All the World's a Stage

I love to perform. As a pre-schooler, I would prance around the house singing highlights from “The Little Mermaid” and dress up in ridiculous costumes… and I have never quite grown out of it. One summer day when I was nine years old, my mom looked out our front window to see me tap dancing on the street corner, a top hat full of spare change at my feet. My passion for performing has made the stage feel like home. I love the limelight. I love applause. But most of all, I love the challenge of transforming myself into someone new. It is so exciting to spend a couple hours as a character, viewing life experiences through another’s eyes.

Since I have been at BYU, I have not had the time to audition at any local theatre companies, and I changed my major from the arts to French teaching. I am very passionate about the French language, but I have missed acting a lot. So, to quench my thirst, I have devised this project for my trip:

I want to act French

I want to become immersed in French culture. I want to become familiar with the unique customs and mannerisms of the French people. I want my language ability to jump drastically as I spend time on the street, conversing with the locals. I don’t want anyone to look at me and think “American tourist... ugh."

Wouldn’t it be fun if an American family approached me and attempted to ask me for directions in French? I’d respond, “It’s okay. I’m American, too! I speak English.” And wouldn’t it be fun if that family walked away saying, “Wow. No idea that girl was American…”

I want to blend in.

I’m going to carry a little notebook around with me. When someone asks, “Where ARE you from?” or says, “You had me fooled!” I am going to make a tally mark in my book.

This is going to be the acting opportunity of a lifetime. But don’t say “good luck”—theatre folks say, “Break a leg.”

Why I'm going to Paris...

I am a third-year university student, and I am very pleased to be majoring in French. In the near future, I intend to teach high school. I am already excited to share my appreciation for French with my students! I am going on this three-month study abroad to Paris to immerse myself in the language and culture. I would not feel qualified to teach without experiencing what Paris has to offer.

My greatest pleasure is finding joy in the simple things. I love to explore, and I am certain that Paris will provide many adventures. I cannot wait to share what I find!

Bienvenue!

flâner-

se promener sans but,

sans hâte

et sans objet déterminé.

There is no English equivalent for the verb "flâner"-- mostly because it's not something at which we, as Americans, are very good. A "flâneur," or the feminine "flâneuse," is one who walks without purpose, without time constraint, and without final destination. It is someone who enjoys strolling in the city just to experience it. It is someone who loves the simple things in life.

If you are reading this blog, you have already heard the wonderful news: I am going to Paris on a study abroad! From September to December, I will be taking classes, living with a host family, and exploring one of the most breathtaking cities in the world. I am beside myself with excitement-- I am ready to become a flâneuse!

This week, I was able to register for my classes. Check out the workload:

• European Fine Arts (3 credits)

Ask me where this class is going to meet each week, and I'll tell you, "THE LOUVRE!" I have already applied for a year-long student membership to the museum, so I will have unlimited access to this monstrous museum. I was told that, even if one were to spend two straight months at the museum, she would never be able to see everything displayed inside. Well, I can try!

• Third Year French Conversation (2 credits)

My homework will be to practice speaking in French. I'll be carrying a little notebook in my pocket to record new words and phrases that I learn. Could education be more fun?

• Advanced Francophone Culture (3 cred its)

The history and culture of French-speaking countries. This class counts toward my French major, and it will culminate with a large research paper. The textbook for this class is a small spiral-bound book of maps, with suggested "walks" outlined in arrows. Homework = exploring.

• Studies in French Culture (3 credits)
  

This is actually a history class AND a photography class, all rolled into one. Our class will meet in a given location, discuss the history of the area, and learn about photography at the same time. Of all the photography subjects to choose from, Paris will be a great place to snap pictures.

• Religious Studies in a World Setting (2 credits)

At BYU, students are expected to complete a certain number of religion credits, and there are many classes from which one may choose. These classes include world religions, Biblical studies, and genealogy. For those who understand BYU lin go, this is my "institute" class. In other words, I will be taking this world religion class in a small Mormon church in Paris, where I will also attend church on Sundays.

My friends, this is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. I am so grateful to my family for supporting me in my endeavors; without their help, I would still be dreaming of this opportunity. I look forward to many more posts in the future, as I prepare for and eventually arrive in France. That's the whole reason I created this blog-- to post outrageous stories and pictures for you to enjoy (and to satisfy my mother, who is already worrying about me). This is the place to ask questions, post comments, and make requests... and I promise that I'll keep you up to date on my adventures!

Until next time. À bientôt!

-Megan
(flâneuse)


P.S. This is my favorite fountain in Paris. It is in front of the Palais de Chaillot, right next to the Eiffel Tower. I can't wait to dip my feet in it again!

Things I Learned About Paris Today...

"Comfort has its place but it seems rude to visit another country dressed as if you've come to mow its lawns."
-David Sedaris, "Me Talk Pretty One Day"

The six rules of appropriate behavior:
1) Do not smile.
2) Learn how to flirt correctly.
3) Excusez-moi de vous deranger, monsieur, mais j'ai une probleme.
4) Saying bonjour (-monsieur/madame) isn't good enough.
5) Shaking hands is perfectly acceptable, but in France one must also "faire les bises." Two to four kisses is the norm.
6) Regardless of your affluence, your appearance determines how you will be treated.