Sure, it may be nearly two months into my trip, but I feel it's about time for my first post. France has been treating me well so far, besides the lack of hot water some mornings (this morning) and NOTHING being open on Sat/Sun and sometimes Mondays... Yes, the people are nice and much more pro-America than I thought. I have befriended a girl named Marine Deroo, who one day told me that French people don't have any national pride unless the World Cup is being played. "You Americans have so much pride for your country, where we don't really like being French." This line almost knocked me off my feet. Maybe its the Left Coast point of view, but it seems that back home all we do is complain about Bush, etc and renounce our nationality. I was also unaware that the French are dissatisfied with theirs as well, seems like she has it backwards... or maybe I do?
Literally just returned from Italy a couple of days ago. I spent 5 nights in Rome with my childhood friend Karel, who knew a ton about the ruins and important sites in Rome. After Rome, spent a night in Cinque Terre, the coastal region, and I recommend it highly. If you're going to Riomaggore (pictured), or any other small village on the coast, go on the weekend. Most of the restaurants are only open then. Spent an evening and night in Pisa, saw the tower, didn't like the rest.
I'm happy to be back in Lille, and looking forward to the next couple of months/weeks before my parents arrive.
