So much to do!

Hey guys! Sorry I haven't written in a few days. The first part of this week has been so hectic, and I'm still trying to catch up on sleep. Everything is going well though, no worries!!


This week has been reserved for seeing most of the monuments and neighborhoods of Paris. So far I've seen Montmartre and Sacre Coeur, The Louvre, Notre Dame, The Latin Quarter, and several neat little neighborhoods. We have a tour guide with us at all times named Marie-Laure and I LOVE her. She's really funny (not in the typical cheesy tour guide way) and knows so much about the city.


Yesterday was a lot of walking and it was FREEZING, literally. 0 degrees. I started off the day wearing flats, and had to go home and change shoes during the lunch break. Afterwards, I was much more comfrotable -- but still really cold! I honestly wasn't able to fully enjoy the monuments because I was so focused on my numb extremities. I have vowed to go back though, I have plenty of time and I want to see these things when I've got time to enjoy them.


Today we went to The Louvre which was as amazing as I had expected. I really can't wait to go spend some time there one day when it's freezing out. There is so much to see and it is truly incredible to see some of the greatest works of art in the entire world.


We also went to the Mosquée de Paris which was gorgeous! I wish I had taken better pictures, but here are the few that I've got.

We then had mint tea at a mediterranean restaurant and it was so good! The café where we had tea was beautiful inside and there were little finches flying around everywhere, it was really neat.


After that we did a little shopping. I didn't find anything (nor did I need anything) but it was really fun. I then found my way home by myself and am now snuggled in bed waiting for dinner. Navigation here is SO easy, even for someone as navigationally challenged as myself!


So far, I've really surprised myself with my French. I've done way better than I expected -- no one has responded to me in English yet!! That says alot, because the French are infamous for responding in English if they are not pleased with your French.  I wish we spoke more french with the program though; the directors and tour guide and students (obvi) all speak English. The tour guide speaks a lot of french too, but it's a mix. It makes speaking French tougher when I have to do it, so I'm ready for classes to start and to start speaking French more.


Well, that's it for now! I'll try to post in a few days!