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| Angers, the river Maine |
It’s been a week since the end of my semester program in
Angers, and I thought I would write a concluding entry about my impressions and
experiences.
First
of all, I should mention my host family, who went above and beyond to make sure
I had a good experience. They would invite me to have tea with them, offer me
cookies (delicious, healthy 22% butter cookies) to take on excursions, and I
couldn’t escape them without a tin of foie gras. Obviously, they had decided
the way to my heart was through my stomach, and I wouldn’t disagree. They were
one of the biggest factors in my progression with the language and my knowledge
of French culture.
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| The Angers cathedral |
As
for the program, I think it was well worth it. We had lots of chances to
explore local France, from chateaux to subterranean villages, and the semester
length was just right. I landed with a great group of people, and a fantastic
site director. I took a few too many classes, but had humorous professors. I
learned a bit of Breton dancing, performed a scene of Chinese opera, examined
French art from the period of the revolution to modern day, and heard some
absorbing (and gruesome) tales of French history.
I
found it a bit hard to connect with French people my own age. Being a slightly
shy, rather unfashionable person didn’t help, but there is also a definite
cultural barrier to cross. That said, I also met countless generous French
people who were willing to make an extra effort to make sure I was comfortable
and engaged. Several
suspicions about Americans abroad were confirmed for me – we are definitely
loud and smiley. We also eat (incorrectly) with one hand in our lap, wear
unstylish raincoats instead of umbrellas, and we ladies wear far too few
tights. We score points (in my book, at least) for our free toilets, fast restaurant
service, and cheddar cheese (oh how I’ve missed you). On the other hand, I
would, if I could, import the numerous student discounts, the beautiful shop
windows, the intricate historical architecture, and maybe just a few
cobblestones.
On
the whole, I would say that I didn’t fall in love with France, but was
nevertheless charmed, indulged, and impressed by it, and I hope that we can
enjoy a long-lasting friendship.
I won’t promise anything, but seeing as I am doing a month
of post-Angers travel in Europe, you may see additional blog posts in the near
future…
