An American Girl in Avignon

April 3, 2009
Okay, since today was uneventful until this evening, here are a few observations I have made:
Time seems to go slowly here. In Paris, everyone was in a hurry. I know that this is expected in a large city, but everyone was in a “rush, rush, rush –mode” all the time. People would shove past you on subways and ask you to move to one side of the escalator or road, so they could zoom past – all while brushing against your shoulders without saying “pardon,” or “excusez-moi.” Here, in Provence, people aren’t in a hurry at all. They have hour to two hour long dinners and conversations. The region has a very laissez-faire, take it easy, stop and smell the roses, attitude. If you can’t get something done, there’s always tomorrow. I have to say I enjoy this relaxed, anti-stress attitude towards life, but part of me wonders how anyone gets anything done around here.

There was a vote yesterday regarding la grève (strike) de l’université. The strike officially ended Thursday evening, and classes will commence like normal on Monday morning. I am relieved. It is odd walking into a classroom full of piled-up desks and chairs and constantly having to change the location of classes because the assigned room is barricaded. I am glad that things seem to be progressing, and it will be interesting to see what the government decides to do about the situation.

I went to café in-between classes for a frothy iced drink at a little snack shop by the school. As soon as I walked in and opened my mouth, the owners knew I was an American. We just stick out like sore thumbs, with or without Northfaces on. They were really friendly though, and gave me advice regarding life in Avignon. It was nice to be alone and have some time to sit and think. I like this slow, serene Provencal lifestyle after all. My thoughts drifted from all the work I had to do to people back home. This was difficult. I miss people back at OU….someone in particular. The more I think about it, I think I made a huge mistake before I left, but I can’t dwell on the past. I have to strive toward what is ahead with my head held high. Nothing is over until it’s over. Although I may not understand why now, I know that France came at this time for a reason. But, I thought getting away from it all would make things easier, but I am starting to think I was wrong. It’s almost harder being thousands of miles across the sea. I guess this will get better in time.

Thankfully, the peaceful relaxation that stems of getting away to spend some time alone, after being around people for almost ten days straight, was just what I needed to clear my mind and think. As I was walking back to my house, a verse popped in my head: “Worry about nothing; instead pray about everything.” I realized that I hadn’t been doing this as much as I should. I noticed that when I started praying about things, I felt a sudden sensation of peace and calmness overcome me. I know that everything is going to be alright. Whatever happens, happens, and will work out for the best. I can’t do anything but pray and live my life the way I think is best. It’s funny how things always work out the way they are supposed to, even though you may not understand why certain things aren’t going the way you think they should at the time.

Kristina and I skipped dinner with our family tonight, since we were meeting our correspondents. We stopped at a cute café down the street for dinner and dessert: warm crêpes with that sinfully-good Nutella and bananas. The shop owners originated from Seattle and were so friendly. They even commented us on our French, which was exactly what I needed after my frustration with the language barrier.

Kyle and Adam came by to pick us up and use our internet (again) before going to the Red Sky. When we got there, Kyle’s correspondent Gilliam was waiting for him. He was such a sweetheart and was eager to get to know us all and show us a good time. Elisse arrived later, so we went searching inside the bar for our correspondents (they were arriving with their boyfriends). We found them seated in the back of the room and immediately hit it off. They all spoke English really well and were so friendly and easy to talk to. Elisse’s correspondent’s boyfriend even bought us drinks. I ordered an Irish coffee, because I am a café connoisseur, I had always wanted to try one, and it was cold outside the Place Pis. Talking with our correspondents and their boyfriends was so natural that cheesily enough, I had felt like I’d known them for years. We are meeting them next week for tea, crêpes (my new addiction), shopping, and a French movie. After they left, Elisse and I went to the bar next door, where everyone else was seated. After talking with more correspondents, it made me realize how college students in France, although different in some ways, are really the same as those in the United States. Everyone found something in common with their new French friends and it was easy to talk to all of them.

Kristina and I decided to stick around a little longer to talk more with everyone…and be amused by Brad’s antics. Oh, Brad. Probably one of my new favorite people. He never ceases to entertain. In class, he tries to say his name in French, but it comes out as, “Je m’appelle Blad.” He introduces himself to everyone in a thick French accent with a big smile on his face. It never gets old. Kristina even took a video of him talking at the bar last night. I am going to want a copy of that… :)

Although we had wanted to go to the local discotheque, we decided to go back to the house to get some sleep, because it was nearing 2:00. Maybe some other night. I have three months here after all…