I feel like traveling encourages excessive thinking. At least it does for me. I find I'm constantly making realizations, connections, and am always interested and asking questions about culture and people. During my thinking, I'm come to realize a few things about complaining, language, independence, friends, and stereotypes.
On Sunday our International Student Organization went on a hike to Le Croix du Nivolet. This hike was spectacular! One of the most challenging and rewarding hike I've ever been on. I had the chance to be surrounded by the Swiss Alps and look down at the Lac de Bourget. I felt ever cooler than The Sound of Music :). However, on the trip I had to listen to constant complaining. I always thought my mom was just being a mom when she used to say, "No whining allowed," but now I see she had a good point. No one likes it when people whine. I didn't say anything, but it really annoyed me how people were complaining about how thirsty they were or how much their feet hurt. In my head I was saying, "Come on, you are in the Swiss Alps. Not a lot of people get this chance. Just enjoy it." I will always think before I outwardly complain. It isn't attractive and it gets you nowhere. And now I will stop complaining about other people complaining ;).
On a deeper and less rant-ish note, I've come to realize that learning a language is a lot more difficult than I ever though it to be. Learning French in American schools with American teachers is very different from learning French from a French teacher. I feel that since I'm so nervous about trying to improve, that my mind shuts off, and I really wish it wouldn't do that. Also, in social situations, it's hard to distinguish the tone in which people talk to you. I can never be sure if some French people are being sarcastic with me (haha). I'm concentrating so much on the words, that I can't pick up their intentions. But, the feeling of actually understanding people is amazing! Although I still can't distinguish every single word in a conversation, I feel I can grasp a hold of what they are talking about. I also feel doubt in learning a language. Sometimes the lessons and the questions the teacher asks are very different, so I doubt if I understand or heard her correctly. So instead of raising myself, I sit quietly. On a funny note, I've realized that my English is progressively becoming worse. I write change the spelling in English words to look more like French! I guess that's a sign I'm learning something, right? I wish to be a french speaker more than anything haha.
I've also realized during my adventures around Europe that independence is a marvelous thing. Although I love it when my dad makes me pancakes on some Sunday mornings and when my mom spoils me by taking me to McKay's bookstore, independence is a powerful thing. Take today for instance. I was trying to buy a plane ticket to Germany to visit my friend when the site denied my card. I had to resort to using Skype to call a toll-free number and then be transferred to my bank. Apparently, my card was classified as a fraud and that's why I couldn't use it. Luckily, I got put on the line with a funny woman from Tennessee who told me about her adventures in France when she was younger. Although I'm still not able to purchase the ticket yet, I do feel quite accomplished.
I've also noticed that while I'm away I have friends who have shown me that they value our friendship. I really feel special that these people are still interested in my life and make sure that I'm doing alright frequently. You learn who your real friends are when you travel :). I miss all of them so much! And I'm going to miss all the friends I have made here. Yay friends!
One last thing that I have noticed a lot recently is the inaccuracy of stereotypes. This past week in school, our lessons were centered around stereotypes. I've realized that stereotypes couldn't be more wrong. Although, it's kind of true that almost every French person smokes and that French people love their baguettes, I've noticed that people are different everywhere. One day in class we learned what French people think about Americans. The French think that there are two kinds of Americans: fat people and work-out junkies (they said Rambo actually, haha). They think that the most popular clothing for Americans are jeans and cowboy boots. They think women wear a lot of make-up and are very superficial. To every French person I've talked to, I've told them that that's not true. I've said we have diverse people in America just like you do in France. I would also like to say that French people are NICE. I've come across two mean people, and that's just because they are people, not because they are French. I've also found that people hear want to practice their English, want to visit America, and are eager to communicate with me.
This trip has encouraged me to think outside the box, and I'm so grateful for that. In this last month, I can't wait to learn more. I feel every place I visit I learn something new or think about life in a different way. I see why people love traveling so much :).
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