So here's what I've been up:
The past few days have been great, save for my disappointing test result this week. I did better on my first exam- so from here on out I need to haul ass/ suck up and make the grades to receive a certificate. I spoke with my professor after class the past few classes- she likes me- somewhat- but I can't shake the feeling that she's a tad condescending. Whatever, it's almost over.
Monday/ Lundi: We went to the Champs Elysses to show Debby the Arc de Triumph and do a little last minute shopping on one of the most spectacular shopping areas in the world. Later that night, we all enjoyed a river cruise on the Seine. In the AM Debby left to go back to the states. While it's been great to have vistors while I've been here (I've been blessed to have so many people want to see me whilest I'm here)- I think I still prefer going away by myself. I don't like having the responsibility to make sure the other person is having fun or that they're getting enough out of their experience... (even if they do or don't impose it) when most people are old enough to take care of themselves... it's not my job to make sure they're getting what they want done- I am after all, here for school first.
Tuesday/ Mardi: Uneventful/ can't remember.
Wednesday/ Mecredi: After class I went to St. Ettiene Du Mont with my friend Helen and Liz. It's just behind the Pantheon and it's dedicated to the patron St. of Paris- St. Genevieve.
It's kind of sad though, the Pantheon used to be her church, but instead now it's housing some of the greatest minds that France offered the world- Victor Hugo, the Curies, Voltaire, the list goes on. Also, depicted on the walls are various parts of French history. French symbolism is strewn all over the walls of the dome and there is a huge pendulum hanging from the ceiling, proving that the earth rotates on its axis instead of being stationary. It's just weird how a church once dedicated to the Saint of the city is now holding all these scientific advances. These symbols are so earthy rather than spiritual. St. Ettiene is a beautiful church in itself though. It's tucked away behind the Pantheon, but don't be fooled- it's gothic styling on the outside hides a church that is "glowing" with natural sunlight. Spiral staircases decorate the place, and if you look up and turn around after you walk inside, there is a magnificant pipe organ spanning the whole entrance way. It used to be part of an Abbey... it's unusal for it to be a Gothic styled church since it was mostly constructed in 16th century. After this, we hopped on the 10 and we were at St. Germain De Pres. This is the oldest church in Paris, if not France. It's very simple, but it was amazing to see how large whatever is left is. It's quite dark inside, but it's to be expected from a building that is from the around the early 11th century. It used to also be an abbey, but most was destroyed by the Normans.
Thursday/ Jeudi: Yesterday, I saw my friend Joe- whom I haven't seen for two years... actually I haven't seen him since we both were in Paris last. It was nice being able to see him and give him big hug- he's over 6 ft tall, so he needs big hugs! Anyway, I finally got a bag. I didn't get my Chanel bag, or a Dior one. I have yet to see one I am totally in love with- but for now, I got my first Longchamps bag. A limited edition just for Paris one! It's fabulous!! Anyway, after looking for that tiny ass little Longchamps store which was 3 and a half excurisions for me and poor Nicolette, I got to see my FAVORITE MUSEUM of all time: Musee D'Orsay.
Located across the Seine from the famed Louvre, this building used to be a train station. What I love about this museum is that it houses the impressionist art and also, because it was a train station, there are fabulously high ceilings. The natural light is spectacular. I just love the art: Monet, Degas, Picasso, and of course, my favorite: VAN HOGH! The statues are also fabulous which is odd for me to say, because a lot of people know I have a huge phobia of statues- some just creep me the fuck out.
After this, I took Liz to Longchamp again because I finally knew where it was- it took about 10 minutes to walk there- she also picked up the same bag as me. After that, we made our way to La Madeleine Church. Dedicated to Mary Madeleine, it was commissioned by Napoleon to glorify his army. Much to mine and Liz's surprise- this place was just creepy. I had goosebumps the whole time and I was uncomfortable. After spending a few minutes inside, I heard a weird noise, and something moved- it was coming from the statue of Jesus and also from another of Mary! This really, really, really, really, (I can't even stress really) really, creeped me out and I wanted to leave immediately. Not only were these statues talking, but blinking too! Other statues were weird modern interpretations of biblical things. None the less, me and Liz booked it. Looking at the pictures afterwards in an English Pub we found (The Cricketer) I got chills again. It was just a weird and creepy place.
Anyway, Liz and I decided on the Pub because we couldn't find a restaurant that was agreeable. Drinking beer on an emty stomach was a great idea! They both have carbs! My Desperado bottle was pretty sick and we were happy with our decision. We were watching some weird dancing gymnastics thing with a ball on ESPEN... it definately was interesting! Afterwards Liz and I had Japanese food (and sake to keep the buzz going) and found Harry's New York Bar- a hang out that both Hemmingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald used to enjoy. The ambiance was quaint, and it was a lovely find! After our little bar excursions, we walked past Concorde and went to the carnival by the Louvre to go on some kiddie rides, and to get some beineights for dessert. On the way there, we were thwarted by Secret Service- the President of Camaroon was coming- I saw SWAT there too! After this minor delay, we took some pictures by the Louvre's glass pyramids and headed back home. What a perfect way to conclude the night! (Especially if you're buzzed!)

Today:
Friday/ Vendredi: Enjoyed some more Japanese food for lunch today with Nicolette. Bumped into Joe from our building like TWICE. He actually walked into me and I was about to yell at this person who so rudely walked into me while I was crossing the street. Now I'm just waiting for Mary to come back from class before we all head out to the Palais Tokyo of Modern art. We can't wait to check out the photobooths that Jack told me to try out! More later!!!
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