Porquerolles was the perfect cap to my Vanderbilt-in-France program. An island near the French Riviera accessible only by boat with long, sandy (the first so far) beaches that underline a crystal clear ocean, Porquerolles might as well not be real.
After a two hour bus ride and 20 minute ferry, we arrived at the island, where it was sprinkling a bit. Maite did not take kindly to this, and suggested that we all get a coffee while the weather cleared. the plan worked well, and after about 40 minutes we were headed first to get sandwiches, and then to the Plage de Notre Dame, the largest and most popular beach on the island. Nonetheless, probably due to the weather, there was plenty of open space at the beach, which extended for about a half of a mile.
The water was a perfect warm, as the temperature had not yet risen after the rain. There was also a consistent wind that made staying underwater all the more appealing. The water remained shallow over the sandy beach for about 50 yards- perfect for playing in the water. Jeff had brought a frisbee, which became a focal point for the rest of beach time. The waves were not large as we were facing the mainland, but were not negibile by way of the headwind. The scenery was blissful. I stayed in the calm sun for about 3 hours before going in search of food with Kate, Julie, and Essie. What I found were fresh shrimp cooked à la Provençal, one of my favorite regional dishes. After lunch we had a gelato and foudn the ferry. The ferry ride home was tumultuous, to say the least. At one point the boat of four hundred people was fully airborne on account of the rough surf. Some embraced it, some were duly terrified.
Back at home it began to sink in that the program in France was coming to an end. I had taken my two finals on Thursday, for 201W and 214 (or so stipulates my operating theory- my course names have never truly been concrete). I had packed. But I had not admitted that it was over. Now I know, as I sit in the apartment alone, Brian having left early this morning, that closing time is upon me. My mother, sister Hannah, and her boo Jarrett are en route from Paris to join me in Aix, from where we will enjoy a week in the southwest, after which I head home for a few days to procure a visa for my Italy program. My travels are far from over, but this chapter is. It was everything I had hoped for- a relaxing way to gain proficiency in a third romance language. And, of course, much more. It is firmly okay with me to think that I could one day return to live in Provence. Until then, I will try to appeciate the rest of the world.
On to the next,
Alex
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