So, I've arrived in Lyon after a stressful, emotional, exciting and exhausting departure from the US. In the 24 hours before my flight, I made lists of places I wanted to visit while seriously considering not going on this trip- I was confused, scared and more sad than I have been in a long time at the prospect of leaving everyone I love at home, but at the same time I knew that this will be a great opportunity for me and it is now or never.

My parents brought me to the airport where we had a good American lunch and a well needed beer before I left them. Another girl from my program arrived shortly after I sat down at the gate. I'm glad I had someone to travel with, otherwise I would have had a long time to dwell on how hard it is for me to leave my comfort zone. Considering I don't know anyone on this trip, I don't speak a word of French and I know nothing about traveling in Europe, it was probably best for me not to think too much about that. Claire was a good distraction and her excited attitude was encouraging. I was also relieved that she seemed mature and more interested in traveling than taking advantage of the lack of drinking age in Europe- definitely reassuring since I'm over the freedoms that a legal drinking age offers and have better things to do with my limited funds.

Monday was a long, emotional day for me. I spent most of it meeting everyone in the program and pretending that I was 100% excited about being in France. The ride from the airport to our apartment did nothing to help my situation since we passed through a lot of run-down towns and graffiti-stained buildings. The town we are staying in, Villeurbanne, is better- but not by much. I was disappointed to feel like there was nothing European about what I saw on my first day in Europe. Most of the day I was trying to hold back tears and convince myself that once I made the 10 minute trip into Lyon, I wouldn't feel like I'm so far away for no reason. Fortunately, I've learned from past experiences that the best way to adapt in new situations is to be social, and it worked out well for me. As it turns out, I'm not the only person here who is nervous and confused and missing people at home, and everyone seems to understand each other in that respect.

I have spent some time in Lyon over the last two days- it is much nicer than Villeurbanne and the towns I passed through from the airport. Although I have some great pictures of really old places (mostly cathedrals), I still don't think it has hit me yet that I'm in France. Maybe once I get to Paris or another key European location that will change. I half expect to have a nervous breakdown any day now, but I don't feel it coming. Even with the six hour time difference, keeping in touch with the people I miss most has helped me a lot so far. I still miss home, but I think this is going to be a great trip.