So I thought the best way to get across my daily routine would be through pictures, so attached is an album with a bunch of pictures I took during an “average” day here in Montpellier, France!

I was talking to another American student the other day about the culture shock that we will experience upon our return to the United States. Although we are still in what can be called our first “wave” of culture shock in regard to the French, I feel that I have already begun to pick up ways to blend in more.

From the choice of shoes to the way I put my hair, I’ve found that I am almost beginning to resent anything typically “American” about me. Freckles = foreign, and I’ve got plenty of those. Brown hair doesn’t stand out here, but my blue eyes do to a certain extent. The concept of “jeans and a t-shirt” just does not exist here. For school, girls wear heels and dress to the nines, while guys also wear nice pants, shoes, and jackets. Wearing sneakers is a huge no-no if you’re trying to blend in here.

Also, the interaction between people is much different. In fact, it barely exists. Nobody makes eye contact, and if you do you NEVER smile. You just look away. Although I have found that far fewer people are walking and texting, the lack of eye contact is almost the same. Casual conversations between people around you on the tram is unacceptable unless you are elderly, and even then people usually ignore you or just smile and look away. I’ve found this one of the hardest things to get used to, as I enjoy sparking conversations with people and always smile at others.

I am definitely looking forward to being able to converse with strangers upon my return to the United States, but I’m sure by then it will be weird to have someone look at me and smile!

Until then, I’ll try to keep my gazing to a minimum and maintain my personal bubble that everyone here seems to have!

Hope you enjoy the pictures of my “Day in the Life!” 🙂

Bonne journ�e!

Kelsey