Cathedral Light

Since I simply can't keep my blog posts caught up with my crazy schedule, I've decided to organize my posts by place or theme!

Today I want to share with you the beauty of light in Gothic cathedrals. The majority of these pictures are from Sainte Chapelle, but a few are from Notre Dame. If you happen to visit a Gothic cathedral at the correct time of day, when the sun is low enough in the sky to create golden light with long shadows, you're in for a treat. I tried my best to capture the glow of it, but nothing substitutes actually being there.

The past two weeks I was lucky enough to have two visitors: My mom and my grandma! I showed them around the city, and pretty much checked everything off their Paris To-See lists. I felt like a pretty adept mock-tour-guide!

I have to admit though, it was so hard leaving my mom at the airport bus stop. It was like I reverted back to being 4 years old. That moment when you're left at kindergarten for the first time, and you feel absolutely hopeless and heartbroken. But thankfully, after a few days of rest (which included copious amounts of sleep and medicine), I was able to get over not only my residual cough, but also the feeling of loneliness I had been battling since my very first day in Paris.

I realized during this time, thanks to some pokes and prods from my dear friends here and back home, that happiness doesn't just happen. Rather, it's a choice that you have to make everyday. If I allowed myself, I could have been depressed and scared for the entirety of my stay, but that simply isn't an option for me.

It's time for me to embrace being here, to fall in love with Paris, to see all that I can see in the next four months, to remember that my hometown, family, and friends will ALWAYS be there for me. I'm never alone with all the love I'm being sent through prayer and good wishes. Big life changes are extremely difficult for most people, but if you are determined enough, all it takes is a choice to be happy.

On my wall, I have written: I am in charge of how I feel, and today I choose determination, bravery, strength, and happiness. (or insert whichever type of abstract nouns you have need of)

If you're reading this right now, you are studying abroad, and you are experiencing culture shock, loneliness, homesickness, regret, or fear, take comfort in the fact that probably 98% of people who study abroad feel the exact same things. There was even a point where I almost came back home, only three weeks in. Take it one day at a time, and find a way to become happy, even if it takes time, a whole month even. You can do it!

And if you're not studying abroad, just enjoy my photos and live vicariously! :)

Jardin du Luxembourg

My feet may be seriously injured, and I think my Achilles heel is bruised. I'm not sure how I'm going to get to class and work tomorrow! Let's just hope my feet heel tonight. I have never walked so much in my entire life, and it doesn't help that the majority of my shoes are new and require "breaking in." I'm hoping that my feet will transform into one, rock-hard callous that can withstand absolutely anything and that will be immune to any sort of pain. Here's to hoping!

On a very sunny, warm day, I hopped over to the Luxembourg garden, a very large green space complete with manicured lawns, overflowing lines of flowers, am impressive Baroque-style fountain, and shady areas with lots of benches. It reminded me of many Impressionist paintings of Parisians at leisure. Sunday Afternoon at the Grande Jatte and Luncheon on the Grass came to mind. I didn't spend as much time here as I'd like, but I have 4 months to return.

I'll be sad when winter comes and all the beautiful flowers go away!

{Palace of Luxembourg}







{Shadier Section of the Park} {Baroque-Style Fountain}

I also took a stroll through some side-streets and went to see St. Sulpice, a church near the gardens. I wasn't looking forward to seeing this church, as it is classical in style - which doesn't excite me as much as the Gothic style. However, the sheer size alone is enough to make the most disinterested person marvel a little.

The streets I love the most in Paris are those that are narrow. They're the most charming, with cafe tables and food vendors squeezed onto the tiny sidewalk. This street, directly behind the Luxembourg palace, had a doll shop! Or maybe it was a museum. It was closed so I couldn't go in, but it looked delightfully creepy and quirky.



{A Picturesque little cafe - couldn't resist taking a photo} {Interior of St. Sulpice}

Montmartre & the Salvador Dalí Museum

Montmartre used to be a village on the outskirts of Paris, but as the city grew, this charming, hilly, cobble-stoned area was eventually integrated into Paris. "Back in the day," so to speak, starving artists and bohemians frequented this area. At the base of the Montmartre hill lies the famous Moulin Rouge and Pigalle, the red light district of Paris.

Lucky for me, the metro line I live close to takes me directly to Montmartre! I surfaced from the metro at Abbesses (TAKE THE ELEVATOR UP - I made the mistake of using the stairs, and I think I hiked up about 10 floors-worth of stairs) and the first thing I saw was a vintage clothing store. I immediately went inside to see what they offered, and was extremely happy to see dresses priced at 10 euros and skirts at 5! I didn't end up buying anything, but I will definitely return someday.

I meandered in the general direction of Sacré Coeur Basilica, which means I basically headed uphill. If you ever get lost in Montmartre, just go upwards and you'll eventually reach something recognizable.

After stopping to buy a crepe sucre, I stumbled upon the Place du Tertre, where hundreds of artists set up shop, most offering live portraits. I didn't check the price for getting a portrait drawn, but I'd really like to have one of my own.

I then bought some Art-Nouveau post cards and found my way to the Sacré Coeur. It is so beautiful! The white stone looks amazing against a blue, partly cloudy sky. And the view of the city is pretty amazing as well. I couldn't take any pictures inside the church, but I think the outside does it justice.

{Sacré Coeur} {The view from Sacré Coeur}
{Architectural Detail}

I also visited the Salvador Dalí museum. I'll be honest and say: this museum is very small. Although I got a student discount, I can't quite say that it was worth paying the entrance fee. The museum itself consists of only three rooms plus a bookstore, and there weren't any of his major works. However, if you're a Dalí maniac and would appreciate his minor works (illustrations and sculpture), then go for it!

{Alice in Wonderland - the Caterpillar} {Mad Tea Party} {Surrealist Interior Design??} {Surrealist Sculpture}
Coming next: Areas around the Louvre