The big day has arrived. I have about nine hours left on US soil before I board an Air France mega jet for my nine-hour flight to Paris. I have eliminated a third of my clothes and streamlined the bulk of all three of my bags (suitcase, backpack, purse). I have packed and repacked about five times. Final count: I leave for France with five short-sleeve tops, five long-sleeve, two jeans, two slacks, a skirt, two dresses, five pairs of shoes, three sweater-like layers, and three bottles of contact solution (it's three times the US price in France). I also am taking most of the linens I will need there-- including my comforter-- all vacuum-sealed down to a third of their original size, to avoid having to shell out money for these essentials when I get there. I have no idea how much my suitcase weighs, but I'm praying for under 50.
I've had a lovely time with friends and family here in the cities, though my upcoming departure seems to have warped the time and sent me hurtling for this day faster than I was prepared for. I will be in Blois in less than 24 hours. It will be a long journey, but I'm comforted knowing that I've got my contact and coordinator Nancy Dutour and my wonderful landlord Henri Gauben waiting to welcome me in Blois. Monsieur Gauben is even meeting me at the train station to take me to meet my temporary host family for my first week in Blois. So far, I think I'm the only American assistant in Blois, but there will be two other English assistants living in my building, both from the UK. I'm hoping they'll become new friends.
So, I'm off to see and do new things and meet new people; to discover new favorite places, both humble and monumental; to speak and learn and teach; to touch lives and to be touched in return; to open a new chapter in my book; to grow and understand; to expand and deepen; to become. I gather my courage and my strength (I'll need it to haul my luggage around Paris), take a deep breath, and leap. I'll let you know when I land and what I find when I get there.
Until then, adieu. I'll miss you all!
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