BELFORT

Oh l à l à!!!! Belfort. Le vie est très belle dans Belfort. (Life is very beautiful in Belfort). When I arrived in Belfort, I was so astonished that I could barely keep my mouth closed (literally). Entering a country such as France, one may expect a lot. Then again, most of the expectations are just stereotypes. Before I arrived here in Belfort, I was told that the French are not very friendly (especially towards black-skinned people, so I was a little worried) and that there are hardly any black-skinned people in France (if so they are extremely dark and African). I must say, that because of this experience, I have learnt to not be so gullible, because I have seen quite the contrary to what I have been told. For instance, I believe that the French are the most affectionate people on earth (besides Italians). They daily kiss cheek-to-cheek, hug and when they are really happy or thankful they would kiss you repeatedly. At first I was quite stunned because I have not been kissed so much and so regularly unless by my immediate family. Truly, this part of the exchange was a cultural experience (along with the expense – but I wont get into that – long story). Other than that, the topic of racism here in Belfort is also quite contrary to what I have been told (unless they only act differently towards me because I am Bahamian :p). But, consequent to my findings, I have really appreciated this exchange. As I said before, I look at things so differently now.

In Belfort, I am blessed with mountains, astonishing scenery, a waterfall, and beautiful art and architecture to view. In fact, each day I realize that I have glimpsed pass something, and then everything looks so new and unrecognized. Belfort consists of many Swiss looking homes. The houses and buildings here are not dreary looking, yet colorful. There is also a river that runs through the city of Belfort and so gives the town a beautiful warm feeling, as it contains ducks and fish as well. Yet, it is so cool to acknowledge a cultural or merely a difference from that of what I am used to. Donc (therefore), “It just keeps getting better…” (A phrase taken from a Bahamian slogan: “It just keeps getting better in The Bahamas”, - for those who do not understand the significance of my statement).

Belfort is a very small town, consisting of about 50,417 inhabitants, and is situated in the Franche-Comté (one of the many regions in France). It is famous for a colossal sculpture of a lion. The lion sits on top of Belfort’s Citadel and signifies the French’s resistance against siege in the Franco-Prussian War (in 1870). The lion was sculpted by Frédéric Bartholdi, the same person who sculpted the “Statue of Liberty” in New York. The Lion is made out of pink-sandstone and sits on top of the Citadel with its ‘behind’ facing Prussia, Germany, and its head facing Paris. (Words can not explain how it looks in person, especially for those who admire art and architecture).
However, Belfort may not be considered as one of the most beautiful towns in France (as it maintains an industry for cars like Peugeot and Citroën), yet it is extremely different from The Bahamas, and so I am enjoying my stay here. Je suis trés contente! (I am very happy).

As of now, there is not much to do in Belfort, (yet, I wait for the snow to go skiing!!! And a huge concert in July called the Eurokennes, which consists of Jazz, Rock and artists like Damian Marley (Donnae should know why I am so excited... Damian Marley, oh lá lá!!!). Yet, the good thing about being in Europe is that you can travel very