This past week has truly been the opportunity of a lifetime. I arrived in Strasbourg just seven days ago, and I can’t believe how fast the time has gone by. It’s been such an amazing experience so far — getting to see what everyday life is like in France has been super eye-opening. One of the first things I noticed is how different social norms are here. For example, smiling at strangers isn’t as common — people often seem confused or even a little uncomfortable when you do! On the flip side, saying “bonjour” when you walk into any place is a must, which I’ve actually grown to appreciate as a polite and respectful gesture. I’ve loved exploring the city, taking in the scenery, and getting to see all the unique and colorful architecture. The weather has been a bit colder than I expected in some spots, which has been a little tough to adjust to, but overall it’s been manageable. Food-wise, I’ve been trying the local Alsatian dishes. A lot of places serve a kind of pizza that’s typical for the region — it’s tasty, though I’ve definitely started to feel like it’s on repeat. I’m curious if locals eat it often or if it’s more of a tourist go-to. Academically, the five-hour classes have been a challenge — definitely a big shift from my usual routine — but I know it’s going to pay off in the end. Today, I visited Colmar, which was beautiful. One thing that surprised me was that many public restrooms cost money to use unless you’re at a restaurant. That’s not something I’ve really seen in the U.S., so it caught me off guard. Luckily, I found a free one at the train station! We also went on a boat ride through “Little Venice” today, and it was such a fun and peaceful way to see the town. I’m really looking forward to the next parts of the trip — especially visiting Switzerland and Paris! More than anything, I’m hoping this experience helps me better understand European culture and gives me more confidence to travel and connect with people from different backgrounds. It can definitely be intimidating being surrounded by a language I don’t speak fluently, but I think it’s already teaching me a lot about communication, perspective, and stepping outside of my comfort zone.
