wandering feet, wondering mind

I'm in Paris!  We arrived at 7:45 am yesterday and took taxis to the hotel.  Since I wasn't able to sleep on the plane, I skipped lunch to take a nap, and ended up sleeping most of the afternoon.  We had a short group meeting at 6, and then I went out to dinner with some of the girls. 

Last time I was here, the culture shock reigned supreme.  I immediately fell in love with the city, but because I felt limited with my French, there was a lot that I didn't understand.  Things are SO much easier this time around!  I can understand all of the signs and the ads, and I can communicate comfortably with shopkeepers.  I can't wait to see where I'm at by the end of the month!

We're staying at the Hotel Claude Bernard (http://www.hotelclaudebernardparis.com/) on the Rue des Ecoles.  It's right in the middle of the Latin Quarter, which is historically the center of learning in Paris.  The hotel is gorgeous and rather spacious for a building of it's type, and the people here love us (the St. Olaf group stays here every year).

For class, we split up - Group A had class at 9 am today, and Group B at 10:45.  We'll switch times every day so we all get a chance to stay out late and sleep in.  Class was in our room today.  Sitting on the beds for class makes for a much more relaxed atmosphere, and it saves us the cost of renting a classroom.  :)

I spent some time wandering around the neighborhood with a couple of the girls after class.  We stopped at a little boutique for some postcards, a creperie for lunch (a crepe with Nutella = best lunch ever), a librairie so I could buy my Paris guide for class, and at Monoprix to buy some groceries.  Sitting on my bed eating a baguette, looking out my window at the busy people in this beautiful old city... well, it doesn't get much more authentically Parisian than this!

This afternoon, I went on the first of our visites obligatoires at the Musee Cluny (http://www.musee-moyenage.fr/) with Erin and Carmen.  We saw the famous Unicorn tapestries and several other special exhibits, but what I loved most was the place itself.  The architecture dates back to the 3rd century, when the Romans used the site for public baths.  The ruins have since been built over several times, but they're still there, and they're stunning.  After the museum, we wandered toward Notre Dame and spent some time drinking in the atmosphere. 

The whole city is full of history and mystery - I'm so glad I have the opportunity to really explore.  I think my feet are done for today, though!  J'ai mal aux pieds.  I think I'll do some work with my photos on Facebook - I'm going to have to do a little of that every day or I'll never be able to catch up! - and then find some dinner. 

Gros bisous a vouz tous!
Ellen

P.S. Check out the view from my window!