Exploring the City!

What a busy couple of days!! Time is already flying by, but I'm taking in every moment!

Yesterday we had orientation! We spoke about the area of Paris we're in (it's like the "Madison Avenue of NYC" but in Paris!), different trips they're offering (I'm already booked to go to Normandy next weekend!), and about classes! We're required to do Academic Service Learning, basically community service, for some of our classes. There's an opportunity to go to high school English classes and talk to the students and help out, or pre-schools! I'm really looking forward to doing either, or even a Midnight Run where we made bagged meals and hand them out to the homeless around the city, like I've done in NYC!

After orientation we had some free time where we walked around the city a little bit and did some grocery shopping! You have to bag your own groceries here (Miss you Wegmans!) but they're nice! Then we bundled up to go on a walk of the neighborhood and a boat ride down the Seine River that goes all the way through Paris! Despite the wind, the views were incredible (especially the sun setting on the Eiffel Tower!) and we saw so many things! The Louvre! Notre Dame! So much to take in! We walked back to campus, stopping for happy hour of course!, and then had dinner! The food on campus is much better here, cya later Monties! Then it was time for our first night out!! Ten outfits later, we finally made it out and hit the bars! The metro is really similar to the subways, making us New Yorkers feel in place! I will never forget with "Empire State of Mind" came on and how fun it was, all of us dancing and singing together. We went to another bar down the street which had a more calm feel to it. I realized how difficult it can be trying to talk to people who don't understand English! I did what I could, but it's tough!

This morning we woke up bright and early and as a group went to mass at Notre Dame! It was absolutely beautiful, inside and out! The architecture is indescribable; how they were about to do that 850 years ago completely amazes me. And the stain glass windows will leave you speechless, as does the choir; voices of angels! We walked around a took some pictures and got crepes for lunch (Mmmm nutella with banana and almond!)

The afternoon led to more exploring; a group of us headed off to the city in venture of a place to eat! We come to find a really cool place with French music and pool; they even have DJs there sometimes so we have to go back! There's nothing like dinner with Paris with some great friends! And we were lucky enough to meet up with Brenna's friend Rayan who lives in Paris! Over a glass of wine he shared with us some places we have to see while we're here, and most importantly promised me a ride on his vespa, or as they call them "scooter"!

Then to end the night I was able to skype all of my family (except you Ry! Hope you were having fun at work!) and Linds! Talking to them (and even writing this blog!) just reminds me even more so how lucky I am to be here and have the chance to do all of this. Love you guys!! 

Classes start up tomorrow! I'm taking Religions of the World and the Art and Architecture of Paris! I can't wait to learn about all the art so I can go to the Louvre and really appreciate it (no matter how small the Mona Lisa is in real life!) After class we're going to the Eiffel Tower and Arc d'Truimphe as a group, then wherever the city leads us!