Confluence.

It’s been a long draught for this blog of mine. It has been lingering on my to-do list for weeks, but I could not resist the once in four year opportunity to post on the 29^th of February. So even though I am up to my ears in lab reports and philosophy reading, here I am doing what a college student does best: procrastinating. 

But to the advantage of all you eager readers sitting at the edge of your seats, I will tell you I got home safely to spend the holidays with my family and loved ones! The transition back was hot and cold, but I think I’ve gotten into the swing of this whole “a-MER-icah” thing. I may write more about this later, but right now I’m going to talk about Lyon.

This was one of my favorite places to visit. There are several factors that go into an opinion of a city. I have a theory that one’s experience depends 30% on where you came from, 40% who you’re with, 20% trip preparation, and 10% of the experience of the place itself. It’s all relative, and it’s hard to define. But let me try to explain what I mean:

Where you came from: If you’ve never seen a waterfall, your first one is always incredible. But if you’ve seen Iguazu Falls, anything else that claims to be a waterfall isn’t too impressive. 

Who you’re with: I loved being in Lyon because I was with two charming Australian girls, one who knew her way around the city very well and another who is just the best travel companion ever. But I remember other trips to amazing places and being less than enthused because I didn’t feel connected to the company. It’s always nice to surround yourself with people who keep you laughing, help you grow, accept you for who you are, and at least one person who knows what’s up. 

Trip preparation: do you know where you’re going? Do you have that handy-dandy student trip advisor that will take you to cheap Michelin-style restaurants that will give you a genuine gourmet experience? What museum will give you the best bang for your buck? What history do you want to touch with your fingertips? If I had known half the history of all the cathedrals and cities I had the privilege to see… But retrospect is 20/20. 

The experience of the place itself: Lyon is an amazing city. It is clean and pulsing with life. It has the most beautiful fountain ever, my favorite cathedral up on a hill. The sunshine came out to warm my soul also that day too. I think the most beautiful aspect of Lyon though is that it has two powerful rivers coursing through it: the Rhone and the Saone.  

I am really drawn to rivers. They are so powerful and full of meaning. Many metaphors have been inspired by their coursing paths, but my current fancy is by a certain Heraclitus: You could not step in the same river twice. That is things are always changing and nothing will be the same as it was. I remember this when I miss France because if I go back, it will be different than when I left. And I certainly experienced this when I came back. Three months is not a long time, but Spokane is different. My family is different, my dorm is different, and my ward is different. But probably most importantly is that I’m different.  But the beautiful thing is that the river of experiences I had in France can flow into the river of the life I left behind. Their confluence is significant and beautiful, just as the many confluences to come will be vital and noteworthy as well. 

But when the crashing waves of those two rivers smooth out and the flow of everyday life in what one could call “home” calms, I find myself humbled and grateful.   

hello Pend Oreille.