Countdown: 15 Days to Go

Well, I got my visa just a few days ago! It only took a mountain of paperwork and an in person interview at the San Francisco consulat. Luckily, I didn't have to fly in from Idaho or Montana, like a few outbounds I met there. We were relieved to find that the consulat had been working with Rotary long enough to speed us through the intviews. It may not be over though, as I was reading the print on my immigration form and it said I may need a medical examination on arrival and/or another interview (!). Not to worry though, there's never been a problem for exchange students before... I guess the French government just likes to be thorough.

Now I just have to wait for my flight details, which both I and my host families are anxious for. Besides that, I'm just twiddling my thumbs until the departure date- and already packing! But there's still plenty to get ready. I've made fistfulls of pins to give to other exchange students, which we exchange and pins on our Rotary blazers during the year. Some of the rebound students I've seen coming home look like they would probably sink if they fell in the water with their pin collection on them! I also have some nice gifts to give to my host families on arrival- Jelly Bellies and Ghirardelli chocolats in a mason jar, with a gingham kitchen towel. It seemed appropriatly North Californian/American.

I've been in contact with at least one person from all three of my host families, and I have to say that they have been so friendly and excited to get to know me that I have absolutly no qualms about meeting them- in fact, I'm very excited. So far everybody, from the French Rotarians to my host families has been beyond welcoming and helpful, and I can only hope they're as pleased about me as I am about them! It's been very reassuring to get to know the Rotarians, especially my host YEO, as I've heard stories about outbound students who have had no contact with their host Rotary whatsoever during the exchange year.  

Practicing my French has been another summer preparation activity for me, and I found that watching movies like Star Wars in French has helped immensly. I now know such useful phrases as Jedi Master Yoda, Death Star, and "May the Force be with you". Hopefully that's all I'll need!

The next time you hear from me on this blog will most likely be my departure, so until then, au revoir!