Monday morning, I have been on this adventure now for one week. Daunting has been my first word to describe the experience thus far. I would be fooling myself and anyone reading this if I used sweet, fluffy words to describe this first week in Aix. It’s been difficult in adjusting, isolating and lonely, but I will not accept these as permanent conditions. I remind myself that some of these feelings could occur at home, in familiar settings, then I get excited in the realization that I am in France living out a dream that will only get better. I am determined (and in control of my experience to some degree) in trying to find solutions to some of the obstacles.
First obstacle…le Francais. The instruction that I have had needs to be enhanced. I can be couteous and respectful in encounters, but I would like to be able to converse, this is what I am lacking, intimidation sets in. So, a solution that I’m pursuing is an immersion class here in Aix. As I have mentioned before, this is a university town and I have contacted a language institute that offers two week interval, intense classes. Now I wait in anticipation for an email in reply to my inquiry. This is priority and I will schedule my excursions according to the class times.
Mobility might be a second obstacle, but at this stage of my travels, I’m putting it on the back burner. The excursions I plan on taking provide transportation and I am still exploring enough of Aix on foot that I will address this probably at a later date.
Third and final obstacle apparent to me is solo dining. Not crazy about it and I have found comfort in said apartment for simple dining. My thoughts are substantiated by my desire to invest in experiences as opposed to things, and the dining experience will come eventually with confidence.
I have passed through Mother’s Day quietly but have discovered how Skype keeps me in contact with my children…how glorious is that! Best gift I could ask for!
I went for my routine stroll of exploring and familiarizing myself with the town yesterday. Open-air markets are happening all around, I’m thinking every day of the week. Yesterday was no different, but the items change locales or are introduced exclusively for one day a week. Sunday, books and antiques were introduced and artisan crafts. If I were in the market for such, it would be consuming! It added to my visual pleasure during the stroll. A rather windy day yesterday with possible rain although this did not distract the vendors and prospective customers from their intentions. It definitely enhanced my strolling experience. I did have to stop to take one picture in memory of my Mum.
If you have followed previous posts, you might catch the significance of this photo. It’s similar to “Where’s Waldo”… keeping my Mum with me, sharing my experience.
I have to remind myself to discuss the museums visited…Picasso, Cezanne, Van Gogh, and the sculptures!! I’m really drawn to sculpting. That shall be following, but now I must prepare to go out to the Luberon region with my new best friend, Emily. We will be accompanying dogs with truffle hunters hoping to find the prize delicacy of fresh truffle (considering they’re found under the ground). It ought to be quite the adventure! Stay tuned!