This blog post is a little late because it has taken some time to sort out my own feelings as well as what I would like to express. It has been split into two parts: “Rotary Weekend” and “Daily Life”.
Rotary Weekend in Royan
Singing at the top of our lungs 'We are Young' on a beach with 20 other kids from around the world... life doesn't get much better. The expanse of stars and sea puts into perfect perspective just how big this earth is. And here we are all together on one beach. No matter the reason for leaving or going we are voyagers and explorers. We ask questions and demand answers.
Over the weekend we were shown the charms of the seaside town of Royan . First we had a big dinner (as we arrived Friday night) with all the exchange students. Sitting at a table with kids from South Africa, Norway, Ecuador, Colombia, Japan, Australia, Taiwan and more, you have to revel in the beauty of these different cultures. I truly feel sorry for those who haven't been exposed to the diversity of the world even though my own experience is still limited.
Saturday morning we left early for the docks and took a boat out to what I believe is the oldest lighthouse in France. It was remarkable. With the low tide we got to make our way across the sand and muscle covered rocks, towards the worn stone pillar. It was almost stark from a distance and the sole break in the horizon.
Lighthouse in Royan
After we climbed to the top, we moved to another sandbar to have a sea food lunch. Once every one had choked down a clam (it was mandatory) and dined on a selection of fish, we returned to the mainland. Right next to the dock there was a Ferris wheel we rode that overlooked the coast line below. That evening we ate dinner and all the exchange students put on a talent show. We were dazzled by the tango/salsa performed by the South Americans, entranced by the Brazilian shadow fighting, and sang along when the Finish, Swedish, and Australian kids lip synced 'Call Me Maybe' with a little dance to boot. It made me proud to be a rotary exchange student. With that spirit all the students left for the beach, and frankly we were just kids. We ran, and yelled, and stayed up late, just having the time of our lives. It didn't matter what language you spoke because we all had a seemingly improbable basis of understanding.
In Royan with my good friend Justin Martin
The following morning we had a type of local muscles that are a local delicacy. The muscles are taken fresh from the water, put on a board, then cooked and seasoned by piling on dried pine needles then lighting them on fire. They were delicious! The whole weekend was one I will never forget.
With Rotary Exchange students on beach in Royan
Daily Life
I am the happiest I have ever been in my life. Don't misunderstand me because I am not happy all the time, it's just how I choose to perceive the events that are presented to me. I can sit at the end of the day upset because a science teacher yelled at me because I wasn't French, something I can never change, or I can be excited that a girl in my class waved at me. It's small victories that have to carry the most importance.
A troubling situation I found myself in was my first time (trying) to ride the bus. The tickets my host parents gave me didn't work for the school bus and I was going to have to wait until another bus, which came an hour later, could take me. The first problem was I needed the bus to take me to the little town I live in (versus the town I go to school in) by a certain time in order to catch a prearranged ride to my house (which is on the outskirts of this small town), while both my parents were out late working. The second problem was that I couldn't understand the angry rapid French the bus driver was yelling at me. With increasing frustration at my incomprehension she yelled louder until a boy in my class intervened and explained to me in broken English that I must wait for the other bus. He was so kind and nice and at the end of the encounter I think I came out with new friend. At any moment I could let myself feel bad and sorry for myself but I didn't. Another girl kept saying she felt so bad for me, but I was ok, I was healthy and my family was healthy... all that had happened was I missed a bus. I realized I could call my host parents and they would help me, they weren't going to leave me stranded. It's amazing. I've discovered how when put in a new environment things can be so easily blown out of proportion. I have to constantly remind myself of the positive things I need to focus on. It brings to mind the quote "Even a dead clock shows the correct time twice a day".
View of church and countryside from my bedroom window
Being in a new culture is unlike anything I expected. When you first show up everything is new and exciting and you continually are matching it to your expectations and stereotypes. But as time goes on what you may find recognizable doesn't necessarily translate or carry the same meaning as you thought. Suddenly you are caught in a world of minute and intricate nuances, the rules of which you have no idea.
For example: In France they have the classic double cheek kisses called bisous. For me there is a serious case of confusion on what level of familiarity you initiate the bisou and on what occasion? I tend to err on the side of not doing bisou. Only when someone starts really leaning will I suddenly jerk in for a clumsy set of kisses. Frankly its a miracle there hasn't been a collision. I have also recently learned that it is considered rude if you don't make the appropriate amount of kissing noises. I have taken to practicing as I neither want my new friends to be offended or go deaf from my lack of skill. There is also the occasional person who will try and shake your hand and you accidentally get WAY to close to their face. Either way it involves much more anxiety and apprehension than anyone would have thought.
So many things are different here and strange and new and yet all astoundingly normal. It would amaze you if you suddenly became aware of minute, acute, details, that make up your life. In the everyday you can barely remember what you did with your last hour. When you are in a completely new environment these simple tasks suddenly take up an extraordinary amount of your day and seem to demand your time. You just have to take it in stride because what other choice is there?
My awesome host family!
