ANYWAY I don't really know how to effectively sum up my 2 weeks or so in Paris so far, so instead of trying to cram everything into one blog post, I'll just focus on the highlights.
Obviously this is the most important part of the experience. On the first day of our intensive language class, we had to go around and say our name, where we're from, what we study, all that orientation jazz, and why we chose Paris. While everyone said things like, to better my french, or to experience the culture, I went out and said what everyone was REALLY thinking - to stuff my face with delicious cheese, bread, and other such culinary masterpieces. Did I look like a fattie? Absolutely. But at least I was honest. And friends, I have lived up to my promise. I have eaten delicious food, from a full block of comte cheese (try it, it will change your life) to fresh baked baguettes from the boulangerie-patisserie on the corner of my street (pastry shops that are everywhere in Paris) to a delicious three course meals in Giverny, home to Monet's gardens (that scrumptious concoction above). I already have a list of restaurants I want to try out in Paris, and all I need now is an unlimited budget (parents?). This is the only drawback - food is EXPENSIVE. Well, everything is expensive, but especially food. However, I can give some tips on good and fairly cheap eats in Paris, and maybe I'll devote a whole blog post to that in due time.
Above is a few from the balcony of my apartment in France. I'm living with a French family, the Rocheforts, which consists of a young married couple and a ridiculously adorable 18 month old boy who tends to cry at 6 in the morning, even on the weekends - how rude - but I still adore him). We live in the 9th arrondissement, about a 5 minute walk from the Sacre Couer
I love my family, and their apartment. They are very sweet, and so...French. Marie-hélène makes hats for a hobby, and Thomas is very musical and plays many instruments. They are great, and I really like that they are younger, so the dynamics is less of them being my parents, and more my friends. My friends who have a sweet apartment in Paris. Let's be honest, that's what really matters when it comes to friends - location location location!
Ok, so I meant to have a third section on the city of Paris, but I have to go to class (yes, my semester doesn't just consist of eating and sitting on my balcony, reading Voltaire and sipping on un verre de vin rouge). Hopefully I will be able to keep this blog up more faithfully - please comment to make me feel popular!
