I Loved Paris in the Springtime

      Today is the two-year anniversary of the start of my semester in Paris. When I'm older and hitting milestones like my fortieth high school reunion (like my mom is this year), I know two years will seem like absolutely nothing. But to me, here and now, I can hardly believe it. I can't be appreciative enough of my semester here in Paris during college because I was lucky enough to spend it with fourteen other fascinating, hilarious, fun and sweet people who made me laugh, who explored Paris and Europe with me, who shared the burden of the ridiculousness of life in Paris and who made me break down into a damn mess when it was time to say goodbye (and, frankly, the entire summer of 2012). If not for all of them (all of you, if you're reading this), I wouldn't be back here in Paris at all. I met up with Amelia, one of the fifteen of us Paris alumni, for coffee today on the rue d'Assas and we reminisced, agreeing that we were so incredibly lucky for our time.  So, as I write this, I raise a bottle (You wouldn't expect me to use a glass now, would you?) of cheap Bordeaux to you, mes amis, for the memories and for the inspiration to do this again.

Love,

Rachel

Latin Quarter

Atop the Arc de Triomphe

Fontainebleau

Easter at Notre-Dame

The Highlander

Outside The Highlander

Eiffel Tower

On the terrace of Mary-Kate's beautiful foyer on the boulevard St-Michel (near my current apartment)

Giverny

Versailles

Rome

Santorini, Greece

Marseille

Our last get-together with everyone on the Champ de Mars

Steps of St-Etienne-du-Mont

Venice

Paris When It Sizzles

     I refuse to put a number on the days I have left in Paris, so I won't. I've been avoiding looking at my calendar because I don't want to see what the date is, which is probably a terrible idea since I've been scatter-brained lately as a result. I remember my first day here, wide-eyed and terrified of the métro, pulling out my map at every corner and all together believing I had made a huge mistake in coming here. After giving it some time, I really think this has been the greatest adventure of my life so far. I can't express how important and meaningful these past few months have been for me. I've made some lifelong friends and I can't really think about leaving them without getting a little misty.
     I had one last meeting today with the program that found me my internship and we discussed our next career steps, like working on our CVs, keeping in touch with employers and how to approach future interviews. We were told not to sound too excited or enthusiastic about Paris or the prospective employer may think we'll leave the company. I thought this was funny- how can I lie about Paris, especially if I'm seeking a job in the travel industry with degrees in French and Cross-Cultural Studies and a minor in International Relations? C'est impossible. 

Parc des Buttes Chaumont

Le Penseur at the Rodin Museum

Giverny

     Now that my time here is slipping away through my fingers, the weather has become absolutely beautiful. Instead of finishing up classes, I'd much rather be laying in the Jardin du Luxembourg or watching Paris from the steps of the Sacré-Cœur. It's been a mad dash to stuff my face with croissants and pains au chocolat while making progress on my Paris To-Do list. In the past week I've visited several parks (Parc des Buttes Chaumont, Parc Montsouris, Parc de la Villette), cafés (Les Deux Magots), museums (Rodin) and churches (Saint Sulpice, Saint Germain-des-Près), snapping pictures and practically running to the next one, Amazing Race-style. I think I have to edit my list. 
     On Saturday, our group visited Claude Monet's home and gardens at Giverny. It was very beautiful, very crowded and very short. As always, I wish we had more time to fully get a feel for the place, but to be completely honest, Monet is not my favorite. His waterlilies are beautiful, yes, but I think I really prefer paintings with more drama and emotion than plants. 
     Since the weather has improved, we're planning on going to Versailles on Thursday since we got rained out last week. 

Rachel