Etienne and will always be grateful for my extended time here. I've been to a wedding reception (in costume!), climbed, cleaned the kitchen, done laundry, completed a via ferrata, hiked around the French country side, attended bbqs and pool parties, visited the contemporary art museum, grocery shopped, eaten the most incredible French food, spent the day at a nice pool spa, made a weekend trip to Lyon, and experienced countless other small enjoyments that can't come close to being labeled or quantified.
The past couple days have brought the beginning of falling leaves and crisp afternoon walks. I feel autumn creeping in and I really can't believe that I left the USA an entire season ago. When I left, Denver was still struggling with "should I be hot or cold today?" and I know I will be surprised to come home to a season other than summer. Time doesn't stop when you leave the country?
I will be more than thankful to return to the USA. I am comfortable there for multiple reasons, especially the ease of communication, but I will mostly be thankful to return with a renewed appreciation for the diversity and complexity of such a unique place. Oh, yeah, and I'll get to see my FAMILY AND FRANDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't know how to end this ramble so blah. Here it ends.
If you don't have instagram and would like to peak at my photos from my past three months in seven countries, here's the link:
http://instagram.com/winnowingwind
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