Bonjour! I have arrived safely to France. Somehow I blinked, and just like that, the first week has passed. My first week spent living abroad has included adjusting to the 7 hour time difference, playing in my first practices and game, attempting to drive a manual car, obsessing over French baguettes and cheese, learning how to have a conversation in French with the house dog, Shop and much more. I think I am going to like it here!
My journey to living abroad started on Sunday, September 23rd. Dad dropped me off at the airport in St. Louis. I shed a few tears and was on my way.
I made it to my seat on the plane, the flight attendants closed the doors and I realized that the two seats next to me were empty! I looked around me and it seemed to be a pretty empty flight (hallelujah!). After take off, and when we could unfasten our seatbelts, I popped a melatonin, blew up my inflatable neck pillow (a necessity when traveling), put on my compression socks and was ready to snooze. I slept spread out on the three seats that I had all to myself.
I was dreaming of being at work, then realized it wasn’t a dream and was awakened by an overhead page about someone needing a nurse or medic. I didn’t even think twice about throwing off my eye mask, unfastening my seatbelt and jumping out of my seat(s) to see where help was needed. And it felt natural for me even though I’d never really had to help anyone outside of the hospital setting. The lady in need happened to be sitting two rows behind me, so I was the first to respond. The flight attendant explained to me what was going on and I continued to assess the patient, er, I mean passenger. Unfortunately in this setting I was very limited as to what I could actually do (without typical hospital resources). Luckily it wasn’t anything serious like chest pain or stroke like symptoms. I continued to use my assessment and critical thinking skills to try and help this lady. A few other people showed up to help and we collaborated on what we thought was happening based on her symptoms. The lady was stable, so I went back to my 3 seats and fell back asleep.
I woke up to the bright light of Iceland beaming inside the plane, heard the pilot say that we were about 40 minutes from landing. So I went back to check on the lady and she said that she was feeling better. I gave her some recommendations and wished her bon voyage.
The plane landed safely and then I had an hour layover before my flight to Paris. There were 50 mph winds and it was hailing on arrival (So glad Savannah and I had great weather when we visited in May). Couldn’t have noticed that by the smooth landing though!
The flight from Reykjavík to Paris was super comfortable as I upgraded to a big seat (or first class) for only $10 than a seat with XL legroom. Totally worth the 10 extra bucks!
I landed in Paris on time and was somewhat in a hurry to catch the train. I did not fly into this airport last time I arrived in Paris so everything was new to me. Somehow I managed to find the correct terminal with the outgoing trains. There, I waited in a big open area to watch the screens for my train number so I knew which gate to go to. I asked around to make sure I was in the correct terminal since there were two terminals for train stations at the airport. Luckily, I got on my train no problems.
This train from CDG airport took me to another train station where I had an hour layover then had to catch another train to my final destination. Again, it was confusing and no one spoke English but somehow I made it.
I hopped off of the train at Saint Pierre Des Corps where my coach Maguy picked me up. After 2 planes and 2 trains, I made it to my destination!
Traveling can be stressful, especially in a foreign country and being by yourself. It was a challenge with the jet lag, carrying 75lbs of luggage, language barriers and navigating through the airports and train stations but that’s all apart of the journey and definitely has been a learning experience.
Over the past week, I have:
Settled into my new room/home
I have a comfortable room and it’s nice to have my own space. My coach is my host and she and her daughter have been very warm and welcoming, making me feel right at home.
Oh, and cannot forget Shop- the man of the house. He is full of energy to say the least. He barks at the wind or any small sound he may hear. I have learned most of my French by speaking to him. Those words are important so he will actually understand what I’m telling him! (Maybe he will learn some English too). I take him on a long walk (or two) each day in hopes of tiring him out.
It is only the four of us living here, the rest of the family (my coach’s husband, her oldest daughter and son) are elsewhere playing/coaching volleyball.
By taking Shop on walks, I have discovered the neighborhood, a nearby park, other neighborhood dogs, and the downtown Saint Avertin area.
So many charming homes and yards. Many of the flowers are still in bloom, making it feel as if it is springtime. The weather has also been sunny and gorgeous in the 60s-70s each day. The leaves on the trees are changing colors, making it my favorite time of the year!
Thankfully Shop is able to find his way back home, so I don’t have to worry about getting lost!
During the week, I have volleyball practice twice a week then a game every Sunday. I help coach volleyball 4 nights a week. Yesterday was my first game and we won 3-0! There is seriously no greater feeling to me than being back on the volleyball court.
The ages of my teammates range from 14-34! A much different system than in the US. Don’t be fooled by our inability to take a group photo, we play really well together as a team.
During the week, most days I stay at home with Maguy since she works from home. I help with house chores, help cook, walk Shop, etc. Soon I will be starting French lessons which I am super excited about!! I have met my teacher and she is soooo nice and welcoming. I will also be joining a gym soon so I can workout during the week.
Where we eat lunch, on the back porch. There is also a volleyball net in the yard that you can’t see in this picture.
I am also still trying to gain confidence and become a better manual car driver. One day we went to a mall parking lot for me to practice. I killed it way too many times to count but finally discovered what I was doing wrong. So one day, she let me drive home from practice at night when there were few people on the road. I did so much better!! I hope to practice a little each day and continue to improve. The street rules and signs are also obviously different making it all more challenging. I will hopefully get the hang of it soon!
Here’s the mini van that I will be able to drive… maybe!
I also cannot explain to you my love that I have discovered for fresh French baguettes and amazing cheeses! You will only have to discover this yourself when you come to visit!
This weekend, friends from home (Jerry and Arlene) came to visit during their European adventure. I am glad that they could see where I am living and watch my team play! We walked around the neighborhood (with Shop of course), ate cheese, drank wine and talked about their travels.
I think they enjoyed their time here as well!
Overall, I still cannot believe this is real life! This week has been nothing but a dream and I am so glad that I made the leap out of my comfort zone to come abroad. I look forward to learning more about the culture, learn the language, traveling around, hopefully learn how to drive, and more. I also look forward to hosting more guests and showing them the area and maybe drive to one of the hundreds of castles or wineries in the area. I am beyond thankful for this opportunity to be here, and I will forever cherish these experiences. Until next time! Au revoir!
The Aud Blog 