Sorry for the delay...

Barcelona took a little time to unwind but before we knew it, we were sitting in art class Monday. We started off class talking about Haussman and visiting Printemps, a famous French department store. Finally, the professor has gotten something right! Our professor informed us that Paris’ semi-annual sale would be beginning Wednesday (I made note to completely clear my schedule). Following class, three girls and myself went to a café for lunch and had some crepes for dessert! We then went to the Pompidou, which is a modern art museum. The items I saw were reminiscent of projects I had made for Mother’s Day or an ornament I handcrafted for the Christmas tree. This is art? Nevertheless there were some things that did interest me.

Tuesday would be our first class with our new management professor. This part of the course will be focusing on strategy with more business technical terms that I am sure I will not know. The first class was going pretty well until the professor said, “Where is Regina?” Luckily she was only looking for a comment in regard to public relations.

My roommate, Gabi, had learned about a music festival taking place Tuesday from a newsletter from our program. We were headed out that night in hopes to enjoy the music festival experience! It seemed like many Parisians take part in the music festival and it reminded me of a somewhat “Paris State Patty’s Day.” Little did I know that I would be performing with the band at our favorite Tuesday spot, The Frog and Princess. I had gone up to the guitar player asking if they needed a backup singer. I was being completely sarcastic but next thing I knew they were asking me to pick a song on the iPad. Somehow “I Will Survive” was selected and I was singing a solo with not only my friends watching but some Parisians as well. I wasn’t sure of some of the lyrics so I made them up as I went along with some new French phrases I had learned. “Oui Oui Ca Suffit” popped into my mind and was ideal for rhyming purposes. I don’t mean to brag but I may have a record deal before I leave here. Our friend, Ashley, has an amazing voice and writes her own music. We had asked the band if she could sing a little later. After much convincing that she sounded nothing like the blonde, the band brought her up and she was so good! It was one of my favorite nights in Paris and we all had such a great time together!

Wednesday morning was a bit of a struggle after our night out but we needed to push through our exhaustion in order to take part in the first day of shopping sales! The scene downtown reminded me of a movie. Music in the background, multiple shopping bags in hand, crowds everywhere…it was music to my ears. It was comparable to Black Friday. I had made a purchase for Doll as well as a satchel for myself. Despite my love for shopping, it was a bit frustrating with the congestion of people and mess of clothes, shoes and accessories that had enveloped the floor.

Wednesday night could have been way more exciting but I was obligated to writing my “Leadership Manifesto” for my management class. It was aimed to be a guideline for our next five years and what we have planned for our professional careers. Some of the questions were, “How do you wish to be perceived,” “If you were walking down the hall, what would you want people to think of you?” Personally, I want to be perceived as fun, stylish, outgoing, the list continues. But for the purpose of the assignment I wrote something like “ethical,” “professional,” and some other nonsense. I was going to ask Kathryn to write it but I think she might be busy with her real, adult job?

Thursday I went to “Breakfast in America” with Taylor and three of the boys. I ordered hot chocolate with a breakfast burrito. It was pretty good! We had class and then headed around that area to do some more shopping. I found a red sweater and a black leather jacket (both on sale) from ZARA. (If I continue shopping, I might be outside metro 1 beggin’ for a euro.)

Some of the group was leaving for Venice for the weekend, so we said our “au revoirs” and got ready for our night out. There were about eight of us staying the weekend as well as some had friends visiting. We were pulling an all-nighter again and heading to the nightclub “Duplex.” Thursday night is student night; however, we arrived too late so had to pay a cover. I chose the 20 Euro option, cover into the club with 2 drinks (should I switch to a finance major?). We danced the entire night. On our way out of the club, we passed the Arc de Triomphe and stopped for a quick photo shoot.

Friday morning we woke up around 11 and headed to do some sight seeing. We sat on the lawn by the Eiffel Tower and then headed to the Arc de Triomphe to climb and take pictures at the top. It was absolutely beautiful and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky! (So happy since the weather hasn’t been very nice!)

Friday night I went to dinner with my roommate, Shannon, and her two friends visiting for the weekend. We had a great meal at the café on Didot. Following dinner we headed to Bar 10 (a bar recommended by Patrick’s neighbor). It was a bit tough to find due to the size of the bar but we arrived and had a seat. It had great sangria and the atmosphere was perfect. It truly was an authentic Parisian bar and a great place to go with a group of friends!

Saturday we went back to the Louvre. I probably won’t need to go to another museum in my life after this trip! Once I saw the Mona Lisa, the next work of art I was aimed to see was a Chai Tea Latte from Starbucks. Don’t judge me, it’s just not my thing. We took Shannon’s friends shopping after the Louvre and I purchased a gorgeous clutch!

Saturday night we decided to go to a bar called, “Footsie.” It is a Wall Street bar and prices fluctuate depending on the stock market. I had told some of the group the day before how I presented an article in my high school class about Dow Jones thinking it was a person. They had a good laugh and the joke became would we see Dow out that night? I spotted Dow at the bar, we talked numbers and he bought me a drink. Anyway, we all enjoyed the bar and had a nice night!

Sunday we woke up bright and early and caught a train to Normandy for a day trip! I was so happy I had the opportunity to go. It was a beautiful day! When we arrived in Normandy, we went to a hotel right off of the stop. A French man who was extremely entertaining and could have been a comedian greeted us. He informed us that we would be able to have a private tour for a great price! Our tour guide led us around in a van from one place to the next. She was a bit of a crazy driver and I had wished I had brought my Dramamine. Nevertheless, got us the American cemetery, the museum, the cliff, and two beaches safely. It was a great day and a memory I will have forever!

I woke up Monday exhausted from my weekend’s activities. We had art class in the morning. It was extremely hot Monday with temperatures in the 90s. The metro had a stench even worse than before. I was a bit relieved that I had my presentation to work on so I could avoid the heat. My presentation was an update on Christian Dior. I had a great topic I was interested in so it wasn’t much work! Yashvi, Jen and myself worked on the project so we would be able to climb the Eiffel Tower with everyone at night.

We climbed the Eiffel Tower and it pretty exhausting due to the weather. (Suck it up Regina; you are in Paris climbing the Eiffel Tower, get a fan.) The view was beautiful and we were on the second level when the light show began! Every time I see the Eiffel Tower it is even more spectacular!

Tuesday my group and I prepared for our presentation in the morning. We headed to class and it went well! I am so glad it is over and out of the way! We took part in our usual Tuesday night activity at our favorite spot. Everyone had a relaxed night and we enjoyed one of our last nights going to our favorite bar.

Last night we had tickets to the ballet at Bastille. Five other girls and myself got all dressed up and headed to dinner right by the theatre. The dinner was absolutely delicious; we definitely selected a nice place! Following dinner, we were shocked to find that our ballet had been cancelled to a strike. We were instructed to receive our money back. I was about ready to strike myself. There was nothing we could do but laugh about the occurrence and form new plans for the night. So we got together and headed to hang out by the Seine. It was amazing seeing the Notre Dame lit up and the nightlife by the Seine. We enjoyed each other’s company and had a nice evening.

I cannot believe how quickly my time has passed here! I have learned so much and am so grateful I have had this opportunity. I am very thankful for the friends I have made and the memories we have shared together. Being away from home always reminds me of how much I love my family and friends and appreciate all of their love and support! I can’t wait to see everyone! I would like a sign at the airport for when I return with a runway of rose petals (any color is fine).