Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Program coming to an end.

Well, I only have 10 days left of my study abroad experience here in Spain. How crazy it is to think that 4 months ago from today I was so scared and excited about doing this and now it's already almost over! I have had such an amazing time and I feel so fortunate for all of the things I have been able to do and see. Speaking of which, I went to Paris and Brussels this past weekend with two of my friends from my program and it was really fun! We didn't have a whole lot of time in either city but I never planned on seeing them in the first place so it was great to be able to go! But as my program is coming to an end in less than two weeks I think it's safe to say that I have reached my level of Spanish that I will acquire here. I feel so much better about it than before and think I can even consider myself fluent! Finally! It feels great (although my English is suffering). I still have lots of work to do to master the language but I have reached a very advanced level and I am very happy about that since that is a main reason for why I am here. I feel like I have changed as a person (in a good way) and I have matured and really developed a strong sense of independence. I am so glad that I did this and I wouldn't trade it for anything!

Sunday, December 9, 2012

La Fête des Lumières

This weekend I went to the Festival of Lights held in Lyon. All over the city, light shows were displayed for four days to celebrate the saving of Lyon over 100 years ago. Three million people supposedly showed up for the festival and the streets were packed after 5pm! This link gives a great explanation of la Fête des Lumières and shows some of the displays as well!
  Light artists commemorate the saving of Lyon | euronews, le mag

Not only is the festival going on, but there is a Christmas market as well! Last night I went back to the market to buy a small Christmas tree and some good food from the stands.  They had waffles on a stick, gingerbread, prezels, and tête choco. While waiting in line to buy a bison burger, I even met a girl who went to the same high school as me, but graduated a couple years earlier! She is currently a teacher's aid at an elementary school about an hour south of Lyon. What a small world!