Anu Kumar

Twenty-something. Third culture kid always finding comfort in words. 

[nprinterns]

Exit Through The (NPR) Gift Shop: Anu Kumar

We get political and hear from Anu, who splits her time between Capitol Hill and the fifth floor of HQ.

Anu Kumar

Internship position: Policy and Representation

Hometown: Naperville, IL

Best way to spend an evening in DC: I really enjoyed taking advantage of free evening events and great happy hours around the city. Whether it was a panel discussion at Kramerbooks, an after hours tour at a Smithsonian, or enjoying a cold beer on a patio with some friends, DC always has a ton to offer.

Favorite NPR show, blog or podcast: I’m eagerly waiting for Invisibilia to return with new episodes. Alix and Lulu have their desks on my floor, so I’m always peeking over to see if they are at their desk so I can bombard them with questions about the new season.

Favorite song right now: Well, Leon Bridges performed at Tiny Desk, and as expected, I was completely floored. While he didn’t get a chance to perform it, “Brown Skin Girl” is one of my favorites off of his album, “Coming Home.”

Favorite #NPRLife moments: 1. I attended a visuals workshop and so did queen of NPR, Nina Tottenberg. It’s casual. 2. My first day on the Hill and when I checked into Congressional offices and said, “Hi, I’m here from NPR.” I felt proud to be representing this organization that I have believed in for so much of my life. 3. When the NPR crew was gathering to watch Leon Bridges perform his Tiny Desk concert, I turned to the left and noticed our CEO Jarl Mohn was in the crowd too. It was such a cool moment to see what a tight-knit community this place is, and realizing that no matter who you are, you love to catch a tiny desk concert during your day. Advice for future interns: Regardless of what position you are applying for, take the time to fully understand NPR as an institution and organization. How does it align with your personal views and career goals? Why is this the right place for you to be? This internship will be teach you an incredible amount especially if you take the time to breath everything in and understand NPR as a whole.

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Traveling outside of France

Copenhagen, Denmark:  beautiful blonde people, bike lanes, Christiania, everyone speaks both Danish and English, the food was fantastic. I spent this quick weekend trip with my fantastic host and friend, Aparna. You can read about her adventures in Copenhagen here. Canterbury, England + London, England: This was my second trip to England, and of course, once again, my love for everything English was affirmed. From the sense of humor to the cultural love for cider and tea, I always find myself feeling quite at home in England. I visited one of my best friend's Emily in Canterbury and we took a day trip to London during my weekend with her, you can read about her time abroad here.

Völklingen, Germany: My family came for a week, during their stay we took a trip to Germany to see an old friend of my father's. We had a great time mixing English, French, German and Tamil as we spent time with Baches family. 

Marrakech, Morocco: A spring break adventure filled with camel rides, cous-cous, odd hostels, beautiful palaces, and plenty of haggling at the souks. Read more about my time in Marrakech here.

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Travel Column Update

As per usual, life picked up and I have completely neglected updating my blog. Here are all the travel columns I have written for the Indiana Daily Student since the last time I updated this blog.

March 26th, 2014: French Municipal Elections April 2nd, 2014: Literary wonders found at Shakespeare and Company April 8th, 2014: Bobos a.k.a the French Hipsters April 15th, 2014: Claude Monet's Gardens April 24th, 2014: The Tourist Culture of Marrakech, Morocco

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A weekend in Normandy.

Rouen, Honfleur, Deauville + Mont Saint-Michel.

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So, your French, is it getting better?

When it came down to deciding on a study abroad program, it was tough because there are a lot of great programs located in equally great countries.

I’ve been studying French since I was in high school and at the end of my college career, my transcript will state that I have a minor in French. So, I figured it was time to take the leap and REALLY learn French.

As I have learned from my parents, the best way to learn a language is to immerse yourself. 

I knew I was going to France, after that the decision was easy—a French studies program in one of the best cities in the world. I was sold. 

***

Having now lived here for just over a month, let me tell you, improving conversationally in a language is easier said than done. My fluency has improved, I know more practical vocabulary and my prononciation sounds better. 

But, I still face many challenges and by no means sound like a native. 

***

Here is a list of what I have learned about learning a language. 

1. Language is connected to culture, so you’re not just simply learning how to say things. It’s about what’s appropriate in what context and how you interact with others during a conversation. 

2. Intonation. Yikes. This is hard. Pronouncing a word with the right inflection is just part of the challenge, but it’s about all the ups and downs during a sentence. It’s possible to have a killer accent but still sound like an American.

3. The accent. I’ve basically accepted that I will never sound French, but I’m trying to get as close as I can. The accent helps with pronouncing words as well as getting more in sync with the correct intonation. 

4. The difference between being French and speaking French. It’s hard to adapt a whole cultural attitude because it’s tied identity. It’s okay to not be French and speak French. That’s the beauty of being bilingual. No one expects you to convert to the nationality of your learnt language, they just want to be able to understand you, that’s all. 

5. People find it endearing if you try. There’s the misconception that the French are snobs when it comes to speaking French. Many times waiters may switch to English once they can identify that you’re not a native speaker, but they are simply trying to be accommodating. Continue to speak in French to them and they automatically switch back. In the same vain, to arrive in France and not even try to speak the language gives of an air of American arrogance. Which just does not sit well with the French, because well, they’re proud of their language too. 

6. Embarrass yourself. Seriously, it’s okay. You will sound like an elementary school kid at first, just embrace it. We all have to start somewhere.

***

It’s a slow, uphill battle. But, it’s really rewarding to be able to converse with a certain level of comfort now. I have this sense of confidence now, that no matter what situation I find myself in, I’m no longer afraid of speaking French. Perhaps I’ll embarrass myself, maybe I’ll forget a word here and there, but little by little, I’m learning a language. There’s nothing quite as cool as learning to express yourself not only in a different language, but in a different culture. 

[anu-kumar]

I saw Drake live in Paris, it was an amazing performance. I love it when two different worlds collide. 

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The Montmartre quarter is easily one of my favorite places to be in Paris. It’s easy to wander, friendly to tourists, but still maintains its French authenticity.Read my travel column about the quarter here.  Photographs: The Sacré-Coeur, Inside a beat up piano bar filled with notes and delicious crepes, Le Consulat, and the beautiful view of the city from the top of Montmartre.

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Here's how I spend a sleepy Sunday in Paris, read my column here

The photos above are some that I snapped while exploring a Flea Market and the Marais. 

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I'm not an art history major by any means, but I really do love visiting art galleries.  Here are a few favorites from D'Orsay and L'Orangerie.  1. Edgar Degas, l'Orchestre de l'Opéra 2. Claude Monet, La Rue Montorgueil, à Paris, fete du 30 juin 1978 3. Édouard Manet, l'Évasion de Rochefort 4. Claude Monet, Water Lilies 5. André Derain, Arlequin et Pierrot

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Turning 21, learning a thing or two.

I recently turned 21 in Paris. While my 21st was celebrated in a more low-key fashion, it was appropriately Parisian, so I can hardly complain (my night ended with a banana nutella crepe, enough said). 

More importantly, on my birthday, Paris decided to provide me with a moment of clarity. 

***

Within my first week in Paris, I told my family and friends: "Paris is overrated." 

Films, books, paintings, songs, along with any medium imaginable portrays Paris to be a city filled with magic and love--a utopia of sorts. When I told people that I was studying abroad in Paris for a semester, people were instantly jealous. Without even being aware of it, I arrived in Paris with a somewhat romanticized image of what my experience would be like. 

That image quickly faded thanks to the dull faces that surrounded me on the metro and the frustration in having to constantly communicate in French. There was no culture shock, I didn't fall in love instantly but I didn't hate where I was either. I simply was here, nothing more, nothing less. 

I felt a pressure to be French, to be Parisian. It was as though Paris was telling me, "you're here now, time to surrender that American attitude."

Coming from an American mentality, I sincerely detested this pressure. I have always been uncomfortable with the idea of forcing myself into a particular identity, just for the sake of simplicity. 

I thought it was silly that you couldn't make eye contact with anyone, let alone give them a friendly smile. I was frustrated by the assumption that Parisian fashion was the best in the world when everyone just wore black and varying shades of neutral. 

The only two things that seemed to live up to the hype were the bread and cheese. Oh, and the pain au chocolat.  

But, I don't blame Paris for what I felt. No city could ever live up to the hype that surrounds Paris.

Here's the thing about Paris, falling in love is not always instant. 

***

When my birthday rolled around, all I could wish for was the comfort of the United States. To see warm, friendly faces instead of the cold, detached ones I seemed to be surrounded by. 

But, Paris surprised me. First, my host mom completely took me by surprise by baking me a cake, lighting candles, and singing to me. 

I then realized, here's my first true connection to Paris. This lovely little makeshift family that my host mom, my housemate, and I have come to be.  

As I rode the metro home from class that day, I felt as though I had reason to be here. I may not be Parisian, but this city is slowly feeling like home. 

I realized that I didn't stick out, instead...I actually fit in. My headphones in, I stared out the window naturally avoiding eye contact. Each station sounding familiar, I smoothly navigated the crowd with a timid "pardon," I got off the train at my home station and felt such a clear moment of belonging.

Though...it may have helped that Phillip Phillip's "Home" was playing on my iPhone. 

***

Perhaps it's routine or not having to look at a map quite as often. Perhaps it's having gained a deeper understanding of what it means to be French. Maybe, I'm just gaining a better grasp of the language.

But a small piece of my heart, in the most subtle way, has become Parisian. 

[anu-kumar]

I visited the Musée de l'Orangerie this past weekend, read my review of the museum here. 

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Here's what I've been up to.  Witnessing protests, sightseeing, visiting gardens and museums, meeting interesting people on the metro, venturing through rain, braving the catacombs, and I recently celebrated by 21st birthday--right here in Paris. 

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People watching on the Paris Metro | read my column here

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I ran into a massive protest on January 26, 2014, un Jour de Colère (A Day of Anger) | http://www.idsnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=96215

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First Impressions

First impressions are stressful when it comes to meeting people. Saying the right thing, not having food stuck in your teeth, appearing to be seemingly put together—it becomes quite the hassle. But, when you meet a city for the first time, there is no pressure.

Paris opened up her streets to me and I, in return, did not have to worry about impressing her. Arriving at my home for the semester, tucked away in the seventeenth arrondissement, it was a surreal feeling to see sights I had only seen on postcards. Needless to say, Paris has me swooning for more.

Of course, first impressions are often followed by the getting-to-know-you phase, which at times is less romantic than the initial meeting. That moment hit as I got down for the cab, attempting to find a gap between tightly packed cars in order to reach the sidewalk and avoid oncoming traffic. That challenge was followed up by the “how many large suitcases and moderately sized humans can you fit into an elevator” game.

But, it’s Paris; any little hiccup in the day was triumphed by the fact that I can see the Arc De Triomphe from my apartment. The gorgeous window displays and packed market spaces easily beat out the rainy weather. Every Parisian smoker exhaling a puff your way can be deflected by focusing on the sound of French conversation. Even a confusing metro map can be decoded and provide clarity.

Despite my initial anxiety of having to hold conversation, I have successfully stumbled through an entire day of speaking solely in French with my host. Native French speakers, as I’ve witnessed it, appreciate the attempt. Even the cab driver noted, “speak French, it’s good for you.”

As people, we’re meant to adapt, to be mobile and overcome what is foreign to us.

At the end of the day, I am willing to be a little lost and sound like a foreigner if it means I am walking distance from one of the most famous French monuments.

I think Paris and I will be getting along just fine. 

Read my weekly column for the Indiana Daily Student, here

[anu-kumar]

I survived my first day in Paris and learned that the Arc De Triomphe is walking distance from where I live. It hasn't quite sunk in that I'm truly here. 

[anu-kumar]

Since I'm leaving for Paris tomorrow, I was getting a bit nostalgic and decided to flip through old photos from my trip this summer to Ghana. I then uncovered a bunch of footage which I had just done nothing with. That seemed like a waste, so I edited together this little video diary.  It's a collection of some of my favorite moments from Ghana. I traveled to six of the seven regions meeting some of the most interesting and kind people I have ever encountered. I was one in nineteen students, as a group, we traced the Trans Atlantic trade route, learned about Ghanaian culture, participated in service learning projects, and danced (A TON).