Aventure à Paris (et au Danemark) 2010

4 months later

2010-11-03T21:34:00.000-07:00

(started writing this 5 days ago)

As of today I've been home from Europe for a full 4 months. It seems unbelievable that it was that long ago, but at the same time that it was only 120 days ago. It is good to be home but it feels like my life was taking off without me from the moment I stepped off the plane. There was and still is so much I wanted to do upon returning home that it is a little overwhelming. There are some days that I long for my lazy days in Denmark or even my chaotic days in Paris. I miss Sasha and Maggie greatly and think of them just about every day.

I'm kind of frustrated with myself that I haven't written in 4 months. Writing was an (almost) daily outlet for me while I was abroad and helped relieve the daily stresses. I prefer typing to hand writing and I hope to get back into writing at least a little something every day. Speaking of writing, my thesis, for any of those who don't know, is taking this very blog, up until the last days in Denmark, and turning it into a sort of memoir/travel guide combination. I'm very excited for the end result, but the 200+ pages looming out somewhere beyond me are rather intimidating. I just have to jump in to get started, which I sort of did, about a month and a half ago. It's time to get this going. There is an annual "contest" online called the National Novel Writing Month where people all over the world attempt to write a 50,000 word novel (about 200 pages) over the course of 30 days. I've signed up, not necessarily in hopes of reaching 200 pages (which would be a little unrealistic with school, work, Alpha Phi, and a boyfriend) but hopefully to find some motivation to get me part of the way there.

I truly believe that writing made a difference in my life while I was abroad and contributed to my happiness while there. Don't get me wrong, I am still happy. I'm just overwhelmed and not the greatest at outwardly showing said happiness and instead end up showing the stress I feel from graduating and trying to balance everything out in my life. I've always had way to many ambitions for the time I have but I still don't find this to be a bad thing.

Speaking of ambitions and lack of time, I cannot believe I just registered for my last classes as an undergrad. The last 4 years have flown by just as my parents always said they would. Do I wish I had rearranged my priorities a little? Yeah, maybe. But holy hell have I grown as a person. I'm not sure I'd recognize the Jenn Wayboer from 3 1/2 years ago if I met her on the street, and I'm happy for that. I still have things to work on but I am so strong and I know that I can throw myself in the middle of any messy situation and I'll be okay. I always thought it was just a cliche phrase, but it's true, everything truly does happen for a reason.

Anyway kind of back to present day. Tomorrow I am so excited to have a night with Paul. We're going to go see Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde at the local theatre and I don't even know what else. It doesn't really matter though because I just love spending time just him and me. It doesn't happen all that often that we actually have a good chunk of time to spend together and I've definitely gotten much better at taking advantage of that time instead of being upset about the time we don't have together.

And then! This Tuesday I FINALLLLLLLY have an appointment to go talk to Autumn at Riverview about the next steps on my tattoo. GOODBYE UGLY PIECE OF CRAP I got originally :) Hello pretty cover up. I think I'll still have 2 more sessions because for one the actual cover up is going right on my ribs like my first one, which I know hurts like hell. And it is logical to split up the money some. Then, that night, my sis is coming up and we're going to the Ludacris concert together :) She gets to meet Paul for the first time too. She is the other person in my life that I really wish I got to spend more time with. I'm really excited she's going to be able to finally come up. It's important to me that Paul meets my family because I definitely feel a much stronger relationship with all of them ever since I got back from Europe.

Life is good. Life is stressful for sure, but life is good.

157-161 The Final Days

2010-06-27T13:41:00.000-07:00

My bags are packed. The car is loaded down with them. I'm a shower, an attempted sleep, and a car ride away from leaving. Words cannot explain how I'm feeling right now. I'm so excited to see my family, my pets, and a few select other people especially, I'm ready to take on living alone, Senior year, and to see where my life will take me next. At the same time I'm going to miss my life here so much. I'm going to miss the freedom, the lack of responsibilities. And I'm scared of losing the person I've found in myself here. I'm happy, like I haven't been, possibly ever. I've found confidence I never knew I had and I'm excited about life. I'm interested to see how my relationships with people will change back home. If I'm not the same, will I still get along with the same people? Will I find comfort and fun from the same group of people? I love my friends, and I'm very excited to see them. I just wonder what new doors will be opened for me now.

Wednesday afternoon we went to Linda's friend's house for Sankt Hans. Sankt Hans is the annual celebration to burn the witches back to Germany. It's believed that on the longest day of the year evil and magical spirits are arisen, therefore the burning is for this reason and just as a reminder of the witches burned so long ago. It was such a nice night. Luckily people spoke English and there were kids close to my age. It was weird because I was actually the oldest of the young people, by three years even. Around 9 we went out to the bonfire to watch the burning. It was a huge fire, very cool, but kind of creepy to watch her burn. After we hung out the rest of the night drinking and getting to know each other. I don't think we went to bed till around 3 or so. It's nice making connections over here for when I make it back or if they're ever in the states (notice the when, not if).

The next day we slept in a bit and headed home. We were both exhausted so the afternoon was spent drinking coffee and relaxing. It was beautiful out so Linda went to the summer house, I stuck around and worked out some. That night was the unfortunate Japanese v Danish soccer game, the Danish lost if you didn't know. Friday Linda had to work so I hung out and rearranged some things I had packed during the day, that afternoon was again decently nice so we went to the summer house for just a bit. We got another decent day on Saturday. In the morning, we ran errands and then hung out a bit, I finished packing officially, before going to the summer house again. I helped plant some herbs and such which was fun. Oh! One of the errands was to a place that sells all sorts of plants; one of the most beautiful farms I've ever seen. The property was huge. Old European farms are officially my love now. Sorry I don't have pictures. The colony house was nice though and I have learned a bit, I hope to grow my own herbs to cook with at home. Last night, just consisted of wine and relaxing.

This brings us to today, my last day in Europe. We got up early and went to the Scandinavian Deer Park. It was beautiful out and such a nice day. They had deer (obvs), wolves, polar bears, brown bears, fox, moose, and more. The brown bears were absolutely adorable though. It was nice to spend the last day out in the sun and enjoying Denmark. We bought some real danishes (NOTHING like that thing they sell in the states) and enjoyed coffee and stuffing ourselves. For dinner Linda made veggie burgers and new potatoes (another new love from here). I stuffed my stuff from today in my bag, loaded the car, and now just have my shower left to take. It's been the perfect last day here, especially considering I still don't believe I'll be leaving for the airport in 6 hours. Ugh.

I am so thankful for my time here. Paris was so rough for me. I didn't fall in love with it like others, and I don't really miss the city. It was the hardest growing experience I've ever had. I miss a few of the people I met there, but thanks to Dany and many of the French, it's not a place that I will be itching to return to. Everyone needs one of those experiences. I don't regret it, I've embraced the things I learned for myself. Denmark has been a blessing. I do believe that if I left for home right after Paris I would struggle to recall my experience as a positive one. I will never be able to express how thankful I am of Linda letting me in her home for 6 whole weeks. Italy, Ireland, Belgium, and France were beautiful, but I don't know what it was about these past 6 weeks, they were just amazing. I wish I could share the feelings I have about this place with everyone. I've seen so much, yet so little, of Europe and feel so incredibly blessed to have the chance. I cannot wait to see more. I cannot wait to see where my life takes me now. I feel different. I can't explain it, but I hope those of you at home see it. I truly appreciate those who have taken this journey with me, through my blog, through daily chats, through random wall posts just checking in. It scares me to stop writing because it's one more closure to this adventure.

A look through some of my favorite memories in the last 5 1/2 months:

Meeting Sasha (& Maggie of course too)

Seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time & making some amazing friends

first real night out

the amazing art I've seen

France v Spain with Kirsten

getting a tattoo in Ireland

spring break with Sasha (complete with Pizza fights in Rome & almost bar fights in Florence)

seeing Grace on Spring Break

Lauren coming to Paris

this beautiful day in Paris, and all my memories with Keshia

Belgium with Maggie; & all of our nights trying to convince ourselves to go out. And of course the night that the wine was really champagne.

Giverny

Ellie coming to Paris

These two, and our absolutely amazing Thursday nights.

Le Bar 10 and all of these people

Angelina's!! And the two most amazing girls I met.

Vejle & Copenhagen with Ellie (including ba ba black sheep, bugs injecting themselves in my eye, and more)

Lego Land

Meeting Alex again after 16 years

Holland (meeting amazing family and experiencing Amsterdam)

The Aros Museum

Meeting my cousin Eric after 16 years

Sankt Hans

The Scandinavian Deer Park

My life in the last 5 1/2 months down to 24 pictures. There is so much that even my 3,500 pictures cannot tell though.

Until the next adventure: returning home. ♥

Days 146-156

2010-06-22T05:45:00.000-07:00

"I need to update my blog. I need to update it...really" Yeah been thinking that for like 5 days now. Oops. I've done so well updating about every day for my own memory-sake, I can't fail at the very end.

So back to day 146, which was June 12th. It was raining but Linda and I went to see this Viking event in Jelling (pronounced Yelling). The event was a lot smaller than we thought it would be. But there were a bunch of Icelandic horses, which were adorable. They are a shorter breed, not much taller than what you would think of a pony being. They are horses though, and I now want one. Haha. I also tried my hand at spinning wool. My parents have alpacas and you have to spin their fiber into yarn and such. Yeah, one of the hardest things I've ever tried. Fail. Fail. Fail. I think I'll stick with helping with naming them and putting up a website if my parents decide they want one. On Sunday, Linda had some friends over for lunch along with my cousin Eric and his girlfriend. I spent the morning going through my stuff, and PACKING. Yes, I actually packed about 85% of my stuff :) Anything I didn't think I would need was thrown in a bag, I'm sure this Sunday when I'm trying to get the rest of it to fit I'll just end up redoing it all, but it's the thought that counts ;) Lunch was fun. Susan, Linda's friend, is from NH so it was nice to not have a language barrier. I think lunch ended up being around 3 hours though, craziness. It's always good getting to spend time with Eric or Alex though.

Monday, I worked out and spent the afternoon watching Denmark play Holland in the World Cup. A rather amusing match I must say. I didn't really have a favorite because though I'm loving Denmark, my family is from Holland, so yay Holland?? Tuesday, I worked out, though I was in a lot of pain from the work out the day before, and hung out in the morning till Linda got home. That afternoon we went to the colony house to check on the plants. It was raining/cloudy so I don't think we were there long.

Wednesday, is where my life got a little more fun. I took a train out to Odense to visit Camilla and Alex, mostly Camilla because Alex was at work. But I got into the train station and we went grocery shopping before heading out to her parent's house. This is one of the most beautiful houses I've ever seen. It is a really old farm house...picture an old European farm house, and that's exactly what it looks like. Her mom was really sweet too; she doesn't know much English but tried anyway to talk to me. :) She put out all kinds of sandwiches, home made jam, etc They told me I had to eat because my family couldn't think I was being starved in Europe. Haha One of their cats also just had kittens, so you know I had too much fun playing with them. I want another kitten SO bad (restraining myself from doing so though......so far). After, we headed back to her and Alex's place and just hung out till he got home. After dinner, they took me down to the park area where everyone hangs out when the weather is good. We got ice cream and walked around the park, buttttt it started getting chilly out. Alex took me by his university so I could see it. It was basically one large building from what I could tell, but pretty big at the same time. From there we grabbed coffee at a cafe near the apartment before going back, watching "The Cave" (a strange scary movie), and going to bed. Overall, a very nice day :)

The next morning, I spent talking to a certain someone in the states while Camilla worked on job application things, the day before she'd gotten good news on two possible jobs (one of which is really far from her though), so I took it as a sign that she'll hopefully find something soon. We headed in town to do some shopping (all window shopping haha) and kill the time before I had to leave. They had just put in a new bakery so we grabbed something there and just sat and talked for a while. I grabbed an iced coffee and then the train around 2:00 to make it back in time for Linda to be getting out of work. I really enjoyed spending time with Camilla and Alex. Though conversation was hard at some points, just having family my age to spend time with is nice. I told them they have to come visit ASAP. Haha. Unfortunately, I don't get to see them again to say bye because Alex has a last minute business trip to the states (ironically) but he gets back in late Sunday. :( It's been nice to see them the bit that I could though.

Friday, I met up with Eric in town and got to see where he works, a small theater which is really nice actually. We grabbed some beer and headed back to his apartment and hung out a while before ordering pizza. A little later his friends started showing up for a party. There apartment is about the size of a dorm room, so it was interesting, plus many of the people didn't speak great English. It was fun though. Nice to again hang out with people closer to my age, though most were younger than me which NEVER happens. But during the late afternoon I also got the news that a close friend of my family, Richard Thompson, had committed suicide 2 days before. I was rather worried about my sister, and of course in a little bit of disbelief myself, so when Linda was done at her small work party, around 10, I headed home with her. I still had a really good time though, and it was nice to be extended an invite.

The next morning Linda and I went an hour and a half out to the west coast of Denmark. There are sand sculptures there that are very cool. I'll post a pic of one. I don't care if being excited to see them made me seem like I'm 12. :P Kid at heart, always. We grabbed lunch at an Italian buffet which was only 44 krones (around $7), though my glass of water was another 18 krones on top of that. They had vegetarian stuff, so I was happy. Then we walked down to the ocean, the North Sea to be exact. I've been rather stressed about certain aspects about going home, but the ocean was just what I needed to make that go away. Freshman year I used to go out to Sand Beach at all hours of the night when things got hard, the ocean has always been a bit of a savior in my life. I see many trips to Sand Beach in my near future. There is just something about the ocean. The waves there were huge too, the biggest I've seen. After, we went another 2 1/2 hours to where Linda thought was an alpaca farm, it turned out to be angora goats, but they were adorable. The owner caught the baby for me to see, he was so cute. I couldn't believe how easy it was to handle them. We were both exhausted by then so headed home.

Sunday was a lazy day. We went grocery shopping and fought with the internet much of the rest of the day. It was so strange. I could get on skype to message people and facebook would work, but NO other websites would work, no skype calling, no email....so weird. It's back to working for now though. Haywire internet. I was supposed to have a skype date with my friend Ben who is in the navy in South Carolina, butttt of course the internet started working again right after we'd given up on trying it. :( I'll be in the same time zone soon anyway so it'll be easier to talk. Plus he'll be home for leave soon :)

A bit of a back story, last week a whale got stuck in the harbor-like area of Vejle. It cause quite the commotion. People wanted it put down....though there are no real successful methods to do so because they have hearts the size of cars, so either attach dynamite to it and blow it up, or let it die. Well it finally died the other day and now there is a huge debate on where it's going to end up. Copenhagen wants it because "the students there have never gotten to see anything like it." Well HELLO Vejle kids haven't either. Plus Vejle firefighters are the ones that went through all the work of getting it out of the water, and now it's Vejle people dissecting it. Yes, Copenhagen is the capital, but I mean really they should not get everything. Eric read somewhere how Copenhagen people were complaining that their people weren't getting to experience it...I have no words for this but...seriously?!? Anyways, we'll just have to see what happens.

Yesterday, I worked out and then went downtown to meet up with Eric again to say goodbye :( Before lunch we went to check out the whale. It was a strange site. For one, they were dissecting it, and two it looked rather deflated. I think we were there all of 2 seconds. Haha After, we went to a cafe to grab lunch; tuna sandwiches on bagels with elderberry flower smoothies. Delicious :) From there we walked to the hospital to meet up with Linda, she was just getting off work. I said my goodbyes to Eric and then Linda and I headed to the hardware store, the colony house, then home. I can't believe I'm already saying bye to people here...I feel like I just got here. I do feel like it's been forever since I've been home, but at the same time it's flown by. This time next week I'll be waking up at my parent's house...crazy. (I'll try to remember to post the pic of Eric and me after I upload it)

I really need to clone myself for the first two weeks there though. I have to move into my place, but at the same time there are a million people I want to see. Figuring out how I'm going to get moved should be interesting, I guess it's not a huge rush, but I would like to get my own place set up and everything before I go back to work on the 11th.

As far as today, I worked out this morning and now just doing this and hanging out till Linda gets home from work. I think we're going back out to the colony house this afternoon. A nice relaxing day. Tomorrow starts (?) the annual festival in Denmark where they set up bonfires and burn the witches back to Germany. Linda doesn't really know the history behind it, so I'll try to look it up before I update again. :)

Sunday will be my last update from Europe, it'll probably be while I can't sleep and am just sitting up awake. I think I have to be at the airport around 4 am anyway...maybe I'll get an hour or two of sleep, Haha.

Until the next time....& the last time from Europe :( ♥

Days 131-145

2010-06-11T08:02:00.000-07:00

Forever later, another update. I just haven't had the motivation. This will probably be pretty straight to the point cause I just haven't had the spark to write lately, well except I oddly got the motivation at like 2:30 this morning...terrible timing. But that's a whole other matter. We shall see if I can accurately put together the last 2 weeks...Oops. (time flies)

The Friday after I last updated we did just as I said, ran errands: post office, groceries for the trip, fish for Linda's pond, etc. From there we went to the garden house to get the fish settled and I don't believe we did much else for the rest of the day. On Saturday a coworker of her's got married. The church was set up on a hill looking over surrounding fields, very pretty & very European. The wedding was nice. I mean I couldn't understand anything being said (until "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" was sung [i was super excited for that of course]) but it was pretty. The pastor was apparently cracking jokes the whole time. But the wedding was basically the same as an American one, except for at the beginning the bride and groom were sitting and pastor was just speaking. After the initial ceremony the women from Linda's work held flags and roses as the bride left. I got the job of photographer. After we headed home, grabbed lunch, packed the car, and hit the road for Holland!! Luckily, on the way there, we didn't hit much traffic. The GPS got us pretty smoothly to our hotel in Germany and we only stopped like once on the way there. The hotel was super nice and pretty vacant. We curled up to watch the Eurovision finals. In case you didn't know, Lena from Germany won. She was cute. I liked the fact that she didn't expect it and was in genuine shock about it. Also, it was cool to be in Germany when it happened.

Sunday we ate breakfast at the hotel and hit the road, an interesting conversation on the way of course was necessary. :P On the way, we stopped in Wormerveer, Holland which is supposedly where my family, the "Wayboers," are originally from. It was raining so we didn't walk around for very long. Plus the one place we tried to get food, the guy was wicked rude. He clearly only spoke Dutch but instead of trying to get that across, he just turned his back to us. His loss. So we hit the road for Wim and Winnie's (pronounced Vim and Vinnie). Wim's grandmother, I believe, was my great-grandmother's sister. Hopefully I have that right. We got there a bit early but the family spoiling began. I don't think I've ever eaten so much over such few days. But we spent that night just getting to know each other, well Linda and them catching up and them getting to know me. They bought all 100% vegetarian things to cook well we were there. It was so nice of them. We drank wine and just enjoyed each other's company. It was so nice to get to know my more extended family because I haven't really felt that connection since I was little, and never with this side of the family.

On Monday I fell in love with Amsterdam. No, but really, I did. It was cloudy and I was exhausted, but none the less, I love that city. None of the atms would let me take out money, so I had to go to travelex and take out WAY more than I wanted, but other than that everything went really well. We were going to do the hop on hop off bus like Ellie and I did in Copenhagen but when we went to buy it we did a hop on hop off canal boat instead. If I ever go back I'll do the paddle boats instead of the big boats, either way, by boat is definitely a better way to see the city. First we went to the Van Gogh museum, on the way seeing the "Amsterdam" sign that I had seen in so many of my friend's pictures from when they went. The Van Gogh museum was expensive and disappointing to be honest. I would definitely recommend skipping out on it and exploring more of the other parts of the city. It just wasn't set up well and was so small for the money. I got to see where my great-grandparents (my dad's dad's parents) grew up though which was really cool. I'm learning a lot about my family by being in Denmark. We also made it to Dame's Square (I think that's what it's called) and eventually the Anne Frank house. The Anne Frank house was an experience in itself. I would put it on my top experiences in Europe. Linda said there used to be pictures of the bodies from the Holocaust, those have been removed, but I kind of wish they were still there. But still there were excerpts of her diary all through out the house and things like pictures she had put on her wall to "decorate" were there. I'm really glad we made the time to see it. Oh yeah and there is a "Homomonument" that I want to share with all of you the message for "Commemorates all women and men ever oppressed and persecuted because of their homosexuality. Supports the international lesbian and gay movements in their struggle against contempt, discrimination, and oppression. Demonstrates that we are not alone. Calls for permanent vigilance. Past, present, and future by the 3 triangles on this square" I just found it moving. And I also like the fact that this is right in the city, not hidden, they aren't afraid to show what they stand for. Though I am not homosexual, I strongly believe in the equal rights for all of us. I love the liberal mind of a lot of Europe. Anyway, when we got back to Wim & Winnie's, my cousin/their daughter Anoek was there. It was really nice getting to know a cousin my age. She is working in a cancer ward of a hospital and working on finding a job so she can live with her boyfriend. We spent this night, again, just relaxing.

We were back on the road on Tuesday. First, we stopped in to see my cousin, Tante Joke (pronounced Yoka). Her mother was my great-grandmother's sister (not the same sister as Wim's grandmother though, are you confused yet?). She was so sweet. She took us for coffee and insisted on feeding us several times, this was the day I got fed so much that I felt sick. But you just can't say no. She was darling. I don't know how else to explain it. I also met her granddaughter who happened to be working in the hair salon right by where we got coffee. After lunch, see food food food :(, we headed out to my uncle Hans', pretty sure he's really a cousin too, but "uncle" nonetheless. On the way, we stopped in Culemborg, where my dad's dad's mother's family, the deBeus's are from (i hope you understand why i'm so confused by my family). It was a quaint little town, and really nice to walk around in for a bit. When we got to Uncle Hans apartment they gave us coffee and more snacks while we chatted. It was nice talking to him because he was really curious about what I was doing and about my family. We ate dinner, again vegetarian (YESSSS) and huge btw, by this time I just wanted to go for a long run. But we went for a drive to see the area. We went through a twisting area where I had the joy of seeing a man, probably in his 50s, out for a run. Fine, right? Yeah except he remembered a shirt but managed to forget pants...& underwear. I didn't share this discovery with the rest of the car. A little bit too free-willed perhaps? Anyway, we stopped in a town called Ravenstein, which has been around for 650 years as of this year. When we parked the car it was at a small park area and I saw a girl doing a photo shoot. There is also the cool art stuff here like in Denmark, in the park was an older car, decorated, and placed in the middle of the pond. We walked around and stopped for some tea. Once we got back to their apartment they set out wine and more food to chat some more. I indulged only in the wine and a few pretzels that were stuffed with peanut butter (i miss peanut butter) before heading to bed, what a long day of socializing, and food. A good day nonetheless, however.

The next morning we had breakfast and then I FINALLY got to talk to someone back home so spent the morning doing that (sorry mom) before we packed up and hit the road. We decided to go to an Open-Air museum, which I had never really heard of. The "museum" is really an area set up to look like areas of the country years and years ago. They had schools, houses, farms, laundry houses, animals, old windmills, and more. There were also people demonstrating some of the old tasks, it was definitely a nice way to spend the afternoon. Some of the buildings were even from the areas where my family is from. After, we headed back to Wim and Winnie's for our last Holland night. It was, thankfully, beautiful out, so we sat outside basking in the sun for a while before dinner. Not long after dinner however, Linda and I were both passed out. The drive back on Thursday was NOT fun. It is supposed to take around eight hours for us to get home...thanks to traffic and construction, it took us 12. And of course it decided to be sunny, so we were baking. I felt kind of bad, because I did pass out for an hour or two of it. We finally made it back though, stopping for some groceries, ate dinner, and as far as I remember were in bed not long after. I managed to read 2 books in 4 days thanks to all the car time.

Friday through Sunday were all pretty much the same. It was absolutely beautiful outside so we went to Linda's garden house each day and she worked a lot on her gardens, I helped a little, but mostly read and laid out in the sun. I've gotten some nice color after having spent 4 months in dreary Paris...but now it's dreary Denmark so we'll see how long it lasts. It was absolutely amazing to just relax and we all know I'm slightly addicted to reading. Monday & Tuesday were not too much either. Monday morning it was raining so we went to the garden house because Linda had to drop off a key but other than that I just relaxed even after Linda went to work. Tuesday was about the same...more rain. Wednesday however was a really good day. Linda didn't have to work and it was raining so we headed to Arhus, a town about an hour from Vejle. There we went to the Aros museum. Now, if you've read this blog at all over the past 5 months then you know I've been to a LOT of museums. I must say, however, that this one, was one of my favorites. The permanent collection was pretty small, the more modern part of it being the most interesting. But they had three exhibitions as well; "I Love You," "Jacob Holdt's America," and "Adam Saks Visual Voodoo." The first floor also had the 9 dark rooms which were each set up with different installation pieces. The I love you one was beautiful...and intriguing. It had everything from love portrayed as love, to bondage, to almost abuse. It interested me that school groups were going through, I know some of it is nothing my parents would have wanted me to see at that age, another difference of culture. The Holdt's one was moving because if you don't know who he is he is a photographer who travels around the USA documenting the "real" America. There were photos of the KKK, of mass murderers teaching their children to use guns, a man that Holdt was playing pool against and the man had to step outside to murder someone, couples of all races, people dying of cancer, the rich, the poor...most of what was set up was pictures from the 70s and I really want to see more of his work. The Voodoo work was the least of my favorite but work about the devil, using water colors. The museum also has a giant boy, "The Boy," he looks like Golum (sp?) from Lord of the Rings if you ask me, but he is amazing still. I don't know what it was about the museum, but it was worth every cent. From there we went to a Bazar to buy some fresh veggies, the grocery store, and home.

Today and yesterday have been back to just relaxing, no going outside though thanks to the rain that comes and goes all day. I've been reading though, working on some applications, and enjoying having time to catch up with some people. In the past few days I have seen some good movies I'd like to share though: I Dreamed of Africa (based on a true story), Fried Green Tomatoes, MILK, and Don Juan DeMarco (with Johnny Depp). Check them out :)

An interesting thing I've learned: In European cemeteries, the families buy the allotted land for only a certain amount of time, in Denmark 20 years/Holland 100, after that time the bodies are dug up and put into a general hole. I kind of wonder if we'll run out of space in the states and this will eventually happen there too...either way...I don't like it.

I'm still loving Denmark, rain or not, and preparing myself for the readjustment back home. I have 2 1/2 weeks left. We don't have many plans, which is okay by me (more okay if the weather gets better), so I'm going to try to turn off my brain from over thinking things back home, which I had been doing really well at, and just try to relax. I'm so used to having so much to do that this whole relaxing thing is new to me.

I'll probably write in another week or so...by then I really should have started packing (AHHH!).

Days 123-130

2010-05-27T10:13:00.000-07:00

Before I talk about the last couple days I just want/need to write out something I've been thinking about/talking to Ellie about. My main lesson of this whole experience is really that the little things count for more than anyone understands. I mean this in regards to the little things Dany DIDNT do for us...the little things that reminded us of home...and the people from home making or breaking my day. There is nothing sadder then 1. HAVING to be the one to contact someone back home in general and 2. not even getting a response. The people that have reached out to me while I've been here have done more for me then they know, especially those who really seemed to care what was going on, the good and the bad. It's that phone call in the morning or facebook message that means so much. Yes I am twenty years old. And yes I am very independent and can take care of myself 99% of the time. But that doesn't mean that I don't need to feel that people care. It's an email to see how my week has been. A simple comment on a photo I took. It's showing that though I am an entire ocean away, I still matter. And I don't mean for any of this to seem needy or self-centered, cause I don't mean that at all. If anything it's just a matter of WANTING those things...not needing them to be happy...because I now know I can do that, for the most part, on my own. I just really appreciate even the comments made about my blog. The "hey how are yous." It's really easy to feel very alone when you're so far from home, and I'm so thankful for those who have been there for me. And the ones I feel like I have to pry to get to talk to me? It really hurts...more than you realize more than likely. Not that those are probably even reading this. Pointless I suppose...but being here has made me stronger, more independent, more confident, and most importantly, happier, and I am so thankful for those in my life that have been with me through this experience in my life.

I also mean it regards to it's the little things about American culture that I appreciate. Like the fact that if we like something about another person, we'll walk up and tell them. Anything from a person's smile to their shoes. Europeans, even Camilla said, just don't do that. They look shocked when we do, but seem to appreciate it. They are such private people, but such public people at the same time. I appreciate that walking around the mall or on public transportation you don't have to dodge couples licking each other's faces. I appreciate being able to understand people (aka English). It's a crazy feeling to wake up every day and not know what's being said around you. It'll be strange to hear English everywhere, for sure. It's really the littlest things about life that make or break every day.

ANYWAY on a much more fun note. LEGOLAND! Thursday Ellie and I went to Legoland & had way too much fun. When you first walk in there is a miniworld of legos. It was really cool to see the exact places we were in Copenhagen in lego form. The boats, cars, even the water LOCKS moved. It was so intricate and amazing. I decided it's my ideal future job. The rides were super cool though. There was one that at the beginning you put in your height and then chose the moves you wanted the ride to do and how fast...so it was like a claw thing with seats on the end. It was fun but Ellie and I of course picked ALL of the ones that went upside down. Oh and we also got in trouble on the dragon ride for taking pictures...the guy claims he told us so he stopped the ride to come out and yell at us. But no we didn't get put in time out or anything :P We grabbed lunch, hit up a few more rides, but headed home early cause though it was fun, 6 more hours wasn't possible. Linda picked us up and we went across the street to this recently built place that inside had restaurants, bars, bowling, minigolf, an indoor pool area (very cool) and a few other things. My cousin Alex works for his dad who owns the company that did the fire security system there...pretty cool. From there we went to Linda's "garden house." Which is so completely adorable. It's a cabin on a small piece of land where she has her gardens (duh) but also a few trees and a fish pond. The cabin is completely perfect and if I could I would definitely live in something like it. We picked some fresh mint and rhubarb to make juice with before heading home. Ellie and I both got nice sun burns over the course of the day.

During the day on Friday we just hung out until Linda got home. Once she did we drove an hour to see my cousin Alex and his girlfriend Camilla. They had a whole dinner set out when we got there along with a couple bottles of a spritzer-type-wine. We had pita bread to stuff with just about anything you can imagine. It was so good. After we all had coffee and then Linda went home and us "kids" went out. We went to an Irish Bar for a Guiness, a bar called Froggys for these Smirnoff type drinks, a kind of upclass bar (very cool) where Alex bought Ellie and I Sex on the Beach drinks, then to a bar that was kind of underground where we had another Smirnoff type drink and a typical Danish shot called "Black Swine." I think we impressed Alex because with all the build up to how gross it was supposed to be, Ellie and I didn't even flinch. It was basically straight licorice (I later found out mixed with gin & vodka). It was such a fun night though. I love being here and getting to know this part of my family. We grew up in two very different cultures but family brings us together, and it's pretty cool to compare things about our lives and where we live. And they were SO amazing to us. Alex paid for absolutely everything and when we got home laid out this huge (most comfortable EVER) air mattress for us, made it and everything. Neither Ellie nor I could get over how amazing they were to us, it was very much appreciated. I'm hoping that I'll make it back out there once or twice more to see them before I go home.

The next morning they set out a full breakfast for us (bread with spreads, cereal, tea, coffee, juice). And then Alex took Ellie and I into town so we could explore in the daylight. We walked around for probably 2 hours or so. Ellie bought a swimsuit and I had to resist every urge to buy a really awesome pair of sandals. I was good though. From there we decided we were going to try to get back to Vejle earlier so we headed to the train station to see if there might be a sooner train. Yup, that train was 5 minutes after we got to the station, and we made it. 40 minutes later we were back in Vejle. It had been chilly and cloudy in Odense but in Vejle the sun was scorching. Much appreciated sun. We walked around, got a little lost, and finally found the hospital to wait for Linda getting out of work.

Sunday we went for a ten mile bike ride. It was my first time on a bike in a longggg time I think. But all went well for the most part. The breaks on the bike I'm using aren't fabulous which took some getting used to...aka going down a hill and almost falling over at the end of it. Haha And on the way back they have these weird little bugs that I don't know how to describe, but they were everywhere. Sure enough one flew STRAIGHT into my eye. Well, remember my lack of breaks, and now I couldn't see. A terrible combination. Well Ellie helped me not kill myself and she literally had to PULL the damn bug out of my eye...it had like wrapped itself around my eyeball. Most disgusting feeling EVER! I was only mildly traumatized though :p After Ellie got her shoe laces wound up in her bike and when she stopped and got off another biker came reasonably close to hitting her. Needless to say it was an interesting 10 miles, but still fun. My butt only hurt ya know for like 2 days. Haha. The trail is nice though and since I'll have so much free time after we get back from the Netherlands, I'm hoping the weather will be nice so I can utilize it. That afternoon Ellie and I attempted to lay out in the sun, but the wind made it just a bit to cold. I've made a good dent on the book I'm reading (especially now), Forever Odd. That night we watched the first two Matrix movies and after I got to skype with my family some for the first time in just about forever, which was nice. I'll be home so soon, it's weird. Have to make the most of my time here, which partly means just relaxing and enjoying my time off from the real world.

Ellie flew out Monday so the morning consisted of sleeping in a bit and her packing. We took her to the airport to see her off and then went grocery shopping before going home. It's weird that her time with me here is already over...like she'll be home in less than a week (she went to London with another friend). Time goes ridiculously fast. But anyway. Linda and I cleaned the apartment in the afternoon and just relaxed while planning our time in Holland/The Netherlands. I'm really excited to get to go there. We're leaving Saturday night now and staying in a hotel that night. We have to drive through Germany to get there so I'll be able to add 2 more countries to my list. I'm also really excited to see the Anne Frank house, my relatives houses in Amsterdam, and meet some more family. That night we watched the last of the Matrix movies and I bought Yankees tickets for a not so much surprising surprise for someone. I suck at surprises, but oh well. Haha

Tuesday started my days of just relaxing, sleeping in, and reading. So Tuesday, Wednesday, and today I've slept in, done the dishes, showered, and just hung out really. Tuesday night we watched the first night of EuroVision, which made me miss my time in Russia badly. Yesterday, Linda and I went to her garden house and I helped her out some there. The fresh air was nice. But I've really just been sitting outside reading, working on stuff I need to get done before I get home, and enjoying some alone time. Tonight we'll watch the second group for EuroVision which consists of the more major countries (Tuesday was really the further east and smaller countries). And then tomorrow we are running some errands in Vejle. Saturday I'm going to a wedding with Linda for a girl she works with and then that night we're off to The Netherlands!! So excited for that :) We'll be there till Thursday I believe, so my next update probably won't be until next Friday or Saturday.

A month from tomorrow I'll be on my way home...AHHH. lol. I'm getting excited, but at the same time nervous. There are reasons that I definitely want to go home...and a few reasons that I really don't want to go home. Re-adjusting is going to be interesting, and probably take some time. I've gotten so used to my life here. I guess that'll happen after going on 5 months. Paris already seems like something of so long ago but I can tell it changed me. I can't believe I was there just over a week ago. Definitely glad to be out of that living situation...but I do miss the carefree way of life we had there. I'm lucky to still have some time in Europe before submerging myself back into the "real" world in the states.

Until the next Adventure :)

(by the way I've written this over the course of quite a few days...tell my mood changed a bit after i just got some time to relax? yeahhhh. haha).

Days 120-122

2010-05-19T13:09:00.000-07:00

Denmark is so beautiful today. The sun is out, there is a nice breeze, and it's just warm enough. If it was like this every day till I leave, I would be perfectly happy, I might not even want to go home. This lifestyle is so much more me. Cities are fun to visit. Going to big clubs can be fun. But all the time, just isn't for me. I really am liking it here, even if it is just hanging out and relaxing.

But about Copenhagen:

Monday morning, we got up at six and pretty surprisingly were not completely exhausted. I think my body is finally getting used to my horrible sleeping schedule. I either get a ton of sleep or really none at all. We got on the train no problem and all was good until a group of probably 15 kids got on....like 12 year olds. They were SO freaking loud. So, so, rude to everyone around them. Ugh. But we finally got to Copenhagen and away from them. The hotel/hostel was only a few blocks up from the station. And for being listed on hostels.com & $40 a night...it was super nice. We had a room with 2 beds, a desk, an armoire, a little room with a big mirror and the fridge, and then our own bathroom. The woman in charge of the place was super nice too. After we hit up the Tourist Information Center to buy tickets for the hop on hop off bus. Then the guy outside put us on the wrong bus so we missed the changing of the guards, but it was kind of cool because he ended up giving us the more expensive ticket and we got to see some of the city that there weren't so many people in. After we talked to the company to make sure our ticket would be good for the next day, we weren't particularly impressed. But I have definitely learned through the amount of travel I have done that things can and WILL go wrong, so the best thing you can do is just relax and see how it'll fix itself. There ends up being no sense in getting worked up about it. It usually works out. So after we finally got on the right bus and headed around the center of the city. Copenhagen is beautiful. I love the harbors. There are such colorful buildings surrounding them and the boats are lined up nearly perfectly for a painting or photograph. We got off the bus and headed to Rosenborg Castle. It was expensive to get into, but it was kind of neat to compare what I'd seen in France, Ireland, and Italy to what there is here. We also got to see the Crown Jewels, which were spectacular. Weird enough there was a ring with a fly in it, so strange. The crowns and necklaces were beautiful. After, we got back on the bus and saw the guardian angel over the harbor and the Gefion Fountain. We ate lunch on the Nyhavn (sp?) Street that ran right along the water. We got totally ripped off too, 40 krones (over 6 dollars) for a bottle of water. Ugh. From there we saw the Royal Theater and searched for a while for the Ice Bar and a microbrewery. We were standing exactly where we THOUGHT it was. We gave up, bought a milkshake, and walked down the walking street of the city. It had the oldest department store on it and the Guiness World of Records building. Next we took a short nap before heading to dinner. It was one of those awkward times when things were closed and the night things hadn't quite opened. We went to a Turkish Buffet for dinner and FINALLY found the Ice Bar. Except this time....it was closed. Clearly it wasn't meant to be. We settled for ice cream and sitting in the city square listening to music. There was THE funniest looking old Asian woman sitting across from where we were feeding the pigeons. We took some pictures with the statues and fountains then headed back to the hotel and passed out at like 9:30. I cannot remember the last time I went to bed that early.

The next morning we were up by 8 to start the day. We walked a good couple miles to Christiania, or the hippie town of Copenhagen. You weren't supposed to take pictures, but I of course did. We could smell people smoking pot right out in the open, kind of funny. There was awesome art work and it was easy to tell that these people didn't care what anyone thought of them. On the way out the back of the sign said, "Welcome to the EU." Clearly they also were allowed to live pretty much the way they wanted. It was a long walk but I'm glad we went. Definitely a good part of the city to see. After we walked to try to find the the changing of the guards. We were passing a group of students and had to walk a bit into the bike lane and a biker decided to run straight into Ellie. Didn't really hurt her, but he had plenty of room, was just being rude. When we got close to the palace and couldn't find it we decided to be lazy and took the bus all the way around the city. By then we had walked so far that I didn't feel too bad. We finally got to the changing of the guards, in literally the nick of time. It wasn't as crisp as I thought it would be. And it was strange that the guards could talk to people, we took pictures with one of them, I don't think he was particularly impressed, Haha. From there we went into the Amelienborg Palace. There wasn't a whole lot to it because the top floor was closed but some of the Queen's old dresses were there. We tried to go to where the Crown Prince and Princess will be living but stood in line for like an hour, only to figure out that we couldn't make it and our train. We did get some pretty awesome sandwiches for lunch though before finding the train and heading home. Overall it was a great trip. We got to see all the basics of the city and it was nice that it was a big city but not anything like Paris. People were pretty nice there. The weather was decent, no rain, but not hot. Compared to the pouring day before, we were grateful that it wasn't pouring.

I have learned that I don't understand Danish really at all. There are some words that are pretty similar to English, but the ones that aren't are completely different. Numbers for instance, with how fast they speak them, sound like giberish. It would definitely be cool to pick up some of the language though.

Last night Linda made us homemade pizzas and then I talked online for a bit before going to bed. It was beautiful out today. After sleeping in, talking online a while, and eating cereal for the first time in 4 months, Ellie and I attempted to mow the backyard. Linda has an older style mower, non electric. The neighbors were amused at watching us try to do it. We finally succeeded, sort of. I think it looks like the cows chewed on it. After we tried to take the bikes out and kind of failed again. The seats were way too high and we couldn't figure out how to lower them. So we went for a walk instead. When we got back we couldn't get the door unlocked...we literally stood there a good 5-10 minutes try to unlock it. Finally a man was walking by who I don't think understood anything except for that we couldn't get the door open...he looks at the keys...turns the handle...and the door opens. I am not sure I've ever looked so dumb. Or blonde. haha. But we got in and Linda was home soon after. So we ran to get groceries with her, ate root veggies and salad for dinner, and now I'm here, writing this, and watching a movie.

It's been a really good couple of days and tomorrow Ellie and I are headed to LEGO land. I can't wait to pretend I'm 12 again. Some would say I act 12 sometimes anyway :p Friday night we are driving up to see my cousin Alex, Linda's son. Ellie and I are going to spend some time there Saturday. Sunday Eric (Linda's other son) will be here for dinner. And Monday, Ellie leaves. :( Time once again is flying by. I can't imagine going home but I know it'll be here before I know it.

Such a relaxing life here.

One Chapter Closes, as Another Whole New Adventure Begins (Day 116-119)

2010-05-16T12:44:00.000-07:00

Last time I wrote I may have implied a nice quiet sangria night for Maggie's birthday. Oh, not quite. But I'll start with the day. Once Maggie got back from church we headed to Musee D'Orsay, stopping for my last crepe in Paris before. Luckily the line to the museum was almost nothing AND Maggie & I got in for free with our international students IDs, just paying 1.50 euros for the exhibit. I like the exhibit a lot but it was not set up very well. There were far too many people. I didn't learn that I had retained a lot more information from my stupid art class this semester than I thought. I knew a ton about many of the artists there. I don't know how much the other girls cared, but I felt smart, hahaha. We walked around a little bit of the rest of the museum before heading out for the Eiffel Tower and some lunch. There was a bakery right near the Eiffel Tower where we got AMAZING sandwiches. We took a few pics by the tower, but it of course started raining. Ellie tried to go to the top, but they closed it like FOUR people before her. Lame. While we were waiting for her, Maggie and I watched a dance group under the tower and then met up with Sasha and Eddy for a coffee. Before dinner we stopped by the apartment. Bad idea. Ugh. Dany waved papers in my face saying she wanted Ellie to pay for 4 nights of food even though she only ate their for 2 dinners. I told her no way would I ask Ellie to do that. She gave up quickly but went off saying how we didn't know anything about suffering in life and other shit like that. I let it mostly go in one ear and out the other. At the same time I found out from Linda that Billund airport may be on strike on Saturday, when Ellie and I were flying in, so we might have problems. It was a stressful 45 minutes.

But we went to dinner and all was good. Sushi was amazing. It was Maggie (the birthday girl!), Ellie, Sasha, Mannat, Anna, Adrian, and me. After we headed to Le Bar 10 where Will joined us at well. I am going to REALLY miss that place. Thursday nights have become a lot of fun. We each had like 6 glasses before moving on to L'Urgence Bar. Coolest/most bizarre bar ever. In the bathroom they had pictures of rectal exams. So funny. Oh and one random picture of a woman's chest of course. We ordered drinks, which are served in baby bottles I might add, and a couple people took shots out of test tubes. I had a regular shot, and it was gross. From there we headed to the Frog. Haha oh the frog is always entertaining. There was a group of guys claiming to be from US News and buying us drinks. Adrian and I split a beer that came from who knows where and there were a couple rounds of shots. Maggie had 3 shots thanks to those guys. They claimed they were looking for a "cover story" for the newspaper. Yeah okay. It was hilarious nonetheless. A little bit later we headed to the bus. I made a "drunk" call on the way. Though I was not drunk! I got us all to the bus and luckily the bus was pulling up just as we walked up. :) It was only 2:00 or so but considering we started at 7 with dinner, we were all ready for bed. After about an hour and a half or so of not the ideal ending to the night, we went to bed. By this time I was just so emotionally drained that I couldn't handle much of anything. It was a great night. But a rough ending made the tears come far too easily.

Friday morning I was up at 9 talking to the states. I waited till noon or so for the girls to both be functioning and then we waited for Ellie to get back from Versailles so we could all head to Angelina's for one last delicious hot chocolate. Before we left Dany had Sasha ask me when my "friend" would be paying for the food. 1. she suddenly forgot "Ellie" suddenly? 2. SERIOUSLY?! And then Ellie unfortunately met her at the door downstairs and Dany didn't even say "hi," but just got in her face asking when she would have the money, after we had JUST told her Ellie would give it to me to give it to her. She really was somethin' this week. It was amazing of course. As was the bowl of fries Ellie got, haha. Maggie had to go to school and Sasha had to go to work so Ellie and I hung out and waited for Eddy. After he got there Ellie grabbed a souvenir and then we headed to the Louvre. I got Eddy in for free with my student pass (yay yay) and then we walked around a bit. He was so nice to spend the afternoon with us. I wish I'd had more time to talk with him because helping him with English really helps my French. Once we parted ways with him, Ellie and I went by her hotel and my apartment before dinner. I ran upstairs to change out of my soaked shoes and Dany wasn't happy when I wouldn't stop everything to talk to her. I had stripped my bed but she still wasn't sure "if I was leaving that night." Dumb, dumb. And then she went off about how I had to make sure I left my keys, well duh. I escaped pretty quickly and we went to dinner at a bar/club/restaurant called Fox where Eddy had made us reservations.

It was amazing. I had a pasta with mushroom sauce. YUM. Maggie invited two of her friends from her program and one of their parents. The bill was like 130 euros total and the parents paid for it! Totally not expected at all, but so appreciated. I forgot what it was like to be around friendly, just plain nice, people. I felt bad that they were paying, but at the same time it was awesome because they didn't have to, they had just met us, but they were just doing it to be nice. I definitely missed that. After we were on the way back to the apartment to move my luggage to Ellie's hotel when I got a text from Dany saying she was waiting for me at the apartment because she wanted to say "bye, bye," haha Dany saying something implying kindness? I knew it couldn't be true. And of course when we walked in she was probably the rudest she had been to me. And the only reason she had waited was to make sure she got her keys. I didn't even say thank you. I really just wanted to say, "Peace the F*** out" and slam the door, but I held my tongue. No surprise that my last encounter with her would be negative. But anyway. From there we got my luggage into the hotel and went to the Eiffel Tower to meet up with Adrian & Will to say bye. Ellie got to see it light up, and tried to go to the top again...but they closed it AGAIN. It clearly wasn't meant to be. Saying bye to the guys was sad, but I mean I never felt like I was leaving Paris. And I mean there is always a chance of seeing some of these people again. After saying our goodbyes Ellie, Maggie, and I went by the frog and I said bye to Sasha. Luckily it was busy cause if it hadn't been, she would have been the one able to make me cry. Last but not least I said bye to Maggie. I'll definitely miss my roommates. I don't know what I would have done without them in Dany's house. We've definitely all kept each other, at least reasonably, sane. From there I went back up to the hotel room, took a shower, repacked my suitcases, talked to the states for a few, and passsssssed out.

Saturday morning we were supposed to get up at 6 for a shuttle to the airport at 7. We set THREE alarms to MAKE SURE we would in fact get up. K, so 1. NONE of our alarms went off so we woke up to the phone ringing 2. the shuttle was THIRTY MINUTES EARLY. Not cool. So we threw on clothes as fast as we could, luckily everything was together the night before, and ran out the door. Not the greatest start to the morning. Jenn = a little cranky. Haha (sorry YOU had to deal with me :p). The shuttle picked up three other people before taking us to the airport. In between two of the pick ups there was like a gang fight/beating going on! Ellie could see it more than me but apparently a group of guys were beating someone...so scary. I'm glad I couldn't see much of it. ANYWAYS. So the shuttle guy tried to charge us extra money, I talked to his supervisor person and said NO! Haha. It worked. Then he dropped Ellie off AT THE WRONG PART OF THE TERMINAL & me at the wrong end of mine. Way to go champ. But whatever. It was kind of cool in the airport because everyone I talked to talked to me in full out French first, before realizing I could only 90% understand them. But I did well. I apparently learned a lot more than I thought this semester. Checking in was weird because I used the self check in because no one was at the desk. And it printed the baggage sticker tag things there too...so I had to put them on myself. Haha such a failure. I should have taken a picture cause it was so bad. Security was luckily a breeze. Like legitimately I just walked right up, no one in front of me. Then it got interesting. My gate was supposed to be gate 50. Well I walk to the sign that says 50-52...and there is no 50. Awesome! So I ask a woman, in French, what to do, and she is a complete bitch to me. So I just grabbed some breakfast and sat down to watch as everyone walked over to where 50 was supposed to be, looked confused, and walked back to where I was all while crankily talking to the states. I needed some sort of vent from the rude French, it really is too bad that it isn't a stereotype for some. They ended up changing the gate and delaying my flight. Once on, I passed out legit within 5 minutes. I woke up once thinking we were in the air, nope we were still on the ground. So I don't really even know how delayed we ended up. After landing, I explored/got lost, till I found an ATM for Krones. I finally found a nice girl in a souvenir shop to point me the right way. The Copenhagen airport was amazing! Krones are really cool looking too! I'll have to bring one back for at least one person to see. I bought some Chinese/Vegetarian, delicious food to eat and looked around. It's really hard to get used to the Krone because like my lunch was 59 Krones, but that's only 10 dollars (expensive for lunch but not my point). It was like in Russia too...each individual rubble was worth like nothing so it was 2-300 rubbles for a meal (still only like 9 dollars). Hopefully in 6 weeks I'll be used to it...just in time to go home though. Haha I explored a bit more before heading to my gate.

The flight to Billund I attempted to sleep but the guy next to me was sitting like half ON me and was STARING at me the whole time. Ugh. And we didn't speak the same language or I would have at least attempted some conversation. The flight was only 40 minutes though. We landed and my luggage was some of like the first 10 to come out, never happens. And Ellie and Linda were waiting right there for me. It was raining, but I was SOOO happy to be here. Linda's condo is absolutely adorable and the room I have here is a mansion compared to what I had at Dany's. I love this place. I could literally feel the stress lift off me. We had wine and her homemade fish chowder for dinner followed by watching Mama Mia and eating chips with this really cool apple cider bubbly stuff. So good. I think I went to bed around 1... Ellie passed out around 12.

Today I woke up to someone calling (good way to start the day) :) and then Linda had set out breakfast for us. I don't remember the last good breakfast I've had. It was very much appreciated. We sat for like 2 hours talking, Ellie and I took showers, and we headed out for the afternoon. First, Linda showed us downtown Vejle (pronounced Viila). We saw the train station and walked around the city. I LOVE it. There is some really unique art and fountains all throughout. I can't wait to go back when the shops, like the free trade one, are open, so I can explore more. There is a small museum that gets a new exhibit on the 22nd, and is free, so hopefully Ellie and I can see that before she leaves. The water runs right through the city, and with the brick buildings and small streets, it is amazing. Falling in love I do believe. From there we went to Jelling (Yelling) and saw the church, cemetery, and museum there. It was cold and rainy but very pretty. Royalty used to be buried in ships apparently with their dogs, horses, etc and here there are two hills, I don't think people in them? but just like memorials to people. Also there is some of the first Viking writing there on two stones. It's on one of them that "Denmark" was first named on Danish land. The church there is protected by the United Nations, along with the museum. The museum had an exhibit about Greenland and climate change and then another part of the history of the area. A nice escape from the rain and pretty neat to learn about. We hit up a grocery store after, $.30 water, heck yes, and headed home. Linda made us homemade hot chocolate with bread/cheese. It was delicious and what we both needed to warm up while posting pics to facebook. For dinner we had pasta and salad. Making that salad was the first "cooking" I've been allowed to do in months. It really is the little things in life. Since dinner I've just been writing this and we had some amazing tea while watching tv. A nice relaxing night.

Tomorrow we're going to Copenhagen in the morning and staying there until Tuesday afternoon. I'm excited but really hoping I don't spend too much money. Being as careful as I can. Denmark so far has been amazing though. It's just so nice to relax. Ellie and I are hoping to go to a nearby city to see a museum there on Wednesday, LEGGO land (haha) on Thursday, and not specifically sure what else. Meeting up with my cousins Alex & Eric hopefully soon too. This was the perfect transition between Paris and home. I get to relax and just chill out before going full force back into my hectic life back home. It's so green and the air is just fresh & crisp here. I love it. Might have a problem getting me to come home. ;)

43 days until Maine. And until then I plan on enjoying every moment here.

I guess I can't say Au Revoir anymore...so umm...

I'll write soon :) <3

Paris is Coming to an End (Days 106-116)

2010-05-13T02:16:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here realizing that I only have two days left in Paris. If someone can tell me where the last four months went, I'd appreciate it. It feel like yesterday I was writing in this blog about how excited I was to go and how much I still had to do before I left. Four months seemed like a decent chunk of time then, and now it just seems like a blip. There are people and things in my life that make it (not in a bad way) seem like a lot longer, but really I'll be sitting in Denmark at this time in 3 days (Let's all cross our fingers the ash cloud doesn't leave me stuck in Paris, homeless).

Last week was really a blur. I usually look back at my facebook/twitter statuses to figure out what exactly happened each day, but according to them all I did was count down to Ellie's arrival and study. Tuesday I had my French final. I thought it was going to be awful, but it really wasn't. Wednesday I had my art class. whoo hoo. Then that night Maggie and I went to eat at breakfast in America, veggie wrap, dr. pepper, chips/salsa, and a milkshake for dessert = success (I know, I know, I talk about food a lot...whatever :p). I think it was this night that I started packing, I know, exciting. I had 65-70 pages to read for my International Relations class so much of the week was taken up ATTEMPTING, and mostly failing, at reading that. I did get it done, finally, though. Thursday my friend Kat that is studying in England got into Paris with her friends, so I grabbed lunch with them before letting my homework take back over my life. I finally finished that and the 58+ pages of notes I did on the book around 2 am that morning. Sometimes I really do try too hard. Friday I had class, the last one of my Junior year. No biggie. Then I cam home and packed. I got almost everything packed surprisingly, and now I'm trying to fit the last things, that's what is always hard.

Saturday was so much fun. We got up super early to go to Giverny. If you haven't looked at my pics on facebook you should definitely check them out. Giverny is where Monet's home and beautiful gardens are. It was slightly complicated to get there because we missed the first train by like a minute, but we grabbed a coffee and waited for the next. After the forty minute train ride with obnoxious children, we took a 10 minute bus. The gardens were just absolutely amazing. I cannot even describe how pretty it was. We saw the lily pad pond where he painted, his home, and all the thousands of flowers. After we went through the gift shop (post cards of course) and then went to find food. From there we just wandered for a while until we found this cute little cafe type local restaurant. This old French man comes up to us to talk to us and when I walk up he gets this funny look on his face, "You close your eyes when you sleep?" he asked me. I of course replied "yes." And he responded, "Well if I had eyes like those I'd never close them." So cute! Haha. Someone has competition :p After we just wandered some more before waiting for the bus to take us back to the train, to take us home. After Sasha and I packed a little more and got ready for dinner and then to go out. Going out was quite the adventure. We started at the Charlotte Bar, definitely a place I'll miss, and then tried to go to a hookah lounge but it was too full so we tried to kill time at 2 different bars before, against my will, going to a guy's apartment to have a glass (or plastic cup) of wine. Finally, we escaped there and went back to the hookah lounge. All of us girls (Mannat, Sasha, Maggie, and I) had Mojito Teas...instead of soda there was iced tea in them. We also got to try Moroccan tea, which was amazing. The hookah was fun, I hadn't done that since Russia. Not a habit, just an occasional good time. From there we went to the Highlander, a Scottish pub, it was strange because you had to be like silent while you stood outside. I'm guessing they got a lot of neighbor complaints. By this time we were all pretty exhausted, I mean it was like 3 am? Julien, Sasha's cousin, bought Mannat, Maggie, and I Coronas because the credit card minimum was 15 euros. He doesn't drink and just wanted a coke. We tried to pay him back and he refused. It's nice to interact with nice people on occasion. After Eddy drove all of us girls home and I think I passed out around 4:30. At first a rough night, but it ended up being a pretty good time.

On Sunday morning I woke up to skype, like actually video skype, FINALLY with someone. Ellie's flight was supposed to be in super early, but thanks to the stupid volcano, she was delayed. I got to sleep a bit more which was nice though. I met her around 2 I think finally? We met up with Mannat, got Ellie into her hotel, and then we all grabbed some lunch. There really isn't much to do, at all, on Sundays. I had bought tickets to a hip hop show, but it was at that point impossible to make it, stupid volcano. After trying to get Ellie a naviGo for the metro, and failing, we parted ways for a bit for showers and naps. That night we went to the Frog & Princess with Maggie and Sasha. It was actually a lot of fun. It was their quiz night, and minus the creepy-ass guys next to us staring at us, we had fun. Part of it was a beer chugging contest, a half pint. Yeah guess who got nominated for that one? Jenn v. 10 guys. I didn't really stand a chance. And the beer was gross. I'm a dark beer kinda girl ;) They actually put peach mix into the dark beer I had and Ellie had cherry, it was delicious. I don't know quite when we headed out from there but after we just headed home.

I had my international relations final on Monday afternoon so I met Ellie for a crepe and to go to the mall for some errands before it. My final was kind of ridiculous. I wrote 12 pages in 2 hours. The last couple of which, SUCKED. Oh well. That night we ate dinner at the apartment along with Eddy. Dany was showing off like no other. She had champagne and wine for us, yeah we never get that. We ate these barnacle things that kind of looked like snails at first, they weren't terrible, but I'd be okay not eating them again. Can say I tried it, I guess, at least. We also had fish. So my body was on a seafood overload. Ugh I need to detox from all the seafood when I get home. So sick of bones in fish. Eww. After, Ellie and I went to a cafe around the corner and had a drink and just talked. I swear she and I could sit and talk forever. It's really nice having someone from home here, someone who knows what point I was at before I left, and knows how good this experience has been for me.

Tuesday we tried to go to Musee D'Orsay, only to get there and find like a 2 hour line. And it was raining and cold. Where is the summer weather, Paris?!? We went to Notre Dame instead and then I showed her Shakespeare & Co. bookstore. Ugh I'll miss that place. Favorite bookstore ever. After, we went to the catacombs. It started pouring and neither of us had an umbrella of course, but luckily this super nice couple behind us had a huge one and invited us under. They clearly weren't French. We finally figured out they were German. We waited about a half hour or so and finally made it in. I'm glad I got to go back because the catacombs really are one of my favorite things here. After we grabbed lunch at PanHel (Sandwiches), then went to ABS to return my book before dinner. Dinner was Maggie, Ellie, Dany, and I. Dany still was showing off some, but not AS bad as the night before. She went on a racist rant about immigrants, which was awesome, NOT. Then I attempted to study the night away, ending up on skype. But finals were really a waste of time, though International Relations stressed me out a bit.

The next morning I crammed some more for my final before heading off. The teacher told us it was only art pieces in the book, yeah she lied. It still wasn't as bad as the midterm, but none of us were particularly impressed. After I met up with Ellie and we (I) grabbed lunch and we mailed our post cards. Last night was the ISA farewell dinner so unfortunately we didn't have much time to do anything. I went back, took a nap, and got ready. Dinner was less than fabulous. Their version of "vegetarian" dish was pasta with salmon. Awesome, more seafood. I gave away the salmon and attempted to give the pasta some flavor with a ton of salt and pepper. Before that we had goat cheese salad, which was actually pretty good. The dinner took like 3 hours almost though so I missed going to the movies with Maggie & Ellie. BUMMED. But I went home to make Maggie her birthday card and just hang out, finals are more exhausting then I had realized.

Today is Maggie's birthday so we got up early to go to Musee D'Orsay, but she wanted to go to church first so we'll hopefully head to the museum soon. From there some pictures by the Eiffel Tower are necessary and dinner with friends for sushi and Le Bar 10 for one last sangria outing. I cannot believe I have a day and a half left in Paris. All my stuff is nearly packed on my bed and I still don't think I'm leaving.

I will miss some things about this place. I'll miss my roommates and having them to vent about life with. I'll miss Maggie and my cafe dates for drinks to freak out about our futures and just talk about life in general. I'll miss the crazy people talking to themselves walking down the streets and in the metros. I'll miss fresh bread and cheese at dinner, having a glass of wine when going out. I'll miss that there is always something to do here, even if we decide to just stay in and watch a movie. I won't miss the horrid smell of the metro, but I'll miss how convenient it is. I will miss just worrying about me. But that will be more so when I go back to the states. I'll miss the freedom of not worrying about so much. Though I hate money, hate asking my parents for it, I will miss not having to work.

But I guess this is just another short chapter coming to a close in my life. I really just cannot comprehend that it's over. And more than that, I'm a senior in college now. Where did the last not just 4 months, but 3 years go. I appreciate life so much more after being here. I appreciate the things I have back home and the opportunities I've made for myself. I miss my family. I miss my Gramp so, so, much. It's hard to not even be able to call. I miss my friends. I miss you. But even with all the struggles here, this has been the absolute best thing I could have done for myself. I was not in a good place mentally before I left, and going back, I feel stronger, a whole hell of a lot more confident, and just overall, happier. No matter what happens when I get home, I just don't want to lose how I feel about life now.

On that note, I'm going to go enjoy my last day and a half here and make the best of it. Oh and try to somehow fit the rest of my stuff in my suitcases....hmmm.

Next time I update will be from Denmark <3

Au Revoir.

Days 93-105

2010-05-02T07:40:00.000-07:00

It's been an interesting 2 weeks. Lots of good things outside the house, and per usual lots of not so great things within the lovely apartment. Having a week off class meant getting to see a lot of Paris but was frustrating at the same time because I'm/my parents are paying so much for the time here. We have less than 2 weeks left here and I have such bipolar feelings about it. We're all finally feeling, for the most part, comfortable here, but at the same time something that happened last week (I'll get to that) makes us not feel so safe. I'm so excited to go to Denmark. So excited for Ellie to be here (in just a week). And at the same time I know that 8 weeks from now I'll be ready to be home (possibly to only want to get away soon after).

Tuesday Keshia and I went to Les Invalides. The site holds the Military Museum and Napoleon's resting place. It was beautiful outside for the first time in forever! It was actually warm enough to not need a jacket; way to go Paris, finally. It took us a while to figure out where exactly we were supposed to go, but we eventually found the chapel, Eglise Saint-Louis des Invalides, it was beautiful. I'm not usually very into military themed places (I don't know how to put that any better), but this was an exception. There were nearly ancient banners hanging to surround the whole room. We read after that they'd been around since around the 1600s. There was glass in the back that looked back onto Napoleon's resting place. When we finally figure out where to go to see the sarcophagus, it was...bland. There are apparently like six or seven layers of materials, but it really was not very exciting. It did sit in the middle of the room and was huge...but ugly if you ask me. After we went to meet up with Maggie to go to the Grande Arche at La Defense. When we were pulling into the station a guy was apparently staring at me as he walked the length of the cars (we were on the 1 so they're all connected to walk between) he came up behind me and reached up the back of my dress. He kept walking and it happened so fast that I didn't have the chance to react. I just kind of stood there in shock. After Keshia asked me why I didn't hit him or anything. In some ways I wish I had...but once I get to what happened to Maggie's friend, you'll all know why I'm glad I didn't do anything. So we got off and wandered. Once again we got far too much attention from the men around us. I definitely WILL NOT miss the European men. Like really...leave us alone. But anyway the Arch wasn't so grand...it was actually pretty freakin' ugly. But there were some interesting installation art pieces around and we wandered through some shopping areas. We took some fun "jumping" pictures and then called it a day and headed home.

On Wednesday I relaxed most of the day. In the afternoon Keshia and I went near the Louvre to do some souvenir shopping. I got some things for a couple friends. If you want something and read this then tell me what you want...it's way too hard to just figure things out for people!!! :) We had fun and it was amusing to see all the tourists around. We did our best to speak French but as soon as they heard us speak English, French was out the window. We had a fun afternoon though...still have at least one gift I need to find. After we grabbed a smoothie (delicious) and then went and wandered around Chatlet for a while. Found a cafe and grabbed a drink during happy hour. I had a pink mojito. Yum.

Mannat had been stuck in Germany thanks to the volcano eruption but finally made it back Wednesday. So Thursday, Maggie, Mannat, and I went to the Pantheon. It was about time. The Pantheon was beautiful inside. A lot of the art we've been studying in post-impressionism is painted on the walls of it. We got shushed at several times when we went down to the tombs...we probably had too much fun looking at the dead people. There are some really important people there though, Rousseau, Voltaire, Emile Zola, Maire Curie, and more. There is also still quite a lot of space for more. I kind of wonder what you have to do to end up there...it seemed to be quite the random assortment of people throughout history. After Maggie and I went to Madeline to go to the honey and mustard stores. Both have the crazies assortment of flavors. The honey place let us sample them which was of course fabulous. I picked up mustard for Dad and honey for my sister. They'll both of course be sharing. :) That night we just hung out, drank wine, and Sasha and I dyed our hair. Mine is like strawberry blonde now...but quickly fading. My hair doesn't like not being blonde. Taylor says I should go brunette. We'll have to see about that. Haha.

Friday was an awesome day. Maggie and I went to the Hard Rock Cafe for lunch. I had a veggie burger with onion rings, delicious, and a pomegranate martini. Our waitress was English and kind of amusing. Maggie had a chicken sandwich and a raspberry lemonade with I think had rum in it. I love Hard Rock. They have such unique atmospheres. Probably my favorite restaurant if I had to pick. After we met up with Sasha, Chloe, and Julie at Mariage for tea. Mariage is this really famous, REALLY EXPENSIVE, tea place in France. We split 3 kettles of tea between the 5 of us. It was delicious but 9 euros for a kettle of tea is a bit much. After Maggie and I went to look for shoes and buy some breakfast for Sunday morning. That night we went to a cafe right by the house to get out and have some drinks. We had 2 each and chatted about virtually everything. Much of it focused on what we'll do after college. It has clicked that I am graduating next year and should probably start to figure out what I'm going to do. I've looked at a few graduate schools and will probably start applying. Half of me wants to get away...but the other half really wants to stay in the northeast. We'll see what happens. I'll definitely miss Maggie and my chats when she heads home in 2 weeks.

Oh and Thursday night was the night I had fabulous nightmares about going back to TRH for work. It was so bad that in the end of my dream I flew back to France to get away. haha. Oh geez.

Saturday I was going to go to Versailles but instead spent the day finishing the Senior Farewell slide show for Alpha Phi...and I studied at least a little for my final on Tuesday. It was nice to have some space and just be alone for the day. Much needed sometimes.

It was Saturday or Sunday that Maggie told me about her friend. There were 4 girls walking in the metro Friday night, when they heard a group of guys (turned out to be 6) calling out things to them (nothing out of the ordinary), so the girls walked faster. The guys caught up...grabbed at the girls butts and clothes. The girls ran. One girl didn't get away. The guys punched her in the stomach causing her to fall down the stairs and hit her head on the cement steps and to be knocked unconscious. The guys kicked her in the stomach and head before running off. The girl regained consciousness on the way to the hospital and flew back to the states. The worst part is that the girls weren't doing anything wrong. There was nothing they could have done. The guys here always give American girls too much attention...but for something to have actually happened...we definitely don't walk around without checking behind our backs anymore. Makes me glad to not be here too much longer, it's almost a constant state of paranoia. Not feeling safe is not a good feeling.

Sunday Maggie and I got up at like 5:30 for our day trip to Belgium. Neither of us were totally happy to be up that early, but the day proved to be worth it. It was a 4 hour bus ride with one stop on the way. Bruges was amazing. It was a town basically stuck in the medieval times. It was set up in a circle with the water surrounding it. The ocean used to come right up to it. There were boats running through the town along with horse drawn carriages. We didn't get to go on the boat ride because the person in charge of our tour didn't make it clear how long we'd have to wait to get on the actual boat. We had mussels, fries, and beer for lunch. So delicious. (delicious is the word for this blog entry apparently). My dad would definitely be proud of the amount of mussels I've consumed here. After we of course had to get a Belgian waffle as we walked around. We found some souvenirs and some chocolate for ourselves before going into the Notre Dame church their. Inside it's extremely German and they have an original Michelangelo piece on display. I'd never seen a church quite like it. By then it had started to rain and it was time to go anyway. The fresh air for the day was greatly appreciated. And though nothing particularly "exciting" happened it was just a nice relaxing day outside of Paris. I got some pretty pictures as well. Picking pictures to display in my apartment when I get home is going to be quite the task. [My 7th country too :)]

This past week was not nearly as eventful. Monday I FINALLY got my care package that my family had sent like 2-3 weeks before along with a post card from Doreh. It definitely made my day, but also made me rather homesick. That night I studied for my final and wrote my 10 page paper that was due Wednesday, up till 4:30am but having the work done was worth it. Tuesday was my last real French class and then my final in the English course. It was supposed to take 2 hours and I walked out after 40 minutes. The professor stopped my before I left to tell me what a pleasure it was to have me in her class and to keep writing because she feels I have a gift for it. It was really nice of her but I didn't really know how to respond. All I've ever wanted to do is be a writer...so to have people, especially teachers, telling me my writing is good, means a lot. That night everyone else was writing their papers so I just stayed in.

Wednesday I started the day finding out that I got Janaya's apartment to live in next year and talking to a certain American (great start to the day) and then went to Centre Pompidou, the modern art museum, with my art class. We were looking at the "older" modern art, aka early 1900s. It was definitely strange at points but not as strange as I've heard some of the other floors are. Seeing Duchamp's pieces was pretty cool too. There was also this color blue displayed, I can't remember the artist, that is supposed to represent infinity. It's copyrighted so no one can use it and the paint is made specially so that there is no yellow oil to distort it. After, since we were all beyond exhausted, Taylor, Mannat, and I met up with Stephen at Starbucks. Dany had been her psychotic self lately so Maggie and I went out for sushi with Mannat to not deal with her at dinner. They gave us free drinks and the sushi was of course amazing. After we went and got a drink before heading home. Thursday was the last day I had to get up early for French class. We didn't have a real class though an instead met with French students that were in "beginner" English. We were all dreading it, but it went pretty well. Their English was just as rough as our French and they'd been studying it for 10 years. After I came home to take a nap but ended up on skype for a few hours and then trying to talk to people back home about our issues with ISA here. I didn't get far but the person I talked to does want to talk more when I'm back at school.

Thursday night was Bastille night :) Maggie, Sasha, Mannat, Tanuja, Adrian, Will, and I went to a bar called Les Furieux. Maggie had been before and it definitely wasn't the typical bar. Imagine a biker bar in the states. Everyone was super nice though and there was some pretty decent "scenery." After we went to the Charlotte Bar, which Anna, Mannat and I had been to earlier in the semester. We got a couple drinks and 2 shots before calling it a night. I thought I would be home by 12:30 or so...but 3:30 is definitely the same thing. It would have been earlier, but a couple people wanted crepes and while we were waiting something like 10-15 taxi drivers showed up and the ass of a guy made all of theirs before any of ours. Luckily Sasha's boyfriend, Eddy, was there and drove Maggie, Sasha, and I home.

Friday morning I spent on skype again and attempting to read my chapter for my night class. The chapter didn't so much get accomplished but the quiz was easy. After class I felt like shit...like so tired that all I wanted to do was lay down. I text Sasha to tell Dany that I wasn't going to eat, but she was asleep and didn't get the message. As soon as I walked in I went to Dany to tell her. She rolled her eyes at me and made some comments about me just telling her...well considering I was in class?!? I raised my voice to say never mind and walked off as she told me to tell the other girls dinner was ready. We walk in to sit down to eat, and she turns the corner starting to talk shit about me when her face freezes as she realized I'm standing there. Yeah...stupid. I didn't even pretend to be happy at dinner, because I was more than pissed. Her effort to talk to me was to tell me how white I am...I think she may have meant pale...but umm yeah maybe that's why I wanted to lay down? She just makes me so mad because she thinks she can just talk shit about us and have it be okay. I'm writing her a letter before I leave. And it's not going to be rude...but very matter of fact. Translating it should be interesting though. I've just REALLY had enough and don't think that just pretending everything is okay, or making excuses for her, is the right way to deal with it. So anyway I left the table early and tried to lay down. After we went to see The Green Zone finally. It was SOO GOOD! Another movie that I think affected those of us that were American in the theatre a lot more than it could have affected others. It was very well done.

Yesterday I got a wake up call from the states, so much for sleeping in super late :p, talked for like 3 hours. Very much an okay way to spend the early afternoon if you ask me. After, Maggie and I went to a cafe around the corner to grab lunch. Dany was in her typical LOVELY mood and said she does our laundry (which we hang, fold, put in the washer, everything but press start) so she has the right to make us do other things SHE'S getting money to do. Taking out the trash may seem like something stupid and small...but after finding that she had gone through my stuff..I wasn't too into doing anything for her. Lunch was a great break and if we both didn't have work to do we probably would have run away for the rest of the day. Dany thankfully didn't grace us with her presence at dinner so we ate just us and then I just read until bed. Boring Saturday, but relaxing.

Today we got yelled at for not saying hi to her while she was on the phone and for not cleaning the water up IN THE SINK. And other than that I've written this and am going to study for my French final and start on the 60+ pages of International Relations I have for Friday. A less than exciting weekend, but Ellie is here in a week!! :) It hasn't really clicked that she is really going to be here...but I really can't wait.

I got asked a couple weeks ago what I'll miss the most about Paris. I've been struggling with the answer. I can name things I won't miss...the men, my host, the dirty streets, the rude people. Dany has put a HUGE damper on my entire trip. Yes, there is a lot more to this semester than her...but coming "home" to such a stressful situation, sucks. She hasn't made me regret coming here, but I haven't liked it here nearly as much as I feel I should have. And I do blame her. But I will miss my roommates, the freedom here, the cafes. I have learned a lot here. A major part of that is that I don't want to ever live in a city this big. I miss the fresh air of Maine more and more. I miss not watching my back all the time or clutching my bag and making sure the zipper is towards the front. I'm sure it'll be difficult to adjust back though.

It's amazing how much I feel like I know about this city. The metro for instance. I don't think I'll ever forget how to get places and what lines go where. The 1 is always crowded but it goes incredibly fast. The 5 is faster than the 7 except when it breaks down, which is often. The 7 is a good way to get places but takes a while because of it's interesting route. The 14 is automated, smells funny, but futuristic. The 6 has a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower over the Seine. It's best to listen to music while on the metro because people won't bother you and you can pretend you don't hear the beggars playing music or yelling their stories for money. Don't smile at anyone. Don't even make eye contact if you can help it. People in Paris don't walk around looking at the ground because they're sad, it's to women a way to avoid the pigs that they call men and a way for everyone to avoid stepping on all the crap on the sidewalks. Say "bonjour" everywhere you go. Walking into stores, cafes, ELEVATORS, everywhere. In that way people come across as incredibly friendly.

I have 7 days till Ellie gets here, 13 till we go to Denmark, and 57 until I'm home. Still lots to see and do...

Au Revoir!

Days 85-92

2010-04-19T04:49:00.000-07:00

I'll just start with the update on the host mess to get it out of the way. It was either Monday or Tuesday when we heard Dany on the phone with ISA. She told them that she was doing everything she could and we were just rude and ungrateful. Considering we say thank you after every meal (gross or not) every time she does laundry, or even just simply tells us something, I think we're pretty grateful. But I don't think the lies she tells even resonate in the ears of ISA...they seem to know us better than that. On Tuesday Gabriel called us and told us he had an apartment for us to move into. GREAT! FABULOUS! But the one thing I've learned here is to not get excited till you get all the facts. So the next morning we went in and met with them to find out that ISA Austin wanted Sasha and I to both pay $750 for the deposit...for living there 1 month. I've been in Europe for 3 months, I really don't have an extra wad of cash laying around to throw at them for a refundable deposit. And furthermore, why should we be paying double deposit on an apartment meant for 1 person? Nope, nope, nope. Annamaria explained to us that she had tried everything she could but ISA Austin wasn't budging. She even offered to take personal responsibility for the apartment if anything happened. Well last chance was she would ask if we could at least pay $750 BETWEEN the two of us. So we left in hopes that Austin would get their heads out of their asses. That night (afternoon in the states) Sasha and I received an email from the vice president of ISA in Austin stating that we would have to pay the $750 EACH if we moved. He went on to quote things from the contract and say how we had been given the chance to move in February but hadn't taken it so based on all this we would have to pay. Well funny thing is, we were never told we could move in February. Because believe me if we had been told, I more than likely wouldn't be in this situation. So I emailed him back. I was friendly but still had a f*** ISA attitude about it. I closed the email saying "Conclusively, I have decided that I will not be moving into the apartment. I do appreciate the efforts made to allow the option to even come available, but the chance of the losing more money to ISA makes it so it isn't worth it. Coming to Paris for these four months has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I've grown as a student but more importantly as an individual. My only regret is going through an organization that seems so focused on the money that they have lost site of the great things a study abroad program could do for its students. I really do hope that this does not fall on deaf ears; too often the voices of young people are ignored." I honestly didn't really expect anything back. Well on Friday Sasha and I got an email back saying how much he appreciated both of our emails and offering for us to fill out 2 credit card forms for the deposit...1 for $200 that he would exempt from the 3% normal fee for using a credit card and would also cash right away...and 1 for $550 that would be held onto in case of damages. I felt like his reply was nice but at the same time I felt like it was a kind of "oh crap I can't just push these girls around I better do something" kind of reply. Either way I've still decided not to move. I'm nervous giving ISA anymore money & by the time we got moved in and settled it would be time to pack up to go to Denmark. So all in all I will probably have my complaints about Dany (like when I talk about dinners this week) but I'm going to do my best to ignore how she treats us and enjoy the last weeks I have here.

As far as my week: Monday I stayed in and did some work. Nothing too exciting, Mondays never really are. Tuesday I had French and my English course. In English we discovered our final isn't this week but the week after...so it's my only class not canceled this week. That night Maggie and I ate with Dany...we sat down to a whole plate of cold salmon each. Gross..packaged...just gross salmon. I couldn't finish it. But after we went to the big movie theater only a few stops away and saw Remember Me. It was really good. It's amazing how many movies are starting to reference 9-11 though. I cannot believe it's already been going on 9 years. No French person in that theater could have walked out feeling how Maggie and I did. I definitely suggest people see the movie...sad...but good. On Wednesday I met with ISA. Then I talked to Mom for a while and found out Rahjah was sick. She seems to be better now...but being 3500 miles away this didn't add to my day at all. That night however was when my week started to change. Anna and I grabbed dinner near my apartment, I got the best vegetarian salad and cappuccino. Eating out of the house is relaxing. Then, for French class, we went to a hip-hop dance show. It was really good! They set hip-hop to like classical, opera, African, and every other kind of music. At one point they had plastic cups set up in lines across the stage and they were dancing in between them. It was all male dancers and they were all amazing. Nothing like a good dance show to brighten up my week. The choreographer has another show on the 11th that I might see if Ellie wants to go to.

The only rough part was that none of us got home till at least 11 and had French again in the morning at 8:30. After class though I hung out till Maggie was done. We thought we were going to finally get to do the hot air balloon, but Paris decided to get windy. Instead we met up with Keshia and went to Montparnasse, the tallest building in Paris. The view was amazing. It was strange getting up above all the city noise. It seemed so distant from all the craziness down below. We spent some time taking pictures before heading down for a nice cafe. Per usual the waitress was less than friendly so we had a nice talk about America v. France culture-wise. There will be some things I will not miss. The anti-American feeling does get old. But then in other cases some French are excited to see and talk to us...I don't get it. After we headed home to find that Dany was again not eating with us. We were going to go out but instead split my bottle of champagne from Loire Valley over dinner and just hung out for the rest of the night watching entertaining videos online. Shockingly, before bed, I got my entire chapter done for class the next night. Better late then never I suppose. Friday Maggie and I grabbed lunch at the same place I ate Wednesday and then I headed to class. After we ate dinner the two of us, Dany was "too tired" or something. She had combined leftover salads from the whole week, thrown green beans and corn on top, and called it something new. Less than appetizing. Crunchy pasta to match. Dinner is always either really good, or really not. That night we watched Pirates and just hung out before going to bed.

Saturday I, for the most part, finished the slideshow for the Alpha Phi senior farewell. I have some newer pictures to add but it's almost done. I'm glad to not be rushing to the last minute for once. Other than that I just walked around some and relaxed. This week was for some reason exhausting and I just wanted some alone time. That night Dany didn't eat with me, AGAIN. So I ate alone. She made an entire table worth of food for just me. Included was the gross salad so I put it right back in the fridge before even sitting down, crunchy pasta from the night before mixed with canned mushrooms, cucumber/avocado salad (the cucumbers were good but the avocados had weird black spots on them), 4 slices of toast (no baguette all week), a place of cold fish and something else. I'm glad I wasn't very hungry, though I'm sure she wasn't happy with how little I ate. Maggie came home around 9:30 or so and by then it was too late to just go to a movie or anything so we once again stayed in. Hopefully we'll go out more this week.

Sunday. Sunday was my favorite day this week. That morning Maggie, Keshia, and I went to brunch at Breakfast in America. Maggie and I got their brunch special for 16 euros. It came with a choice of egg (I got a mexican omelet), tomatoes or hash browns (hash browns of course), toast, choice of pancakes or yogurt and a pastry (PANCAKES!), and endless coffee or espresso with orange juice (endless coffee and juice). It was amazing. The best part was they didn't bring it all at once, so besides the omelet, we finished everything. We waited in line for 45 minutes to get in, but it was worth it. From there we went to see the memorial for Princess Diana. I had completely forgotten she died here. Her memorial is shaped like a flame and place on the bridge over the underpass directly above where the accident happened. People wrote rest in peace notes all over the bridge. It was actually kind of nice. But at the same time strange to remember the news shows videos and photographs showing that exact place. We took some pictures there and of the Eiffel Tower before heading to Bois de Vincennes, the park. We met up with Sasha there and it was ABSOLUTELY beautiful outside. First we went to where the park name along with "Paris" is in huge letters. A photo shoot there was of course necessary. After we went and laid in the middle of the Chateau Vincennes on the grass to soak up some much needed sun. Yup, no worries, just chillin' in the middle of a castle. It was such an amazing day that we all just wanted to pass out in the sun. From there we headed to Place Monge, a place Sasha and I haven't been to since February even though it's so close to us. It was ironic because yesterday was the 3 month mark that I had been here and known Sasha and we were walking down the street we did my first night here. We grabbed ice cream that was shaped into roses on our cones and walked home. On the way however, all of our jaws dropped as we saw THE most attractive men that I've seen since I've been here. They were walking in front of us talking about us as we talked about them. Unfortunately our paths split but we all made eye contact for as long as possible till the other group was out of sight. Not a bad way to end the day at all! We came home to find Dany cooking...but she didn't eat with us again and there was no baguette again. Dinner wasn't bad but she stil hadn't thrown away that salad, hopefully she did today. Things have just slipped with her...she was so great at the beginning and it just got steadily worse.

Either way, yesterday was amazing. I couldn't have asked for a better day. I really am happy for the first time in a long time. And I think it's been the first time I've been happy that a guy hasn't been directly involved in it. I really haven't felt like "myself" since around May of 2008. From there, it's been a slow process of piecing everything back together. Getting away and coming here has been the best thing for me and although it hasn't been all amazing times, this has been one of the best experiences of my life. I am truly happy. At the same time, however, it scares me to go home. It scares me to go back to where the unhappiness I felt before originated. I feel like I've grown as a person though and that no matter what lies ahead, I'll be able to handle it a lot better than I could before. I miss home, but it will be strange to leave this life behind me.

Only 26 days left in Paris and oh so much to do. Today I'm finally going to the Pantheon and maybe something else, who knows. I have the whole week with no classes, so hopefully I'll get to see and do a lot that I've been meaning to.

Au Revoir <3

Days 81-85 (Loire Valley & the fabulous encounters with my host...)

2010-04-12T05:51:00.000-07:00

Thursday night was a blast. I don't think I'd been "out" in Paris since before I went to Ireland. Though I am in a country where I could go out and go to bars every night if I wanted to, it hasn't changed the fact that I'd rather curl up on the couch and watch a movie than be out till 5-6 in the morning. But going out occasionally is definitely necessary. Maggie and I met up with Will, Adrian, and their two friends at Le Bar 10. I will miss that bar when we leave next month. We hung out there for a while and Maggie and I split 2 pitchers of sangria. From there the 6 of us went to Chatlet to check out Cafe Oz. Everyone has talked about great night there so I guess it was about time to check it out. I expected a bar. This might as well have been a club. Maggie and I got there monthly special cocktail, Just Dandy I think it was called, it had gin and orange juice along with something else. We found a table and looked around at the crazy Paris dancing...on the floor AND on the tables. We hung out for like 2 hours I think? Then the others got food across the street, Will bought all of us girls (plus a random girl) flowers and Maggie and I made sure that they all safely got in a cab before we went venturing off to find the night bus. I'm paying for my naviGo therefore unless it's an extreme circumstance, I'll wait for the bus and save the money from a taxi. We made it home sometime around 3. Sasha had a date that night and was shocked she made it home before us. Overall, a successful night out.

The next day was neither successful nor fun. It was in fact horrible. Dany does not know what she wants from us. The dishwasher broke weeks ago, clearly because she stuffs the entire contents of her dish cabinet into it before running it, but she blames us. So we're not allowed to put things in the dishwasher, really I'm 20 I swear, not 6 like she apparently thinks. Well, she told us to leave our dishes the sink and she would put them in the dishwasher, so that's what we had been doing. Thursday we get a note saying to wash our own dishes and not leave them in the sink because she isn't our maid, so Friday the three of us are in the kitchen washing the dishes and Dany comes in and YELLS at us for being in the kitchen and washing our dishes. 1. REALLY?!?!? 2. So basically we're not even allowed in the kitchen anymore? 3. REALLY??!?!? Every other family the students are allowed in all areas of the house. Now we're not allowed in the kitchen OR the living room? Okay so our rooms and that's it...yet she'll complain to the cleaning lady how we're always in our rooms? Anyway back to Friday. She spent the whole afternoon with a friend in the living room bitching about us. She said how she can't wait for us to leave and complained about me being vegetarian, as if she didn't know I was MONTHS before I got here. They assigned us to her because she agreed to cook vegetarian. I just hate how she'll talk shit about me/us in French KNOWING that I don't know enough French to defend myself back. Basically I spent the afternoon emailing ISA that enough is enough. I did not pay $14,400 to be treated like this. And if I hear one more time about how we were "clearly raised American" I might flip out..even in English I think she'd get the point.

ANYWAY that night Maggie and I stayed in and watched The Italian Job and I packed and went to bed. But beforehand did talk to Ellie while she BOOKED HER FLIGHT TO VISIT MEEEEE!!!! She's coming May 9th and going to Denmark with me...then flying home the 25th. I could not be more excited. It was a terrible day and I needed some good news. We haven't worked out any of the details really from there...but what matters is that she's coming. 27 days. I'd been kind of bummed that no one could come visit so I couldn't be more excited that she is. Paris won't know what hit it ;)

I went to bed way too late so getting up at 5:45 to head to ISA was not fun at all. But it was worth it. This weekend was absolutely amazing and more than needed. We had a two-three hour bus ride first to Chateau de Chenonceau. It was beautiful there. The castle was pretty, the problem was all the restoration going on. There was a fake front put on it since they were redoing it. Sad day. But the gardens were amazing. I've needed to get out of the city smog. Even spring break we were still in the cities. I miss fresh air. And I miss the space. After the guided tour of the chateau, which mostly revolved around tales of all the mistress of the various kings, we were let loose. We grabbed lunch, the weirdest veggie burger I've ever had, went through the labyrinth, easiest one EVER I think, took some cute photos, and then I wandered off. A twenty minute walk in the woods was exactly what I needed. I got some pretty pictures too. From there we went to Le Close Luce, Da Vinci's mansion. The inside was cool architecture-wise, but once again the outside was what I loved. There were streams and bridges, examples of his inventions, a playground, and more. We didn't have nearly enough time to see it all. But already this trip had been much more laid back than the first to Normandy. We had a "surprise" next which of course involved alcohol, a wine tasting. First they showed us how it was made. It's stored in these caves made from when they removed the lime stone from the cliffs to make the chateaus. Then we got to sample like 5 different kinds. It was delicious and not badly priced at all. We took some lazy cute pictures outside and then all passed out on the bus due to the wine. Our hotel was a Holiday Inn and Sasha and I continued our nap once in our room. It was already 7:30 but sleep was necessary. Poor Sasha has been terribly sick since late last week. If the guys hadn't called I don't think we would have gotten back up. We headed to dinner. Sasha and I split a salad and mussels. The salad was amazing; corn, beats, lettuce, carrots, and more. I miss corn a lot. The mussels were under cooked and we had to send them back once. I wish it had been more filling but it could have been worse. The guys got pizza and they didn't look so great, all of the toppings were just in the middle. I grabbed a McFlurry and then we headed home. I read Odd Thomas for a couple hours and fell asleep.

The next morning we grabbed an iffy breakfast at the hotel and headed out. It was about 2 hours or so before we got to Chateau de Chambord. It was again beautiful and there was no restoration going on at this one. We got to do a self guided tour which was nice but I think I would have preferred a tour so we would have learned more about it's history. Seeing it is great, rushing through it isn't, these places are amazing. Sasha and I saw a good chunk of it. The rooms just lead to more and more rooms, over 400 of them. In the middle is a double helix staircase. The architecture was just amazing. After Sasha and I grabbed a two person bike, the side by side ones (kind of looks like a go-cart), too bad it was the hardest workout either of us had done in a while. It was still fun though. We grabbed lunch and ice cream and then set out on one of the motor boats. I love boats. So relaxing and a great opportunity for pictures. From there we had our second "surprise" for the trip, another wine tasting, this one paired with cookies. We tried a white wine and then white wine mixed with chambord liquor, once again delicious. The bus ride home was only 2-2 1/2 hours but it was enough to sleep for a bit. We also got to talk to one of the resident directors about our issues at home. I was impressed and felt like he actually really did listen to what we had to say. He made no excuses for her and recognized the fact that we were trying. We'll now have to see if anything comes of it. He said he was going to call her today to talk to her and since we haven't been yelled at yet, I don't think it's happened.

It was an amazing relaxing weekend. It made me miss the farm back home...just getting out into the middle of nowhere and not worrying about anything. Too bad we were snapped back to reality. Dany was nasty from the start. She told us she was "too tired" to eat with us so we said okay and went to our rooms. An hour later she went to Maggie's room and yelled at her wondering why we weren't eating. Well, considering dinner isn't usually ready till 7:30 and we had walked in at 6:30 and she never said it was ready....I really haven't gotten very good at reading minds. But anyway we went to eat. No more than 5 minutes later she comes it yells at us for being too loud and slammed the kitchen door. Apparently we're not allowed to speak either. She claimed she was watching TV and we were disturbing her..I walked by the living room a few minutes later and yes the TV was on but she was sitting at the computer not even watching it. Then we closed the microwave and she came in to make sure we hadn't broken it...haha. We gave up on being quiet. There was no point. And then we're just sitting there talking and catching up about the weekend and Dany comes in and clears our plates while we're still sitting there. Clearly dinner was over. I can't do this for another month. Yeah "just a month" that's 4 1/2 weeks of hell with her. I didn't come to Paris to be treated like shit.

Basically, this weekend was amazing. It was the getaway I really needed. But we weren't even allowed an hour to reminisce before Dany ruined it. I just hope that issue is taken care of this week. Loire Valley was beautiful, another place people should really see, I wish, however, that I'd been able to keep the peacefulness of it with me for a bit longer. This week is just school and then a weekend in Paris. But who knows what adventures might unfold.

Au Revoir.

Days 65-81

2010-04-08T11:31:00.000-07:00

I consciously have not updated since Spring Break. The post just wore me out. But I'm back :) Thankfully not TOOOO much has happened since then so this won't be terribly long.

The first couple days back I was not feeling well at all. It started with a cough and congestion and turned into a horrible strange chest pain. It literally hurt when I moved my arms, like I pulled something, very strange. But it only lasted a few days so I'm happy. I skipped French that Tuesday to get some extra rest and dragged myself to my English class only to find out we were just watching a movie. Oh well, it was the Great Debators, which I definitely recommend. It was really well done. That night I stayed in again...no point in getting more sick. Wednesday, March 24th, I went to my art class where we got our midterms back. For having thought I did so horribly, I have an A- in the class. I'll definitely take it. Not looking forward to the 10-page paper I now have to write for that class though. Hopefully it doesn't ruin my chances of an A. That night Mannat and I went to the Mexican restaurant I had been to before. Maggie was still gone and Sasha was working so Dany was "tired" and handed me money to go out. Clearly dinner one on one with me wasn't okay with her...blech. Anyway we got margaritas and burritos. The waiter spoke Hindi with Mannat and when he asked us if we wanted another margarita Mannat said they were too expensive but he could give us one on the house if he wanted. He gave us an "as if" look and then came back with 2 margaritas. Gotta love free drinks that actually have alcohol in them. The next day was French in the morning then a nap I think. That night Sasha and I went to the sangria bar, le bar 10, for the first time in forever. We met up with Adrian and Will whom we hadn't seen in forever. Grace's friends, Olivia and Bridgette, were also in town and managed to find it to hang out with us. I was impressed they found it. It is very much off the beaten path. Friday morning I woke up to men walking in my room. Haha YEAHHHH. We had gotten new windows the week before and they had come to paint. Dany said it would be 10:30...yeah it was 8. Sooo not a good way to start the day. So I met up with Keshia and worked on our presentation that we then presented that night. It went really well. The professor is probably the hardest I have (still not hard) and he seemed to think we did well. I actually really enjoy his class. I learned a lot about the Red Cross in the process too. I like when I actually learn about something I'm interested in.

Saturday was not a very good day. Let's just say some people can prove very quickly that they have NOOO idea who you really are. It has nothing to do with anyone here. But nonetheless Sasha and I were both in terrible moods due to both of our nights before. We attempted to go get amazing hot chocolate from Angelina's, but the line was around the street. Not happening when Sasha had to work. So we gave in and got Starbucks, my first since I've been here. We just walked along the Louvre and got some fresh air. She had to work that night and I don't think I did anything?? I'm not really sure and if I did it was clearly not that exciting. Sunday I met up with Keshia and went to the flea market. It was okay. Cheap, cheap stuff, but dirty. We got lost along the path between them all and a drunk homeless guy pushed Keshia up against a car. She shoved him off and cussed him. Luckily it didn't escalate from there. From there we went to the Moulin Rouge. I was so excited to finally see it. It isn't as small as people imply, still not huge, but very noticeable. There were sex shops all around it. We went on a walk to explore. It was pretty amusing. From there we went on a train tour of the Montmartre area (around the Scare Coeur). It was cute and I learned a few things about the area. Keshia has literally seen everything in Paris I think and is nice enough to take me to see some of the cool things she's discovered. Monday I relaxed and did some homework. Nothing too exciting. My naviGo (metro pass) had run out since we bought weekly because we'd be gone for a whole week (no point in a monthly) so I wanted to stay in the area and not pay 1.60 euro to go everywhere before the new month started.

Tuesday I had French and then my English class. Nothing exciting happened at all. That afternoon it was beautiful outside so Sasha and I found a tea house within walking distance. It was founded by an American woman who married a French man. It was adorable. They have so many different kinds of teas. I definitely want to go back. I had one with different fruits along with rose petals. The place also sold yarn. I wanted to get some for mom and was really excited to find a nice gift for her. However, upon further examination I found that it was all imported from the states. Yeah so much for that. After we hurried home because Sasha had to work. That night Maggie and I went to see The Ghost Writer. It was...interesting? I'm not really sure. I didn't really like it. Plus the mouse running up the wall of the theater didn't help. Ewwww. Not going back there. Wednesday I hung out at home because it was the last day of the navigo not working.

Thursday I didn't have French in the morning which was amazing! I had a great day and actually saw some sites. Keshia, Maggie, Sasha and I met up to try to go to the bell tower of Notre Dame. I say try because the line was about 17 years long. So we walked around in the church, my first time finally inside, and took some pictures. After we grabbed lunch. I ordered a salad in a bread bowl. Ugh. Never again. The first two came out with mold on them and the last was so soaked in dressing that it was absolutely disgusting. 10 euros down the drain. In the states, if I'd been served something with mold I would have gotten a free meal immediately. Nope, not here. He wanted to charge me the same 10 euros and give me the salad on a plate. When I said I wouldn't pay the full amount he went next door to get new bread. It was a very disappointing meal. Anyway, after we went to Shakespeare and Co. so that Maggie and Keshia could see it. I really do love that place. From there we went to Cimitière du Père Lachaise. There are so many famous people there it's pretty crazy. Modigliani and his wife that died the same day, Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and many more found their resting places there. It's really cool because the graves are all above ground. There is a map at the beginning to help you find who you are looking for, butttt it doesn't help very much as we found out. We did find Oscar Wilde's grave though, the one that really interested me, and somehow a tradition started for women to kiss the tomb. It has been redone because of it and there is even a plaque asking people not to deface it. That clearly hasn't worked. I tried to look up how it started with really no luck. The cemetery was beautiful though and I hope to go back to see more of it. By then I was exhausted and headed home. Dinner ran super late that night so bed was a must right after.

Friday I got up and did my chapter for the night class. Every week I say I'm going to do beforehand so I can do something before class. That's never successful though. I mean right now I'm updating my blog when I probably should be reading. Oh well, this did need to be done as well. Dany was gone for the weekend (what a nice break) so when I got out of class Maggie and I warmed up our frozen meals and went to mass for Good Friday. I had never been to a Catholic service before. The church, Trinity, was beautiful. The architecture was just amazing. The service was pretty too. The way the French echoed off the walls made it extremely religious. But it also meant I didn't understand a whole lot. I enjoyed it, but it did remind me why I praise God the way I do. I do not kneel before my God, but dance beside him. He is my best friend. Not meant to be feared or admired, but the strongest shoulder to lean on. I sing, dance, and act exactly the crazy way he intended me to be. I miss the services I went to with Jan and Josh in Texas. My God loves to hear me sing in his name, even if it isn't very good. I am very glad I went to the service though. I want to experience the absolute most that I can. After I grabbed a McDonalds shake and fries because it sounded amazing. They didn't have chocolate which was the first issue. The second was that it was tiny and watery. Sad day. Haha.

Saturday. One of the girls I met at my leadership conference for Alpha Phi last summer was in Paris for a couple days and I finally got to see her, Lauren. Another Alpha Phi, which was amazing. We met up (Sasha, Lauren, Maggie, Keshia, and I) at the Sacre Coeur so she could see the inside. But I might add that first Sasha and I got out at the deepest metro in Paris and didn't realize it so decided on the stairs instead of the elevator. Poor choice. After Sacre Couer we walked all the way back down the hill to go see the wall by the metro with love written in legit every language. We took a few pictures and searched for it in English forever. From there we went to some of the shops near by. I bought my first cat figurine of the trip. For those of you that don't know, I have quite the collection building. After Lauren wanted to see Champs Elysees so we headed that way. The weather started turning but we weren't afraid. We went to the top of Arc de Triumph, another thing on my to do list for Paris. It was another million steps up to the top. My hips were less than happy, but it was so worth it. Such a beautiful view from the top. We got down to the bottom just in time to find the rain starting. The rain turned into a torrential downpour. After waiting it out the sun peaked out again, Paris weather is crazy. We walked down the street to see the shops and then searched for the bus to head home. It turned out that the bus was far from where we thought it was, but it did mean that we got to see the high end shops that I thought would have been on the Champs. We hit up the mall for some Easter candy which took forever but it was amazing chocolate. Anyway, we headed home and Lauren tagged along. We ate about a three or four hour dinner because Maggie, Lauren, and I sat talking for so long. We had planned to go out but it was actually really nice to just sit and talk. I definitely got my exercise that day. My legs were almost shaking by the end of it.

Sunday was Easter. Maggie went to church and then we met up with Lauren again to get Mexican food. Nothing like burritos and mojitos for lunch. After we went walking to find some shops. We tried to go to the modern art museum but the line was around the block so we wandered around and eventually stumbled on Les Halles. It was like this huge underground mall. There were a ton of cinemas and shops. Unfortunately everything was closed, but it was still fun. We also stumbled on the cutest little jazz group performing on the street. There was this little old woman dancing and all older men playing instruments. I recorded part of it...it was absolutely darling. After we went to Bastille and explored the shops there. I didn't buy anything but there was a pretty cool shop that had journals, small bags, photo albums, and lamps covered in gorgeous fabrics. Lauren bought a pretty journal. After we wandered a bit more and then Lauren headed back to her hostel and Maggie and I went home.

On Monday Maggie and I discovered Bercy Village. It's this absolutely adorable little street of shops right off a big metro. At the end was the movie theater we went to. Finally I got to see Dear John. The movie theater was AMAZING!! The seats were like couches. I really am going to miss the amazing movie theaters from here. (and the kettle corn) Dear John was also amazing. I'm sorry Nicholas Sparks but the movie kicked your book's ass. There are some parts they didn't need to change, but it was very well done. Channing Tatum's amazing-ness did help that :) We were going to go to the Pantheon after but ran out of time. I did French grammar for the rest of the night. Tuesday I went to ISA to get mail and then worked on the senior slideshow for Alpha Phi the rest of the day. Maggie and I were going to go out that night but time flew by per usual.

And yesterday. Sasha and I went to post-impressionism, which actually wasn't as awful as usual, after we went home to hang out till dinner. Maggie, Sasha, Casey, Taylor, Mannat, Anna, and I all went out for sushi. It was the first time since I've been here to have it. 13 euros for 18 pieces of sushi, soup, and salad. It was awesome. We were all stuffed. After Maggie and I went home just to turn around and go back to Nation (metro stop). We met up with Will and his friends at Will and Adrian's apartment. After we went to a small bar on the corner for a drink. We had one and then headed home. I got a sex on the beach and Maggie got one with grapefruit and something...I can't remember what. We both had to get up early but it was nice to get out of the house for at least a little while.

As far as today I went to French this morning, bought a pain au chocolate, and a phone card, then headed home for a nap. The roomies and I went to get ice cream at a place right by our apartment, it was homemade, good...but didn't really satisfy any of our cravings for good ice cream. Tonight it's off to the sangria bar with friends and then out at Bastille in theory. It's been a fast three weeks for sure but it's been relaxing too. I'm finally getting to cross things off my to-do list for Paris and with only 5 weeks left I kind of need to get on that. I figured out my class is going to the modern art museum so I won't have to worry about the long line...but there is still SO much to see. What's funny is the week after next I have my final in the English class (super early compared to the others) and then EVERY single one of my other classes is canceled. So it's either go out of town or hit up Paris. Financially I'll probably stay in Paris. But really...one class all week. So strange. This weekend I'm off to Loire Valley with ISA and it's supposed to be good weather...let's all keep our fingers crossed please?

Things have been interesting with our host. One day she'll barely talk to me and the next she acts like she loves me. I'm not really sure. She's been on a spree of picking on everything about Sasha...it's getting old. For all the complaints I have though, it could be worse. It could most certainly be better...but I know that at least I get full meals at night and they are (except for while she was gone) fresh and not frozen. It was nice to have 4 days without her. We got to act like 20 year-olds again. She tends to treat us like we're 13. We didn't have to tiptoe when we came home late and got to take care of ourselves for a few days. It was nice having the place to ourselves. I miss living on my own without a 63 year old judging absolutely everything about me. I feel like she means well but has just lost her passion after twelve years of being a host.

Today is day 81 in Europe for me and I have 81 days left. It's crazy how much time I get to spend here with most of my friends getting ready to head home in the matter of 5 weeks or less. I'm getting really excited for Denmark and hope to live out every day I have here to the fullest I can. But for now?...It's homework time.

Au Revoir! 'till the next adventure.

*EDIT*

So somewhere in here I forgot to write about my not so pleasant Paris experience. On my way to meet Mannat for dinner I was on the metro when a guy sat down across from me. No big deal. Well then he turned his body away from the rest of the people, shielding his front with his back and a folder he was holding. Well from there he proceeded to stare at me and rub himself. I've never felt so sick and wanted to go home so bad. The car was packed so I couldn't move till I was getting out...and I had far too long of a ways to go. I attempted to read but that was of course impossible. This was by far my worst experience since I've been here. Weirdly enough the same thing happened to Kirsten only a few days later...

Days 46-64....haha

2010-03-22T09:18:00.000-07:00

Basically if you read all of this you deserve an award or something...yeah for sure.

So back on Thursday March 4th we went to the Opera to see the ballet. We all got dressed up and were really excited to go. The Opera house was beautiful. But we were all very disappointed. We paid ISA (the program we're all here through) somewhere around 10,500 euros to be here. They bought us the CHEAPEST tickets they could for the ballet. The girls I sat with and I were in the VERY BACK of the entire Opera house. Our knees were in the people's backs in front of us and our backs were killing us the whole time. For the money we're paying we deserve better seats than that. The ballet, La Dame aux Camélias, was beautiful. The ballerinas were top notch. But ISA? Really, get your shit together. I'm blessed to be here but we got ripped off. For real.

The next morning it was off to Ireland. I think I got up at like 4:30 to make sure I was ready for the metro. I managed to still get there super early though so waited like 40 minutes before the girls got there. It was cold but no big deal at all. We got to the airport at like the perfect time to board almost right away. Security was super easy which was weird to me but they were SOOO anal about the size of our bags. But all went smoothly. We got into Dublin and headed to the hostel, Abigail's Hostel. It was a really nice place and the people were super nice. We couldn't quite check in so we left our bags and went to explore. On our way in either Julie or Tanuja said "we should get tattoos" soooo of course we went to check out tattoo parlors and made an appointment. We grabbed some pizza (and I got jalapeno bites yum) and headed to the parlor. We found out that the tattoo shop was the first in Ireland and had just been the now owner's grandfather's house before because tattoos were illegal. Patrik, our artist, was so nice though his English was fairly limited. We all got 4 leaf clovers on our hips. They are tiny and very well done. If anything for me it represents how much I totally fell in love with Ireland. It was like as soon as I got there I felt like I was at home. The other girls totally love Paris, and I mean I like Paris, but Ireland...wow I could really be happy there long term. That night we were supposed to meet up with Julie's friend but he was running late and we were hungry. So we ended up finding a chinese buffet for like 9 euros. It was pretty decent and her friend ended up finding us there. From there we tried to see Alice in Wonderland but it was sold out so we bought tickets for the next day and headed to meet him friends. One was spanish and one was french. Absolutely hilarious. They took us to a traditional irish pub where some guys tried to teach us to Irish dance and we got to listen to some traditional music. It was a lot of fun. We got to see the famous Temple Bar area which was a lot of fun. There were people everywhere just having a good time. From there we went a more "modern" club. It was like 6 floors or something ridiculous like that? We stayed for a while and danced. Drinks were ridiculous so I didn't bother and since we had been up since 4-430 am we were getting pretty exhausted. We ended up losing the guys and headed out for the hostel, and most importantly sleep.

The next morning we grabbed what was left of breakfast, not much, and headed out for the Guiness Factory. Here came the next big difference between Paris and Dublin. We got on a bus and weren't really sure where to get off. The bus driver was so nice! He leaned back over to make sure we got off where we needed! I was shocked. In Paris it is really every man for himself. Let's think back to the noctillien bus where they looked at us and drove off. But anyway we finally got there and explored the factory. It was set up really well and I know I learned more than I could have imagined about Guiness. Guiness (arthur I think might be his first name?) leased the land that the factory is on for 9,000 years. How crazy is that?!? There were sample of nearly everything. At the top there was what they called the "Gravity Bar." Absolutely beautiful. It sat at the top and was glass all the way around so we got a 360 degree view of Dublin. A free Guiness was also nice. We bought some souvenirs and headed to the bus stop again. There was the next kind of shock. Several people stopped to make sure we knew to stick out our hand, like you would with a cab, to get the bus to stop. In Paris...yeah people would watch you struggle. It was very nice. I seriously love this country.

From there we wandered around Dublin more, not making it to the Dublin castle unfortunately. We found a rock that we THOUGHT was the rock youre supposed to kiss for luck...yeah not the right rock. We got cute pictures though, haha. There were random street dancers, leprechauns, and other random Irish things everywhere. We stopped into a few shops where I mostly just stood there. I just don't like spending money on clothes...even at home...so abroad I'd rather spend money on seeing things. But I didn't mind the other girls wanting to shop some and we did find an Urban Outfitters which I haven't been able to find since I lived in Texas. After we headed back to get ready for dinner and the night. We went to the Hard Rock Cafe for dinner which was pretty nice. It was the smallest one I've ever been in but the people were nice. It did take FOREVER though. But I have come to figure out that that's the European way in general. I got a veggie burger which was really good. The problem was we then had to run across Dublin to make our movie. On a full stomach it wasn't so much fun. We made it just in time though. The weird thing there was that they have assigned seats for inside the theatre. It's actually kind of nice because you can get them before and get better seats. Also then you don't risk not being able to sit by the people you are there with. The movie was in 3-D and decently good. I thought the story line was rushed and it wasn't really what I expected. But at the same time Johnny Depp was absolutely amazing and the graphics were beautiful. At that point we were pretty exhausted though so we headed home.

Okay so Sunday. Sunday was my absolute favorite day of the trip. We had to get up early and for some reason I couldn't sleep so got up and started getting ready but didn't want to wake the other girls if they could get an extra half hour. It was like 7:15 when I decided to get up after all. We had booked the Wild Wicklow Tour on Friday when we got in and had to be at the bus at 9. We made it maybe a minute or two late and could already tell it was going to be fun. There was a bottle of Jameson Whiskey sitting right next to the driver's seat. It was going to be a good day. Our tour guide, Steven, was amazing. First we went around Dublin where he told us some random facts that we might not have otherwise known. We stopped by the water to walk some and get some good pictures. It wasn't cold out...but by no means warm either...but there were several groups of people swimming. The water was beautiful. A bright blue that I didn't think was actually possible. From there we went to see the Avoca handweavers little town area. We got coffee (which Steven put some whiskey in back on the bus) and got to shop some. I found a really cute little notebook to keep in my purse for when I get inspired to write and don't want to forget my ideas. I also got love letters by great women and men which was inspired by the book in Sex and the City. Looking forward to reading it. After we went into the countryside. We got to see the Guiness Lake where the water that goes into the beer comes from. Steven gave us all shots of whiskey to do over the lake. So cool haha. We saw where Excalibur, Braveheart, and P.S. I love you were filmed. Pictures on the P.S. I love you bridge were definitely a highlight. We saw the bogs and learned a lot about Ireland's past. This is also when I definitely decided I was head over heels for the country. Lunch was in this little part of town and Steven sat with the three of us. We all exchanged stories and he bought us chocolate. Always a good way to a girl's heart. He is one of like 8? I think and plays soccer. Very nice guy. I had vegetable lasagna which was delicious. After the bus took us (I'm trying to not say "we" so much) to the Glendalough area where there are the upper and lower lakes along with a really old monastery. If you can ever make it there, seriously go. The lakes were breath taking, my absolute favorite pictures from the trip are there. If the blog agrees with me I'll post some of them. The monastery was also amazing. There was a tower that single girls are supposed to run around three times in order to be married in the next year. We did it. I don't want to be married in the next year though. There's also a huge cross that you try to reach around...looks easy...not so much. I got some pretty pictures of the old graves as well. From there we went back to the hostel to meet up with our new friend, Ben, to go to dinner. We went to a little Irish restaurant that the hostel recommended. It was a nice end to the weekend. They made their own beer which was pretty good. I had pasta and stole some of Tanuja's AMAZING salmon to put in it. We went to the Temple Bar and bought an over priced drink before heading back to get some sleep.

Our flight was super early and by then we had definitely all worn at each other. But the trip was definitely worth it. I absolutely love Ireland and if I could go to graduate school there I might seriously think about it. Monday all day I worked on unpacking and relaxing. I had a paper to do, but I of course put it off until late that night. Typical.

Quickly the next week: Tuesday I had french and then my midterm in Advanced Critical Thinking. (5 questions: 1. an example of a closed question 2. an example of an open question 3. give an example of a quote 4-5 two questions about the book we're reading) Kind of a joke but appreciated that it's relaxed. I actually really liked the paper I wrote for the other part of it, so we'll see. That night I attempted to study for the midterm the next day. Wednesday midterm in Post-Impressionism that totally kicked our asses. We had seen like 700 paitings...so we attempted to study them. Not a SINGLE one we studied was on the test though. We'll see how she decides to grade that since every one felt the same. After we grabbed sandwiches and Sasha had to work. That week wasn't very exciting because I didn't want to spend a lot since we were headed out of the country for a week. Thursday I had class and then Maggie and I went to the Frog for dinner because Dany had a meeting. John, Sasha's manager, didn't realize who we were and screwed us into buying a bottle of water. When we called him on it he said we were the one's lying. Thankfully Sasha kind of called him out on it when he was bragging about it out back. Not impressed. So we went to the Little Temple Bar to have a cider before heading back.

Friday was just studying all day and then a quiz that afternoon in class. I didn't go anywhere that night. Saturday Sasha got her tattoo, I couldn't watch though so I went shopping with Maggie. I finally found a lighter jacket that was only 30 euros and I got a hat and two tank tops...all very reasonably priced. It takes a lot for me to shop but these were actually things I needed. I've realized I didn't bring much for clothing and I don't know what I'll do when it's warmer. That night I ate alone because Maggie went out and Dany wasn't hungry or something. Yet Dany still made me like a full 5 course meal. I ate bits of everything to try to make sure she knew I tried. I packed and finally made it to bed around three...had to get up at 4:30. Good job Jenn.

I woke up at 4:30 just as Sasha was coming home from work for us to head out to the airport. Needless to say we were both pretty much dead. We got to the airport kind of early so we got some overly priced breakfast food at the airport and hung out before going to the gate. And then not only were we early, but our flight was delayed "at least 30 minutes." It is quite amusing to watch who moved from the gate and who stood there confused. Clearly some did not know English, Italian, or French...or just chose to ignore it. After a while though most did go sit. When we finally got on the plane Sasha and I passed out immediately. I woke up about an hour later to find that we were STILL sitting on the runway. I've never understood the point in making people wait on the runway...especially while running the plane and wasting gas. But whatever we finally made it. From the airport we took a 30 minute bus to the center of the city. Oh I forgot an important part. Sasha forgot to write down our hostel name, location, all that jazz. So all morning I was frantically trying to get a hold of people via facebook on my kindle (thank god for the kindle on this trip I might add) so they could log onto Sasha's email. Luckily Devan sent us the initial information and then Maggie sent us not only the phone number and all that but how to get there from the train station. Thank god for good friends. So after the bus we took the Rome metro to our hostel. I might add that their metro is only a euro whereas Paris is 1.60 euro. Our hostel was adorable. It was called the Rome Student House. It was only a little common room, a tiny "kitchen," two small bathrooms, and three rooms with 6 beds each. The man that was there most of the time was awesome. One night he gave us brandy and the next he came in to give Sasha and me tea he had made along with chocolate. Anything we needed help with he was awesome. If you go to Rome stay there. It's not the top-notch luxury, but you'll feel at home. After we tried to go to the colosseum but with all the delays it was too late. So we wandered for a while, grabbed our first Italian pizza...and searched for about an hour for an ATM. Of course when we finally found one there were like 10. We also saw strange seagulls standing on each other's backs...nope not doing anything...just standing there like he wanted to see more. So weird. After we headed to the hostel and got ready for dinner. We went to a little restaurant that turned out to be amazing. I got rice with seafood (muscles, clams, shrimp, etc) and Sasha got pasta with mushrooms. We ordered a bottle of the house red and sat there for quite a while. The house red proved to be stronger than we thought, especially when combined with our exhaustion. We were supposed to try to find Sasha's friends but since the directions they gave us (get off the metro and go up the hill) were less than perfect we gave up quickly and went back to the hostel for some much needed sleep.

The next day we were off to the ruins. We got gelato milkshakes for breakfast...haha. They were good but not worth the price to be honest. First we went to the colosseum where we were immediately harassed by street vendors. So annoying. It might actually be worse here than it is Paris. They try to make you feel guilty for ignoring them in Italy, "excuse me miss...miss? MISS?" Yes I'm ignoring you, you can stop trying now. We finally got to the line where people tried to sell us guided tours...ignoring them we were finally in. The colosseum was pretty cool. I wish we had been able to see more of it...more down below and above...but it was still nice. It was also nice that the sun was out so we didn't mind walking. There were cats everywhere too...and people feeding them which made me happy. From there we grabbed lunch on the street, kind of a mistake, not the best sandwich, but not the most expensive either. We headed to Palentine Hill and the Roman Forum to sit and eat. I hadn't realized how horrible the weather in Paris was until being here. We would just stop and sit for 20 minutes at a time and just enjoy the weather. The hill and forum were amazing. It was crazy to try to picture what used to stand there. The other nice part was it wasn't too terribly crowded because there was such a large amount of ground to cover. We found more cat friends along the way and just enjoyed the afternoon in the sun. After we got ready for dinner and headed towards where we thought the Trevi Fountain was. Most amusing dinner ever. Let's start with the fact that our waiter's name was Darwin. Okay, if that isn't enough to make you laugh. In the course of our meal every single guy, except the dark handsome one in the corner, came to our table to introduce themselves. One said his name immediately followed by "you come back later and we go disco." By the end of dinner we'd been given free shots (though mostly juice I think), met the manager, and been given large conolis for the price of little ones (we ordered little ones which were 2.50 euro and when they came out were the size of our pinkies). Sasha was definitely the hit of the place. An amusing dinner nonetheless. From there we found the Trevi Fountain and took some pictures. Once again harassed by street vendors...these ones had large cameras that they wanted you to pay them to take pictures of you with...like really? Can you see that I have my own camera and it's working just fine? I threw a coin in the water to make a wish, we'll have to wait to see if it comes true ;). There was a church right behind the fountain that we went into which was beautiful. Any church you walk into in Europe I swear will be breathtaking in one way or another. After I headed back and got some rest for the great migraine that decided to set on and Sasha went out for a city tour with a friend from home that was studying there.

The next day was Vatican day. I must say when you walk up to the Vatican it doesn't seem like it could possibly be what it is. We actually didn't have to wait in line like at all to get in and bought our tickets easily too. The biggest problem here was the tour groups. They forget that there are other people there...I won't mention which type of groups are the worst... So we got to see Raphael's work, the Sistine Chapel, and some modern relgious art among many other things. It was kind of rushed through because of all the people that it was almost suffocating if we tried to stand there any longer. It was very cool seeing the Sistine Chapel but I think I would have been more impressed if I'd been able to stand there and see it alone or with maybe 5 other people. So many people and it just loses it's glorious nature. I mean don't get me wrong it was amazing to stand in front of, I just wish there was a limit to the 5000000000000 people standing in the room. From there we saw the tomb of the pope's, not too terribly exciting and kind of creepy when they made the tombs look like the dead pope laying there. Was kind of interesting to look at how short some of their reigns were considering the age they take it on. The tombs led up to St Peter's basilica. The church was amazing. The architecture was astounding. There is a center area where the gold from the Pantheon was formed into part of the church that was beautiful. But Sasha and I got to talking about the money. Like when you get down to it how many millions upon millions of dollars have gone into these churches and monuments that could have gone to really doing some good for people. Yes churches are beautiful and often people find peace with themselves or whatever else is going on while within them. But isn't God's work really outside those walls? I definitely appreciate the old churches and their beauty. But a simple four wall church without mile high arched ceilings does the same thing. And that church could actually be doing a lot more for its community. Gah I sound like such a cynical traveler. Don't be fooled I appreciate everything we saw. And I think it's actually better that it makes me think about all this. It's better than just standing in awe for 5 minutes and then just moving on to the next thing. Either way it was beautiful. And it also houses, in my mind, one of the most religious pieces of art, Michelangelo's Pieta. I think it's because I read The Agony and the Ecstasy, but I have such an appreciation for that piece of art. I just think it's beautiful and it really stirs any and every religious bone in my body. Ironically we met up with a group of our friends in the Vatican so we all met up again to go to lunch. After searching a bit we got a deal for lunch. It was interesting to hear about everyone else's stories and traveling mishaps. We intended to meet up with them again that night but between cell phones not working and whatever it didn't end up happening. After Sasha and I went to the Pantheon. I didn't know Raphael was buried there. I really like the quote by his grave "Here lies Raphael, by whom Nature feared to be outdone while he lived, and when he died, feared she herself would die." Pretty cool. I feel like we saw our fair share of bodies on this trip though.The Pantheon's architecture was again amazing. There was a lot of restoration going on for the outside of it though, clearly not in it's best condition. All over Rome there is construction though. Grace, when we got to Florence, was saying that Italy puts all of its money into things that it believes will make it money. And it's sad but true. I guess it's probably the case everywhere...you don't preserve the history just to preserve it but because it will continue to stimulate your economy. Either way I'm glad things like the colosseum are still visible for us.

That night was an adventure in itself. Sasha's friends told her a part of town that was supposed to be good for bars and dinner. Well we thought it was on the metro. Nope. Then we thought we could walk from the metro. Nope. We ended up taking two metros, asking for directions, not being able to find the bus given in the directions, taking a cab, asking for more directions, taking a tram, and walking before we found the area. Come to find out it was only a 25-30 minute walk from our hostel. Oops. But anyway we had a good dinner. We split a couple things along with a bottle of red wine. Behind us there was an Australian and a British guy, the only two others speaking English in the whole place, that we made friends with. We sat there until they had literally packed up all the tables around us. They were the ones to inform us we should have just walked so they agreed to walk us back. Along the way we stopped a couple times, chatted a lot, and got to know each other. The guys were there on business, accounting business, therefore they were intrigued by Sasha and my extreme interest in the humanities. Can't get much more for opposites. We stopped by the colosseum and the guys bought us drinks. Somehow we were there again until the place had closed and packed up everything around us. They gave us the extra pizza they had left and one thing led to another but somehow we ended up having a pizza fight. Well mostly Sasha and I got pizza smeared across our faces by Joe (the Brit). I was still picking sauce off my face when we got back. I'm not sure what she said, but something sparked Joe to then throw Sasha into a dumpster filled with pizza boxes. Overall a very successful last night in Rome.

The next morning we experienced the Italian post office...waited forever I might add. Grabbed some food and headed for the train to Italy. Oh what do you know...it was delayed. Haha. Not too bad though and we just hung out by where it was supposed to be coming in. When we got to Florence the real fun began. Grace was supposed to "pick us up" at the station. Well when she wasn't there we figured she was just running late but I decided to write on her wall just because something told me that she was at the wrong station. And she was. Thank God for the kindle. She gave me her address via facebook and Sasha and I managed to get there. I must add that Florence does not know how to count though. We wandered down the street like three times watching the numbers jump from like 33 to 17. Really? I know you say them differently than we do but that doesn't mean they go in a different order. All was well though and we finally found it. After settling in we found dinner at a buffet style place where it was only 8 euros for food and one drink. The drinks left a little to be desired but it was still a good deal. After meeting Grace back at her place we then decided it was St Pattys so we of course had to find something to do. We found the Dublin bar which Grace suggested. It was fairly empty and I didn't think we'd be there long. I was wrong. First we had a cider each. We were never asked to pay for it. Then we had a beer each and paid for those. Then a random guy walked up and asked if he could buy us a drink...well of course you can! And he didn't even harass us after, just bought us the drinks and walked away. We talked to the bar tenders the whole time and even got one to color our drinks the appropriate green. I went to use the bathroom only to come back to find out that a very drunk American had been leaning on Sasha and almost knocking over my drink. She asked him to watch out...nicely at first. Then he took my drink off the bar, looked her square in the eye, turned around and smashed my beer on the ground. Well Sasha jumped up pushed him back and slapped him before two guys managed to hold her back. He clearly bought me another drink. THEN we were leaving and the manager saw us putting on our jackets, he asked where we were going. We said we didn't want to spend anymore money (not that we had spent more than 5 euros) and he looked at the bartender and had him pour us another round on the house. Drinking 5 and buying 1 is a very successful St Pattys. We walked home, I had to call Maine on the way, and passed out on Grace's floor, which actually wasn't so bad to sleep on.

The next day we first went to the Santa Novella Maria. It was pretty but most of the museum part were relics that people's bones were put in. A lot of it was closed. The church part was beautiful. There was a ceiling done like the night sky which was amazing. From there we found Grace and bought some postcards. Then we went to see David. There was a lot of the older religious art that I don't really like in the museum and it seemed like they tried to cram way too much art into a small place. Like we'd go to the other side look across and realize we'd missed pieces simply because they were too far up. David was amazing though. I snuck some pictures of course. He really is beautiful in person. The art around him was amazing as well. The colors were just amazing. There was a whole room of sculptures too, but again WAY too much was stuffed into one room. Grace took us to get iced coffee and lunch from there. My salad took forever but it was definitely worth the wait. I'd been craving a good salad with egg, cucumbers, peppers, etc. After we went to the Duomo. It was beautiful. You stumble upon in it in a similar way you would stumble upon the colosseum in Rome. The church had some of the most beautiful ceilings I had ever seen. We wanted to go to the top...but 8 euros and a huge line were not appealing at all. The best part about Florence is that you can just wander. There is no metro so the city is clearly kind of small. And no matter what we stumbled on I never felt like we were in any danger. So Sasha and I wandered for a couple hours. We found churches that we still don't know that names of and a whole square full of fountains and sculptures. There is a lot said for not having a plan and just seeing where the streets take you. We came across a shop full of the coolest pastas. Like the most bizarre colors...too bad a suitcase would have killed them. We also found one of the many protests that were going on while we were there...no idea why it was happening though.

After we went back to Grace's so we could go to dinner with her and her friends. She was leaving that night for her spring break. We ended up hanging out for a few hours before it was time and then headed out. Dinner was delicious. I got some sort of pasta stuffed with veggies and tiramisu (sp?) for dessert. It was nice getting to know some of Grace's friends. We headed downstairs and had a drink before a mini photo shoot before Grace had to head off to her train. I wish I had been able to see her more, but it was nice to just see someone from home. We got to talk about our mutual feelings of how weird it is that life just keeps going back home. It feels like everything there should just be on hold till we get back. I can't imagine how different things will be. By then it was around 1 so we headed back to Grace's, I talked online for a bit, and then passed out. In beds this time which was kind of nice to be honest. Haha.

The next morning we grabbed sandwiches at a place that Grace suggested. It was only 4 euros and we got to pick whatever we wanted on it. Then the wandering started again. We tried to go to the museum where "The Birth of Venus" is, but once in line we discovered it was 10.50 euro. Yeahhhh painting you're not on enough of my top list for that much money. So we ended up going to Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Italy. It was pretty. That's about all I've got. We went across it and looked at the jewelry. There were locks on the birdge just like on the trees in Moscow where couples throw the key in the water after they get married. After we went to Santa Croce to see the burial site/memorial site of several important names. For one Michelangelo is buried there. Machiavelli is also either buried there or has a memorial. We weren't sure who exactly was actually there. Either way it was pretty neat. The problem was that it was under extensive renovation. At first we were a little frustrated by it all. But then we learned that the church was flooded in 1966 and most of the place was ruined. A whole new front was put on the church and they continue to try to fix the mosaics and paintings. Photos of the flood were devastating. I wish they told about the flood before going into the church because there are like graves or memorials on the floor and many of them looked ruined. Either way it was interesting to see all the work they were trying to do to bring the place back. 5 euros to go through this now seemed like nothing. Capella Medici is also within the Santa Croce. After we got the most amazing gelato ever. Grace was again right. The places that have the gelato covered so you can't see it are better. That means that they make it right there. The ones that look amazing and have it all out to see are still delicious but this one was so good. After we got terribly lost and finally found the piazzale michelangelo. I still don't know how we ended up where we did but we finally made it. The view was incredible. My purse broke the last night in Rome so we headed to the market so I could look for a new one. Wandering around Europe with a purse that doesn't zip is never a good idea. Luckily in Florence I had borrowed one of Grace's but I needed something for the trip back. I ended up finding a leather purse...got it for 35 euros off the price it was marked. I love it. Black and simple, but nice. We headed back for a quick nap and to change before dinner. Dinner took forever!!! In Italy they charge you just to sit down in the restaurants. 2.50 euro a head for instance. We waited forever for the guy to take our orders, then it was another 10 minutes before we got our drinks, dinner came fast, then it was another 1/2 hour before he came back for us to order dessert, we ate that and then waited another 40 minutes before he finally decided to bring us our check. We decided we didn't want to pay the cover. He had ignored us half the time and everyone around us had come and left in the time it took him to pay attention to us. Well the guy chased us out of the place and threw the money at us...not making sense since it was 2 euro short. (2 euro that's it not even the whole fee). Sasha tried to explain what had happened but got nowhere. We didn't fight him on paying it, at all, but he somehow grew to be more and more of an asshole before throwing the check in our faces. Restaurants, service in general, are a reason I don't know if I could even live here full time. At least even in Ireland when Tanuja and Julie weren't happy with their meals they either got them something else or took it off the bill. Nope we were American so this guy was just a total ass. Not a great experience for our last day, oh well. It was also this night that I found out on facebook that my sister had to put down her dog...so not the best ending to the day. Oh well. We packed and went to bed decently early.

The next morning we headed to the train. It luckily wasn't delayed. We had a connection (after 4 hours) in Milan and then it was another 7 back to Paris. Nothing very exciting. Seeing the country side was nice, but once it got dark we couldn't see outside. There were obnoxious people on cell phones and children that tried to act like monkeys...to be expected I suppose. I can tell you after 11 hours, the last thing I want is to see a train. Yesterday we slept in. I've been getting progressively sick so I slept much of the day and unpacked. Today I've been attempting to get homework done. Most of the day has consisted of tea though. I hope I can shake this before tomorrow...back to classes it is.

Wow...if you made it through this I'm very impressed. I'm also sorry for any typos because I've just been writing to write and get it all out there. Some of the details I might add later as I remember. But overall my travels have been nice. I am struggling with this whole blog thing...do I write the full fledged memories? Or do I write what people want to hear? I try to balance it between the two but there are some things missing that are probably only appropriate frustrations for a personal journal...nothing serious and nothing pertaining to anyone but my own thoughts on things...it's just interesting when you have a blog that your family and friends read vs one that no one close to you even knows you have. Either way I hope you enjoyed this. Let me know if you made it through it :)

Au Revoir. Until the next adventure.

Days 44-46

2010-03-04T04:29:00.000-08:00

I'm actually proud of myself, updating before it's been like a week. Quite an accomplishment. That and the fact I know I'll have lots to say about Ireland this weekend and I don't want to have an even longer update than usual. It's been a nice couple days.

Tuesday was my presentation in my "lit" class. The night before I was worried because I had barely gotten sources from one member of the group and another asked me if the presentation was the next day. All went well though. It was exactly 20 minutes, the allotted time, and I thought the flow went pretty well. I found it interesting presenting with Europeans because like when I finished my part the guy after me said "Thanks Jenn" before starting his part. Just a little random thing I noticed. Next week I have a paper due in there for the midterm along with a few questions for the midterm...fun fun. That night I locked myself in again to write my post-impressionism paper that I had known about for 6 weeks. But I mean really, some things never change. I think I finished around 1 or 2. The distractions of facebook, skype, calling someone on skype, and just generally not wanting to write it, prevailed once again. It turned out alright though, reminded me of my G/T English class in High School when we did like a whole month on art critiques. I knew that would help me eventually.

Once I finally decided to get out of bed on Wednesday Sasha and I headed to school to print out papers. I dropped off some post cards in the mail [some of you should be watching your mail boxes :)] and we got sandwiches for lunch. I got a goat cheese and honey panini. Sounded strange at first but I mean I love goat cheese and I like honey, so why not. It was really good actually. We got our papers printed and headed to class. I must tell you that class drags on like nothing else. I was sure we had been there for going on 2 hours and it hadn't even been 1! Thank God she let us have our break early and then we got out a little early, only after a pop quiz though. That midterm is next week and scares me a little. After class I took a quick nap and then ate dinner, skype called the usual, and then it was time to head out.

Ohhh the soccer game. An adventure from the start. I met Kirsten at school so we could head over. We took the metro to the RER lines (basically trains in the city). We got on the right one. We knew it was the next stop. FAIL. The train apparently didn't even stop where it said it would, the loud speaker before we left told us to take THAT train. And we had made friends with some french guys on the train that said we could follow them and even they had no idea how they got that far off track. We got off not realizing yet that we were in the wrong place. I tried to use my naviGO card to get out of the gate and it said something that meant "out of zone." There are like 5 zones that Paris is divided up into. Our cards work in the first two. Kirsten luckily had some random tickets in her purse that allowed us out. That's when we realized not only were we NOT in zone one or two...but we were in zone four. How we got there? No idea. There are no buttons to push to get the train to stop at your stop or anything...it's just supposed to stop. Nonetheless we managed to figure out our way back...still no idea what we did wrong.

When we finally got to the stadium there were people everywhere. My biggest complaint is that my first reaction has to be to grab my purse and not let go. The chance of pick pocketing is already so high...but somewhere like that? We were 2 of what seemed like 10 (exaggeration) females there so every purse was a target. Anyway we finally got in and found our seats. Our seats that were in the SECOND ROW of the LOWEST SECTION. So freakin sweet. We were right on the corner and besides camera men running around it was easy to see. The guy sitting behind us was really nice and took our picture for us and even asked teenagers that were standing in everyone's way to politely move.

Oh! So there are like 4 teens sitting behind us, clearly not their seats. The correct owners of the seats kindly ask them to move and the guys don't even look up, just ignore him. The other people go get the security supervisor who asks them to move and one, larger, kid, just mouths off to him. I mean really you're going to have to move...just move. Nope they wait for a group of like 3 even higher up security guys to come and basically force them to move. I thought a fight was going to break out behind our heads. I just don't understand why they wouldn't just move when clearly they are not in the seats for their tickets. The only other annoying thing was that everyone was smoking around us. My throat hurts like I might as well have been smoking and my hair smells horrid.

Anyway the game was a lot of fun. Kirsten and I were freezing but the time went by really fast. France seemed to be doing well at first but they had horrible follow through. Spain rightfully won. Number 15 on their team was pretty awesome. After the game we walked the wrong way for the metro so added about a half hour to our trip home. When we got to the metro everyone was packed in like sardines. The "scenery" around us made it okay though. Haha. I had to change lines 3 times, which meant going 30 stops, to get home which was sort of irritating. And when we were walking to the first one there was a homeless guy harassing this middle aged woman...like would not leave her alone. She tried desperately to just keep walking but it was a while before he finally left her alone. Women really are like meat around here it seems. The comments and hands...yeah they get old. But either way the game was SOOO worth it and I'm so excited to be able to say I've been to a European match now.

As for today I'm just going to pack for Ireland and do some reading. Tonight we're going to a ballet at the Opera house. I'm sure it's going to be beautiful. From there I plan on coming home and passing out. I have to take the first metro (at 5:30) to catch the bus to the airport in the morning. I could just stay up all night...but I really don't want to start out the weekend anymore exhausted than I have to. Our flight is at 9:25 and they say to be at the bus 3 hours and 15 minutes before your flight. Craziness. The flight is only 35 minutes to get there though which is sweet. Monday I'll be back home probably by 10 considering our flight is at 6:30 and we land at 9:00. (don't know why it's SOO much longer). Monday will be spent writing my paper and such for Tuesday and catching up on some sleep. This weekend is going to be amazing though.

Something I have noticed from being here is that I appreciate Maine a lot more than I ever did. If you've known me for any length of time you know that I've been itching to get out of Maine since about half way through my first semester there. Being here I appreciate what I have there. And even more so I appreciated the amazing friends I have there. It has been interesting seeing who keeps in touch and who doesn't try at all, but the people that do respond or reach out, it means the world. I've met some awesome people here, but at the same time I do miss some people more than I thought I would. I was so ready to run away for a little while. But now I do appreciate not having to grasp my purse and make sure it's zipped with the zipper towards the front everywhere I go. I appreciate not having my legs grabbed by people asking for money. I appreciate how clean everything is there compared to here. I've definitely learned a lot about myself and grown a lot as a person already. Hard to believe that it's only been 46 days and so much seems to different already.

This was far too long for just 2 days of events but oh well. Hope you all have a blessed weekend.

Au Revoir.

Days 37-43

2010-03-01T05:06:00.000-08:00

Mmm here we are again. Way too many days to update about. Not too much happened this last week, but this weekend was absolutely amazing. It was just what I needed to get out of the city, and away from the homestay, for even just 2 days.

This past Tuesday was my long day of classes. I won't even really comment on the Advanced Critical Thinking one because if you've read this at all you know how much I despise that class. Presentation in there tomorrow. Hopefully everyone has their shit together. But anyway that night I went to the movies with Maggie and her friend. We wandered around lost for quite a while before realizing the website told us to go the complete wrong direction. We saw In the Air. It was actually really good. I didn't think I would like it but was pleasantly surprised. Movie theaters are awesome here. I don't even know how to describe the actual theater part except for the fact that the seats were as comfy as couches. They also give you the option of salted popcorn or sugar popcorn. Candy isn't really packaged candy like in the states, it's like the candy store and you just get what you want and pay by the weight. We didn't do that but will definitely have to. I love going to the movies because no matter where you are you can forget about everything for those two or three hours and just get lost in someone else's story. Minus the french subtitles, I actually almost forgot I was in Paris. The movies will definitely become a regular thing..considering this one was only like 6 euros and the one on Friday was only 4.

My post-impressionism class on Wednesday was at Musee Gustave Moreau. It was his home his entire life and he gave it to the city when he died under the condition that they never get rid of any of his art. That's saying something because the number of sketches was almost ridiculous. You can tell how much he studied objects through them though because it's almost like stages and the last stage had more detail than one could imagine. His paintings looked like they were glittering. I don't know how he did it or what paint it was but it was absolutely amazing. The house itself was a piece of art. I've never seen such an amazing spiral staircase. It was clear that he spent most of his time on the third and fourth floors, they were exquisite. The whole area had a story to tell. There were random doors our professor would have us stop at just because an artist was born, died, or painted there. It's crazy to be somewhere where some of the most influential pieces of art were created. The rest of the day I took a nap and did homework. I'm trying to be careful with money because of all the traveling I have in the next 3 weeks. Budgeting here is difficult though. Oh! That night I did go to two of the girls' homestays to watch a movie and drink warm wine. Tanuja made the wine and it was absolutely amazing. The movie died half way through but it was nice to have a chill night with the girls. That's the hardest part of the homestays...we can't just have people over and hang out. So it's bars or nothing it feels like. Their neighbors were cranky though and we may or may not have had the police called on us for noise...they were walking in as we left and gave us a look and then left. Really...we were just watching a movie, not having a party. It was nice either way.

Thursday I finally got my international phone card to work so I got to start my day on the metro talking to someone back home, seriously the best way to start my day. Once I got to school I had French and then went home to take a nap till Casey called me. Casey, Tanuja, and I went to a Mexican restaurant by Casey's house. It was amazing. They didn't offer a vegetarian burrito but when I said I didn't want meat he made something up I think. There were like glazed veggies and potato chunks in it. It was soooo good. We're definitely going to have to hit up happy hour there. After Sasha and I headed home. She had to work but I just stayed up skyping with people back home. I found my Rosetta Stone headset so I used that, turned against the wall, and was whispering. The next day Dany told both Sasha and Maggie that she could hear me. I love that she didn't tell me. I wrote her a note telling her that I was sorry but I was really as quiet as I possibly could have been...the people I skyped with could barely even hear me! And I tried to explain that unlike others I can't skype with family or a lot of my friends in the middle of the day our time. She gave me a hug and said she understood and that she's going to get ear plugs. I hope she actually does this time because I'm twenty years old and 3500 miles from home, I want to be able to talk to people at home.

Friday I didn't have class but met with Keshia to work on our project. We went to the restaurant next door and were there for like 3 hours. I had the most amazing fresh squeezed orange juice of my life. It took them seven years to get us our check but overall it was good. We had kin? I think that's what it was called. Red wine with fruit syrups in it. That was pretty amazing too. After that I went home to take a nap and do more homework. After dinner Maggie and I decided we had to go out and do ANYTHING. So we hit up the movie theater right down the road from us. We saw Shutter Island this time. The theater wasn't AS nice as the other one but it was still a good time. The movie was exceptionally trippy. Makes you think in the Fight Club kind of way. I definitely suggest it and now need to read the book. Dany wasn't home when we got back so I packed for the weekend and talked on skype. It was nice to not have to tiptoe around for once. I went to bed around 2:30 I think...just because I couldn't sleep. I was laying in bed a while before that.

Now for the fun part. This weekend we went with ISA to Normandy & Mont St Michel. It was both an amazing experience and a great escape from all the stress I've felt from the homestay and Paris in general. Saturday morning I got up at like 6:00 I think? And then once Sasha got home around 7 (she had to work the night before) we headed out to the ISA office. They got us a nice double decker bus and our little group took over most of the bottom. It was a 2 hour ride there and I think we all passed out for just about the whole time. Must say that sleeping on the bus is not the most comfortable thing in the world. Finally we got to the Memorial Museum for WWII, Memorial de Caen. It presented a lot of interesting information but I was really ready to see the cemetery and the beach. We got a decent lunch there but it was expensive for what it was. The two movies they showed us were pretty cool though. there were no words so everyone got to take their own perspective away from it. That is particularly important when so many people from different backgrounds come to one area. No one needs to be ashamed of their country's past. Anyway, I think we drove another hour or so to the Omaha Beach and the Memorial Cemetery. It was breath taking. I really have no other way to describe it. I've seen photos of it for as long as I can remember, but to actually be there? Absolutely amazing. It was also pretty cool to be standing on American soil in France. We wandered around the cemetery for quite a while looking at the names and just admiring all the work that went into it. I'm still not sure how the names are organized, I'll have to look that up. But I definitely suggest that everyone try to make it there. It makes WWII seen so much more real. Seeing the names and what states they were from, the soldiers became real people. They were fathers, sons, husbands, neighbors. It's just hard to comprehend what they were through for us.

After we wandered the 10 minutes down to the beach. Sasha and I were the only ones who made it all the way out to the ocean, which was cold, but not as cold as I expected. We only went ankles in though. The sand felt amazing. I tried to not think too much about all the people that died there. It's such a beautiful place. We spent a while just looking at shells, drawing in the sand, and taking pictures. I found a full shell that still had the guy in it. I assumed he was dead but left him there anyway, the bus would have smelt awful, I don't think anyone would have appreciated that. I love the beach though. Freshman year Doreh, Sarah, and I used to go to Sand Beach at midnight just to get away. There is something about the vast ocean that just makes everything seem better. Plus I felt a little closer to home...though home was all the way across the Atlantic.

After we went to where the ranger memorial is. It's so crazy what these men went through. We read about how Germany thought they were safe because of the steep cliffs. This did not stop the forces though. The rangers made ladders and when they were cut or fell they just kept on going. Over 200 rangers started the feat and only 90 lived to the end. There were huge craters in the ground from the explosions and we got to go down into some of the shelters. I definitely have a new found appreciation for our history from being in these places. So many men gave their lives for the allied countries in that exact place. The whole experience was incredibly humbling.

From there the ISA directors said they had a surprise for us. We went to a farm where the best apple products are made in the country. They make everything from cider to 40% apple alcohol. We got to see how it's all made. The products aren't sold in many stores because at the very least it takes 4 months after picking to make a product. It smelt so good though. We also got to try every level. The 40% was a little brutal. They also make jams, honeys, etc. They were to die for. Oh and there was candy too. ISA at least knew that alcohol and food were the way to make us happy. When we headed out from there we had ANOTHER hour to drive to the hotel. It was back in the town of Caen. But boy was it worth it.

Sasha and I walked into room 220 and were ecstatic. The beds were big and comfy but more importantly there was a REAL shower. We wouldn't have to hold the shower head while attempting to wash ourselves. Taking a shower later on was heaven. We just laid in our beds for a bit taking it all in. We for once did not have to be quiet at night and I was thrilled to get a really good night's sleep. After meeting up with 4 of the other girls we headed out for dinner. I can't remember the name of the place right now, but it was so much fun. The servers all wore cute hate and danced around singing the whole time. We had sangria to start and 2 of the other girls and myself had escargo after. I had tried it a long time ago but the others had never had it. Sasha and I split a salad and pasta and I had an amazing dessert. In between however the owner walked around with bottles of vodka and juice shots pouring them into everyone's mouths. He actually even guessed which states we were from. Getting mine, Texas, right, along with Anna and Mannat from Cali. There is no pictures of mine but there are of the other girls on my facebook. It was so much fun. Ironically enough the ISA directors were at the table next to us, but that didn't stop us from having a blast, and by the looks of it they were having some fun to. Dinner was for sure expensive, but so much fun. I went back to the hotel to take the most amazing shower ever, watched a little of the Olympics, and passed out. And I must have been basically dead because I didn't even hear Sasha come in or shower.

The next morning we got up at around 8 and headed to breakfast. It left a lot to be desired but I was happy to start my day with coffee which I hadn't in the last few days. Can you say headaches??? I think I have a problem. Lol. We were on the bus by 9, recapturing the bottom of the bus I might add. And I think most of us were asleep by 9:30. We had a 2 hour drive to Mont St Michel and the weather got progressively worse the further we went. I found out when we got back last night that 55 people actually died in the storm yesterday. I'm glad I didn't know how bad it was yesterday because it just seemed REALLY windy and rainy to us. But anyway we got to Mont St Michel and I'd love to say that I was in shock because of it immediately, but it was too rainy to even look up at what we were running toward. The wind made the rain feel like needles piercing our skin. Not the most pleasant. We then climbed the 7 billion (haha) steps to the abby, taking pictures along the way of course.

None of us were too thrilled about having a guided tour of the abby. But it proved to be very much worth it. I liked how honest the guy was. He even commented on how if the builders of the abby came back, which took almost 200 years, they'd be driven to alcoholism due to the tourism trap it has become. After all the room where the monks used to sleep has been turned into a book shop. We were watching the service going on and the priest made the weirdest arm movement asking us to move on, but no one was talking so it was a little unnecessary. The only thing was that some people were taking flash photography....like really? The rest of the abby however wasn't too badly ruined by tourism. Our guide did tell us however that in the summer the place is swarming with tourists. He told us a lot of little facts that were pretty cool. Like there is a rosary there that was taken to the moon and the guy who had it gave it to them because the place felt so religious. I must say I haven't felt that religious in quite a while. It's amazing what man can/could accomplish with just his hands. It did become a prison for a while after the monks left which I found interesting. The bay? outside the mount is known for coming in at a meter a second and has the most extreme tides in the area. A man died there in May because of either the tides or the quick sand there. The guide told us people used to think the quick sand was the devil pulling people by their ankles to hell. So crazy that things that made sense to people at one time. Either way the abby was beautiful. Another place I suggest everyone try to make it to...it is listed as one of the 7 wonders of the medieval world afterall.

After we faced the rain and wind again to find food. We found some for not too expensive and then got to shop and explore some before heading back to the bus. 4 1/2 hour ride home to Paris...which I think actually turned to 5 or so. They did surprise us with cute tins of cookies this time though. Haha. We stopped halfway at a rest stop where we got food and I got a cappuccino thing. It was nice to stretch especially after sleeping uncomfortably again. When we finally made it back to Paris it was quite evident that it had been hit by the storm as bad as we were. Was not until I talked to my dad and got messages from my cousin trying to make sure I made it back alright that I realized how bad the storm was. It wasn't pleasant at all but I really had no idea it was that bad.

As far as today I'm updating this, obviously, and doing homework the rest of the day. Tomorrow I have classes (presentation in one), Wednesday I have my post-impressionism paper due and then the Spain v France soccer game with Kirsten, Thursday I have French homework due and then it's the Ballet at the Opera house with ISA, then FRIDAY! Friday I leave for Ireland with Tanuja and Julie...reminds me that I have to check in to the flight and print my boarding pass online...so strange. But basically this week is going to be amazing. We only have one week after the (with 2 midterms for me) then it's off to Italy with Sasha and I get to see Grace!! Back from Italy and I get to see Grace again in Paris and then Audie and Lauren (from Alpha phi conference this past summer) those next two weeks. So basically March is going to be a lot of fun, fairly expensive, and it's going to fly by even faster than February. I'm excited for everything that it'll hold for me and before I know it I know I'll be home. P.s. facbeook mobile really needs to figure itself out because the lack of getting to talk to someone lately because of it is just not okay with me. Lol (don't ask).

I'll be home in a day short of 4 months...a month and a half is already behind me. Crazy how fast it's going...I have such mixed feeling about it. Happy because I miss someone/s a lot but sad because this is a once in a life time chance for me. I can only hope I'll make it back to Europe to see everything that I don't get to this time. I do have faith I will though.

So there is my week in a nutshell. I will definitely try to write again before Ireland cause otherwise I'll have way too much to say I'm sure. I hope everyone has a blessed and amazing week.

Au Revoir.

Days 28-36

2010-02-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

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.

2010-02-14T15:55:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-13T05:36:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-10T12:36:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-04T03:08:00.000-08:00

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.

Days 12, 13, & 14

2010-01-31T05:48:00.000-08:00

Wow failure on the updating for the last two and a half days. I'm sitting here writing the dumbest paper ever, so I mean why not take a break and update. The last couple days have been quite the interesting ones.

Friday night was my International Relations course as I mentioned at the end of my last post. I had slept in that morning and was ready for a three hour class. I, however, have NEVER been so exhausted by a class in my life. I don't know what it was about it but when we left I was tired that I felt nearly nauseous. The professor seems interesting and has a lot to say, but the thing that sucks is he talks about America as "we." I really hope it isn't strongly tainted by the American perspective. I think I may have picked the wrong school if I didn't want though. The American part of American Business School probably should have been a hint. Either way I hope to learn a lot because my knowledge of history, is not what I wish it was.

That night, after a great dinner as always and a nice nap, Sasha, Stephen, Tanuja, Julie, and I met up at Stephen's for some wine before going out. His is only the second of the apartments I've been to. And I must admit his made me a little jealous that I wasn't living in one. There was a ton of space and a beautiful view of the city from his balcony. This time, after the disastrous Thursday night, we watched the the clock to make sure we didn't wait too long before leaving. Sasha's friend, David, was taking us out to a club on the Champs Elysee, for free on a Friday night. We have been very lucky with the acquaintances we've made.

The club was called the Monte Cristo. And when we got inside the crowd was 10-15 years older then us. The bar however was gorgeous. It had blue lights lighting it up causing it look like ice. We quickly made our own fun. If anything I've learned that I'm so much more outgoing here, because there is absolutely nothing to lose. People we gathered at the bar and tables and us five Americans were breaking it down on the dance floor with absolutely no shame. Sure, it would have been nice to have been with a crowd more our age, or have gone to a place where the drinks weren't 15 euros, $20, but nonetheless I very much appreciated not having to pay 20 euros to just get in. We had a blast. I've definitely learned that going out with smaller groups is a more successful way of having fun. I drank one 10 euro beer. But to go out for a whole night, and to have failed at going out the night before, and just spend 10 euros? I call it a success. Later in the night some younger guys came in and a probably 6'3-6'4 black guy came up to dance with me. Being from Maine I was a little intimidated, but hell, it's Paris. It wasn't until about ten minutes later that I decided I had had enough and snuck away to the bathroom to escape with the girls. Stephen did an awesome job of keeping us safe if any French guys came around that we did not so much want around us. We left around 3 or so and were safely in ours beds by 4 or 430. Finding the Noctilien was easier than we expected, we even ended up walking too much because we expected the stop to be further away.

Saturday we slept in until noon or so I think. Not bad considering that still meant 8 hours of sleep. When we finally got moving we met our new roommate, Maggie. She's quiet so far, but I'm thinking it might be a little intimidating coming into a house with two girls who have already been here 2 weeks and are pretty much bonded. She seems sweet though and speaks a little french, more than me I think. The sun was finally out yesterday so we decided to go to Montmartre and the Sacre Coeur. We quickly found out that even though the sun was out, it was frigid. It took about a half hour metro ride to get there before we started wandering by the markets. It was shocking how cheap things were there. Places had buckets of clothing and undergarments that they were selling for 5 euros and less. I told Sasha that I'd have to wash something about 5 times before I'd ever wear it from there. We grabbed a crepe and met up with Stephen before we started climbing the steps.

Luckily, we had come at the perfect time. A guy playing the guitar was finishing up shooting what looked like a music video and then we noticed 5 guys picking up glass everywhere. They were clearly about to perform and if they were picking up glass, that meant dance. I've been to countless dance shows, but this was definitely one of the best. They were not just dancers at all, but quite talented performers. My heart melted for one of them...dancer...and cute. Yup, my type. Sasha and I both wouldn't have minded stealing him away. I tried posting the video of them on facebook but it wasn't working...I'll definitely try posting it again today.

After we walked to the top to go inside the church. The architecture was absolutely amazing. It is unbelievable the work people used to do with just their hands. Going inside, however, I was a bit disappointed. I mean don't get me wrong, it was amazing. The high arches and art work were to die for. But I felt no connection to God or to religion walking in. Some of the churches I've been to in Dallas, you walk in and you can feel the presence of something holy. This church however, had been so commercialized that is has lost that feeling. There were literally coin machines, like you would see at a theme park or zoo, where you could get a euro imprinted with the image of the church. There were candles everywhere, which were pretty at first, until you see the signs asking for money for them. I realize that they need money for the upkeep. But a silver Jesus looks tacky, not spiritual. I hope I don't get the same feelings when we go inside Notre Dame, because this really was a disappointment. It could be an amazing place. They could even still ask for donations, but they could do it such a more tasteful fashion.

Once we left the church, none of us really too impressed, we walked through more markets where I finally bought post cards. There were artists all over the streets. Sasha was right though, they all did, for the most part, amazing work, but none of them really stuck out. It all looked the same as you walk by. Oh, that reminds me. The most ridiculous scam ever. If anyone ever goes there watch out for this. There are guys standing by the church with string. The tie it on your finger and start making a bracelet for you. They tell you this sob story about their lives and by the end the bracelet, from cheap string is done, then they tell you that you owe them 8 euros for it. Luckily we had Sasha with us, who had been with people ripped off before, so we brushed quickly by.

That has to be the most annoying thing about Paris. Anywhere you go, especially obviously the tourist places, there are people everywhere trying to take your money. And no doesn't get you anywhere. They are in your face CONSTANTLY. It gets to the point that they deserve to be hit in the face or pushed down stairs. I know, sounds horrible, but seriously I don't want your tacky ass, light up, plastic, Eiffel Tower. If people here would look for some real talent inside of them, like the dancers we saw, they could make some real money. I had no problem giving those guys a euro or two because they were working for the money they needed. They weren't sitting outside the church reaching towards my legs trying to trip me into giving them change. Get off your ass and do something. At least go play music in the subway, those people have talent and at least aren't just sitting around.

Enough with that I guess. All in all I got some great pictures yesterday and learned a lot about Paris. They told us from the start that there would be things we hated about Paris. And I wouldn't even say I hate them, it's just so different and very much a learning experience. We decided for a nice espresso and some people watching before heading home. People watching is definitely more interesting here. A woman stood pulling on the door trying to get it open for a good five second. Her face was getting more and more angry...the door was clearly marked poussée, or push. An old woman walked by that looked like she had just stepped out of a fairy tale. Her nose was bent and she had a black hood on. Her hair was gray as gray could be and curled in big round pieces sticking out the top. I think she reminded me of the witch from Snow White. Ironically enough about five minutes later a guy walked by that fit just as much into a fairy tale.

Once home we ate dinner and relaxed some. Dany cut my bangs for me which was much appreciated, but a little uneven. Oh well it saved me money. Some people went out last night but I decided to stay in. I'm trying to be careful, especially until the loan money and my security deposit come back in. I don't want to have to sit at home for the last half of my time here because I was dumb with money. Plus, from what I've heard about last night it was filled with extremely rude waiters and bar tenders, very drunk Americans, car crashes (not with any of our group involved), and men in red capes. Sounds interesting, but like a mess at the same time. As for today, it is finally time to get some homework done and just relax. I might try to go out for some sangria at the place from before if I can find someone to go with me. All in all a very interesting weekend.

Au Revoir <3

Day 11 in the City of Love

2010-01-29T03:34:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the most blah day so far in Paris. I tried so hard to go to bed early the night before since I had an 8:30 am class but I ended up laying in bed till at least midnight before I could fall asleep. Damn my sleep schedule. Nonetheless it wasn't that bad getting up at 7:00 for class. I mean sure any decent human being would want more sleep then that, but I wasn't miserable. I tip-toed around the apartment as much as I could trying to not wake Sasha or Dany up. Dany ended up waking up but she only commented on how early it was. I was sitting at the kitchen table, in the dark, eating a left over crepe from the night before. Class was fine until the second hour came around and we were all falling asleep. Skipping coffee that morning was the biggest mistake, but it's just so loud to make right next to where Dany sleeps. I'm going to have to figure something out for that.

After class I hung out at home for a few hours. Did some reading, talked online. The usual things to kill time. When Sasha got out of class (that started an hour later then what she thought when she got to school) we headed to the bookstore. I was finally able to get my French textbook, but they're out of the grammar book. I'm really hoping they have it Monday because though I don't have any work in it now, I'm sure I will by next Tuesday. We then stopped for a crepe, where Sasha got a free plain one because the guy messed it up, and I got a sugar one. I am getting more comfortable ordering for myself. I was just extremely intimidated at first, especially with such a native speaker right next to me. I'm sure it'll get there though and I'm definitely understanding a lot more.

We went home where we met Stephen so Sasha could be Ms Fix-It and sew his button back on his jacket and then we tried to figure out plans for the night. Once he left we ate dinner, just Sasha, Melissa, and myself because Dany went to Yoga, where we had some interesting conversations. All the way from sexual abuse to horror movies. Quite the dinner table conversations. After I took a brief nap since I'd been up so long and then we got up to go. Plans kept changing so we just headed to Will & Adrian's to meet up with people. And that's where the failure of a night started. Normally the buses would be our problem, or a.k.a. getting home. Not this time. We waited around way too long at their apartment so we weren't even at the first club till 5 past midnight. The line was ridiculously long and we had to be before 1 to get in free. There was no way I was paying for a club when it could have been free earlier in the night.

Cory and Julie stayed there because they managed to get ahead in line but Will, Stephen, Sasha, and I headed out for the other club. When we got there the line wasn't bad but with all the people skipping ahead we weren't moving anywhere. We did however get lucky enough to catch the last metro train of the night so we didn't even have to worry about the night buses. Overall we still had fun, I mean we were all running around the city. But it was a little disappointing to not actually go anywhere. If anything I learned to travel in even smaller groups to avoid drawing so much attention, and to make sure we get where we want on time.

This guy on the metro was trash talking Americans in Italian/French sitting right near us. Little did he know that most of us can at least pick up on bit and pieces of what he was saying. I understand that there are stereotypes everywhere, but it really sucks that people have to lump every American into the stereotype. Obviously it fits some because that's how it was created in the first place. But if they don't want us to generalize about them all being stuck up and rude, it'd be nice if they didn't act like we are the fleas of the earth. Number 2 of my anti-American experiences within 2 weeks.

Today I got to sleep in and am just lounging, writing this, and doing some homework before class at 3:30. Not totally happy about having class 3:30-6:30 but it is International Relations which I'm kind of excited to take from a French perspective. I think we're planning on going out again tonight, hopefully it is more successful than last night.

Days 9 & 10

2010-01-27T12:29:00.000-08:00

Yeah so I failed at updating yesterday. I was so tired that I thought I would just end up passing out. Ha. Little did I know.

But before that. Yesterday was my first day of classes. I barely slept at all the night before due to fear of sleeping right through them. First was French. I was a little nervous at first but I think it'll be more worthwhile then the two years I took in high school, because I can apply the language as soon as I learn it. I'm hoping that every thing will just start to click when we go over it and I'll be in a much better position to get myself around. The professor is nutty but she knows eight languages herself, so I'm going to assume she'll know how to teach her native one to me.

Next, was Advanced Critical Thinking 2. Wow I would have hated to see it minus the advanced part. This class is going to drive me nuts. I really wanted a lit class because I knew I would miss working with novels. But when I walk in and we're talking about how to properly interview people? Yeah, that was 8th grade, thanks. The professor is from California and seems to love her job, which helps, but she's a little out there. She made a big deal that we have to read 2 novels this semester. I'm used to a novel or two a week, so this will be a breeze. I have to write an interview essay for next Tuesday. Sasha gets to be my interviewee. I did meet a guy name Pierre-Emmanuel. He is native french but lived 9 years in the states. He's really into music and gave me his email in case I need any help with anything. So I guess I made my first french friend? Or acquaintance anyway.

After class I met up with Sasha and we headed home. It was our friend Cory's 21st birthday and a bunch of people were going out. I had pretty much convinced myself that I was NOT going out. I was even laying in bed! But then we got the text that people were headed there...and out I went. Kirsten and Stephen "weren't going either" but sure enough, they were there too. It's hard to refuse going out in this city.

When we got there the place was PACKED. I was a little intimidated at first, but 5 euro beer and mixed drinks changed my mind. I ordered THE DARKEST beer on the menu, and loved it. It was filling but Dad would be proud. Most of the time I just chatted with Stephen but I guess it was nice to spend some time with the people we hadn't really been with much. I had a mixed drink called Sex on the Sea as well. It was a pretty blue but tasted mostly like juice, which was dangerous, but I only had one. Around 1 we decided it was time to head out. Sasha asked for a light from some guys who then decided to hit on us and try to get us to stay. Two others made a comment that it sucked that they were just getting there and we were leaving. Being an American girl here is kind of like being a celebrity. Not sure how I feel about it yet. Minus the handsy guy at the bar, I guess I'm okay with it so far.

Then it was the nightly adventure with the Noctillien buses. We thought it would be easy because Sasha wrote down the buses we needed. First we couldn't find the 12 because it wasn't like a legit bus stop, just a sign on the side walk, so we walked in a circle before finding it. Then we thought we were golden because theoretically at the same stop the 12 dropped us off we'd get on the 15. Little did we know that where the 15 going one direction and the 15 the other are, is about a ten minute walk apart. It took dashing in front of cars, probably almost getting hit, and asking twice for directions before we finally found the second bus we needed. We met a group of guys there that were a little scary at first but it became apparent quickly that they really were just out for a good time. Even with their weed on the bus. It's amazing the things people get away with here. I know that at least in little ol' Maine...it would be pretty hard to do that. By the time we got home we passed out pretty quickly. Getting home has become more of an adventure then any club or bar.

Today was Post-Impressionism Art. The teacher, again a little wacky, seems like she'll be hard to learn from because her order of organization clearly makes sense only to her. I am however glad that she is looking for us to gain a general knowledge of the styles of art, and not to memorize dates that we'll quickly forget. We already have our first paper assigned, but it isn't due until March. One 5 page paper and a 10 page. And we get to visit a couple of museums. I'm hoping looking at the modern art will also give me some inspiration for what tattoo I want to get while I'm here. I've thought about the "coexist" with the different religious symbols. But nothing definite yet.

After class we went to a restaurant for lunch. I had an omelet and fries that I shared with Sasha. It is always a fiasco trying to pay because they put it all on one slip and someone always needs change. It was nice though and from there we just came home, took a WONDERFUL nap, drank some tea and coffee, hit up the mall for post-it notes, and ate dinner. Dinner was awesome tonight. Salad with tofu pieces, pasta, and chocolate crepes for dessert. YUM! We had wine as well, which was nice.

I'm definitely getting more comfortable here, though I still can't believe that I'll be here through mid-May. And then it's off to Denmark where I get to try to re-assimilate myself again. I don't know what I'll do when I get back to the states. Not having a metro, having to drive places, not having bakeries everywhere, and actually knowing what people are saying around me, might send me into extreme culture shock. My sis said the vet said my cat is sniffly from the stress of me being gone. That's just depressing. I definitely miss my kids (2 cats and dog for those who don't know) a lot. It's weird not having pets around to cuddle with or take care of. People here, except Kirsten, probably think I'm nuts for how much I talk about them. Haha, oh well, I've always been the crazy cat girl.

I have an 830 class in the morning so it won't be long till I pass out. So bummed that I cant get pictures to load on here for some reason. But check out my facebook for those. :)

Au Revoir!

Day 8 in the City of Love

2010-01-25T12:35:00.000-08:00

I wasn't going to update tonight because I'm tired but I know if I don't stay on top of it that I'll end up never updating. It was the same way with my journal is Russia. I eventually had so much to write that it wasn't worth forcing myself to remember all the small details.

Sasha and I went to bed early last night. She had class today and I was just figuring I should start the week off the right way so I wouldn't be exhausted the whole time. I think I got up around 10:30; not bad for a day that I could have slept away. I checked facebook to find that Julie, one of the girls in our group, is so sick that she actually thought she'd have to go to the hospital. Turns out it's a stomach virus so she was given some meds at the doctor. I hope I don't get sick enough to feel like I need the hospital...keeping my fingers crossed.

I took the metro for the first time by myself to meet Anna at the ISA office. It wasn't scary at all, but definitely a success. I'm blessed in the way that I can read maps and figure out directions quite easily, some others are struggling a bit. At ISA they only had one of my text books but the cool thing is I rented it for 15 euros from them and I get the money back at the end of the semester when I give it back. I'm kind of glad they didn't have the others because I might want to keep my art book and the novels for the Advanced Critical Thinking course. After, I looked up the school bookstore, which is oddly close to my homestay, the directions weren't hard to figure out at all and we found it very easily. The woman there was really nice and I got the rest of my books for 39 euros! 4 books for 54 euros...or like $75...can't beat that. I still need my French book/grammar book....but hopefully those won't be too much.

After we went by my homestay and then to the bank to meet Sasha. While we were waiting we checked out monoprix so I could get a planner and notebooks then Mac & Sephora. Make up is expensive here; I'm glad I bought some extras at home. After we were done at the bank for Sasha and the Phone House to get my phone (yay!), we went to lunch at a small place where the guy asked if we were on diets (haha). I got a vegetarian pizza slice that was delicious. At only 7 euros for that and water, I can't complain.

We had planned on going site seeing or finding something else to do but dinner time came quickly. I understood a lot more tonight and tried to at least say Oui and Merci more so that Dany knows that I really am trying. French class starts tomorrow so that'll help so, so, much. We had a salad with beats in it to start for dinner tonight and I usually hate beats, but I decided to try it anyway and actually really liked it. I'm going to attempt to try as much as I can while I'm here because this is my chance. Pineapple was dessert. Absolutely amazing. After dinner Sasha was talking about dance some and I decided that I really do want to take a class if I can. I haven't danced in years, but I keep saying I should go back. I'm sure it'll be hard at first, but anything that's worth it probably isn't easy at first. My hips haven't bothered me much at all here, which is shocking, and I don't want to push it too hard, but at the same time I've always said I wouldn't let the pre-lupis stop me from anything.

Tomorrow starts classes. French from 12:30-13:30 & Advanced Critical Thinking 2 from 13:30-16:30. Long afternoon of classes but I'm glad to have a regular schedule starting. Overall today has been extremely productive and I'm pretty much ready to pass out.

Au Revoir Mes Amis <3

Day 7 in the City of Love

2010-01-24T13:13:00.000-08:00

Passing out last night didn't happen. I ended up organizing a bit & then skyping for quite a while. I think I was up till 4 or so. The sirens going by outside definitely didn't help at all. But oh well. It was nice to talk to people back home, or mostly a person. Even though I had my face as close to the computer as I could and was whispering, yet somehow my host woke up. I felt bad. But the time difference does make it hard, especially with a host that is such a light sleeper. She told Sasha this morning, however, that I shouldn't feel bad because she wasn't mad or anything and she thinks she'll get ear plugs because the two of us do stay up pretty late. I would feel bad, but she sleeps in the living room because she chooses to give up both of the bed rooms to foreign students. We do try our best to be as quiet as possible.

When I finally got out of bed it wasn't long before Sasha got home and we made breakfast. Then we were so tired that we went BACK to bed for like an hour and a half. I think we could have slept all day but we really did want to see the Luvre today. It's going to take us many visits to get through it so it was nice to get started on that. We did get to see the Mona Lisa & the Venus de Milo which was very cool. It didn't actually seem like we could possibly be standing in front of them. I need to go to Italy so I can see David. I knew the Luvre was big, but I mean really, it's HUGE. Madame Attaway told us how long it would take if you spent 30 seconds at every piece, but I can't remember the number. Either way, a really long time. It'll be nice to get lost in there on the many rainy days to come.

Today was a short day since we slept most of it, but we definitely needed the rest after this week. Adapting to a new culture is exhausting, especially one with 1 million steps to get anywhere. My legs are going to be SO in shape by the end of this. And like Stephen and I were saying, we're not even going to know what it means to drive a car.

Dinner was quick, we had some sort of beans, zucchini, salad, and bread. It was delicious and I don't think I've ever eaten so fast...was definitely starving. And now it's off to bed so I can go get my books tomorrow and figure out the notebook situation for class since apparently we can't have laptops. Hmm.

Au Revoir <3 :)

Day 6 in the City of Love

2010-01-23T10:41:00.000-08:00

Dinner was good last night because Dany started asking how to say some things in English and she would tell me how to say them in French. I have a hard time remembering them right now, but familiarization with the language in any form will help. She's so awesome about me being vegetarian and dinner is always so good.

Last night was our first Friday night in Paris. And OHH what a night. It was one of the kids in our groups 21st birthday so a bunch of them were going all out. But, if you know me, you know I'm not really into the HUGE party scene very often. So instead of pregaming with them and then going out to Place Monge, Sasha, Stephen, Kirsten, and I went straight to Place Monge. Too bad Sasha, Stephen, and I were out the wrong exit of the Metro and had to go back around after walking a block or too. Bad night to wear heals to say the least. Finally we found Kirsten and made our way to the bars.

We wandered for a bit but finally found a place that looked pretty busy. We soon found out why once inside. If I've learned anything about bars and such around here it is that they are not what they first appear. Such as this one, you walk in and see a bar in front of you and a couple tables, off to the right is a set of stairs. We went down the stairs to find that it curved around and there was a dance floor with another small bar, and a lounge area even further than that. We stayed in the dance floor area, of course. Sasha and I grabbed a drink and then we danced to the American music they were playing. Funny thing was that it was music we were jammin to in the states at least a year ago. Songs like Toxic and Low. Nonetheless it was a lot of fun. There was a group of clearly gay men singing along to every song at the top of their lungs. They definitely know how to have a good time. The only not so fun part was the creeper in the white button down that decided we were the girls he wants to dance to. Somehow he got behind Kirsten and next thing we knew his arm was in her face. She and I tried not to dance at all to get him away...that was until I felt his hand slide across my back to my hip. That was enough. Sasha told him to get lost. Soon after we were so sweaty from the packed dance floor that we just had to get air.

We wandered down to the student bar where we all split a 25 euro drink. It was definitely worth it and I finally got something shiny in a drink, glow sticks this time. ;) I still have to find a sparkler drink that doesn't cost an arm and a leg before I leave. Kirsten said we'd get one on my 1/4 birthday in March. After a while Sasha's friend...or "friend"...Steve met up with us and then we bumped into a guy named Johnny from Canada. We headed to the Mayflower for one last drink. By this time my feet hurt so bad that ALL I wanted to do was sit down. The others said walking barefoot around the street was not an option. If I had been in Maine or Texas, those shoes would have been history, even if it was freezing out.

This is where the real adventure started. We waited 15 minutes or so to take the night bus home and when it finally pulled up the driver slowed down, looked at us, and TOOK OFF. We were all less than impressed. I mean really...why else would we be standing at the bus stop at 3 in the morning. So we wandered down to another to try to catch the 15 instead....this bus didn't even slow down for us. By that time we were all exhausted and getting a little grouchy so it was about time to call a cab. Kirsten however decided to stay at Stephen's so we were able to FINALLY catch the bus home. Of course my ankle finally gave out and I fell right before getting on the bus. Classic. Crashing into bed never felt so good. I tried messaging online with "someone" for a little while but fell asleep with the computer still next to me.

We slept in a little later then we hoped today but got ready pretty fast to head out. First we went to the Catacombs which was only 10 minutes or so from our apartment. It is definitely the best thing we have done so far, and it was only 4 euros. The experience was also very humbling. There are thousands upon thousands of people buried there and no one will ever be able to put a name to any of them. And more than likely they died miserably. A lot of them died in battles or fro the plague. I would hope families would know there family members are there, but still it's not the same. Sasha and I were a little freaked out walking down the dark corridors at first, but it was an amazing experience. It's not my usual kind of thing but I'm really glad we're finding some things off the beaten path to experience. There were poems and quotes written all over the place that referred to death, and mostly to how inevitable it is. One can take that two distinct ways. Do nothing, because you're going to die anyway. Or do everything and make the most out of the short time you have. It's awesome to be in a place where so much history is so accessible.

The only thing that shocked me was ALL the graffiti on the walls. Even some of the remains had been defaced. On the way out they checked our bags to see if we had taken anything, and the guy had a stack next to him of skulls and bones that people had tried to steal! I mean really...don't change the history, let those poor people rest in peace.

After we took the metro to St Michel to find a bookstore where Sasha's dad used to hang out. It is called Shakespeare & Company. We wandered a bit before finding crepes (that had toooo much cheese) and ended up finding Sasha's cousin, Claire, before finding the bookstore. When we finally did it was amazing. It's an English bookstore and has books stacked EVERYWHERE. I got some really awesome pictures. I'm going to have to go back because I was basically in heaven. There is a whole room with books you can't buy but can just sit and read. It's places like this, not bars or clubs, that will be the reason I love this city. The huge part of our group, basically 80% of the group, has been going out every night getting wasted and some of them are the most unwelcoming people I've met. And really I don't want to remember this semester based on pictures and puzzling together nights. I chose Europe because of the immense amounts of culture here. And I plan on having some awesome late nights out, but I plan on having triple the memories from just discovering parts of this amazing city.

So except for the exhaustion, today has been an awesome day. Dinner is soon and then I'll probably shower, hang out, organize some stuff, read, and PASS OUT. I need some sleep before we hit up the Louvre tomorrow :) I'm SOO excited to see it. And I could use to save some money by not going out tonight. Sorry I wrote so much again, if you make it through it, but I don't want to forget any of the amazing moments here.

Au Revoir my loves <3

Day 5 in the City of Love

2010-01-22T07:49:00.000-08:00

So I guess I'm overdue for an update considering I haven't written a thing since the first day. Paris is overwhelming, in a good way though I think. This city has so much to offer for just about anyone. There are so many sculptures and museums that it's almost difficult to figure out what to do or where to go first. Thankfully, we have 4 months to fit in as much as we can.

The days have not been all that exciting. Tuesday started the school/ISA meetings for the week. Tuesday was a general orientation which could have been shorter if some people learned social skills when they were younger. But, for the most part, I like the people in our little ISA group and it'll be nice to have 27 other people to make plans with if all else fails. After the meeting we all, all 28 of us, trekked over to the metro to get our metro cards filled (embarrassing large group of people to be walking around a foreign city with) and then went to the school where Eulan, the international students director for the school, told us 90% of the information we had been told by ISA and about 10% relating to the school that we needed. All in all it wasn't bad because at the very least we got to get to know everyone in our group a little better. Sasha, Stephen, and I finished our afternoon off with a nice espresso from a small place near school.

Wednesday we had to be back at ISA for a common-sense meeting about the homestays. The more useful part was the places around town to go and where to find deals for international students. The best part was getting our IDs for the Louvre, meaning we can go whenever we want and not have to pay. I think I'll be spending some quiet afternoons there. Sasha and I went exploring in the afternoon. Paris sales are dangerous, but I have managed to not buy anything, yet. It's just amazing how you can turn the corner and find a treasure that anyone else may have walked right past. That night we had a wine and cheese event at school to meet other students. Mostly we stuck to ourselves but I did meet a few others. After, three of us went to St Michel. Before we made it to the street with the bars however we got to see Notre Dame. I must say it is one of the most magnificent buildings I've ever seen. We got some pretty good pictures and could even see the Eiffel Tower from where we were ;) haha. After we found a bar where all the employees were wearing masquerade masks and when the bar tender saw us outside we gestured us in. They put sparklers on their mixed drinks, which I found fascinating, but they also put a 14 euro price on them. So we each got a beer before wandering back around St Michel trying to find somewhere else to go, but ultimately going home.

Yesterday we got to sleep in, sort of. Dany bought Sasha and me new wardrobes, or armoires (sp?), so in the morning we had to unpack all of our things from the old ones and help move them out so the new ones could come in. Dany was slightly freaking out at the change but Sasha said it's a French thing to overreact to the littlest things being moved around or changed. She even wanted to reorganize our stuff into the wardrobes while we were gone in the afternoon but we insisted she let us figure it out when we got back. She had done enough. But sure enough when we got home the furniture had all been moved around, which made the room more spacious ultimately, and some of our things had been put away. She strained her back somewhat doing so, so she made our dinner and went to bed. I wish she had let us help, but I guess at least we did offer. Sasha and I are going to buy flowers for her either today or this weekend as a thank you.

The American Business School put together a trip down the Seine river for us yesterday afternoon. And I must say I was pretty excited about it. I mean the river trip we went on in Russia was absolutely amazing, one of the best moments on the trip. But this...yeah this was not what I was hoping for at all. We spent the first hour going through the locks (lockes?) and then another 15 in a tunnel while the guy told us about all the cool things that were above the tunnel...fantastic. When we finally did get to the river it was pretty, well the sites were, the river was full of trash and even sitting inside the boat I could smell it at times, but I felt like I could have gotten most of the same cool pictures from land. But I guess it's just part of the experience? I don't know. I would love to go on another one that leaves past the locks so we might be able to see the Eiffel Tower & such from the river.

Last night I was determined to stay in and get some rest. Too bad I failed. Our other roommate, Melissa, and I went to find this lounge in her guidebook. We went the wrong way and then couldn't find it for a while. We also met the first rude French person I have met since being here. He asked us for directions on the street and when Melissa's friend tried to tell him he blew us off and said he figured we were from Jersey? No idea what that was supposed to mean. But he was rude. But I'll admit, it was worth it. From the outside the words "Le Bar 10" were scribbled on the building and it pretty much looked like the sketchiest thing ever. But inside was different. There were vintage posters covering ALL the walls, I tried to get pictures but didn't want to stick out TOO much as an American in Paris. Melissa, her friend, and I all got Sangria which came in one thing and it was the best I've ever had. There were chunks of oranges in it and it was just amazing. haha. Didn't get in till 2 this morning and up way too early for the meeting at school.

And that brings me to today. Today we had a meeting with the dean of the school. Excuse me, but what a bitch. She made comments like "don't come to me, it's not my problem" and was just overall not welcoming at all. She was also clearly American. She talked about how miserable we would all be for a while...and I was just like THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT. Knowing me, when the semester is over I will be writing her a nice email saying what I think. Even if it gets me no where someone should say something. Her french accent was even worse then mine. And I would just expect someone who clearly had to adjust to the culture like we have to would be a whole lot friendlier. I hope I never have another encounter with her. The meeting was pretty pointless, just about setting up email, and how to read the chart for where the classes are. I felt like a third grader. But it is strange that the classes change rooms every week.

It's interesting, especially on the metro, watching how people interact. I mean there were two people, clearly messed up, on the metro last night yelling at each other, and for the most part people just pretended they didn't know it was happening. In the states, someone would say something, almost guarantee it. I'm not sure which is better. But the French, at least in public, seem a lot better at minding their own business.

The hardest part right now is the relationship with my host, Dany. She's so nice but I feel like I don't exist at points. Since Sasha is fluent she is quick to go to her about anything and then have her translate. I can pick up a lot at dinner, but it's hard to learn. She did tell Sasha, and then later on me, that she was going to try to get better at talking to Melissa and me more. I hope this happens because I really do want to learn the language, I just know it'll take times. And I appreciate how generous and friendly she is to us. She has already done so much.

Sasha is also my saving grace. When I mess up she catches it, and when she does it, I do the same. We got lucky with our roommate situation because we get along really well and I feel like I've known her forever already. She's definitely going to be a big help in me learning the language just a bit faster. Starting my French class next week will also help.

So if anyone made it through this post I'll be truly impressed. But, now it's time to go find a straightener, food, and hopefully some flowers for Dany. Out tonight with people I hope :)

Au Revoir<3

Bonjour de Paris!

2010-01-18T15:25:00.000-08:00

I got into Paris at around 630 this morning. It still hasn't really hit me that I'm here...not sure when it will. Sasha (my roommate) and I were even sitting in a cafe where she ordered in French and it still didn't really click. Probably by the time we start classes and get everything really going it'll finally happen.

Our room is small and the so-called "mezzanine" (or loft) is really just her bed lofted above mine. Still we've managed to fit everything and it's pretty cozy. Our hostess, Dany, is amazing. We went out to find coffee and came back to her having stowed our suitcases above the dresser things (still don't know what they're called) and she had completely remade my bed. She's also buying a new dresser thing because the one Sasha is using now is broken. Dany doesn't speak much English but having Sasha here, she's bilingual, is working out perfect. I, however, do want to learn as much of the language as I can. I'm sure between taking the class starting next week and being so emerged in the culture I'll pick up at least some of it quickly. I've really always wanted to be bilingual, especially in French.

I miss some things from home already; my most emotional goodbye was with my cat. I know, I know. But I miss some people too, you definitely know who you are. It's funny how things happen. But I mean really I'm only here for 5 months and 11 days (including Denmark) and I plan on making the very best of it...and then seeing how things stand when I get back. This place will be good for me. I was thinking about it while I unpacked and I think this is really 100% what I needed right now. I needed to get away and have some time to me and I mean where could I get that more then in a foreign country where I know VERY little of the language...perfect, right?

It was weird looking around because they have a lot of the same companies that we do...like Dominos, Hertz, and a couple otheres. Oh and of course McDonalds and KFC.

When I got off the plane I stood in line to get my passport checked for almost an hour I think and then went to get my luggage. I was really nervous that I would be missing one bag or another but thankfully they were both there. There were a couple other foreign students near me but not in the same program. After I went into the public area I had to wait for an hour or so before an ISA director found me. I figured I might as well stay in one place instead of searching for them while they looked for me. Two other students joined me and we waited a while for the shuttle. There were six of us to be dropped off so I think I was in the shuttle for an hour and a half or so...all I wanted was sleep. Either way it was nice to put some real faces to the names from facebook.

Once getting here Dany gave me coffee and bread and showed me the room. She works from home so she got to work while I unpacked and relaxed. It wasn't long before Sasha got here, it was nice to finally meet her and have someone to break the language barrier. I took a 2 hour nap to catch up on some sleep before we went on a walk. We found a small Cafe, Cafe Paris I think, where we had espresso and just got to know each other. Dany had dinner just about ready when we got back. It was salmon with veggies and rice with salad with her homemade dressing. I'll definitely be eating well here. Dessert was berries with whipped cream. There is another girl staying here, but she leaves in 2 weeks I think, she's from the northeast as well.

Sasha's cousin took us out to a street with bars and we each had a beer. Hello cute french boys :) it was a nice end to a very long day.

Bring on the orientations starting tomorrow...it's going to be a long week.

I set up skype for unlimited phone calls to the US so if you get a private call it's probably me :)

Au Revoir

Packing

2010-01-08T12:33:00.000-08:00

Alright so thus far this is my attempt at packing my room & packing for the trip at the same time. I just have a feeling I'm going to end of burying something deep in a box that I'm going to have wanted to pack for the trip. I keep having to remind myself that it's not like I'm going to an undeveloped island, I'm pretty sure I can buy most things I could forget when I get there.

But tonight I have to close at the roadhouse again (my 2nd to last shift there) and then I HAVE to finish packing my room which means relatively finishing packing for the trip. My dad and sister are coming up tomorrow to move all my furniture and stuff home so tonight is also my last night in my own bed till at least July. Taylar and I are having people over for my "going away" tomorrow night and then I'm spending the night at Justine's the next two nights so I don't have to sleep on the floor or couch of my own apartment.

I've been looking forward to the trip for so long that it is kind of nerve-wracking that it is just around the corner now. The hardest thing is hoenstly going to be leaving behind Jack, Persephone, and Rahjah. I mean I can talk to my family and friends through the internet and on the phone but I don't think it's possible to virtually have your cat snuggle up to you after a long day. Someone should work on that. Jack is, as ridiculous as it might sound, my escape when I get home. He's my saving grace in a lot of ways. I'm realizing more and more how much I'll miss him and Rahjah greeting me at the door. But it's not like I'll be gone forever and I'm completely looking forward to having the absolute best time of my life.

I guess I could have chosen somewhere warmer though. I added the weather in Paris to my desktop and it was the same physical temperature as it is here, but for instance right now it feels like it's 13 degrees there, vs the 25 here. I hit up target for another sweater to help layer today along with some black gloves and tights. Spring in Paris however, will be beautiful.

So now it's off to work and hopefully finishing packing tonight...I'm just really hoping I don't forget anything...but I don't want to over pack either.

Au Revoir!

10 Days and Counting

2010-01-07T13:01:00.001-08:00

In ten days I'll be embarking on the biggest adventure of my life. I'll be spending 4 months in Paris, France followed by a month and a half in Denmark with my cousin Linda. It is finally starting to click that I'm really leaving and I must admit I'm getting a little nervous about it. But I'm totally and completely excited. I can't wait to get away from everything that has ever held me back and really spend some time on myself and just living life to the fullest.

As corny as it sounds I've wanted to go to Paris for as long as I can remember. I'm incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to make that dream come true. I can't wait to meet everyone that I've gotten to know on facebook along with my host. It's going to truly be 6 months that I will never forget.

Au Revoir!!!