July 13

We didn't have anything on the itinerary this morning so we got to sleep longer. We all went out last night so we definitely needed the rest! After lunch, we went to the Louvre which was FULL of people. It was so big that it was kind of overwhelming, but I got to see the Mona Lisa so I was happy about that. When we left the museum, we had crepes then came back to the hotel. Great day in Paris! Don't want to leave!

Pictured above: Me at the Louvre

July 12th

Today was FULL of activities. We had our first breakfast at the hotel we're staying at in Paris and it was soooo good. Our first appointment was at at the French Interior Ministry. After we listened to a brief lecture, we were able to walk around and see many rooms in the headquarters. The Minister of the Interior was out today for heart surgery so we didn't get to meet him! But apparently he is a big deal, as he is one of Nicolas Sarkozy's friends and former cabinet member.

When we left the Ministry, it was raining outside so it was kind of gross. But by the time we got to the Eiffel Tower, the bad weather went away and it cleared up outside. I took tons of pictures of the tower! Ashton and I had a Nutella crepe to complete the experience and then we took a boat tour of the Seine River.

After the boat tour, some of use took a train to see the Palace of Versailles. This was the most incredible thing I've ever seen and I could not get over how huge it was in real life. This is a MUST SEE. We walked around the Palace for a few hours then ate a quick sandwich before we jumped on the train back to our hotel. Now I'm resting and getting ready for another big day tomorrow!

Pictured above: Eiffel tower in case you didn't realize that already, Dr.Herbel and me in front of the Seine, room in the French Interior Ministry

July 11th

Today we woke up, had breakfast and headed for the train station. We rode on the train for 2 hours and I slept the entire time! When we arrived in Paris we rushed to our hotel, changed clothes, and had an appointment at the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. After a lecture there, we headed to a restaurant for dinner with our new tour guide, Jessica. Now we’re at the hotel in Paris and resting up for a big day tomorrow!

Pictured above: some of my classmates and me in front of the Arc de Triumph after dinner, Ashton and me at the OECD, Ashton and me on the train to Paris, David and me waiting to get on the train

July 10th

There isn't much to blog about today. We didn't have any activities scheduled so we slept in, had a late breakfast, did laundry, then took the bus into town for lunch. We ended up walking up to the top of the cathedral in Strasbourg that I love so much. It was gorgeous! After that we had gelato and came back to the chateau...it's our last night here! :-(

Pictured above: pretty staircase in the chateau, view from the top of the cathedral, me at the top of the cathedral, classmates (Sam & Ashton) and me getting ready to walk to the bus station when it was rainy