Of course, when I really miss the United States, I'll find pieces of culture and shared history that remind me of the close ties between France and the United States. For instance, there was a large fair that came to town for a month, and it was just like carnivals in America! A long line gathered around a vendor selling croustillons, a fried dough ball from the Netherlands that made a delicious treat. It reminded me of loukoumades, a Greek fried doughnut I'd eat at home. Another example is the local statue of General Lafayette from the French Revolution. By visiting the town museum, I learned that Lafayette was from this area in France. He is memorialized in Le Puy with a statue, and roads and schools are named after him. There was even a light display that showed the American revolution to honor the history of friendship between the U.S. and France. Now I truly feel like a member of my community!
There are many pieces to the puzzle that makes up a community. These include history, food, traditions, local activities, and the people who share these experiences together. By getting to know the history of Le Puy, participating in local activities like singing, dancing, and hiking, learning about holiday traditions, and sharing local food, I have made great friends. These friendships help me feel like a true community member. I continue to develop these friendships, and in the process learn about my exciting new community!
