I was so eager to return to New York when I did in June. I was ready to speak a language fluently and without an accent, be surrounded by the majority of everyone I know and love, and spend my days in the familiar ways of home. I embraced those rushed, two and a half weeks with the social busyness that I’d been missing. As expected, everything was the same but different.
In Syracuse and in New York City, two places which I’d once lived, I stayed in hotels. I played tour guide but with nostalgic wisdom not current knowledge. I voluntarily spent more time in Midtown Manhattan than I otherwise would have, noticing sights I used to run past without acknowledging—the New York Public Library, the International Center of Photography, The Edison Hotel.
Then, I dove head first into a new daily grind in Paris. I became overwhelmed with school, and moving apartments, and transitioning from a grad student life with a cellphone with a handful of American expat's numbers to a foreign intern's life, adjusting to a French work environment, the same daily grind in a foreign setting, and a smaller friend group (since many fellow grad students have since returned to the States). In some ways, it’s been even more challenging than the academics part of pursuing a master’s abroad.
And yet, I realize it’s not entirely this beautiful city’s fault. The month began so well, but it was last weekend that truly proved it to me--what with a successful surprise birthday party, a fun and friendly Cinema en Plein Air picnic, and an unexpected phone call from home. When I take a deep breath and enjoy it, life in Paris is more full than I ever could have imagined. Thank god for taking chances.
Such are the ebbs and flows of being an expat. Realizing it’s been a little more than a year since your Bon Voyage party in New York and taking photos as you fall more and more in love with your Parisian neighborhood just encourages the articulation of feeling.
I like to think it's still okay to be a little restless, to seek even more fulfillment in a sea of happy imperfections though. That's probably why I jumped at the opportunity to attend the Media Evolution conference. Starting tonight, I'll be spending the rest of the week, reinvigorated with inspiration, in Mälmo, Sweden. I'm excited to share my experience with you when I get back.
