First Week in Amboise
The first week in Amboise, France has certainly been an adventure. I do not think really words could describe the majestic beauty of Amboise. To understand the beauty and way of life, you have to see for yourself.
Study Abroad students, First Night
s Charles De Gaulle Airport, we all walked out of the exit doors without getting our luggage. Trying to get back in was very interesting as most people didn’t speak much English. After regaining entrance, we stood at the carousel waiting and waiting as everyone’s bags to spin around. All arrived except mine. There I was without my one and only bag that had all my clothes, toiletries and most of everything I needed. The airline informed me that my bag was still in Washington D.C. and all I had in my carry on were one pair of shorts and pajamas?
Me in a Sleep T at the Market
Just for the few days without my luggage, I just wore shorts and sleeping T-shirts, and went to the Sunday market with my host mother and bought a sun dress. When I finally got my bag later this week, I don’t think I ever been so happy.
Anna and I in Amboise
Attending school has been difficult, for me at least, since my French hasn’t been in grammar, but more conversational. Due to that fact, the courses are quite intense and I have a lot of work to do. But, it’s a great way to learn. Just being in Amboise, France for a week has taught me more French, than I would have ever imagined. It certainly hasn’t been a walk in a park but just being the first week, I can already see the benefits from being here. Saying good-bye to Amboise will be difficult, but I cannot wait to see how at the end how far I have improved.
This first week has been tiring too from all of the excursions we’ve done. We’ve taken several walking tours around the city, and visited all the different châteaux. It’s been very fun, but can sometimes be overwhelming after a day at school. We also took about a 10-mile bike ride through the country; it was so enjoyable. Although I like the other excursions, simply walking to school is one of my favorite things to do. There are such nice views along the way. I have to cross the bridge over the Lorie River and get to see the Chateaux de Amboise every morning. We have only been in Amboise for a week, but I adjusted quickly, and it feels like we have been here longer. I think going home will be much more difficult than I ever thought.
AYUSA Students on top of the Chateaux Amboise
