Day 75-Flight AA 81, Seat 33J

It's too weird that by the time I publish this last post, I'll be home in the States. It's been quite the journey these past 75 days...and I know I'm a different Brianna than I was post-study abroad. :) Academically, I feel the purpose of Studying Abroad has been successfully accomplished. I feel I've accumulated more knowledge about the history of art and culture, made more connections, and appreciated my passion more than I ever have in the past. It's been a blessing to experience firsthand what I've only seen in pictures or read about in my textbook.

I've learned quite a bit about myself as well (what I love, what I can do without, etc) and have had valuable time to ponder my life. I've thought long and hard about what I've done in the past almost twenty ;) years of my life and what I wish to do in the years to come. I've pondered what it means to know I'm one of Heavenly Father's daughters, and the vast amount of responsibility and joy I'm blessed to have because of this knowledge. My testimony of the power of God and the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ has been unquestionably strengthened as I've been exposed to different people, cultures, and experiences I couldn't have encountered any other way. I've had time to think about the importance of (and hopefully work on) patience, humility, and gratitude as it relates to my life and those around me. I've struggled with those parts of myself I wish to change, and even though I'm not perfect, I know I have my Savior to help me when I put forth the effort and ask for His guidance.

This journey has been life-changing, and even though at times it was rough, I'll be forever grateful I had this opportunity. :D

Day 73/74-The Netherlands, Amsterdam

Today was mostly spent in my hotel (minus a couple of hours spent walking around the hotel and surrounding area) so I thought I'd share a little list highlighting what I just know I'm going to do instinctively back in the States. Enjoy ;)

At the grocery store:
1. Head straight for the apples, bread, and peanut butter.
2. Look for digestives and lion bars.
3. Reach inside my pants in the checkout line.
4. Refuse a bag because they cost extra.

At home:
1. Wash my underwear in the sink.
2. Ask for an extra towel.
3. Set a meeting time in the morning.
4. Sniff-test a shirt five times before washing it.
5. Use an adapter.
6. Go to bed at 10.

At the restaurant:
1. Point to something on the menu for fear of mispronouncing it.
2. Ask for "take away."
3. Ask for the WC.

Miscellaneous places:
1. Watch for bikes when crossing the street.
2. Automatically crowd close to someone on the bus.
3. Ask, "Do you speak English?"
4. Be wary of birds.
5. Use every single available bathroom.
6. Go to H&M for clothes.
7. Upon smelling smoke, immediately perk up.
8. Assume karate position when anyone permeates a two foot radius.
9. Walk EVERYWHERE.
10. Kick pigeons.
11. Stare.

Day 72-The Netherlands, Amsterdam

Last official day of Study Abroad!! It's a little strange this day has finally come...I'll be honest. It's a surreal feeling knowing I'll be back in the States within the next three days. I'm pretty accustomed to European life/being on the go 24/7 so it's going to be an adjustment returning back to the norm. Definitely mixed feelings.

Knowing it was our last day, I'm pretty sure my professor saved some of the most exciting adventures for last. We went to two awesome museums: one was an open air museum (where we wandered through a typical 17th century Dutch village) and the other had some of the coolest outdoor sculptures I've ever seen. One was this interactive red thing that was suspended in the air...and you could swing in it :) Probably the best part of the day, however, was riding bikes through Holland's forest/safari landscape. It was so peaceful feeling the gentle wind and the green forest around me. I felt like a native hollander riding around. :)

It really was the perfect last day.

Day 71-The Netherlands, Amsterdam

Walking took up the majority of the day today. Beginning in Leyden, we walked to a quiet canal where we watched swans (and listened to our lecture, of course) and then we walked to the Frans Hals museum (more Dutch 17th century baroque!) and then finally around the town where we saw an old windmill (more on that later) and several interesting birds.

After Leyden, we caught a train to Da Haag where we walked for an hour (it was suppose to be a 20 min walk, but I didn't mind the additional time) to get to a museum that didn't allow pens, purses, pictures, or people. Ok. Not the last one, but still. They were so strict and protective of their collection and it wasn't even the Louvre...oh well. I found at least one painting I fell in love with all over again, so it was all worth it. ;)

Even though we were exhausted by this point, six of us decided to return to Leyden and visit the windmill we'd passed earlier in the day. We arrived 15 minutes before it closed, but were able to scale the several flights of steep Dutch stairs (I felt like I was climbing a latter...) all the way to the top and back down (which was really freaky) in 10 minutes. Olympic training.

By the time we made it back to our hotel I was struggling to stay awake, so I watched the Dog Whisperer and Ancient X-Files (who knew Joan of Arc wasn't burned at the stake?) on National Geographic. It was almost too adventurous for me...

Random note before I end: Holland farmland reminds me of Idaho farmland (minus the irrigation pipes) more than any other area in Europe has. I do wish we had Holland's delicate canals cutting gracefully through the fields, however, because it looks so awesome to see a field with a random line of boats in it. Makes me happy :)

Day 70-The Netherlands, Amsterdam

Five days. It's funny. I think I have some sort of mental block preventing me from fully accepting my return to the States...It's like I know everyone else is leaving for home and their families, but I'll still be here...ready for another group of people and new instructors. But that's not happening this time! It's unreal.

Today's adventures took us to Haarlem, a super relaxed town which has been my favorite of all the places we've visited in the Netherlands. Starting with the train station (where part of the Best Two Years was filmed), every boutique, house, and frites shop made me happy. :) I also enjoyed sitting along a canal and watching swans glide by. The art we saw (mostly Frans Hals and other 17th century Dutch painters) was very nostalgic and wonderfully jolly. :)

After Haarlem, we went back to Amsterdam for the last time (I think I'm good with that) to see an impressionist exhibition. It was beautiful. After that museum, we were set free to wander. Since one of the girls in my group had never been to a zoo (a travesty of childhood), three of us decided to take her to the one in Amsterdam. Unfortunately upon arrival, we found out our cards didn't get is in for free so we didn't go in. But we did see three camels, one donkey, a reindeer, some monkeys, a pigeon, and a fake owl...completely successful in my opinion.

Walking back was interesting. The only trouble we had (besides smelling non-cigarette smoke) was when we were almost at the station and accidentally brushed shoulders with the very corner of the red light district. It was pretty sketchy and honestly just sad that women choose to objectify their bodies in such a degrading manner. Definitely not my favorite experience. Luckily, we only ran into the edge and were able to quickly redirect our path towards the station. After Amsterdam, home (the Etap) was a pretty sight indeed.

It's funny. Five days seems like forever, yet each day passes so quickly leaving only memories. Thankfully, these linger and in time the good have the ability to overwhelm the bad. :)

Day 69-The Netherlands, Amsterdam

Oh, Amsterdam. You are one strange place. Today we ventured into the city many (including our group) have coined "the devil's city." Gratefully we weren't subject to the worst parts, but even in the "safe" right side of the city (back facing the station) there were some pretty interesting things taking place around us. 1) Tourism shops selling "special" pot cookies and chocolate bars...took me three seconds to figure out the leaf on the package wasn't mint. Guess no chocolate for Brianna. 2) When accidentally making eye contact with someone, being asked if I wanted to "buy"...And my personal favorite. 3) 15 year-olds growling (I'm dead serious. It was hilarious.) seductively at you from under rain canopies...Naples all over again, except the Italians don't growl.

Although these experiences were quite enlightening of Amsterdam culture, I must admit I enjoyed the other cultural experiences I had today. Not only did I see Rembrandt's Night Watch (sorry the picture's bad) along with a slew of 17th century northern baroque pieces including several Vermeer's, De Hooch's, and Frans Halls', but I also saw the largest collection of Van Gogh's I've ever seen. It was funny. When we were sent off to write about any piece that "spoke to us" at the end of lecture, I stood in front of an ordinary (well, Van Gogh's are never ordinary, but you get the point) painting and began writing. Within seconds I was surrounded as tourists tried to figure out my fascination with a simple vase of irises. The entire 20 min I was writing, the irises were carefully scrutinized from every angle (as were my notes...) but the second I walked away, the irises resumed their place amongst the other post-impressionist pieces and the tourists shuffled on by. Art Student: 1. Tourists: 0.

Between the last two places we visited, we went to a quaint Dutch pancake hauss and enjoyed traditional pancakes (shout out to my Grandma Soucie for making similar-if not better-pancakes) and enjoyed some thoughts for our last FHE together as a group. :(

The second to last museum we went to was a bit boring so I'll spare the details, but the Anne Frank hauss I went to with some of the girls was incredible. It was astonishing how small the annex that hid eight people really was (and how suffocatingly dark it would have been), yet how well it blended in with the bottom portion of the warehouse. It was difficult to look at the original collage of magazine pictures, flowers photos, and other memorabilia Anne had used to decorate the walls of her compartment before she was found and arrested. It's tragic to think inhumanity existed on such a level that power eventually overcame love and the moral decision was lost out of fear. Also powerful were several original pages from Anne's diary on display.

I had some purposeful experiences today I know redefined the way I think about humanity and my place in the world. I'm so grateful I'm having this experience!

Day 68-The Netherlands, Amsterdam

Today was one of the most spiritually enriching days I've had abroad. It was so nice to attend church in Da Haag even if we walked for 45 minutes to get there) and be uplifted by other members and their personal experiences. In Sunday school we talked about being truly converted to Christ and the importance of having our own personal conversion to the gospel. I loved hearing the members talk about their growing testimonies and realizing we are all working towards salvation together. It was a great meeting. :) Sacrament meeting was great as well, but I was pretty distracted by the language. It's funny. Because some Dutch words sound English, the words I don't understand sound gibberish. Not all the time though...At one point, we listened to a guy from Ganda give a talk in English and when this member (who actually played in The Best Two Years!) translated for the Dutch members, I think I understood more of his Dutch than the speaker's English. Bottom line, church was entertaining and I needed it!

The rest of today was relaxing for the most part. Sunday's such a bonus on a study abroad ;) though I can't wait to go into Amsterdam tomorrow...love it!

Sorry no pictures...

Day 67-The Netherlands, Amsterdam

I start the week countdown marking my return home today...so sad and exciting at the same time.

Today was spent mostly traveling and then enjoying a day off of school (aka watching AFV Dutch style, The Vow, and Hercules with my girlies). It was nice, but doesn't make for a very interesting day...oh well. ;) On the train ride from Antwerpen to Amsterdam, I stood for half the time because the train was so full. I still managed to almost fall asleep, though (something I don't think I'll ever have trouble doing again). We were even in the bathroom cart...welcome to Amsterdam!

I hope tomorrow is more adventurous, for both this blog's purpose and my sanity. I do have to say I'm really excited to go to church tomorrow and ready for my last week in Europe to begin. :)

Day 66-Belgium, Bruges

Walking around town this morning was such a dream. We crossed several small bridges under which graceful swans floated, walked past moss-covered cottages, and soaked in Belgium's moisture on both the ground and in the air. I loved hearing the horse-drawn carriages and seeing green everywhere...Not to mention the trillion chocolate and lace shops we zigzagged through. We even wandered around a quaint little nunnery'ish area where I came back later to sit in on a service only women perform. It was pretty interesting and very peaceful. Also, kind of reminded me of Sister Act. At one point an older, extremely jubilant woman came out of this hidden door behind me, grasped my hand, and asked in fluent English (I don't think we give foreigners enough credit) if I enjoyed the Mozart they were playing. :) It was so refreshing and made me happy for some reason. Maybe because she was so joyful and at peace with her old age...I don't know. After that, I thought about my life potentially being a fourth gone, which then made me scrutinize every single decision I've made thus far and decisions I've yet to make in the future. Who knew Mozart and old ladies could evoke such intense thought processes?

Besides wandering around and getting lost in my thoughts, I enjoyed some beautiful Northern Renaissance works and ate some fabulous Belgian stew. :) it was incredibly rich and amazing!

I'm pretty sure Belgium and Ireland (they're quite similar, actually) top my list of where to return to. They're so romantic and truly beautiful. It's going to be rough coming back to reality.

Day 65-Belgium, Bruges

I absolutely adore Belgium. Every city we travel to and spend time in us so quaint and simply beautiful. Over the past two days, I've taken over 100 pictures...that's how picturesque it is! I see a bike leaning against a door, picture. I see a bridge, picture. I see the rows of colored houses, picture. I see a bird, picture (especially the seagulls, but more on that great story later). Basically, Belgium is too cute to pass up.

So the way we've traveled throughout most of this trip has been by train, which has been quite nice. :) I love sitting and letting my thoughts wander...I was even productive today on the way from Antwerp to Bruges as I compiled several to-do lists (one with all the movies I want to watch since coming to Europe). I also enjoyed our trip from Bruges to Ghent (where we saw Jan Van Eyck's Ghent altarpiece and I got yelled at for zooming in with my camera on one of the luminous gems...the lady thought I was taking a picture. Oh the travesties of a passionate art student ;P) because I was able to take a nap. Seriously, I can fall asleep anywhere now.

From Ghent, a few of us decided to travel to Oostende and see the coast. :) While we were there, Carlyle and I bought some frites with this delicious mayo sauce and were enjoying them all innocently when all of a sudden out of nowhere, this seagull swooped down and basically attacked Carlyle's head. Obviously we both reacted, her by throwing her frites on the ground where they were immediately attacked by the demon birds, and me by taking a picture of the situation while still maintaining a firm grasp on my frites because somehow I managed to have my camera out during the assault. It was quite the experience...and I think in honor of it, Hitchcock's bird movie needs to be added to my movie list. The best part about all of this is that we became super paranoid and hyperaware of every single seagull we saw after the incident and kept worrying we were going to be attacked again. Ugh. I hate birds.

The beach was fun, though. :) I found a lot of seashells and walked along the wet sand/dry sand line trying to avoid the tips of the frothy waves. It was lovely. Oh, and as we walked back, I found another chocolate store. :D Belgium is amazing!

Day 64-Belgium, Antwerp

Time is so weird here. The days pass so quickly, but I feel like yesterday was a week ago. And Rome? Rome was a completely different lifetime. I guess it's a good thing I focus on one day at a time or I'm pretty sure I'd get overwhelmed.

This afternoon we arrived in Antwerp, which has turned out to be one of my favorite places on this entire trip (it's really close to Ireland and Greece on the scale). I loved all the belgian architecture (especially the buildings with moss growing up the side), loved the bajillion chocolatiers, loved the lace shops, and absolutely loved the rain! We actually got rained in while we were in a cathedral for an hour because it was so crazy outside (almost as crazy as Ireland!) with thunder and really heavy rain. It was amazing.

Another thing Antwerp's famous for is the Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens who does incredible pieces and was really one of the most important and influential artists in the history of art. Most of the art we saw today consisted of Rubens' altarpieces and other religious works. They were beautiful!

Other random things I did today: 1) walked into a perfumery shop (which has become quite a popular thing for me to do lately) just to smell wonderful and smell wonderful scents, 2) ate real Belgian frites with this incredible sauce I can't describe, 3) snuck out half a calzone in my purse from this Italian place we went for dinner (which made me miss Italy), and 4) walked past at least 30 diamond stores within a quarter mile. Antwerp is known for its diamonds!

It was such a great day :) I'm sad to leave, but I know Bruges will be up to par as well! Plus I'll still be in Belgium. How exciting is that?!?

Day 63-Belgium, Brussels

Belgium is such an interesting mix of culture. Today I asked for something in French, got answered in English and then when walking away heard the guy talk to his buddy in German. Belgium is also Dutch speaking, which I've heard (or think I have) as well.

Reflective of this perplexing cultural mix is Brussels' architecture. I've seen buildings designed in an art nouveau style adjoining a French baroque facade across the square from a high gothic cathedral. Oh, and then you've got the traditional Belgian architecture identified by its step pattern on the tip of the building top. Long story short, I don't think you'd ever get bored looking at the architecture!

As a matter of fact, I don't think you'd ever get bored in Brussels. I spent every single moment of today walking around the city, going to museums exploring fascinating pieces of Northern Renaissance and Baroque, enjoying a live concert, and of course eating traditional Belgian cuisine...waffles anyone? :D Also, I may have caved at a few chocolatiers that literally were everywhere (this one little street had five in a row!). It was amazing. I'm so glad we're going to be in Belgium for a few more days. I don't think I've fully appreciated the chocolate goodness to the extent I want to... ;) Bring it on, Belgium!

Day 62-Belgium, Brussels

Today I've been in three different countries...how does that happen?? We left France about 7:30, took about a four hour train ride to Luxembourg, Luxembourg (such a beautiful country and city!), went to a museum for a bit, and then hopped on another train that took us to Brussels, Belgium.

Now, in between all those train rides (actually just the one between Luxembourg and Belgium) we walked around the city to enjoy the green atmosphere and do a little shopping. I had a little too much fun at the perfume boutiques we found in Luxembourg :D It was nice to smell good for a change..

Besides that, nothing terribly exciting happened although I did watch The Vow on the train and see an Audi factory! (that's what I'm trying to take pictures of that failed. Sorry about that. But enjoy green Luxembourg! Au revoir!

Day 61-France, Strasbourg

Another Sunday come and almost gone. I can't believe I'm going to be back in the States in exactly two weeks...it's been quite the journey! Unfortunately we couldn't make it to church this morning, but nonetheless I had one of the most spiritual moments this morning as we sat on the curb in front of our hotel (I felt a little homeless) and sang hymns. While we were singing, we heard windows moving behind us. Apparently instead of closing them (which we fully expected), our fellow Etap dwellers opened them. :) I felt so humbled we could share the Spirit I know I was feeling in a way that surpassed any language barriers. We had many people thank us by smiling and nodding as they passed, by which was a kind gesture :)

My personal spiritual experience continued as I stood in front of one of the most unique and emotionally provoking altar images I've ever encountered. Nowhere in the history of art has an artist depicted the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ so powerfully. With no tradition to precedent his choice of representing Christ breaking from the tomb and becoming a truly celestial being, I can't help but think Matthias Grunewald was truly inspired when creating the Isenheim Altarpiece. It was powerful to sit and contemplate my Savior's suffering and sacrifice for me enabling me to return to him someday.

Following our visit at the museum, we caught a train and arrived in Strasbourg (I fell asleep and almost missed getting off, I was so exhausted!). The last thing we did was visit Strasbourg's Notre Dame Cathedral (I think I liked Paris' better) which was (for an impressively long time before steel and other modern building materials were used) the world's tallest structure. Strasbourg also has so many adorable half-timbered houses (and actually a section called Le petite Paris) like I enjoyed in Colmar. :) France is so beautiful and I can't believe I'm leaving tomorrow. Au revoir!

Day 60-France, Colmar

Trains, trains, trains. Today we left Paris and traveled by train to Dijon (yeah, the mustard capital of the world!), Beaune (very famous for their wine...), and Colmar (the most quaint French ville I've seen). It was definitely nice to see another side to France than the hustle and bustle of Parisian life. Figure I'll mention just a little something about each ville. :)

Dijon: Before we visited the Burgundy palace where we met a French Mormon museum guard (he was so happy to see us and amazed our entire group was LDS), we stowed away our suitcases behind a bar for safekeeping. Awesome, right? Also, we saw the Well of Moses, a beautiful sculptural grouping of Old Testament prophets done in exquisite Northern Renaissance detail (Ps. sculpture is extremely rare in the Northern Renaissance tradition!). We were able to go inside and really study it, instead of just viewing it through glass as my professor's had to do each time she's come to see it. (Side note: it's placed inside the courtyard of an insane asylum). Before leaving, I had an incredible hamburger with this delicious mustard/fry sauce sauce (that was repetitive) so I've now had Dijon mustard in Dijon! For dessert, I was excited to try this piece of "chocolate" cake. It wasn't chocolate. Luckily, the French can even make prune fruitcake scrumptious. ;)

Beaune: The main thing I want to note about this town was that they clean the streets with great smelling soap!! So vastly different from Paris, I can't even tell you. Not only was it clean, but we stumbled upon a fun Renaissance fair thing on our way out from seeing a beautifully detailed altar piece. My favorite was this king guy who followed out group around proclaiming his love not only in French, but Spanish, Italian, and English as well. He was great.

Colmar: Our final resting place! (I really do feel dead.) We arrived fairly late, but went on a walk through the ville so we could see the night life. After we crossed these little canals on bridges lined with flowers, we immediately saw the most adorable half-timbered houses that made me feel like I was in Beauty and the Beast :D Seriously. It was too cute!

Though today was long (like this blog post), it was worth it! Au revoir!

Day 59-France, Paris

Today's been the best last day in Paris! I began my day with a fresh, warm croissant and a visit to the Lafayette Galleries where I kind of felt poor and insignificant, but that's ok. I came out smelling really good. :) Our first museum was the musee Rodin where I had an incredible spiritual experience with Rodin's John the Baptist. It was unbelievable Rodin's ability to create emotional expression and complete character of someone so humble yet extremely influential as John. It was truly a powerful experience.

Before we headed to the Louvre for the last time :(, I had a delicious falafel, macaroon, and my first Starbucks drink: an ice cold vanilla frappuccino. All were exceptionally savory. I definitely needed all that energy since we spent the next three hours exploring and analyzing French painting including my favorite by Gericault for a final time (the Raft of the Medusa). The louvre's been good to us, makes me one happy art student. :)

To finish our final evening, a couple of us decided to climb Quasimodo's infamous tower of Notre Dame. We picked the perfect time to ascend those 350 or so steps because just as we emerged from the spiraling staircase, the sun was setting against fabulous Rococo clouds. It was so beautiful! (If you look closely, you can see the Eiffel tower behind me.) I loved seeing every single church, significant monument, and of course the Seine from one of the highest places in Paris. What a view! To top off the fabulous evening, I had my last French crepe (Nutella, banana, and coconut) as I enjoyed some talented street performers. It was too fun. :) Paris, you've been so good to me! Au revoir!

Day 58-France, Paris

Only one more full day in Paris. :( I have to say the longer I stay, the more adjusted I feel myself becoming. For example, tonight on the metro I didn't think twice about being squished between 50 people on either side (ok. Maybe I did...) because that's just how it is. I felt like my new motto, "just let it happen" pertained well in that situation as I felt sweat running down my back, it was so dang hot. Also, it rains at funny times in Paris, but I've adjusted well...all you need is a light jacket ;)

I spent most of today on my feet (as usual) in Paris' most beautiful churches and museums. St. Chappell was just as stunning as I remember it being and Notre Dame was (for the third time) incredibly impressive. I can't get over the flamboyant, delicate tracery I find covering every part of the exterior of the hunchback's quarters ;) Likewise, the Louvre never ceases to impress. Today's focus was early and high renaissance, mannerism, and both northern and southern baroque. It was amazing!

Immediately following our appointment at the Louvre, we literally ran to the next museum (I'm not even exaggerating. We had people cheering for us) in order for us to make our next appointment time. It was way too fun and quite the workout. At one point, our professor weaved us in and out of this garden maze outside the Louvre and I honestly felt like I was in a Mario cart race (Believe it or not, I've actually played this game before). By the way, I totally won. The Orsay was another exceptional museum with Courbet's, Manet's, Monet's, Degas', Van Gogh's, and Cezanne's. Exquisite work done in an exceptional manner.

Not only was today filled with art, but some pretty funny moments happened as well. The first being guards. While we were waiting to enter St. Chapelle, I looked up at the justice building to see some guards staring down at us...so we waved. :) And then they decided to humor us by popping in and out of the windows and doing that mine thing where the mine "walks" down the stairs, getting shorter and shorter. It was too great. They stopped abruptly, which makes me wonder if they got in trouble...

The final thing I have to mention was my accidental walking into a bar where I thought food existed. But it didn't...as McKenna and I eventually figured out. Don't worry. We still got our food even though we had to awkwardly leave and ended up going to a place right across from the feisty establishment ;)

I guess what I'm trying to say is that for the most part, Paris = museums, metros, and mini bars. And it's been a great experience. :) One more day, Paris. Bring it on!

Day 57-France, Paris

Happy Fourth of July! Living in Europe a little over 8 weeks now has truly made me appreciate my American heritage and allowed me to ponder why I love the USA: [here's just a taste...and I promise they're not all food ;)]

1) drinking fountains
2) barbecue chicken
3) pick-up trucks
4) Papa Murphy's Chicken Garlic Pizza

See. Not all food. And now for today's adventures. With an american flag scarf tied around my neck, I said goodbye to Formula 1 and porta-potty shower cubicles and hello to our old stomping grounds-good ol'Etap in Sketchville-when we switched hotels this morning to be closer to the city. It was nice to already know the area as we walked to the hotel, but not as nice to get catcalls from the construction workers on the way. Oh, Sketchville.

After relocating, we literally spent 6 hours in the Pompidou and Louvre museums discussing every painting we possibly could (we got kicked out of the louvre because we were past closing time). I think I enjoyed the Louvre more than the Pompidou, but I think that stems from my preference of almost anything over modern art (I want to mention I'm working on my appreciation for it). I couldn't keep a straight face when my professor explained that one artist's obsession with the color blue led him to cover himself with blue paint and run into a canvas...yeah. Also, I loved her explanation of this particular piece where the bride and groom were "escorted away by a chicken." Oh, modern art.

Long story short, It's been a long day...The kind where I don't really know how I'm still functioning (forgive the dramatic statement). No matter how exhausted I get by the end of the day, I still love France and can't believe what an incredible experience I'm able to enjoy! Au revoir, and God bless America!

Day 56-France, Paris

I love Paris! I love the light atmosphere, love the food, and even love the metro (Note: when you can love public transportation, you can love pretty much anything).

Today we visited the beautiful cathedral of Notre Dame and an 18th century high-end middle class mansion where we saw the original owners' impressive art collection. I enjoyed some beautiful pieces by artists like Tintoretto, Rembrandt, Boucher, and Frans Halls. I couldn't believe how extravagant it was...

After the mansion, I went to Rue Mouffetard (one of the oldest streets in Paris) again and enjoyed the lively, French atmosphere. Also, I bought some delicious fruit :) After some time, I decided to head back home (it takes about an hour and a half) and ended up spending part of my evening watching Wipeout and Spiderman dubbed over in French. It was pretty entertaining :)

Before I finish, I have to mention how many times I've been asked (or not asked) to be in another tourist's picture. It happens to a lot of us, (apparently American girls in France is of interest) but today's experience was the most random yet. While we were waiting for the bus in front of our hotel, an Indian woman asked to take a picture with a small group of us. It was too funny! We weren't even by any particular monument or anything. Oh well. Another day come and gone in Paris! Au Revoir!

Day 54 & 55-France, Paris

I decided to combine yesterday and today because 1) not too much happened yesterday (besides church which was amazing!) and 2) because I'm not really feeling like writing two blog posts...I'm tired.

So highlights of Sunday include 1) this funny guy asking for my number (and when I said I didn't have a phone, he generously offered to buy me one) on the metro, 2) listening to church in French, 3) coming home early and watching the French version of AFV (pretty sure they use the same clips because I definitely saw some that I recognized) and also the Final match in the World Cup (which I totally predicted Spain winning), and 4) talking with my loved ones over Skype :) It was a pretty good day.

Now for today's highlights: 1) walking around St. Germain-des Pris where I had a delicious slice of carrot cake and did a bit of shopping, 2) revisiting the Louvre and enjoying my passion for culture and art, 3) walking up to Sacre Coeur using the back-roads which winded through some beautiful neighborhoods and historical sites, and 3) taking an express that took us directly to our stop even though we watched our connecting bus leave, making us wait for a bit to finally get home. Although it was a really long day, it was amazing and worth all the exhaustion. Au revoir!