I'm writing again from the library of Rabot, overlooking the city, the city that I now have a good feel for! I passed most of the day--a good 8 hours-- wandering up and down narrow "rues," across beautiful gardens, and even into the heart of campus. Nothing makes me happier than to say that I did not get lost ONCE. :) I must have walked about 8 miles.....one thing I'm sure of now, this city is HUGE. It's no Kirksville, and yet it's the change of pace that I'm loving!
It would be impossible to detail my adventures today in full, so here are some of the highlights....
Crossing one of many bridges over l'Isere (the river) and into the heart of the city, where I got a great picture of the gondala cars, which are part of what's called le Téléphérique, making their way up the mountain (this is also when i realized that since le Rabot, my residence, was in such close proximity to where these were headed, they were automatically my built-in compass and guide to home!)....due to the unpredictable road map of the city, realizing I had to settle with being blissfully "lost" for the day.....finding le Jardin de Ville (the city gardens), sitting on a green bench, and people watching/listening, as well as composing my first letter home....exploring a nice, large bookstore and browsing french magazines....purchasing some postcards and successfully speaking with la madame behind the counter...exploring the tourism center....stopping for lunch at an outdoor cafe, ordering the "croque monsieur et salade verte" (the signature french open-faced ham and cheese sandwich and a salad) and spending nearly an hour relaxing, writing, and watching life unfold....following the tram line on foot all the way to my university's campus (which is really four universities in one place)....successfully finding each building I would report to on monday.....seeing the post office as I was walking and sending my first mail.....passing small shops selling meat, cheese, pastries, and bread (and believe me, there is a shop for each thing and they are found in abundance!)....wandering through a large sporting store and purchasing a watch (which I needed so badly, and after talking with a worker, I actually purchased the last of its kind/color!)......and finally, finding my way back to my dorm as easily as if I've lived there for a month. The climb up to my dorm is no light promenade, but after I saw a man running up it in front of me, I decided there would be no complaining.
Honestly, this day has been such a boost to my confidence about being here. If only I could depict the sights and sounds! I've included some new photos below.
What I will pass every day as I snake through several buildings around my dorm...
The view from one of many bridges... to the right is my residence (you can't see it from this picture, though) and to the left is the main city of Grenoble!
Orientation for all international students (and there are 3,000 total at my university alone) beings on Monday at 10am. I am excited to get this semester started!
One last thing: my address is now posted on this blog, first thing on the right. Of course I would love any mail that you'd like to send my way! You are guaranteed a response. :)
The thing I was reminded of this morning: "O Lord Almighty, blessed is the (wo)man who trusts in you" (psalm 84). May you trust the Lord for every detail of your life!
7 comments:
I'm glad you're feeling confident in Grenoble! There's nothing better than exploring a new city and not getting lost! You are going to do so great there Nat...
It's been such a joy to read your blog posts. I'm glad you're already enjoying your time over there. I would love to come visit you! Reading your blog has just increased my desire to go abroad. Hope it just gets better everyday! I'll be praying for you.
So a friend of mine just came into my room and said, "You know what Dustan, you're awesome." He proceeded to explain that he didn't know what sparked such a comment but asked me if I understood, if I ever have experienced such a emotion. That is exactly when I said, "You know, I'm reading this blog about a friend who is studying abroad in France, and I literally just thought the same thing about her." Your faith and obedience is always a great encouragement and example for me. So yea, tah-dah. always in my prayers.
Sweet Natalie, Oh how your adventure in France and with the Lord is an inspiration to all who read about it. Feeling overwhelmed by God's goodness to you is an understatement, for sure. I will look forward to reading more about your experiences in Grenoble. I miss you terribly but glad you are touching other lives for such a time as this. Love ya, Mom...MJ
It looks like you are having so much fun and everything is so beautiful! Keep writing. I've enjoyed staying up on all your adventures. :)
oh goodness. seeing you happy makes me want to cryyyy. that's not a joke. that place is beautiful, nat. knowing you get to see that every day is comforting to me. keep it coming with the updates. so many people are missing you around here...
when do classes/stuff start?
keep up the hard work and the good attitude. i love you.
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