falling

First of all, let me preface this entry with "Yes, I realize that it has been two weeks since my last update." And for that, I do apologize. Second of all, I would like to apologize to Christine for accidentally naming her Catherine in my last update. I know who you are! Really, I DO!!!!

These past couple of weeks have been marked by midterms and meetings, and more of everything inbetween! In all honesty though, not too much has happened since my last update. I have successfully registered for my Spring 2011 semester back at Trinity, met lots of new people that are involved with Hillsong Paris, taken an Art History Exam, went for a run in the Luxembourg Garden, attended Leadership Vision Night (with Hillsong Sydney's Robert Ferguson), volunteered for the second time at my benevolat (Centre Social Belleville), and will have taken a Phonetics Exam by the end of class tomorrow (Friday).

It's amazing for me to think that I have less than 5 weeks remaining in Paris. Where has the time gone? I remember my first day arriving, leaving Heidi at the airport and getting lost in what I now refer to the neighborhood as "home." I have sent more than 40 pieces of mail. I have been to Sacre Coeur, Notre Dame, the musée Fragonard, the Musée d'Orsay two times, the Champs Elysée two times, the Arc de Triomphe three times (climbed up to the top once), the Eiffel Tower five times (and up to the very top one time), and the Louvre six times! And those are just the "major" places in Paris, not even including all of the gardens and parks!

The thing that I appreciate most about Paris is that it is so easy to get around the city! Whether by metro, bus, or even walking - nothing is ever "too far" away. I have mastered the route to walk to school, and can make it there in less then 30 minutes if need be (taking the metro to school only saves me about 5 minutes)! Wednesdays and Saturdays are market days, and they have not disappointed! Also, the gardeners take very good care of the plants and flowers in all of the parks and gardens - the weather in Paris is changing (my first real FALL!) and so are the plants in the gardens!

The things that seemed so strange to me when I first arrived in France - what? Stores are closed on Sundays? what? The store closes at 9pm on the weekday? what? Nothing is open 24 hours? - have now become an accepted occurence (though I do know of one grocery store that is opened on Sundays in my neighborhood). I have also come to have a greater appreciation for dried fruits (namely strawberries) and nuts, and have become quite skilled at making soups that come from a package taste rather delicious!

So what are some things that I would like to do before I leave Paris? Well, in case you were wondering, here they are!

• be more rested (not necessarily sleep more, but take it easy)
• run in the Luxembourg Garden at least 3 more times
• run along the Seine
• take more pictures
• visit the Monet exhibit at the Grand Palais (online reservations are booked until January)
• finish the jar of Nutella in my cubby (though I don't think that will be a problem)
• come back with only 1 bit suitcase and (if need be, a maximum of) 2 carry-ons

I think those are some obtainable goals. I will hopefully update again (sooner than 2 weeks) with a status check. But until then, enjoy some more pictures from Paris!

Fall in the Luxembourg Garden

A really funny t-shirt I found at a sportswear store

The Louvre - crowded like I have never seen it before

Caroline and me, Tuesday before our fashion class
(we are, quite obviously dressed like we take a fashion class)

A French board game that I played today with some of the kids
(it was fun! we turned into ghosts)

Holiday decorations in my arrondissement!
Christmas is on its way!