As we make our final preparations to leave for Switzerland I wanted to recount some of the things I've learned during my time in France.

I've learned…

• …lots of french, the vast majority of it when we stayed with a french family for 5 days.

• …about good fresh bread; I don't think I'll ever be able to go back.

• …to appreciate and enjoy wines even though I can't distinguish between them.

• …that France truly is a culture of inefficiency and that this is both endearing and infuriating.

• …to appreciate small portions by begrudgingly savoring them instead of inhaling.

• …to appreciate socialized healthcare, confirming my belief that health shouldn't be a for-profit industry.

• …to dislike socialized everything else because the service sucks.

• …what a real nectarine, strawberry and peach should taste like.

• …that I can stand, and maybe even enjoy, riding in 90+ degree weather all day.

• …to be comfortable not understanding everything that is going on around me.

…that last one should come in handy for the next year or two.