enantiomorph

I lived in Lyon for an academic year. The city itself is marvelous, with fascinating history and culture (center of French resistance in WWII, was a roman colony in 43bc, contains UNESCO world heritage sites, credited as the French capital of gastronomy, best French football team!!), but its geography is perfect for those inclined to travel. 2 hours from Paris, 2 hours from Nice and the coast, 2 hours from Switzerland, 3 hours from Italy. The third largest city in France, Lyon has a prime location south-east of Paris, just west of the French Alps.

Studying abroad (and taking courses in a foreign tongue) was not an easy task but I cherish the time I spent, the things I saw, memories made, miles traversed. I will say to any Americans hesitant to visit France that I for one NEVER received any hostile behavior or comments because of my nationality. I was always upfront with those I met – none of this “oh no I’m not American, I’m Canadian!” business – and because I was honest and open, people were respectful and just as open. You’ll always find rude people in Paris, but that has more to do with tourism than anything. So don’t hesitate! A word of advice – just try to speak some French. It’s the trying that matters, people take it to heart. I can’t tell you how many Americans I saw bark at French waiters, “PIZZA?!?!” … (headdesk) Also, keep in mind that “customer service” does not translate. Generally speaking, the French place more value on the employee than the customer. Think about it: amazing benefits, the store closes at lunch & on Sundays.. don’t take it personally. Their priorities are different.

So go! And enjoy the pastries while you can. I miss the smell of fresh-baked croissants in the subway..

Orange County is great.. if you have lots of money, enjoy consuming, lean to the far far right, and find culture boring. I live and go to college here, and as soon as I graduate, I’m leaving. Underneath the glamourous, sparkling concrete and imported palm trees, poverty exists, but you don’t see that on television. In fact, the homeless are picked up and dropped off in less-wealthy areas of the county. Priorities, people. Priorities. Speaking of which — check out the Trinity Broadcasting Network’s headquarters, just off the 405, with their always-lit sign “HAPPYBIRTHDAYJESUS.” And yes, it (along with the thousand other lights on the headquarter’s exterior) was shining gloriously during the energy crisis. Classic. To me, Orange County represents the ultimate decadence in our consumer culture. There are a few places here and there that are decent, but overall, it is DEFINITELY not worth your time.