Averett Around the World

Going to France was one of the best experiences of my life. If you ever get a chance to go on a study abroad trip do not pass up the opportunity. Our trip was scheduled for the week after France opened their borders and it could not have been more perfect timing… Since the borders were just opened and people still had doubts about traveling and Covid-19, we were able to experience Paris without outrageous crowds. There wasn’t even a line to enter the Louvre, the world’s largest art museum and the home of the Mona Lisa.

Crêpes and Croissants

As I reminisce about our trip I think about what it was like to spend our days in Aix-en-Provence. As soon as we woke up, we would go downstairs for breakfast. Everyday we had croissants and coffee. After breakfast we strolled around town and walked through the market where we would buy fresh fruit to snack on throughout the day or take with us on our day trips. Lunch was often a stop at our favorite restaurant for a crêpe, either sweet or savory, or if we wanted lunch on the go we stopped at a bakery for a baguette. Dinner was a time to socialize, enjoy some local wine and relax after a day filled with walking. But if we were too tired to go out, because meals often took an hour or two, we would UberEats sushi to our hotel.

True or False?

Before arriving in France I was not sure what to expect. So, I thought I would address common stereotypes that I have been asked when people ask me about our trip. The first being berets: When you think of France do you think of someone wearing a beret holding a baguette? The only people I saw wearing berets were a few tourists but you can buy one on most street corners in Paris.

French people are highly fashionable, I did not see a single person in a baggy t-shirt and leggings. Everyone there is dressed to impress.

French people are romantic, especially French men and couples there were very affectionate.

Something I did not expect to see was a lot of dogs but there was always a dog in sight, even in stores and cafés!

Oh and when you think of French music do you think of an accordion? In Aix there was a man who played the accordion during dinner in front of restaurants, it made it feel like we were in a movie!