Ivan’s Journals

January 4, 2026

French Tacos?

Going to school dances has always been fun, and this time mine was themed around masks. Lights flashed on and off, flickering in red, blue, and yellow while music beat overhead. By the end, I could barely hear my own voice, and everyone was tired yet upbeat. The next day, I packed my bags for another upcoming weekend, this time in Vannes, a couple of hours away. 

Once we arrived, we had a few hours to explore the city. One of my exchange friends who lived there took us on a tour. After a few stops through cobbled streets and narrow alleys, we somehow ended up at a taco shop. However, we quickly realised that the French had taken the taco, given it a soft shell, flattened it, tripled its size, and filled it with French fries and cheese sauce for good measure. They truly created their own version. Regardless, we ate it and thought it was delicious.

While downtown, we also toured the Christmas market, which was filled with the sweet scents of cinnamon and chocolate. We spoke in a mix of English, Spanish, French, and even a little Mandarin and Portuguese, which my Brazilian and Taiwanese friends taught us. After walking back to the hotel where we were staying, we all ended up dancing to music videos until late at night. Afterwards, we presented our host countries' foods—beef jerky and chocolate chip cookies—to future exchange students and had a decent turnout. In the end, the weekend went by far too quickly, and we were soon headed home.

If these past four months have taught me anything, it is the importance of cultivating deep and meaningful relationships, which are fundamental to one's health and happiness. Conversing with my friends and capturing moments of joy and shared laughter over some silly action or joke serve as perfect reminders of our collective well-being. Visiting the nearby city of Brest with my YEO and exchanging phrases also warmed my heart.

In Brest, he gave me a tour of the city center. Most of the buildings are relatively new compared to the rest of the country due to Allied bombings during the Second World War, which targeted a nearby submarine base that remains operational thanks to the region's natural harbours and deep waters found throughout Brittany, in the northwest of France. Eventually, we took a cable car above the city, which is divided in two by the ports in the middle. From there, we visited a small tower beside a military harbour and a castle dating back to the 4th century.

Because of the region's proximity to the ocean and its numerous ports, the local culture has gradually developed into something distinct from mainstream French culture centred in Paris. Instead, one finds a proud people with their own language, Breton, who feel a strong connection to the sea. In fact, the region even has a flag inspired by the American flag, symbolising freedom, but rendered in black and white with ermine spots replacing the 50 stars. One way the people connect with the sea is through various boating activities, reflecting a deep fascination with all things maritime. The culture descends from the Celts and is similar to that of the Welsh and Scots in the United Kingdom.

Despite this, its inhabitants have experienced a cultural diffusion of Breton and French influences and are proud of their cheeses and breads. Simultaneously, French culture adopted the Breton marinière striped shirt, traditionally worn by sailors and local fishermen. Furthermore, galettes and crêpes also originate from the region.

Just before departing for my second host family, I was able to celebrate Christmas with the first one—a bittersweet goodbye. My host mom’s family came over for Christmas Eve, adding to the lively atmosphere. White plates on the black kitchen table were filled with the green of escargots and the pâté of foie gras, while cards flew around to the dismay and laughter of those playing board games. The purring of the family cat and soothing holiday music filled the air. On Christmas Day, we exchanged presents and visited Trévarez Castle. 

At the castle, it was extremely cold, yet the gardens and ponds made it incredibly beautiful. Perched on a small cliff, the castle overlooked the nearby city and its surroundings, offering a view reminiscent of a low-altitude flight. When night fell, illuminations were projected onto the castle, transforming it into a spectacular display of light against the dark sky.

After moving in with my host family, I got to meet my host mom, dad, and brothers. They were all very kind and respectful, and after just a few days, I began to feel at home. Since we live about four minutes by car from the Bay of Brest, we often go on hikes along the ocean through semi-wooded areas with the family dog, Silivan. I often end up confusing his name with my own when they call out to him. 

In conclusion, experiencing different families and countries has helped me better compare and contrast core dynamics. Respect, self-consciousness, education. Now that I have had time to reflect, I can more effectively apply these traits to myself in order to align who I am more closely with who I aspire to be.