Has it really been two months since I arrived in France? I have learned and experienced new things, and I feel like I’ve grown more. My french has also improved immensely, and I’m sure I will see more improvement in the months to come. At the beginning of this month, I attended an AFS camp with all the other AFSers in my region. I got the chance to talk to others about our first weeks in this new country. I’m grateful for these excursions because it allows me to connect with others in the same situation as me. Before going back home, we made sure to make plans to meet up throughout the month. I had the best time at this camp, and I can’t wait for the next one in February.
Although it’s still hard to communicate with others at school, I’m happy to report that things at school have gotten much better. After joining a soccer club near my home, I’ve made many new friends that attend my school. I’ve also gotten closer to some of my classmates. It has been challenging to keep up with lectures since much of it sounds like gibberish, but I’ve noticed that my comprehension has been getting better. Every six weeks or so, there is a two-week vacation in French schools. So the last week of this month has been filled with relaxation, rejuvenation, and lots of sleep. Even though school days in France are long, the vacations make up for it.
During school weeks, I carry out much of my adventures on Wednesdays and weekends. School days are much shorter on Wednesdays, so I have lots of time to explore the city and hang out with friends. Rennes is a magical place with tiny streets, adorable stores, and beautiful architecture. Sometimes I like just to walk around and find hidden stores around town. I don’t think I could ever get bored because there are always new things and events around the city.
Throughout this month, I’ve built stronger relationships with my family and friends. I have also started adjusting well to my new routines. I am taking in every second of this exchange, and I never want to leave. I can’t wait for more baguettes, cheese, walks around the city, explorations, and French. Just the thought of tomorrow and what it has in store for me brings a big smile to my face—time to make more memories that I never want to forget.
Until next time,
Mackenzie B.
Captions for photos:
1.My friend, Sofia M., and I, at Roadside (a burger place in Rennes).
2. Sofia M. (Holding phone) , Sofia S. (Left), and I, heading home by train after a fun day with friends.
3. Château de Fougères, a castle I visited with my host family.
4. Walking around Fougères, a city in Bretagne.
5. At my favorite crêperie in Rennes.
Note: Mackenzie is on a year program from our Greater Los Angeles (GLA) Area Team (AT) to France, 2021-2022. She is the recipient of a GLA local need-based scholarship.
