bonjour!

So I made it to Paris without much of a hitch. I flew to Munich first with, among others, the entire Northwestern University's mens soccer team. Some are thinking oooh, niiice, but really it meant a bunch of rowdy guys stoked to be getting free Becks for 8 hours. I did manage to get some sleep and rolled into Paris about 1 p.m.

The apartment where I am staying with two other Medill girls, whom arrive this morning and I have yet to meet, is a tiny 7th floor studio in Montmarte. The building is strangely tucked between fabric stores - which line the streets - and has a stunning view from the windows of an enormous cathedral Sacre Coure. I haven't explored much yet, but so far, Paris is gorgeous. The streets are small and winding and chaotic and the buildings are ornate and humbling.

Last night I met up with another Medillian who was here on her spring break after being in DC last quarter. She was here for a friend's b'day party, and I tagged along, but this party was unlike any one I had ever been to before. It was in the museaum of crystal maker Baccarat where we sipped champagne as we were surrounded by artwork and amazing crystal. It was a formal dinner in a high-ceiling room with guilded wall and painted ceiling. (and I wore a dress!) We started with fois gras, and I went against ever fiber of my being knowing what it is and tried it and wasn't really into it. The rest of the meal was great - fish with asparagus and caviar, lamb, chocolate souffle. I sat there thinking - who am I? Am I really in Paris dining at a damn crystal museum? The guests were so nice and from all over the world, most having flown into Paris for the weekend for this party. Pretty amazing. I skipped out on the boat ride with drinks and dancing till 3 a.m. and came home to catch up on some sleep. And of course, it was great seeing Elisabeth again and so nice to see a familiar face.

I must say that I wish I left with a little more French under my belt. You know, basics like "I don't speak much french" and "How much is it?" I feel like kind of a jerk but am doing my best to read up on some phrases. It's pretty overwhelming and humbling not being able to communicate with anyone.

Now I am off to explore and make my way to the base of the Eiffel Tower where I am meeting the rest of the global folks. Au revior!