3/20/11
School and work for it has really started. I don’t like it because I always worry about getting my work done before I want to do anything else like explore the city or go to museums. I went to Reims since I signed up to go to Fontainebleau. Reims is the capital of Champagne. They also have 2 famous churches there. One, Notre Dame Cathedral, where all the kings of France where crowned. The other, Basilica of St Remy, was the priest who crowned the first king, Clovis. We went to a small champagne family owned champagne company and we also got to try some. It was really good. I def like champagne better than wine.
I also went to Basilica of St Denis, which is where all the kings and queens of France are buried. There is just so much history everywhere I love it. There was also a large market by the church that had really fresh fruits, veggies, clothes, meat and desserts for really cheap.
One of my favorite places in Paris I think is Montmarte. I love sitting up there on a nice day, drinking with friends and looking down on the city. It just seems unreal because behind me is a gorgeous church and in front of it is all of Paris. I go there for a nice day after class, St. Patrick’s Day, as well as on the river with the Milwaukee boys. I really like them because its nice to hang out with guys and not girls. They also remind me of Paul and them and I miss them.
Mom, maw maw grace and meme will be coming next weekend and I’m excited for them to come. They will bring me Resse’s and we will exchange some clothes. I’m excited to show them around and show them everything I have learned. I am going to start talking to someone for my anxiety, and my first session is next week. I am a little nervous, but I know it will help me.
I am also making friends which is nice. I just feel that as soon as we all get really close we will have to leave each other. I had big heart to hearts with Grace, Rachael, Hannah and Ana. I also really like Alisha, Rachel C, Carlos, Tina, Mary Elizabeth, Laura and Brian.
My family stay is still going well. The mom is such a good cook. I love how we have cucumbers and salami as appetizers. I also love the cheese and bread because its fresh. I think if I eat ice cream at home, I will eat it on a small plate because it makes you eat less of it. I also love the meal with mashed potatoes, meat and cheese on top. I also like when she has scrambled eggs and roasted potatoes. I love the crepe meals as well.
In a Champagne celler!
Taste testing.
My favorite place in Paris: Montmarte.
With some class mates outside Notre Dame at night.
Meme, Ma and Maw Maw Grace with Le Opera to the right.
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This is one of many posts from my journal I wrote during my semester abroad in 2011. I will not change anything in the post unless noted here.
*As an option with our school, we had 1 out of 3 day trips to choose from. I chose Fontainebleau for school, so a few other classmates and I went to Riems on our own, as that was another option.
*As an option with our school, we had 1 out of 3 day trips to choose from. I chose Fontainebleau for school, so a few other classmates and I went to Riems on our own, as that was another option.
*My school had about 50 students and only 5 were boys. “Paul and them” referrs to my group of guy friends from Penn State
*Don’t be afraid to seek help… I did after I had a huge panic/anxiety attack over some train tickets