Bonjour,
I leave for London in a mere four hours and have yet to fall asleep! My sleep schedule has been completely destroyed (though by what, I am not sure). I wanted to share my experience participating in the largest student-led carnival in all of Europe that happens here in my second home (the city of Caen!). This past Thursday, thousands of students came from all around to take part in it. To be exact, there were around 30,000 people in attendance!
It is a tradition that dates back to 1996, I believe. It's been a success each year, and the crowds have only increased in number. The carnival serves at a gathering point for students across the continent to gather and celebrate the stage of their lives in which they study and live freely and happily. They do this by dressing up in costumes and parading throughout the streets all together.
Because I did not want to spend too much money on a costume, I used a spare sheet that was provided to me by the housing at Caen and made a toga. I went to Claire's and purchased accessories and looked something like a Greek Goddess (if I do say so myself.) I decided to bring a little current fashion to the wardrobe by donning on my trusty Chacos, which are sandals that I feel might never become a style here in France like they are in East Tennessee.
The energy of the parade was contagious and it made me feel so timeless as we marched throughout the city as a unit. One way to sum up my emotions is to use a quote from The Perks of Being a Wallflower which is to say "We are infinite". That is how I felt, so very full of life and love and unity. I normally hate large crowds, but the opportunity was too good to miss and I am so glad I did not hold back.
Now, I must go because I leave soon for London and then Dublin. I will update about my adventure upon my return next week! A bientot! -Albrianna
I leave for London in a mere four hours and have yet to fall asleep! My sleep schedule has been completely destroyed (though by what, I am not sure). I wanted to share my experience participating in the largest student-led carnival in all of Europe that happens here in my second home (the city of Caen!). This past Thursday, thousands of students came from all around to take part in it. To be exact, there were around 30,000 people in attendance!It is a tradition that dates back to 1996, I believe. It's been a success each year, and the crowds have only increased in number. The carnival serves at a gathering point for students across the continent to gather and celebrate the stage of their lives in which they study and live freely and happily. They do this by dressing up in costumes and parading throughout the streets all together.
Because I did not want to spend too much money on a costume, I used a spare sheet that was provided to me by the housing at Caen and made a toga. I went to Claire's and purchased accessories and looked something like a Greek Goddess (if I do say so myself.) I decided to bring a little current fashion to the wardrobe by donning on my trusty Chacos, which are sandals that I feel might never become a style here in France like they are in East Tennessee.The energy of the parade was contagious and it made me feel so timeless as we marched throughout the city as a unit. One way to sum up my emotions is to use a quote from The Perks of Being a Wallflower which is to say "We are infinite". That is how I felt, so very full of life and love and unity. I normally hate large crowds, but the opportunity was too good to miss and I am so glad I did not hold back.
Now, I must go because I leave soon for London and then Dublin. I will update about my adventure upon my return next week! A bientot! -Albrianna