Paris, France

Paris. A city full of love, amazing food and great shopping. This weekend’s trip was with some other MUDEC students through the school so we didn’t have to pay for our hostel, transportation, or breakfast or dinner (which made the weekend even better). On our way to Paris, we stopped at a Fromagerie for a cheese tour and tasting. It was interesting. They showed us how the cheese was made, which kinda grossed me out, then we tried the three different kinds of brie with some red. I really enjoyed the wine, but the cheese was too strong for me. When we arrived in Paris, we immediately threw our bags in the hostel and headed toward the Eiffel Tower. It was a clear day and the temperature was perfect. We took some pictures and sipped on cappuccinos then went back to the hostel to get ready for the ballet. We freshened up, ate dinner and we’re ready to leave. Before leaving, I went to the bathroom for not even a minute and when I walked out everyone was gone. I started freaking out. Luckily, Jay had data so I was texting her asking where everyone was. She finally responded saying they were at the metro, but I had no idea how to get there and I didn’t want to wander around Paris by myself in the dark. Naturally, the wifi went out as we were trying to figure out what to do so after a mental breakdown I pulled myself together and went to the station, hoping she was still there. She was! We missed the first half of the ballet but hey we heard the second half was better anyways. On Saturday we got up early and went to the Louvre. I was so excited to see this museum! I’m taking an art class this semester and it’s so interesting to talk about certain pieces and then go see them in real life. We followed the signs that pointed toward the Mona Lisa and knew exactly where it was without even seeing the painting. Just look for a giant group of people pushing and shoving with their cameras and you’ll know where it is. After the pushing and shoving we finally got to the famous painting covered with bullet proof glass. Honesty, this painting was so underwhelming. The only reason it’s famous is because back in the day it kept getting stolen and would continue to be written about in the newspapers. It’s tiny and there’s nothing special about it, my mind was not blown. After the museum, we got lunch at Cafe Victoria and went to the Champs-Élysées to do some shopping. We purchased new makeup and macaroons from the famous Laduree, saw the Arc de Triomphe, then went back to the hostel. During dinner, I ran into a girl from my high school! It was so funny that she happened to not only be in Paris, but also staying at the same hostel as me. After dinner we went on a boat tour. We got a free glass of champagne, sat at the top of the boat and sailed through Paris. When we were done, a group of us decided to get a bottle of champagne and sit by the Eiffel Tower while it lit up. This was such an incredible experience. Just sitting right beneath the Eiffel Tower, watching it sparkle with champagne in my hand; It felt like a dream. Sunday morning I started my day off with a cup of coffee and a croissant with strawberry jam. For our final day, we went to Musée d’Orsay, an adorable cafe and a Sunday market. Lunch at the cafe was the best meal I had in Paris. We went to a place called Kozy Salon Urbain where I got a quiche, homemade soup and an Americano. So good! The market was another one of my favorite parts of the trip. I bought a bunch of things for my family and some street art for myself. To end this wonderful trip, we watched The Girl on the Train on the bus ride back. I was sad to leave, but I can’t wait to be back for my birthday weekend! See you soon, Paree!