..What's the craziest thing you've done lately?

So here it is, le dernier blog. Written as my Eurostar rolls out of Paris Gare du Nord for the final time but not before the city I share this volatile relationship with tries to screw me over one last time. After all this is not the first Eurostar I have been on today and my final day in Paris has only actually been five hours, 10 minutes of which were an exam the University kindly decided to change the date of without informing me and naturally after I’d already touched down in London town.
But kudos to the city that has taught me so much more than academics over the last six months, the city that has made me both laugh and cry harder than ever before and the city that has made me realise who I am and the kind of person I want to be.
    From the practical lessons such as how to dress weather appropriately and how to open a beer bottle with a lighter (thank you Lex!) to life experiences such as how to get around being homeless and what happens when you let your heart overrule your head, my time abroad has definitely shaped the person I am going to turn out to be. I would recommend it in a heartbeat. And not only have I learnt so much about French culture, but being so lucky to go through this experience with some truly amazing people from a handful of different countries means I now know so much more about other cultures and certainly respect their ideals. You’re only as strong as the foundations around you and life is only as good as the company you keep and the friends I’ve made here are definitely for life. Even though saying goodbye breaks my heart, we know it is not goodbye at all and I look at the next few years of my life and travels with giddy excitement. That’s right, I may currently be some way beneath the English Channel but you’re not getting rid of me that easily.

    And although I may look at the city with bitter cynicism from time to time, rolling my eyes at every couple making out on the metro and making many-a angry and tearful calls home about the ridonculous University system and plain rude Parisians, I can’t help but have a great deal of respect for Paris. And if I’ve learnt anything from our many fiery arguments, it is that everything will be alright in the end and if it’s not then its not the end.
    So as I exit the channel tunnel and look out at the fields of green showered in the glorious evening sunlight it’s time to say goodbye Paris, it’s been an absolute pleasure. My padlock is on the bridge and my key is in the Seine. And as for me? I’m just going with it..

 

In the morning I'll be with you, but it will be a different kind..

Final few days in Paris and the bucket list has been in full swing. From finally munching on a slimy snail (promise I didn't just hold my nose and quickly swallow) to finally climbing into a cosy corner in Shakespeare & Company surrounded by magnificent, and most importantly English, literature, taking in every inch of the charming interior as it melts my heart whilst someone sends a lazy jazz beat my way from the dusty, old piano.

Spending some time seeing the city I've spent the last 6 months considering everyday life as though it is the first time I've laid eyes on each and every detail has made me realise just how bloody lucky I have been as well as think about the little things I am going to miss. Such as escaping to St Michel when it's been one of those days, sauntering along the Seine and stopping at Pont des Arts, which even in the monstrous yet beautiful thunderstorm that erupted during my last visit, never ever fails to make me smile. Or even during a mundane task like hailing a taxi at ridiculous o'clock in the morning when I find myself accidentally stumbling onto the Champs-Élysées, naturally taking the opportunity to climb a prestigious monument, take a few snaps and admire the view of La Tour Eiffel as the sun slowly rises behind it.

However, it is also with irony that throughout these final, fun-packed weeks of my time abroad that I am now beginning to realise the reason some people never travel. Yes, the experience is literally life changing but saying goodbye freakin' hurts. And even though this now means I get to keep a little piece of my heart in some great places around the world, sitting here on my parents' sofa as I type without these pieces stings. Post Erasmus Depression (a certified condition don't you know) has most definitely sunk in as I waste my days watching Homes Under The Hammer and working Damien Rice and Adele from the keys of my beloved piano. But fear not, eight days time and the fun begins once again, two final nights in Paris then back across the Channel and for a new adventure in a new city and of course, a new blog.

See you in two weeks Glasgow, but be warned, I will probably try and greet you with a kiss..