This isn't goodbye. This is I'll see you later.

It started with the Eiffel Tower.

Normally people celebrate the first moments of their 21st birthday taking shots or having a party of some sort. For me, none of that happened. Rather, I had a date. A date with the Eiffel Tower. For me, that was the first thing I saw in Paris that made me feel secure about my decision, so I thought I would go one last time to see it. And just like the first time, and the other times in between, it took my breathe away. I went to the stand where I got my first crepe in Paris, got a birthday crepe and a Heineken. I walked to the bridge and just reflected on my time here. I have documented all my experiences, and shared with you my intense adoration and love for this country and especially this city. I came to Paris broken, and when I got my acceptance letter, I was banking on this experience to put me back together. It hasn't just put me back together, it has transformed me in the best ways possible. I now know I want to come back here and teach, so I am continuing French in Chicago to make it happen. I now want to travel to every part of the world and experience all I can. I don't want to live today in yesterday or tomorrow, but rather I want to live for the moment. Paris made me realize that. It's the moments that matter. The moments that make our life worth something.

And now I sit in my naked room, stripped of the pictures of my friends and family, typing this final post, and I wish that I could leave something of myself here so that it is evident I was here. But I have left pieces of me. I signed Oscar Wilde's grave, the tree by Jim Morrison's grave, and the bridge by the Eiffel Tower. I have dined in a castle, been kissed under the Eiffel Tower, danced in an Irish bar, stood in a 2,000 year old building, and done a coffeeshop crawl. But more than that, I have traveled to seven countries, met a ton of people, made some amazing friends, and experienced so many different cultures.  It's been a once in a lifetime experience, an experience that I will hold close to me forever.

So as the clock struck midnight, and the light show started, I opened my beer and cheers-ed the Eiffel Tower. I had a view of Sacre Coeur on my left, the Seine River beneath me, and the structure that started it all in front of me. It was truly the perfect 21st birthday moment. I will have the parties with my friends over break and back in Chicago and the dinner with parents, but this moment is something I wouldn't trade for the world. However, I realized that my birthday isn't just today, but it's been happening for the past 3 months.

When the light show ended I began walking to the RER. But before I descended down that staircase I took last look at the Eiffel Tower and thought to myself, "This isn't goodbye. This is I'll see you later."

It ended with the Eiffel Tower.

I get an extra day in Paris - Best birthday present ever

I guess Paris could sense my sadness over leaving and decided to let me stay another day. My plane was cancelled to the States, so my birthday is going to be 7 hours longer and on a plane. Normally this might upset me, but if I get another day in Paris, I'll take it.

Today I crammed everything in with my brother. As I was thinking that it was my last day in Paris, I cherished the city today. My brother and I went to the Catacombs, which was sad, interesting, shocking, etc. It was just walls and walls lined with bones and skulls. When we were done we went to Galeries Lafayette where I finally bought my Longchamp purse. I love it. It has the Eiffel Tower on it, and is perfect. I cannot wait to wear it around with my new beret. Yes, I am the stereotypical French person, deal. I then took Mark to Sacre Coeur, and then we went shopping at the various tourist shops. I got all my girls shot glasses and some paintings, for pretty cheap too. After we had shopped I took Mark for falafel. Man, I could eat that everyday. It is so good. Mark and I then made our way to the Arc de Triomphe where we climbed to the top. I lied before when I said that the best view of Paris was from Sacre Coeur. The best view of Paris is at the Arc de Triomphe. It was breathtaking. I just stood there and took it all in. As I looked at my city, so beautiful and amazing, I let a few tears slide down my face. The sight of the city from the top of the Arc is something I will cherish forever.

We then walked down the Champs-Elysees, went past the Obelisk de Luxor and headed to the Louvre. During this time it had began to snow quite heavily. Paris is gorgeous period, but when it snows it beyond enchanting and magical. After the Louvre we went to Notre Dame and then headed back to pack. I hated packing. It was so final and I hated seeing my life here put into suitcases, waiting to be brought back to the US. So when I got the email that I had one more day in Paris, I was beyond excited! One more day in the city I love can only mean one thing - SHOPPING!

Until next time.

My Roman Holiday

So much to say about Rome. It truly is a beautiful city. My first day there I was by myself because my family was coming the next day, so after I had checked into my hotel I decided to leave my camera in my room and just wander around. I ventured to the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, and then to the Colosseum area. It was so amazing to see these structures. After I had been walking around for a couple of hours I wandered into some random pizza place and got some pizza. It was so delicious. I met a guy who worked there, Giovanni and we talked for a little while. I love the way Italians talk. They wear their hearts on their sleeve and talk with such emotion. When they talk it’s like a song. If I wasn’t already learning French I would start to learn Italian. Hell, I might anyways.

After I talked to Giovanni, I decided to head back to my hotel and call it a night because the next day my family was arriving!

My family was a little late arriving due to their flight being delayed so I decided to have gelato for breakfast. My God, Italian gelato. It is heavenly. I am glad I didn’t study in Rome because if I had I would have lived off of pasta and gelato and probably would have gained a ton of weight. So while Liz Gilbert in Eat Pray Love had her “No carb left behind” act in Italy, I decided I was going to have my “No gelato left behind” act of my own. I had gelato at least once a day when I was in Rome, and I don’t regret a single, sugary calorie of it. But back on track…

When my parents and brother got there we headed off to our hotel to check in, and from there we headed to the Colosseum. There are not enough words in the English vocabulary to express how truly astounding that experience was. We toured the inside, and the entire time I was in there I imagined 50,000 people screaming and yelling with two men fighting for their lives. And then when one of them had fallen, the still standing gladiator went up to the emperor and asked if this man should live or die, and then the emperor motions to the people, letting them decide his fate. God, the atmosphere in that place must have just been electric. I mean aside from the fighting for your life part, it really isn’t different from the giant boxing matches we have today. People paying money to watch men beat the crap out of one another.

After the Colosseum we went to the Roman Forum, which again was just so amazing. The history that happened in these places is truly astounding. After that, we went to the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain again and I got some gelato with my parents. But they were feeling the time change, so we called it an early night and went to bed.

The next day we went to Palatine Hill, and the ruins there are impeccable. From the roof of the ruin of one house you could see the basilica and the colosseum. Just imagine living there in this time, hearing the people roaring from the colosseum, and then seeing the gorgeous basilica. What a time to live. We then went to the Mouth of Truth, which I was super excited about because it was in the movie, Roman Holiday aka one of the best movies ever made. I got to put my hand in it, just like Audrey and Gregory did! Ahh...made my day! When I was done experiencing my Audrey moment, we ventured to the Vatican. St. Peter’s basilica was gorgeous, but I am sorry I am not one for applauding churches and basilica’s for spending atrocious amounts of money to make their buildings pretty. I think that money would be better spent going to the people who actually need it or to other charities. That is all I am going to say on the issue. When we were done at the basilica, we went to the Vatican museum where we saw the Sistine Chapel. One of the most amazing things I have ever seen. The entire inside in this painting, which took Michelangelo seven years to complete. We entered the chapel, which is dimly lit, most likely to preserve the paintings, and I took a seat and just stared. You could spend all day in there not notice it all. It is truly a masterpiece. Since it’s a holy place it is supposed to be silent, but honestly I think it should just be silent so people can get lost in the paintings. I mean just look at the detail of his depictions and you won’t want anyone to talk to you. No pictures are allowed, which is understandable, but I don’t need a picture to remember this. Although, one ignoramous jerk tried to take a picture with his phone, but security was on him like a hawk and kicked him out. It’s called respect, some people need to learn it.

When we were done with the chapel we went to a restaurant for lunch/dinner. I had gnocchi, by request of Deepa, and man it was delicious. Italians really do know how to make pasta. I was so sad when I had my last gnocchi. When we were done we walked on to the Spanish Steps, and along the way we passed various high end fashion stores. I saw Louis Vuitton and Tiffany’s. The Christmas lights were also gorgeous. It made me miss Paris though. The Spanish steps were cool, but it was dark so my brother and I decided that we would return the next day when it was light out. 

We headed back to the hotel. My dad and I decided that we wanted to see the Colosseum at night, so me and him went off on our own little adventure. I loved seeing the Colosseum at night because the lighting is done so perfectly. It kinda makes it feel like it is haunted, which is a fitting feeling since the first 100 days that the Colosseum was open over 2,000 men died. I then took my dad to the Trevi area for gelato and to see the fountain at night. I had a pretty good understanding of Rome now, and therefore a map wasn't necessary. We enjoyed our gelato before heading back to the hotel. My parents left tat morning and so it was just me and my brother. We went to this piazza, the Spanish steps, the Pantheon, the Piazza Navona, and the Trident Fountain. Rome is tiny so it didn't take long for us to walk to all of that. But it began snowing, which was quite a sight. I am guessing it doesn't snow often in Rome because there were Italians taking out their iphones to take pictures of the snow. We still had time to kill before the shuttle came to take us to the airport so we went shopping at tourist shops. I got Jake a present and Mark got himself a hat. We then had pizza and gelato for lunch. It was a nice way to say bye to Rome.

Our airport experience was horrible. Our plane was an hour and a half late taking off, but of course they didn't tell us that our flight was delayed so we stood in line for forty minutes waiting to board. But as soon as we landed in Paris all I could think was, "Man, it's good to be home." But I was also like a kid in a candy store. I couldn't wait to get off and show my brother the Eiffel Tower. We got there and the first thing I did was take him to get a crepe. The same guy who took my first order in Paris was there. Even though I ordered my meal in French last time, this time I greeted him, ordered and had a little conversation with him in French. The light show was amazing, and the snow just added to the enchanting effect. Mark liked it, and I cannot wait to show him around tomorrow. 

Well, until next time. 

Ugh.

I am done with school, and I have said all my goodbyes. It's so official and beyond sad. After we had turned our finals Deepa, Sophia and I made our way to Planet food for the last time. We ordered our fries with samourai and cheezy sauce, sat at our usual table and talked about boys, school, and just life. When we were done, we walked back to our dorm in the cold and said goodbye. As I sit here crying, I think back to my first day when i didn't know anyone and now I am leaving this program with a bunch of close friends.

Tomorrow I leave for Rome. My family will not be joining me the first day, so I am going to wander by myself and stop by a couple of bars that Megan recommended to me. I am sure I'll do a little shopping. I am going to get gelato, pizza, and just take it all in. I found some summer programs for archaeological digs in Rome that I am applying for. The thought of interning or working in an office drives me crazy. I want to do actual work that has meaning. I know, optimistic right? What can I say, France has brought that out in me.

Well I have to pack. God, that is a depressing thought. As Megan would say, ciao bella.

Not all who wander are lost

My brother got a tattoo, which I think is awesome. He is the good child in the family, so that fact that he did something so "deviant" is fantastic. He skyped me and then he gave me a play by play as he showed our mom. My poor mother didn't take it too well, but I mean it's just a tattoo and it means something to him. BUT because he got one, that means I can get one. So for my 21st birthday I am getting a dandelion with some of the seeds blowing away with the quote "Not all who wander are lost" blowing away with them. I am getting that tattoo on my side, so it is going to hurt a lot. I initially wanted to get it on my wrist, but thinking about the future, it could become a hassle to have to constantly keep it covered up for my job, pictures, etc. So you may ask, then why get it if you are worried about it being covered? Aside from the childlike response of "Because I wanna", this tattoo means something very important to me. I have always loved the quote "Not all who wander are lost". I have posted it on my facebook page, written in my journal and used it as a semi-motto for my life. But what I understand now about that quote is that, it is ok to wander and to be unsure about one wants to do and just because I wander, doesn't means I am without purpose. France has taught me that. I am so used to the questions - "What do you want to be when you grow up?", "Where are you going to law school?", "When do you want to get married?", "Do you want children?", "What are you doing this weekend?" - And for once in my life I am going to say, I don't know. I don't know if I want to go to law school, if I want children, get married, if I want to eat pizza or pasta for dinner, wear my blue or black shoes, get up at 8 or 9 am - I just don't know. Why is everyone so obsessed with plans, charts, schedules and being so organized that they lose spontaneity, passion, and miss out of life because they are too busy planning it that they forget to actually live it. It's nice not knowing what is going to happen, but to just go with the flow. As I was thinking about what tattoo to get last night, I thought of the dandelion and how it is rooted in the ground, but its seeds travel and are planted in various areas where they will grow. That's me. I have roots in Chicago, Minneapolis, and Paris but I am looking forward to traveling more and (to be cliche) going where the wind takes me.

The other one I am getting is on my ankle and it is a shooting star. For those who know me, you know why I am getting it.

Aside from the tattoo excitement of last night, my last weekend in Paris with friends has been tame. I went out last night to get some Indian food with Deepa and Dan, went out today with Deepa for dinner and tomorrow we are going to get a drink after we turn in our papers.  I am also going to take a break tomorrow to go get my Longchamp purse. I have been bogged down by this paper I have to do for my class. It has been so long since I have written a paper, so the process has been going a little slower than I am used to but it's coming along.

I am really looking forward to being in Rome Tuesday with my family. I am sure that blogpost will be a fun one to write. Wish me luck on my paper.

I don't like endings, but I really hate this one.

My dad came to Paris yesterday. I met him after my final in the dorm and took him to the Eiffel Tower so he could see it during the day. After the Eiffel Tower we went to Notre Dame and then to the Frog and the British Library for dinner and drinks. Today we went to Sacre Couer, Louvre, Obelisk, Arc de Triomphe, Hotel de Ville, Bastille, the Marais, the Tuileries, Eiffel tower at night and the Champs-Elysees. Busy day? Just wait. We had a pain au chocolat for breakfast, falafel for lunch, macarons, Angelina's hot chocolate, beer, and shared an appetizer. I crammed in a few days worth of stuff into one day because I wanted my dad to see it all. And of course it was a treat for me as well. But, what I love about having my dad here is that he has always shared my extreme passion and love for history. I am glad he gets to come here and see this impeccable city.

Last night after my dad and I got back, I went out to this student bar with Lauren, Jessen, Grace, Ramona, Jen, Dan and Ray. It was the last night I got to hang out with Lauren and maybe the other people depending on how this paper goes. It was a fun night. We got our Guinness, which reminded us of Dublin and we all met some great guys. I met a guy named Alex and it was a lot of fun to talk to him. The bar we were at had a mix of live music and radiolike music, so dancing was also a ton of fun. It was a great chill night in Paris, and when it ended it was very impacting. I hate endings, but I especially hate this one.

Well, French final done. Paper is on its way. Monday I'll be done with school and Tuesday I'll be in Rome with my family.

The night before French final and last class...

Well tomorrow is my French final. Am I prepared? I think so, but honestly I am not good at this language. Really, I am not. And that fact sucks because I am going to be taking it for the next year and a half so I can become fluent and teach here. Why does Paris have to be so awesome, but it's language so terrible??

I have had a great last few days with my friends in Paris though. On Monday me and some friends just hung out in my room, enjoyed some wine, beer, and scottish whisky and then made a late night run to Planet Food for french fries. We spoke French as we ordered our food and had a great time. Yesterday I went to the Frog and the British Library for a pint and dinner with friends and tonight I went to falafel with friends. We are doing lasts. It was the last time we would all go to Planet Food, get a pint at one of the Frog pubs, get falafel, and tomorrow will be my last Kayser breakfast and lunch. I have splurged this week on food, because in a few short days I will go back to my spinach, tomato and egg diet. So I have been enjoying the delicious pastries, simplistic brie sandwiches, and other things that I will not be able to get back home. I am spending time with people who have become very dear to me. I also have decided that when I get back I am going to be a vegetarian. My friend Grace does it for environment sustainability reasons and I cannot help but be intrigued. So I have decided to give it a go. It'll will definitely help my wallet at school, and since I'll be cooking for myself it'll be quite easy.

Wow, I am going to have an apartment. When did this happen? When did I grow up? It seems like yesterday I was this junior in high school going on her first real date. It seems like yesterday I was graduating from high school. It seems like yesterday I was leaving for France. And now here I am with less than twelve days left in Europe. So many amazing memories and lessons learned.

Well I have my final and my last class. Then my papa comes and I get to introduce him to my Paris. But before I go, I want to explain why I say my when I talk about Paris. This is the only place in the world that I feel is mine. I have very few memories with family, no memories with my ex or friends from Chicago, and while this may seem selfish, I love that. I love that this was my experience. Mine. How very seldom one gets to utter that word and feel good about it. Goodnight everyone.

BRUGGES!

I went to Brugges (Yes, that is the traditional spelling) today with Lauren! We had to get up at the atrocious hour of 5 am to leave at 6 am, and thank god we did. For some reason the universe wanted to make it difficult for us to get there. First, the line we were going to take was closed, so we had to go back to Chatelet, but we went to the wrong side and missed the train. FINALLY, we got on the right train and made it to skyrama. When we were on the bus and we started to take off, my tired state subsided and I was just excited!

On our way there,  me and Lauren basically napped the entire time and did some reading. We passed the Somme area, and it was raining the entire bus ride to Bruges so I was afraid that we were going to have to spend our day walking in the rain. However, fates would have it differently and the weather was quite beautiful. We started off our time in Brugges with a walking tour of the city. If I had to describe Brugges in one word it would be enchanting. The city is so old and beautiful. All the buildings are brick and the streets are tiny. I felt like I should have been in a dress and bonnet. What I really liked about the city was that I saw only one Subway and NO Starbucks. This is a place that is basically untouched by global corporations, which just makes it all the more wonderful to me.

After our walking tour Lauren and I went to get some Mussels, beer and fries. We got the petit size for 15 euro, but there was nothing petit about our meal. We had Leffe beer, which was beyond delicious and then we each got these giant bowls, no buckets, of mussels. Add in the fries, and I was in heaven. We only had a limited amount of time in Brugges so Lauren and I finished up fairly quickly, and then headed off to the Christmas markets to get waffles. Ahh...Belgium waffles. I had a chocolate one, and I am not ashamed to admit that I devoured the waffle. It was sinfully good.

When we were done with our waffles we did some chocolate shop hopping.  I don't understand how people in Brugges are not fat, because this was without a doubt the best chocolate I have ever had in my entire life. Each store was giving out samples and Lauren and I purchased some individual pieces of chocolate and some chocolate bars for friends at home. What I loved most about the stores were their window displays. Brugges really goes all out for Christmas, and seeing chocolate Santas and the lights really made me happy. I felt like I was in a movie. The smallness of the city with the overdone decorations for Christmas created this feeling that cannot be properly put into words. All I know is that this was such an amazing day.

Well this is my last week in Paris. I have four more days of classes, a final test and a paper. Then it is off to Rome with my family, then a couple more days in Paris with bubba. Two weeks from today I'll be home. Two weeks. Where did the time go?

Last Saturday in Paris with friends...

I had a fantastic day in Paris with my friends. First of all, I woke up to snow flurries creating a gorgeous winter wonderland. Seriously, I cannot even write how happy I was. I love snow. Lauren, Jessen and I decided to go out in Paris and enjoy the weather, rather than stay in. We went to Les Philosophes to do some work and reading, and we had this amazing hot chocolate there. After doing work for a while, we went to King Falafel for dinner and then to Shywawa for a pint of McEwans. We hung out at the bar for a while before heading off to get gelato and crepes. By the time we were heading back we had been out for over eight hours during the day, making for a perfect day in Paris. This was the last Saturday in Paris with my friends. Just writing that makes me tear up. I have had such an amazing time with these people and I am so happy I get to share these memories with them. Even though I know I'll see them at Chicago and we will have new experiences and stories there, I have experienced something special with them. I lived in a foreign country and traveled with people who I had never met before this program, and they have become some great friends. It's such a wonderful thing. It's comforting to know that we'll always have Paris.

On to a more serious topic - I had an intense conversation with my mom tonight. I made a decision to spend more money here, and then I would just get a job at school or take out a loan. I don't regret that decision for a moment, but also the thought of money, signing my lease for winter, classes, RSO's, volunteering, and looking for jobs brought me back a little bit to the reality of Chicago. The simple fact of the matter is that I want to stay here. I commend my parents on trusting me to get on the plane by myself and actually go to the States. It is so tempting to put my brother on the plane and say bye bubba, and just stay here. I could find a job as a waitress I'm sure, and even though it wouldn't be the most lavish life style at least I'd be here. But alas I have the Catholic guilt without being Catholic, and thus I most likely will be on that plane home on December 19th.

But don't get me wrong. Am I looking forward to seeing my friends at school and home? One thousand percent yes. Am I looking forward to classes? Yes. What I fear about returning home is that I am going to get tied down and become a "someday" person. I don't want to go back, graduate and then just get a job and lead the typical American life of always working but never doing. So many people I know don't travel, don't indulge their selves, and are stressed out all the time. I cringe at this life. I fear it. I vow that I will not end up that way, even though the battle will be difficult. I will not become my job. I will not sacrifice my happiness for the almighty dollar. I will not make my life about another's.

I also fear regression and going back to the person I was back home. I wasn't a bad person or anything, but I hadn't lived. Rather, I was clinging to something, rather someone, and I have realized that I need to let them go. So that is what I am doing. While I appreciate the past, (duh, history major!) I have personally been too involved in my own. Time to make history rather than dwelling on what was.

Well in four and a half hours I have be up because Lauren and I are going to Bruges. Hello chocolate, waffles, mussels, beer, and Christmas markets! Good night from Paris all.

Visiting the Somme.

Before I begin divulging into this post, I want to say that I am so thankful to all the soldiers who have, do and will serve. A special thank you to my friend Brent. You are missed and I am more grateful than I can ever express.

So yesterday my class took a day trip to the Somme. It was a little challenging for me at first because the night before I had been out until 3:30 am at a club, and so the prospect of getting up at 7 am to catch a bus and then spend all day in the cold didn't not sound appealing. But upon seeing the winter wonderland of it all, my pessimistic attitude disappeared and I became excited! We first walked through the WWI museum, which is in this old castle. The museum had the uniforms and equipment of soldier spread out on the floor, like they were in a shallow grave. This was so fitting. The trench served the purpose as a home, defense, bed, etc. for the soldiers, but it could also just as easily become their grave. One of the things I found most striking was that a majority of the soldiers had music of some sort on them, whether it be a flute, accordian, record player, music was not just entertainment but a way to keep sane. It reminded me of the scene in Shawshank Redemption when he sneaks into the office and plays opera over the intercome. Music is good for the soul.

While the museum was impacting, nothing could have prepared me for the cemetery, memorial and trenches we visited. The snow in the cemetery had been untouched, and there were black crosses for gravestones all in a row. It was tragically beautiful. I felt horrible walking on the snow and creating foot prints, it was as though we were disturbing the peace. There were four mass graves, making over 17,000 people buried on that one small plot of land. What was most striking was that the Jewish-Germans who had served in the war had their own grave marker that wasn't a cross, but rather was a headstone with the Jewish star on it. One would have thought that during WWII the German soldiers would have decimated those grave stones, but there they were, intact. In fact, Hitler had visited that cemetery. This shows the profound amount of respect that the soldiers of WWI had, no matter what religion they belonged to.

The trenches gave an entirely different aspect. While the memorial and cemetery gave a visual for the amount of people lost, the trenches told the story of the battle itself. We stood on the front line, and as our tour guide told the tale of how the soldiers were ploughed down by the German machine gun, I could imagine the men climbing from the trenches, knowing that they were on a suicide mission. The machine gun took these men down like flies, and there was nothing that they could do about it. Imagine 800 Newfoundlanders coming from the trenches, and only a handful lived to see the next day. It's just so inhumane and horrific. But at the same time, I feel like weapons such as the machine gun take away the personal aspect of war so the soldiers don't feel so guilty about killing another human being. If you are simply swinging a gun around and it is shooting then there really is no target, whereas if you fire a gun you are aiming at someone. Same with bombs, you don't feel the guilt of connection if you drop a bomb on a town because you don't actually see the person who is dying because of what you are doing. Haunting isn't it?

I found the weather to be very fitting for our visit. The sky was white, and snow was everywhere. It was freezing and we were all cold, but while we were suffering one had to think of the soldier who lived in the trench during the winter. They didn't have a nice warm coach bus to go to, they didn't have the mittens, big puffy jackets, and the other materials that we have access to. No, they lived in the ground. They were always cold, always suffering. So even if they weren't being shot at, they were living an entirely different form of hell. And while I enjoyed the beautiful landscape of my winter wonderland, the  soldiers wouldn't have seen white beauty, but most likely probably a blank canvas just waiting to be painted with the blood of soldiers and the black of bombs.

I want to visit more war sites. It puts things into perspective in a way that nothing else in the world can. And with that I say goodnight.

Cannot believe it is already December

Today is December 1st. Usually when the month becomes December I get super excited because that means it is my birthday and Christmas month. In the past I have obsessed over my birthday and what presents I would get and how I would celebrate. But not this year. Even though I am turning the monumental 21, I am not excited to celebrate because that means I won't be here. Sure, I have a fantastic dinner planned at Chino Latino with some of my best friends and then a hotel party a week later, but in all honesty my dream birthday would be to walk the Champs Elysees at night with the Christmas lights and the Eiffel Tower light show in the background, a cup of Angelina's hot chocolate in my hand, and snow falling.

I basically had that perfection yesterday with Jake. We got Angelina's hot chocolate and I had a Mont Blanc, then we walked through the Christmas market and down the Champs Elysees with the christmas lights and the Eiffel Tower shimmering. It was pretty much a perfect night. And then this morning Jessen and I went to the Rodin museum and Napoleon's tomb. I have never before been moved by sculptures, but Rodin's moved me. They had such passion to them. They weren't ornamental or showy, but just these real, raw pieces of art. I loved it. After class today me and eight other girls went to the Frog and the British Library for drinks and dinner. It was so much fun to just sit and talk. But at the same time, for me, these types of moments are bittersweet because I know that there are so few moments like this to look forward to. Some people are leaving a week from tomorrow, and I follow soon after.

Yesterday after I got back from the Champs Elysees with Jake, I applied for jobs and apartment searched. I am going to be living at 51st and Woodlawn next quarter, and I already have two job interviews lined up for when I get back to Chicago. It's so surreal to me to think that I actually have to go back and start going back into the UChicago mode. I will be reading 1200 pages a week, writing a bazillion papers, working, doing RSO's, and trying to have a social life somewhere in there. I'm always busy, which I used to love but now I am not sure how I am going to handle it. I am used to being able to go out and just have fun, experience different cities and cultures, and do what I want. I am afraid of being thrust back into American society because I have realized that it is a society I do not like.  I just keep telling myself that I have only 1.5 years and then I am going to be back in France teaching English and then hopefully somewhere in the British Isles for law school.

Night all.

I've had the time of my life

I just realized this, less than three weeks and I'll be back in Minnesota. I cannot express my sadness that accompanies this thought. If you have been reading my posts you know how much I love not just Paris, but Europe in general.  I feel more at home here then I do in Minnesota or Chicago. I know that must not make sense since I speak barely any French, but it's the truth.

Today I had a conversation with someone from back home, and they said that your surroundings shouldn't determine your happiness, but that it should be the people and that where I am is what I make it. I know that I am going back to a horde of loving friends and family, and for that I am so grateful and I am excited to see them. But for me, surroundings and culture are essential. The history dork in me loves being constantly awestruck by Paris. In fact, every place I have traveled too has rendered me speechless in some aspect, whether it be the countryside or the architecture. Europe marvels me, and to know that I am going back to a place where I have never felt that is depressing. I love my feeling of inadequacy here, because it is the type of inadequacy that reminds of how rich and marvelous these cities are. It reminds me that while I am living in the present I am only able to do so because of the past. The person I was talking to countered my sentiment by stating that at our schools, millions of people have lived there and amazing things have happened there. I have no doubt this is true. I mean facebook was basically invented in a dorm room. But for me, that pales in comparison to standing in Notre Dame, knowing that this buildings has withstood 2 world wars, a Revolution, and a plethora of other wars and events. Or standing in a cobblestone alley in the Marais and imagining Revolutionaries marching through.

I heard the song "I've had the time of my life" the other day as I was listening to Glee's upcoming songs, and I realized that Paris has done this for me. The lyrics that really stuck out for me were:

Now I've had the time of my life
No I never felt like this before
Yes I swear it's the truth
and I owe it all to you

'Cause I've had the time of my life
and I owe it all to you

Paris has given me the time of my life. I know that the people in my program played a monumental role in my experience here, but mostly it's been Paris. I've become such a different and better person. And I owe it all to you Paris. Merci.

Mine and Ashlee's Parisien Adventures

It has been another fantastic couple of days with Ashlee. Yesterday she came to my school for lunch. I took her to Kayser so she could have a French sandwich. We split a brie and then a chicken sandwich, and enjoyed their amazing cookies. After I was done with my French class, we headed off to Monmarte. I took her to Sacre Coeur and I was so happy that the weather cooperated this time. The sky was blue with white, fluffy clouds. And of course the view from the top was absolutely beautiful. I find it hilarious that we can see the one skyscraper, and the Eiffel Tower. It is as though both of them are dueling. But I refuse to enter Monmarte based on principle. I don't think I'd forgive myself if I went into it. I also love Sacre Coeur because it is the one view where you can literally see everything in the city. Ash and I took some pics and then went inside for a tour of the Church. Afterwards we wandered around for awhile before heading off to the Moulin Rouge. As we were walking to the Moulin Rouge we passed through the red light district of Paris. It has nothing on Amsterdam, but did make for some interesting scenery while we were walking. The Moulin Rouge itself was a tad disappointing, but it was still worth the walk. From there we made our way to Van Gogh's house. When were done with that we wandered to Luxembourg gardens, but they were closed so we decided to come back the next day and went back to my dorm. We chilled there for a while and then we went to the Frog and the British Library for dinner. The Frog and the British Library is a British based microbrewery. They brew six kinds of beers, and have classic "pub" food. Ash and I each ordered a pint and the cheeseburger. It was my first cheeseburger in Paris! We had another pint after our meal, so now I have tasted all six beers and I must say that the Parisytic is my favorite. I have become a dark beer drinker. I blame Guinness. Also, our waiter was absolutely adorable. I had a crush on him. When we were going to leave he asked me about beer, and if I was studying in Paris. Definitely going back there for some drinks and a meal.

When Ash and I got back we skyped my family. It was so great to talk to everyone and see them. Despite the immense amount of happiness I have here, I do miss them. I loved hearing about Mark's collegiate experience, watching my mom do goofy things because I'm sure the concept of skype is amazing to her, and then to talk to Barby and Jim. It reminded me that I do have a life back home, a life that I do in fact love, just in an entirely different way. Ash and I decided to call it an early night (and by early I mean midnight), and go to bed so we could get up early tomorrow and have the quintessential Parisien day.

Ash and I woke up to the sound of a jackhammer. They are doing construction on the elevator and so naturally they had to start at 8:45 am. At least it gave us a reason to hustle out of the dorm. We hopped on the metro and headed off to the Eiffel Tower so Ash could see it during the day and from the fountain across the street. We had a pain au chocolat for breakfast, and then headed over. Even though the weather was freezing, the sky was crystal clear and the Eiffel Tower was looking as lovely as ever. We took some pictures, were hounded by some peddlers, and just took in the general splendor of the view. After seeing the Eiffel Tower, we went off to the Luxembourg Gardens. They are not as magnificent as if it were spring or summer, but they are still beautiful. We walked around the gardens and enjoyed the statues before it was time to head off to our lunch reservation at Procope, the oldest restaurant in Paris. The setting for the restaurant is still old-fashioned, and the music adds to the mood. We both had chicken and potatoes with gravy. We had a table by the alley window and so we enjoyed people watching. Our meal was quite good, and I am glad that I was able to take Ash somewhere that is considered to be "French", but really the French don't have a cuisine. They have a style of eating. You eat an appetizer, main course, dessert and coffee and you take your time doing so.

After the restaurant it was time to shop! We got off at Concorde so Ashlee could see the Obelisk de Luxor and so I could FINALLY get my picture by it. From there, we walked to the Champs-Elysses, but as we were walking we got to pass the Christmas Market. It was really cool and I am definitely going to be taking my family there when they visit. Ashlee and I shopped for a few hours. She got a top and sweater, and I got four new shirts. It started snowing as were walking in between stores, creating a perfect day in Paris and making me the happiest person in the entire world. We continued shopping, and then when we were heading back the lights came on. It put the cherry on top of a great shopping day. As we were walking to get macarons, we took pictures of the lights and the different side of the market. Since Laudre's line was ridiculously long, Ash and I decided to go to Angelina. It was a great decision. The woman gave us two free macarons and we got to get hot chocolate to go. I took a picture of Ashlee eating her first macaron, and I am happy to report that the macaron is her favorite dessert in Paris.

We were going to go get her jewelery and my Longchamp purse after, but the combination of the trains being full and me going to the wrong stop prevented that from happening. So we headed back to the dorm, and that is where we currently are. It wasn't until we got here that we realized that the twelve hours of being out was exhausting. In a few we are heading off to Chinatown to eat dinner, and then it is time to pack because Ash is leaving again for the states. But tomorrow is going to be another great day. Jennifer and I are going to one of the Frog Pubs, then I am going to see Harry Potter with Dasha. And then Sunday is a me day. I am going to wander Paris and just enjoy one of my last weekends in this beautiful city that I have come to love and adore more than anything in the entire world. Until next time.

Ashlee is here!

I am so happy to announce that my cousin-basically-sister Ashlee is in Paris with me! It is so great to have family here, but especially Ashlee since we are so close. I am so glad that I get to show her around, and introduce her to my Paris. I had an intense day of school yesterday. We had a walking tour at 9, then class right after, an hour break before French, and then class again. So by the time I was done with all of that I was exhausted, but beyond happy that I was going to meet Ash! I met her at Notre Dame (I know how movie-esque) and then I took her for gelato because she had never had it before. She loved it! Then I took her to a crepe stand where we both had a jambon et fromage (ham and cheese) crepe. We then walked around the Saint-Michel area, before heading over to where I had French conversation. Ashlee was able to join us for it, and after the hour ended me and her made our way to the Eiffel tower. Ash was able to see the light show, and even though I have seen it a few times, it still takes my breathe away. We enjoyed the light show, snapped some pictures, and then made our way back to my dorm.

I didn't have class until the afternoon today, so Ash and I went to Musee D'Orsay in the morning, but not before I took her to a bakery for the traditional pain au chocolat breakfast. Then we made our way to the museum, where we wandered around and took in the amazing artwork. Ash's favorite things in the D'orsay were the giant paintings and mine was, of course, Van Gogh. After wandering around in the museum for a couple of hours I then took Ashlee to Angelina's. We had to cross the Seine and wander through the Tuileries to get there, so Ash got to see those and then at Angelina's we had the BEST hot chocolate in the entire world and amazing dessert. Well, actually the dessert was my lunch, because after Angelina's I had to go to class while Ashlee headed to the Louvre.

Class was interesting today. We are talking about the duplicity of man and images, so people are not what they appear, etc. Very Foucault in principle, and if you know me at all you know I have a love for Foucault. But I was anxious for class to end because I had made plans to meet Ashlee at the Saint-Paul stop for falafel! I took her to the famous falafel place, and while we were there Ash showed me pictures of what she had done that day. She wandered around and had a cheeseburger for lunch. I am glad that she was able to wander around because that is the best way to get to know France. After falafel, I took her to the Canadian bar me and my friends go to, The Moosehead. We enjoyed some beer and just chatted for a while. Ash told me that the bar was like the ones that she goes to in Chicago, and since I will be 21 when we get back I can hang out with her more!

When we were done with our cider's, we walked to Saint-Michel and had crepe nutella. I couldn't find the place that Jessen and I go to, but this place was quite delicious. This was the first crepe I had had since coming back from my trip and it was Ash's first crepe ever, so we both got a lot of merriment from those crepes. After wandering around Saint-Michel we headed back to the cite because I have class tomorrow early. But Ash is coming to have lunch with me at school and then after we are walking around Monmarte! Should be another amazing day in Paris with my pseudo sister. Night all.

Never Give up on the Good Times :-)

I forgot to mention something about Dublin. While at the Stag's Head the song "Galway Girl" was played. For anyone who has seen "PS I Love You" you'll remember that that song was sung to Hilary Swank's character by her future husband in a bar. After I heard that song in the movie, I fell in love with it and so it was just nice to hear it in an Irish pub and sing a long.

Alright onto London!

On the way to London, I was jamming to the Spice Girls. I am not ashamed of it. I love the Spice Girls, and I am proud to say that instead of listening to the Beatles or some other English band, I was dancing to "Never Give up on the Good Times".

We saw a lot of the typical touristy things in London - Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, House of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, etc.  Our first dinner  we went to Brick Lane and had some Indian food. It was positively delicious. After dinner, me and Jen met up with her friend, and then he took us to a student bar where we hung out with a couple of his friends. It was just nice to be on a college campus and talk to some British students. They attend the Music academy and are amazing violists, so it was a tad bit intimidating, but they were really great guys. We had a night adventure which consisted of McDonald's, a double decker bus, Northern London, and then random wanderings. It was pretty much a perfect night in London.

The next day we went to the Tate Modern art Museum. I got to see some Andy Warhol paintings, Dali, Picasso, etc. I love museums, and have vowed to take more advantage of them in the states. For lunch we went to Burough Market, which was amazing. It was so cool to walk around and sample different cheeses, desserts, and just be in the general area. I ended up having some mulled cider, a sandwich, and this sinfully delicious brownie.We did another pub crawl in London, which was not as fun as the one in Edinburgh because it was just too crowded. I still had a great time, but not in the same way.

The next day I got to see Disha which was really great. She took me to Camden Market, which is this area that has clothes, food, bags, and a plethora of other things. It was really awesome to wander and catch up with her. I am so happy she is enjoying London, and spending time with her made me miss Chicago. After seeing Disha, that night we went to 39 Steps, which is this play that is based on a Hitchcock movie. It was brilliant. I was laughing throughout the entire show and I really enjoyed watching some British comedy. When the play was done, we went to a bar that was by our hostel. I got to try some strawberry beer, which was quite delicious. It was so enjoyable to talk about our trip and reflect on what a great week we had just had over a beer. I am so happy that I got to share this experience with these amazing women. I know that I have made some really close friends who are more amazing than I could have expected. When we got back to our hostel that night, I was sad that the trip was over, but at the same time I was worn out. Traveling for 10 days is draining.

I learned something quite crucial from this trip though. I don't need material things to make me happy. I haven't really bought any clothes or "souvenir" things from the places I have traveled. Honestly, give me a passport and a camera and I will be just fine. Lauren and I were discussing the importance of the passport, and I have come to see that packet of paper as my most precious thing. Because of that document, so many of my dreams have come true, and I can tell that the passport is chilling in my cabinet waiting for the next stamp.

Today was our last first day of class. I am excited for the teacher. He is an intelligent man. Perhaps a bit more intense the the previous two, but that's ok. I hope it'll put me in more of a "UChicago" mode. But I know I got an A for at least one of my classes, and to be honest with being abroad I am not expecting straight A's. An A is just a letter that will go on a piece of paper, but these memories and experiences are what shape and help to define who I am and what I will be. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything in the entire world. Night all.

Boys, Bars, and Accents - OH MY!

I'm back in Paris, and even though I had a great time in the British Isles when I stepped off the Metro and saw the Cite, a huge smile came on my face and wave of relief rushed through me. I loved the British Isles, but there is something about Paris that completes me. Enough about that, I'll start writing about my trip.

Dublin was awesome. In the morning on our first day we went to the Trinity College. It is such a beautiful university. We had a tour guide, who was quite cute, and he showed us around and told us some anecdotes. It wasn't a very long tour, but we learned some fun things. There was this sculpture in the front of the library that spins, and the statue of the George Salmon, former provost of Trinity who didn't want women to attend it. The story that we were told, was that he allowed women to attend but he wrote that while his hand was agreeing, his heart didn't. So naturally he had a heart attack. After the tour we saw the Book of Kells. I had studied illuminations in my art class so I comprehended the major historical significance of this magnificent book.  I have decided that for law school I am going to either attend the School of Law at Trinity or Edinburgh Law School (I'll go into that more later), so in a way it was like a college prospect visit for me. After seeing the college and the Book of Kells we went to this market, where I bought a sterling silver Claddagh ring. I love it. I haven't taken it off my finger since I bought it last Saturday. It is an Irish ring that indicated relationship status of a person. Since I am single I wear it on my right hand with the heart turned away from my chest. After the market and lunch, we went to Guinness factory where I enjoyed two week old Guinness and then a pint at the top of the building. The view from the top of the building was beautiful, and we got to see the entire city of Dublin.

After dinner we went to the Stag's Head where we enjoyed some traditional Irish music. We met a birthday pub crawl, and it was fun to talk to some Irish men. I love their accents. Some of the girls left, but me, Lauren and Grace stayed behind and closed the bar down. The next day me, Lauren and Jessen went to the Writer's Museum and then we went to the Queen of Tarts for lunch. I went to Cork that night to see Sean, and the next day when I got back to Dublin we just shopped some and at night we went to a  couple of different bars and a comedy club. The comedy was improv and pretty funny, but I have to say that Temple Bar was pretty awesome. Again, we got to listen to traditional Irish music and I had an Irish coffee. Needless to say, we were all sad to leave Dublin.

What I liked so much about Dublin was the vibe. First of all, the city is small of enough that people can literally walk anywhere. Also, even though the buildings are not in the best shape, the people's spirits are magnetic. People are cheerful and extremely kind. They don't look at a person and decide from their clothes if they like them. Rather, people apologized if they ran into us, they were personable and extremely generous. It reminded me of Titanic. Paris is first class. The people are gorgeous to look at, but they are pretentious and rude, while Dublin is third class. They may not have a lot of money or lavish things, but by God they are happy.

This type of feeling can be transferred to Edinburgh. When we were first arrived in Edinburgh, we were all still a little sad to have left Dublin, so the enthusiasm for Edinburgh wasn't as high as it should have been. But then we entered the center of Edinburgh, and we were completely taken aback by the beauty of the city. I felt like I was going back in time. I should have been in a coach and buggy, rather than a bus. The buildings were amazing, and the lighting made it all the more fantastic. We checked into our hostel, and I have to say that the hostel was a godsend. There was a pub crawl that night and so we decided we would go out to dinner and then do that. For dinner we went to the Royal Mile and had some pub food. The old men in the bar helped me decide which beer to have with my dinner. They were so friendly! After dinner, we headed back to the hostel to get ready and then we went to the first bar for the pub crawl. When we got to the bar there was a Scottish football (soccer) game on. It was fun to watch the game while enjoying a pint. The pub crawl was a ton of fun, and I met a really nice guy on it. Also, it was so cool to be walking around Edinburgh at night. Again, Edinburgh is small enough that a person can walk the entire city easily.

The next day we went to the free tour of the city, but the guide was less than desirable so instead us girls decided we would go to the castle by ourselves. Well, that was an adventure because not only was it cold, but the Edinburgh wind was some of the strongest winds I had ever encountered. We toured the castle, but it was more like running to take shelter in the various rooms so that we wouldn't be blown away by the winds. But what was pretty cool is that the castle is built on top of an extinct volcano. Also, we got to see the Crown jewels, the prisons, and a great view of the city. We had lunch in the castle, traditional Scottish stew and then made our way to some stores for shopping. I bought a cashmere scarf and some post cards. After that, we went back to the hostel because people were tired. But I decided to wander by myself, and so I made my way to Calton Hill. This hill is now my favorite place in the entire world. Not only does it have the best view of Edinburgh, but the countryside it reveals is truly the most wonderful thing I have ever seen in my entire life. Even though it was windy and freezing, I took a seat in the grass and just sat in awe of my surroundings. Have you ever had a moment in your life where you cannot belief that this is actually happening? This is what Calton Hill did to me. I have never felt so humbled in my entire life. On this hill I made up my mind that I am not only going to teach in Paris, but that I am going to attend law school in Dublin or Edinburgh and then move there permanently. Those places made me so happy, and they are quite close to one another. When I reluctantly got up to leave, I knew that I had left a piece of myself on top of Calton Hill, and one day very soon I will go back to get it. I have the goal to watch the sun rise on that hill.

After I got back from wandering by myself, we all went out and got some Japanese food. It was delicious. Then we just went back to the hostel to chill, because we had to get up at 3:30 am for London. Even though people were excited for London and some were missing Dublin, Edinburgh held my heart. I too was missing Dublin and excited for London, but honestly I cannot stop thinking about Edinburgh. I cannot wait to go back there.

Well I have to finish my reading for class tomorrow and so I will post about London later. Until next time!

Au Revoir Paris, Hello British Isles!

I just had my final. I feel pretty good about it, but honestly all that is on my mind now is the British Isles! We are leaving for Dublin tonight, Edinburgh Tuesday and London Thursday. I am so excited to speak English, drink some good beer, and see some amazing countryside. Also, I am excited that I get to see one of my best friends, Sean, in Cork on Sunday. He is studying there this semester, so he will be able to show me around!

Well just a quick update from yesterday. Me, Dasha, Jessen and Aswini went to Breakfast in America which is a diner in the Marais. We had all been craving an American breakfast, since breakfast here is very simplistic. It was a rainy morning, but we braved it and when we got there I was so excited. It was decorated like a diner, and we got to sit in a booth. I ordered a connecticut omelette (ham and cheddar), potatoes, bottomless coffee and then Dasha and I shared a plate of French Toast. Needless to say, that was my only meal of the day. It was so delicious. It made me miss my dad's breakfasts when he would make me and my brother eggs, toast, and hash browns.

After breakfast Jessen and I went to a cafe to study, and then when we came back to the dorm we studied. I cannot even tell you how many hours I studied. It made me miss Chicago study sessions though. I remember me and Kelsey taking over a study room, barricading ourselves in the room. We would stay up late typing frantically, sleeping for an hour at a time, eat frosting and cookie cough and drinking life threatening amounts of caffeine. Our study session made me nostalgic for that. There were a ton of us studying in Dasha's room, occasionally taking breaks to gossip and getting off of track. But when I did go to bed, I felt pretty good about the final, and our study session did pay off.

Well it is time to pack. In six hours I will be in Dublin! Have a great 10 days everyone!

Missing my mom.

I miss my mom. Pure and simple. I miss my dad and brother too, but there is a different way in which a daughter misses her mama. At UChicago, I call my mom everyday when I am on my way to and back from class. I tell her about school, friends, boy troubles, etc. She listens and talks to me about it.  I miss those conversations. Even though they were mostly brief, only lasting a few minutes at a time, they were a source of comfort for me. But, this was not always the case. The summer before my first year at college my mom and I clashed. We couldn't see eye-to-eye on really anything. But now, we get along wonderfully. Sure there are times when we argue or disagree, but for the most part my mom is my best friend. Only my mom would drop anything at a moment's notice to help or comfort me. Only my mom would put me and Mark before any of her own personal needs. Only my mom would know when I need a hug and when I need to be left alone. Only my mom would see me at my lowest point, and instead of pitying or judging me, she gives me more love and support than I could have ever expected.

And now my mom is completely backing my goal to move here after I graduate from UChicago. She has gotten me information, and is encouraging me to do this. I know that it must be bittersweet for her. Her daughter is so happy, yet this happiness lies an ocean away. I do feel guilty for loving Paris so much, and having these ambitions to live here because I know it may cause my mom some unhappiness to think of her daughter permanently living so far away. And while this hasn't been confirmed by my mom, I know that even if it were true she should never stand in the way of me doing what makes me happiest. But that's my mom. She puts my happiness before her own, and for that I am eternally grateful and in her debt.

Despite missing my mom, and the rest of my family, I am quite excited for the British Isles this upcoming week. I just have to get through my final first. Good night all. Sweet slumber.

"Long live all the mountains we moved. I had the time of my life slaying dragons with you"

Bruges didn't happen today because of ticketing complications, so it has been moved to December 5th. Therefore, instead of eating chocolate and waffles I spent today running, watched a movie, skype chatted Megan and studied for my French midterm. As I was studying I had my Taylor Swift playlist on repeat. And you know what? I love Taylor Swift. I think that if I were to meet her, we would click. And you know why? Because she gets it. She knows what it is like to have your heart ripped out, to lose your breath after that perfect kiss, to think about someone incessantly, to be insecure about your looks, and the list goes on. The difference? She has this incredible talent for translating those emotions and experiences onto paper and creating great music. Her new album came out last week, and in one week it sold over a million albums in the United States. In an age where the record industry is falling to the wayside, this is no small feat, but rather it shows that people are still willing to pay for quality music.

So you may be wondering, Krista why on earth did you dedicate a post to Taylor Swift when you are in Paris having incredible experiences and living this fairy tale life?  Because at the end of the day, I'm just a regular girl who wants to listen to another girl sing about love, heartache, friends, and youth. True I am doing everything I can to ensure that I will be living here one day, but the words Taylor sings are universal. And no matter where I am, I will always remember my first love, my amazing friends, prom, my first beer at college, midnight walks on the UC campus, etc. I guess what I am trying to say is that even though I am in Paris, at heart I am still that girl from Minnesota who has dreams that are too big and friends who make life worth living.

Well off to review French one more time before bed. Bonne soiree.

Who needs men when you have wine and macarons?

Bordeaux can be summed up in three words - wine, macarons, and shopping. We went to Bordeaux Friday for a day trip with our class and we had the option to come back the same day or to stay. My friends and I decided to stay for one night, so that we could experience another part of France. On Friday we had to be at the train station at 6:30 am, which sucked but me and my friends met in the lobby and went together so at least we suffered together. Also, I got to sleep on the train for three and a half hours so it wasn't a complete nightmare. When we got to Bordeaux we immediately went to this museum. Now, normally I am all for museums and learning about history, but at this point in time I was not only tired, but ravenous. However, the history-anthropology nerd showed herself as we made our way through the museum and got to see some pretty amazing artifacts and learn about the history of Bordeaux. After the tour of the museum we went to lunch. I love that our program has meals for us every now and then again so we can actually experience real French cuisine, because these meals are not cheap. We had this shrimp salad dish for our appetizer, duck for the main meal and then this apple plate for dessert. Of course we had the wine and bread to accompany all of this, so at the end of the meal I was quite satisfied. When we were done eating we then had a walking tour of the city, where we learned about the different squares and the specific architectural points of certain buildings. Again, it was fun but at this point in time I just wanted to wander around with my friends. After the tour we were allowed to wander and so me and my friends went to the mall. I decided that for my large French purchase I am going to get a Lonchamp bag because they are Parisien and affordable, not to mention really adorable. When we were finished at the mall we went to say good bye to Grace because she was heading back with the group and Dasha and I went to our hostel. Surprisingly it was a very nice place. We had a twin suite, and so we freshened up and went off to meet the girls at their hostel, and then head out for a night on the town.

When we got to the girls hostel, we all agreed that it was time to eat. We walked around Bordeaux for a while before deciding on this Chinese restaurant. It was perfectly adequate, but nothing that I would go to again. I really miss ordering Chinese with my friends on a Saturday night from Wok n Roll. Their Chinese food may not be the best, but man it is good. After eating we went to La Contessa. It was this bar that we had seen on our walking tour that had a Mad Hatter hat on the outside as well as lights, Christmas ornaments and an upside down bunny. Upon looking at the menu we knew we had picked the right place. Sophia and Nash met up with us at the bar, and fortunately we found seating for the nine of us. Me and Jessen ordered "Red Velvet" drinks, which had champagne and something else. They were delicious. I also got to sample "La Contessa", a white Russian and the drink that Nash had. My friends and I have this system where we let one another try the other person's drink. It's great because I don't have to pay a bazillion euros to try different drinks.

We hung out at the bar for a while before deciding we wanted dessert. Unfortunately nothing was open. But we were all tired so Sophia, Nash, Dasha and I headed out back to the hostel. I got all ready for my bed and as soon as my head hit the pillow I was out. It was one of the most difficult things in the world to get out of that bed because here at the Cite these bed are sucky, and our hostel had nice comfy mattresses and pillows. But we did it, and met the girls at their hostel again. We got pastries from this brasserie, and then we found the macaron place that Tiffany had gone to the day before. There are no words to describe how wonderful, delicious, luscious, (add in more adjectives here) they were. If you bought them by weight they ended up being only 50 cents per macaron, which is dirt cheap. Too bad the macaroons only last for a few days otherwise I would have bought a ton for people back home. I bought 8 macarons, and it was difficult to not scarf them down. This was the first time I had them, and it most certainly is not going to be the last. We all went to the fountain when we were down gawking at the chocolate and macaroons. Dasha got to run through the fountain and we just chilled for while by the river.

For lunch we went to an Indian restaurant called the Taj Mahal. Seriously was one of the best meals I have ever had. We shared some Nan bread, and I ordered chicken with spinach. I cannot wait for London where we can have more Indian food. We were so full from our meal that we stayed in the restaurant for a bit longer and just chatted. After we decided we had strength to move, we went shopping. I bought this really pretty dress and almost bought a pair of pants, but after consideration I decided that they were not me. Also, I want to save my shopping for when Ashlee comes because I figured she'd want to get some stuff. We all decided that we are going to wear our new outfits on Tuesday when our class goes out to breakfast, so we will be dining in style!

Since we were in Bordeaux of course we had to get some wine! There was this great wine shop that wasn't touristy, and we got some Bordeaux wine to take home. I bought some wine for my family  for Christmas (You're welcome), and then some wine for my friends. After our purchases we wandered around Bordeaux some more, went back to get more macarons (yes they were that good), and then me, Dasha and Jessen went to Cave de vin and enjoyed a nice glass of Bordeaux wine. A nice end to a great couple of days.

Oh I almost forgot! There was a giant CGT strike that was going on in Bordeaux. I don't how many people were there, but it lasted a long time. The strike is still about the retirement age, but as it looks right now the strikes won't really have an impact, and I think that it is going to pass.

Well I should be off to bed. I have my day trip to Bruges tomorrow with Lauren. So be prepared for a post about Belgium waffles and chocolate! Night all.
Well

Halloween in Paris

I had a great halloween. The catacombs had a line a mile long, so instead we decided to enjoy the gorgeous day and walk to the Luxenbourg gardens. Along the way we took pictures and just enjoyed the scenery. When we got to the gardens, it was like walking into a postcard. There was a fountain with sailboats, beautiful flowers, and the autumn color of the leaves completed the scene. Me, Jessen, and Blaire walked around the gardens while the other girls sat and soaked in the sun. Wandering around this park, we discussed Chicago's lack of parks, gardens, nature, etc. There is no where in Chicago I can go to and see the types of gardens I see here. I appreciate that even though Paris is a thriving city, it seems to take the time and put the care into maintaining some nature.

After the gardens, we hopped on the 4 and headed to the Pere Lachaise Cemetery. The first thing we did was see the Jim Morrison grave (Shout out to Uncle John!). I had no idea that Morrison was buried there, but before I left for France my uncle John told me that he wanted me to see it. There was a horde of people surrounding his grave. After I took some pictures, we all signed the tree that people wrote things dedicated to Morrison. Also, Jessen and I sang some Doors songs to commemorate the moment. After Morrison, we headed off to Chopin's grave. And then from there we saw a couple more people before heading off to Oscar Wilde's grave. Jessen told us about how people kiss his grave, so when we got there me, Jessen, Lauren, Jennifer, Dasha and Deepa all put on lip gloss, staked our territory and kissed it all together. We then signed the door, and moved on to see some more people. While we were walking through the cemetery we all commented on how it was like a little town. There were avenues and the tombs looked like miniature houses. Even though it may sound morbid, we had a fun time walking through the cemetery.

After the cemetery we headed back. We realized that we had basically been walking for five hours straight, and so before we went out we wanted to head back to rest and get ready. I had to change my halloween costume because I decided I didn't want to wear a nice dress in case it was spilled on. So, instead of being Pam I wore dress pants, stilettos, and a white button down shirt. I straightened my hair and decided I was Kate Beckett from Castle. We went to the Moose Bar where they had a halloween theme. The decorations were awesome, and a lot of people were dressed up. Also, they had themed drinks so I had a Crazy Lenny and a Monkey Liver shot, along with a pint of Blanc 1664. All of us girls crammed around a little table and had a fun time talking, dancing to Michael Jackson, and enjoying our drinks. The Vikings game was also on so I intermittently watched them get their butts kicked. After the bar we went to this creperie where I had an amazing chocolate crepe. We walked around a bit more and ended up getting back after 1 am. I did have a mini panic attack because I lost my Navigo, which is the pass for transportation. But fortunately some kind person at the Moose found it and turned it into the bartender, saving me 60 euro.

Well I am off to finish my reading. I have my adventure with Jake tomorrow, and then over the weekend we are going to Bordeaux and then on Sunday Lauren and I are going to Bruges. I cannot believe that it is already November. Time is going too quickly.

"Can you die of happiness?" - Jane Bennet

My class went to Versailles Friday and we had a tour of the Chateau de Versailles. The initial view of the palace is shocking. I have seen a ton of pictures and drawings, but nothing prepares someone for seeing this massive building in person. I have mixed emotions about it because the building is so beautiful, but at the same time it is such an obscene display of wealth that the king didn't really have at his disposal. Many people suffered for the luxury of that palace. But despite my mixed emotions, it cannot be denied that the palace is a work of art. Literally. The rooms contain several paintings, whether they be on the ceiling or the wall. notion of leaving something blank must have been ridiculous to the wealthy. But it wasn't just paintings, there was amazing molding and the marble work as well. Of course there were a ton of monograms for "Louis", the names of the four kings who resided in Versailles. My favorite room was the hall of mirrors. I loved the hall of mirrors because it was like a dream. There were (obviously) mirrors along the walls, making the statues and chandeliers look even more plentiful. But aside from the hall of mirrors, it was really amazing to see where the kings and queens resided, and to be in rooms where such rich and fantastic history took place.

However, there were three things that I was disappointed about on this trip. The first was that there was Japanese art work by Takashi Murakami throughout the palace. This artwork was cartoonish and contrasted sharply with the grace and elegance of Versailles. The reason that people gave for Murakami's allowance in the palace was that Versailles was a place for innovation, so the artwork fit in with the theme of the palace. While that may have credence, the art work blocked some paintings, and detracted from the rooms. I don't want to be walking through the hall of mirrors and have to look at these modern, and in my view, horrid works of art. The second thing I was disappointed about was that we didn't get to see the gardens. This is in combination with the third thing that disappointed me, our time constraint. We were only allowed to be there for over an hour and a half, which is an injustice. Thus, because of our short time allotted, we weren't able to view the magnificent gardens. So, I am taking Ashlee there for a day when she comes.

That night we went out to an absinthe bar. It was a cool bar that had a grunge or rock feel to it. I had a Van Gogh drink. I only know that absinthe was in it, I couldn't tell you anything else about it. It was good, but it was too strong so I didn't have a shot of absinthe. Jessen, Deepa and I were the only ones who liked it so we will have to go back sometime so I can do the shot. Jessen did one, and it was this intense, complicated process that looked fun. After that bar, we went to this Irish pub, which was tiny and overcrowded, making for a very fun time. I had an Irish Car Bomb, which was delicious. We hung out there for a while and then we went for (of course) crepes and french fries. We found this place in the Bastille area where they make the crepes fresh at the stand and then inside they have really good fries. We all got one or the other (I got a crepe), and then after that some people went back out and some people headed back. I went out to the other bar with people. But after that bar I headed back because I was exhausted, and I had to get up early the next day for...MONET'S GARDEN!

Monet's garden was breathtaking. I went with Lauren, Grace, and Dasha. We had a short train ride to Vernon, and then in Vernon we had to take a bus to Giverny. It was a dream come true to see the place where such amazing works were compiled and composed. The gardens were mostly dead because it's autumn, but they were still nice to look at. His house was fantastic. We weren't supposed to take pictures, but they weren't really enforcing that rule so I have pictures of his living room and bedroom. In his living room there are copies of his paintings, so me and some people are going to go this week to the Monet exhibit to see his works. After walking through the living room, we went to his bedroom. There was a window open in his room, that overlooked the gardens. I could imagine Monet sitting at this window in the spring looking at his gardens in full bloom and just being overcome with the desire to paint. My favorite room was the kitchen. It was covered in blue and white tiles, which copper pots and pans. I felt like I was in Greece. Throughout his house there were Japanese pictures. I understand that the Japanese had an influence with impressionism, but it was still shocking to me to see them in such abundance in Monet's house.

After the house we went to the water lily pond. Again, breathtaking. We stood on the iconic Japanese bridge, and walked around the pond. The four of us sat on a bench for a little while and just took it all in. If I owned this land I would rarely leave it. Being surrounded by countryside, this little oasis takes you away to another realm. Its beauty is organic. After taking about fifty pictures, we went to the impressionism museum. It was a nice, quaint museum. When we were done there we walked the town of Giverny. We saw Monet's tomb, and the few restaurants and coffee shops. I understand that the season is ending soon, but I really liked that we didn't feel like tourists. I think all there is to do in Giverny is Monet's garden, but there weren't little tourist shops lining the streets. Rather, the town had retained its historic charm. I also really liked having the contrast to Paris. One does a 360 turn and all they see are trees and hills. Additionally, it is so silent and tranquil. For a day, it was nice to be in this environment and realize that there really is more to France than Paris.

When we got back, Jessen joined us and we went to Chinatown for dinner. The restaurant we went to can safely be described as a Chinese discotech. There were cases of fine alcohol and giant bottles of champagne, not to mention the waterfall that led to a tank filled with lobsters. It was nice to have some Chinese food after our day of sparse food. I didn't go out last night because honestly, that day of walking and travel wore me out. Instead I came back, climbed into bed and just relaxed. In less than an hour we will be leaving for the Catacomb's and the Pere Lachaise cemetery, and tonight we are going out for halloween. I hope everyone has a great day!

"Paris is always a good idea" - Sabrina

Ahh...Paris. How I love it here. The past couple of days have been quite Parisien and perfect. Yesterday Jake and I went on our usual Tuesday adventure. We went to this museum in the Tuileries. It was a museum filled of photographs, and there were some photographs I really liked, but on the whole this wasn't my favorite museum. I am not the biggest fan of photographs, because I figure if you give someone five-hundred shots then one is bound to turn out to be acceptable. Also, I am not a fan of portraits because I feel like they are too fake.  Rather, I like photography that captures a moment in time that is revealing and truthful. There was this one photo at the museum where soldiers were piled into a train, and they were waving. It was touching and powerful. Another photo was of these women walking down the street. Such beautiful simplicity, it was very soothing to look at it. I like photography like this. I don't like the ones with chimneys or of fruit. I mean I can like it, but it doesn't have the same effect as a painting. Painting is my one true love for art.

After the museum we wander over to get falafel. And always, it was delicious. Jake and I decided that we are going to make it sometime back in Chicago. I am sure that it won't be as good, but hopefully it will be a close runner up. We didn't sit down, we just got it from the window and decided to walk around. We saw the Hotel de Ville, which is really cool. I have seen it before, but I got to actually look at the statues and see the details of the architecture.  After we were done with falafel we came across this amazing gelato place, so of course we had to go in for a little scoop. I mixed things up and got some coffee gelato and Jake got peppermint.

Today Jake and I went out to lunch at a Japanese restaurant because we both have been craving sushi. It made me miss home. My mom and dad make excellent sushi, and so to have it today made me want to sit in my kitchen with my family. Since we are students we got a deal on our meal. We had soup, salad, and a salmon and california roll for only 7 euro. I was super impressed with Jake because we are both in the same French class, but he was able to get us seated and order all in French. I just cannot get this language the way I got spanish. These people speak so incredibly fast, their pronunciation of letters defies logic for me, and don't even get me started on their spelling. I can order things fine, but I am sad to report I will most likely not become fluent in my time here. I do want to keep up with it though, because when I come back here it would be a lot easier to know how to hold a legitimate conversation. So Sophie and Emilia be prepared for some conversations in the winter. I apologize in advance for my horrid accent.

After French me and Dasha met Jessen, Grace, Deepa and Jennifer at the Louvre. It was great to walk through the Louvre for a second time. I saw home African Art, paintings and statues that I hadn't seen before. But I still haven't seen all of the museum because it is so giant. But it was fun to walk around with Dasha. There was some Russian art that she translated for me, and she has actually met one of the artists whose works are on display. When we were done at the Louvre we went to Angelina, where we met up with Lauren and Alex, and had the best hot chocolate in the world. It wasn't really hot chocolate, it was more just melted chocolate with some whipped cream. The hot chocolate came in its own separate pitcher, and you poured it into the cup so I had two cups of this amazingness. I also had an African dessert, which was of course chocolate and also one of the best things I have ever eaten. The next I go, I am going to get the meringue dessert. But the hot chocolate and pastries weren't just delicious, but the building itself was gorgeous. It was like stepping into a 1920's salon. I felt out of place in my jeans and plaid shirt.

Tomorrow I am seeing the Social Network with my French conversation group and then VERSAILLES FRIDAY! Have a great night!

Merci Paris

It's so funny. I read some facebook notes I did when I was a freshman in college, and I am so different today than I was then. My first year in college I was this girl in love, who was just trying to get through the days. My life was a countdown to when I would see him next and I was not happy at UChicago. My classes were too hard, I disliked the basketball team (not the girls, the coaching staff), and I didn't have the same vigor or drive for success that possessed me in high school. Now I am in Paris, happier than ever, and I am flourishing. When Megan and I were discussing studying abroad we both said that we needed this experience, we needed the break. And you know what? I did need this. I needed to come here and be reminded of what I have to look forward to. I needed to be reminded of life. Pascal writes that people are stuck in the past and looking for the future, but that they rarely focus on the present. Paris has brought me to the present. I live in the moment here, because I know that soon it will be over. I do what I want. Any worries that come after this program are irrelevant, because right now I am being Parisien. I am fulfilling a dream. I am eating escargot and reading at the Eiffel Tower. I am speaking French and ordering crepes at stands on the street. I am going to bars and taking trips with friends. I am living.

From my Paris dorm I read the words of 18 and 19 year old me. I don't dwell on what was, but rather I smile because of the growth and progress I have made as a person. Sure, there are things I wish I could change in my past, but experience creates and structures the person and having regrets does no one no good. All I can do is keep living the moment and enjoying my too short time here. Well, again time for bed and remember, carpe diem baby.

Thoughts and Observations. Nothing exciting.

Just going to write about some random Paris things that I haven't written about before and I was thinking about today. I think it is a law in Paris that people need to own a small dog. Everyday I see a ton of small, adorable puppies (even if they are dogs I refer to them as puppies) with their owners walking down the street. People bring their dogs onto the trains, buses, into stores, everywhere. It always melts my heart and makes me miss my Samson. I cannot wait to see him when I get home. However, there are sad situations where I see dogs. A lot of homeless people have dogs, trying to evoke empathy from people and get money. The other day I bought some dog treats and gave them to the person. That poor dog shouldn't starve, and I understand that the homeless person doesn't have to either. But there are homeless shelters for humans, there aren't homeless shelters for dogs.

Something else I have decided is that French children are the cutest little people in the entire world. When we were at the metro stop waiting for Sacre Coeur there was a little French boy who was blowing kisses to the trains and saying "Au Revoir". It was the most adorable thing I have ever seen in the entire world and his voice was so precious. Also, those children are dressed to the T. They wear jeans tucked into boots with sweaters. There are no sweatpants or leggings with matching shirts on these children. So it is decided then. To get my little French child I will be moving here one day.

I love the little neighborhoods in Paris. In the Marais area restaurants and bars are basically in alleys. The roads are so small to walk through, and the sidewalks are entirely too narrow. Everything is so close together and convenient. There are the disgusting smells of trash and urine in certain areas, but in other areas the aroma of pastries, crepes, frites, or seasoned meat encase the air. There are way too many people trying to make their way down the sidewalks, and there are annoying men standing outside of restaurants that try to get you to come in and have a meal. Everything is moving and working like a unit. It's all in sync and so incredibly charming.

A part of the charm I could do without is the horrible service. Since people don't have to tip in Paris the waiters are atrocious. I understand that meals are supposed to last a long time, but at the same time it should not take almost an hour to get an order taken or to get a check. That is one thing I will not miss about Paris. As a server, I appreciate someone who works hard to be efficient, timely and produce quality product. Not so much the case here.

Totally random tangent, but I have a crush on my professor. Move over Mr. Rose, you have been replaced. Sorry for going 70's on everyone, but he is like so dreamy. He is the epitome of what a French man should be. He has the perfect French accent, and a dazzling smile. If only he were a little younger...

It's funny but I wake up and I don't really even think I am in Paris. I mean I know I am here, but this place is starting to feel like home. I know the metro system, I have my places where I go to eat or hang out, and my breath is still taken away every time I see a monument. I know I could wake up every morning here and be happy. I know this to be true, and maybe one day it will be a reality. But for now, I'll just be so incredibly grateful that my parents supported this endeavor, and continue to fall in love with my Paris. Because honestly, I feel a sense ownership with this city now.

Tomorrow is my adventure with Jake, and Wednesday is the Louvre so my next blog post should actually have some real substance. Night everyone.

Have I mentioned I love Paris?

I had another great couple of days in Paris. Yesterday me, Aswini and Sophia braved the weather and went to Sacre Coeur, which is an amazingly gorgeous basilica. But before we went there we stopped at a brasserie where I had the best baguette in the world. The bread was so warm and soft. Emilia was right. She told me that when I was in Paris one slice of bread could change my life. That baguette changed my life. I am going to have to import my bread when I get back to the states. Aswini had this delicious apricot, raisin, and chocolate croissant that again was like heaven. I am going to go back this week to Sacre Coeur so I can read and enjoy more bread!

After the brasserie we went Sacre Coeur where we took the tram up the hill to it. When we got to the top the first thing that took my breath away was the view. You can see the entire city of Paris from that hill. I need to go back there on a day when it is not raining and cloudy. But even with the less than ideal weather, the view was fantastic. I love looking out and seeing a city that isn't filled with skyscrapers.

In addition to the view the basilica itself is awe inspiring. It doesn't really feel like it should be in Paris though. It should be in some Arabian location with Aladdin flying on his carpet with Jasmine. The basilica didn't allow pictures otherwise I would have taken a bunch of them. I did donate 2 euro, light a candle and said a little prayer. No I am not a religious person, but the act of it all is so therapeutic and calming. And there is no harm in it, since according to Luther I am going to hell anyways. After we had walked through the basilica, we decided to head back because of the atrocious weather. It cleared up some in the afternoon and I was able to go running. I had my butt kicked by my run, but it was the good kind. I liked it so much that I went running today, and I am going to take more initiative with it. Also, I love running the different directions and exploring the neighborhood around me.

Last night me, Lauren, Grace and Alex went to the Moose Bar. It is a Canadian bar, and we got to watch some Big Ten football. I missed football, so it was really nice to be able to watch it. I had a pint of cider and a half pint of this amazing beer. That bar is having a halloween party next weekend, so that is where we are going halloween night! When we were done with our drinks we got a crepe and walked around for a while. I was really exhausted so I headed back early, and was able to sleep in today. I am really excited for next weekend when we go to the Catacombe's, Jim Morrison's grave, possibly the sewer museum, and of course the halloween party. I am going to be Pam the vampire from True Blood. Also, this week sometime we are going to go to some more museums. Well, I should be off to finish my reading. Until next time.

My Parisien Weekend.

Hello everyone. So I didn't go to Barcelona this weekend, didn't want to take the chance with the strike. So instead I switched the credit and now have my Rome tickets for December. I ended up wasting some money, but oh well. My mom reminded me that I can come back to Europe for a long weekend whenever I want, and I think I am going to go to Barcelona and Berlin for spring break! So instead of Barcelona, we are having a Paris weekend, which I am really happy about since in November I am gone for three of the four weekends.

Yesterday we had a final, which was something I am iffy on. I studied really hard for it, and the questions were kind of vague and didn't really cover a whole lot of what we discussed in class. But it is out of my hands now, so I can just hope for the best. After the final me, Grace, Jessen and Lauren went to Musse d'Orangie. At first it was a little disappointing because a lot of pieces weren't actually in the museum, but then I saw Monet's waterlilies and all my disappointment went away. I sat on a bench and stared at the paintings for like ten minutes. The use of color was impeccable. It's amazing how one person can look at a blank canvas and then through paint create a masterpiece that will one day take the breath away from millions of people. After the museum we walked through the Tuilerie gardens, which are so beautiful. I walked through them with my mom on my second day in Paris, and to walk through them again was just as enjoyable.

That night we went out bar hopping, which we have determined is the fun weekend activity to do because if you go during happy hour it makes for a pretty cheap night. So we went to Route 66 first where I got a mojito, which I ordered because my mom and brother make fake mojitos at home and so I though I would have a real one so I can understand what the fuss is all about. It was quite delicious. After that bar we went to this other bar where I had the drink called "After sex". Now for my family members that are reading this (mainly grandma), it is just a name of a drink. It is not a big deal. The bartender at this bar had a crush on my friend Jessen because he came over and started to give her a shoulder massage, which was a tad creepy. Ok, it was a lot creepy. But at this point in time it was almost Grace's 21st birthday so we left and went to a crepe stand where I had a chocolate beignet and everyone else had a crepe. We sang Grace happy birthday and then walked around a bit before heading back home.

I finally got to sleep in, which was amazing. I hadn't got a lot of sleep because of studying for finals, so to get ten hours of sleep was fantastic. Me, Grace, and Lauren went to the modern art museum today. I am totally taking Ashlee there when she visits. There are two floors we can get into with our student cards, and each floor was like its own museum. We spent almost two hours on the top floor, which I loved. I got to see a Salvador Dali painting, which convinced me that I am totally going to go to his museum in Spain. His painting looked like a printed poster. The colors were so pure, strokes so smooth, and it just looked so life-like. He brought the dream world into the realm of reality. There were a lot of Picasso's, which was quite awesome and then were other pieces that were random and spectacular. We took a break after we were done with that floor and got some lunch. I had a brie sandwich, which is my new favorite thing to get at brasseries. I love brie. We sat on a bench and enjoyed our food before we headed back into the museum to tackle the fourth floor. This was the feminist floor, and I must say the entire time I was there I thought of Megan. Megan would have LOVED this exhibit. Some of it was a bit much, but i know that this art is meant to induce shock and awe. What really got me was a video of a woman hula hooping with a barbed-wire hula hoop. She was naked and so you could see the scratches and bits of blood. It was shocking, but it moved me. And really isn't that what art is supposed to do? It is supposed to make one think and question what they know, along with presenting something new and different. Granted, I don't understand self-mutilation to make a point, but just because it is something I don't get doesn't mean it is wrong or that others cannot/should not do it. But there was this one painting, I don't remember the name of it, but it captured me. If my internet didn't suck I would post a picture in this post. There were the faces of two women, which looked photograph like, and there were words written around them. I will post the pictures at school Monday, because seriously this painting was gorgeous. It took us about an hour and a half to finish this floor, and by the time we were done we realized we had spent our entire afternoon at this museum. Isn't that what Paris is about though? Spending a day at a museum, eating at a brasserie, and being with friends? I think so.

But since it was Grace's birthday, of course we had to go out! We went to get falafel and I had some gelato, which was the best gelato I have ever had in my entire life. Then we went to some bars. We had shots at one place, a birthday shot for Grace. I had a No Way!! shot, which was lit on fire so I had to drink it through a straw. It was really cool.  Then went to another bar where I had some Scottish beer called Mc Ewans. After that bar, we went to a jazz club where we did some swing dancing and enjoyed a live band. There weren't a lot of young people there, but I danced with my friend Sophia and this old guy who was really nice. He understood that I had really no idea what type of dancing I was doing, and so he just kept spinning me around. It was a lot of fun. When we were done, we went to a crepe stand where I shared a crepe with Sophia and then we headed back.

I like how they do it in Paris. People go out at like 7 or 8 o'clock and get back around 2 am. It is a lot of fun, because you are then able to get up early in the morning and enjoy your day, which is exactly what I am doing tomorrow. I am going to Sacre Coeur and Angelina's tomorrow with friends and this to the Moosehead bar tomorrow night for Cider and to watch some baseball. I am so excited to see the basilica and Angelina's apparently had the best hot chocolate known to man. Thus, it should be another great day in Paris. Well, I am off to bed. Night.

Not much of an exciting post. Sorry.

It's all finalized. I have my planes booked for Dublin, Edinburgh, and London. I am going to Barcelona this weekend with Deepa and my trip for Bordeaux is is all booked. All that is left to do is book the hostels for fall break and then my travel plans for the rest of my study abroad will be complete. Even as I type this, I cannot comprehend that this is my life. I am truly living in a fairy tale right now.

My French class went to the ballet tonight. That was an odd experience. It was not a classical ballet, but rather it was this abstract, performance art. There were parts of it that I found enjoyable, but for the most part I did not really like it. I am more the type who likes Swan Lake or Nutcracker, not random bits of dance that do not fit together. At the end there were live sheep brought on stage, to give you a little bit of an idea of what I had to sit through.

The redeeming quality for the ballet was the view of the Eiffel Tower. I still cannot believe that I can be on public transportation, look outside the window and see that amazing landmark.

I have been preparing for my final Thursday, but honestly it is hard to study. I keep forgetting I have school because I spend my weekends going places and my week nights exploring Paris. Don't get the wrong impression, I have done all of the reading except for King Henry IV (I couldn't for the life of my get through that text), so I should be fine. It is just the idea of a final that makes me nervous. However, after my final it is Barcelona time, so that should take my mind off of anything that I didn't like about the final.

On a good monetary note, I now know I can survive on like 12 euro a week for food. So I am going to start doing that more because of all the trips I am taking. Well, there isn't anything that new to say, I just wanted to get one more post in before I leave. I hope everyone has a great weekend!