the beginning of fall.

As the work load is beginning to pick up (and I remind myself that studying abroad does involve actual studying), it has been difficult to find the time to check in and let you all know that I am alive and well. The time has flown by so quickly, it was only last night when running a few errands that I started to take note of all the seasonal changes occurring around me.

From the bundled-up, red-nosed Parisians bustling to get onto the Metro, to my first legitimate autumnal experience of having the wonderful satisfaction of crunching through an actual pile of leaves (California till the day I die), to my daily self-reminder to pack my umbrella (getting caught in a torrential downpour sans umbrella on a busy boulevard once is already enough times to remember this crucial component to my wardrobe), it has set in that Fall is really here. And while you naysayers back home have laughed in anticipation for this day, I’ve actually embraced the cold, pants and all. In fact, the crispness to the air and the daily fog makes me feel more at home than homesick. And while I’m still terrified of contracting Seasonal Affect Disorder once the thermometer takes a plunge into the 40’s, the weather thus far has only reminded me of the best city in the world: San Francisco. Fun fact: supposedly once it gets a little colder, carts will start setting up shop all over Paris selling - believe it or not - hot wine. While I initially scrunched my nose upon first hearing of this, apparently this delicacy is both comforting and a smart choice (think beer wine blanket), so I will definitely indulge in an experimental cup or two.

Two things to look forward to on my calendar this week: firstly, I have been linked to a weekly French conversation partner at the Sorbonne University, who I will meet for the first time on Thursday. Secondly and most importantly, this weekend I will be jetting off to Prague to visit one of my fellow high school favorites, Dylan! More posts of Czech shenanigans to come!