ready or not, the new academic year is drawing near. the ticking of the clock is getting louder; the hourglass has almost run out; the bell is about to ring; i'm about to moan louder than a banshee and my parents are about to rejoice at my departure. it's time for france again. =(

dun get me wrong. i totally adore france. for all that negative feeling tt i harbor towards her, the lingering anger over french policy on many things, and the other bagatelles that piss the living foie gras out of me, i still grow to love this city with each passing year. my love affair with paris specifically, and france generally has had its sour moments and even its periods of disenchantment; but the pull tt paris exercises on me, which goes beyond the lure of lafayette and the eiffel tower (arguably the most disdained of icons in francophobic sentiments) , has charmed/deluded me sufficiently to see the vast mythological edifice that has been constructed around the world's most beautiful, elegant and alluring city.

BUT, studying in france is an entirely different matter. some ppl are excited about returning to school, if only for the social aspect. they mark the first day of school on their calendar as if it were a birthday or Christmas. for me, im glad that i'll have structure once more and the scramble to keep myself occupied all day is over. sadly, along with that compartmentalisation comes a whole new host of storms to weather through, alongside a strict regiment so militaire-esque that it's bound to take the pounds off me, and add the lines to my face. BIG SIGH. im filled with a mix of renewed enthusiasm over a fresh start with a new group of students, as well as trepidation that my summer break is over so soon. and i get a lot of grief from friends and relatives about my summer break, which is only two months long. frankly, i think i cld go on whining about this epic tragic tale of mine lol, but i shan't end my splendid summer hols on such a blue funk note. it wldnt do justice to the immense fun ive had these short yet meaningful eight weeks. all i can do now, is to pray for scholarly nous for this extremely crucial year, as well as for the gumption to succeed.

summer, for all intents and purposes, has ended for me. everyone please take your seats and quieten down - especially you mummy and daddy, who are cheering in the back.