“Carpe diem! Rejoice while you are alive; enjoy the day; live life to the fullest; make the most of what you have. It is later than you think.” - Horace

Hello all! I have had a great last couple of days in Paris. I booked my flight to Dublin, and we are planning exactly what we are going to do during 7th week break. So far it is five girls who are going on the trip, which is a perfect number. I can hardly wait! We are going to Dublin, Edinburgh and then London. I know this sounds American, but I am excited to go to countries where they speak English. I know, I know, that is a horrible thing to say. But I'm sorry, I miss the security of walking into an establishment and knowing that there is no possible language barrier. But we are probably going to go to Bath for a day trip. I love that when that trip was mentioned we all immediately thought of Jane Austen characters. Ahh, it is nice to be among University of Chicago students.

Yesterday, we had our French conversation groups. The problem with this is that we have learned minimal French, so it really wasn't so much a conversation as it was just us ordering crepes and talking with our conversation leader. I really wish we were learning verbs and vocabulary words because it would make life a lot easier, but oh well.  Later last night we went to the Mix dance club again, which was tons of fun! We got there before there was a super long line, so we didn't have to stand in the cold. I really love dancing, especially with these girls. It is nice to let loose and have some fun.

Today I woke up extremely excited because I got to see Megan. It had been too long since I have since this incredibly important and amazing individual. We met at the Louvre and when I saw her I sprinted into her arms. People were probably looking at me thinking "That crazy American", but I didn't care. I met Ryan, Elizabeth, and Sarah, the people Megan traveled with to Paris. They were extremely nice. We wandered in the Louvre for a few hours. We saw Hamurabi's Code, The Mona Lisa, and a plethora of other pieces. The place is so enormous that I will need to go again to cover it all. One thing that did bother me about the museum was that there was a room where you could see how they store some of the artifacts, and I know I am no expert, but it didn't look like they were being properly stored. Also, I had to yell at an Asian man because he was taking pictures with a flash and the signs posted frequently throughout the museum said that was not allowed. So of course when he took a picture of a painting with the flash I informed him that this was not permitted because it causes harm to the paintings. I hate people's non-existent appreciation for history. True, I was not informed on a lot of the paintings and so my appreciation level for them is not the same as someone who has studied them, but I comprehend that damage can be done and so out of respect I don't use a flash with my camera. Wow that was a long rant.

After the Louvre we went to this brasserie by Notre Dame and I had a Monsieur Croque. It was absolutely delicious. When we were done with our meal I had to say goodbye to Megan. This was truly difficult to do. I loved talking to her and hearing about her trips and adventures. I could have spent the entire day with her and not covered everything I had to say or hear everything she had to say. I cannot wait until I see her again so we can complain about not being in Europe. Both of us love it so much here. I wouldn't mind finding a nice little place and living with Megan. We'd live it up! But alas, such dreams need to be put on the back burner and the reality of the situation must be remembered.

Tonight we went out to this American bar for my friend, Daria's, birthday celebration. This bar had happy hour with 4.50 Euro cocktails, which is SUPER cheap here. I enjoyed a daquiri and frozen B52. It was so much fun to go out and enjoy drinks with friends. After drinks, we had crepes and french fries. I love the crepes from the street vendors. They make them right there, and they are SO good.

One thing about today that made me sad was when Megan and I both expressed strong emotions for not leaving Europe. I remember receiving my email from UChicago saying I was accepted into the Paris program. It was during reading period of winter quarter. I screamed, jumped on the bed, texted a bazillion people, and ran throughout my dorm shouting excitedly. I blew off studying for exams so I could take virtual tours of various Paris locations. For the first time in weeks, I was truly happy. I needed that acceptance. I needed something to infuse me with life. And now I am here, living it and loving it even more. It is difficult to imagine going back to the US. In France there are no negative memories or string, but rather I am creating amazing memories that I will cherish with me forever. I know it is early in my program to be writing such things, but after being with friends and having such fun, I don't want it to end. I want to be able to take the Metro to Notre Dame or the Louvre. I want to get a simple sandwich or coffee. I want to continually be surrounded by the beauty of this city. 

And now I await the time for when I need to catch my train for AMSTERDAM! Cannot wait to blog about that experience. Bon weekend!