As my time in Grenoble is coming to an end, I've been thinking about my role of hosting Dana in Phoenix. I am so so excited to show her where I grew up and the places that are a part of my everyday life. I am especially excited to show her American traditions. There are a lot of differences between lifestyle here and in America, and I want her to experience life as I do. For example, breakfast is not a very important meal in France (breakfast here is light, usually sweet, and often skipped altogether), so I am excited to introduce her to an American-style breakfast. Also, I am so excited for her to meet my family and friends. I hope I will be able to take Dana to the city of Bisbee, which is one of my favorite places in Arizona. It is known for being haunted and there is so much Arizonan history there I would love for her to see.
Dana is extremely excited to see cacti, especially saguaro and prickly pear cacti. She is apprehensive about desert animals such as rattlesnakes and coyotes, but she will not have to worry about dangers from these animals as we will be cautious if we go hiking. She is very excited to meet my family and spend time in Phoenix and is not very worried about the hot summer in July.
Looking back on my time abroad, I genuinely cannot believe it is almost over. Every time I look out off the balcony of the apartment, part of me is still surprised all over again that I'm actually in France, 5000 miles from home. It's amazing to become familiar with a completely new culture, and I am constantly in awe of what is around me. Over the past few weeks, I've become more and more accustomed to the French culture. Originally, it was strange to hear an unfamiliar language all around me and unfamiliar streets and people. But I've come to adapt to it. I still don't understand French, but it feels normal. And Rue des Eaux Claires is now my home, and the former strangers are now close friends I can count on. My time abroad met and exceeded all of my expectations, and I will be so sad to leave. Looking back, I wish I had learned more French before coming to France, because although so many people make an effort to speak English with me, I would feel so much more connected to Grenoble if I could communicate fluently with everybody. But this experience has made me fall in love with France and given me inspiration to study French in the future. I am so grateful for my time abroad and am so excited for the next few weeks in Phoenix!
