Observations of Paris

I am sitting here at my desk with the window open and you know what I hear? Nothing. There is silence. It's absolutely wonderful. And in the morning when I get up to go to Kayser bakery for my cafe and perhaps a chocolate croissant, there will also be silence. I love this. I love that in this city, there isn't perpetual noise, but rather the city does sleep.

Another thing about Paris I absolutely adore is its lack of love for technology. When I am on the RER or tram I hardly see people engrossed with their phones. Yes, some people listen to their ipods, but they aren't continuously texting, bbming, and what have you. Rather, they are reading, talking to others or just sitting in a personal meditation. Personally I enjoy looking out the windows. For me, I am overwhelmed with the city and its architecture. There are no skyscrapers or other monstrous buildings. In fact, I have no seen a single home. People don't compete for the nicest, biggest house or the most kept lawn. Rather people live in apartments where they can open their windows, step on a ledge and enjoy a smoke while watching the life of the city. And the architecture is so simple and gorgeous. Even though a lot of the buildings are designed the same, they are done in such an elegant way that it doesn't have the monotony of the suburban homes in the USA. These buildings have character and charm that allows one to forgive theirself for spending abhorrent amounts of money to live there.

But I guess people don't need a lot of living space, since it seems like most people are always walking their dogs, at cafes or walking around. Today me and four girls went to the Saint Michel area and walked around, and then did some reading at a coffee shop. And even though most things are closed on Sundays, the area was bustling with people.

One thing I do need to do is make a budget. I am amazed at how quickly money is being spent. Granted, I am only going to be here for a short while, and how often do these opportunities come? But at the same time, I do need to be responsible and not go through my money like water. So me and some girls discussed making dinner together a couple times a week, which should cut down on some costs.

I am getting excited for Amsterdam this weekend. Mariel and I discussed some of the things we are going to do, and for sure we are going to the Van Gogh museum and Anne Frank's House. Since I am such a self-proclaimed history nerd, be prepared for sappy posts after my trip about the amazing history of it all and how some more of my dreams are coming true. But there is a change of plans for me. Instead of going to Italy for a week, I will be going to London, Dublin, and somewhere in Scotland with Grace and Lauren. And then after my program is done I want to do to Italy for a week with my dad (Please say yes dad!) I am excited for Dublin because that means I will probably get to see Sean! Another piece of good news I received today was that Ashlee is coming to Paris! I am so excited for her to come. I am going to plan an amazing weekend for her.

I also talked to Veasna today which was awesome. I admit I do miss Chicago and all my friends back home, but at the same time I find it hard to think of leaving this city that has captured my heart. I honestly believe I was meant to be born here.

Well all time for bed. Pleasant dreams and until next time.