Written by Thomas Weber, J-1 Exchange Student
Friday, 7.30pm. I leave my Airbnb in the Outer Mission neighborhood and head for the campus. There I'll meet up with a dozen or so people I already like and who will have my full attention and energy this evening. Like many other international students, I haven't stopped much since I arrived. But in the meantime, half an hour separates me from this meeting. It's a chance to blow on the embers of that human fire that feeds the flame of a child's dream, and burns away the dead skin of certainty. Along the way, my light steps took me past traditional houses, their windows quite silent for eyes that had barely left the Paris scene. The same eyes that, a few minutes later, try to exchange glances with the city in the distance, as I pass over Route 280. It works, I've got eye-contact. Eyes don't lie. We were made to like each other. I feel good here.
“SF State”. The female voice on the tram tells me it's time to free my ears from my headphones. It's a nice cell though. The key is in the door. The decor, the space, the light and the warmth can vary according to the prisoner's desires. I'll be out for a few hours. As agreed, my new comrades board the tram to take us to our evening destination, The Dubliner West Portal. The speed of the tram seemed derisory compared to the whirlwind of discussion and discovery into which we threw ourselves each time. I've barely had time to see the stops go by before we've already arrived. Once off the train, I like to stand back and watch the endless tennis matches. The countries are constantly passing the ball back and forth. ‘Is it different in Germany?’, “I imagine it's better in Australia”, “In Norway it's like that anyway”. Whatever the subject, these exchanges always lead me to the same conclusion: we understand each other. All of a sudden, borders, which already seemed pointless (except for putting teams together during World Cups), no longer even have a place in my mind. A drink. A game of pool. Then 2, then 3 and 5. Smiles, questions, singing and respect. We were made to like each other. I feel good here.
Saturday, 4pm. The sound of instruments begins to be heard as we move along. A mix of guitar, synthesiser and drums makes the waves of Lake Merced dance. Around fifty young people gather in this Californian setting. The sun joins the party for an hour. In a vibrant show, it fades behind the trees to make way for the light emanating from the attentive souls. The audience is made up partly of international students. But language is not important. It's the melodies that speak, the musical notes that ask questions and the looks in the crowd that answer them. The most enthusiastic stay until the end. Among the international community, only a Danish woman with an infectious laugh, an Australian with a brotherly kindness and a passionate Frenchman remain. There are few words between us. Dance challenges, energetic glances and smiles. Always smiles. We were made to like each other. I feel good here.
Sunday 2.30pm. Here I am in front of the “underdogs cantina”. It's match day. I know absolutely nothing about the NFL, but my vote will be for the Philadelphia Eagles. Jersey colour? Underdog position? Political perception favoring Philadelphia over Kansas City? Who knows ? Once inside, I'm desperately looking for a seat. I am the first one there and there are more than 15 of us. The task looks complicated. Little by little, friends arrive. And new faces too. Here are some neighbours, Spanish and English. Our friendly rivalries bring us closer together. The atmosphere is warm, and we can feel that the locals are excited about this game: the super bowl. For us international students, it's more the half-time show that we're looking forward to. Indeed, behind this musical performance lies perhaps the real final of the day. The one that pits the authenticity of Compton against the popularity of Toronto. Kendrick Lamar versus Drake. The Los Angeles rapper has 15 minutes to make history. As a music fan, there's no way I'm going to miss this. In the meantime, my taste buds are taking a trip to Mexico to sample a burrito, the spiciness of which I underestimated. This mix of cultures interests me. I'll learn more about it during my stay in San Diego. Our discussions are interrupted by advertisements, each more entertaining than the last. Major American celebrities take to the stage to promote all kinds of products. The pursuit of this frenetic consumption entertains me as much as it frightens me. Where should human beings stop? When? Is he even capable of doing so? I have to be part of the answer. After several dozen minutes of the match, it's time to call it a day! We head for the 1st floor where the crowd is bigger. I want to experience this moment with the Americans. They're waiting just as much as I am to see how Kendrick Lamar will perform his song ‘Not like us’. The verdict is clear: absolute victory for authenticity. Compton wins. On the pitch, the Eagles are also leading the way. No need to keep a close eye on the match. The glasses and plates are empty, the match ends in an unequivocal victory for Philadelphia, and it is time to go home. That morning, I'd dropped my things off at my new flat. A room in a family house in the Sunset district. So that's where I'm heading. My cheeks are marked by the smiles of the day, my eyes full of images to replay over and over again, and my heart very light. I love this new pied à terre. The atmosphere is peaceful. The decor is inspired by the ocean, Europe and Brazil. The owner, who is pleasant and curious, often asks me questions about my French life. The proximity of the ocean reminds me of Aquitaine. I love this house. We were made to like each other. I definitely feel good here.