Antithesis

So this is it. It is time for this adventure to end and another to begin. I feel distanced and almost jaded with the entire experience, at this point. I'm not at all sure what to expect when I return home, nor what exactly I will take with me from my time in Europe. I had a wonderful time, learned many things about myself, others, and the world around me. I just wish I had more time to let the fact that I'm leaving in less than two weeks to sink in.

At the moment, I'm sick and facing a looming amount of classwork that one shouldn't have to deal with in their final weeks in a foreign country. I have a powerpoint presentation for Dr. Valhas (have no idea if I spelled that correctly) to complete, a video presentation for an independent study french class, and three finals to worry about. I'm not going to complain, and I have had course loads that have surpassed this in the past, but for some reason, I don't feel nearly as up to it as I usually do. I think all of it comes down to the fact that I will soon be dropped back into reality. I won't be living in a castle, having a free buffet breakfast every morning, nor will I only have class two or three times a week. I will have to get a job again. I will disembark on the arduous process of law school applications, as well as getting surgery during the same time period. I'm up to it. I just need to prepare myself, so that I may land on my feet rather than my face when I return home.

I still need to figure out how I'm getting to the airport for my flight next Saturday. Hopefully, someone from the chateau will be able to drive me, but if not, I'll probably have to spend 60 euro on a taxi. I don't even want to think about these extra costs I'll incur simply for leaving this country. I'll also have to spend upwards to 300 dollars on checked bags at the airport, something that I'm looking ecstatically looking forward to. I just wish I had more time to sit and contemplate this experience, to completely soak it in before I leave. Perhaps I'll have more time to do this next week.

I guess that's it. This is where I say goodbye. I will never forget those with whom I've spent time during my stay in France, even though I might never see several of these people again. However, whether they know it or not, every single person here has left some sort of positive impression on me; I will most certainly carry their influence for the rest of my life, shaping my existence for the better. Goodbye all.