Paris!

Bonjour

Merci beaucoup

Je t'aime

Au revoir

Ahh, Paris was wonderful! It went way too fast! I have thought about Paris everyday since leaving. I met my best friend from home, Jacqueline (who is studying in Barcelona) and her program there. It was one of the best weekend of my life. Although it was rainy most of the weekend, I think that added to the mystique and romance of the city.

Not to be clique, but I fell in love with Paris.

 

I got there on Friday evening and after navigating to the hotel knowning no French, we went out for fondue. There was about 20 Americans with us from Jacqueline's program so it was a lot of fun. This place actually only served water, red wine, and white wine. The only way you could get your wine served to you was in baby bottles. The restaurant had a great atmopshere and incredible fondue!


The next morning up we were up early for sightseeing. We had a chartered bus courtesy of Jacqueline's program which was actually really awesome especially because of the rain! 

We stopped at Notre Dame and went inside. The rose window was breathtaking. The light coming into the cathedral from it was overwhelming.

The doors on Notre Dame were so intricate. I love this picture of them.

After that, it was off to the Eiffle!

Of course, if anyone knows Jacqueline and I, we had a photoshoot. It was a lot of fun. It was strange to think I was actually in front of the Eiffle Tower! One of the most famous structures in the world was right in front of me; it was a moment I will never forget. 

Paris and shopping go hand in hand. We walked along the Champs-Élysées and went to the Galeries Lafayette. Of course, we found Marc Jacobs as well (it is a Jacqueline and Kara staple).

That night we had an authentic french dinner and enjoyed the city. It was even more beautiful at night.

This is the fountain in The Devil Wears Prada where Andrea throws her phone at the end! We had to take a picture!

 

The next morning was Le Lourve Day! We took our time getting to the Lourve, stopping at local markets and enjoying a cup of coffee. Unfortunately, it was the first Sunday of the month, which meant the museum was free. This would usually be a good thing, except that I had to catch a plane at 3, the line was around the building, and it was raining. Jacqueline had already been to the Lourve before I arrived in Paris but, knowing my love of art, she was a great friend and stood with me in the rain.

It has always been on my "Bucket List" to see The Grand Odalisque by Ingres. It is my favorite painting in the world. I loved it ever since I learned about it my junior year in my high school art history class. I love it because at first, the women looks absolutely beautiful and perfect. Her pristine skin and exotic style are enticing. However, if you then take a look closer, you'll see she actually has a very strange and morphed body. Her torso is elongated and she actually has no butt; her hands and feet are huge, and her head is so small. The way I see it, this is true in life as well; someone may look perfect at first glance, but that is never the case. 

When I saw this piece, I really started to cry! It was something I always wanted to do! Who knew looking at a painting could be such a remarkable moment? I couldn't believe I was standing at the Lourve in Paris!

We got out of Le Lourve and it was already time for my flight back to Pisa. I had such an incredible weekend with my best friend in Paris. Not many people get to say that. 

We made a pact that we will be back to Paris very soon.