France: Just the Beginning

So, I know I am starting about three weeks, almost a month late, but better late than never right?? Haha let's see here, France...where to begin. France, in particular Lyon, more central France along the Rhone Alps has been a JOURNEY with trials and tribulations. BUT one of the best times in my 22 years of life and it’s only the beginning! A brief description:

I left in tears from Dulles Airport with the support of my family and Brandon. I never thought I would cry. Honestly I didn't have the time! I was too busy hanging with friends, packing and trying to get my "ish" together before I left. Before I knew it, it was January 1, 2010 and I was about to walk through the gate with my dad--depart from family and never see them again... No, it wasn't "a never again" situation, but 5 months seemed like a lifetime at the time! My emotions consumed me as my strong, always poised mother started tearing--it was downhill from there... lol. Anyway, to cut a loooong story short, we left (THANK YOU DAD) to fly thousands of miles away, to a foreign land. Oh, I can't forget to mention, "Club style"--as in better than 1st class baby! (was surprisingly bumped up) <3 So, let’s just say it was VERY comfortable haha. But, flying thousands of miles away is when I really realized that I am scared of planes! Luxury or not, I was terrified for the 1st hour....

Once we got there, my dad and I were quite overwhelmed...period! From the language barriers to getting around the city, to setting up my apartment! It was crazy, but I honestly I wouldn't have traded those tribulations for the world. It helps you grow. Thank God to my father for coming and helping me settle--I cried when he left (big baby :/) lol. I know I could have done it on my own, but it was good to have the support and I guess you could call "Danni's first three days in Lyon" as a bonding experience...lol

Orientation (2 weeks prioir classes beginning--French culture immersion, French class, PARTAY <3): haha--let’s just say LONG HOURS!! But I'm glad to had gone through those 10am-5pm classes daily because that is when I met some of the most interesting people from all over the world--one of the objects of studying abroad--Experiencing new cultures! And can you say PARTAAY! First week was nothing but class---Party--class---PARTY AGAIN! I listened and danced to music I never thought was "me" and had the time of my life. When you go abroad you want to open yourself to different things...and as much as I love my R&B--Trey, Maxwell, Robin Thicke, Drake and so on--I grew beyond that and listened to TECHNO and others, yes I know! But let me tell you, if you just "let go"...you can have such a ball!!

I have only been here 3 weeks, going on a month, and I already see myself changing as well as my life goals altering for the best. Traveling abroad is like a drug, you don’t want to STOP! You want to experience everything you can--especially when you’re young and vibrant!---and NO I don’t do drugs! Lol, you realize when you get to your destination, that no matter where you come from--you are ALL so much alike in so many ways--you all have the desire to explore, to meet new people, experience new cultures, learn and have a great time! Once I realized that...everything became that much better!

So... I just came back from Paris this past weekend, the city of love and adventure, that seemed to feel like home...with two great friends from home, Makeia and Olivia <3--but I'll share those adventures for my next blog, coming soon... <3

Au revoir <3

Danni