Wow. I can’t believe this has all happened so fast, but today marks the one-year anniversary of my departure.
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| My luggage coming home. I vividly remember hauling this on and off trains while passers-by stared and didn't offer any help. |
There, I said it.
I’m trying really hard to not be nostalgic and dramatic, but this is more difficult than I thought it would be.
I had a really hard time readjusting to North American life. I still catch myself from time to time gawking at the huge amount of space we take for granted, both in cities and between them. I miss shopping at market three times a week and buying quality goods in little shops in Place Darcy. I miss the food, the coffee, the music, the wine, the mustard, the canal with its swans and ducks, the suicidal cyclists, the pace of daily life, and pique-niques dans le pelouse. I miss the people I met there. I miss being a shameless tourist, taking dozens of pictures a day. I miss more than I can say without starting to cry like a child.
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| My fella. He's pretty wonderful, and has been really patient with me through this whole process. |
That said, I have a lot to he thankful for here in Canada. I have a wonderful boyfriend, with whom I just celebrated our 5-year anniversary. We have a funny, fluffy bunny that I love to snuggle and whose fuzz I am proud to wear daily. I have a loving, supportive family who I am lucky to be able to see whenever I like. Thanks to my fabulous mom, I have a gorgeous apartment that I’m lucky enough to fill with incredible friends on a regular basis. I have a healthy appreciation for excellent food and wine, and I have a head (and many discs and a blog) full of memories. I have a passion to travel and learn as much as I can about other people and their culture.
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| Samson. Bunny snuggles are the best snuggles. |
I will go back some day. Hopefully some day soon. But even if I never leave this country again, my time in Dijon will live forever in my heart and has become a deeply ingrained part of who I am.
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have had this experience. Thank you to everyone who has followed me on here, on Facebook, and in person, through Skype and mail. Your support and encouragement have meant more than I can express.
This will be my last post. I’m not taking down the blog. Please continue to peruse it at your leisure. I know I will.
Merci tout le monde. Je vous aime.
Au revoir.
