Une semaine à Paris.

Hello friends and loved ones!
I have spent the past five days in complete awe. Paris is an unimaginably beautiful city, and I've been cramming in one experience after another. I am here for 10 days after which I will travel to Aix-en-Provence to meet my host family and sign up for classes.

The minute I landed at Charles-de-Gaulle my world switched into French. The following are some highlights of my «passage» so far through Paris.

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Megan and I shared a cab from CDG to the Citadines apartment-hotel near St. Germain-des-Prés in the 6e arrondissement:

Bought groceries with Megan and ate my first Parisian dinner at the hotel:

I have walked (and boated!) along the Seine many times...

L'Opéra Garnier was a highlight for me! The architecture is so luxurious and striking, and it's so fun to imagine the social scene at the opera during the mid to late 19th century. The WIA group is fortunate enough to have two personal guides for our week in Paris. Both are incredibly knowledgeable and engaging - all in french of course!

My friends and I are becoming experts on the metro and the map of Paris:

Megan avec la carte:

Laura et moi sur le métro vers Pont Neuf:

I have eaten a Croque Madame, countless croissants, crêpes, and galettes, some baguettes, the most amazing Thai dinner, and finally a delicious Italian dinner:

I have traversed the Latin Quarter, seen Notre Dame and the absolute center of Paris, walked in the Jardin de Luxembourg, the house of Victor Hugo, and La Place des Vosges. I have bought amazing high top sneakers, and European seamed pants, gone on a boat tour down the Seine, eaten ice cream at Berthillon and countless other things. 

Stay tuned for more updates!!

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Autres commentaires: Pain au chocolat is heaven. Wine costs less than 5 euros here and is wonderful and smooth. Parisians are insanely fashionable. French is a quiet language, and most public places (without tourists) are very tranquil. Le jardin de Luxembourg is an average Parisian's jogging spot and is shockingly beautiful. Parisians are very helpful and love to speak French with you, despite any mistakes.