Oh là là!  A summer in France?  C’est la vie!  I’ve made some wonderful memories across the Pond, but I’ve learned so much more.  And it hasn’t always been pretty.  That being said, here’s my top 5 for the month:

1. My new lock screen

It may just be me, but there’s something about a new lock screen that signifies a life change albeit small.  I like to put encouraging reminders there, so every time I check the time or get on my phone (that’s a lot of times!), I can give myself a boost even if it’s a quick thought.  This month has been overwhelming, but this sweet reminder spurs me on in all the culture shock and language woes.  I fell in love with this wallpaper from In Everything while scrolling through Pinterest.  

2. Day trip to Montpellier

It was just to a city in the south of France on the coast… Just Europe things!  The city was beautiful (post to come!), and it was nice to visit an old friend.  But missing my train was not nice.  (I’d 10/10 recommend not missing your train!)  But more on that another day…

3. My new favorite drink

While France is known for its wine, orange San Pellegrino is my go-to drink here in France.  Many Americans find it weird that Europe loves carbonated water, and I’m in this group.  And while I still don’t drink carbonated water straight up, I can’t stop buying orange San Pellegrino.  Am I European yet?!

4. Growth is messy

If I had a dime for every time I said that I wanted to go home, my plane ticket would already be paid for in full.  And this sentiment inspired my post on why living abroad isn’t perfect.  But thankfully, those thoughts diminish day by day.  I’m finding my routine, my people and my place here.  I’m confident that I’ll return to America a new and stronger woman.  Growth isn’t always fun, but I’m beginning to understand other cultures on a much deeper level.  And that’s something money can never buy.  Here’s to a month and a half more of Europe and growth!

5. Rio Loco Music Festival

Here’s the deal about Europe: they listen to music in languages they don’t understand.  Here’s the deal about America: they don’t.  Rio Loco is a weekend-long music festival featuring international music, and I thought, pourquoi pas?  Why not?!  This year’s area of interest was the islands of the Indian Ocean.  And I’ve never experienced anything quite like it.  Did I understand the words in Creole?  Non, pas du tout.  Was it overwhelming?  Oui, bien sûr.  And although I didn’t stay long, I’m glad I engaged in another culture even though it wasn’t my style and I didn’t understand much.  Comfort zone, where you at?!

It’s crazy to think it’s been a month and a half in France.  Living abroad may not perfect, but it has its perks including scrumptious café au lait and breathtaking architecture.  But at the end of the day, I’m gaining experiences and growing in ways I never could in America.  (And if you think of it, mail me some A/C please and thank you!!)

Bises,

Kristin

{What new experience did you have this month?}