June 25, 2016
So I'm back on the TGV again, this time leaving Barcelona and heading back to Montpellier after spending a week in Spain with Dan. It feels weird leaving him again. It's also odd that I'm going to France and he is going back to Canada. By the time I'm back in my little studio, he'll only have just taken off from the airport in Barcelona. When he lands in Toronto, I'll be finishing dinner.
As a side note, the TGV between France and Spain really only hits that magical 300 km/h for about 10 minutes as it leaves Spain and before it gets to the first town. You can feel it build speed, your ears "pop" and the world wizzes by. And then you feel yourself decelerate again. Regardless, it is still a fantastic way to travel!
There is a part of me that feels good about going "home" to France. Yes, I used that word when Dan and I were talking last night. It is interesting that I referred to France as "home" over dinner. I'm clearly comfortable there, which is a good sign. At the same time, I'm a little homesick as Dan equals home too and seeing him was a bit of normal again. Yes, I am looking forward to going back to Toronto again, but I'm aware that it will be different too.
After experiencing life here in Europe, life in Canada by contrast has both pros and cons. Two months ago I would have spoken only about the pros of Canada, but now I see the cons too. Canada is incredibly safe, I don't think I've ever paid as much attention to my surroundings as I have since getting here. I rarely worry about my cell phone in Toronto, it regularly lives in my back pocket or on a table in a cafe. We are, for the most part, a world away from the challenges in the rest of the world. Here, those challenges are just a few hours away by car. On the other side, we are truly challenged by our vast land area and our very tiny population. There just isn't a large enough tax base to fund the massive investment required for our infrastructure needs. We are also heavily influenced by the North American need to work all the time. Europe has a much better sense of balancing work and personal life. Not that they don't work hard, they do, but it seems that when work is done, its done and you focus on family and friends.
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
I'm going to see Dan!
June 17, 2016
I'm sitting on the TGV, heading west from Montpellier on my way to Barcelona. Three hours by train, only about 5 stops so it is considered a direct train. It is pretty amazing to think that within 3 hours not only am I in a different city, but a different country with a different language and culture!
To be honest, I've been feeling nervous the last few days as this trip was approaching. However, I may have mistaken 'fear' for anticipation. Dan and I have been separated before for long periods of time, but in those instances, it was me that stayed at home. So I've been nervous about what may or may not have changed for each of us and afraid of what that may or may not mean.
After having mulled over my feelings in my head for a few days, I think the better word for what I'm feeling is anticipation. First date anxiety as Dan would say. A combination of nervousness and excitement. I haven't been paying as much attention at school as I should be as I've counted down the days to this trip. And even though I'm on my way to see him, I still have one more sleep before he arrives on Saturday.
It is going to be a good visit, but I'm already aware that his leaving in a week will be hard. After almost three months apart, I do have to admit that I have been feeling a little bit of homesickness. As much as it has dissipated greatly, it is still there in the back of my heart. I do miss everyone back home. It reminds me of what my friend Kevin said to me the other week. He spent his career travelling all over the world, so many cities, so many adventures. Whenever he was asked what his favourite city was, he always replied, "the one were my family was". I think that is a very true statement. Home is where your family is.
Ok, enough reflection. I'll be arriving in Barcelona in 30 minutes! Here's to a great reunion with Dan!
I'm sitting on the TGV, heading west from Montpellier on my way to Barcelona. Three hours by train, only about 5 stops so it is considered a direct train. It is pretty amazing to think that within 3 hours not only am I in a different city, but a different country with a different language and culture!
To be honest, I've been feeling nervous the last few days as this trip was approaching. However, I may have mistaken 'fear' for anticipation. Dan and I have been separated before for long periods of time, but in those instances, it was me that stayed at home. So I've been nervous about what may or may not have changed for each of us and afraid of what that may or may not mean.
After having mulled over my feelings in my head for a few days, I think the better word for what I'm feeling is anticipation. First date anxiety as Dan would say. A combination of nervousness and excitement. I haven't been paying as much attention at school as I should be as I've counted down the days to this trip. And even though I'm on my way to see him, I still have one more sleep before he arrives on Saturday.
It is going to be a good visit, but I'm already aware that his leaving in a week will be hard. After almost three months apart, I do have to admit that I have been feeling a little bit of homesickness. As much as it has dissipated greatly, it is still there in the back of my heart. I do miss everyone back home. It reminds me of what my friend Kevin said to me the other week. He spent his career travelling all over the world, so many cities, so many adventures. Whenever he was asked what his favourite city was, he always replied, "the one were my family was". I think that is a very true statement. Home is where your family is.
Ok, enough reflection. I'll be arriving in Barcelona in 30 minutes! Here's to a great reunion with Dan!
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