Around the Louvre

Every first Sunday of the month, the Louvre opens it's doors with free admission. A friend and I decided to try it out. However, when we arrived, the line practically wrapped around the building... and the building is HUGE. Instead, we walked to a neighboring bridge and strolled the gardens.

It was a bit chilly that day, so I put on my black tights. I opted for all black, white, and gray - I think I could have passed as a true Parisian. ;)

{Me in my all black, Parisian outfit} {The lover's bridge - couples lock padlocks on the railings with their initials as a sign of their love} {Awwww, my boyfriend's name is Paul!}

{Green chairs like this were everywhere} {There were multiple fountains like this one}

First Few Days in Paris

I've been here in Paris for one week! That feels a little surreal to say. My first few days were... how can I put this... actually quite horrible. I had multiple anxiety attacks, cried everyday, and seriously thought that coming to Paris was a SERIOUS mistake. Anybody who says that studying abroad is amazing and wonderful has left out a big part: culture shock, missing home, and feeling seriously overwhelmed. Apparently, though, feeling all of this is completely normal. Anybody who is considering studying abroad, listen up! Organize as many things as possible before your departure! Any decrease in stress is well worth the effort!! Even after a week I still find myself wondering if I should have just stayed home and instead saved up money and gone on a long vacation to Paris. Seriously consider if you want to take the enormous time and effort it requires to live in a foreign country, it is not for the faint of heart.

I'm happy to say, however, that within 3 more days, the anxiety has almost disappeared, and I am happy to be here!

I've been so busy the past week I haven't had time to come to Starbucks (Free Wifi), and upload photos. I have a feeling that blogging from now on will consist of 3 posts in one day covering my previous week, because of wifi (it's a loooong, boring story).

Here are some shots of my departure and my first few days in Paris. Although I was feeling culture-shocked and terrible during these days, I did force myself to visit the Eiffel Tower:

{La Tour Eiffel!}

{Under the bridge near the Eiffel Tower} {American Church steeple...I think...}

{Eating Breakfast at home before airport} {At the airport! Comfortable, cute outfit} {First meal: bread, cheese, meat} {View from my window! So Parisian} {The Park near my house, you can see the top of the tower!}
I'll be back within the week (hopefully) to post more photos and tell you more about what I've been up to! Until then, au revoir!