When I first arrived in Bordeaux, it was difficult to adjust to a later dinner time. You see, back in California, I usually have dinner around 6:00pm or 7:00pm; but dinner-time here is at 8:30pm every evening. We sit around the dinner table with the whole family, which is why it's at a later time: because it's important for the whole family to be present. It's nice to share this quality time together at the end of the day. Another thing I had to adjust to was the the different time zone. As California is nine hours behind Bordeaux, I felt jetlagged at first. I was also a little sad because I couldn't talk to my family or friends from home when I was starting my morning. I tried keeping busy by walking around and getting familiar with the neighborhood. Visiting similar but new places like the mall, church and coffee shops really helped me feel a lot better. I discovered I would find new spots where I would spend my time on weekends or downtime. After a few days, my sleeping schedule and communication with my host family progressed. I still miss my family back home, but they know as very well as I know that this is an opportunity of a lifetime; and no one else I know from my neighborhood has studied abroad.
