A Moment in Arles While Studying Abroad in France

Imagine, waking up in a small, nicely kept room. The sun seeping through the edges of the heavy drapes covering your windows and finding its way to your uncovered face. Its warmth beckons you to get up. You oblige, drowsily walking over to the window. You push back the drapes and open the window. The scene before you plays out as idealistically as you ever expected. Just outside of your window you see the Rhône. Large passenger boats are carrying locals and tourists alike along the waterway, ferrying them between cities and towns. You are close enough to smell the water and mud stirred up by the passing behemoths, you are even pestered by the occasional mosquito. Across the street is a small park where a group of older gentlemen are playing bocce ball. As you look out your window toward the street you can see the local merchants setting up shop. The owner of the nearby tabac unlocks his shop, employees of a nearby café clean off tables as patrons arrive to enjoy a cup of café au lait. Even amongst this tranquility you can hear the murmur of cars, reminding you that reality of everyday hustle and bustle is not too far away.