Two week review

To keep track of all that I have seen and done, I have been keeping a travel journal. This has helped me as I download and edit all my photos on my laptop, trying to remember the stories and experiences that correspond with each picture. It is a difficult and time-consuming task, as I have 531 photos from the 14 days I have been here.

So, what have I been up to? Let me review.

Monday, September 16, orientation began but who can focus when this is your view out the window?

Tuesday, September 17, I moved into my host family's home.

Wednesday, September 18, Sadie and I explored the Luxembourg Gardens in the rain. Sadie goes to the same college as I do in the states, but somehow even with a student body of 1400, we did not know each other prior to arriving in Paris.

Thursday, September 19, I climbed the steps of the Eiffel Tower.

Friday, September 20, we crossed Pont des Arts to visit the Louvre.

Saturday, September 21, I finally got to sleep in a little.

Sunday, September 22, I went to the neighborhood market to do some grocery shopping with my host mom.

Monday, September 23, was the first day of classes, which are each three hours long.

Tuesday, September 24, I explored the Sacre Coeur area after class, and I ate crepes for two out of three meals, seeing absolutely no problem with that.

Wednesday, September 25, I unsuccessfully tried to explain to the cats that I do not want to share my bed with them.

Thursday, September 26, class required a lot of effort to keep from daydreaming about the upcoming weekend trip to southern France.

Friday, September 27, our study abroad program traveled to Collioure, France, marking my first trip by train and my first glimpse of the Mediterranean Sea.

Saturday, September 28, we visited the city of Perpignan before returning to Collioure for a fresh seafood dinner along the beach. My main course was a buckwheat crepe topped with penne noodles and covered in an assortment of seafood. I also tried a hermit crab that came with my friend's dinner, and I would not recommend it. The actual crab does not taste like much, but the texture makes it unappetizing.

Sunday, September 29, we crossed over into Spain to tour the city of Cadaques before returning to Paris.

Monday, September 30, it was back to reality with class first thing in the morning.