Preparation, departure, arrival: my Erasmus experience is about to start

Dear Venice,

In three days I will finally be there!

I admit that I find it hard to believe. So hard that it's not easy to motivate myself to pack my suitcase. I just have the feeling that it's not urgent and that nothing big is going to change my normal daily routine.

And I thought it was impossible to take part in an Erasmus year abroad in the second year of university!

For once, I'm grateful to myself that I procrastinated by pretending to prepare a (non-existent) Erasmus document one year in advance. (yes, just for fun)

However, even if it wasn't written anywhere on the form that you could go in your second year, by pretending to sign up I saw that not being able to go during your second year wasn't specified either! Anyway, I tried to do it, just to see what would happen... and here I am three days before I'm due to leave!

// to be continued... //

D-day: a difficult build-up

It was hard to pack my suitcase, difficult to determine what I would really need... Will I need this, or will this add to the unnecessary weight? It's not easy to decide, especially when you're attached to certain clothes in particular.

But what was difficult for me, was to pack well for the winter temperatures (February) and to pack lighter summer clothes for the summer (June).

So, I had to change my suitcase twice, as they were both too small for what I had decided to take with me!

I could have taken more care when it came to choosing and selecting the bare minimum, I admit to having been a bit all over the place with the whole "intention vs reality": I didn't think my suitcase would be so big and heavy!

That's exactly what I wanted to avoid, but I didn't see any other option...

Difficult farewells

Having chosen to travel by night train, I dedicated the beginning of my day to final preparations, tidying my room, and above all, playing the piano.

Music is a big part of my life! I play the piano and the cello, and it seems difficult to imagine 5 months without being able to practise.

Therefore, playing music before leaving was kind of a way for me to say goodbye (even if, just between us, there's a big chance of me caving in and buying a mini piano - well if that exists-)

Later, just as I was about to leave, I bumped into my sister who came back earlier, and she helped me to the bus stop with my case.

Saying goodbye is always emotional, and I can't hide having shed a tear!

An oppressive night journey

I made sure I had given myself plenty of time by arriving at the train station in Lyon 2 hours before: 1 hour to reply to my messages (yes I have lots of long conversations in general) and then 30 minutes to have the snack I prepared for myself. A little trip to the toilets, and on the train!

I was inside a booth which had 6 bunks, with a Spanish couple, a French girl, and Portuguese guy and an Italian girl.

And to tell you something, we all managed to understand each other in our respective languages.

Everything seemed good and comfortable until I realised my suitcase wouldn't fit under the bed... So, the only way not to annoy the others by leaving it in the middle or the isle, was to put it on my bed.

But just to give you an idea, I didn't have any choice but to sleep in a foetal position.

Having kept my jeans and sweater on and having a mattress just a few centimetres above my head, I soon felt oppressed.

I was stuck in one position and it was getting hotter and hotter. I went back and forth several times down the main corridor, trying to fall asleep next to the toilets, but it wasn't really better: with the cold wind, nowhere to lean your head and the noise of the train, in the end, I managed to get 10 minutes!

But it was enough to go back to the cabin, having had a bit of fresh air, and to sleep better.

Fortunately for me, the Spanish couple got off at a stop at 5 o'clock in the morning, so I could settle down on one of their bunks until we got to my stop (where it terminated) at 9.30a. m.

The long-awaited arrival and initial feeling

On arriving, this is the first view I had of Venice:

I said to myself: 'wow'! Anyway, I imagined this type of view, but to see it for real, the feeling was very different!

Then my first challenge arrived: I was supposed to cross the big main bridge, but my suitcase was so heavy that I didn't have the strength to lift it by myself and get it over the steps.

I tried to find a way to get around it, but there was no way. A Roman guy came over to see if I wanted any help, and he was able to lift my suitcase and take it to the other side on his own. As I had expected, he asked me for money (which I think is normal and anyway, I wanted to give him some money to thank him one way or another).

Unfortunately, I didn't have any change on me, and he didn't accept any food, so I told him I would give him something later, but it didn't seem like he took me seriously. (SPOILER: I went back at 4 o'clock but he was no longer there, and it was impossible to find him).

Anyway, my first little hurdle in Venice!

Well, to my surprise, all the bridges have stairs to climb, and to get to my destination, I had to go across at least 5 (to be honest, 3 would have been enough but I got lost).

Luckily, they were much smaller than the big bridge outside the train station, but "even so, it was like doing sport". I felt awkward for making so much noise with my suitcase, I got the impression I was ruining the city with my big bag (especially when I let my suitcase slide down the stairs and it was making a loud "BOOM BOOM" on the way down... )

But luckily, I had finally arrived at my destination: 'Domus Civia', the convent for students!

(The reception in the convent)

It's time to settle into... the convent!

I have student accommodation at Giudecca, but they told me that it wouldn't be ready until March... So, thanks to word of mouth, I found out about this convent, which isn't too expensive and reserved for female students only, and I don't regret it at all!

I was lucky to have found the only manager who speaks French at reception. She was able to explain everything to me (the canteen system, the keys, the shower, etc... )

And, after today's little adventures, how good is it to be able to let things go and have a rest on a good bed, and to know that you're "at home"!

Given that until now I have lived with my parents, I found it really exciting to realise that this place was my first "home", where I'm in charge of everything!

It turns out that the time it took me to settle in, it was already lunchtime. So, I went to the canteen, and I randomly sat down at a table (I admit that I chose the table with people who seemed the most open and friendly, as first impressions count for a lot).

And I wasn't wrong, because I was able to meet two girls who were interested in knowing what I was doing here, and they were delighted to welcome me!

Finding food: a challenge to find healthy food which respects the environment

After lunch, I decided to dedicate my afternoon to do a tour of bio cafes and shops.

My objective: to see how I could continue to be the most Eco-friendly as possible.

Because in Paris, I had my favourite bio shops, where I could buy fresh and local products which use no plastic packaging.

But here, I felt that it was going to be a challenge!

I was able to do some investigating and I was pleasantly surprised!

The three shops I found are called 'Naturalia', 'Cibele erbe e alimineti' and 'Mea Libera Tutti'. The fist specialises in bio products, the second in spices and super-foods, and the last in gluten-free products.

"Unfortunately", there weren't any loose items in these shops (apart from the spices in 'Cibele'), which means that my "zero plastic" challenge is going to make my life difficult! However, regarding vegetarian food and my gluten intolerance, I didn't have a worry in sight.

Discovering the Venetian atmosphere

As I took a big detour to visit as much as the city as possible, I could appreciate different atmospheres: tourist streets, the Jewish district, the little back streets, university spots... Well, I found it all very beautiful!

I wouldn't have believed that I would feel so comfortable here, like I was at home. I really love the atmosphere and walking around is so lovely! I'm so lucky to be able to study here! I expect I'll soon become glued to Venice!

Dinner then resting

That walk took the whole afternoon, and I got back in time for dinner. Many girls who I hadn't bumped into before were sat next to me: one of them spoke French and wanted to practise!

She introduced me to her friends, and we got to know each other even better!

She gave me extra information on some questions I had, and showed me around the convent (she showed me the basement with the washing machines, the cinema room, where you can find containers to put your food in, etc... ) Well, I could not have been better welcomed!

And later, another Italian girl who spoke a little French came to see me to practise. Languages are a good way to break the ice!

(Only just arrived and already 'a mess'... Bravo Fanny!)

Conclusion

And there you have the main events of the last two days. My first whole day in Venice, on Erasmus... wow, I still find it hard to believe that I'm really here! Luckily, I came a few days before classes start, as it gives me time to get used to things, to participate in events organised by ESN (Erasmus Social Network) and to even start making a circle of friends.

Voilà, I have no idea if this "secret journal/memories" will be read by anyone but my future nostalgic self, but in any case, I'm sharing these personal stories and events with joy! (hoping that you will find some useful information in there somewhere... )

Thanks, and have a good day!

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