After bidding farewell to Austin for this spring semester, I am happy to say that I have officially arrived in Angers, France.

Landing in the Charles De Gaulle airport in Paris, I immediately realized while trying to order a water bottle that for the next three months I will be speaking an awkward mix of Spanish, English and French — otherwise known as ‘Springlish.’ This is in part due to me trying to convert my three completed years of Spanish to French. I often spew out the terms Bonjour and Por favor in the same sentence. I like to think it makes me ‘cultured.’

I am glad to say, however, that my brutal murdering of the French language has not yet worn out my welcome here in Angers. Contrary to the common stereotype, the French have actually been really nice.

One local woman even went out of her way to walk me all the way to the University on one of the first days I was here. She talked to me the whole way there, and although I really don’t know too much of what she was saying, I enjoyed listening to her.

After several other occasions since then, I’ve found it’s best to put some sort of bread in my mouth and sporadically respond with oui if taking part in a difficult French conversation. After all, it seems French people really do walk around eating bread.

I can’t complain though. The slight culture shock I may feel is quickly stifled by the never-ending flow of French breads and pastries. And of course, by the charming atmosphere this city has to offer. 

The city of Angers is everything I had imagined it to be, and more. It is very old, as proven by the Chateau d’Angers, which dates back 600 years and even served as occasional housing for the king of France at one time.

I love walking down to the city shopping center and looking at all the side streets. Some of them even look appropriate enough for a distraught and malnourished Anne Hathaway to come crawling out belting “I Dreamed a Dream.” But unfortunately, that hasn’t happened.

The city is also located by a river, making it that much more beautiful. Even on days when the weather is extra “Les Miserables-y,” which seems like most, this old town still maintains its charm. Angers is complete with a pleasant mix of quaint chocolatiers and bakeries and busy young people who like to dress nice.

As much as I’ve enjoyed the certain cliché French aspects of being in a French city, such as people cradling baguettes like new-born babies and pecking on the cheek, I have spent most of my time during this first week wandering around aimlessly, drinking cappuccinos and sitting in front of my radiator like I would a fireplace.

All in all, I am very pleased with Angers and I am looking forward to calling it home for the next few months.