As I stepped off my plane to Paris, I was scared to try my new French skills. Would I know how to respond? Is my French understandable? Do I kiss each cheek when meeting someone. All of those thoughts ran through my mind! To gain confidence, I remembered the two-months of Duolingo lessons I had practiced, and I tried to appear friendly if anyone spoke to me.
The first test was at the security gate to check if my France visa allowed me into the country. I knew the governmental workers were required to learn English, but I grew anxious to speak French to a French-native. When the lady at the counter yelled, "Suivant (next)." I smiled and said, "Bonjour madame. Ici es moi passport. (Hello, here is my passport)" She replied with "Merci Beaucoup! (thank you a lot!) and returned my passport to me so I could now proceed into Paris.
I felt great! My first French conversation had gone well, even if it was a short one.
Now, my second French conversation really made me realize I was in a new country and needed to learn more! As I waited for my luggage at the Baggage Claim section, my suitcase never came!
