I realize I haven't done much to preface my readers with a proper description of Lille itself, where I am currently studying. Now that I have gotten to know the city and its people quite a bit, I feel like I should give you all an adequate picture of what this city is all about:
Lille is a seemingly small city in the very far north of France right next to the Belgian border. The city of one million consists of about 300,000 students, meaning it is a very young and lively city. This has made my stay here extremely fun - students my age eager to meet new people and spark up conversations at bars, restaurants, or even like today in the laundrymat, are scattered throughout the city. Lille is a homey city that is easy to figure out; everyone is nice, welcoming, and lives a simple, care-free lifestyle. It was different and hard to get used to saying 'Bonjour' and 'Au revoir, bonne journée' every time I entered and left a room, whether it was the community kitchen in our building or just passing by in a hallway. It's not that I don't like saying hi or bye, but I'm just not used to saying it to an entire room of people I have never met every time I walk through the door! But that's an example of how welcoming and polite the people here are. I'm not in Paris anymore!
As far as getting around, most 'Lillois' walk around or take the metro. The metro only has two lines, so it's easy to learn in a day and I use it from time to time. There is a bus system as well but I haven't needed to use it. Pretty much walking is the main way that people get around, even in the rain. Like Seattle, Lille is kind of known for having lots and lots of rain three seasons out of four. Surprisingly also like Seattle, though, the people all seem to be happy and upbeat despite the gloomy weather, for the most part. It's kind of nice just walking around, something I thought I would dread every day. To walk to school in the morning it takes about 15 minutes and it's about the same to get to the center of the city (although it's a really quick metro ride to get to the center of the city). I have enjoyed walking, though, and realize now why French people are so thin! The only part I dislike is walking on cobblestone or uneven pavement, common to the sidewalks in Lille. The visual appeal of the old cobblestone streets wears off after your feet begin aching. There is a lot less English spoken here than in Paris or Brussels (Paris is an hour south by train, Brussels only 30 minutes northeast by train) but I would not have it any other way. I am definitely enjoying speaking French with the locals and learning new words and phrases.
I promise to get some pictures up on here soon!!!
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