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It was the first time I’d taken the train for such a long trip. It was also the first time I’d ever left France! Which was pretty exciting.
When we arrived, I found it quite strange to be in a city where you don’t speak the language. You feel like you’re in a little bubble, you don’t understand and no one understands you. I actually found it quite pleasant.
We were three guitarists from the ENM [Ecole Nationale de Musique, Danse et Art Dramatique, National School of Music, Danse and Dramatic Arts of Villeurbanne] participating in the project: Lucy, Loula, and me. We didn’t really know each other, at least we didn’t have any particular connections.
Bonds formed pretty quickly, surely thanks to our shared enthusiasm for this trip.
We quickly started “crashing” in each other’s rooms (mostly Lucy’s, haha).
On the second day, we met the other project participants. At first, everyone was a little shy, didn’t really reach out to others, and tended to stick with their own “team.” The Germans had organized a city tour for us, including some explanations about the history of the building we were standing in front of. During the tour, we started chatting with each other. Then those conversations really took off over a meal at an Indian restaurant!
The language barrier forces us to make an extra effort to talk and get to know each other. In fact, given the communication challenges, we focus on positive conversations and avoid those that might be “contentious.”
We spent time together at restaurants, bars, or just hanging out. We always got along really well. We laughed a lot, talked a lot; there was no awkwardness or “silence” —it was spontaneous and sincere.
For me, the language barrier brings us closer rather than pushing us apart.
On the third day, we played music. I couldn’t wait! We had prepared a few ideas to share with them, based on a numerical notation.
I felt like they were pretty receptive to what we shared with them. It was a great time, getting to discover everyone’s instruments, their playing styles, and their influences. Those are always such fun moments!
Especially the last night, when we had a fantastic musical time —a little open mic and a little jam session— it was awesome!
I would have loved to have had more moments like that.
It was a great trip, and I have very fond memories of it. For me, it was full of firsts: my first time staying in a hotel, my first time in another country, my first long train ride…
I can’t wait to see everyone again in July in Portugal and find out what they have in store for us!
Lise (March 11st, 2026).