Coming to an End

It's so hard to believe that this year is pretty much over. I was so nervous when I moved here thinking it was going to be the most stressful thing ever but once the first few weeks of organizing were over, it became one of the best years of my life so far and I don't want it to end.

Things I have learnt from being in France-

1) My french isn't actually that bad! Not as good as I'd hoped but is definitely improved with a little Dutch courage (or maybe I just think that when blinded by said Dutch courage?) Anyway, I can safely say that I could now explain to a pharmacist that I have been bitten and need anti histamines without just pointing at the bites and saying "Ow." I can also order a cup of tea with out being laughed at for my accent (I hope). AND I can bloody well chat my way into free drinks avec les pigeons ;)

2) I do not and will not ever pull off the sophisticated french girl look. Nor will Louisa. No matter how many striped tops, blazers and pashminas we buy, we just don't have the grace that they do. Unfortunately this was evident from the start. French girls aren't sick on the tram, nor do they shout at men trying to direct them saying they don't want to be prostitutes, they don't drink pints and they definitely don't embarrass themselves like us Brits do when drunk. Do you know what though? I am okay with that, because we have much more fun.

3) I now eat the weird food Louisa and posh people eat. Stuff I literally gagged at the thought of eating when I got here but now love. I've tried snails, oysters, kangaroo, duck neck thing, eel etc and i now appreciate the bloody awesomeness of a blue steak (excuse pun).

4) I need to live in a city with access to a beach.


5) I don't want to marry a french man. Actually screw that. I want to marry the French men you see in films, or Thierry Henry, NOT the creepy french men who follow us home.

6) SOME french girls are complete and utter minxs *cough* FIONA *cough*

7) I have met some amazing people

8) France is a wicked country although to live here, like I said before, it would have to be a big city for me.

9) I can now swear in French. It's pretty cool, you just have a few words they just mix and match so it doesn't actually make any sense.

10) French people will get up from the most squished table possible to kiss and greet every single person around it. I have learnt to love the biz (until someone breathes on me). It's much more personal.

11) Wine hangovers are not ideal

12) S'all about vodka in the sac

13) Drinking in front of famous monuments and buildings is completely acceptable

14) French people throw some awesome events!

15) ERASMUS = WIN