It’s been so long since I posted! Last month I took a two week trip to France since we had all of Passover off school. I flew into Paris and spent about a week there. I then headed to Lille where I stayed with family. I also went up to the Normandy area and got to check out some cute little towns.
Paris was amazing and I really lucked out with the weather. It didn’t rain once while I was there! I opted out for most of the touristy stuff and museums since I wanted to take advantage of the great weather. I walked around a lot of neighborhoods and spent some time just hanging out in cafes. I did end up going to two museums, the Picasso museum and the Musée des Arts Forains. Both were great and I would highly recommend them to those looking for something different than the more popular and crowded Paris museums.
In Lille I had a great time walking around and learning about the history of the city. I really loved all the shops and architecture in the old part of town. I also got to go to my cousin’s work in Belgium. He works at a brick manufacturing plant which was really interesting. We had a delicious lunch in Belgium and also went to a big liquor store to pick up some beer. On the French/Belgium border there is still a sign which translates into “French Republic Customs Office” My cousin told me that prior to 1992 (before the European Union) there would be huge lines on both sides of people going in/out of France and Belgium. Now all that’s left is a sign and tons of tobacco shops on the Belgium side (due to difference in taxes). After Lille I headed to the town of Caen where two of my great aunts live. I had never met them so it was really sweet to spend time with family.
I had such a great time and it was a much needed break from Israel. Now I just have a little more than a month left in my program. Time has really flown by and I’m starting to feel sad about it ending. I am ready to see my family and friends back home. I’m also going back to France after my program ends before heading home. This next trip I’ll be exploring the southern coast of France which I’m really looking forward to. À bientôt!
