After being in France for about two months, I am now used to the slow and enjoyable lifestyle of La Provence. Here life slows down and every moment is enjoyed deeply. At first this unsettled me, as I am used to a more fast paced lifestyle where everything is immediate and done in a rush. From getting lunch with friends to walking from point A to Point B, I have now learned to take my time and reflect over what I’m doing, and really just enjoy the moment.
Every little thing I do every day is a whole event now. Grabbing a coffee before class has turned into a forty five minute conversation with the baristas and getting a free pastry for helping them practice their English. Talking with a professors during office hours has turned into a 3 hour lunch where I’ve learned my professor’s whole life story.
I don’t necessarily think this lifestyle suits me or that I would enjoy living like this for a long period of time, but for now I am really just enjoying it and learning about different perspectives and ways of living in the process. I will admit I have found myself losing my patience over this issue but every day I get more used to it. I will also admit that after the forty five minute conversation with the baristas I was late for class but apparently “I got caught up in a conversation at the coffee store” is a completely valid excuse here, so I cannot complain.
