Rouen:Take 2. Leggo.

I left France on December 17, 2010, and tomorrow, December 20, 2011, I'm going back.

I thought a lot had changed during the 4 months I was in France. And it did. But wow - has a lot changed in the year since I left! My relationship, my friends, my attitude, (my hair), everything is different, but I really do feel that it's all different in a good way. I'm happy, I love school, I love my friends, and I love my freedom. It took me a long time to get here, but now that I've made it, I'm so grateful for every experience (joyful and painful) that led me to this place.

Tomorrow, I'm getting on a plane that will take me back to Paris. And there, I'll take a train that will take me home to Rouen. A part of me can't believe that I'm actually leaving my family to travel alone to Europe for the holidays, but the rest of me can't imagine letting another season pass without seeing Rouen. And honestly, who would I be if I didn't buy a plane ticket and take off to France by myself for 3 weeks? Traveling alone, meeting people, writing poetry, listening to music, embracing culture shock, feeling alone, feeling like part of a new family, being frustrated with the language, feeling pure joy at finally being able to effortlessly speak it, going from the fear of the unknown to the love for what you've come to know -- it's my greatest joy. The whole process of becoming part of something new through giving yourself completely to an experience - it's my greatest passion. I wouldn't be myself if I didn't chase after it. It's unfortunate that I'll be missing Christmas with my family, but imagine the amazing, scary, fun, awkward, powerful, sad, beautiful experiences I'll have during my 3 weeks in France. And I am content knowing that I will really be living these next few weeks.

Plus, this semester has been a total whirlwind, and I could use a little European magic to clear my head and remind me of the huge, amazing world that's out there. I love SLU, but the SLU bubble can be a little suffocating, and I'm definitely guilty of letting it leave me a little breathless a couple times.

So anyway, welcome back into my world. Read at your own risk, 'cause it's a crazy one, and I don't like to filter.

xoxo, Joey