And after a while, though the memories still hurt, they're revisited not out of longing for the old or a wishing for a future that could have been, but for a deeper understanding of who you were and who you can be.

The Quirks of a Different Culture

Work-wise: Work hours are 9-6pm. Pretty much never any longer, oftentimes shorter.

Socially: Lots of actual social drinking. Not social drinking as in parties (though ofc those are big too), but sitting at a bar talking and drinking, or playing cards are drinking. Lots of smoking too, which I wasn't expecting.

Food: Everything is delicious. Also some variations on food we have - kiwi yogurt, Schweppes Agrum, the best baguettes ever, well-made coffee... I wasn't a coffee drinker before I came here and I probably won't be one when I leave, but I can always do a cafe lait or caffe latte or cafe con leche or whatever you want to call a coffee with milk. Dinner is also best eaten at like 10pm.

You know, I really like France (and Europe). Not sure I would ever live here permanently, but I could see myself spending a year or two here. Of course, all this traveling and good food might be biasing me...

Bread, cheese, and fruit Schweppes. Perfect midnight snack ♥

Un petit chat qui rate sa famille

It's been a week.

Sort of crazy to think I've already been here a week... And only been here a week. I feel like I've done quite a bit of labwork (though it being research I'm not used to may factor into that), plus I've spoken more French in the past week than the past year (though that's not saying much). But I've also organized a spontaneous weekend trip to Italy, wandered around cities without a GPS or map or knowledge of the official language, and spent more money in the past few days than I care to admit.

It's pretty amazing.

I really am missing my family and friends though - I would be lying if I said more than a small part of me wishes I were back in the States. That's not to say I'm not enjoying my time here... Just that I miss everyone back home.

But I'll make the most of the time I have, and try not to be so worried about everything all the time (relevance of labwork, travelling plans, GRE...).

Meanwhile, in case you haven't seen them on Facebook, here are a couple of photos from the weekend!

First Day Abroad!

Travelling is tiring man. 

 I'm not exactly sure what to say. I didn't do much today - grabbed a couple groceries, took a really long afternoon nap. I'm actually pretty homesick... A combination of not knowing anyone nearby and not speaking French (at least well enough to get around) is just... It makes me feel lonely. Hopefully things will get better tomorrow after I meet with Andreea and Wolf and get to know the lab. Still need to set up my phone, get groceries, hopefully explore a bit and book some trips to Barcelona, Geneva, etc.