Mon Amour, Paris

I officially have two weeks under my belt in this beautiful country. This week I only had two days of class because on wednesday we hopped on a train to Paris! We had reservations on the fast train, so we were there by 19:30 or for all you American folk 7:30pm. We didn't have anything planned for our evening, so after getting to our hotel some of us decided to walk to get pizza. We really did not know where we were going exactly, just a general direction, but eventually we did find a place. I didn't go inside to order, but apparently they didn't know any English, so I am sure that that was an interesting experience for those who did order. Our first night there was pretty laid back. We just hung out in the boys' rooms and enjoyed our french pizza :)

However, the next day was a whirlwind because we saw all of Paris in 13 hours. It was the never-ending day of a lifetime. We started off by going to see Sacre Coeur which is right by the artist's district. We had to be careful because there were men at the bottom who would try and grab your wrists to put a bracelet on you, so that you would have to buy it. It was not bad, but there were a few times I had to say very firmly "Nohn Merci." Yeah, that's right I spoke French to them, and they backed off! I mean that's really all I know besides please, but I am not even gonna try and spell that because I will probably butcher it. Anyways, here is a picture of the beautiful cathedral:

Yes, that is Ty photo bombing us in the top corner. He's a silly fellow. We climbed all those stairs to the top, and the view was even better from up there. My favorite part was the shops and artist's farther up the hill. People were painting, and there were lots of little shops to go into. We didn't have very much time there, but I did buy two small paintings, which I LOVE them, and I cannot wait to have my own place where I can put them up :) After that we took the metro back so that we could get on this huge red, double decker bus that tours the city. We saw the Eiffel Tower, Musee Orsay, the Louvre, Notre Dame, Invalides, Arc de Triomphe, and so many other things. It was incredible. Here are some pics of the fun we had:

It's ok to be jealous. I mean if I wasn't here and someone else was I know I would be of them! However, those places were cool, but my absolute two most favorite places in all of Paris were two places that fit my personality perfect. The first is the Opera Garnier. This is the opera house that Phantom of the Opera was based off of, which I absolutely love that movie, so this was like a dream come true. It was gorgeous, and I could have spent my whole day in there. There was the grand staircase, and the mosaic tiled floors, and the beautiful costumes, and the wonderful library, but the best part of all was seeing the auditorium. I was disappointed at first because it was closed for practice, but then they let a few people at a time go into one of the boxes and watch. I think I about died when I walked in because I got to watch these amazingly talented people practice, and it was incredible. The dancing was superb, and I am not gonna lie it was so beautiful it may have brought tears to my eyes. This place was so up my alley it's not even funny. I didn't want to stop watching. I was hooked, and I probably stayed there for a good 10 minutes just mesmerized. Eventually, I decided I should probably let others to the front to watch, but it was hard to leave. Enjoy these fantastic photos!

 

The pictures here do not even do this place justice. It seriously was my favorite part. I liked the opera house better than the Eiffel Tower, and anything else I saw that day. I could not take pictures or record the dancers to share that with all of you, but I so wish that I could have.

My next favorite spot was the famous bookstore, Shakespeare and Company. I could have lived in this place. It was filled with books upstairs and down. Every single wall from the ground to the ceiling filled with old books and new books, and it was the best smell in all the world. It was glorious, and I never wanted to leave. I did buy a book because I had to. I mean I LOVE to read, so I would be a joke if I didn't. I bought the Brönte sisters, and on top of that the book looked so pretty! I could not resist :)

It was glorious, and I had the opportunity to go twice in one night :) The other really cool thing was on our way to dinner we passed this bridge that was covered in locks, and I mean COVERED. 

Point in case.

Anyway, the point is that couples come to the bridge and put a lock on it, and then they throw the key into the river, so their love is there to stay. It's seriously the cutest thing ever, and I want to do that when I get married, whenever God decides to put that man in my life. Because the two of us will be traveling. We will find a way to make it work. The other cool thing about this bridge is that Randy and Lorie (my professors) used to live in Paris and Randy found their lock!

Now, that is just precious.

Our grand finale for the evening was seeing the Eiffel Tower lit up at night. It. Was. FANTASTIC. Seriously, one of the prettiest things I have ever seen in my life. And it even sparkled for us too! It was pretty great, and so surreal that I was standing at the base of the Eiffel Tower, in Paris. Crazy. I have a video of it sparkling on Facebook, but it's not wanting to upload on here, so go stalk my page to find it :) For now, just soak up the gloriousness of this beautiful monument using my photos!

The last one I just had to have a little fun with it. I mean I have been doing so well smiling in all my photos for my mother, but let's get real. That picture is me because I am pretty sure that's my go to goofy face :) Well one of them at least. All in all, I LOVED Paris. One day was not enough to enjoy the gloriousness of this dirty, yet beautiful city. I mean it was my second time there, but still. It was a great trip, and I can't wait to go on many more! Sorry it was so long, but I hope whoever actually reads my posts enjoyed it! Au revoir.  Til Next Time.