I am Aix-actly where I want to be - so how did I get here?

Step 1:
Get on the plane

Upon arriving at Dulles airport in DC I was greeted with a 3 hour delay - but thanks to the fact that we didn't get on the plane until 1:30am EST, I somehow managed to sleep and ended up with no jet lag.

Step 2:
Take Selfies

               

               

Because what else do you do after 12 hours of travelling solo besides lose your mind and make Vin Diesel references?

Step 3:
Arrive!

On the Cours Mirabeau, the main street in Aix - also known as the Champs Elysees of the South.

Step 4:
Take a nap

Seriously - walking 15,000 steps a day (on average) can really tire a girl out.

Step 5:
Eat all the food

       

     
A beautiful bruschetta; wine, sangria, martinis and grilled octopus at Cafe Tapas (not all at the same time, I promise); and an amazing lunch in the countryside complete with endless baguette.

Step 6:
Explore

        

 

   
                                     

  

                    

 

 
 
            

          

 

I've been here in Aix now for about a week and a half and time is absolutely flying by. Yesterday my roommate and I looked at each other and said, How do we only have 13 weeks left?

The first week was a whirlwind. 

A few things we did this past week: toured Aix, attended orientation sessions, took a day trip to the beach, went to an old feudal era fortress, ate a good meal in a home with a deed "signed" by Louis XIV, saw a giant art exhibit inside a quarry, toured the sanitarium where Van Gogh stayed for 2 years before he died, and just enjoyed the city.

Of course, I took a few classes too, was pleasantly surprised by my comprehension (all of my classes are 100% in French), and already have some homework to do this weekend...c'est la vie!

Here's to 13 more weeks!