Sometimes Most of the time, I need a reminder right where I should be. Three years ago, I stumbled across the
M.A. in Global Communications. I applied to the program (and others) in late 2011, accepted the opportunity to become a graduate student abroad in mid-2012, and nearly one year ago, flew from New York (
to Reykijavík) to Paris to begin. And yet, although there’ve been more good than bad days, I have trouble wrapping my head the fact that this is my real life. It’s not so much a dream come true as it just feels worlds away from everyone and everything familiar. Only
my Mom,
sister,
Anna, and Leslie know what it’s actually like.
About a week before coming back, I met Meghan for lunch (
Grilled cheese, to be exact --God bless America) and mentioned just that. “But Danielle,” she responded, “this is your real life right now. Let yourself enjoy it.” She is such a good freaking friend.
July has been a tough month for me. I didn’t exactly want to leave New York. As soon as I got back, I started interning full-time (literally, I went straight from the airport to the office), I moved apartments, and I completed
a directed study research paper I wasn’t exactly prepared to write in the first place. I’ve been tired, anxious, tired, and stressed out. My poor boyfriend probably knows this best and our relationship was under strain because of it. My friends didn't see much of me at all, and I missed them.
But, everything changed this weekend. Friday, I stopped by my friend’s bar for a happy hour beer. The boy met me at my apartment afterwards with sushi in tow. Saturday was spent running errands, and days like that make me feel like a grown-up, in a good way. That night, I caught up with a friend over
5-euro mojitos, ran home for a quick dinner, and then met other friends at a cocktail bar. I didn’t get home until 6:15am. And Sunday, when I did wake up (at noon, I might add), I still had one last outing to look forward to.
Anne, Deanna,
Lauren,
Lillian, and I ventured to Saint-Germain-en-Laye for the 400th birthday of Louis XIV’s gardener,
André Le Nôtre. Lauren’s pup, Daisy came, too. The massive
château gardens featured works by various contemporary artists, thoughtfully scattered throughout the manicured landscape. We wandered through the grounds, took lots of pictures, relaxed on the lawn, and ended on a sweet note with
expensive gelato. It was basically perfect; the kind of day that made my expat doubts a distant memory.
"So, this
is real life, huh?" I thought to myself. It's pretty darn great.
Oh! so we study something sort of in the same field. I think it is hard to come to terms with the idea of it being "real life" when you are in a place normally related to the word "holidays" and not with the challenge that studying a masters is. Also, the fact that you are experiencing things that people back home can´t understand that well, I feel like I am in my own little bubble here sometimes because no amount of emails or Skype hours will make them understand what it really is like to be here.
ReplyDeleteIn the hard days I have to repeat to myself the words: "you are in Sydney, this was your dream!, you can do anything", cheesy, I know but usually works for me.
Yes, we are! I think you hit the nail on the head. I'm going to try a mantra like yours soon :)
DeleteOh, give my home town a big hug from me! Enjoy! xx
DeleteSometimes it takes a little bit of time for things to fall into place and become the new normal for you. :) I know that's what it was like for me in Spain and it seems it's starting to happen for you too.
ReplyDeleteLoving the beautiful pictures!!
Good point, sweetheart! Thank you.
DeleteIt looks like Alice in Wonderland! Only it's Danielle in Wonderland :)
ReplyDeleteThat's what I said! Well, the Alice in Wonderland part :) so whimsical.
DeleteGlad to hear you had a relaxing weekend, sounds like it was much deserved! It's absolutely refreshing to read your honesty about how difficult it can be to live abroad sometimes. The daily details can easily bog you down, along with the not-so-daily details of living in a completely different culture. A good reminder for all of us to enjoy the now! I know I'll certainly have to remind myself of that as I head back to England for my final year of university :)
ReplyDeleteI'd like to think so ;) I'm glad you appreciated the honesty, too. I assume other people living abroad can relate, but I'd hate to come off as unappreciative of the experience I've been given. Best of luck with your last year!
DeleteThat's so funny you came to Saint-Germain-en-Laye, that's where I lived for a year!!! I'm glad you liked the town, and I love the shot you took of the princess bed :)
ReplyDeleteLucky you! It's a super cute town. That photo is my favorite as well :) thank you!
DeleteOh, yes, this is real life! And a swell one, too! One of my favourite quotes is "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans" which helps appreciate the everyday. I'm glad to hear your on the other side of your stressful month, and that our jaunt capped of such a great weekend! xx
ReplyDeleteYou're basically my savior, Lauren Lou Bate ;) love that perspective. xo
DeleteI'm dying to go here!
ReplyDeleteYou should! It really is magical.
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