Exploring the Streets of Paris

Bonjour! Our free day in Paris was amazing! The sun is shining and the weather is beautiful! Andrew, Chris, Megan and I hit the streets after spending some time in Luxembourg park with the intentions of "cruising"and that's just what we did. We went to Notre Dame first, which was spectacular! After Notre Dame, we went to Chatelet in search for lunch. After doing some shopping and eating lunch, we walked along this part over looking this beautiful church. Next, we decided to go to the Grande Arche, or the new arch build opposite of the traditional Arch d'Triump! We were able to ride in a "space bubble"as we coined it, up through the top of the square arch and get out to look at the city. From that high up, we could see the entire city of Paris and it was beautiful. After that we went in search for the Latin Quarter but had no luck. I guess you could say that after being all over the city, we are pros at using the metro! I look forward to checking out the bar scene tonight to end this great day right!

Yesterday I had an amazing experience when I was off looking for a camera cord in the city by myself. I stopped at a pizza place for dinner because I was starving. While I was sitting alone and relaxing, two men came up to me to ask the time in French, but of course, since I can't speak French, I couldn't help. However, one of the men named Momo looked delighted that I spoke English and explained to me that he was studying English and English Literature and Culture in college. He asked me if I was expecting someone, and when I replied no, he asked if I would like to eat with them. Seeing a great opportunity to get some French insight, I said yes and sat down with them at their table. Momo's friend spoke no English at all but worked hard to interpret what we were saying. Momo and I discussed America and his dreams of moving there and becoming a teacher. He was the first (and probably only) French person that was not against the war in Iraq, but he asked me to keep that to myself so he wasn't gunned down as he left the pizza place... we both laughed. Anyway, after some time, a waitress came by with one of her girlfriends and introduced her to Momo's friend, and that's when I realized... I was on their "blind date!" They introduced us even though we could not speak to one another and it was quite comical. After dinner, I thanks Momo for his time and for asking me to eat with them. It was the best experience I have ever had with the French by far!