So, too, this post is my last post "from" France. Meaning, the last post I will write/post while physically being in France. Backdating is my friend, however, so you will be hearing more from me.
As my departure day has approached, I've been frequently asked what I am looking forward to, what I've missed, etc. Even though I should probably be doing other things (packing or cooking, cough cough), I've taken the time to write up a list.
There are three categories: "Things I will miss from France/Dijon," "Things I have missed about home and am looking forward to getting back to," and "Things I have not missed about home." Here we go, with the items listed in no particular order!
"Things I will miss from France/Dijon"
- Pétrin bread, pastries in general
- Being greeted by "Bonjour" (and greeting them back!) when you enter any store or pass by people in a room.
- Being able to have small side conversations with friends in English. Kirsty mentioned to me that she ran in to this problem at home as well: "Shush, she can understand you, stop criticizing her outfit."
- Burgundy wine!
- Affordable French cheese (je sais que les prix sont élevés en France récemment, mais ils sont quand même moins cher qu'aux Etats-Unis)
- All the friends I've made in France, whether French, British or American
- Walking everywhere
- The Dijon owl (does he have a name?) on the tourist plaques
- Les toits vernissés
- British accents. Do you want a glass of water with your banana yoghurt?
- House parties in Chevigny
- The hot chocolate from Le Comptoir des Colonies
- Taking the train everywhere, and having it be faster than driving.
- ETA: French immersion.
"Things I have missed from home and am looking forward to getting back to"
- Broccoli (yes, I do know it exists in France)
- Milkshakes. Real milkshakes. I understand, France, that it seems like the obvious way to make a milkshake would be to take milk and shake it. No. Frothy milk is not a milkshake, it's just frothy milk! A milkshake is creamy and somewhat (if not very!) viscous. The creaminess comes from the ice cream; not much additional milk is required. Needless to say, a trip to Cookout is in my future.
- Managable plastic wrap (and aluminum foil!). Oh my goodness, France, please design/produce plastic wrap boxes that are useful. Instead of birthing this mess with your useless cardboard teeth, please evolve toward this design or at least this one! For my sanity, please.
- Not having to worry about stepping in dog poop. I believe this book covers the topic pretty well.
- My friends and family at home, of course.
- Netflix instant watch
- ETA: sweet potato fries
"Things I have not missed about home"
- Loud, obnoxious Americans (they exist elsewhere, but at a tolerable density). Yes, I'm assuming I am not one myself.
- Having to drive pretty much everywhere.
- High fructose corn syrup
- ETA: Traffic. Cars. Oh my goodness, so many cars.
I will keep adding to this list as I think of other things. But for now: merci à tous de mes élèves et des profs à HF et à C pour une bonne année scolaire - bonne continuation!; merci à aux assistants et aux amis (français et d'autres nationalités) à Dijon pour les amitiés chers que nous avons développés et que je voudrais garder - sans vous ce séjour aurait été solitaire; merci aux autres amis qui j'ai visité ou de qui j'ai fait la connaissance pendant mes voyages; merci à ma famille d'accueil (host family) pour votre accueil chaleureux pendant toute l'année, je l'apprécie vraiment. A tout le monde, je ne dis pas adieu, seulement "à la prochaine!"
That's it for now, Julie out.
