[**This is a Repost from 2012: Ten years ago, I fulfilled a great passion of studying abroad at the Sorbonne university. This was also when I started my Frenchquest blog. I am reposting these incredible, otherworldly experiences of living in Paris for six months as a “non-traditional” graduate student.]
I am returning to one of my favorite cities in the world to become immersed in its culture. This first day here was very surreal as I used a skeleton key to open my apartement which will be my new home for the next six months in contrast to staying in a hotel for one week as a tourist. The building is over 200 years old and my room of 10×10 has a definite “Parisian” feel to it: terraced view, wooden floors, a tiny bathroom with bad plumbing, and the sounds of motorcycles and sirens outside!
As I was preparing for bed the first night, I glanced out of my window, over the rooftops of the Latin Quarter, and saw a double rainbow, God’s promise to me that I was in His hands! It was a duplicate of the double rainbow that David and I saw in El Paso that morning (eighteen hours earlier) as we were exercising.
My daughter, Kalie, came with me to help me get settled in and has been such a calming presence. We have made a few day trips by train to Chartres and Rouen and have spent some time taking in the sites of Paris and practicing our French. Surprisingly, I have been able to communicate in French much easier than I imagined. My first mistake, however, was to order the “Plat du jour” (plate of the day) without asking for specifics. Our main course was a cut of pork wrapped in a big fat tongue. Yuk! I guess I’ll just stick to quiche and baguettes until I learn the menu.
Today, Sunday, I am going to visit the American Church of Paris to find that most important connection with other believers. Then my home base will be complete. Tuesday I will meet with my study abroad coordinator and then begin my classes on Wednesday after a language placement test.
After almost a year of praying, planning, and studying my journey begins!
Copyright 2012 by Robyn Lowrie. May be quoted in part or full only with attribution to Robyn Lowrie (www.frenchquest.com)
My French Quest 