The One- Year Anniversary of my trip to France!

I don't even know how to begin writing about this trip. If anything, this trip was the beginning of my wildest traveling dreams and that insatiable wanderlust that keeps me going. The thought that someday I can travel to France once again or to other countries is what makes me smile and get through the day because I know one day I will be far away, happy and exploring new cultures and languages. In the Summer of 2016, I spent two weeks in Southern France (Fanjeaux to be exact!) and one week in Paris. It was during this trip that I decided that I wanted to spend most of my life traveling as much as possible. This trip gave me an epiphany of my purpose in life. I may talk about my trip to France to people frequently, but they have no idea how much it changed me as a person and what it meant to me (I have no intention to brag, only to share my accomplishments). Since then, I took a class on the French language and although I'm horrible at speaking French, I can read and listen to French music. Edith Piaf, Theo Sarapo, Serge Gainsbourg, and Juliette Greco are some of my favorites! I also learned about the history of St. Dominic and the Dominican order in Fanjeaux, France (which is about an hour away from Toulouse).

While we were in Southern France, we were able to go on excursions to different cities that were in the South. Coullioure was one of the places (from the picture above) that I enjoyed the most. I was able to swim in the Mediterranean Sea with my group (which was cold and salty- yet I still enjoyed it.). 

And Dear Lord Jesus Christ, this was my view from my room. I was and am still in awe. I never realized just how much nostalgia I can get from a balcony view.

And this is me, genuinely smiling and being happy. I was living life to the fullest.

As for the pastries and food, I don't even know how to begin describing their taste. They were all delicious (this is definitely not the right word- they were more than that!)! While I was there, I was literally on a pilgrimage to eat as many macarons as possible (and drink wine- I was about to turn 21, but I was able to drink in France). Overall, the trip was amazing, I will never forget the people I experience this with, the friendly cat friends I made, the cathedrals that blessed me as I visited, the class material like the book of the women troubadours and passages of courtly love (and the experience). I may no longer talk to the person who I was the closest with during this trip, but I will always have my memories and I will always be grateful for him. I certainly do keep in touch with some people through social media. These friends have shown support through Facebook/Instagram likes and comments, and if one of you is reading this, I miss you very much!

Lastly, Long Live Fanjoe 2k16! (The trip that I will never stop talking about)

Fanjeaux, France- The land of St. Dominic 💓