Week 2

Notre Dame

View more photos 

  I went to France this summer with Mount Olive College. It was my first experience out of the United States. I was very nervous about being gone for two weeks, out of the country, and not knowing any French at all. Yet, it turned out to be an amazing adventure! I figured I would reflect about it, because it is my only travel experience that compares to the one we are going to embark on.

     France was a memorable trip because we actually got a chance to emerse ourselves in the culture. We lived for the majority of the trip in a school/dorm like place that was located in a tiny village. Beigneux le Jeif, the village, became our home. We walked to local grocery store daily and conversed with the young woman who worked there. We attempted to cook French dishes while we were there (this was a good and bad thing!).

Eiffel Tower

View more photos 

     What surprised me the most about this trip was how beautiful the French Burgundy countryside was. The sky was a blue that I had never seen before and the clouds lingered and swirled into odd shapes. It was beautiful. The tall grass and grains made for picturesque scenes that took your breath away. 

     Now, do not get me wrong. I thoroughly enjoyed our journey in Paris. Seeing the Eiffel Tower (and getting engaged there :) ) was absolutely amazing. It is huge. And watching the people meander about it and lie around in the park in front of it was like watching a different world. The Louvre was wonderful too. I wish I had more time to explore there. I do regret not be able to visit the Palace of Versailles. I would really like to do that.

Eiffel Tower

View more photos 

     Overall, my trip was AMAZING! I hope that I gained some travel tips and experience that will prepare me for our trip to Costa Rica. I am very excited and I cannot believe how close it is! I am so ready.