Paris, France

Bonjour!
J'aime Paris! Why did I almost not come to Paris? I'm so glad I did--it is an amazing city, with entirely too much to do. I have learned a lot from the tourists in Williamsburg, and I have tried not to be a stupid tourist, although definitly a tourist all the same. Wondering around the city has been just as fun as sight-seeing.

Of course I saw Notre Dame, the Arch de Triumph, went up the Eiffel Tower at night when it was sparkling, and I wondered if Eiffel is any relation to Diffell? The Louvre was much better than I expected because I enjoyed looking at the rooms more than the paintings, and you can put your feet in the fountains in the courtyard. (I took a photo of my feet:)

I spent much time strolling about the Latin Quarter and enjoyed stumbling upon the churches and cathedrals.

I enjoyed Versailles--I think it is where Sukey belongs! The Governor's Palace just isn't good enough for her.

I like the pain au chocolat, although I have definitly overdosed on bread here. Oh yes, and there is ice cream everywhere.

My hostel is in Monmartre... which is a really neat area... very artistic. I am in a dorm with five other rotating people, and it is often difficult to sleep at night with people coming in and out. Nearly everyone is an American traveler on a similar journey as mine, so everyone is incredibly friendly and excited to share and receive info about where they have been or are going. I'm suprised though at how many people want to talk about Blacksburg when I answer their question of where in VA are your from? Hard to believe that people all over the world know about Blacksburg now. A lot of people join up to visit places together or go out and eat, and although I have done that some, I mostly enjoy traveling on my own... although I would enjoy if any of you were with me!

Unfortunately, despite trying to find internet cafes for hours, I haven't been able to find any, so the computer at the hostel is my only way to post a blog, and it is always very busy and you only get a few moments on it at a time.

Jenny-- I have seen several very healthy looking dogs wondering about without owners, and I wonder about them... they don't appear to be strays... maybe just out for a stroll. For the dogs that have owners, no one else seems to be petting them, so I wonder what the French protocall is for petting other people's dogs?

Brooke--the blue skirt is perfect! Thanks for making me get it!

To Mark Schneider--I didn't make it to Napoleon's Tomb on time before it closed, but I did happen upon a huge monument to Lafayette.

Oh, and for all that remember the high school French days of Mrs. Campbell, I am suprised at how well I do at reading French... but speaking it is another story. Often when I attempt any French I remember it ends up getting mixed with the little German I know so that I speak half in German and half in French, but it all ends up in English anyway.

Sorry I cannot post any photos, I wish I could because I've taken some great ones, but the computer isn't capable of uploading them.

Cheers!
Christine