Last Tuesday while babysitting, I told the kids that I'd be leaving them at the end of May. Upon hearing this, they immediately put up a protest: Vic said that if I left at that time, he would stop eating and Lou said it would ruin her summer. I immediately bought them each a plane ticket to Chicago.
I wish.
On Thursday, I had a meeting with my U of I adviser who happened to be in Paris for the week. It was actually very helpful because, I must admit, I was unsure of what to do with a major in French Commercial Studies. He showed me my courses for next semester and my fears were relieved. I'll be taking courses in Business Management on an international level. Perfect. My general education requirements are all complete and there only rests a couple of other classes to take. "Are you planning on graduating next year?" *Stomach drops. "Uh, yes, if I can!" "You can." Don't play me like that, Fresco..
Friday night, Nissa and I decided to try out some of the recipes we found. I made chicken enchiladas and there were so delicious. Nissa made a veggie casserole which was also quite good. My boxed mashed potatoes, however, didn't quite meet everyone else's standards. The cooking process took a lot longer than anticipated, but it was still a good night.
In the morning, I woke up to meet Carrie's mom and two friends at their hotel in Paris. It was great to see Mrs. Grochowski again-she always has a big smile, a big hug, and a big offering of snacks! She brought me my sister's iPod Touch which I had been lost without, my dad's awesome homemade cookies, and Reese's Easter candy! I had to go search for Carrie and her cousin Sarah because Carrie naturally became disoriented, but then we were all together. It was up to me to provide a mini-tour. That's quite a bit of pressure considering that I want them to have a good time in Paris while avoiding the main tourist attractions because they would see it on a real tour later in their trip! We walked through the Latin Quarter, Notre Dame, and Le Marais. Then we took the metro to find a perfume store they wanted to visit. It was a lot more walking than anyone anticipated but that's what street-side cafes are for. We walked through le Jardin de Tuileries and took pictures by the pyramids at the Louvre before heading back to the metro. Just after telling them that I have never seen a pickpocket nor have any of my friends been robbed, someone asked Deb for the time while slowly unzipping her purse. They ran off the metro after being caught but I still felt bad for providing a false sense of security!
A couple hours later, we met up at a restaurant called Bouillon Chartier, recommended by my friend and a friend of Mrs. Grochowski. Our French friend Maeva met us there as well. The restaurant was very lively and authentic as well. It's been the same restaurant since 1896. Despite being there for an early dinner, the service was still rushed. It was also typically French. When I told our waiter we were ready to order, he basically yelled at me saying he was busy with another table. Of course I told him that I was just letting him know! Of course I don't expect him to drop everything for me right there but how else will he know we're ready! Anyways, we ordered red and white wine, foie gras, cured ham, and dried sausage to start out our meal. My next course was lam ribs which were fatty but really tasty. For dessert, we all shared a selection of ice cream, pastries, and other random dishes. I find it funny that we didn't actually need to catch up that much because everything is already published on Facebook or we've already talked online. I suppose it can be considered a bad thing, but at the same time, it's great! We still found stories to talk about and had a great meal together.
Afterwards, Carrie, Sarah, and I met Dunc and Deets at Maeva's apartment. She lives right by our school and has a view of the Eiffel Tower-through a reflection. We walked with her through Paris a bit and came up to a huge gathering of all the Sciences Po campuses in France. They were all in team colors and everyone was cheering against each other. It was some celebration for the sports teams which is the reason I didn't know about the event!
We walked around more and eventually got a sandwich grec before calling it a night. In the morning, I decided that it would be best to work on some homework before meeting back up with the group for dinner. Dinner. Was. AmazinglydeliciousfancyFrenchluxiourious. We had a reservation on a boat on the Seine at night. Wearing a tie and everything, I boarded the boat to the sound of a live violinist and pianist. We had a table at the front of the boat and were immediately served champagne and a salmon appetizer. For my entree, I had sauteed foie gras which was exquisite.For the main dish, I had another piece of delicious lamb with vegetables. I also had half a steak that Deb couldn't finish. Next, we had a selection of three cheeses with nut-bread, which didn't disappoint. For dessert, I had a three-layer chocolate mousse dish, as well as the rest of Sarah and Deb's cake. It wasn't my choice to eat all that. I had to "take one for the team" and eat everything on the table! The three hour meal was much more than enjoyable. We rode along the Seine and saw all of the monuments lit up at night. Even though I've seen it all many ties before, these sites of Paris never cease to amaze.
We finished the night by walking to the Eiffel Tower and bartering for some street souvenirs. I set them up on the bus and sent them on their way. Sarah is now home but the others are in Grenoble visiting Carrie for the week. Unfortunately Carrie's mom also brought her a cold that's been keeping her in bed. I told her I was glad she only brought me snacks!
I spend Monday in class and at the park because it's been in the sixties here. We couldn't go to the park really yesterday because it rained a bit, but at least it wasn't snowing! Then I made enchiladas again for Harlem, Brian, and Alex at Harlem's place. I'm addicted. Can't wait to try out more things to make for a bit of home cooking!
So I have less than two months left in France, unless I find a summer internship here. I am looking at home and elsewhere, but only time will tell as I wait to here back!
(Pics for this entry to come!)
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