France: Judith Tafur (A home away from home in Aix-en-Provence)

Now that I’ve been here for a few months, I was surprised to reflect on what new experiences I have integrated into my day to day. After a while, without even realizing it I have started to gain a certain level of comfort and establish my daily routines.

Some of my favorite experiences that have become a part of my daily life are food-related. Almost every day before or after dinner my host and I will share the cheese course which is very common here as there are a lot of different types of cheeses. Even as I get used to her cooking style, I still keep discovering new foods at dinner. My favorite discovery is that the ratatouille dish made famous by the Pixar movie, in French cuisine more accurately resembles “Tian Provençale” than ratatouille.

I have really enjoyed the fresh markets, which are economically accessible and often there daily or at least multiple times a week. I try to get my groceries there and also have found them to be a great way to explore what produce and products are in season. I think they reflect the importance that the French attribute to quality food. Finally, another aspect of the French relationship to food that has been different for me is the long conversations that accompany meals. When me and my host have dinner it is often an hour long endeavor and when she had guests over one Sunday we were at the table for almost 4 hours!

There are also certain spots that I will really miss like the “Parc de la Torse”, which I often go for runs in and use the fun outdoor exercise machines. Also, the Pastry shops which are everywhere and make me exercise my restraint every day.

 

Judith Tafur

Hometown: Cali, Columbia

Major: Molecular and Cell Biology; French; Cert in Biocore

Program: Academic Program in Aix-en-Provence