What to do when you're expecting a visit from loved ones during your stay in Rennes, France.
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Depending on when your friends or family are coming to visit, you are going to be in a different stage of your cultural adjustment. Whether you are just off the plane and excited to adventure the whole city or having an existential crisis over being a complete stranger to every person you encounter and the ground you walk on, seeing some familiar faces can help ground you during your new experience.
When my parents came to see me, I had been in Rennes for over two months; I had settled mostly into a routine, and I would recommend holding off any visits from family and friends until you have developed your routine as well. Preparation is key, so knowing what restaurants you like or dislike, where you prefer to spend your time, how long your commutes are, and how those activities fit into your class schedule are all helpful for making sure your time with your loved ones is the best it can be. Here are the 2 biggest tips from my visit with my family that I hope will help you while planning yours.
Make Sure Their Stay Lasts Through the Weekend
Unless you are explicitly planning to coordinate your family’s visit with your breaks, the easiest way to have uninterrupted time with them is to make sure they are there during the weekend.
Make Reservations For Dinners In Advance
No one wants to play the “where do you want to eat for dinner” game, and if your group is 4 or more you will have an easier time being seated if you make a reservation.
While it might also be a vacation for your friends and family, they are first and foremost there to see and spend time with you, so don’t worry if you don't have a concrete plan for every moment you spend with them or if your perfect itinerary gets thrown out the window because of unexpected rain. As long as your friends or family can see you safe and happy, I’m sure you will all have a wonderful time.
Johannamarie Nwanagu
Furman University
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