Week 35

I’ve had a contemplative week. I was a touch homesick and am processing some cultural challenges. I also voted in the Canadian Federal election and I have exciting musical plans for September!

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Missing familiarity

I was a bit homesick this week. In part, I think it was because I became acutely aware that all of the people in my daily life are new to me.

It’s a strange feeling and can be disconcerting. I remember having the same experience when I moved to Toronto in 2005. Introducing myself, telling my story, deciding who to trust and who to move on from or keep on the periphery. It takes a lot of effort.

Sometimes I’m amazed at how quickly I’m able to connect with people. I’ve already made some very good friends here – connections that have developed with ease.

Still, I miss the familiarity that comes with years of shared experiences and jokes. I’m so thankful for technology but sometimes it doesn’t quite do the trick. So – to my friends and family in Canada – I miss you!

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Culture challenges

A few weeks ago, I talked about some high level instances of culture shock I was experiencing. When to do la bise (kiss on the cheek), when to use formal language, the fact that I may have to get a cheque book. I had been waiting for something more challenging to grab my attention, and it has.

For many years, I’ve surrounded myself with people who share my values, and I’ve always welcomed dialogue with people who don’t. I feel the need to have both in my life and to keep conversations going. But it’s challenging to have nuanced conversations in a language I’m just getting comfortable with. And I’m trying to keep in mind that I went from living and working in downtown Toronto to living in a small town. That change alone will make a differerence.

One example I’m grappling with is attitudes towards women. I am an unabashed feminist and am trying to figure out what that looks like in France. I have found myself in the middle of conversations where, had I been in Canada, I would have entered into a debate. Here, I not only lack the language skills to express myself, but I think I’ve made some blunders because I’ve misinterpreted what was being said. I’m learning to match patience with my convictions. Thankfully, I have French friends who are also patient with me.

As I try to learn how to live with my strong beliefs while adjusting to a new culture and a new language, I’m also processing what it means to be a newcomer. I think it’s important that I default to a place of respect where possible, but at what cost?

Nothing like a mental challenge to keep me young, right?

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Voting from abroad

Canada will vote in a Federal election on April 28. I consider voting to be a privilege and a duty and was happy to discover that I could do so from France. I registered a few months ago since I knew we would have an election some time this year. I received my ballot in the mail on Wednesday, filled it out and popped it back into the mail the next day. Easy peasy. If you live abroad, there’s still time to register.

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Singing in September!

I used to sing in choirs. School choirs, church choirs, independent choirs. At one point in my youth, I sang in 4 different choirs at one time. I love choral music. I’ve also long been a fan of composer, Eric Whitacre.

A few weeks ago, he posted an opportunity to join a choir that he will conduct in Barcelona in September. I jumped at the chance! People from around the world will gather to rehearse over 3 days before performing a closing concert at the opulent Palau de la Música Catalana.

It’s been a very long time since I’ve sung, but the sheet music has arrived and I’ve started to practice these complicated songs. I’m excited about this incredible opportunity!

This is one of the songs we’ll be singing. So beautiful!

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Photos of the week

Here are a few random photos from this week:

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À bientôt .