Not Quite Nice...

What, another week has gone by already? I just can't believe it! I've been busy doing, well, whatever I've wanted- kidding. I started classes last week at the Sorbonne and after about 3 minutes in class I realized that I was in the wrong class so after a week of annoying moving-around-sort-of-business I am finally in an appropriate level and already enjoying everything about my class. I'm sure I've already mentioned it, but I must express yet again the diversity that I have experienced here. In my class this morning, there were kids from Taiwan, Ireland, China, the States, Japan, Germany, and get this- there is a girl in my class who grew up in Elmhurst which is the town I was born in. It's just so cool!

Besides studying, I've been exploring the beautiful city of Paris. I've been passing the afternoons and evenings reading or hanging out at cafes (the coffee is so yummy) and grabbing an occasional pastry- the apple or apricot tarts are probably my favorite, or going running (yes, can you believe it? seriously though!). Also, I love catching foot matches with my foyer mates because they get so pumped about the games.

This Valentine's Day weekend started on Thursday; I went to the Opera Bastille to see Madame Butterfly, and wow, it was such a moving show. It's an Italian tragedy that has received fame from all masters of opera, so needless to say it was a real treat. To be honest, though, I watched the orchestra more often than I watched the opera itself. I just can't help loving orchestra after spending countless years in orchestra myself. After perusing the bar scene on Friday night with a friend in Bastille, we called it an early night.

I spent Saturday throwing a frisbee (sigh!) in the Luxembourg Gardens- it was about 40 degrees Farhenheit- perfect! A guy from my program also plays ultimate so you can imagine that this he has often been the object of my persistent nagging of "hey, wanna throw?" anytime it's nice out. Thus far, he has yet to punch me. :) After grabbing yet another coffee (man, if I don't come home with a serious caffeine addiction I will be amazed), I attended a black-and-white/Valentine's Day/birthday party for a friend that I've recently made in Paris. Without going into too much detail, all I can say was that it was a blast. I can't help but notice again the difference between the way American and French kids typically party- they are just more responsible drinkers. So, after a glamorous night of drinking (in moderation, cough cough), dancing, and making more friends, I spent Sunday recovering.

Now the school week is back and with it my procrastination. Damn. I thought I left that in the States. Nah, I'm kidding; school work isn't that bad. Since starting the blog I have now joined 2 ultimate teams in Paris, and I'm going one of my first practices on Wednesday night- wish me luck! Then this weekend is dedicated to a trip to Nice to celebrate Carnival! The south of France is typically warmer than Paris (ugh it's so rainy and cold right now) so I'm pretty stoked for the scenery change.

I'll keep you posted. Much love, Lauren