My how time flies...

I can't believe my 3rd week in France is coming to an end already. Here's a small update on what I've been up to...

I took my entrance exam to the Sorbonne on Wednesday, and of course, ended up getting lost on the way. Not a surprise and usually not a big deal, but seeing as this was an important exam, I had to get there before it started. So I hailed a cab, and it turns out I was only 6 or 7 blocks away from where I needed to be anyway. Not bad, right?

The next few days I've spent with friends from CCA getting lost in random parts of the city, stopping in random places for a small bite or quick drink, and getting the feel for life in Paris. It has certainly been busy, and I have loved walking around everywhere, not to mention talking French whenever possible.

The foyer, as I think I've already stated, is really great. My only issue is that I have yet to meet my roommate, whom I think is named Isabel. She doesn't sleep or spend any time at the foyer. Under normal circumstances, I would be happy to have a room to myself; however, I am disappointed because I would like a French-speaking roommate. Oh well. Other than that, I can't complain.

I spent yesterday with Lucie, a girl from the foyer who is Czech (Dad, that made me think of you, of course!). She and I voyaged to Montmartre and Sacre Coeur- beautiful! Paris is a relatively flat city, and seeing as Montmartre is one of the highest points of the city, you can see all of Paris from the top. It's quite breathtaking! As we were walking up the winding hill to the church, we also passed the Moulin Rouge- not so scandalous anymore- and many artists trying to sell paintings or paint pictures of us.

We also passed the Cemetary of Montmartre. I can't recall, in my life, seeing cemetaries as beautiful as these in France. They are so mysterious and awe-inspiring, and kind of eerie too.

After a long morning of walking, Lucie and I grabbed lunch at a "Resto-U" which is a cafeteria-style restaurant for college students that sells lunches/dinners for about 3 euro (cheap). All I have to say about this cafeteria food is that it has something in common with US cafeteria food- it's rather disgusting.

Last night, I met my fellow CCA friends at a bar in the 20 arrondisement, which is pretty much on the outskirts of Paris, and far away from my foyer. No sweat, though. I arrived fashionably late (no surprise). So, the featured band that night played a mixture of Spanish, French, and Arabic music. Different, but beautiful. Although I couldn't understand what they were saying (I think they were singing mostly in Arabic), it seemed that much of their audience followed the music and sang along with them.

Alas, like most travelers, I have finally fallen sick to some sort of bug going around. I'm trying to rest up before school starts on Tuesday and hope to see a few more touristy sites. I'll keep you posted. A bientôt!