The City of Lights

Bonjour! It seems like forever since I've been able to update everyone! I'm in Paris right now, and loving it. I don't think there is a single thing on this trip I have not loved so far. Us girls took our 9 hour overnight bus back to London from Edinburgh and then connected to the Eurostar Chunnel straight to Paris after that, arriving here at 2pm on Monday afternoon.

Not knowing where to stay exactly, we wondered for awhile and eventually found a hostel on Left bank near Republique Square -- asked for a three bed room...but upon entrance to our room saw two bunkbeds = 4 beds. We didn't think we'd have a fourth roommate...however, just when we were leaving for dinner our fourth roommate walks on in. An Australian man... We went to bed early and left early. It was interesting, we said hi to him, that was about it. Nothing more. We all are just at hostels for a place to sleep...and at that hostel there were other Americans as well. We enjoy talking to them and seeing where everyone is from and why they're here.

So after that experience, we came to our hostel/hotel our group is staying at and stayed here for two nights. It's quite nice, internet is very unreliable, but the accomodations aren't bad. And we are only in 2 person rooms. Like dorm life again! Each morning I have a croissant and small baguette for breakfast. And sometimes Nutella - that's huge here! Hazlenut spread - kinda like chocolate.

I've had a few crepes already - my favorite Chocolate and banana. :) Yum.

Us girls have had quite the time to explore and see the sights. Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Monte Marte, Arc de Triomphe, and museum after museum. We went on a walking tour with our group Friday for about 4 hours! Our tour guide was quite funny and pointed out interesting spots such as where Jason Bourne hid in Bourne Identity, and where Andrea threw her phone into the fountain in Devil Wears Prada. I love learning about the history of this city, but learning this kind of trivia is more my thing! And so fun to relate to.

Paris is definitly the city of lights. At night, things come to life, it's ten times prettier to me. Just magical. Eight of us girls went on a one hour boat tour down the Seine tonight, and it was so relaxing and gorgeous. Of course, during the day, things are just as intriguing, just in a new light.

My four day museum pass begins tomorrow, 60 museums we get into for free with it. Tuesday everyone is headed to Versaille for the day. I'm headed to Montemarte again later this week, the Sacre Coeur is there, a huge creamy white basilica with a panoramic view of the entire city!

Oh, Katy's birthday was Thursday. We celebrated by going up to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Took many pictures, enjoyed the view and sang happy birthday to her. Every hour (after dark) the tower lights up like glitter. It sparkles. And at 10pm we were singing and to our surprise it came to life. We all screamed! It was so cute.

I hope to upload pictures soon, but in the mean time imagine views of the Seine and me smiling in all the pictures!

By the way, Edinburgh was an amazing city, I was sad to leave it, especially since I was able to see my friends staying in Dalkeith. However, my last two weeks of travel will more than likely bring me back to them! That time will come before I know it.

And Emily, my anklet is still on! I'm so glad you're traveling along, and all the Phi Mu girls. I just found out also that my trip assistant is a Phi Mu Alum. She graduated from Mississippi, where their chapter is over 200 girls! Imagine that! And so far, this trip has been filled with lots of lion and quatrafoil spotting, they're everywhere! It's so awesome. <3

Write more later..and hopefully more often.