Paris: Day 5

I woke up with warm sunshine on my face.

A great start to the day.

I had slept past noon, too. What a great feeling.

I knocked out some homework before we roamed down the street to some Italian place and then a cafe for dessert. We were going to go grocery shopping, but the French are very particular about not working on Sundays.

In fact, today is the day of passing or something like that. The french take a whole month off of work, traditionally August, but in years past it has been either July or August. Today each group are on the roads passing each other, either coming or going.

I've watched as stores put up signs saying that they will be closed for the next month. That is just beyond my comprehension. I realize more and more everyday that we push ourselves too much in America. To go to a restaurant, even just the cafe for a quick coffee, will take you an hour. The wait staff expect you to be there to relax. Not get it and go. They aren't being rude, that is just how service is done here. In fact "take away" restaurants are few and far between and really only found near touristy areas. This city has really slowed me down a lot.

My classmates took a nap while I worked on some homework, before we headed to the Eiffel tower. To finally see it and walk under it was very surreal, it was like I realized I was in Paris finally. We got there around 7 or 8 and sat on the lawn, buying bottles of wine as we emptied them (there are guys that just roam the lawn selling wine). We had a really great time relaxing and just talking. We are becoming so french very fast. We sat there until 10 pm when the tower lit up in a wondrous sparkle. It only does it on the hour at dark and only for 5 minutes, but boy is it a sight. I can't wait to go up in it soon.

We grabbed dinner then a metro. A couple got on and you could tell they had just gotten engaged. Glowing face. Shiny ring (that doesn't fit). A week ago it would have depressed me. But now, I realize I don't need those things to be happen. Don't get me wrong, I was genuinely happy for them and wished them the best. But I don't need a lover in France (or America) for happiness. I'm enjoying just Madison time. I watched as a couple sat in front of us on the lawn with champagne and simply enjoyed the evening with each other, kissing between drinks. (Sidenote: the guy was wearing a red and white striped shirt, how frenchy is that?) Normally I would be disgusted. I'm pretty anti PDA typically. But, being there, and with this new acceptance, it was actually adorable. And sure, a proposal in front of the tower isn't my cup of tea (I need originality please!), but it was still cute.

I guess Paris has changed me already!

Well I am ready to find out what class I placed into tomorrow! It is crazy to think I am a student of Sorbonne. I can't believe I made it here.

Sure I dreamed of traveling and experiencing life outside the states, but I still surprise myself on how impulsive I have been the last few years. I have pushed myself a lot. And I can honestly say I am proud of the life I live. Taking these chances hasn't ended badly enough for me to regret a single one yet.

I think I will keep pushing.

Much love.