Getting Ready

France is just about a week away, so the trip is starting to consume my every other thought!! I'm starting to seriously think about packing: what to take, what to leave behind, what I can buy there, etc. Last summer I ended up taking way, way too much and I don't want to do that again; having to move all of the suitcases on and off the trains was such a hassle!

I'm studying at l'Université Catholique de l'Ouest in Angers, France (pronounced "ahn-zhay") which, as you can see above, is located west of Paris by about 90 minutes by TGV. At UCO I'll be at the International Center for French Studies (CIDEF) with all of the other international students learning French. I don't know yet what classes I'll be taking--my French proficiency will be tested on Feb 3 and then from there, depending on what level I get into, I'll be able to pick my classes.

Foyer Ormières will be my home for the next four months, and it's in a great location on the outskirts of downtown (or "centre ville") on a main road and within walking distance from the campus. I'll put pictures in when I move in, of course, but you can also see the area in Google Maps or on Google Earth. I'm really nervous but completely excited about living in another place with a different language and people and food. I had a bit of "acculturative stress" last summer, but I don't know if I'll get it again or if I'll just be fine when I go over.

There are a few things I'm looking forward to seeing/doing while I'm there: First, I've missed French cheese so much it's not even funny. Camembert held me over while I was home but I can't wait to try some really weird looking stuff too. Second, the weekly markets have the best smelling breads and fresh produce I've ever tasted. I hope they're still going on in the winter time, otherwise I'll have to wait for spring. Third, Angers is home to two botanical gardens and several museums, which I didn't have any idea about last summer! I love spending time in pretty places, so I know the gardens and riverbanks will be great hang outs when I'm ready to leave my room for a bit. Fourth, I want to travel a LOT! Angers is directly connected to the TGV so I'll be able to go all around France for day or weekend trips (Poitiers, Aix, Grenoble, Normandy, etc) but I also want to go around Europe whenever possible! I picked up a Europe Travel Guide book from Borders the other day, so I'll have to start making my Top Ten list soon. Granada, anyone?