So, time is ticking away. I have less than 3 weeks in Paris and I can not believe it. Since my last blog, it seems a year has passed. First, I went to London with my roommate Maddie for a weekend. It was incredible. I saw things I had been learning about and dreaming of seeing my whole life. And everyone spoke ENGLISH! Except, our roommates in the hostel, they were French. It seemed as though we couldn’t get away from the French. It was an insane 2 days. We were there for Armistice Day weekend, so the city was busy. Armistice Day is the European celebration for the end of WWI. The Poppy Celebration was in full force at the Tower of London and all of the people wore poppy pins on their coats with pride. It was totally cultural and totally different and really awesome to witness. I got a tattoo in London also, Peter Pan stars on my ankle seemed appropriate for the occasion. Maddie and I also were able to see the ENTIRE royal family driving from Buckingham Palace through St. James Park to more of the weekend celebrations. It was an unforgettable trip.
Kings Cross Station, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, London
Poppy Celebration, Tower of London
I also took a solo trip to a city called Brest. It is in the very northwest of France. Not much really goes on there, it is a quiet little city, there were a few things to see. But it was empowering to take a trip all by myself. I spoke only in French the whole time, and my hotel room had a large bed and a large bathtub. It is freeing to be somewhere all alone and do whatever you want and not have to worry about the opinions of others. However, 3 days alone was just enough. By the end, I was happy to return home to my roommates.
Brest
I also, took a day excursion to Versailles. Which is the Chateau that Louis XIV built when he ruled France. It is massive and elaborately decorated and beautiful. My favorite part of it all was the gardens. Although, I am sure they are way more beautiful in the Spring/Summer, I just love being outside in the nature. I think it shows a lot about French royalty that they took the time to make things just as beautiful on the outside as the inside.
Chateau de Versailles
Garden of Versailles with Hely and Mads
Apart from traveling outside of Paris, I have been traveling all around the city as well. I have been working on completing my list since I don’t have much time left here. I currently have 14 items left to see and 18 days. There is maybe 2 more things that I MUST do, the others I want to do, but I won’t be heartbroken if I don’t see them. Recently, I’ve visited the Grand Palais, the Petit Palais, Musee d’Orsay, Patheon, and a few less well known gardens. Everyday I am seeing and learning more and more.
Musee d’Orsay
I have also spent some time revisiting the most well known places in the city because my family came to visit me. My cousin Nicki (29) and my grandmother (84). My grandmom had been dreaming of coming to Paris since she was a girl and she was her first every visit. It was really cool to see her trek around the city, taking buses and the metro and climbing countless amounts of stairs to be able to see some of the most beautiful places that Paris has to offer. Her hotel was 400 meters from the Eiffel Tower, so she had a pretty nice view every time she stepped outside. It was definitely an exhausting week juggling major sightseeing and school, but it was absolutely worth it. I really think she had the time of her life.
My gradmom and I
Climbed to the top of Sacre Coeur
Other major things, Thanksgiving passed and I totally skipped school because I’m a proud America. My program had a nice lunch for us so I got a note for skipping. I saw Hunger Games with my French friend who of course, has perfect English. I also attended school for the first time ever on Black Friday. It was uneventful. I also turned 23 yesterday. Everyone posted on my facebook wall to live it up in France and party hard and I stayed in bed most of the day, and it was awesome. I had a busy weekend of sightseeing and I didn’t have class so I relaxed all day and it was worth it. I did go out too dinner with my roommates and we went to Breakfast in America, and it was delicious. I miss American food. I was definitely feeling major homesickness on my birthday.
Thanksgiving with the best, Anna
I’m still learning so much but I can tell I’m improving. I think I had a baby breakthrough with my comprehension but I’m hoping it happens with my speaking. I fee confident if I have to ask a question, but recounting a longer story or how I feel about something, I am lacking the vocabulary. France is starting to be all decorated for Christmas. it’s nice to have that as a distraction but I am itching to get home and see my family and friends (especially Richie). I am excited to see what else I can see and learn in my last few weeks, but I am so excited to go home for Christmas.
–Bisous
ALBRIGHT ELCDC 