Embracing It! – Journals from Abroad

Bonjour bonjour!

The past few weekends consisted of embracing different aspects of life here in southern France and I couldn’t be more excited to share.

First, I decided to take a quick weekend getaway trip to a coastal town an hour away from Aix, La Ciotat! As I’m a Seattleite myself, it felt like a breath of home when I arrived in that small town. It was a warm and slightly breezy afternoon as my two friends and I stepped out of the train. Sea salt filled the air, the colorful red, yellow, and blue sail boats bobbed on the crystal clear water. Our air bnb located in a small walk way right next to the harbor amid the bustling day and night life. Multiple pubs, restaurants and antique shops lined the walk of the entire harbor with laughs and shouts echoing right outside our air bnb.

Overcast skies sale boats lining the image and choppy water from the wind. — Cloudy Sunday morning of multiple sale boats drifting around while docked.

Red dining chairs and table surrounded by a couple trees in the middle of a cobble stone square and tan buildings — We stopped for a quick picture in this beautiful hidden square in La Ciotat. Cafes and shops lined the outskirts.

We enjoyed a casual and cozy night after a wonderful dinner on a beach front restaurant watching a movie and enjoying each other’s company. The next day we woke up to head back to Aix, and there was a market with fresh fish, fruit, vegetables, clothes and more waiting for us as we stepped outside. It was cloudy and windy that Sunday morning but we didn’t mind, as we walked along and enjoyed the sights of a friendly small town market. We spent the day wandering the town as we waited for our train and spent the short ride home happy and ready for the next adventure in store.

Alleyway of tan buildings and small potted plants — The alley up to our air bnb.

The next trip was this past Saturday for my history class “France during the Occupation” which focuses on France and the occupation of German soldiers during the second World War. This field study took us to the town of Eygalières, a beautiful small town that is located in the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. The weather was absolutely beautiful, sunny, a slight breeze, and got up to 71 degrees °F. The people all around us seemed to be enjoying soaking up every ounce and minute this town had to offer. Laughs and smiles and the occasional curiosity at a big group of American students walking through town. (I mean, I know we would be curious!)

3 students and a professor walking down a paved road lined with tall trees and sunrays peeking through — My history professor pointing out some classmates an olive tree grove to the left as we walked to town.

A small bell tower on the right, rocky ground, sunny and bright blue skies overlooking the small french town below. — Our class hiked to the top of the hill overlooking Eygalières.

Both of these towns had a different atmosphere but one thing remained the same, the smiles and laughter of the citizens was contagious. I am so lucky to say I’ve been able to experience this slow-paced and happy culture. I’m so fortunate to embrace the people, the food, the music, and the nature around me every second I’m here.

A tiny storefront with greenery grown around the front crawling the stone building covered in sunlight — A beautiful storefront on our walk up to the top of the hill, through the heart of the town.

Until next time, À bientôt!

Emma Libby