Let the adventures begin!

I arrived in Paris yesterday; though don’t have much to say for my first day. I have yet to figure out the best way to handle such a trip. Do you sleep just the same and hope you have enough stamina to last through “2” days? Do you wake up early in hopes that your exhausted enough to sleep on the plane or do you over sleep in preparation for a very long day ahead. I’ve tried them all and can now say from experience that trying to exhaust yourself is not the way to go.

Today was a different story; I was reminded of how small the world really is.  I met up with Sean and Emily, two friends from college, at Notre Dame and went to a café for breakfast. John had to help me order though I know I’ll be able to do this on my own in just a few weeks. As we talked I realized how amazing it is that three friends from Minnesota happen to be in the same European country for different reasons but can come together as if we’ve never been apart. This summer many of my college friends are studying abroad in Europe. I look forward to being able to connect with them throughout the summer.

John and I took advantage of the nice weather and went up the Tour Montparnasse, which at 210 meters is the tallest building in France. Two years after it was built, the construction of such high skyscrapers was banned in Paris; no building is allowed to be taller than the Eiffel Tour unless given special permission. This morning Emily told us that she heard the view from the top was the prettiest of Paris, because it’s the only view without the building in sight. I don’t know if my nerves would allow me to agree but the view from the roof was amazing. Peering over the edge you could gain a much better image of Paris and where things are located in relation to each other. The city looked considerably smaller and more manageable. Having the ability to look out onto the entire city reminded me once again how small the world can be, or at least seem. In the next few months I hope to conquer more than my fear of heights and see as much as I can of what we saw today.

Since meeting at the airport John and I have been inseparable, which is very comfortable for someone who can’t speak French. Tonight, however, the inevitable happened and I went out on my own. The goal was to get John some cold medicine. The first two pharmacies I went to were closed but the third time’s a charm. I was pleasantly surprised by my confidence to get around myself and came home with just what John needed.

My stay in France is off to a good start. I look forward to the many adventures to come.

With love,

Lizzie

 

Au revoir, Minneapolis

"The time has come," the Walrus said. "To speak of many things: Of shoes and ships and sealing wax. Of cabbages and kings and why the sea is boiling and whether pigs have wings." 

I could have never asked for more out of a college experience; the last four years have been quite the ride. I have learned American Sign Language, taken horse-back riding lessons and coached a St. Paul Catholic School public achievement class. The Mall of America has been my local mall, I have become a little more "Minnesota nice" and experienced negative 50*.  I was welcomed into the Jewish Community and got involved in the Greek system. In fact I was a part of the transition of Sigma disaffiliating with nationals to re-charter the Alpha Iota chapter of AEPhi. I have learned more about myself and others in the last few years than I ever thought possible. Yet as I walked across Northrop Hall's stage I realized that earning my diploma is only the beginning. I am proud of who I am today and what I have to show for the last four years. 

Tomorrow I will close this chapter and embark on a new journey. I have decided to take a few months to live in France with John. It has always been a goal of mine to learn French. I also hope to do some marketing for a company there; behold the power of networking. My mom and Charlie went to a seminar in Florida and told me to get in touch with this man they met who has a company in Paris and needs some marketing help. Through e-mail and phone calls alone we're trying to set up an agreement that will allow me to take 20 hours of French classes a week while working for him. I'm excited to have this opportunity and look forward to the adventures it brings. 

The most important thing I've learned from my travels has been to keep a journal. In the age of social computing I figure I should take advantage of trying new things and try my hand at blogging. This way not only will I be able to journal about my adventures but also share my story with my family and friends. 

Here's to the end of one adventure and the beginning of the next. 

Au revoir Minneapolis,  

Lizzie