Les photos

Neuf Jours

We are down to single digits. I will be home in nine days! I am definitely very excited to be with my friends and family, especially at my favorite time of year. But I definitely will miss Paris! I had an experience different than most with my internship but am still so grateful for the many wonderful times I've had here. I did not travel every weekend but I definitely feel I got to really experience living and working as a parisian. In the risk of repeating my thoughts from my last post, I will make a list of my favorite things about Paris and things I will miss. I will also make another post of all my favorite photos.  In the midst of the last week of classes and finals next week, it is hard to reflect but I think I will appreciate looking back on the things I enjoyed!

Paris Je t'aime-les raisons et pourquoi je vais la manquer
1. The Seine!- One of my very favorite things to do while I was here was to take the metro to Saint Michel and walk from Notre Dame along the Seine to the Louvre. I know it's touristy, but I loved this walk. Any time I was stressed or homesick, I would take this walk to remind myself of the beauty of this city.
2. Pastries -As the Book of Mormon soundtrack says, Paris really is the land of pastries. I will miss the pain au chocolate amandes (chocolate pastry with almonds) I would have nearly every morning before class. I will also miss buying une baguette for ,90 centimes and eating the whole thing. I couldn't resist when it was still warm!
3. Le metro- For better or for worse, the metro was always there to get me anywhere and everywhere, usually in a timely manner. Though it is smelly and sometimes packed, I got the hang of it quickly.
4. The architecture- Other than the eyesore that is tour Montparnasse, Parisian buildings are beautiful  though they do all look very similar so it's hard to know which arrondissement you are in.
5. Sacre Coeur and Montmartre- My favorite area of the city! Once you are on the steps of Sacre Coeur and see the whole city, you realize just how big it is. Yet this area maintains a different feel, keeping to its bohemian artist roots well, minus all the tourists.
6. Opera Garnier- Though I never got the chance to see an opera at this opera house, it is truly one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen! I wish I could live there! I hope the Phantom doesn't mind!
7. Galleries Lafayette- Though I could never afford anything here probably ever in my life, it is the most beautiful store in the world!
8. La Tour Eiffel- As cliche as it is, going to the top of the Eiffel tower at night was one of the coolest things I have ever done! The view was incredible and I felt like such a small piece to the puzzle of the city.
9. Jardin des Tuileries- Though the weather got cold very fast, one of my favorite memories was going here on the last warm day and doing my homework. It was so nice to be in this beautiful park in the heart of the city. It truly was an escape!
10. Centre Pompidou- This modern art museum with its crazy architecture has with it some crazy people when it's warm. This is one of the first places we went at the beginning of the semester, and that's when it really hit me that I lived in Paris.
11. Les Beaux Arts- I don't think theatre and opera qualify as les beaux arts, but I can't forget to mention them. My theatre class allowed me to go to so many great plays! My parents helped fund my "trips" to see La Noce de Figaro at Opera Bastille and West Side Story at Theatre Chatelet! These were such amazing performances that I will never forget!

I have done and seen so much more than the list above but those are some of my favorites! I know I will have to come back and see all these things again maybe with my family so I can show them around! Overall, I had a great experience and learned so much. I met some great people that I will definitely be keeping in touch with as well. I have only two more days of classes, then finals and then I will be home! Thanks for all of you who followed me and helped support me by reading this blog! I will post pictures and may have one last post on the flight home but if this is the last post, thanks for reading!

Au revoir!

Les derniers jours

It is officially December meaning there are only three weeks left until I am home. It is bittersweet as I am extremely excited to be back with my family and friends for my favorite time of year, but I will miss Paris. It has definitely been tough adjusting to Parisian life, but looking back I have learned so much. I think maybe I can make it in a city after all. I know I really got caught up for a while in the daily grind. I felt like I had a job of sorts with my internship. Working on Fridays was particularly tough with many of my friends traveling every weekend. But, I do not regret my internship by any means. I think I've gained a lot of confidence and assertiveness as a teacher. Many of the kids do seem to really like me and both teachers I've worked with have given me a lot of positive feedback. I have also been a little more understanding of the kids situation in these last weeks. Middle school is a very hard time for anyone and they are very stressed.That doesn't excuse their disrespectful behavior but I do understand not wanting to do work in a language that isn't your own on Friday at 4:00 pm. The one thing I wish is for the kids to realize how important education is. I know I didn't realize it really until college. But I know that because I worked so hard in school, I was able to even come to Paris. I would not have had many of the opportunities I have had volunteering and working in schools had I not realized the importance of school. I also realize how much respect I have for teachers. No matter what age, teaching is really challenging. But I have also seen how rewarding it can be. I know the teachers I work with really want their kids to succeed and I hope my future students and colleagues will see that in me. I see in both French and American schools how easy it is to get burnt out but I think this internship has given me the perseverance to keep at it even when it's incredibly difficult.

Aside from my internship, I have re-realized my love for Paris. La vie est dur (life is hard) but I have really seen the beauty of the city. Last weekend, going to the top of the Eiffel tower with my friend Ashley was absolutely amazing. I really felt on top of the world and could see the whole city and all the beautiful lights. It was so amazing! Last night, I went to see a production of West Side Story at Theatre Chatelet. It was a fantastic production with a simple set, beautiful costumes and amazing performers, most of whom were Americans who went to top theatre schools like NYU Tisch and UMich. It was so incredible to be able to see my favorite show in Paris! Even though people may not have understood every word of the show, they were clearly moved by the music. I heard several people humming the songs at intermission and after the show. Today, I went to Roland Gerros, the site of the French Open. It was incredible to be in the place where so many famous tennis stars have won. I saw the racket Agassi won with in 1999 and saw Nadal's locker! It was awesome and don't worry, I did pick up some gifts for my immediate family as we know how much they love tennis (especially my mom).

I am so grateful for this experience because I feel I have done and seen so much! I do not know if I will ever come back to live here but I can say I've lived in Paris! I have a decent amount of work left for finals for my classes but I will try to enjoy continuing to experience la vie a Paris for these last few weeks!

Dejeuner et n'importe quoi

Today I was invited to lunch with one of the teacher's I work with at my internship. I was invited to his home to eat with his wife and daughter. It was a very lovely lunch with tons of food. We started with some cheese pastry appetizers then had tuna on top of tomato. The main course was a delicious ham with pureed garlic and sweet potatoes. We had three cheeses for dessert: comte, a blue cheese and one other that I cannot remember the name of. It was delicious!! It was also a very nice experience for me to dine with a French family since I don't have a host family. Though I was very nervous, I think everyone had a nice time. I talked with them about many things, especially politics. The teachers wife remarked how he often makes fun of her politics because she is a socialist which I found amusing. It was very cool to hear their opinions, in general most French people I have spoken to are big fans of Obama. I have also noticed how we do have similar problems even though we have somewhat different political systems. Just like in America, education has a lot of problems and there is a lack of respect for teachers. The French do pride themselves on how they train their teachers and though I have only worked with two, the teachers do seem very good. As I've discussed, the real challenge for me at the middle school is the lack of respect the students have for the teachers. I think I will be writing my final paper for my internship seminar on the issue of the rapport between administrators, teachers and students. Though it certainly has been challenging, I still feel this internship was a great experience for me to practice teaching and my French.

As the time is winding down, I have been reflecting on my time here. It really has been quite an adjustment for me to live in a city. I have mastered the metro but am still not quite comfortable with being pushed or told to hurry up or having someone try to go in the turnstile with me so they don't have to pay for a ticket. I still cannot definitively say whether or not I can live in a big city but I do have a taste of what it's like. I was regretting not having as much time to travel as my friends because of my internship but, I am actually glad I have stayed in Paris so much. It is impossible to do and see everything in three months I think. There is just so much! But I feel like I have really lived here as a real Parisian rather than a tourist. I have explored tons of different areas with my friends and alone and have re-fallen in love with the city. It is certainly not an easy place to live all the time but I truly believe it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and I am so grateful to have gotten to live here!

Enjoy my pictures on Facebook!

Au revoir for now!

Mes amis

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of having two of my best friends, Allie and Megan come visit me! It was really great to see them again especially since we were all here together the first time I went to Europe for the choir tour after my sophomore year. It was so great to see the sights and reminisce. We walked around the Seine, went to the Eiffel Tower, saw Notre Dame, went to the Palais Garnier, shopped on the Champs Elysees and visited the Musee d'Orsay. It was a packed weekend but I think we saw and did a lot! Unfortunately it was freezing out but we still managed to have fun! It was so great to have friends here because I had been having a somewhat difficult time during midterms week. It was very stressful and I was a little homesick so seeing them was a nice way to have a piece of home with me for a few days! I also know from talking to other people in my program that not everyone is always having an easy time but we are trying to profiter with the limited time we have left. My love and thoughts to all those affected by the storm!

Au revoir for now!

Avant tout, pour moi, est l'opéra!

I just had the most incredible experience probably so far in Paris. I got to see Les Noces de Figaro (based off the libretto for Marriage of Figaro, name changed because that was banned for a number of years. But, it's the same). It was the Opera Nationale de Paris and was performed at l'Opera Bastille (not to be confused with l'Opera Garnier which I visited last weekend). The performance was amazing! The opera house itself though very modern had a beautiful interior. This was the last night of the opera so I wasn't sure what to think, but it blew me away. The set and costumes were beautiful and the singers were phenomenal. My favorite was Susanna, closely followed by the Countess. The songs were amazing and all the singers sang with such ease. I was amazed at how powerful music is. The opera was in Italian and though there were French super-titles (subtitles projected above the stage), it was cool to watch and realize how most people don't speak Italian but were still able to understand. That is so cool to me. I loved this opera and since I sang Sull'aria last year, it will always hold a special place in my heart. I never would've thought I would enjoy opera this much but I do. I cannot wait for Opera Workshop next quarter! I also was fortunate enough to be able see the conductor (thanks Mom and Dad). He was the happiest conductor I have ever seen! He was smiling so much and laughing at the scenes. It was so great to see someone so passionate. I really loved this experience and it will surely be one of the highlights of my time abroad!

L'Opera Garnier

I found my favorite place in Paris, the Opera Garnier. It honestly may be the most beautiful building I have ever been in. It was really a dream come true to be there. I also will be seeing The Marriage of Figaro at the Opera Bastille (the other opera house) on Thursday. I am very excited because I sang a piece from it for my opera class last year! I have posted my favorite pictures from Opera Garnier below:

Le temps passe vite

We have passed the one month mark and I can feel the time flying by. In the stress of upcoming midterms next week and the ever so frequent Paris rain, it is easy to get lost in the shuffle. Life has in some ways become metro-boulot-dodo. My classes and internship are definitely wearing me out. But I always try to stop at some point each day and think about how lucky I am to be here. This is something I have wanted to do for such a long time. I may not always love the Parisian rudeness or the cold or the rain or the 5 cent, 2 cent and 1 cent euro pieces, but I get to live in a foreign city and speak another language. I started reading an Agatha Christie novel in French. I had complete conversations with my friends at the conversation group earlier this evening. That really helped me feel like my French is improving. I was even told that by my internship coordinator last week. Though it is challenging to work with middle schoolers, I am really enjoying teacher. I get to work with them in small groups and I am the only teacher. I have realized in these groups that teaching is definitely something I want to do. I am also really enjoying learning the differences between the US and French education systems and it makes me even more passionate about reform. I am so fortunate to have this experience and though time is running out, I know I have made friends and had experiences that will truly last a lifetime. Sorry to be cliche but I am just trying to appreciate everything. I know that there is no way I can see and do absolutely everything I planned before December 20th but I will do as much as I can and I will just have to come back. I am really pleased with how I am capable to live in a big city on my own, I am improving my teaching skills and my French. I know I may be a bit behind in units when I get back to Santa Clara, but for now I am trying to enjoy where I am and the opportunities I've been given. Thank you again to all of you for supporting me so much!

Merci et au revoir for now!

Photos de Giverny

Education et Impressionisme

Hello everyone!
Sorry I haven't posted in a while! As you may know from my facebook pictures, last weekend my friend and I went to Oktoberfest in Munich. It was a lot of fun! There were tons of people and it was crazy but I'm glad I can say I did it. We spent the whole day Sunday just walking around Munich which was really cool. It was also nice to be out of the hustle and bustle of Paris for a bit too.

This week I started my internship at a middle school very close to my program center. Tuesday morning I got to sit in and listen to a presentation on the differences between French and American school systems for a group of American teachers who are teaching here for a year. It was very interesting and definitely something I will be learning a lot about while I'm here. In general, the French system comes from the perspective that students are ignorant and need to be taught everything. The whole country has a standardized system with a lot of different levels that students are put into. In middle school, the administrators decide whether or not students go to high school. In high school, students take an exam that determines whether or not they go to university or trade school. The system is much more intense and rigorous than the U.S. As we discussed in one of my classes, this system is contradictory to the French ideals of "la republique" as it really filters people and is similar to the U.S. in that richer areas tend to have better schools. I also worked with a drama club after school Friday which was definitely challenging as most of the kids did not choose to be there.

On Friday I started working with some English classes. Both teachers I work with are very nice but seem a bit strict with the students. In general the students are well behaved but I did notice a lack of respect in many students in all six classes I worked in. I can see why the teachers seem a bit harsh because many students do not pay attention and talk back. I know it is middle school but the students behavior seems a bit abnormal as I have heard teachers say this year students are particularly disrespectful. I did work alone with a small group of students and they were not too bad to me. All the classes seem very structures so I just write things on the board, help lead with activities and will be working with students in smaller groups. Though I was very nervous, I think my first day was very successful!

Saturday we took a field trip to Giverny and saw Monet's house! It was so beautiful and a very amazing experience to really be there!

I am having a great time but can feel the time passing quickly! I am trying to take advantage of everything while I can and to not let myself get too stressed about school. Things are going well though and I a still enjoying spending time with all my friends!

Hope all is well!

Au revoir for now!

Mon Stage

I have exciting news! I will be interning at a middle school teaching French and theatre! I couldn't be more pleased with this as it hits my major and both minors! But also all my interests as well! I am very excited and my first day is Tuesday! I feel really good about this as I have drifted out of my honeymoon phase of Paris. I have been a little desensitized by the fact that it's a real city. There are rude people, it is dirty and fast paced and stressful. It rains on and off all day almost everyday. But after talking to the principal and learning about the great opportunity I have, I fell in love with the city again. I was walking around after my interview and it was actually sunny and not too cold. I stopped at a cafe for un coca et une croque Madame while reading a French newspaper. I realize how cliche that image is but it really made me realize that I am in the city I want to be in. I have never lived in a big city so I am definitely facing new challenges but I know this experience will be so beneficial to my French and my own growth. I am so happy how things have turned out so far!

Bon weekend!

Michelle

La vie d'une etudiante

Well I finished my week long intensive French class. While I'm still feeling a bit insecure about my speaking and writing, it really has helped me get back into the swing of things. It is hard to believe our real classes start on Monday. It has still been summer mode because my friends and I have been exploring different parts of Paris a lot and eating dinner out frequently. But we have also spent time just making dinner in our small kitchenettes and spending time just hanging out in the apartments. As I have said many times before, I have met so many great people here which is really helping make the experience great. I am excited for my classes because I think they will be very interesting. I have a theatre class, a literature/cinema/arts class, my French grammar and language class and a sociology class about Paris. I think I have friends in all my classes which is very nice. I will also hopefully be getting an internship at a middle school a few blocks away from my school center. I will be working with small groups of students helping them with English. That will be on Fridays since we don't have class then. It is so crazy that we are already starting classes. I know that this next three months will go by so fast so I am trying to enjoy everything as much as possible. Take a look at my pictures on Facebook if possible. My favorite part of Paris so far is Montmartre, the bohemian artists area. It actually did used to be a village separate from the city and still feels that way. I would love to live there someday if I could! Tonight my program has a dinner cruise on the Seine so I am excited for that!

Au revoir for now!

Apres une semaine

Hello everyone! I am sorry I haven't been keeping you posted but I have been so busy! We had two days of orientation which to be honest got a bit old with lots of talks about paperwork and rules. Then we went to Normandy. We went to two memorial museums and Omaha beach. It was really amazing to be at the site of such an important historical event. After we returned from Normandy, my friends and I in the apartments have been out to different parts of the city. It has been very fun just deciding where to go and taking the metro to different places. Yesterday we went to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, which had amazing views of all of Paris. We also walked along the Champs Elysees and went to a beautiful chapel called Saint Chapelle. Today we went to Centre Pompidou, a very cool modern art museum. We walked around a bit after getting some gelato and bought very cool vintage posters for our bare walled apartments. Overall, I am having such an amazing time with really great people. I start a week long intensive language class tomorrow which I am a bit nervous for. It will be a little rough getting back into school mode after such an amazing week but I know we will take every opportunity we can to explore Paris. I still cannot believe I live here and am so grateful for this opportunity! I will post pictures soon!

Au revoir for now!

It Begins!

I cannot believe that I am sitting in my apartment in Paris! I have met everyone in my program staying in the apartment and everyone seems so great! I think I definitely made the right housing choice. Though it is a little freshman year getting to know new people and forgetting names, I think it will be a lot of fun taking classes, hanging out and traveling with students from other schools. I actually met a gril from Santa Clara I didn't know before! The apartments are very nice but hot! It is raining now so hopefully it starts getting to be cooler weather.

I am so glad and so fortunate to be here! This is going to be a great three months! I know there will be challenges but I am trying to be a lot more flexible and open to different people and experiences. Tomorrow we start orientation with a lot of formal stuff but hopefully I will get to meet some more great people!

Au revoir for now!

Mon appartement

Baguettes and Scooters

Bonjour again!
We have had a great ast few days in Paris! We saw the Eiffel Tower, took a boat ride along the Seine, saw Notre Dame and went to Musee D'Orsay. Of course we have had delicious meals as well. The area around my apartment is packed with families with young children (who especially like to ride scooters while holding baguettes). We took the metro there yesterday and it is a great area. We walked by again today and there was a Farmer's Market equivalent a couple blocks away from my apartment. Not only was there food and flowers but nearly anything you could think of to buy. Very cool! We also took the metro to the IES (that's my study abroad program organization) Center. It is about a 20 minute walk from my place or a couple metro stops. It is also in a very nice area and today there was a small jazz concert on the street nearby. Tres Parisien! I am having such a great time here and cannot wait to move into my apartment tomorrow morning! I will post pictures of my apartment as soon as I'm all settled in!

Au revoir for now!

Bonjour!

Bonjour a tous!
I have finally arrived in Paris with my parents and our 5 suitcases and three backpacks (remember, not all of them are mine, just three). We our in our lovely hotel in the Left Bank and so far already had to stop at the electronics store to get an adaptor that fits my three-pronged Mac charger. But everything else is going ok.

We spent last night in Amboise, in the Loire Valley, we visited the chateau there and had a lovely dinner and walk around the small but beautiful town. We then took the train back here to Paris and are getting settled in our hotel.

I move into my apartment on Monday the 10th and my abroad program officially starts with orientation Tuesday the 11th. I really cannot believe this is all happening. I am very nervous but am hoping things will calm down once I am with other students in my same situation. I am trying to remember how lucky I am to be here, especially since this is something I have wanted to do for so long. Hopefully I can remember this whenever I am stressed or frustrated. I also will keep in mind that this is a learning experience that will certainly be chalk full of mistakes and cultural differences, but that it all part of the experience.

So after some deep breaths, I can calm down and appreciate the opportunity I have to live in Paris for the next three months!

I will post pictures soon!  Au revoir for now!

Last Day in London

Had a great last day in London! We went to Kensington Palace which was honestly a bit hoakey. They just redid it to be a museum and it was not what I expected it to be. The literally made the walls talk and  had mobiles and weird cutouts all around. They had one room dedicated to Princess Diana but it made her seem like a fashion model rather than w woman who was a beloved mother and philanthropist. I was very disappointed, but the palace itself is beautiful.

Next, we went to Harrod's which was massive and honestly a bit overwhelming, but still cool to visit. I then went to Topshop to get some shoes with better soles and we took the tube to Buckingham Palace, which was beautiful.

Finally, we ended our visit in London with the London Eye which was amazing. You could see all of London from all angles. We did it right at sunset which made for incredible views! I will post pictures as soon as I can.

Despite a few travel challenges, I had a great time in London. Now I have to get ready for our 5:45 am cab to take us to our 7:00 am train to the Loire Valley of France.

I'll update again soon!

Just Keep Walking

Whew! I am exhausted after a long day of walking! We woke up early to have breakfast, then we took the tube to the Tower of London. This was very cool as we got to see the Crown Jewels (which Mom and I wanted for ourselves, we think we deserve crowns...Dad may disagree), the execution site of Ann Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey and Katherine Howard. We also saw a tower where there were inscriptions from I believe over 70 prisoners and another tower with replicas of torture devices. Certainly not the happiest place on Earth, but an amazing location that shows so much of London's history. Also, the Yeoman warders are NOT actors, but highly ranked military personnel who receive the privilege of living in the tower and serving as a Yeoman at age 40 to I think age 55.

Afterwards, we had lunch and took the tube to St. Paul's Cathedral. Though I had seen the cathedral before, I had never been inside. We took an audio tour of the interior and got to see the amazing architecture and learn about the history and significance of "the nation's church". We also visited the crypt downstairs to see the many memorials they have for those who have served in the military in wars and conflicts from throughout history.

After we finished at St. Paul's, we took a walk across the Millennium Bridge to see the Globe Theatre. It was very cool to see how Shakespeare is still remembered as the Globe hosts many productions of his plays today.

We headed back to the hotel for a rest and now I am still here after a long nap while Mom and Dad went to dinner and to do some more walking around. I realize today how much walking there is and how I may need to make adjustments to ensure my feet are more comfortable for the rest of my time in Europe.

Not sure the plan tomorrow but will keep you posted!

Mind The Gap

Hello again!

Another full and busy day in London. Since we were all very tired from the flight, we slept in this morning until about ten. We then took the tube to the British Museum. The tube was very cool, cleaner than the subway in New York I'd say and the actual trains are smaller. At the British Museum we saw a Shakespeare exhibit. It was very cool and gave the historical context of London to some of Shakespeare's most famous works. We alos saw some Greek and Roman sculptures, an Egyptian exhibit, and the Rosetta Stone.

Next, we took the tube again and walked to Convent Gardens, an old marketplace with very nice shopping. I bought some tea add we had lunch at a Jamie Oliver restaurant. After that we walked to TopShop, a famous clothing store that is like a bit of an upscale H&M with not too ridiculous prices.

We went back to the hotel for a bit to change for Sweeney Todd, which we saw this evening. It was an amazing performance with an incredible set and spectacular performances from Mrs. Lovett and Sweeney. Though this show is dark, I was extremely impressed and entertained as it is a very compelling story with an amazing score (it is a Sondheim after all). This was the highlight of the trip for me so far!

We plan to try the Tower of London tomorrow so hopefully that works out! All the walking is making my feet and knees a bit sore, but I am still having a great time in London!

London

Hello all!
I am writing to you from London. The flight was fine but I unfortunately did not get much sleep. I am resting in the hotel with a cup of tea while Mom and Dad are walking around the city for a bit. We got a shuttle (more like a small euro van like you'd see in the movies) to take us from Heathrow to our lovely hotel. Though we got to drive by a lot of the sights, the ride was longer than I had expected.

Our hotel is very nice and very close to the London Eye. Once I get a bit more awake, I'm sure I will join my parents in walking around our area of the city. I will definitely join them for dinner, because I am hungry!

I am sure that after a good sleep tonight, I will be fully ready to explore. I am very excited to see Sweeney Todd tomorrow evening (sorry Ryan, I know you're extremely jealous). I am also excited for my Mom to get to see everything as it is her first time in Europe.

Though travel is difficult, especially with time change and transport, I am so glad to be here. London is such an amazing city. Who knows, maybe I will spend some time living here one day.

I am off to have another cup of tea and watch some football (aka soccer, you are welcome Alex).

Will update more soon!

No Day But Today

Today is the day... 
I cannot really believe I'm here at the airport waiting to board my flight to London. It is definitely not easy traveling with three people, each with a backpack, one duffle and a carryon (as well as Mom and Dad's bags)...but we've completed phase one. Only one hiccup at security when Mom and Dad had forgotten a wine bottle opener with a blade was in my carryon...whoops. But it got taken and we got through smoothly. I am however a tad disappointed that their mistake is now a black mark on my otherwise flawless travel record. They are clearly not at the same level of travel expertise as I am.

Now we wait for the flight to board and depart. Then there is the eight hour flight. I have three books, my ipod, and the September issue of Vogue which I think is nine hundred pages. Hopefully, I will be set and hopefully all three of us will be able to get some sleep.

It is still unreal to me. I am nervous and excited. I think the nervousness comes in waves so sometimes I am a bit unpleasant to the parents. But I am trying to remember that I will not be completely alone for this process and there will be other people in the same boat as me. I am also trying not to have too many expectations because I don't want to have an ideal trip I'm trying to live up to. My mantra is from one of my favorite films Dan In Real Life, "plan to be surprised".  Overall, I am trying to stay calm and remember that despite the bumps along the road, I get to do something I have wanted to do since sixth grade. I want to thank my parents for all their help and for providing me the opportunity to study abroad. I also want to thank all my friends and family for being so supportive.

Well, this is my last post in America. I will try to keep you all updated as often as I can. Next stop, London!

I cannot believe I am leaving in 6 days! I have read all my study abroad guides and will devote the next week to reading up on current events and such in Paris! I will also start the daunting task of packing. I feel like I had so much time but now the departure date is fast approaching! I am nervous and a little overwhelmed but still very excited!

This will be a way for everyone to hear of my lovely Parisian and European adventures as I study abroad this fall. I leave in 11 days. I cannot believe it! So much to do, so little time!