I am back safely from France and surprisingly I loved Paris. I was pretty anxious about this trip but by the end I did not want to leave. I actually began to enjoy the challenge of the language barrier, especially as my friend who spoke a little French taught me bits and pieces. There is a bit of pride with being able to communicate with someone in their own language, no matter how abysmal your pronunciation is.
My goals for the trip were to see Versailles and have a Nutella Crepe. I managed to see Versailles (it was glorious) and have 3 Nutella crepes (they were also glorious). I also got to see Victor Hugo's house, which I was not expecting but was very cool because he is one of my favorite authors. There were a plethora of beautiful chandeliers to be found in the Paris Opera House and Versailles and beautiful churches to see such as Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle. I got to see the real Mona Lisa (she's quite small) and the real Thinker (sculpture by Rodin). I honestly loved the city and plan on going back to see all the things I missed. But I'll stop rambling now and show you what I mean.
The Thinker and me, pondering life's deeper questions.
The stained glass windows in Sainte-Chapelle were honestly breath-taking.
This church made me feel so small and insignificant, which was great because it made God seem that much more beautiful and awe-inspiring.
The city of Paris from Mountmarte, on the steps of the Sacre Couer church.
The climb involved insane amounts of steps but was incredibly worth it.
The Notre Dame in all its glory. I can completely understand how Victor Hugo was inspired to write a novel about this magnificent building.
Speaking of Victor, here he is, chilling in his house.
One of my favorite moments in Paris: We decided to have the most Parisian dinner we could muster. I had two croissants, mozzarella cheese, a pear and Orangina. It was beyond delicious.
Two very memorable things are happening in this picture: I am in front of the Effiel Tower and my elbow is displaying its awkward ability to hyper-extend and distract from the scenery around it.
Effiel Tower at night. I was much more impressed with it at night, to be honest. This is me, at the very top of the tower at night.
It might be cliche, but it is a sight to behold.
Fabulous chandeliers in the Opera House. I was actually more impressed with the Opera House than with Versailles' Hall of Mirrors.
The Mona Lisa: much smaller in real life.
Marie Antoinette's bed. She hid behind the curtains on the left during the storming of Versailles.
Hall of Mirrors in Versailles.
The crepe stand we stopped at twice right near the Effiel Tower. We had the same crepe maker twice... it was delicious.
Well, that's the best summary I can give of Paris. It was certainly a whirl-wind tour, only being there for four days, but it was good. I feel like I got to see what I wanted to see and was introduced to lots of things to come back and see. One of the guys here says that whenever he travels he always leaves something to come back to as a way to ensure he'll come back to that particular place. That philosophy pretty well applies to Paris. I would love to go back and spend more time working on my French and hanging out with Victor Hugo.
Since coming back "home" to London, we've been wrapping up class (my final is tomorrow) and fitting in some last minute adventures in London. Last night I saw Les Miserables from the seventh row, as a sort of birthday present. It was indescribably fantastic. It was the best Broadway production I have ever seen and it was so incredibly worth every pence to see it from the seventh row.
My plans for the next four days include seeing Harry Potter, Liverpool for the weekend and celebrating my 21st birthday on Monday. On my birthday, we plan to eat a lot, have tea one last time and try to get ready to leave the next day. I cannot believe I am about to go home! It feels like I just got into a routine here and leaving will be very strange. But I will be ready to go home, especially since I get home and my adventures do not stop.
Thanks again for all your support and prayers. I have had an amazing time over here and I know that is directly from your prayers. I am forever grateful.
Good night from the UK!
_Kt
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