As I said in the previous post, this is mainly for me at this point. I'd like to be able to write about the highlights from the trip while everything is somewhat fresh in my mind. I can't believe that it's been a month and a half since I got back to the states. I've almost been home as long as the amount of time I was there. Time goes by quickly, that's for sure.
Highlights from Amiens
The Cathedral
It's hard to think of Amiens without picturing this amazing cathedral. There were times while I was in Amiens that I would go out of my way to see the cathedral. I would walk back to our residence hall from centre-ville just so I could pass by it, even if just for a few seconds. It's such an incredible sight. It's bigger and more majestic than you could ever imagine. Being there, standing in front of it, evokes such a strong sense of history and almost pushes you to be some kind of believer. What I mean by that is this: religious or not, there is a strange haunting feeling you get while here (at least for me) that almost demands some sort of spirituality. It really makes you think of time and how quickly it passes. Shawn and I had a pretty deep conversation in front of the cathedral about 3/4 through our time there. Him and I were talking about how we were both surprised about how many emotions you go through when you're residing in a foreign country (especially in one where English isn't the native language). I realize we weren't there for a super long period, but we were living there, short as it may be. At this point, we were both happy to be there, yet homesick in a strange sense. There were definitely ups and downs, and lefts and rights for that matter, during the trip. Shawn said something that really stuck with me. He was talking about how being in France was better in some ways and worse in others than he thought it would be. We had all been taken so far out of our comfort zones without ever even realizing what was happening. As great as it is to be from the good ole' États-Unis, being in a place where history isn't just something you read about in a book has the power to change who you are. Here we were in a place where the past is tangible. You really look at things differently. Anyways, Shawn was talking about how even though being able to see history right in front of you is incredible, there is also a certain sadness that comes with it. We both agreed that this sadness comes from the experience of being in a place where the past and modern culture are separate, yet the same. You can feel the past, almost as if it's haunting you, yet you're not necessarily a direct part of it. We also talked about how the feeling of isolation and "sadness" sort of perpetuates itself for us, being there in France. That feeling of always trying to fit into your surroundings, but always being estranged. If you haven't gotten this by now, Shawn is one of the deepest people I know. That's one of the many things I love about this guy. What I took from this conversation was actually anything but sadness. It was the opposite actually. It made me really think about myself and the type of person I want to be(come). I want to be the type of person who is known for doing what she loves and for living the kind of life that leaves a mark on this world, however big or small, for people to see one day. Needless to say, this little talk left a big (cathedral sized) impression on me, and at the time I felt the need to just go and sit in the cathedral and soak it all in. Thanks Shawn!
While we're on the cathedral...another amazing fact is that the cathedral was originally painted in color. They had a light show going on while we were there. We were able to see what the cathedral would have looked like in these colors. Pretty amazing stuff. One of our good friends, Alex ("the Russian"), was saying that he prefers the cathedral without color. He thought that the color took away from the serious side of religion. I can agree to disagree, I thought it made it even more magical. Who doesn't like be-dazzled gothic cathedrals?? Russians.
aka home away from home. Now I know how the people from the series Cheers must have felt. Throw a couple brit and irish lads (and lady) in the mix, and you've got the place where everyone knows your name, and everyone is really glad you came. I can't even begin to describe how great the people of this bar are. They were always so welcoming to us, which is good since we were there pretty much every day. They really became a family for us. Next time I make it back, I will go out of my way to go up to Amiens to see the My Goodness crew, and I will proudly wear my Goodness crew t-shirt. These people are some of the greatest out there, not to mention that although I don't encourage spending night after night in a bar, we managed to meet some of our best Amiens friends here.
The music that was responsible for making us walk home at 3 am on multiple occasions:
Nos Amis
While we were in Amiens, we met so many great people. Everyone was from a different little corner of the world: from France, to Mexico, Morocco, Russia, UK, Ireland, and even the good ole' midwest. Our time with these amazing people is what made the trip what it was, unforgettable. We also got along so great with each other. We were certainly a family by the end of it.
The Girls: Me, Mckenzie, & Mel in from of the Arc de Triomphe.
First weekend after getting to Amiens.
Hanging with the Russian.
Hanging with the Russian.
Teaching, duh...
There's too much to say about this. All I can say is that it was incredible. The best way to polish your french is to hang out in french schools. :)
Highlights from Holland
Top 10 List:
1) Getting to see my girl, Meike. Meike and I have known each other for years and years. Seeing as how we're on two different sides of the world, it's so easy to have our own separate lives. The thing I love about my friendship with Meike is that we always seem to pick up where we left off. We're just awesome like that. I'm lucky to call her my friend, and she's one of the greatest gals I know.
2) Amsterdam...it's not all just smoke shops folks. It's such a great place; so clean and beautiful. The people are also gorgeous if I may add.
3) Getting to continue my travels with McKenzie and Mel. Such great girls. Although we were joined at the hip for over a month...and we all had our ups and downs on the trip, we all traveled so well together. You know what they say...a true test in friendship is to travel with someone. Mel and I already had a great friendship...and it passed the travel test. McKenzie and I didn't know each other as well before leaving for France, but I'm so happy to know this lady. We'll always have that bond. Matt was in Amsterdam too. Although we didn't see him much, it was fun to run into him in the city. He's a pretty cool kid.
4) Coffee in Holland. It's own little culture we fell in love with.
5) Van Gogh Museum. We got to go here with Meike. Van Gogh is one of my favorite artists and it was incredible to see his work in person.
6) Anne Frank House. This was one of the most moving things I have ever done. I had always admired Anne and her story. It was so surreal being there. I truly believe that most people could change for the better if they could step foot in Anne's house. Anytime I start to feel too selfish or like I'm taking the world for granted/being too jaded...I'll just try booking a flight to Amsterdam (wishful thinking? Most likely...but one can hope) to visit the Anne Frank House. It's impossible to make it through the place with dry eyes and I really think that this one site has the power to make even the most jaded of people feel grateful and more tolerant.
7) Hanging out with Meike and her pals in Haarlem. Haarlem is a cute little suburb. The weather was beautiful. We got to sit by the river at a beach themed pizza joint. Drinking wine, talking with Meike and her friends...just enjoying great company. We fell in love with the Dutch language and decided right then and there that we wanted to learn it. Just one more language to add to the list, right?
I ended up finding this video on my phone. I was recording so that I could remember what the language sounded like. Not a weirdo at all. ;)
8) Meike, McKenzie and Mel know how this story starts...but I'll just say it ended with us sneaking up on top of a rooftop in old Haarlem to get the best view of the cathedral. Such a fun night. :)
9) Getting off at the wrong stop super late at night on the way to Amsterdam from Haarlem. "Wait...are we in Amsterdam?! This place looks so different." HA!
10) Just being in Amsterdam, taking in the beautiful architecture and scenery by foot. Let's just go back please!
Highlights from England
Top 10 List:
1) Lady Victoria...I don't think this needs any explanation other than: AMAZING, FUN, EPIC IN THE MOST EXTREME SENSE OF THE WORD, WISH WE WERE CONJOINED TWINS SO WE NEVER HAD TO SAY "SEE YOU LATER."
2) London town: Victoria and her sister Becky were extremely kind to host McKenzie and I. Victoria really showed us around. We were living like locals. London is such a cool town. It seems to be a theme of this trip...just when you think you couldn't possibly find a city as cool as the one you're in, you hop on a train and coolness slaps you in the face upon arrival.
By this point in the trip, London was very comforting. It was nice to be in an english speaking country after so long. We practically felt at home.
3) Harry Potter(ness): I love the Harry Potter books/films for those of you who don't know. Just being in England made me feel like I would get my letter from Hogwarts at any second.
4) Getting to go up to the Midlands to see where Victoria grew up and to meet her fam. The English countryside is as charming as you read about. Dreamy to say the least.
5) Constantly thinking I'd be lucky enough to either...a-run into Hugh Grant, b-run into Colin Firth, c- run into Robert Pattinson or d-all of the above. After all, we're in London. If there was ever a time in my life where I could casually bump into one of these dreamboats, now would be the time for it to happen.
6) Waiting for the royal heir to be born. I was there a couple weeks too early, but I just knew that baby would be born. I would then of course bump into Prince William casually and mention how I've worked as a nanny and adore kids. Job (check)!
7) Convincing Victoria's mom and dad that they had mold in the bathroom. Really Victoria and I had staged the scene and put a wedge of cheese in there. I've never been more scared in my life as Victoria's dad chases me down the hallway yelling in a Scottish accent.
8) Meeting new and wonderful people. I got to meet several of Victoria's friends who were all amazing. Making friends with random strangers is also nice.
9) Trying to make the guards laugh. I know that this is cliche, but I had to do it.
10) Tie between: a-making dance videos in the flat, and b-talking about how we would befriend the landlord and I could live with him. Just as a friend of course.
I've decided to add one more...
11) tea culture: I consumed so much tea here. It was so nice to have a little morning routine of waking up, making toast with jelly, and having some earl grey. I've tried to keep it up at home, but the tea just tastes better in England I guess. :)
The trip was incredible. I was able to really embrace the european way of life and was lucky to be able to live like a local everywhere I went thanks to a couple friends of course. Thank you for reading this far if you made it. This has definitely ignited the wanderlust in me. :)
Thanks to all those who made this trip memorable, in a small or big way. Until next time...
plein de bisous!!
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