Profitez de l'experience!
I'm now back in Bordeaux after what was a lovely and thoroughly enjoyable week back in Sheffield. Thankfully, the rain held off while I was there and I think more fell today in Bordeaux than I saw all week in England, which is impressive! I did a lot while back in Sheffield, it was nice to see all the sites again and see how much (or in most cases how little) had changed.
I finally got to see Steven Seagal in concert, went to a Steelers ice hockey match and actually saw them win (!), continued my half-marathon training with a couple of lengthy runs and a hike in the Peaks, went out to Frouk, had pretty much all the different types of take-away food and much more. Was great to see everyone again and to be back in Sheffield, but it is nice to be back in Bordeaux again.
Unfortunately though, my trip back was overshadowed by a certain annoyance towards a couple of my friends who are counting down the days until they can leave France for good. OK I do not have any relationship ties back in the UK, but for goodness sake, the year abroad is one heck of an opportunity which isn't open to everyone. I am one of the fortunate ones and I am absolutely loving being out here.
Perhaps it is because I am really getting into the spirit of things and involving myself in the community. I go to football and ice hockey games, I play football for a French team, I play badminton at the university every week, I attend political meetings and want to participate in political conversations and I want to explore and travel around the area and take part in local traditions.
Perhaps this is why my French is not the only thing that has improved dramatically. My confidence when speaking French is much greater as is my understanding of the political situation and grasp on local vocabulary, and I'm just so happy to have the opportunity to learn and be out here in France. Unfortunately, I only have 9 and a half weeks left out here so expect me not to be spending much time being bored and wishing I was home!
So to all those on year abroads wishing they were not, take a moment out and realise just how lucky you are. Not every language student has the chance to do what you are, and be where you are, so make the most of it! Ok rant over. Ciao
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