She's definitely correct. Another favorite Pascale quote, "When you have too much bread, you have to eat more cheese. When you have too much cheese, you have to eat more bread - That is la vie française." I am so d'accord.
Cheese in France is just a very interesting phenomenon. Did you know there are over 350 different types? "One for every day of the year" - another Pascale-ism. And a type of wine that goes with each one. There is also a correct way - "The French Way", says my dear sister Alice - to cut each cheese and, as I discovered this evening, a correct order to eat all of the different cheese if you are eating more than two in a night. Yes sometimes the French eat more than two cheeses in one night.
It's very odd - the year here in Paris is wrapping up. My mom arrives next Tuesday - and then I will only have a week left here. Trop bizarre. I am constantly in a state of conflict between wanting to stay forever (I honestly could stay another year and not be phased at all) and being thoroughly overjoyed to return home.
I'm having a hard time putting into words how wonderful this year was. We had to write a paper today in my Atelier d'Ecriture on what we will take away from this year. Of course I spoke of how great my host family has been, and how much confidence in traveling I have gained.... but really the main focus was what true friends I have made this year.
Need I say more?
.... more ramblings on reverse culture shock and paris-sickness coming soon!
- Clara
