Day Five:
Thursday, May 9th
It was the first day of class today. I know it had to happen eventually, but I'm a little scared because I'm going to have a lot of trouble focusing on school work! Anyway, some friends and I all got up bright and early to ride the train to town. By the way, here are a few pictures of the beautiful area that I get to live in:
Best walk to school EVER!!!
So, anyway, we all took the train to get to the BYU Institute Building in Paris...the funny thing is, the Church bought this building in the homosexual / Jewish district of the city. So, we all got lost trying to find the building and we were running around with a lot of gay people and Jews! It was very exciting.
Today, we ended up going inside Notre Dame. Here's a little tip if you want to cut the huge line of tourists. Just go to the front and when the people you have just cut get upset, simply say, "Je vais prier." (That means "I'm going to pray"). The Americans will back off because they can't speak your language and the French will respect your love of their church. We did this and it totally worked!
Thoughts on Notre Dame: It's not the most beautiful cathedral in France, but it is the most famous. It really is incredible to imagine how much work must have gone into making this huge building. I thought it was very cool. After that, we headed to the Musee de Cluny. I'd never heard of this before, but it had a lot of really cool stuff and is definitely worth checking out!!!
I finished off the day by having dinner with my host family. They have a lot of cool stories and it's so great to be able to practice my French with them!
Day Six:
Friday, May 10th
Ah, Friday at last! Pretty sure this was me this morning:
We, we, we so excited!
After class this morning, we all took advantage of the fact that we were in the Jewish district and we bought some falafel. I had never had this in my life, but it was delicious!
Then, it was off to Versailles for us! It was very crowded, but still very fun to see. Good ol' Louis XIV. People are always making fun of his excessive lifestyle...but heck, if I had the money for it, I'd build a giant freaking castle too. And I'd go all the way and add a water park to my gardens. Just to one-up le Roi de Soleil.
Here I am in front of the gates of Versailles:
And here is the best selfie of all time. Taken in the Hall of Mirrors.
Afterwards, some of the girls and I went to get hot chocolate and herbal tea. We were very refined. But we quickly became unrefined as we prepared for a night of clubbing in Paris. We started the night at McDonald's...naturally. And we got separated at some point and ended up in two different clubs. One group went to the Duplex, which they said was awesome. My group went to the Rex, which is a discotheque--a very French experience. It was way different because it was pure crazy techno music, but we ended up having the time of our lives. It was definitely an unforgettable night!!!
This was me at the club:
Just kidding, I probably looked more like this:
Day Seven:
Saturday, May 11th
So, we didn't end up getting home last night (this morning) until after 5....so I ended up sleeping the day away, only to wake up at 2:30 in the afternoon. I was pretty depressed because I felt like I was wasting my time in Paris but hey, a girl's got to sleep! The partying last night was worth it anyway! I woke up looking a little like this though:
So, I got going and finished all my homework that was due that day. Then, I ran to the local supermarket in my town and I bought some food. Unfortunately, no one told me that you have to bring your own bags to carry your stuff out in. There was this totally awkward moment after I finished paying with the salesclerk and all the people behind me in line waiting impatiently for me to leave. I didn't know what to do, but luckily I had a giant purse. I stuffed the food in there and left feeling pretty stupid.
Here's the evidence of my moment of shame:
Next time, I'm bringing a grocery bag!
After that, I had another dinner with my host family. I also met this sweet French lady who is 102 years old! She is incredible! She's sharp as a tack and she still moves around really quickly on her feet. She's an inspiration--I'm pretty sure I'm not built to last like that...I'm going to end up hospitalized at age 30 for too many chocolate croissants. Oh well, no finer way to go I guess. Her dad helped build the Eiffel Tower, which I also thought was really cool.
Speaking of the Eiffel Tower, I ran over to Paris tonight to celebrate my friend Savannah's birthday with her. She turned 20 at midnight, so we all waited and watched the Eiffel Tower sparkle on the hour for her!
Day Eight:
Sunday, May 12th
Today was the first day that I went to church in France. I was a little nervous because I don't understand a lot of what they are saying, but I tried my best to concentrate as the announcements were read. Everything was a little different than what I was used to and I wasn't feeling super comfortable. Then, the sacrament began. I felt the Spirit wash over me and I started to tear up a little. It was so familiar. Even when I am halfway around the world and feeling scared and out of my element, I can find peace and love in a rundown little church building in Paris.
I'm so grateful for this church and I know it's true. I know that God lives and that He will give us a home in Him no matter where we are.
Day Nine:
Monday, May 13th
One thing I love about Paris is all the street musicians who play here. I know that it is often a scam designed to set you up to be pick-pocketed, but some of them are really good and I can't help but to smile when an accordion player or a violinist jumps onto our metro.
Here are some guys I saw in Paris who were fabulous!
Today, I began to get a little worried in class because I've got a LOT of homework to do--count yourself lucky that this blog post is even happening! But, despite the stress, it was a really good day.
First of all, I had a French hot dog. This is not like an American hot dog. It is made on a warm, French baguette with melted cheese all over the top. It's a pretty high quality meal here.
After eating, we headed out for the day. We visited L'Hotel de Soubise which was really pretty. Then, we headed to the Louvre. This place is so big...I think it would take months to really see the whole thing! It was really fun to wander around and see some of the famous stuff like the Mona Lisa or the statue of the Winged Victory. I really enjoyed being surrounded by so much history. It's a bit of a humbling experience.
Afterwards, some of the girls and I ran to a couple of vintage shops in Paris. One of them I really, really liked! It's called Les Oiseaux on 24 Rue Oberkampf 75011 Paris. Dear readers, if any of you take a random trip to Paris anytime soon, check it out! I bought a really cute headband from there!
After shopping, we headed to our first FHE with the single adults in the Paris ward. That was really fun to talk to them--they're all so cute! The couple missionaries made us dinner as well which was awesome.
We then headed to a delicious glacerie called Amorino's. This is by Notre Dame and they have FABULOUS gelato. Seriously, I highly recommend this place. I was in heaven.
Also, Paris at night is just plain gorgeous. I don't think it will ever stop taking my breath away.
P.S. Me and all my friends are getting really good at the little French bizous (kisses) on each cheek when we greet each other or say farewell. I feel so French and posh when I do it.
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