Days 28-36

Yup I know I failed again at updating this week.  There were so many days I thought about it but was too tired or simply found something else to do.  This week flew by even faster than last week; I honestly can't even believe it's Monday again.  About my P.S. post...if you have no idea what it concerns then don't worry about it.  Just stupid shit going on.

Sunday was Valentine's Day.  Not really my favorite day out of the year, but this one was actually kind of nice.  I fell asleep talking to my Valentine online and woke up to go spend the afternoon with Maggie.  It was also the Chinese New Year so every Chinese restaurant seemed packed.  We ended up going to one right near our house.  I can tell you this much, reading a Chinese food menu in French is seriously impossible.  I basically just looked for the first thing I could that didn't have anything besides shrimp in it.  Even when Sasha went to eat there right after us she said it was impossible.  I ended up with rice, shrimp, and veggies.  Oh and of course tea.  It was decent but definitely not enough for the money.  After we wandered down the road to where there was a new years performance going on.  There were people dancing as the dragon and others playing music.  It was just on the side of the street, nothing major, but very cool to see.  From there we wanted chocolate.  And in Paris that is usually pretty easy to find, except on Sundays.  Absolutely everything seems to be closed...I mean I get it God rested on the 7th day...but in 2010 I don't think there is a day that anyone really rests.  Luckily Maggie had noticed a patisserie that was open by the church she went to that morning.  It was cold out but so nice to see how fast the neighborhood around us changes.  Right near us it's pretty ugly tall buildings but just around the corner it is the stereotypical French buildings.  I got to see the church, which was beautiful, and we picked up some cafe eclairs.  I took pictures of all the amazing pastries and a guy behind me was laughing.  Sometimes I don't mind looking like a tourist.  But I am going to have to cover every wall in my apartment if I want to display all the pictures I'm taking when I get back.

I do love how dog friendly this city is. Makes me miss Rahjah a lot.  The dogs are so well behaved here too.  They just wander ahead of their owners and wait for them around the corner or in front of their door.  It's amazing.  I'd love to know the French secret to training them.  Cause Rahjah...yeah she would not be able to just sit and wait for me.  It's be like Pongo pulling Roger through the city...except I'd just be running after her.  Yes, I did just make a 101 Dalmatians reference.

Day 29:  Monday was my day off class so I wanted to sleep in.  Dany however freaked out at us being home when the cleaning lady was coming; Sasha had slept through her alarm and missed class.  The time before I had just sat in the living room while the woman cleaned our room.  It hadn't been a problem.  But for some reason this time, us even being in the house was a problem in Dany's mind. She is so neurotic sometimes.  We stayed out of the lady's way and then after she was done Sasha went shopping and I tried to buckle down on some work.  I did get a little done but per usual got distracted.  When Sasha got back though, we did get to book our flight to Rome and train to Florence.  We weren't concerned about the leg of the trip to bring us back to Paris, but I was pretty excited to have this booked.  Italy is going to be amazing.  This next weekend I'm going to Normandy with our group, then it's Ireland with Tanuja and Julie, and then a week in Italy.  I think the weekend after that I  might actually have to stay in Paris, oh well.

I think that's a lot of my problem here the last week or two.  I'm so STUCK in Paris right now.  I came to Europe to travel, not to spend my whole time in one city.  So hopefully my feelings on everything will be looking up once I get to travel some. I want to enjoy my time here as much as possible, but I won't hide the fact that Dany frustrates me a lot and there are things about hope, and people, that I dearly miss.  I was in tears the other day because I was so frustrated with Dany.  She'll come down the hall, come in our room, talk to Sasha, turn to Maggie's room and say hi to her, and then walk away.  I'm like "HI I'M JENN I LIVE HERE TOO." I know I shouldn't let it ruin my trip, and I'm trying so hard to look past it, but like yesterday?  She said "Bon soiree" & "vous à l'école?" all day.  I don't like feeling invisible.  But today I've decided I'm just going to try to not worry about it.  I guess blending into the walls is better then getting yelled at or anything else all the time.  Because believe me the "clearly you were raised American" comments...get old.

Anyway so Tuesday was French and my lit class. Nothing too exciting.  Except a group project assigned in the lit class that I'm paired with 3 guys in the class and the professor had me edit another students paper...yes I'll surely do your work.  I don't really mind I guess cause I love editing and it gave me the excuse to not pay attention for a chunk of class.  That night was the Love Party thrown by the school. Based on the fact that I didn't really like the boat party all that much, the recent drama that was thrown into my life, and I was starting to not feel well, I decided not to go.  Instead, Sasha had to work so I went with her to eat before her shift.  I had a goat cheese salad that was nothing short of amazing.  I miss big salads like that.  I had a sex on the sea cocktail and then headed back home.  By the time I got there Maggie and I decided to FINALLY go to the Irish pub...so I turned around and went right back the same direction I had come from, with her. On the way we found the noctillien bus stop for Sasha, giving her every possible landmark possible.  When we got to the pub there weren't many people there but it was really nice.  There was lots of room and the beer didn't cost an arm and a leg.  We sat and had two drinks just relaxing...and being hit on by the much older guys next to us...but that's beside the point.  It was nice to go out and still make the last metro home.  The night bus is such a pain. I actually don't think I've taken it since like the boat party?

Wednesday I had post-impressionism and then we all went out to a jazz bar that night.  It was nice.  We didn't spend too long there because we were all pretty exhausted and again didn't want to deal with the noctillien. I am loving these little hole in the wall places that you have to look for to discover.  It was nice broadening our group a little that night too.

Thursday almost all of our classes were canceled, not really sure why, but it was a great excuse to sleep in and explore a bit.  It was above 35 for the first time in forever so a few of us girls went shopping at St Placide.  I ended up getting a pair of 10 euro little sneakers that I've discovered will need some breaking in.  We ate at McDonalds...I know I know.  I only had fries though and it is surprising how much nicer they are here then back home.  But that is probably because the french wouldn't accept them if they looked like ours do back home. Of course the weather was too good to be true and by the time we found some market street stands it started to rain.  Overall though it was a nice afternoon though I was in a crummy mood for some reason.  The mood lasted quite a few days but I think I'm finally starting to shake it.

That night I FINALLY went to a Paris club.  Sasha, Maggie, Mannat, Nestor, and I went to Mix.  We got there a little early but I'm actually glad we did considering once we got in the line was huge.  From the outside the club does not look that big but it's pretty huge once you get inside. It quickly filled up and the dancing began.  A couple guys pulled us girls up onto the stage part of the dance floor and we legit danced the night away.  Since it was right after Mardi Gras people were dressed up and there were 2 dancers that performed throughout the night.  They started out decently clothed but by the end not so much.  Kind of felt like a strip club, but they looked like they had fun.  And I was definitely impressed that they could dance so long in the heels they were wearing.  I was really ready to go home by 2 but didn't manage to get out the door till somewhere are 3:30.  David luckily drove us so there was no night bus again. 

Friday I got up and attempted to do homework all morning...got very much distracted by skyping with someone though. haha. I'm so glad I bought the unlimited to call people in the states, I would be so broke with how much I end up talking to people...well mostly one person, but still.  I got most of my chapter read in time for my class at 330.  Got another A on the quiz from the week before, yay! Pretty happy since this week that class is canceled, the next week I'm skipping to go to Ireland, and the week after is Spring break, so basically no Friday class for a month. :)  That night I stayed in and ATTEMPTED, mostly failing, to do homework, it was nice to get some sort of rest.  Still ended up half the night, oh well.

I finally thought I was going to be able to go to the movies with Mannat on Saturday. Yeah, FAIL.  We showed up about 20 minutes before the movie, Valentine's Day, was supposed to start and couldn't even figure out where to buy tickets.  We quickly gave up and decided to just go walking...and walk we did.  By the time we looked up to see where we were we'd made it into the 5th arrodisment...we had started in the 13th.  It was nice though cause we found some little shops, some fun street graffiti and bonded over fun stories from each of our pasts.  That is probably my favorite thing about this city.  Just pick a direction, walk, and who knows what you'll find.  After we were hungry and literally everywhere seemed to be closed.  Finally we found a place that was open and we immediately noticed the happy hour.  The guy working pointed at some food thing...and there was a vegetarian one...so we each ordered not really knowing what we were getting.  It was decent...but I'd pick something else labeled vegetarian next time.  Sasha met us after we had finished a liter of sangria and she found out for us that they were only 8 euros so Mannat and I ordered another!  8 euros a piece for like 8 glasses of Sangria.  A nice afternoon.

That night I was considering staying in.  HA, did quite the obvious.  I met up with Anna & Mannat at Mannat's apartment and then we went out to Bastille.  I hadn't made it to Bastille yet so was pretty excited to finally get there.  We were to a bar called Charlotte Bar.  It was tiny but so cute.  The walls were covered in like pinup style girls.  The bar tenders and the waitresses were all really nice.  I had a sex on the beach that was to DIE for.  We were definitely the hit of the place.  Not only were there not really many other girls there but we were just having fun and dancing at our table.  By the time they closed at 2 we had several options of where to go next.  We ended up at a club/bar place with a group of guys.  They bought a couple pitchers of beer and we danced for a few more hours.  Again we had a blast. As soon as we started dancing with the guys that brought us there other guys were trying to pull us away to dance with them.  So much fun.  After another small adventure we sat in the metro for nearly an hour, freezing, waiting for it to open.  We met a guy there who is from Paris but living in southern France.  He is an aspiring photographer who has been to Iraq taking photos from the war.  He was super nice and looked out for us on the metro.  He switched lines with me and was just very nice and wishing us all the best.  I love meeting strangers who are actually nice and not out to get our wallets or something else...Ironically enough Sasha was headed back from work at the same time so we both got home around 6:45-7 am.  Oh what a night.  Then I stayed up for like another hour talking on facebook with someone.  A surprisingly great conversation for 7 in the morning here.  But as soon as I got into bed I think I was asleep before my head hit the pillow.

Clearly on Sunday we slept half the day away. But when I did get up, Maggie and I went to o'Jules and each got a croque monsieur, mine being the veggie one again.  The Chinese New Year parade was happening right by our apartment but because of the crowd we couldn't really see much. Lunch was nice though.  The waiter thought I was nuts because I ordered an espresso with my sandwich.  I drink coffee with everything, duh. Haha.

Today I've done nothing but homework and write this.  It's nice out so I really wish I could get outside but I have a bunch of work to do in the next couple weeks.  Our 5 page paper that was assigned super early (as in the first class) for Post-Impressionism is already due next week.  I cannot believe how fast time is going.  This weekend is St Michel and Normandy followed by the weekend in Ireland and then it's spring break.  I've been kind of down a couple days this week, but I'm trying to treasure my time here and things are definitely getting better.  They did tell us we would go through a period where all we would want to do is leave.  I would never let myself, but I would never say this has all been fun and easy.  It's the biggest test I've ever put myself through and I hope I'm better for it in the end.

I have 126 days left in Europe, which seems forever but considering it was like one hundred and sixty something when I got here...that number seems like a whole lot less every day.  I definitely miss Rahjah and Jack...to the point I found an adorable picture of them to set as my background and was almost in tears cause I can't wait to see them again.  And I miss a couple people too.  But it has been very interesting to see who I do hear from and who has seemed to fall off the face of the earth. I know everyone is busy though.

I also hopefully found an apartment back home when I get back, which, if it works out, will make me really happy to have something settled so I'm not running around and having to settle for somewhere crappy ultimately. (that was the worst sentence ever I know).

Hopefully I'll find the time and remember to write soon.

Au Revoir Mes Amis.

P.S.

This is my blog where I will write anything and everything that I feel on my trip abroad.  Nothing is meant to offend anyone & if something does & you can't talk to ME about it then I kindly suggest you discontinue reading.

Thanks,

Jenn.

Day 25-27

Determined to update.  I sit in the subway, bus, whatever and I always think about what I want to write about, what I want to remember, and then I forget what it was.  Even right now I'm having issues trying to get at what it was that was making me itch to write.

Yesterday I had my 830 am french class which went pretty well.  I'm definitely getting more and more  confident with the little bit I know.  In four months...hopefully I'll know a lot.  After class I talked with Anna at school some but hurried home for a much desired nap.  A nap that probably lasted too long. But I needed it.  I was back up by the time Sasha got home...at least mostly and had to go to the apple store to get my new charger.  Sasha was exhausted so I could not wake her up which meant doing it on my own.  Normally that wouldn't bother me but the language barrier does cause some anxiety.  Kirsten met me there for moral support but I did it on my own.  The guy barely spoke any English so he couldn't question me on the charger like I'm sure they would have in the states, so now I have a new charger and it was really no hassle.

By the time I was done at the apple store Sasha had come to meet up with me.  Not a big deal because there are tons of things to do around the Louvre and we both needed to get out of the house where all we end up doing is sitting online or napping.  I bought a map from Borders before I left that listed a bunch of good places to go in Paris, one was Angelina.  All we could remember was what road it was on and that it was right near the Louvre.  So we wandered.  Eventually we found a purse shop where I finally got a new purse.  They were on sale for 15 euros.  The original prices on the ones around it were around 60 or 70 so I'm thinking I got a good deal.  My previous purse survived Russia, a cold season at the roadhouse of being stuffed under the host stand, and 25 days in Paris.  For $30, I definitely got my money worth out of it.  We asked the woman, who was kind enough to get me a new copy of the purse that hadn't been pawed over, where Angelina was, and of course we had headed the wrong direction from the museum.  But if we hadn't I would still be carrying around a ratty purse.

We walked about fifteen minutes back the other way and just as we were getting there we were wondering if it would be worth it.  The line was out the door and we quickly figured out why.  Angelina is all about chocolate; chocolate pastries, hot chocolate, chocolate coffee, chocolate tea, etc, etc.  We both expected a small cafe type place, but no this was like an old tea house.  We waited only ten minutes or so before getting a table in the back.  We ordered a double order of hot chocolate and a pain au chocolate each.  Definitely should have gone with a pastry without chocolate.  The hot chocolate poured out like thick syrup.  It was the richest most amazing hot chocolate I've ever had. Therefore paired with the chocolate pastry, we downed an entire thing of water quite quickly.  The place was so cute.  There were light pink tulips everywhere and old time chairs and tables...along with a nice balcony.  Such a cute place.  It wasn't cheap, 10 euros a piece, but I definitely suggest it for anyone who comes to Paris. <3 (Jenn the tour guide :p)

When we finally made it home we had a nice chocolate coma going on and were so stuffed we couldn't eat much of dinner.  And by that point I really could have just gone to bed...I mean even with a nap I had been up since 6:45.  But we are in Paris and it's true we can sleep when we're dead...or at least on the plane back to the states.  So we tried to round some people up and go to Le Bar 10 again.  It ended up being only Maggie, Sasha, Andrew, and myself, but it was nice to just get out of the house.

Friday wasn't too terribly exciting.  I got up to read my chapter for the class I had at 3:30.  I kept saying I was going to do it before Friday, but not so much.  It was actually really interesting though.  We were reading about social theories including peace studies and feminism.  Can I just say how I hate the word feminism.  I mean really especially for liberal feminists.  They believe that men and women are completely equal, so why have a term for it that is clearly female oriented.  I'm not sure what I would prefer it was called...but feminism fits difference feminism because they are all about finding what skills women have that live up to the same level as those that men have...if that makes sense.  Unfortunately we didn't talk about any of this in class...just took an hour long essay quiz...which I finished in thirty...and talked about Iraq.  I hate talking about Iraq, though it is interesting to hear the questions foreign students have about our involvement there.  For instance "Why do the American people not pressure their government to leave Iraq?"  No one really knew how to answer that, but I mean at the very least the people did vote for change.  Whatever that means.

After class I came home for sort of a quick nap and dinner.  We had salad with cheese, fish, veggies, more cheese, and a home made apple tart.  IT was delicious, but more than filling.  Not really sure what the fish was...the French word starts with "M" but we still couldn't figure it out. It was an almost pure white fish with very little flavor, good when paired with the veggies however.  If anyone has any idea as to what it is let me know.  The apple tart has no real sugar in it when she makes them...so even more delicious.  I need new jeans though since I'm eating so well and my jeans have decided they want to fall off. 

Last night Sasha had to work so Maggie and I were trying to figure out just about anything to do.  We thought about the bars but decided we really didn't want to spend that much  money.  Instead we ran into the grocery store 5 minutes before them closing and bought snacks and what we thought was a cheap bottle of wine.  Getting home Maggie opened said bottle of "wine" and the cork when flying.  Clearly not wine.  Champagne.  Either way it was hilarious and not bad for 4 euros. We still don't know what we were celebrating, except for a lame night in Paris.  It was fun though and I made it through 2 of the Bourne movies, now watching the third while I write this.

So overall it wasn't too exciting of a couple days but pretty relaxing.  Sasha and I were on the metro the other day going over the Seine river when she looked out and said "We live in a beautiful city, I mean look at this, this place is beautiful, and we get to live here."  She is so right.  I mean even with the trash on the streets, the guys yelling behind us as we walk down the street, the disgusting Seine, this place has a beauty all of its own.  I mean glancing outside and watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle on the hour?  There is something to be said for that.

As for today I wanted to go to a private sale in the middle of the city, but it's around 15 degrees outside and "lightly snowing" so, so far lounging and possibly getting some school work done is seeming like a better idea.  Should probably do some laundry too. Started my day with an hour long conversation with someone at home so really today can't go bad after that good start. :)

Au Revoir.

Haha Days 18-24

  So I suck basically.  It's been a roller coaster the past couple days so yeah I haven't quite figured out how to write about it and not seem completely anti-Paris, because I'm really not...but in some ways I really do miss my own bed, my pets, and some other things from home.

It's interesting how as soon as one thing goes wrong we all are so quick to say we want to go home.  I know it's purely human nature but it's like we expect it to be perfect.  And I mean I have to say it's a little different when you're paying $14,000 to be somewhere; you shouldn't be complaining about things like food and housing.  Being just straight-up homesick or just really missing parts of home is totally understandable.  But this last week has definitely tested my strength.

Last Thursday was the worst of it.  I did have my nap and my escape to the museum.  But it wasn't quite the escape I had been looking forward to.  Two words - Guided Tour.  Yeah I mean he tried to throw in little jokes appropriate to our age group, but I really just wanted to wander and clear my head.  I did get to see some of my favorite paintings though like some Renoirs, Monets, and Degas.  I could get lost with Degas ballerinas.  And Renoir...my so so favorite just immediately made my day better.

That however did not last long.  Thursday nights Dany goes to yoga and therefore makes our dinner and leaves it for us to warm up. When Sasha and I got home we thought that it was tofu patties she had made us.  That was until Maggie told us they were in fact turkey, would have been okay for Sasha, but when she cut into them they had ham inside.  I lost it.  Either way it was another night of salad for dinner.  At this point I hadn't had a full dinner in 3 days.  I called my mom bawling and just wanting to come home.  I know Dany doesn't approve of us being vegetarians, but how many times can she forget that I don't eat anything but fish.  She came home a few hours later and it just got worse.  Sasha tried to talk to her about it and she claimed she didn't know I don't eat turkey and then just totally went off on us.  She said we were ungrateful and rude.  Went on about how hosts don't like hosting American girls because they won't adjust.  I'm sorry I'm not willing to eat meat to make you happy. I could really have forgiven all of that but then, thinking I didn't understand, she went on about how I don't know enough French and how she shouldn't have to speak English to me. Basically calling me rude because I can't speak French.  Like really?  I don't even know how to put down in text how this made me feel.  And I know it makes it hard on Sasha because she ends up being the middle ground for herself, Maggie, and me...but either way I've never felt like such a hassle for someone.  We were supposed to go out that night but taking a walk with Stephen and getting some 11% alcohol beer sounded better.  We drank one between us and had Stephen's spicy chips for dinner.

Oh how could I forget.  We went through the kitchen trying to find something to eat and Sasha found pudding...I took 2 pictures of us eating such pudding for dinner...no memory card. fantastic the pudding broke my memory card. So I try attaching it to my laptop...works fine except the pudding pictures aren't there.  Put it back in my camera.  Play with it a little more...then it suddenly won't even go in my camera.  Memory card = broken.  Fabulous.  Then my computer charger stopped working.  So yeah an all over miserable night. Let's move on.

Friday:  I got up as a note was being slid under my door.  Apparently this was how Dany was going to communicate with me.  She said that there would be no meat in the house for the next four months.  And I know there was so much more behind it.  In the way that we expected to be respected for our choices we respect that she eats meat.  But whatever floats her boat.  We went the whole day without her saying a word to me, even when I tried to say hi.  She actually even called Maggie into the bathroom to show her water spots on the sink (right after I got home) and ask her if she knew who had made them because it was rude to the rest of the people in the house...I mean REALLY?!? Nonetheless Maggie and I left to meet up with people at the frog and princess to visit Sasha.  It was pretty busy but I have never enjoyed a veggie burger more, even though I felt sick because my stomach hadn't been that full in a while.

After we went to a party on the Seine that the school threw.  Can I just first point out the fact that our SCHOOL threw this.  And in the ticket price was an included drink.  I don't know any schools in the states that would take that risk, especially on the water.  I was slightly impressed.  We had fun but Casey and I were convinced that there was not really alcohol in the drinks considering we both drank plenty and I didn't even have a buzz.  I know I have a high tolerance, but 1 beer from the frog and then like 5 or 6 on the boat...yeah shouldn't still be sober.  We danced and had fun.  This guy came up behind me and whispered in my ear "Are you American? [yes] I've been watching you all this party. [okayyy] I'm a singer.  I sing songs.  I write music.  You inspire me to write.  I need to write about you. [okay...] I need to write about my kiss with you"  Then a girl walked up, grabbed his arm, and pulled him away...most hilarious thing ever.  Like does that HAPPEN in real life? Pretty much made my life.  But we finally headed home around 3?  And the noctillien was an adventure as always.  We waited forever. Casey's feet were killing her and this guy kept telling her to put her shoes on...pretty funny. But when the bus finally came we somehow left her at the stop...she was on the phone. And these dumb ass guys came up and surrounded her. Luckily the rest of us had gotten off the next stop and Stephen ran up just as things could have gotten bad.  And of course they were on the next bus with us.  Casey and I were ready to kick some ass...but Stephen preferred we keep our mouths shut.  Maybe he is a saving grace. Haha. So I think I finally crawled in bed around 430 or 5.  What a night.  But it did half way make up for the two shitty days...even though I would say I wouldn't go back to a party on that boat.

Saturday morning was a pain.  We were going to Versailles and when Stephen called me...as I had slept through my alarm...I noticed all the rain outside.  Totally was not up for going, but was convinced either wise.  We got to the RAR train around 10:05 or so and were getting rushed along as all we wanted was a croissant form across the way. And when we got down to the station we had TWENTY minutes before it even left.  Annoyed.  I was glad I went to say I had seen it.  But I was not really impressed.  The architecture was amazing, especially the chapel, but it had become such a tourist scene.  They had even printed large text and covered some of the walls with it.  Like REALLY?  I liked Russia a lot because when we walked through rooms they were the same, or close to it, as they were years and years ago.  Some of the furniture and paintings were amazing..but overall?  I wouldn't go back.  Except to see the gardens that is.  The gardens weren't in bloom at all so all we really looked at was the swans.  I would go back to see them as long as we don't have to pay 18 euros to get in.

After we went to get some food and hung out around the town? city?.  We got food and then went searching IN THE RAIN for dessert.  A few of us ended up stumbling on a little courtyard that looked like it fell right out of a story book.  Eventually we found a small patisserie which was delicious and headed back. Definitely slept the whole afternoon away.  That night I just stayed in because there was no chance I could survive a night out...still ended up staying up half the night nonetheless.

Sunday was the laziest day.  Sasha had been working and staying out all weekend so she was just as exhausted as us if not more.  We ended up going out for a late lunch to a small place on the corner which was delicious.  I finally found a vegetarian croque monsieur...for those of you back in the states a regular one has like ham and cheese in the middle and then like grilled cheese on the outside too...this one had tomatoes and mozzarella on the outside and the cheese in the middle. Served with a salad, for 7 euros. Freakin amazing.  Sasha got a crepe...that turned out to be two crepes...for 4 euros.  Definitely going back there, but not so close to dinner.

That night we went to the Frog and the Princess to watch the superbowl...were supposed to go to the Irish pub but never made it.  Maggie and I watched about half the game before finding our way home.  Sasha getting 1 euro beers was not necessarily a good thing, but we had a lot of fun.  I stayed up talking to people back in the states until the game was over.  Someone clearly had me rooting for the wrong team.  Either way it was fun to watch such an American sport in France.

Monday morning I slept in...Sasha worked that night...I feel like we did something else in the afternoon but I definitely have no idea what that was.  That night I just did homework which was done pretty early but stayed up half the night talking to people...of course. I suck at going to bed early.

Yesterday I had class allllll afternoon. French class went pretty well this time.  But like she plays these old tapes and we have to repeat what they say.  I pretty much think I suck at it. We took a quiz, and it went alright I suppose.  My English class was retarded per usual.  We went around the room to tell about current events; I did mine on Michael Jackson's doctor being charged with killing him.  And then we went over how to read quickly.  Like really?!? And anyway the novel is really good so I would hope people don't waste their time on just trying to get through it and actually read it for what it is.  It's Reading Lolita in Tehran if anyone is interested.  The end of class she glanced at some people's essays...AKA everyone's but mine...think that's a good thing? But either was I don't like becoming a spectacle.  She spotted my kindle and made me present it to the whole class.  Fabulous. Not.

We got home from our classes and definitely took like three hour long naps...woke up just in time for dinner.  It was Julie's birthday so we were all supposed to go out to the club but no one was really up for it so we ended up going to the frog with the intention of going to the irish pub again.  Again we never made it.  Must say I'm getting sick of the frog.  Like 1 euro beers are fabulous, but I want to experience as many places as I can while I'm here.  Plus the language thing sucks sometimes.  I don't want people to feel like "Oh we have to talk in English for Jenn" like really I'm fine with people watching or pretending I understand...and every once in a while, actually understanding.  I headed home, catching the very last metro with Tanuja at 12:30.  She had to take the 7 and I had to take the 5 after...must say I'm not down for going home like that again.  Taking the metro alone so late is for sure sketchy.  Oh well, I survived.

At 8:00 am this morning the neighbors thought it was okay to start working on the construction on their apartment...my bed was shaking from them drilling. So not impressed, especially since my class got canceled today. I tried to get up but was still exhausted so crawled in bed with my head under the sheets until noon.  Today was another blah day.  We did go to ISA though and I booked a trip to Ireland with Julie and Tanuja.  I'm pretty excited about it and my mom is fairly jealous.  It's going to be beautiful.  I think spring break is going to be spent in Italy; Aj will be proud.  I really want to get to London too though!

But anyway we found a nice crepe stand on the way back home for a nutella and banana crepe...ate dinner...and now are just being lazy.  So there's my last week in a nutshell.  Some ups...quite a few downs to be honest.  But I know that I'm in Europe and I should just make the best of it while I can.  I know that there are plenty of people that may never make it here and I'm truly blessed to have this chance.  That however does not mean that you would read me complaining on here because part of the memories are the bad ones too.  Europe is beautiful but definitely not perfect. leave a comment if you actually read this...even if it just says "Jenn I read this"...just because I'm curious.

Au Revoir. <3

Days 15, 16, 17, 18

Mmm seems like every post I have to add more and more days.  It's hard during the week because with school and attempting to have a social life, it doesn't leave much for writing here.  But I am determined to keep this up.  Sorry in advance for the wayyy to long of an update.  I tend to do that.

Sunday we did just as I said. It was a day full of homework, or attempting homework anyway. I don't think anything interesting happened, or at least I don't remember it.  The days kind of all blend together after a while.  Maybe that's a sign that I'm finally starting to feel like this is my home, for the next  That night I did go to the Eiffel Tower with Stephen to see it sparkle as he called it. :p  We got there just as it was starting and got some pretty nice pictures.  Ironically, enough after I had been complaining on here about people being in your face about buying thing here, this guy under the Eiffel Tower tried to get us to buy a rose. Non Merci, non merci. So what's the f***** do?  My hands are in my pockets, so he jabs the rose in between my elbow and my body.  I forcefully handed it back to him, but seriously they are going to get slapped in the face.  I don't want your damn 8 euro rose. Thanks, but no thanks.  After we just walked around the area.  We found a strange monument that I still don't know what it is and we saw the military school.  Overall a nice walk and escape from sitting at my desk.

Monday I had to write a paper, come up with 7 synonyms for cute, and read 77 pages for the dumb english class.  I was up half the night reading because I actually really liked the novel and was taking notes and underlining quotes every where.  I finished it on the metro...when I got to class Tuesday...she had decided to give us another week to read.  Booo to that class. In the afternoon Sasha and I tried once again to get our phones taken care of.  And again we failed.  This time they told her she needed her passport to set up my phone, even though they didn't even blink at me using my USA ID the week before.  You would think they would have mentioned it.  They had also told her she could transfer her number from her Uncle's account to her's....nope now suddenly she finds out he has to call.  She attempted to call as him and found out not only did he have to call but they had to wait for paperwork in the mail. très  très frustrant.  So hopefully next week I can finally have that taken care of.  As for now I need to find a phone card.

Tuesday was classes.  12:30-04:30.  French is going well for the most part.  There are just some words that I can't get my face to work right for.  Luckily most of those are nationalities and such that I hopefully will not have to attempt outside of the classroom.  The "English" class was a joke again.  She wants me to reorganize my essay...like the way you would write in 8th grade.  I'm so beyond that strict structure that I'm not exactly sure what I'm going to do.  I'll reorganize it...but the theme is Sasha's heritage and how it's helped her and the experiences it has created for her.  My professor couldn't figure that out.  She decided to tell the class they should all read my essay.  I'm not a stand out in class kind of person so this was a little much.  She ended class by telling me what a great job I had done.  I reallllllly dont need the public praise.  Appreciated, but this essay? Seriously horrible.

Tuesday night was a blast.  I finally got everyone to go to Le Bar 10 with me.  And we had so much fun.  We got our new roommate, Maggie, to go with us and I'm really glad she did.  She definitely came out of her shell some.  Quite a few people showed up, though the place wasn't up to par for some.  I'm getting sick of people who somehow think they're better than everyone, just in general.  And I'm failing more and more at hiding that fact.  I'm not the type to sit back and let someone attempt to walk all over me.  That was definitely elementary school/middle school and all I ended up was miserable.  [p.s. just a feeling that was arisen from that night...not pointing fingers]. But anyway.  They opened the downstairs since there were quite a few of us.  We had like 4 pitchers of Sangria and just sat around talking.  The bar is over 70 years old and all of the vintage posters and art are originals.  It's literally like stepping back in time.  And it isn't expensive at all.  It was definitely a needed night just to relax and enjoy some great company.  I really love some of the people I've met here.  If anything I'll have awesome friends for when I get back to the states.

Yesterday Sasha and I went to Musee D'Orsay with our Post-Impressionism class.  The museum was gorgeous.  But having to listen to the professor talk in our ears the whole time got old. Especially when I knew she wasn't right about somethings.  For instance, Appalachian horses...let's try appaloosa. Quite amusing to say the least.  But it was incredible to see Van Gogh's self portrait that I have studied in art classes so many times.  The colors in pictures and reprints do not do it justice.  The blue eyes really are like you're looking right into his soul.  I took a picture of it, but again it just isn't the same.  It is something you really have to see yourself.  We spent about two hours there.  There was a temporary exhibit that yesterday was it's last day: Art Nouveau in the 1960s.  Very neat stuff. But I must say looking at furniture got old.  The old album covers and actual prints were pretty cool though.  After we grabbed some lunch down the street and headed home.  We're going back today with ISA and I'm hoping to find more Monets or Renoirs because they are my absolute favorites.  If anything I will definitely get my fill of art while I'm here.  There is so much to see.

Last night I did homework and chatted online wayyyy too late for my own good.  But yet getting up at seven still wasn't that bad.  Maggie had to get up early too so Dany woke up and set out breakfast for us.  It was very nice of her because I know she could have slept longer.  The two hours of French class are definitely the slowest two hours, and I got frustrated at one point when I couldnt pronounce something.  But I know it'll come with time.  There is also a girl who thinks it's her job to answer any questions anyone else asks of the teacher.  Last time I checked she was just as american as us. I love the professor though, she's nutty, and determined that we speak correctly.

Today I'm hopefully going to get a nap in and some homework before the museum and then tonight I'd like to go out...though Sasha had a very late night/morning of work so I'm not so sure she'll be up for it. I need to find a phone card too.  Michelle and I were extremely successful at the post office in getting stamps and boxes so I am hoping that I can figure out the phone card.  My only real frustrations right now are with ISA and with dinner.  Last night Dany made lasagna which she told me was just cheese...I went to bite into it...and beef fell out.  Not happy.  She told me I could pick around it, but I said no.  So she made me eggs that were not quite done.  A few nights before she had left over salad...which she put left over turkey into...and some sort of green vegetables...which she cooked with sausage.  I ended up trying to pick around the turkey but definitely ended up consuming some since I was miserably sick to my stomach for the rest of the night.  She told me last night that soy (soja) is expensive here.  But she is getting $2400 a month between us three girls.  There is no way we are costing her that much.  I do not want to whither away due to only eating cheese, tomatoes, and lettuce for the next 3 1/2 months. One night she made salad with soy bites in it and it was delicious! I just hate when people try to forcibly make me eat meat.  I don't eat it for a reason.  She even tried to say my hip problems would get better if I ate meat.  My hips were worse in seventh grade when I DID eat meat.  And I mean really, at least I do eat fish. She knew I was vegetarian and that Sasha only eats chicken before we got here.  And I just don't think I should have to go buy food after dinner when I spent so much money to be here.  We'll see how the next week or so goes though, and if it doesn't improve I'm going to have to ask Sasha to really talk to her about it.

I did hear that one of our girls was on the metro when she saw officials carrying a covered body off from it.  Would really like to know what happened there.  Hopefully it was just a homeless person that passed away and not any act of violence.  Thus is the city life.

I am finally starting to feel confident here and know that things will improve.  It's just a matter of adjustment and communication.  And I know it'll get there. 

Au Revoir.