On Thursday, after class, there was yet another group trip to a popular Parisian marker. First, we stopped at the Petite Palais, which housed a lot of art that seemed to mesh awkwardly. There were some Biblical paintings, a Monet, some Renaissance art, Greek sculptures, modern photography, and a Yves Saint Laurent exhibition that was under development. We spent an hour in the museum and then walked up the Champs Elysees to L'Arc de Triomphe! We climbed 284 steps to the top, and took pictures of the city, despite how overcast it was. I think it was then that it hit Steph and me that we were in fact, in Paris. About time, now that we have 3 weeks left. Surprisingly, descending the steps took longer it seemed, and it was far more dizzying. Once my head stopped spinning, we hurriedly rushed back to campus, where I relaxed before dinner, and began the preparations for the night out. Almost everyone on our campus was headed to a club called Le Mix, which was located fairly close to us. After some pre-gaming, we arrived at Le Mix to be the first ones in line, and entered to see a completely empty, yet promising dance floor. One hour later, masses of 16-18 year-olds flooded the place and just when Steph, Vanessa and I were about to lose hope, we saw older gentlemen surround us. All three of us found some corresponding 'honeys'. My guy was 23, French, and employed by Hermes (oh la la). So for some time, us girls separated, danced with our partners for the night, and had some drinks. Everything worked out rather perfectly. We returned to campus at 4 30 AM and voluntarily forfeited our class trip to Versailles in the morning.
Friday was the best day yet, nothing to do, no rushing, just 3 girls out on the town to do whatever tickled our fancies. Waking up at 2 PM REALLY tickled my fancy, and later so did a warm meal so Steph, Vanessa and I took the train to Bastille and ate at a faux-Cuban restaurant. I was extremely hungover but we made sure to take advantage of the Happy Hour special for some crazy reason. Then we enjoyed some gelato and sorbet, watched some street performers on the Sienne and took pictures of the massive amount of gargoyles at the Notre Dame. None of them came to life unfortunately. We went back to campus and rested yet again. In the evening, we met up with Ricardo and Lucas, who we've missed so much! We went to one bar... had a couple of drinks and a Listerine-like shot and then to another bar with a DJ. It was packed and sweaty and smelly but we danced for roundabout 8 minutes before we were hyperventilating. I've noticed men in Paris DO NOT and I mean, DO NOT clear out any portion of the dance floor for the ladies... it's arguable that guys here like to dance more than girls. After we were thoroughly scented with BO, we had some of the "best crepes in France" which were actually not that good, and reminded us of the type of food that people eat when they wish to eat their feelings, considering the crepe was as thick as a pancake, in the shape of a cone, and filled to the rim to Nutella. Usually I would enjoy this, but for some reason, it was just not my cup of tea... or my cup of crepe... LOLOL! The night ended a little prematurely because the boys had work in the morning but that was quite alright, since we've got yet another weekend night to go!