Fun fact About Me: At this point in my life, I have literally ridden a bike more in Europe than I have in my own country, as I just learned how to ride a bike three months ago in preparation for a trip to Amsterdam. I’m not entirely sure why I never learned how to ride a bike as a kid- probably because I was too stubborn- but now it’s my new favorite way to sight-see. So when I found out that after a three hour review of the biochemical pathway of fermentation we were to have our only free afternoon, the only cycle that was on my mind was a bicycle not a fermentation cycle. After class, some internet research, and a short (about 15 minute) walk from our hostel, my three roommates and I rented bright orange bikes from Ludisport.
Biking turned out to be the perfect way to experience the French countryside! The bike rental place was located directly on the easy, flat, scenic bike route that stretched for miles and miles across the landscape as it was an old railway that had since been paved over. Every single French biker that passed us on our journey greeted us with a friendly smile and hearty “Bonjour!”. We biked for 14 miles past sheep, goats, horses, and cows grazing in picturesque green pastures peppered with quintessential French country homes. For anyone planning to take this study abroad course, I would strongly suggest going on a similar biking adventure for your free day- it was such a memorable afternoon!
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