Well, since I last posted, I've had two days to explore. The first day we went to see the Louvre. We didn't go in, but you don't have to in order to appreciate it. It's absolutely gorgeous from the outside:
So we explored that for a while one day. We also managed to buy some metro tickets so that we can get to some places farther away from the MIJE without killing our legs. The metro is an interesting experience, very crowded, but very efficient. We took it the second day, to the Eiffel Tower. There was a giant megatron screening of the soccer game on the lawn of the tower which some of the people here wanted to go see. Soccer's not really my thing, but I went 1) to see the Eiffel Tower and 2) just to hang out with people. It was actually a good time even though France lost to Mexico. We made some random friends with the people around us and watched what looked like all of the Mexicans in Paris celebrate.The Eiffel Tower was beautiful to say the least. I was very much in awe of it. I didn't get to see it as much as I would like, but I'm determined to go back very soon when it isn't being swarmed with people. My camera also wasn't working at the time so I didn't get any pictures either... so sad. Turns out, if you buy batteries at the dollar store, you get what you paid for. I now have at least 10 dead batteries. They were dead when I opened the package unfortunately and my camera runs on AA batteries. Hopefully I can get more in France or send home for some. There are a couple things I realized would be helpful. But yea, the Eiffel Tower was gorgeous, and I got pics with my phone but I can't post them here. But I will return and appreciate it all the more. I didn't even know that it sparkles on the hour so I was very surprised to see that :)
We thought that since there was probably about a thousand people watching the game that the subway would be super crowded and would take forever to get back. So, we walked back to the MIJE from the Eiffel Tower. It took a LONG time, probably about an hour. But Paris is so beautiful that nobody minded. I looked it up and the Eiffel Tower is about 6 km from the MIJE if you draw a straight line. Needless to say we were super exhausted afterwards. But we got to see some beautiful buildings. There was even a lasershow-type thing on the side of a building showing scenes from WWII.
This is just a random picture I took when I was walking by the Seine River:
For this weekend, not exactly sure what we are going to be doing. I know that at some point we are going to have to do laundry, which is apparently really expensive and you have to do it in small doses since the machines are small. I can't do what I normally do and wait till I have only one thing to wear left and wash everything I own all at once. I also plan on having some sort of dinner at a french restaurant. I have yet to go one for a full meal. I went to one for a chocolate crepe on my first night here, but I want to have a legit meal this time.Monday is really going to be the day to look forward to I must say. It's one of France's holidays called la Fête de la Musique which means Festival of Music. Apparently it's just a huge event where everyone is out on the streets listening to all sorts of free concerts. People will be playing from their windows and on the street. At least, that's what I have heard. I look forward to experiencing it for myself!!
Hope everyone out there is having fun (especially you Brandon, have fun in California for the week)! Week one for me = DONE! One month and one week till I head back state-side. Love to all!
-Austin
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