Submitted by Sean Murphy on the 2022 winter session program in France sponsored by the Department of Material Sciences and Engineering and the Department of Physics and Astronomy…
Our first week abroad has brought some challenges as well as some new experiences that our group as a whole have taken on head-first. Being one of the two non-engineers has been a bit challenging, but I enjoy bringing a new perspective to our new family over here in Marseille. Our physics course has gotten off to a great start as we’ve begun to delve into the energy and power sources that Marseille uses as well as France as a whole. Our first history lectures were very hands-on in the Marseille museum of history, and it’s quite the unique experience to be able to see the physical foundation of the community that you’re learning about, as you’re learning about it. Our day trip to the Calanques near the Luminy campus was thrilling, and it was incredible to be able to swim in the Mediterranean while surrounded by the limestone peaks. We then made trips to Avignon where we visited the Pope’s Palace, as well as Arles where we saw many of Van Gogh’s artistic inspirations. Seeing these cities really highlighted the cultural diversity that Marseille possesses, and has sparked our excitement for other trips such as Nice and Paris. Overall, our first week has been filled with new sights, sounds, tastes, and smells and we all cannot wait for what the second week holds! The highlights of our food expeditions include discovering the wonders of kebab, which Professor Shah insisted we try. Though I haven’t got a picture, it’s quickly become one of our favorite go-to lunches.
