This is beautifully written. I think in a few places you said Lestallum (power plant city) when you meant Altissia (neutral Venice-ish city).

oh man, I also studied in Besançon and can never forget the love affair with this cheese that started up. My host family had it every afternoon, after work/school but well before dinner. <3 

My boss made his own by stacking an IKEA Lack table on top of the desk with a couple books.

I think at least part of it is something that Adam mentioned: when people around you talk about their partners or when family members ask if you have an opposite-sex partner. It gets exhausting telling them no but being afraid to tell them WHY not. And it's stressful. It makes it seem like that's what they WANT from…

I love France, and I will never get enough of it.

FRRAAAAAANNNCCCEEE!

God I cannot explain how much I love this country. Paris is wonderful and Marseille is even more fabulous. Seriously worth going to. :)

SPOILERS!!

Got a free bump once for a trans-atlantic flight. Gods it was glorious. Super-reclining seats plus a three-course menu. Woo Lufthansa!