Still Day 23
Sidenote: So I bought a book in Amsterdam for 31 euros...I think I may have a problem...but books are just so great...
-Aly

Day 23
I have just returned to Paris after three days in Amsterdam. What an amazing sidetrip. Amsterdam is an accletic, artsy little town with dollhouse architecture and canals weaving throughout the various neighborhoods. The weather was slightly hormonal but for the most part it was cloudy with a nice breeze. I loved the vibe as we wandered into musems, walked along the cobblestone streets, into the infamous red light district, took a boat tour on one of the canals, and walked into the floating flower market. I was sad to leave today for even though I adore Paris, it was awesome to see another European city and just get away for a few days.
It's crazy to think that I'm going to be starting up my last full week tomorrow, I can't beleive how long I've been here. I've truly started to realize how you often don't appreciate the gravity of something until it's almost over or is over. I hope I've spent my time well, leaving will be bittersweet. But the time to pack my bags has not yet arrived and I still have a week and a half left on my Parsien adventure:)
Until next time...
-Aly

Day 20
"Paris is not a a city. It's a world."
-King Francois the I.
I could not agree with this statement more. I've been here nearly three weeks now and I still have my breath taken away each time I pass the Eiffel Tower, walk down the Champs d'Elysees, or sit down at a cafe facing the broad Parsien streets. Staying in a place for a long time really does allow you to truly adapt to the culture, and I've started to notice how much I really have melted into my surroundings. For example, when I see signs in English I do a double take and think hmmmm thst's strange. And now when I'm on the metro or the tram on my way to my classes I read my book and put my headphones in because I'm now confident on when, how and where to get off.
Tomorrow morning we are leaving early for a weekend trip to Amsterdam. While I will miss Paris for a few days I am so excited to get a taste of some more European culture and a whole new city.
I'm off to sleep now but I will make sure to write atleast one post while I'm away in Amsterdam (or when I get back if Ican't get wifi:)
Many adventures to come.
-Aly

Woa.

Day 7 in Paris

The rhythm and the liveliness of Paris is starting to slip into me. I love how the laws are more loose, and yet I also hate it. Every time I get ready to cross the street I check approximately 18 times before going. Because honestly,Parisians could not care less who is in their way. They simply want to reach their destination and avoid all obstacles hindering the process. 

Another thing I've found about Paris is that some things, like the Eiffel Tower and the l'arc de triumph, have been somewhat underwhelming. These are tourist spots that I have always dreamt of visiting. Now, don't think that I wasn't dazzled at the sight of them, I certainly was. But what I found truly incredible were all the back streets lining the main ones. I really enjoyed all the little hole in the wall crêperies, coffee shops, with street artists and  tiny old bookstores near by. These were the sights that made me fall in love with Paris. 

More thoughts and observations soon. Below are some pictures of things I've seen so far. 

-Aly 

 

6 Days Until Departure.
Just thinking about Paris for the hundredth time today. I can't wait to go see all those cliché landmarks; walking by the Eiffel Tower along the Seine, the Catacombs, etc. I don't really have much to say other than the fact that I'm giddy with excitement.
More from me soon, and longer posts when I'm actually there.
-Aly

Two weeks before departure.
Paris, the city of lights, the city of love. It's a candle that blazes and rages before the world. For decades the world has looked on it lovingly, sang its praises, written it verses, and wandered through its streets amongst the phantoms and street performers.
I can't remember the first time my eyes fell on a picture of the Eiffel Tower. I was four or five most likely. Probably wearing a shabby t-shirt, denim cutoffs and worn sneakers with glow in the dark laces. But I do remember doing my fourth grade "world's greatest architectural structures," project on it. I got an A. (I'm pretty sure everyone did but I know there was something special about mine.) For whatever reason the idea of one day travelling to Paris has wandered into the aspirations of my youth and remained ever since.
This summer I will finally make the voyage and get to relish in Paris's glamour and history. Two weeks from today I will be on an airplane flying my way to the city of lights and staying there for five weeks. I will get to walk along the Seine and under the shadow of the Eiffel Tower as I study Creative Writing and the French language.
Maybe its the fact that it's getting late or that Paris has been glued to my brain for days but I can't quite articulate my excitement. So I apologize if this post seems scattered or distant. And now I've gone so far as to acknowledge the fact that I'm writing this. I'm typing but I keep missing letters and redoing portions. And it's 10:31 at night. And I'm going to Paris. And it all feels surreal like I'm trapped in one of Salvador Dali's haunted musings. Writing is difficult, I love it but I never quite know how to start even after I've finished. But that, I suppose, is for another time entirely.
Anyways, being excited for Paris has become my new hobby. Right up there with reading and filming. I will say it definitely takes up plenty of time.
My trip is right around the corner and I can feel my wide grin  permanently molding to my face. Stay tuned, there's plenty more to say:).
-Aly