L'ete a Paris: Classes and Cathedrals

Well, the actually reason that we're here has started...class. Its actually not all that bad. I was petrified that it was going to be entirely dull because its mostly philosophers-Descartes, Marx, Rousseau, etc.- but it turned out to be mostly discussion and group things based on the ideals and not the actual readings (which I did not do..like most others!). I read the sparknotes so I'm fairly prepared but obviously not as well as those who have actually read, but it worked out well and I actually participated quite a bit! I know me, its crazy...& I never talk in class : ) But day two is down and its not so bad!

Yesterday after class Abby, Tara, Erica and I went to the Sacre-Coeur (Sacred heart) cathedral which was stunning. When we first arrived off the metro it looked to be another sketchy area but when we turned toward the cathedral itself it was actually very touristy. The hill, and many many rows of stairs, were lined with different souvenir shops and vendors. The view from the top was amazing, as was the details to the church. Unfortunately we weren't able to take pictures inside but trust me when I tell you it was beautiful. All the gold leaf sculptures and painting, the different altars for the various saints. While I'm not an incredibly religious person myself it was something else to see others praying in the pews and on their hands and knees in front of the various saints.We didn't end up going into the dome but it was still an amazing view from the top of the stairs and hill. On our way back down we explored the different shops and eateries to see what we could fined and I got myself a necklace of La Tour Eiffel!

Today we only had class in the morning because in the afternoon we went to the Pantheon! We had seen the outside on our shopping trip to Luxembourg but the inside was stunning! It was fun to do something like that with the entire class as well. This time we went up into the dome so we were able to see a 360 degree view of the city from an incredible height. It was amazing to be able to put the various sites that the city has to offer into perspective with one another instead of just viewing them on a map or in a book. After the dome we went down into the crypt in order to see the significant deceased members that had the honor of being laid to rest in the Pantheon. This included Rousseau, Descartes, Madame Curie and her husband, Monsieur Braille, and manyyyy more. It was kind of cool knowing that these profound individuals from the past, that we hear and learn about all of the time, were right there within an arms reach.

After the Pantheon we went the Les jardins de Luxembourg which was right down the road! It was beautiful. The flowers and grass were so perfectly maintained it was insane. There were officials patrolling the grounds to monitor people's behavior and ensure that no one messed up any of the garden. There was also a huge fountain where children were playing with the little sail boats like you see in movies and such. It was pretty fun to watch. There were many statues, crazy trees that were rectangular, and people lounging out everywhere around the grounds. There was this one woman, with the longest craziest white hair who was either really drunk or falling asleep and she kept almost falling forward off her bench onto the graveled street. It was soooo funny, hahah. One of the guys in our group, Anthony, stood there and took a video of her continuing to fall forward and then catch herself. Then she woke up and saw him filming...busted! haha Too hilarious. We then went back up toward the Pantheon and did some shopping! I bought a dress and a tank top at this store called Pop London haha. It had really great Bastille Day sales! : ) I also order this hot dog in a baguette with cheese and it was the most delicious thing everrr! Basically anything smothered in cheese here is amazing!

Well off to bed early, Versailles and Marie Antoinettes farm tomorrow so I need to rest up! Bon Soir!