WEEK 5- EXPLORING LILLE

Last week around this time, I was frantically packing enough belongings for the extended weekend stay. In the midst of cramming the essentials into my roomy travel backpack, I called for an uber and not too long after, I was off to the bus station for my trip to Lille.

Initially, the bus ride was nauseating as I was sat in the far back- stuck with the pungent smell of BO. Once past the stop-and-go traffic of the city, the bus began its steady journey on the freeway. It wasn't an especially extraordinary journey but I felt a swirl of emotions as I watched the world pass by. During certain parts, the vista could have easily passed as a typical California freeway drive. It was very strange and I'm still trying to figure out what it was exactly. But knowing that I was an entire ocean away from that kind of familiarity wracked me, in a good way. Actually, I was rather captivated by the view as the sunset cast its warm glow inside the bus and on the surroundings. In this moment, I felt like a true foreigner. But I did not feel estranged, rather, I was swimming in delight.

I was greeted by a good friend upon my arrival in Lille. It was close to 22:00. While walking back to her apartment for the night, I got to see this city at night and it was splendid. I didn't have much of an idea in my head of what to expect but when I emerged from the underground metro and saw the pastoral buildings, the caramelized cobblestone...just the frame of the city- I was amazed. The streets were even smaller than the ones in Paris and the buildings were a bit shorter as well. But in some esoteric way, I felt smaller too.

I got to experience quite a lot during my stay in Lille, thanks to my friend for showing me around. One of those things was going to a dog cafe, and it only cost 5 euros (included unlimited coffee and tea)! It was nice to have a space to pet some cute pups and sip on a hot drink. I also got to experience some techno music events happening throughout the city, it was really so much fun to be among other French people enjoying the same music that I love. Thriftstore shopping was also on the list and though the place closed relatively early, I was happy to snag some new digs that will always remind me of my time in Lille. On the last day, I got to experience an art exhibition that centered around videos as the medium. It was so interesting and I found myself completely immersed. For my last dinner in Lille, I got to enjoy a delicious filet mignon in Maroilles cheese, paired with a great cherry beer. The night ended at the only bowling alley in all of Lille and it was a night to remember.

Traveling to this part of France further deepened my fondness for the country, if it were even possible! I am confident that I will be returning to Lille in the future to enjoy more of what the city has to offer. Until next time!