I GO TO SLEEP IN PARIS

I've spent the last couple of days by myself in Paris.  Although it was strange to say goodbye to my parents and Salma, I couldn't help but feel exhilirated by the prospect of exploring Paris for the next couple of weeks.  My classes don't begin until the 9th of October and I really don't have anyting to do until then, so I've been walking around a lot, discovering new places, new sights...

Today the weather was lovely.  Breezy, but sunny.  Warm and perfect.  All of the Parisians seemed to be outside taking in the warm sun before winter weather returns to the city. 

My adventure began this morning when I decided that I was going to the Louvre.  I've visited Paris three or four times in the past and I've never been to the Louvre, which I see as quite the misfortune.  So, since I've been here, I've made it my mission to head to the Louvre and spend as much time as I need taking it all in...there is a lot.  A lot, a lot.  

I woke up, got ready, hopped on the metro, hopped off at Palais Royal. got to the entrance and noticed that 1. I had to pay 9 euro to get in and I only had 5E on me...hahahha (what!!!?  I thought it was free for students!) 2. The weather seemed too nice to spend the day inside.  

So I started to walk.  I didnt have a destination in mind; I didnt really know where I was going.  I just thought I would take a stroll.  And stroll, indeed I did.  

Through the Jardin des Tuileries I went, stopping and sitting next to one of the large fountains.  I was more relaxed there than I had been since I arrived in France.  Perhaps it was because sitting and watching is my favorite activity, or perhaps because the situation was totally and comptely ideal.  

As I began to continue forward, toward the Obelisk (placed at the end of the gardens...or the beginning depending from where you are coming...) I was fascinated by the blatant public displays of affection shown from couples all around.  I couldnt help but smile to myself after passing an older couple locking lips, just like two lovelorn teenagers.  Their love seemed so pure that after initially slowing down, I picked up my speed; I didnt want to interrupt their moment (by being creepy....).  

So I walked, and walked, and I walked, and walked, around one building, through another.  I crossed streets, followed hoards of tourists, walked over bridges, and trampled across graveled paths...only to reach the Eiffel Tower.  

It was one of those perfect Parisian moments, you know?  When you finally stumble across the tour and you gasp at its magnificence.  Parisians have had their doubts about the tower, as you may well know, but it's a damn great piece of architecture right there.  Huge.  Daring.  Bold.  I dig it. 

I notice a lawn in the distance scattered with people taking naps or eating lunch, so I head over.  The spot was still very close to the tower but very far away from all of the tourists.  There were people reading, painting, writing, listening to music, making out, eating, napping.  So, I put on my headphones, turned on my Ipod, lay on the grass and took a nice nap.  I would probably have stayed asleep, but as time hit late afternoon, the weather got a little too breezy...

It was the perfect day.  I really, truly love it here.  Everything about Paris makes me fall deeper in love with it.  I hope this euphoric blissfulness never goes away.  

No wonder people live here.  No wonder this place exists!!! 

Tomorrow I promise I'm hitting the Louvre, and this weekend its off to Versailles for me so that I can pretend to be Marie Antoinette and get the whole "being queen" thing out of my system (don't ask).  

BISOUS.